Search Results (10,134)

Sheep farming length of stay in the feedlot directly influences system profitability, mainly due to the high cost of feed. Thus, the use of predictive models based on body measurements is an important tool to define the optimal slaughter point and the ideal feedlot period. Thus, the aim was to evaluate predictive models of meat cuts and tissue carcasses concerning weight at slaughter (WS), loin eye area (LEA), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) obtained by ultrasound of the lumbar region of lambs. The WS and ultrasound measurements were obtained from a pre-slaughter collection of 45 lambs, divided into five groups, each weighing 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 kg, with nine replications per group. Three regression models were evaluated: WS, LEA, and SFT (independent variables) and the cuts yield or tissue composition (dependent variable). Increasing WS resulted in greater carcass weight and commercial cuts. Above 15 kg body weight, bone weight showed little or no increase (allometric coefficient = 0.06), whereas muscle and fat tissues increased steadily, with allometric coefficients of 0.25 and 0.12, respectively. The commercial cuts showed a high and significant correlation with WS and LEA. The muscle and bone proportion of the leg had a significant (p < 0.10) correlation with SFT. For the weight of commercial cuts estimates, the inclusion of LEA and/or SFT with WS did not improve the coefficient of determination but made the predictions equivalent to the measured values. There were high determination coefficients when WS was only used to predict muscle, fat, and bone weight, but it was not efficient in predicting the muscle/fat and muscle/bone ratios and the percentage of tissues. The WS was the variable that best explained the weight and tissue content. The inclusion of LEA and/or SFT made little improvement to the predictive models. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is critically driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which integrates hormonal cues with metabolic programs supporting tumor growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that intermittent fasting (IF) and related dietary interventions—such as time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)—modulate systemic metabolism, including reductions in insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and induce intracellular nutrient stress that can influence AR activity, splice variant expression (e.g., AR-V7), and downstream metabolic pathways. This systematic literature review (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science; publications up to December 2025; search terms: “prostate cancer,” “androgen receptor,” “AR splice variants,” “intermittent fasting,” “fasting mimicking diet”, “metabolism,” “therapy resistance”) summarizes preclinical and clinical studies addressing the impact of IF on AR signaling, lipogenesis, mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and therapy response. Preclinical studies indicate that IF can reduce AR expression, impair nuclear translocation, modulate AR splice variants such as AR-V7 via nutrient-sensitive splicing mechanisms, and enhance sensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy and AR-targeted agents. Mechanistically, IF-induced metabolic stress engages AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sirtuin pathways, alters lipid and mitochondrial metabolism, and transiently increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), creating vulnerabilities in prostate tumor cells. Translational evidence suggests potential benefits of integrating IF with standard therapy, but effects may depend on fasting regimen, caloric intake, macronutrient composition, and patient metabolic context, including risk of lean mass loss. This review highlights the metabolic crosstalk between IF and AR signaling and emphasizes the need for future clinical studies incorporating biomarker-guided approaches and body composition monitoring to fully exploit this intersection for improved therapeutic outcomes in prostate cancer. Full article

Background: In traditional karate, performance effectiveness is determined, among other factors, by the speed of stimulus processing and the precision of the motor response. Body composition may indirectly modulate these abilities; however, data on karate athletes are limited. Methods: The study included 27 men—active members of the Polish national team in traditional karate (18–30 years; training experience ≥ 5 years; black belt). Body composition was assessed using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 770), and psychomotor abilities were measured with the TEST2DRIVE system: SIRT (simple reaction), CHORT (choice reaction), HECTOR (simple reaction), and SPANT (spatial anticipation). Results: The psychomotor profile showed the longest reaction times in CHORT and the shortest in SIRT. Associations with body composition were selective: in SIRT, the median simple reaction time demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with lean-mass-related parameters, with no associations for motor time. No significant correlations with body composition were found in CHORT or HECTOR. In SPANT, significant associations concerned motor time only, which was positively related to selected indices of adiposity and fat distribution, whereas choice reaction time and accuracy were independent of body composition. Conclusion: In traditional karate athletes, body composition is not an unambiguous predictor of psychomotor performance, and its relevance depends on task characteristics. The findings suggest that potential effects of somatic parameters are expressed mainly in selected execution components; therefore, assessments of competitive readiness should combine body composition monitoring with tests that differentiate the reaction phase from the motor phase. Full article

This study aimed to compare carcass composition and selected meat quality traits of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) reared under the production conditions applied in this experiment. The study material consisted of 32 birds, including 16 male common pheasants and 16 male guinea fowl, all slaughtered at 13 weeks of age. The analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups in carcass composition and several meat quality parameters. Under the given rearing conditions, guinea fowl were characterized by higher body and carcass weight, as well as weights of individual carcass components, compared to pheasants. They also showed higher carcass yield and greater proportions of certain elements, including leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, and wings, whereas pheasants exhibited a higher proportion of breast muscles and neck. Guinea fowl had higher absolute masses of meat, fat, and bones, but a lower meat-to-fat ratio. No significant differences between groups were observed for the meat-and-fat-to-bone ratio or the meat-to-bone ratio. The highest protein content was recorded in the breast muscles of pheasants (27.1%), while the lowest was found in the leg muscle of guinea fowl (22.1%). Differences between the groups were also observed in intramuscular fat and water content in both breast and leg muscles, as well as in collagen content in the breast muscle. Regardless of group, breast muscles were characterized by higher protein content and lower fat and collagen levels than leg muscles. Differences were further noted in electrical conductivity (EC) and the a* and b* color parameters in both muscle types. Breast muscles exhibited lower pH and a* values but higher EC and L* values than leg muscles in both groups. Textural traits of the breast muscles, including cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness, were higher in guinea fowl, whereas hardness and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WB) were lower compared to pheasants. However, these differences should be interpreted with caution, as the birds were reared under different feeding and management systems, which may have contributed to the observed variation. Overall, the results provide comparative data on carcass composition and meat quality of guinea fowl and pheasants under the studied production conditions. These findings may serve as a basis for further controlled studies designed to more clearly isolate species effects and to evaluate their potential relevance for poultry production. Full article

Cardiometabolic abnormalities, which are common in diabetes patients, can be alleviated through exercise. We examined the specific effects of walking (4–5 METS) on diabetic patients’ cardiac function in a randomized study. Patients with type 2 diabetes (metformin-, insulin-, and diet-controlled; n = 32) were randomized to a 12-week walking intervention (40 min, three times/week; n = 16) or standard care (control group, n = 16). We prospectively compared metabolic, anthropometric, cardiac function and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters between the two groups via linear regression. Compared with that of the control group, the postintervention global strain of the walking group improved significantly (−19.0 (±3.0) vs. −20.9 (±2.6), Diff = −1.92 (CI = −2.61–−1.24), p < 0.001; control: −18.7 (±3.2) vs. −18.9 (±3.6), Diff = −0.19 (CI = −1.00–0.63), p = 0.650), with a pre/post between-group estimated mean difference of ~−1.73 (CI = −2.78–−0.69; p < 0.001). Abdominal circumference (−3 cm (CI = −4.41–−1.59), p < 0.001)), resting heart rate/bpm (−6.50 (CI = −9.69–−3.31, p < 0.001)) and body fat percentage (−2.74 (CI = −4.71–−0.76, p < 0.007)) changed significantly only in the walking group. Spiroergometric data revealed improved oxygen uptake in the walking group vs. the control group: abs_VO2max/L·min⁻¹ (0.19 (0.05–0.33), p < 0.008); rel_VO2max/mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ (2.43 (1.03–3.83), p < 0.001). This first randomized intervention study of supervised walking in patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that even moderate-intensity physical activity (such as walking) can improve cardiac function and body composition, reduced waist circumference, and increased oxygen uptake, making it a cost-effective treatment with significant preventive and restorative benefits for cardiac function and body composition in these patients. Full article

Background: Incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor co-agonists, advance obesity treatment by promoting weight loss and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes clinical evidence to highlight the role of dietitians in obesity management when incretin-based therapies are used. Results: GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor co-agonists achieve 15–21% weight loss and reduce cardiometabolic risk. Their effectiveness and safety are optimized when integrated with medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and personalized nutrition strategies. In Italy’s aging population, the rising burden of sarcopenic obesity requires dietitian-led care to preserve fat-free mass while reducing fat mass. Dual GLP-1/GIP co-agonists show superior reductions in visceral adiposity, but effects on fat-free mass remain inconclusive, underscoring the need for dietitian oversight to prevent adverse body-composition changes. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with increased mortality and functional decline. Dietitians are uniquely qualified to ensure adequate protein intake and protect muscle during pharmacologic interventions. In Italy, role clarity in clinical nutrition remains limited; however, under national law (DM 744/94; Law 42/1999), dietitians are recognized as the professionals authorized to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Conclusions: The dietitian’s expertise maximizes therapeutic efficacy, minimizes adverse effects, and safeguards long-term outcomes. Integrating dietitians into pharmacological treatment pathways is essential to optimize outcomes, ensure patient safety, and safeguard long-term metabolic health. Full article

Background: Persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in adults and are often considered functional conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that gastrointestinal function may be intertwined with systemic metabolic regulation, yet the association between chronic GI symptoms and cardiometabolic risk assessed using routine clinical biomarkers remains insufficiently explored. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 93 adults were consecutively enrolled during routine clinical evaluations. Anthropometric parameters, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, and blood pressure were assessed. Participants were classified as having persistent gastrointestinal symptoms (GI+) or being asymptomatic (GI−) based on symptom duration and clinical documentation. A composite metabolic stress score, derived from routinely available biomarkers, was used to summarize multidimensional cardiometabolic burden. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed using non-parametric methods. Results: Participants with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms exhibited higher triglyceride levels, lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations, and higher fasting plasma glucose compared with asymptomatic individuals (all p < 0.05). The composite metabolic stress score was significantly higher in the GI+ group, indicating greater overall cardiometabolic burden, while body mass index and HbA1c did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile characterized by atherogenic dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glycemia. An exploratory composite metabolic stress score based on routine clinical biomarkers effectively summarized this pattern. These findings support the biological plausibility of shared metabolic vulnerability between gastrointestinal symptom burden and cardiometabolic risk and highlight the need for longitudinal and mechanistic studies incorporating objective gastrointestinal and metabolic biomarkers. Full article

Background: Spirulina supplementation combined with structured exercise may improve obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions. This research examined whether this combination enhances body composition, glucose levels, lipid profile, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating spirulina (1–6 g/day) combined with structured exercise in individuals with overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25). The search retrieved 91 records, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Nine studies provided sufficient post-intervention data and were included in the quantitative meta-analysis using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using τ², Q, and I² statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using rank correlation, regression-based tests, trim-and-fill, and fail-safe N analyses. Results: Combined spirulina supplementation and structured exercise (6–12 weeks) was associated with reductions in BMI (−1.34 kg/m²), body fat percentage (−3.03%), fasting glucose (−14.47 mg/dL), LDL-C (−12.68 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−9.81 mg/dL), along with increases in VO2max (3.25 mL/kg/min) and HDL-C (4.21 mg/dL). Effect estimates were generally larger in combined exercise–spirulina subgroups, particularly in HIITsupp and R-AEsupp conditions, whereas supplementation-only comparisons demonstrated smaller and less consistent changes. Inflammatory markers and adipokines (CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8) showed favorable directional changes in individual trials. Conclusions: Spirulina combined with structured exercise was associated with changes in anthropometric, glycemic, cardiorespiratory, and lipid parameters in individuals with overweight or obesity. Full article

Background: Evidence linking fascia-oriented rhythmic movement to executive function and prefrontal hemodynamics in older adults remains limited. This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary within-subject associations of a four-week Fascial Circulation Exercise (FCE) program in older Korean women. Methods: Twelve cognitively screened women (74.3 ± 6.7 years) completed supervised FCE for four weeks. Pre–post assessments included body composition, grip strength, isokinetic knee performance, executive tasks (TMT-A/B, CDT), and task-evoked prefrontal activation measured via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (ΔHbO). Paired t-tests with effect sizes were reported. Results: Fat mass decreased (−0.71 kg, p = 0.016; dz = −0.74), whereas body weight and BMI were unchanged. Selective improvements were observed in knee flexor peak torque and extensor endurance (p < 0.05), with no change in grip strength. ΔHbO increased in the orbitofrontal, ventrolateral, and frontopolar regions during executive tasks. Behavioral performance improved in CDT and showed a trend toward improvement in TMT-B. Conclusions: Short-term FCE was feasible and was associated with reduced fat mass, selective neuromuscular gains, and increased task-evoked prefrontal oxygenation. The findings are exploratory and support future randomized controlled trials to determine clinical efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Xu Chunfu’s Modified Xianglian Pill (XXLP) has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat “diarrhea” and “dysentery,” conditions analogous to modern ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the scientific basis for its efficacy and mechanisms remains unclear. Methods: The chemical composition of XXLP was analyzed via UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. A colitis mouse model was established using DSS, and the therapeutic effects were assessed based on body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathology. Inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. Proteomic analysis and molecular docking identified key targets, which were validated using LPS-induced HT-29 cells via Western blot (WB), qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Analysis of XXLP led to the detection of 373 compounds. XXLP significantly improved colitis symptoms, including weight loss and colon shortening, and reduced the concentrations of inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and IL-6. Proteomics and molecular docking identified NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) as a key target of XXLP intervention in mice with colitis. qRT-PCR, WB, IF, and TEM results further confirmed that XXLP effectively suppressed the expression of NOX2 and its associated protein levels. Sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA showed that XXLP significantly increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera (Muribaculaceae and Ruminococcaceae) while markedly reducing the levels of harmful bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae). Correlation analysis revealed that specific microorganisms were correlated with NOX2-related protein expression and severity of colonic inflammation. Conclusions: XXLP effectively alleviates colitis by suppressing inflammatory responses. Its mechanism involves regulating the NOX2/ROS/mitochondria/NLRP3 axis and altering gut microbiota composition, providing novel insights for colitis treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Combat sports are characterised by successive high-intensity and short-duration episodes (rounds) interspersed with short rest periods (intermittent nature). Athletes’ body composition and dietary intake are closely related to physiological demands, and they are determining factors in athletic performance. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the body composition, dietary intake, and food habits of male and female combat sports athletes, and to verify whether they met nutritional recommendations. Methods: A search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases following the PRISMA statement. The timeframe for the search included studies from the year 2000 until 2 February 2026. Risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and the Newcastle–Ottawa checklists. Initially, 328 documents were identified. The research focused on amateur, semi-professional, or professional athletes in boxing, karate, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, judo, muay thai, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Results: After screening, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Most of the athletes, both men and women, had normal body mass indices (BMIs), with low or normal fat percentages and adequate muscle mass during both reference and pre-competitive periods. Regarding dietary intake, most of the athletes, male and female, had energy and carbohydrate intakes below official recommendations. Energy and nutrient intake decreased during pre-competition periods as a strategy for achieving pre-competitive rapid weight loss, which mainly occurred at the expense of lean mass. Conclusions: Despite maintaining adequate body composition, combat sports athletes reported an inadequate dietary pattern, especially during pre-competitive periods, which may negatively affect athletic performance. Full article

Pharmacotherapy is a key component of obesity management, yet treatment failure remains a prevalent challenge in clinical practice. Such failure may present as insufficient pharmacological response, early discontinuation, or post-treatment weight regain, underscoring the discrepancy between clinical trial efficacy and real-world outcomes. The effectiveness of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) is influenced by psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, and disordered eating patterns, as well as environmental and socioeconomic factors such as limited healthcare access, weight-related stigma, and high medication costs. Individual characteristics, including physical activity, body composition, visceral adiposity, and microbiome profile, further modulate treatment outcomes. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacotherapeutic limitations such as drug-phenotype mismatch, route of administration, suboptimal formulations, and exposure to counterfeit products also compromise efficacy. No less important are genetic and immunological factors, comprising pharmacogenomic variants of both incretin and melanocortin receptors along with antidrug antibodies (ADAs), which may constitute therapy resistance. Concomitant medications and comorbid endocrine disorders can additionally attenuate weight-loss effects. The objective of this review is to characterize the multifactorial nature of resistance and refractoriness to anti-obesity therapy, and the importance of identifying pretreatment predictive factors for recognizing individuals at risk of inadequate or lack of response, thereby enabling personalized management strategies and improving long-term clinical outcomes, particularly in “difficult-to-treat” patients. Full article

Background: This proof-of-concept study examined the association between CT-derived sarcopenia indices and achievement of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) in a metabolically homogeneous subgroup of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving biologic therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 26 PsA patients without diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders who were treated with TNF or IL-17 inhibitors and underwent opportunistic CT imaging at the L2 vertebral level. Body composition parameters included total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and sarcopenia index (SI = TAMA/height²). PASS achievement at 12 weeks was assessed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Results: Fourteen patients achieved PASS. Compared with non-achievers, these patients had significantly higher TAMA, SAT, and SI values (all p < 0.05). ROC analysis identified an SI threshold of 4657.5 cm²/m² (sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 83.3%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: In this metabolically homogeneous PsA subgroup, higher CT-derived muscle mass measures were associated with PASS achievement at 12 weeks. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require validation in larger prospective cohorts. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus species, contaminates food and feed globally, posing serious threats to both livestock and human health. Among current detoxification strategies, probiotic-based degradation of OTA has emerged as a key research focus. This study aimed to isolate safe probiotic strains with high OTA-detoxifying efficacy to support their potential application in feed and food industries. A total of 57 bacterial strains were isolated from environmental samples, including soil, moldy feed, and animal feces. Among these, a novel strain identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MM28 demonstrated strong OTA-degrading activity, removing 86.31% of OTA (0.4 µg/mL) within 48 h. Whole-genome analysis indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens MM28 harbors functional genes related to glucose metabolism, membrane transport, and properties associated with antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting multiple beneficial traits. In a 28-day chronic exposure study, mice were administered B. amyloliquefaciens MM28 via gavage (1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL). Results showed that both female and male mice in the MM28 group exhibited higher body weight and improved growth performance compared to the PBS control group. Furthermore, intestinal morphology was enhanced in the MM28 group, as indicated by greater villus length and villus-length-to-crypt-depth ratio. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines was also reduced in the treated animals. Moreover, analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed that MM28 supplementation led to an increased abundance of Bacteroides and Desulfovibrio, alongside a reduction in Lachnospira and Oscillospira. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MM28 is a safe and efficient strain capable of degrading OTA. These findings highlight its promising potential as a biological detoxifying agent in food and feed industries. Full article

The elemental composition of the vitreous humor may reflect physiological and pathological processes occurring in the eye. The objective of this study was to provide a complex multielemental analysis of human vitreous humor. Vitreous humor samples (n = 57) were collected post-mortem during autopsies. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify micro-, trace-, ultra-trace, and toxic elements. The study showed the occurrence of elements at the ppm (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg), ppb (Al, Rb, Zn, Fe, Sr, Cu), and ppt (Ce, La, Nd, Tb) levels. Hierarchical clustering using Ward’s method and k-means analysis revealed four distinct clusters, including two major clusters representing the baseline macro- and microelement profile characteristic for the studied population. Correlations between elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) positive and negative correlations between elements with (I) chemical similarity Ce-La, Cs-Rb, Rb-K, Ca-P, Zn-Cu, and Cs-K; (II) a possible common environmental origin, Cd-P, and Rb-P; (III) involvement in similar biological processes as K-P; and (iv) a common geochemical origin and similar biological functions, i.e., Se-Zn. The study identified several quantitative trends in the demographic and medical characteristics of the participants. Alcohol users had significantly higher Zn concentrations than non-alcohol users; women had significantly higher Ca concentrations than men; higher BMI correlated positively with Cs and negatively with Be and Cr levels; and Cu, Sb, Cd, Se, and Ca concentrations increased with age. The presence of several toxic and potentially toxic elements was identified in the vitreous body: Al (>10 ppb); Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn; and Ba (<10 ppb); As, Hg, Sb, Tl, Bi, Be (<1 ppb). The study showed that, within a given geographic region, the accumulation profiles of toxic metals are quite homogeneous, indicating common sources of exposure. Full article