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Effects of time-restricted eating (early and late) combined with energy restriction vs. energy restriction alone on the gut microbiome in adults with obesity
No full textBackground: Early time-restricted eating combined with energy restriction (eTRE + ER) has been shown to reduce fat mass, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and fasting glucose more effectively than late TRE with energy restriction (lTRE + ER) or energy restriction (ER) alone. Given the gut microbiome’s sensitivity to circadian rhythms, we examined whether adding TRE, particularly eTRE, to ER alters gut microbiota composition beyond ER alone, and whether such effects persist during follow-up. Methods: We analysed anthropometric, biochemical and gut microbiome data from 76 participants at baseline and after a 3-month intervention (eTRE + ER: n = 33lTRE + ER: n = 23ER: n = 20). Follow-up microbiome data 6-months after the end of intervention were available for 43 participants. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. Results: No significant between-group differences in beta diversity were observed over time. However, changes in alpha diversity differed significantly across groups at the end of the intervention (Shannon: F = 5.72, p < 0.001Simpson: F = 6.72, p < 0.001Richness: F = 3.99, p = 0.01) and at follow-up (Richness: F = 3.77, p = 0.02). lTRE + ER led to the greatest reductions in diversity post intervention, while ER was least favourable during follow-up. Although no significant between-group differences were observed at the phylum level either at the end of the intervention or during follow-up, only the eTRE + ER group exhibited a significant decrease in Bacillota and an increase in Bacteroidota during follow-up. At the genus level, differential abundance analysis revealed significant shifts in taxa such as Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, and other genera within the Ruminococcaceae and Oscillospiraceae families. In the eTRE + ER, Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum increased, while in other groups decreased. Notably, the changes in Faecalibacterium were negatively correlated with fasting glucose, while the increase in Subdoligranulum was inversely associated with DBPhowever, both associations were weak in strength. Conclusions: eTRE + ER may promote beneficial, lasting shifts in the gut microbiome associated with improved metabolic outcomes. These results support further research into personalized TRE strategies for treatment of obesity
The making of precarity
No full textThe following article focuses on the everyday struggles of precarious workers in Auckland, New Zealand. As an excerpt from an ethnography on lived precarity in Auckland City, it reveals structural constraints that precarious workers face daily. This includes insecure work, poverty, precarious housing and, consequently, living in a constant state of anxiety, stress and destroyed work-life balance. Structural constraints of precarious work create a state of precarity that goes beyond labour relations, revealing creation, reproduction and normalisation of precarity as a mode of domination and social control. In a short historical context, the article emphasises the existence of the Māori precariat and precarity among migrant workers that precedes neoliberal precarisation of labour and its imposition of precarity to broader segments of New Zealand society. Empirically, the article focuses on testimonies of precarious workers in Auckland, emphasising particular dimensions of precarious work and precarity
Identifying risk factors for sarcopenia using machine learning
No full textPurpose This study aims to identify key risk factors for sarcopenia using machine learning models, leveraging anthropomet- ric, biochemical, functional, nutritional, and genetic data. By developing predictive models, the research seeks to improve early detection, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and facilitate personalized interventions for individuals at risk of sarcopenia. Methods We analysed multimodal data from 484 older adults. Two scenarios: Set-a (including SARC–CalF, excluding SARC-F) and Set-b (including SARC-F, excluding SARC–CalF) were applied in a three-stage modeling process with progressively reduced features and optimized predictive performance using machine learning models. Key predictors were ranked using SHAP values, and model performance was evaluated using AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Internal validation and DeLong’s test were applied to assess robustness and statistical differences. Results The most predictive risk factors included functional measures (chair stand, gait speed), nutritional indicators (pro- tein, folate, copper, vitamin B7), clinical conditions (diabetes, comorbidities, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), and anthro- pometric markers (body mass index (BMI), calf circumference). Genetic features also contributed to risk stratification. The best-performing model Set-b (with screening test SARC-F) achieved an AUC of 0.951 and an accuracy of 93.62%. While SARC–CalF showed higher individual feature importance, the model achieved an AUC of 0.945 and accuracy of 92.2%. Conclusions This study highlights that traditional sarcopenia screening can be enhanced by capturing complex interplay of functional, nutritional, clinical, and genetic factors, offering clinicians a more accurate and tailored tool for early detec- tion and risk stratification. Future research should focus on validating these models in larger, independent, and longitudinal cohorts to assess their predictive utility across diverse populations and over time
Teaching evidence-based practice to non-native english-speaking undergraduate nursing students
No full textAim/objective: To analyse and synthesise current evidence on educational strategies for teaching evidence-based practice (EBP) to undergraduate nursing students, with a specific focus on non-native English-speaking learner populations. Background: Teaching EBP in non-native English-speaking settings presents distinct challenges, including language proficiency barriers, limited access to research literature and variability in pedagogical approaches. Despite the range of educational strategies introduced in the literature, a universally accepted or recommended method has yet to be established. Design: An integrative literature review was conducted to examine peer-reviewed empirical studies on EBP education published between 2015 and 2025, with a focus on educational strategies. The review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. An inductive thematic analysis was employed to synthesise the findings. Results: All reviewed studies employed quantitative methodologies with a pre-post or quasi-experimental design. Thematic analysis identified five key categories in teaching EBP: educational methods, technology integration, clinical focus, collaboration, intervention duration and outcomes. The studies showed that various educational methods demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing nursing students’ EBP competencies, as reflected in improved knowledge, attitudes and skills. Conclusions: Diverse and scaffolded teaching methods enhance EBP competencies in non-native English-speaking nursing students. A longitudinal, multimodal and flexible approach emphasising collaboration, integration and practice orientation with technological support, appears most effective. Internationally informed guidelines are needed to ensure consistent development of core EBP competencies globally