Red and processed meat is considered risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the evidence is inconclusive. We aimed to examine the association between red and processed meat intake ...and odds of GDM among South Asian and White European women living in Canada.
This is a cross-sectional analysis of pregnant women from two birth cohorts: SouTh Asian biRth cohorT (START; n = 976) and Family Atherosclerosis Monitoring In earLY life (FAMILY; n = 581). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 169-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between gestational diabetes and: 1) total red and processed meat; 2) unprocessed red meat; 3) processed meat and GDM after adjustment for potential confounders.
There were 241 GDM cases in START and 91 in FAMILY. The median total red and processed meat intake were 1.5 g/d (START) and 52.8 g/d (FAMILY). In START, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) showed neither lower nor higher intakes of unprocessed red meat (p-trend = 0.68), processed meat (p-trend = 0.90), or total red and processed meat (p-trend = 0.44), were associated with increased odds of GDM, when compared with medium intake. Similar results were observed in FAMILY except for processed meat intake OR = 0.94 (95% CI 0.47-1.91), for medium versus low and OR = 1.51 (95% CI 0.77-2.29) for medium versus high; p-trend = 0.18 after adjusting for additional dietary factors such as the diet quality score, total fiber, saturated fat and glycemic load.
Medium compared with low or high red and processed meat intake is not associated with GDM in White Europeans and South Asians living in Canada.
Methane (CH4), an important greenhouse gas and pollutant, has been targeted for mitigation. Our recent California airborne survey identified >500 CH4 point source super-emitters, which accounted for ...34%-46% of the statewide CH4 emissions inventory for 2016 (Duren et al 2019 Nature 575 180-184). Individual plumes were observed in close proximity to expected methane emitting infrastructure, including gas storage facilities, hydrocarbon storage tanks, landfills, dairy lagoons, and pipeline leaks. In order to systematically attribute these plumes to their sources, we developed Vista-CA a geospatial database, that contains more than 900 000 validated CH4 infrastructure elements in the state of California. In parallel, we developed a complimentary algorithm that attributes any individual CH4 plume observation to the most likely Vista-CA source with 99% accuracy. The present study illustrates the capabilities of the Vista-CA CH4 database along with the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation airborne CH4 retrievals to locate and attribute CH4 point sources to specific economic sectors to improve the state CH4 budget and identify mitigation targets.
Accurate and timely detection, quantification, and attribution of methane emissions from Underground Gas Storage (UGS) facilities is essential for improving confidence in greenhouse gas inventories, ...enabling emission mitigation by facility operators, and supporting efforts to assess facility integrity and safety. We conducted multiple airborne surveys of the 12 active UGS facilities in California between January 2016 and November 2017 using advanced remote sensing and in situ observations of near-surface atmospheric methane (CH4). These measurements where combined with wind data to derive spatially and temporally resolved methane emission estimates for California UGS facilities and key components with spatial resolutions as small as 1-3 m and revisit intervals ranging from minutes to months. The study spanned normal operations, malfunctions, and maintenance activity from multiple facilities including the active phase of the Aliso Canyon blowout incident in 2016 and subsequent return to injection operations in summer 2017. We estimate that the net annual methane emissions from the UGS sector in California averaged between 11.0 3.8 GgCH4 yr−1 (remote sensing) and 12.3 3.8 GgCH4 yr−1 (in situ). Net annual methane emissions for the 7 facilities that reported emissions in 2016 were estimated between 9.0 3.2 GgCH4 yr−1 (remote sensing) and 9.5 3.2 GgCH4 yr−1 (in situ), in both cases around 5 times higher than reported. The majority of methane emissions from UGS facilities in this study are likely dominated by anomalous activity: higher than expected compressor loss and leaking bypass isolation valves. Significant variability was observed at different time-scales: daily compressor duty-cycles and infrequent but large emissions from compressor station blow-downs. This observed variability made comparison of remote sensing and in situ observations challenging given measurements were derived largely at different times, however, improved agreement occurred when comparing simultaneous measurements. Temporal variability in emissions remains one of the most challenging aspects of UGS emissions quantification, underscoring the need for more systematic and persistent methane monitoring.
Childhood obesity is a world-wide concern due to its growing prevalence and association with cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood and subsequent adult cardiovascular disease. In young pre-school ...children, there is uncertainty regarding which of the commonly used anthropometric measures of childhood obesity is best associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. This study compared the utility of common measures used in identifying obesity in these young children.
The four commonly used metrics for identifying obesity in children: body fat percentage ≥ 90th percentile, waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile, BMI z score > 2 SD and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5, were measured in a cohort of children born singleton, at full term and followed from birth (n = 761) to 5 years of age (n = 513). The utility of each in identifying cardiometabolic risk factors (fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure) was examined.
At age 5 years, children with percent body fat ≥ 90th percentile or waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile, were associated with higher levels of triglycerides, glucose, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures than those < 90th percentile, respectively. Such differences were not obvious at age 3 years or at birth. A BMI z-score > 2 SD was associated with higher levels of triglycerides and systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not glucose at age 5 years. Differences in HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose and systolic blood pressure were observed in children with BMI z score > 2 SD at age 3 years but not with the other indices of obesity. As almost all children had WHtR ≥ 0.5 at birth, ages 1 and 3 years, this measure could not differentiate increased cardiometabolic risk. At age 5 years, the differences were much more obvious, with significant differences in triglycerides and systolic and diastolic blood pressures between those with WHtR ≥ 0.5 and those with < 0.5.
Each of the four commonly used measures of childhood obesity shows moderate associations with cardiometabolic risk factors at 5 years, with no advantage of one measure over the other. These associations were less consistent at 3 years of age or younger. These observations have not been reported previously.
The extent to which variation in food-related metabolites are attributable to non-dietary factors remains unclear, which may explain inconsistent food-metabolite associations observed in population ...studies. This study examined the association between non-dietary factors and the serum concentrations of food-related biomarkers and quantified the amount of variability in metabolite concentrations explained by non-dietary factors. Pregnant women (n = 600) from two Canadian birth cohorts completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and serum metabolites were measured by multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. Hierarchical linear modelling and principal component partial R-square (PC-PR2) were used for data analysis. For proline betaine and DHA (mainly exogenous), citrus foods and fish/fish oil intake, respectively, explained the highest proportion of variability relative to non-dietary factors. The unique contribution of dietary factors was similar (15:0, 17:0, hippuric acid, TMAO) or lower (14:0, tryptophan betaine, 3-methylhistidine, carnitine) compared to non-dietary factors (i.e., ethnicity, maternal age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy BMI, physical activity, and smoking) for metabolites that can either be produced endogenously, biotransformed by gut microbiota, and/or derived from multiple food sources. The results emphasize the importance of adjusting for non-dietary factors in future analyses to improve the accuracy and precision of the measures of food intake and their associations with health and disease.
Introduction Obesity, a complex and multifactorial disease, is defined by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². When the BMI exceeds 40 kg/m², it is classified as morbid obesity. This ...condition leads to excessive fat accumulation, which impairs normal body function and metabolism. For individuals grappling with morbid obesity and those who have faced significant hurdles in their quest for substantial weight loss, bariatric surgery emerges as a vital option. Purpose The study aims to explore the dynamics of bariatric surgical tourism in Pakistan, shedding light on factors influencing the choice of Pakistan as a destination for bariatric tourism. Materials and methods A retrospective cross-sectional study design was adopted. Data were gathered from the medical records database, including all patients who had undergone bariatric surgery from 2018 until 2022. The data collection process involved comprehensive patient outreach, where investigators conducted phone interviews and collected patient satisfaction assessments. During these phone interviews, valuable information was gathered by posing questions. These inquiries encompassed various aspects, including the patient's overall satisfaction with the surgical experience, their countries of origin, the specific bariatric procedures they underwent, the motivating factors behind their decision to travel abroad for surgery, their postoperative follow-up routines, and any complications they may have encountered. Results One hundred and nine patients traveled to Pakistan for bariatric surgery from 2018 to 2022. Out of 109 patients, 78 responded to the questionnaire by phone or email. The proforma was filled by 41 (52.5%) males and 37 (47.5%) females. Forty-seven (60.2%) of these patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 31 (39.8%) patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Out of 78 bariatric patients, 72 (92.3%) were satisfied with their surgery, five patients (6.4%) were neutral in their response and one patient (1.3%) was dissatisfied with the surgery. Most of the patients (26, 33.3%) declared money as the main driving force for traveling, with long waiting times being the close second reason (19, 24.36%) patients. Conclusion At least 2% of worldwide bariatric procedures are provided for medical tourists. Countries such as Mexico, India, Lebanon, and Romania dominate as providers for patients mainly from the USA, UK, and Germany. The lack of affordable bariatric healthcare and long waiting lists are some of the reasons for patients choosing bariatric tourism. The 92.3% satisfaction rate of patients with the surgery and its outcomes is a significant finding, as it suggests that bariatric surgery services provided in Pakistan are meeting or exceeding the expectations of international patients. The exceptionally high level of patient satisfaction speaks to the quality of care provided by the medical institutions in Pakistan. The data and analysis presented in this study shed light on the motivations and experiences of international patients traveling to Pakistan for bariatric surgery. These insights are invaluable for healthcare providers, policymakers, and the medical tourism industry as they seek to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services for domestic and international patients.
Stevia rebaudiana Bert. is commonly known as candy leaf, sugar leaf, or sweet leaf. It is a natural sweetener that has low calories and is used as a substitute for sucrose. The objective of this ...research is to evaluate the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the growth, biochemical activities, and stevioside and rebaudioside A production of Stevia in in vitro-raised plantlets. For this, green nanomaterials of GO (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mgL−1) were applied to the in vitro plants to enhance its sweetness by triggering the production of stevioside and rebaudioside A and other growth and biochemical parameters. It was observed that all the growth parameters of Stevia plants significantly increased with all GO treatments tested. Total chlorophyll and protein contents were increased (1.85- and 2.65-fold increase from the control) by applying 8 mgL−1 of GO to the MS medium. The maximum value (4 mg·g−1 of protein) of peroxidase activity (POD) was observed by applying 4 mgL−1 of GO, 28.92-fold increase from the control. In comparison, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) (0.4 mg·g−1 protein) was observed with 10 mgL−1 of GO (1.56-fold increase from the control). Stevioside (12.9 and 8.9 mg·g−1 DW) and rebaudioside A (3.2 and 0.81 mg·g−1 DW) were observed only at 6 and 8 mg·L−1 treatment of graphene oxide. According to the findings, using graphene oxide (GO) had a significant impact on the growth, biochemical activities, and steviol glycoside production in Stevia. This shows that GO has the potential to be a valuable enhancer of sweetness and overall Stevia leaf quality, providing great prospects for the development of low-calorie natural sweeteners.
Association between obstructive lung function impairment with higher cIMT is present in childhood after accounting for common risk factors. This suggests that a developmental link between obstructive ...lung diseases and CVD may have its origin in early life. https://bit.ly/4657s2b.
By the beginning of the 21st century, cardiovascular disease (CVD) had become the leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity worldwide, with 80% originating from less developed lower-income ...countries in line with societal and economic developments. Extensive research on causes and risk factors have been carried out since the mid-20th century and have established individual factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia as CVD risk factors, followed by others. Two recent major case-control studies have summarized the role of common major CVD risk factors in determining the risk of myocardial infarction (INTERHEART study) and stroke (INTERSTROKE study). They showed that 9 and 10 common risk factors accounted for > 90% of the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, respectively, and established the focus in prevention of these common CVDs. The efficacy of lowering blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid-lowering therapies has been shown to reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality. Leading international health organizations have published guidelines that are updated regularly to set the standards for providing guidance for implementation and management of risk factors. Interventions can also be costly and long-term adherence, essential to be effective in reducing risks, tends to decrease drastically with time. Dietary recommendations have been incorporated into national and professional guidelines for CVD prevention since the 1960s. On the basis of new research, some existing dietary recommendation might be outdated and should be reviewed, and revised, if necessary. A perspective of CVD prevention and treatment in developing countries is highlighted.
Au début du XXIe siècle, les maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV) sont devenues la principale cause de mortalité prématurée et de morbidité dans le monde, dont 80 % des cas ayant été recensés dans des pays moins développés, à revenu relativement faible, conformément à l’évolution du développement sociétal et économique. De vastes recherches menées depuis le milieu du XXe siècle sur les causes et les facteurs de risque ont permis de déterminer que les facteurs individuels comme le tabagisme, l’hypertension, le diabète et la dyslipidémie sont des facteurs de risque de MCV, suivis par d’autres. Dans deux grandes études cas-témoins menées récemment, les chercheurs ont résumé le rôle des principaux facteurs de risque courants de MCV dans la détermination du risque d’infarctus du myocarde (étude INTERHEART) et d’accident vasculaire cérébral (étude INTERSTROKE). Ils ont montré que 9 et 10 facteurs de risque courants expliquaient plus de 90 % du risque d’infarctus du myocarde et du risque d’accident vasculaire cérébral, respectivement, et ont mis l’accent sur la prévention de ces MCV courantes. L’abaissement de la pression artérielle et de la glycémie ainsi que le recours aux hypolipidémiants se sont révélés efficaces pour réduire la morbidité et la mortalité subséquentes. Des organismes sanitaires internationaux de premier plan ont publié des lignes directrices mises à jour périodiquement, visant à établir des normes destinées à guider la prise en charge des facteurs de risque. Par ailleurs, les interventions peuvent être coûteuses, et leur observance à long terme, essentielle à leur efficacité à réduire les risques, tend à diminuer considérablement au fil du temps. Depuis 1960, des recommandations alimentaires ont été intégrées dans les lignes directrices nationales et professionnelles pour la prévention des MCV. À la lumière des nouvelles recherches, certaines de ces recommandations sembleraient dépassées et devraient être examinées et, au besoin, révisées. Enfin, les auteurs abordent la prévention et le traitement des MCV dans les pays en développement.
Evidence supports a complex interplay of gut microbiome and host metabolism as regulators of obesity. The metabolic phenotype and microbial metabolism of host diet may also contribute to greater ...obesity risk in children early in life. This study aimed to identify features that discriminated overweight/obese from normal weight infants by integrating gut microbiome and serum metabolome profiles. This prospective analysis included 50 South Asian children living in Canada, selected from the SouTh Asian biRth cohorT (START). Serum metabolites were measured by multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry and the relative abundance of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence variant was evaluated at 1 year. Cumulative body mass index (BMIAUC) and skinfold thickness (SSFAUC) scores were calculated from birth to 3 years as the total area under the growth curve (AUC). BMIAUC and/or SSFAUC >85th percentile was used to define overweight/obesity. Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent cOmponent (DIABLO) was used to identify discriminant features associated with childhood overweight/obesity. The associations between identified features and anthropometric measures were examined using logistic regression. Circulating metabolites including glutamic acid, acetylcarnitine, carnitine, and threonine were positively, whereas γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were negatively associated with childhood overweight/obesity. The abundance of the Pseudobutyrivibrio and Lactobacillus genera were positively, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Akkermansia were negatively associated with childhood overweight/obesity. Integrative analysis revealed that Akkermansia was positively whereas Lactobacillus was inversely correlated with GABA and SDMA, and Pseudobutyrivibrio was inversely correlated with GABA. This study provides insights into metabolic and microbial signatures which may regulate satiety, energy metabolism, inflammatory processes, and/or gut barrier function, and therefore, obesity trajectories in childhood. Understanding the functional capacity of these molecular features and potentially modifiable risk factors such as dietary exposures early in life may offer a novel approach for preventing childhood obesity.
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