Search Results (19,721)

The current quality control of the dry-curing process in Iberian ham is performed with an olfactory evaluation by ham experts. The present study proposes to monitor the dry-curing process of Iberian ham using an objective analytical methodology that involves non-destructive sampling of the subcutaneous fat of the hams and a volatile profile analysis using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry. Thirty-eight 100% Iberian acorn-fed hams were examined in total, with eighteen hams monitored during the post-salting stage and twenty during the drying-maturation stage. A total of 164 markers were detected in the samples monitored during the post-salting stage, whereas 276 were detected in the hams monitored during the drying-maturation stage. The study of the trends observed in the intensities of the markers throughout the curing process enabled the detection of potential indicators of the end of the post-salting stage. Thus, representative intensity thresholds were established for some markers (3-methylbutanal, pentanal, hexanal, (E)-octen-2-al, 2-hexen-1-ol and heptan-1-ol) to determine the optimal point to specify the end of the post-salting process for hams. These findings provide an objective tool to support the traditional sensory evaluation currently performed in the industry. Full article

Adipose tissue, particularly white adipose tissue (WAT), plays a central role in energy storage and metabolic regulation. Excess WAT, especially visceral fat, is strongly linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. The browning of WAT, whereby white fat cells acquire characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) with enhanced thermogenic capacity, represents a promising strategy to enhance metabolic health. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic supplementation with an infusion based on lyophilized, thin nectarines rich in abscisic acid (ABA), named AbaComplex, on promoting browning of WAT and activating BAT in mice. Over 30 days, C57BL/6 mice were treated with the ABA-rich infusion, and various metabolic and molecular parameters were assessed. The results showed that the AbaComplex significantly increased the expression of browning markers, such as UCP1 and PGC1-α, in both visceral and subcutaneous WAT. Additionally, mitochondrial biogenesis and function were enhanced, evidenced by elevated mitochondrial DNA content and activity. The treatment also reduced the weight of WAT (both visceral and subcutaneous) and BAT and significantly improved glucose uptake in WAT via upregulation of GLUT4, suggesting enhanced insulin sensitivity. Overall, the pronounced browning effect in WAT underscores the potential of AbaComplex as a natural approach for combating obesity and improving metabolic health. Full article

The release of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) has been recognized to be an important strategy for plant adaptation to herbivore attack. However, whether these induced volatiles are beneficial to insect herbivores, particularly insect larvae, is largely unknown. We used the two important highly polyphagous lepidopteran pests Spodoptera frugiperda and S. litura to evaluate the benefit on xenobiotic detoxification of larval exposure to HIPVs released by the host plant maize (Zea mays). Larval exposure of the invasive alien species S. frugiperda to maize HIPVs significantly enhanced their tolerance to all three of the well-known defensive compounds 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), chlorogenic acid, and tannic acid in maize and the two commonly used insecticides methomyl and chlorpyrifos. HIPV exposure also improved the larval tolerance of S. litura third instars to chlorogenic and tannic acids. Furthermore, larval exposure to either maize HIPVs or DIMBOA induced the activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (CarE) in the midguts and fat bodies of the two insects, while the induction was significantly higher by the two components together. In addition, the expression of four genes encoding uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGT33F28, UGT40L8) and P450s (CYP4d8, CYP4V2) showed similar induction patterns in S. frugiperda. Cis-3-hexen-1-ol, an important component in maize HIPVs, also showed the same functions as maize HIPVs, and its exposure increased larval xenobiotic tolerance and induced the detoxification enzymes and gene expression. Our findings demonstrate that HIPVs released by the pest-infested host plants are conductive to the xenobiotic tolerance of lepidopteran insect larvae. Hijacking the host plant HIPVs is an important strategy of the invasive alien polyphagous lepidopteran pest to counter-defend against the host plant’s chemical defense. Full article

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital dietary elements that play a significant role in human nutrition. They are highly regarded for their positive contributions to overall health and well-being. Beyond the fact that they provide a substantial supply of energy to the body (a role that saturated fats can also perform), these unsaturated fatty acids and, especially, the essential ones are involved in cell membrane structure, blood pressure regulation, and coagulation; participate in the proper functioning of the immune system and assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins; influence the synthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory substances; and protect the cardiovascular system. Modern diets like the Western diet and the American diet are rich in saturated fats found especially in fast food products, sweets, and processed foods, a fact that has led to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic diseases worldwide (obesity, type II diabetes, gout, cardiovascular disease). Nutritionists have drawn attention to the moderate consumption of saturated fats and the need to increase the intake of unsaturated fats to the detriment of saturated ones. This paper examines the biochemical roles of polyunsaturated fats, particularly essential fatty acids, and contrasts their benefits with the detrimental effects of saturated fat overconsumption. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for dietary shifts towards increased PUFA intake to mitigate the global burden of diet-related health issues. The co-occurrence of PUFAs and polyphenols in plant-based foods highlights the sophistication of nature’s design. These bioactive compounds are not randomly distributed but are present in foods humans have consumed together historically. From traditional diets like the Mediterranean, which pairs olive oil (PUFAs and polyphenols) with vegetables and legumes, to Asian cuisines combining sesame seeds with turmeric, cultural practices have long harnessed this natural synergy. Full article

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common and play a significant role in the prognosis of many chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF), but their prevalence in HF is not well known. As studies have traditionally focused on causes originating within the intestines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) has been overlooked as a potential contributor. The exocrine pancreas enables the absorption of various (fat-soluble) micronutrients and may be insufficient in HF. We hypothesize that EPI contributes to micronutrient deficiencies in HF. Objectives: To evaluate micronutrient concentrations in HF cases and their association with clinical characteristics and EPI. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples from 59 consecutive hospitalized patients with HF were analyzed for vitamins A, D, and E and the minerals selenium and zinc. EPI was defined as fecal elastase 1 level < 206 μg/g. Results: The mean age of patients was 59 ± 14 years, with 24 (41%) being women, and a median NT-proBNP concentration of 3726 [2104–6704] pg/mL was noted. Vitamin A deficiency occurred in eight (14%) of the patients, and 12 (20%) exceeded the upper limit. More than half (51%) were vitamin D-deficient. No patients showed vitamin E deficiency, but 14 (24%) had elevated levels. Selenium deficiency was common, affecting 36 (61%) patients, while zinc was below the normal range in seven patients (12%). Micronutrient levels did not differ significantly based on the presence of EPI. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into the micronutrient status of patients with HF. Deficiencies in vitamins A and D, selenium, and zinc are prevalent in HF, but these findings are not associated with exocrine pancreatic function. Full article

The combination of alcohol and a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat atherogenic diet (AD) increases the risk of lethal arrhythmias in apolipoprotein E/low-density lipoprotein receptor double-knockout (AL) mice with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study investigates whether left ventricular (LV) myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF), formed during the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), contributes to this increased risk. Male AL mice were fed an AD with or without ethanol for 16 weeks, while age-matched AL and wild-type mice served as controls. Liver and heart tissues were analyzed, and susceptibility to lethal arrhythmias was assessed through histopathology, fluorescence immunohistochemistry, RNA-Seq, RT-PCR, and lethal arrhythmia-evoked test. Ethanol combined with an AD significantly induced LV MIF in MASH-affected AL mice, as shown by increased fibrosis-related gene expression, Sirius-Red staining, and elevated collagen 1a1 and 3a1 mRNA levels, alongside a higher incidence of lethal arrhythmias. Cardiac myofibroblasts exhibited sympathetic activation and produced elevated levels of fibrosis-promoting factors. This study highlights the role of cardiac myofibroblasts in LV MIF, contributing to an increased incidence of lethal arrhythmias in MASH-affected AL mice fed ethanol and AD, even after the alcohol was fully metabolized on the day of consumption. Full article

Background: Fructose (50% of sucrose/sugar) is one component of free-sugars and is metabolized to uric acid, which is a known risk factor for gout and metabolic syndrome. Pacific peoples in New Zealand experience a higher prevalence of gout, type 2 diabetes, and overweight/obesity than other ethnic groups. Interestingly, despite having a similar body mass index (BMI), they tend to have a higher proportion of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) and less fat than other ethnic groups. Given this context, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum uric acid (SUA), free-sugar intake, and ASMM. Methods: In a nested sub-study from the Pacific Islands Families birth-cohort study, 101 boys and 99 girls (all aged 14 and 15 years) self-reported how often they had consumed foods containing sugar in the past month. Anthropometry, body fatness, and ASMM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and metabolic risk factors, including SUA were measured. Results: Overall, 43% of girls and 57% of boys consumed ‘sugary drinks’ twice or more a day. When analyzed by group, ASMM was positively related to SUA for both boys and girls (r = 0.593, p < 0.0001). The effect of the intake of ‘sugary drinks’ on SUA (r = 0.176, p = 0.013) was reduced when ASMM was considered in the relationships. Conclusions: This study shows high SUA levels in Pacific adolescents, with a positive association between ASMM and SUA in both genders. Sugary drink intake was positively associated with SUA in both boys and girls. High ASMM in Pacific people and an increased risk for raised SUA make it important to work with Pacific communities to reduce added sugar intake and adopt integrated, family-based, culturally centered, and life-course approaches to prevent chronic diseases, including gout. Full article

Background/Aims: This cross-sectional study investigates body composition and strength in female breast cancer survivors, focusing on the effects of radical mastectomy and the presence of upper extremity lymphoedema. The main objective was to understand body composition, volumetry, and strength, as well as response to strength training in female breast cancer survivors. Methods: Twenty-three women (aged 42–74 years old) with radical mastectomy in the last five years were assessed by measuring body composition (weight, water percentage, fat, muscle, and lean mass), maximal strength, perimeters, and brachial volumes. Participants completed a 10-week strength training program of moderate intensity with 20 training sessions. No significant differences were found between the affected/healthy hemispheres in terms of composition, perimeters, and volumetrics. However, 11 women were found to have lymphoedema (47.8%). No statistically significant differences were found between hemibodies after the intervention, although improvements were obtained in pectoral strength and manual grip, as well as in muscle mass and lean mass [p = 0.002 each]. Cases with lymphoedema were reduced to 5 (21.73%). Conclusions: While strength training is shown to benefit body composition, strength, and the incidence of lymphoedema in mastectomized women, further scientific evidence is needed with larger controlled trials and follow-up studies to validate these findings, as well as the impact on the quality of life of these survivors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alterations in the body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF) have been considered to be related to aging-induced changes in bone and muscle. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of the BMI and PBF with osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and osteosarcopenia in postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 342 participants who underwent musculoskeletal function assessments at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively screened. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on the WHO criteria, and sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Results: The BMI was positively correlated with the musculoskeletal function assessment parameters (bone mineral density, relative skeletal muscle index, and grip strength) and identified as an independent protective factor for sarcopenia alone (OR = 0.592, 95% CI: 0.455–0.769) or osteosarcopenia (OR = 0.411, 95% CI: 0.319–0.529), with a moderate diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.682) for the former and a high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.823) for the latter. However, the PBF was negatively correlated with the relative skeletal muscle index and identified as a risk factor for osteosarcopenia (OR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.007–1.959), with a moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.613). Conclusions: A higher BMI and lower PBF were associated with a lower prevalence of osteosarcopenia in postmenopausal women. Further research is required to elucidate the independent effects of the BMI and PBF on bone health. Full article

Twenty-four Girolando cows (107 ± 56 days in milk, milk yield 22.0 ± 10.25 kg/d, and 529 ± 103 kg body weight) were used in a completely randomized design. The cows were divided according to the following experimental diets: 1—CON (basal diet with ground dry corn) 2—RCS (diet with total replacement of ground corn by rehydrated corn grain silage) 3—RCSP (diet with total replacement of ground corn by rehydrated corn grain silage + 500 g ton⁻¹ of CINBENZA DP100^®, NOVUS International, Inc (Chesterfield, Missouri, U.S.A.). enzymatic extract of Bacillus licheniformis, protease activity 600 IU g⁻¹). Cows fed RCS + RCSP showed higher DMI, milk yield, and better efficiency (MY/DMI) compared to animals fed CON diet. Cows fed the CON diet had higher fecal concentration, and lower total starch digestibility and milk protein content compared to animals supplemented with RCS + RCSP. Cows fed RCSP showed a 2.96% superiority in total starch digestibility compared to animals fed RCS. Animals supplemented with RCSP presented higher milk yield (17.45%) and milk fat content (13.76%) than cows fed RCS. The inclusion of protease in rehydrated corn silage improved dairy cow performance, enhancing dry matter intake, milk yield, and productive efficiency. It also increased starch digestibility and milk protein and fat content, optimizing nutrient utilization. Full article

High dietary fat food such as mayonnaise (70–80% oil content) can induce obesity and cardiovascular diseases, thus reducing their oil content is required. However, the development of low-fat mayonnaise is still a big challenge since reducing oil content will increase the fluidity, induce phase separation and decrease the stability of mayonnaise. Herein, we provide a novel strategy for developing yolk–casein-based low-fat mayonnaise (30% oil content) with a similar texture to commercial high-fat mayonnaise through post-acidification. Unexpectedly, compared with pre-acid-treated low-fat mayonnaise, the G′ and viscosity of the post-acid-treated low-fat mayonnaise were significantly improved by 77.80% and 90.18%, respectively. The semisolid properties required for low-fat mayonnaise were realized by forming a dense yolk–casein self-assembly network structure. This study provides a novel perspective for constructing edible soft-solid products with low fat intake. Full article

Our previous study identified the apolipoprotein M (APOM) and cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP7A1) genes as candidates for milk traits in dairy cattle, which were significantly up-regulated in liver tissue of Holstein cows between the dry and lactation periods. The two genes play critical roles in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. In this study, we further confirmed whether the APOM and CYP7A1 genes had significant genetic impacts on milk production traits in a Chinese Holstein population. By dual-direction sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the complete coding sequences and 2000 bp of the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions on pooled DNA sample, seven and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in APOM and CYP7A1, respectively. With SAS 9.2, phenotype-genotype association analysis revealed such SNPs were significantly associated with at least one of the milk production traits, including 305-day milk yield, milk fat yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein yield, and milk protein percentage in the first and second lactations (p = <0.01~0.04). With Haploview 4.2, we further found that six SNPs in APOM and thee SNPs in CYP7A1 formed one haplotype, respectively. The haplotypes were significantly associated with at least one of milk production traits as well (p = <0.01~0.02). Of note, we found the SNPs in the 5′ regulatory region, rs209293266 and rs110721287 in APOM and rs42765359 in CYP7A1, significantly impacted the gene transcriptional activity after mutation (p < 0.01) through changing the transcription factor binding sites by using luciferase assay experiments. Additionally, with RNAfold Web Server, rs110098953 and rs378530166 changed the mRNA secondary structures of APOM and CYP7A1 genes, respectively. In summary, our research is the first to demonstrate that APOM and CYP7A1 genes have significantly genetic effects on milk yield and composition traits, and the identified SNPs may serve as available genetic markers for genomic selection program in dairy cattle. Full article

Background: Community-dwelling older adults are at risk of malnutrition due to age-related declines in energy and nutrient intake. While the positive effect of dining companions on energy and nutrient intake has been suggested, evidence remains inconclusive. This study investigated the association between the number of dining companions and energy and nutrient intake, as well as the contribution of specific food groups to higher intake in the presence of dining companions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2865 community-dwelling older adults. The number of dining companions was assessed through self-administered questionnaires and categorized into three groups (none, 1, ≥2). Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to control for potential confounders. Results: Participants dining with two or more companions consumed significantly more energy (β 143.85; 95% CI: 30.05, 257.65; p for trend = 0.01), protein (β 6.32; 95% CI: 1.05, 11.59), fat (β 6.78; 95% CI: 2.44, 11.12; p for trend = 0.002), and carbohydrates (β 17.43; 95% CI: 1.48, 33.37; p for trend = 0.06) compared to those dining alone. They also consumed higher amounts of rice, fats and oils, meat, other vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms. Conclusions: Dining with two or more companions is associated with greater energy and nutrient intake, particularly from energy- and nutrient-dense foods. Encouraging shared meals could serve as a potential approach to support dietary quality and address risks of malnutrition in older adults. Full article

The societal pressure on intensive pastoral dairying demands the search for strategies to reduce the amount of N flowing through and excreted by dairy cows. One of the strategies that is being currently explored focuses on the animal as a solution, as there are differences in N metabolism between cows even within the same herd. This work was conducted to explore such an approach in A1PF herds in New Zealand and the possibility of identifying A1PF cows that are divergent for milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration through phenotyping as a potential viable strategy to reduce N leaching and emissions from temperate dairy systems. Three herd tests were conducted to select a population sample of 200 cows (exhibiting the lowest 100 and highest 100 MUN concentrations). Milk samples were collected from the 200 cows during mid and late lactation to test for milk solids content and MUN. From the 200 cows, urine for urinary N concentration (UN), blood for plasma urea N, total antioxidants (TAS), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were collected from the 20 extremes (the lowest 10 and highest 10 MUN concentrations). Milk urea N was greater in cows selected as high-MUN cows (16.2 vs. 14.32 ± 0.23 mg/dL) and greater during late lactation (16.9 vs. 13.0 ± 0.19 mg/dL). Milk solids and fat content were 38% and 20% greater in cows selected as low-MUN cows than in high-MUN cows during mid lactation (p < 0.001). Low-MUN cows had lower UN than high-MUN cows during mid lactation (0.64 vs. 0.88 ± 0.11%). The N concentration in the plasma (p = 0.01) and Tas (p = 0.06) were greater during late lactation. There was a positive relationship between the MUN concentration phenotype used for selection and the MUN concentration for the trial period and MUN concentration and UN concentration during mid and late lactation (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that A1PF cows within a commercial herd can be phenotyped and selected for low-MUN, which may be potentially a viable strategy to reduce N losses to the environment and create healthier systems. Following genetic tracking, those cows can be bred to further promote low-MUN A1PF herds. Full article

Background: Long-term fasting demonstrates greater therapeutic potential and broader application prospects in extreme environments than intermittent fasting. Method: This pilot study of 10-day complete fasting (CF), with a small sample size of 13 volunteers, aimed to investigate the time-series impacts on gut microbiome, serum metabolome, and their interrelationships with biochemical indices. Results: The results show CF significantly affected gut microbiota diversity, composition, and interspecies interactions, characterized by an expansion of the Proteobacteria phylum (about six-fold) and a decrease in Bacteroidetes (about 50%) and Firmicutes (about 34%) populations. Notably, certain bacteria taxa exhibited complex interactions and strong correlations with serum metabolites implicated in energy and amino acid metabolism, with a particular focus on fatty acylcarnitines and tryptophan derivatives. A key focus of our study was the effect of Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, which was highly increased during CF and exhibited a strong correlation with fat metabolic indicators. This bacterium was found to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and intestinal barrier dysfunction in animal experiments. These effects suggest its potential as a probiotic candidate for the amelioration of dyslipidemia and for mediating the benefits of fasting on fat metabolism. Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that alterations in gut microbiota during CF contribute to the shift of energy metabolic substrate and the establishment of a novel homeostatic state during prolonged fasting. Full article