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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A motor imagery brain-computer interface connects the human brain and computers via electroencephalography (EEG). However, individual differences in the frequency ranges...
A motor imagery brain-computer interface connects the human brain and computers via electroencephalography (EEG). However, individual differences in the frequency ranges of brain activity during motor imagery tasks pose a challenge, limiting the manual feature extraction for motor imagery classification. To extract features that match specific subjects, we proposed a novel motor imagery classification model using distinctive feature fusion with adaptive structural LASSO. Specifically, we extracted spatial domain features from overlapping and multi-scale sub-bands of EEG signals and mined discriminative features by fusing the task relevance of features with spatial information into the adaptive LASSO-based feature selection. We evaluated the proposed model on public motor imagery EEG datasets, demonstrating that the model has excellent performance. Meanwhile, ablation studies and feature selection visualization of the proposed model further verified the great potential of EEG analysis.
Topics: Electroencephalography; Humans; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Algorithms; Brain; Imagination
PubMed: 38931540
DOI: 10.3390/s24123755 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024With the escalation in the size and complexity of modern Denial of Service attacks, there is a need for research in the context of Machine Learning (ML) used in attack...
With the escalation in the size and complexity of modern Denial of Service attacks, there is a need for research in the context of Machine Learning (ML) used in attack execution and defense against such attacks. This paper investigates the potential use of ML in generating behavioral telemetry data using Long Short-Term Memory network and spoofing requests for the analyzed traffic to look legitimate. For this research, a custom testing environment was built that listens for mouse and keyboard events and analyzes them accordingly. While the economic feasibility of this attack currently limits its immediate threat, advancements in technology could make it more cost-effective for attackers in the future. Therefore, proactive development of countermeasures remains essential to mitigate potential risks and stay ahead of evolving attack methods.
Topics: Machine Learning; Computer Security; Memory, Short-Term; Humans; Telemetry; Computer Communication Networks; Algorithms
PubMed: 38931520
DOI: 10.3390/s24123735 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply and are strongly... (Review)
Review
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply and are strongly associated with numerous public health concerns. While the physical health consequences of UPF intake have been well documented (e.g., increased risks of cardiometabolic conditions), less empirical discussion has emphasized the mental health consequences of chronic UPF consumption. Notably, the unique characteristics of UPFs (e.g., artificially high levels of reinforcing ingredients) influence biological processes (e.g., dopamine signaling) in a manner that may contribute to poorer psychological functioning for some individuals. Importantly, gold-standard behavioral lifestyle interventions and treatments specifically for disordered eating do not acknowledge the direct role that UPFs may play in sensitizing reward-related neural functioning, disrupting metabolic responses, and motivating subsequent UPF cravings and intake. The lack of consideration for the influences of UPFs on mental health is particularly problematic given the growing scientific support for the addictive properties of these foods and the utility of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) as a novel clinical phenotype endorsed by 14-20% of individuals across international samples. The overarching aim of the present review is to summarize the science of how UPFs may affect mental health, emphasizing contributing biological mechanisms. Specifically, the authors will (1) describe how corporate-sponsored research and financial agendas have contributed to contention and debate about the role of UPFs in health; (2) define UPFs and their nutritional characteristics; (3) review observed associations between UPF intake and mental health conditions, especially with depression; (4) outline the evidence for UPFA; and (5) describe nuanced treatment considerations for comorbid UPFA and eating disorders.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Fast Foods; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Food Addiction; Food Handling; Food, Processed
PubMed: 38931309
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121955 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Sprout ginseng extract (ThinkGIN™) manufactured through a smart farm system has been shown to improve memory in preclinical studies. This study conducted a 12-week... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sprout ginseng extract (ThinkGIN™) manufactured through a smart farm system has been shown to improve memory in preclinical studies. This study conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ThinkGIN™ for improving memory in subjective memory impairment (SMI). Subjects aged 55 to 75 years with SMI participated in this study. A total of 80 subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were assigned to the ThinkGIN™ group ( = 40, 450 mg ThinkGIN™/day) or a placebo group ( = 40). Efficacy and safety evaluations were conducted before intervention and at 12 weeks after intervention. As a result of 12 weeks of ThinkGIN™ intake, significant differences in SVLT, RCFT, MoCA-K, PSQI-K, and AChE were observed between the two groups. Safety evaluation (AEs, laboratory tests, vital signs, and electrocardiogram) revealed that ThinkGIN™ was safe with no clinically significant changes. Therefore, ThinkGIN™ has the potential to be used as a functional food to improve memory.
Topics: Humans; Panax; Double-Blind Method; Male; Plant Extracts; Middle Aged; Female; Aged; Memory Disorders; Treatment Outcome; Memory
PubMed: 38931306
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121952 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Training interoceptive sensitivity (IS) might be a first step in effectively promoting intuitive eating (IE). A dyadic interoception-based pilot randomized controlled... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Training interoceptive sensitivity (IS) might be a first step in effectively promoting intuitive eating (IE). A dyadic interoception-based pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to increase IE among couples aged 50+. The training consisted of three exercises, a Body Scan (BS), a hunger exercise (HU), and a satiety (SA) exercise. This study explored how spouses accepted the (dyadic vs. single) training. In a mixed-methods convergence design, the findings of a survey ( = 68 couples) and focus groups ( = 4) were synthesized. Moderate general acceptance (e.g., regarding feasibility and low burden) and a hierarchical gradient in favor of the BS (e.g., pleasantness and improved sleep quality) emerged. Barriers concerned a perceived lack of the exercises' usefulness and a limited understanding of the training purpose. A wish for regular feedback and exchange with the study stuff and other participants was expressed. Spousal training involvement was experienced as being rather beneficial. Previously harmonized dietary practices and daily routines appeared as constructive pre-conditions for the joint training. This study highlights the potential and implications of training couples in IS. Future interventions should involve a regular exchange and closer guidance by study staff to promote a better understanding of the processes and goals of IS and IE.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Pilot Projects; Middle Aged; Interoception; Spouses; Aged; Exercise; Feeding Behavior; Focus Groups; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hunger; Eating; Satiation
PubMed: 38931304
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121949 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Consumers often cite cognitive improvements as reasons for making dietary changes or using dietary supplements, a motivation that if leveraged could greatly enhance...
Consumers often cite cognitive improvements as reasons for making dietary changes or using dietary supplements, a motivation that if leveraged could greatly enhance public health. However, rarely is it considered whether standardized cognitive tests that are used in nutrition research are aligned to outcomes of interest to the consumer. This knowledge gap presents a challenge to the scientific substantiation of nutrition-based cognitive health benefits. Here we combined focus group transcript review using reflexive thematic analysis and a multidisciplinary expert panel exercise to evaluate the applicability of cognitive performance tools/tasks for substantiating the specific cognitive benefits articulated by consumers with the objectives to (1) understand how consumers comprehend the potential benefits of nutrition for brain health, and (2) determine the alignment between consumers desired brain benefits and validated tests and tools. We derived a 'Consumer Taxonomy of Cognitive and Affective Health in Nutrition Research' which describes the cognitive and affective structure from the consumers perspective. Experts agreed that validated tests exist for some consumer benefits including focused attention, sustained attention, episodic memory, energy levels, and anxiety. Prospective memory, flow, and presence represented novel benefits that require the development and validation of new tests and tools. Closing the gap between science and consumers and fostering co-creative approaches to nutrition research are critical to the development of products and dietary recommendations that support realizable cognitive benefits that benefit public health.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Cognition; Brain; Consumer Behavior; Focus Groups
PubMed: 38931303
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121950 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2) has mutual antagonism with ghrelin, which evokes food intake under a freely fed state. Nevertheless, the impact of...
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2) has mutual antagonism with ghrelin, which evokes food intake under a freely fed state. Nevertheless, the impact of LEAP-2 on ghrelin under time-restricted feeding (TRF), which has benefits in the context of metabolic disease, is still unknown. This study aims to explore the impact of central administration of LEAP-2 on the ingestion behavior of rats, which was evaluated using their cumulative food intake in the TRF state. Before intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of -octanoylated ghrelin (0.1 nmol/rat), as a food-stimulatory model, the rats received various doses of LEAP-2 (0.3, 1, 3 nmol/rat, ICV). Cumulative food intake was recorded at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after ICV injection under 12 h freely fed and TRF states in a light phase. In 12 h freely fed and TRF states, central administration of ghrelin alone induced feeding behavior. Pre-treatment with LEAP-2 (1 and 3 nmol/rat, ICV) suppressed ghrelin-induced food intake in a dose-dependent manner in a 12 h freely fed state instead of a TRF state, which may have disturbed the balance of ghrelin and LEAP-2. This study provides neuroendocrine-based evidence that may explain why TRF sometimes fails in fighting obesity/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in clinics.
Topics: Animals; Ghrelin; Male; Rats; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Injections, Intraventricular; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Consciousness; Blood Proteins
PubMed: 38931301
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121946 -
Nutrients Jun 2024The aim of this study was to examine men's body image confidence, social reflectivity, body image perceptions and external information sources influence regarding body...
The aim of this study was to examine men's body image confidence, social reflectivity, body image perceptions and external information sources influence regarding body assessments. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey and found that men have a low motivation toward physical health behaviour changes such as food, alcohol and exercise evaluation, and have generally positive views of their bodies overall. Relationship status, rather than age, defined behavioural and attitudinal differences within the men studied here. Men in this study were largely uninfluenced by celebrities or fashion in developing their own body image perceptions; single males were more likely to turn to friends, the female population generally and societal norms when evaluating themselves. Males in relationships however, weighted their partner's opinion as the greatest influence, followed by their involvement in sport. This study offers an insight into the role of body confidence in male perspectives of the self, which is important for its intrinsic connection to motivations for health behaviours such as body weight management. This has implications for increasing the effectiveness of health-related product and service messaging, and public health messages regarding body weight management for men.
Topics: Humans; Male; Motivation; Self Concept; Health Behavior; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Image; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Exercise; Female; Adolescent; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged
PubMed: 38931270
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121916 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Taste disorders (TDs) are common among systemically treated cancer patients and negatively impact their nutritional status and quality of life. The novel food approved... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Taste disorders (TDs) are common among systemically treated cancer patients and negatively impact their nutritional status and quality of life. The novel food approved by the European Commission (EFSA), dried miracle berries (DMB), contains the natural taste-modifying protein miraculin. DMB, also available as a supplement, has emerged as a possible alternative treatment for TDs. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of habitual DMB consumption in malnourished cancer patients undergoing active treatment. An exploratory clinical trial was carried out in which 31 cancer patients were randomized into three arms [standard dose of DMB (150 mg DMB/tablet), high dose of DMB (300 mg DMB/tablet) or placebo (300 mg freeze-dried strawberry)] for three months. Patients consumed a DMB tablet or placebo daily before each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Throughout the five main visits, electrochemical taste perception, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and the fatty acid profile of erythrocytes were evaluated. Patients consuming a standard dose of DMB exhibited improved taste acuity over time (% change right/left side: -52.8 ± 38.5/-58.7 ± 69.2%) and salty taste perception (2.29 ± 1.25 vs. high dose: 2.17 ± 1.84 vs. placebo: 1.57 ± 1.51 points, < 0.05). They also had higher energy intake ( = 0.075) and covered better energy expenditure (107 ± 19%). The quality of life evaluated by symptom scales improved in patients receiving the standard dose of DMB (constipation, = 0.048). The levels of arachidonic (13.1 ± 1.8; 14.0 ± 2.8, 12.0 ± 2.0%; = 0.004) and docosahexaenoic (4.4 ± 1.7; 4.1 ± 1.0; 3.9 ± 1.6%; = 0.014) acids in erythrocytes increased over time after DMB intake. The standard dose of DMB increased fat-free mass vs. placebo (47.4 ± 9.3 vs. 44.1 ± 4.7 kg, = 0.007). Importantly, habitual patients with DMB did not experience any adverse events, and metabolic parameters remained stable and within normal ranges. In conclusion, habitual consumption of a standard 150 mg dose of DMB improves electrochemical food perception, nutritional status (energy intake, fat quantity and quality, fat-free mass), and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients receiving antineoplastic treatment. Additionally, DMB consumption appears to be safe, with no changes in major biochemical parameters associated with health status. Clinical trial registered (NCT05486260).
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Pilot Projects; Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Malnutrition; Dietary Supplements; Quality of Life; Aged; Nutritional Status; Treatment Outcome; Taste Perception; Adult
PubMed: 38931260
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121905 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Academic stress and transitioning to young adulthood can lead medical students to develop inadequate eating habits, affecting both their physical and mental well-being...
Academic stress and transitioning to young adulthood can lead medical students to develop inadequate eating habits, affecting both their physical and mental well-being and potentially compromising their ability to offer effective preventive counseling to future patients. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the levels of mindful eating and nutrition knowledge in Romanian medical students and their associations with various sociodemographic variables. Additionally, we explore the relationship between mindful eating and nutrition knowledge while accounting for sociodemographic factors and examine the impact of these factors on excess weight. Significant predictors of excess weight include high weight gain in the past year (OR = 15.8), the mindful eating questionnaire (MEQ) score (OR = 0.131), male gender (OR = 2.5), and being in the clinical years of medical school (OR = 2.2). While nutrition knowledge levels do not directly impact weight status, they share a 4% common variance with mindfulness in multivariate analysis. Notably, high weight gain is independent of the levels of mindful eating, but univariate testing links it to disinhibition and emotional response, components of mindfulness. Mindful eating stands out as independently associated with both nutrition knowledge and excess weight among medical students. Thus, interventions to address obesity should consider incorporating mindfulness training to enhance food intake awareness and improve weight management outcomes in Romanian medical students.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Students, Medical; Mindfulness; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Young Adult; Feeding Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Romania; Adult; Counseling; Body Weight; Weight Gain; Cross-Sectional Studies
PubMed: 38931249
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121894