Search Results (13)

Yak meat jerky, a traditional high-protein food commonly consumed in high-altitude regions, is often produced via air-drying, which may adversely affect its nutritional quality and digestibility. This study systematically compared the gastrointestinal digestion profiles of air-dried yak meat (ADM) and vacuum freeze-dried yak meat (VFDM) using a dynamic in vitro human stomach–intestine (DHSI-IV) system. Key digestive parameters, including gastric emptying kinetics, particle size distribution, and protein hydrolysis, were evaluated under physiologically relevant conditions. VFDM exhibited superior hydration capacity, contributing to delayed gastric emptying of the mixed solid–liquid phase (t_1/2 = 85.1 ± 1.0 min) compared to ADM (t_1/2 = 80.4 ± 1.2 min), indicating increased gastric satiety. Conversely, VFDM showed a faster solid-phase gastric emptying (t_1/2 = 107.2 ± 0.8 min) relative to ADM (t_1/2 = 113.1 ± 2.7 min), likely due to improved texture and rehydration. Both jerky types exhibited progressive particle disintegration; by 180 min, large particles (>2.0 mm) decreased to 16.88% ± 2.63% in ADM and 20.04% ± 0.64% in VFDM (p > 0.05). Protein digestibility, measured by SDS-PAGE and the degree of hydrolysis (DH), was significantly higher in VFDM (38.5 ± 3.6%) than in ADM (34.0 ± 0.1%, p < 0.05), with VFDM demonstrating more rapid and extensive protein degradation across gastric and intestinal phases. These improvements may be attributed to the porous microstructure and reduced processing-induced protein cross-linking in VFDM, facilitating enhanced enzyme access. Overall, vacuum freeze-drying substantially improved yak jerky protein digestibility, offering the potential for the development of meat-based functional foods targeted at individuals with compromised gastrointestinal function. Full article

The 4Rs of sports nutrition were proposed in recent years as an evidence-based framework to optimize post-exercise recovery within the context of allostasis. Under this paradigm, it is important to consider that each R represents a factor with a tremendous influence on the allostatic response and improves individual components of the allostatic load (AL), which will positively impact the exercise-induced adaptations and the athlete’s recovery. The 4Rs correspond to the following. (i) Rehydration—This is necessary to guarantee the post-exercise consumption of at least 150% of the body mass lost during the exercise accompanied by sodium (if faster replacement is required). (ii) Refuel—Carbohydrate intake (~1.2 g/kg body mass per hour for up to 4 h post-exercise) is essential not only in restoring glycogen reserves but also in supporting the energy needs of the immune system and facilitating tissue repair. Despite changes in substrate utilization, a ketogenic diet generally has neutral or negative effects on athletic performance compared to carbohydrate-rich diets. (iii) Repair—The ingestion of high-quality protein stimulates post-exercise net muscle protein anabolism and might contribute to faster tissue growth and repair. The use of certain supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, might help to enhance recovery, while tart cherry, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary nitrate (e.g., Beta vulgaris, Amaranthus L.), as well as other herbal extracts containing flavonoid-rich polyphenols, deserve further clinical research. (iv) Recuperate—Pre-sleep nutrition (casein- or protein-rich meal with slow digestion rate) has a restorative effect, facilitating the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In this article, we update the 4Rs framework, delve deeper into the allostasis paradigm, and offer theoretical foundations and practical recommendations (the 4Rs app) for the assessment of AL in athletes. We cautiously propose an AL index (AL_index) for physique competitors and elite athletes to evaluate the cumulative physiological stress induced by exercise and, thereby, to adjust exercise and nutrition interventions. Full article

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in the first year of life. We analyzed the association between complete blood count (CBC), c-reactive protein (CRP), and novel inflammatory indexes (NLR, PLR, MLR, ELR, LMR, NPR, LPR, LNR, PNR, SII, SIRI) in predicting bronchiolitis severity at hospital admission. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 95 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis in a third-level hospital during three epidemic seasons. Five outcomes of severity were analyzed: BRAS; pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission; ventilatory support; intravenous (IV) rehydration; and length of stay (LOS). Results: Lower age and weight at admission were statistically associated with four of the five severity outcomes. Prolonged LOS (≥6 days) was associated with high values of total white blood cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Only three inflammatory indexes (PLR, MLR, and PNR) showed a significant association with one outcome (prolonged LOS). A new index (RBC/AiW/1000) was statistically associated with each severity outcome for a value > 350. Conclusions: We proposed a comprehensive analysis of the association between CBC, CRP, and novel inflammatory indexes and bronchiolitis severity. RBC/AiW/1000 could represent a future predictive marker of disease severity at hospital admission in infants with bronchiolitis. Full article

Sustainable methods such as convective drying have regained interest in reducing the loss and waste of food produce. Combined with techniques like blanching and edible coatings, they could serve as useful tools in food processing development. Composite coatings comprising pectin, soy protein isolate, and xanthan gum were optimized using response surface methodology with the Box–Behnken design. This optimization aimed to investigate their effects on the moisture content, water activity, total color, and rehydration ratio of fresh and blanched chayote slices. Additionally, the study explored the modeling of the drying kinetics and sorption isotherms of chayote (Sechium edule) slices. Soy protein and xanthan gum were found to primarily influence the moisture content (ranging from 5.44% to 9.93%), and pectin influenced water activity (033 to 0.53) of the fresh-coated chayote, while pectin affected the a_w (2.13–8.28) and rehydration of the blanch-coated chayote. The optimized formulations for both fresh and blanched chayote were utilized to assess the drying kinetics behavior and sorption isotherms. The best fit (R²: 0.996 to 0.999) was achieved with the parabolic model for thin-layer materials. Furthermore, the sorption isotherms of chayote displayed a Type IV behavior, with the BET model being the most suitable for describing the sorption behavior of materials with low water activity. The predicted values offer valuable data for optimizing processing conditions to enhance the quality and stability of dried chayote. Full article

Climate change-induced prolonged water stress (WS) affects crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis in pitaya (Hylocereus), limiting crop productivity through insufficient photosynthate. To document how WS/rehydration affects diel photosynthesis, red-fleshed pitaya (H. polyrhizus) micropropagules were studied for 5 weeks in a mannitol-induced water potential gradient replaced with moderate (MWS; −1.0 MPa in week 2; −0.5 MPa for the rest) or intensified (IWS; −1.0 and −1.5 MPa in weeks 2 and 3; −0.5 MPa for the rest) WS in vitro. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and integrated net CO₂ uptake (INCU) were measured using an Arduino-based photosynthesis system. Micropropagules under MWS had similar Pn in weeks 5 and 1, whereas the control (−0.5 MPa) increased. Pn recovery did not occur after IWS. The average relative INCU was similar in the control and MWS, but lower in IWS. The Pn difference increased with WS, becoming more evident at dawn (Phase II), evening (Phase IV), and predawn the next day (Phase I), and occurred earlier in Phases IV and I under IWS. MWS did not reduce photosynthesis, demonstrating that the photosynthetic regulation could respond to short-term WS in pitaya and indicating the potential of watering for Pn recovery at evening and predawn under IWS. Full article

(1) Objective: We performed a systematic review to explore the prevalence of intravenous (IV) rehydration therapy in hospital settings, and we assessed it by patient groups and populations. (2) Methods: A systematic review of major databases and grey literature was undertaken from inception to 28 March 2022. Studies reporting prevalence of IV rehydration therapy in a hospital setting were identified. The data were synthesised in a narrative approach. (3) Results: Overall, 29 papers met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients ranged from 4.5% (hospitalised with diarrhoea and dehydration) to 100% (admitted to the emergency department with mild to moderate dehydration caused by viral gastroenteritis), and in adults this ranged from 1.5% (had single substance ingestion of modafinil) to 100% (hospitalised with hypercalcemia). The most common indication for IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients was dehydration due to fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract. Other causes included malnutrition, neuromuscular disease, bronchiolitis, and influenza. In adults, indications for IV rehydration therapy were much more diverse: fever, diarrhoea, drug intoxication, hypercalcemia, cancer, and postural tachycardia syndrome; (4) Conclusions: This systematic review showed that IV rehydration therapy in paediatric patients is often used to treat dehydration and diarrhoea, while in adults it has a broader spectrum of use. While IV rehydration therapy is important in correcting fluid problems and electrolyte status, the maintenance fluid prescribing practices vary considerably, and guidelines are scarce. Full article

C2H2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) plays an important role in regulating plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stress. To date, there have been no analyses of the C2H2-ZFP family in desiccation-tolerant moss. In this study, we identified 57 BaZFP transcripts across the Bryum argenteum (B. argenteum) transcriptome. The BaZFP proteins were phylogenetically divided into four groups (I–IV). Additionally, we studied the BaZFP1 gene, which is a nuclear C2H2-ZFP and acts as a positive regulator of growth and development in both moss and Arabidopsis thaliana. The complete coding sequence of the BaZFP1 gene was isolated from B. argenteum cDNA, which showed a high expression level in a dehydration–rehydration treatment process. The overexpression of the BaZFP1 gene in the Physcomitrium patens and B. argenteum promoted differentiation and growth of gametophytes. Heterologous expression in Arabidopsis regulated the whole growth and development cycle. In addition, we quantitatively analyzed the genes related to growth and development in transgenic moss and Arabidopsis, including HLS1, HY5, ANT, LFY, FT, EIN3, MUS, APB4, SEC6, and STM1, and found that their expression levels changed significantly. This study may pave the way for substantial insights into the role of C2H2-ZFPs in plants as well as suggest appropriate candidate genes for crop breeding. Full article

We describe early-onset diabetes in a 6-month-old patient carrying an LRBA gene mutation. Mutations in this gene cause primary immunodeficiency with autoimmune disorders in infancy. At admission, he was in diabetic ketoacidosis, and treatment with fluid infusion rehydration and then i.v. insulin was required. He was discharged with a hybrid closed-loop system for insulin infusion and prevention of hypoglycemia (Minimed Medtronic 670G). He underwent a next-generation sequencing analysis for monogenic diabetes genes, which showed that he was compound heterozygous for two mutations in the LRBA gene. In the following months, he developed arthritis of hands and feet, chronic diarrhea, and growth failure. He underwent bone marrow transplantation with remission of diarrhea and arthritis, but not of diabetes and growth failure. The blood glucose control has always been at target (last HbA1c 6%) without any severe hypoglycemia. LRBA gene mutations are a very rare cause of autoimmune diabetes. This report describes the clinical course in a very young patient. The hybrid closed-loop system was safe and efficient in the management of blood glucose. This report describes the clinical course of diabetes in a patient with a novel LRBA gene mutation. Full article

Post-exercise recovery is a broad term that refers to the restoration of training capacity. After training or competition, there is fatigue accumulation and a reduction in sports performance. In the hours and days following training, the body recovers and performance is expected to return to normal or improve. ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed to identify studies and position declarations examining the relationship between nutrition and sports recovery. As an evidence-based framework, a 4R’s approach to optimizing post-exercise recovery was identified: (i) Rehydration—a fundamental process that will depend on the athlete, environment and sports event; (ii) Refuel—the consumption of carbohydrates is not only important to replenish the glycogen reserves but also to contribute to the energy requirements for the immune system and tissue reparation. Several bioengineered carbohydrates were discussed but further research is needed; (iii) Repair—post-exercise ingestion of high-quality protein and creatine monohydrate benefit the tissue growth and repair; and (iv) Rest—pre-sleep nutrition has a restorative effect that facilitates the recovery of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. Nutritional consultancy based on the 4R’s is important for the wise stewardship of the hydration, feeding, and supplementation strategies to achieve a timely recovery. Full article

Background and Objective: Lactation ketoacidosis is a rare cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis affecting breastfeeding mothers. We aim to review and analyze all cases of lactation ketoacidosis reported. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), identifying relevant case reports published from 1 January 1970 to 31 December 2019. We extracted the following data: the first author, country, year of publication, age of the mother, age of the child, weight/body mass index (BMI) of the mother, precipitating factors, presenting symptoms, biochemical results, treatment, breastfeeding, and time from presentation to the resolution of ketoacidosis. Results: Sixteen case reports and 1 case series reporting 18 cases of lactation ketoacidosis were found. Presenting symptoms were nausea (72%, 13/18), vomiting (67%, 12/18), malaise (56%, 10/18), abdominal pain (44%, 8/18), dyspnea (33%, 6/18), headache (22%, 4/18), and palpitation (11%, 2/18). Dieting and physical exercise to lose weight were reported in 76% (14/18). The treatments included IV dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, insulin, rehydration, monitoring and replacement of electrolytes, and resumption of a balanced diet. The prognoses were good, with no mortalities. Conclusions: lactation ketoacidosis should be suspected in unwell breastfeeding women with high anion gap metabolic acidosis, after excluding other causes. Full article

Real-time molecular techniques have become the reference methods for the direct diagnosis of pathogens. The reduction of steps is a key factor in order to decrease the risk of human errors resulting in invalid series and delayed results. We describe here a process involving the preparation of oligonucleotide primers and a hydrolysis probe in a single tube at predefined optimized concentrations that are stabilized via lyophilization (Lyoph-P&P). Lyoph-P&P was compared to the classic protocol using extemporaneously prepared liquid reagents, assaying (i) sensitivity, (ii) long-term stability at 4 °C, and (iii) long-term stability at 37 °C, mimicking transportation without a cold chain. Two previously published molecular assays were selected for this study. They target two emerging viruses that are listed on the blueprint of the WHO to be considered for preparedness and response actions: chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV). The results of our study demonstrate that (i) Lyoph-P&P is stable for at least four days at 37 °C, supporting shipping without the need of a cold chain, (ii) Lyoph-P&P rehydrated solution is stable at 4 °C for at least two weeks, (iii) the sensitivity observed with Lyoph-P&P is at least equal to, and often better than, that observed with liquid formulation, and (iv) the validation of results observed with low-copy specimens is rendered easier by higher fluorescence levels. In conclusion, Lyoph-P&P holds several advantages over extemporaneously prepared liquid formulations and merits consideration as a novel real-time molecular assay for implementation into a laboratory with routine diagnostic activity. Since the meeting, this concept has been applied to the COVID-19 situation: two diagnostic assays (E gene and RdRp) have been developed and can be ordered on the European Virus Archive catalog (https://www.european-virus-archive.com/detection-kit/lyophilized-primers-and-probe-rt-pcr-2019-ncov-e-gene; https://www.european-virus-archive.com/detection-kit/lyophilized-primers-and-probe-rt-pcr-sars-cov-2-rdrp-gene). Full article

Real-time molecular techniques have become the reference methods for direct diagnosis of pathogens. The reduction of steps is a key factor in order to decrease the risk of human errors resulting in invalid series and delayed results. We describe here a process of preparation of oligonucleotide primers and hydrolysis probe in a single tube at predefined optimized concentrations that are stabilized via lyophilization (Lyoph-P&P). Lyoph-P&P was compared versus the classic protocol using extemporaneously prepared liquid reagents using (i) sensitivity study, (ii) long-term stability at 4 °C, and (iii) long-term stability at 37 °C mimicking transportation without cold chain. Two previously published molecular assays were selected for this study. They target two emerging viruses that are listed on the blueprint of the WHO as to be considered for preparedness and response actions: chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV). Results of our study demonstrate that (i) Lyoph-P&P is stable for at least 4 days at 37 °C supporting shipping without the need of cold chain, (ii) Lyoph-P&P rehydrated solution is stable at +4 °C for at least two weeks, (iii) sensitivity observed with Lyoph-P&P is at least equal to, often better than, that observed with liquid formulation, (iv) validation of results observed with low-copy specimens is rendered easier by higher fluorescence level. In conclusion, Lyoph-P&P holds several advantages over extemporaneously preparer liquid formulation that merit to be considered when a novel real-time molecular assay is implemented in a laboratory in charge of routine diagnostic activity. Full article

Water extractable arabinoxylan (WEAX) aerogels were prepared by extracting the solvent from the alcogels (WEAX hydrogels with an alcohol as the solvent) with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions. WEAX aerogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and adsorption and desorption nitrogen isotherms. The micrographs indicate a heterogeneous porous network structure in WEAX aerogel. Adsorption/desorption nitrogen isotherms of this material were type IV, which confirm that this material possess a mesoporous structure. WEAX aerogels rehydration capability was evaluated and the water absorption mechanism was determined. The WEAX aerogels water absorption mechanism was non-Fickian (n = 0.54). Full article