Search Results (584)

This study investigates the Enzyme Biofilm Method (EBM), a biological wastewater treatment technology previously developed by the authors. EBM employs microbial-derived hydrolytic enzyme groups in the initial treatment stage to break down high-molecular-weight organic matter—such as starch, proteins, and fats—into low-molecular-weight compounds. These compounds enhance the growth of native microorganisms, promoting biofilm formation on carriers and improving treatment efficiency. Over the past decade, EBM has been practically applied in food factory wastewater facilities handling high organic loads. The enzyme groups used in EBM are derived from cultures of Bacillus mojavensis, Saccharomyces cariocanus, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. To clarify the system’s mechanism and ensure its practical viability, this study focused on starch—a prevalent and recalcitrant component of food wastewater—using two evaluation approaches. Verification 1: Field testing at a starch factory showed that adding enzyme groups to the equalization tank effectively reduced biological oxygen demand (BOD) through starch degradation. Verification 2: Laboratory experiments confirmed that the enzyme groups possess both amylase and maltase activities, sequentially breaking down starch into glucose. The resulting glucose supports microbial growth, facilitating biofilm formation and BOD reduction. These findings confirm EBM’s potential as a sustainable and effective solution for treating high-strength food industry wastewater. Full article

Gaming has evolved into a cultural phenomenon with a global reach, captivating millions of individuals. Nevertheless, little is known about this population. We aim to physiologically characterise the Portuguese gamers, bearing in mind that phase angle (PhA) is a general indicator of health, to check possible correlations between body composition, strength, and nutrition. A sample of 35 male gamers (individuals who play video games) was evaluated for anthropometry; body composition through DXA for whole-body bone mineral content (BMC), fat-free mass (FFM, kg), fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue, and through BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) for total body water (TBW), water pools (extracellular water and intracellular water, ICW), and PhA; strength through maximal isometric handgrip strength using a dynamometer; and nutritional intake using a three-day food record. Results show that participants are within reference metrics for all the analysed variables except regarding protein and carbohydrate intake (all values are above and below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between PhA and TBW, ICW, handgrip strength, BMC and FFM, and a negative correlation with fat mass (absolute, percentage and visceral). In conclusion, PhA correlates with body composition variables, which aligns with previous research as a predictor of health and performance. Full article

Pardosa pseudoannulata plays an important role in the biological control of insect pests. The inclusion of yeast in the culture medium is very important for the growth, development, and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster, but there have been few studies on the influence of nutrients in the culture medium on spider development. In order to explore the effects of different yeast treatments on the growth and development of D. melanogaster and as a predator, P.  pseudoannulata, three treatments (no yeast, active yeast added, and inactivated yeast added) were adopted to modify the conventional D. melanogaster culture medium. The addition of yeast to the medium shortened the development time from larva to pupation in D. melanogaster. The emergence and larval developmental times of D. melanogaster reared with activated yeast were shorter than those of the group without yeast addition, which promoted D. melanogaster emergence and increased body weight. The addition of yeast to the medium increased the fat, protein, and glucose content in D. melanogaster. The addition of activated yeast shortened the developmental time of P.  pseudoannulata at the second instar stage but had no effect on other instars. Different yeast treat-ments in the medium had no effect on the body length or body weight of P.  pseudoannulata. Adding yeast to D. melanogaster culture medium can increase the total fat content in P.  pseudoannulata, but it has no effect on glucose and total protein in P.  pseudoannulata. Our study shows the importance of yeast to the growth and development of fruit flies. Full article

Background: Accelerated demographic aging in Hungary and across Europe presents significant public health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in preserving cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Modifiable lifestyle factors—especially dietary habits—play a critical role in brain aging and cognitive decline. Objective: This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which Western dietary patterns contribute to cognitive impairment and neurovascular aging, with specific attention to their relevance in the Hungarian context. It also outlines the rationale and design of the Semmelweis Study and its workplace-based health promotion program targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on Western diet, cognitive decline, cerebrovascular health, and dietary interventions. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic pathways involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased neurotrophic support. Key findings: Western dietary patterns—characterized by high intakes of saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and linoleic acid—are associated with elevated levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product linked to neuronal injury and accelerated cognitive aging. In contrast, adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns—particularly those rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine consumption—supports neurovascular integrity and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. The concept of “cognitive frailty” is introduced as a modifiable, intermediate state between healthy aging and dementia. Application: The Semmelweis Study is a prospective cohort study involving employees of Semmelweis University aged ≥25 years, collecting longitudinal data on dietary, psychosocial, and metabolic determinants of aging. The Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model translates these findings into practical interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in the workplace setting. Conclusions: Improving our understanding of the diet–brain health relationship through population-specific longitudinal research is crucial for developing culturally tailored preventive strategies. The Semmelweis Study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for reducing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging across diverse populations. Full article

The nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulate the hepatic metabolism of androstenone, a testicular steroid that accumulates in the fat of intact male pigs and causes boar taint. This study evaluated natural product-derived compounds and conventional agonists targeting these nuclear receptors for their effects on androstenone metabolism in primary hepatocytes from slaughter-weight boars, to assess their potential as treatments for boar taint. Cells were incubated with natural products, conventional agonists, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; control), then being treated with androstenone. Culture media and cells were analyzed to assess changes in androstenone metabolism and gene expression. UGT1A6 was upregulated by treatments targeting both PXR and CAR and downregulated by FXR agonists. Additionally, PGC1α and NR2F1 were downregulated by compounds targeting PXR/CAR, while FXR and NR0B2 were upregulated and HNF4α downregulated by treatments acting on FXR. The natural products diallyl sulfide (DAS) and (Z)-guggulsterone (GUG) increased overall androstenone metabolism (DAS, GUG) and the production of Phase I androstenol metabolites (DAS), but only in hepatocyte culture replicates that responded positively to these treatments. Although gene expression was similar between positive-response and negative/non-responsive replicates following treatments, negative/non-responsive replicates for several treatments had higher basal expression of UGT2B31, UGT2A1, and SIRT1 and lower basal expression of FXR, PXR, and NR0B1 compared to positive-response replicates. These findings suggest that DAS and GUG may be promising treatments for boar taint, specifically in animals with lower basal rates of androstenone metabolism and higher expression of key nuclear receptors. Full article

A nanoparticle formulation was generated from distiller dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and its effect on the production of anthraquinones (AQs) was evaluated on Rubia tinctorum hairy roots. The DDGS material was washed with water and ethyl acetate to remove mainly the soluble organic/inorganic molecules and reduce the fat content, respectively, followed by an alkaline treatment to remove the polysaccharides. The resulting alkaline solutions were then lyophilized and redispersed in deionized water to generate a monodispersed nanoparticulate formulation (DDGS-NP) with a hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of 227 ± 42 nm and −53 ± 7 mV, respectively. The formulation demonstrated good colloidal stability over time, and sterilized DDGS-NPs maintained comparable physicochemical properties. The nanoparticles were enriched in protein fractions, unsaturated fatty acids, and orthophosphate anion components from DDGS, as determined by solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), organic elemental analysis (OEA), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) techniques. The DDGS-NPs were tested at different concentrations on Rubia tinctorum hairy roots, in comparison to or in combination with methyl jasmonate (MeJ), for their capacity to induce the production of AQs. All DDGS-NP concentrations increased the production of specific AQs to 7.7 (100 mg L⁻¹), 7.8 (200 mg L⁻¹), and 9.3 µmol/gFW (500 mg L⁻¹), with an extracellular AQ accumulation of 18 µM for the highest DDGS-NP concentration, in comparison with the control hairy roots (~2 µM AQ). The plant growth was not affected at any of the tested nanoparticle concentrations. Interestingly, the combination of DDGS-NPs and MeJ resulted in the highest extracellular AQ accumulation in R. tinctorum root cultures. Full article

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized secretory cells in the gut epithelium that differentiate from intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Mature EECs secrete incretin hormones that stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion and regulate appetite. Decreased EEC numbers and impaired secretion of the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) have been implicated in obesity-associated metabolic complications. Gut microbial metabolites of dietary tryptophan (TRP) were recently shown to modulate ISC proliferation and differentiation. However, their specific effects on EEC differentiation are not known. We hypothesized that the gut microbial metabolites of dietary tryptophan counteract impaired GLP1 production and function in obesity by stimulating EEC differentiation from ISCs. We utilized complementary models of human and rat intestines to determine the effects of obesity or TRP metabolites on EEC differentiation. EEC differentiation was assessed by the EEC marker chromogranin A (CHGA) levels in the intestinal mucosa of normal versus obese rats. The effects of TRP metabolites on EEC differentiation were determined in human intestinal organoids treated with indole, a primary TRP metabolite, or the culture supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus grown in TRP media (LA-CS-TRP). Our results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of CHGA, the EEC marker, were significantly decreased (~60%) in the intestinal mucosa of high-fat-diet-induced obese rat intestines. The expression of the transcription factors that direct the ISC differentiation towards the EEC lineage was also decreased in obesity. In human organoids, treatment with indole or LA-CS-TRP significantly increased (more than 2-fold) CHGA levels, which were blocked by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist CH-223191. Thus, the stimulation of EEC differentiation by colonic microbial metabolites highlights a novel therapeutic role of TRP metabolites in obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Full article

Traditional taco preparation methods, such as oil immersion and steaming, can significantly affect the nutritional and metabolic characteristics of the final product. This study evaluated tacos made with five commercial nixtamalized maize flours and four common fillings (chicharron, beef skirt, potato, and refried beans), processed using three different methods: Plain, Full-Fat, and Patted-Dry. We assessed their chemical composition, starch digestibility, and thermal properties, and measured satiety-related hormone responses in mice. Fillings had a stronger influence on protein, fat, and moisture content than tortilla type. Full-fat tacos exhibited increased amylose–lipid complex formation and a lower gelatinization enthalpy, whereas plain tacos retained more retrograded starch and a crystalline structure. In vitro digestion revealed that Plain tacos, especially those with plant-based fillings, had the highest resistant starch content and the lowest predicted glycemic index. Hierarchical clustering showed that resistant starch, moisture, and gelatinization onset temperature were closely linked in the Plain samples, whereas lipid-driven variables dominated in the Full-Fat tacos. In mice, tacos with a higher resistant starch content led to greater GLP-1 levels, lower ghrelin levels, and reduced insulin responses, suggesting improved satiety and glycemic control. Patted-Dry tacos showed intermediate hormonal effects, supporting their potential as a balanced, health-conscious alternative. These findings demonstrate how traditional preparation techniques can be leveraged to enhance the nutritional profile of culturally relevant foods, such as tacos. Full article

Dietary administration of fermented goat milk (FGM) with the starter strain Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. indicus CRL1447 and supplemented with different functional cultures (FCs) of lactobacilli strains (FC1: Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 + Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL1449 + Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum CRL1472; FC2: CRL1446 + CRL1449; FC3: CRL1446 + CRL1472; and FC4: CRL1449 + CRL1472) was investigated in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). FGM supplemented with different FCs, referred to as Probiotic Goat Milk (PGM), demonstrated significant anti-obesity activity by reducing body weight and improving blood lipid profiles in obese mice. The animals that received the PGM showed less fat infiltration in the hepatocytes compared to the obese mice fed FGM. Hepatic proteomics data show that HFD generally upregulates proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation and downregulates proteins implicated in lipid synthesis, whereas the administration of FGM supplemented with FC3 (PGM3) improves the proteomic profile. These results suggest that PGM exerts systemic metabolic effects through modulation of the gut–liver axis, highlighting its potential as a dietary strategy against obesity-related disorders. Full article

Fermented apple juice (FAJ), a nutrient-dense beverage rich in vitamins, offers multiple health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced fat metabolism, and sustained energy provision with reduced caloric intake. To advance the development of probiotic-enriched flavored and functional juices, this study establishes Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) as a safe and effective starter culture for apple juice fermentation. The selected strain exhibited minimal biogenic amine synthesis, producing only 30.55 ± 1.2 mg/L of putrescine and 0.59 ± 0.55 mg/L of cadaverine, while histamine and tyramine were undetectable. Furthermore, the strain demonstrated no hemolytic activity and exhibited robust biofilm-forming capacity, reinforcing its suitability for fermentation applications. An electronic nose analysis revealed that L. plantarum significantly enriched the volatile compound profile of FAJ, leading to an improved flavor profile. The strain also displayed excellent growth adaptability in the apple juice matrix, further optimizing fermentation efficiency and sensory quality. Crucially, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that FAJ specifically restructures the gut microbiota in obese individuals, significantly elevating the relative abundance of beneficial genera, including Enterococcus, Parabacteroides, and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). Concurrently, FAJ enhanced glycolytic activity, suggesting a potential role in metabolic regulation. Collectively, these findings confirm that L. plantarum-fermented FAJ combines favorable sensory properties and safety with promising anti-obesity effects mediated through gut microbiome modulation and metabolic pathway activation. This study provides a critical scientific foundation for designing next-generation functional fermented beverages with targeted health benefits. Full article

Cultivated meat, developed through cell culture technology, is emerging as a promising solution that closely mimics both the flavor and nutrient profiles of conventional meat. One key component that contributes to the flavor of meat is fat content. In this study, bovine adipose-derived stem cells (bADSCs) were cultured for the production of alternative fat in vitro. The expression of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers (CD29, CD73, and CD105) and colony forming efficiency were assessed to characterize bADSCs. bADSCs were differentiated into adipocytes to produce cultivated fat in 2D or 3D culture. The cultivated fat was analyzed by gas chromatography to verify the similarity of the fatty acids of animal-derived fat. Our results show that bADSCs have characteristics of MSC and could differentiate into adipocyte. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in cultivated fat and adipose tissue was similar. Adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs using a textured vegetable protein (TVP) scaffold could form the lipid droplets in the TVP. This study demonstrated the establishment of a culture system for the fat production from bADSCs in vitro. The fat produced through bADSCs shows the potential to be used in the composition of hybrid-cultivated meat. Full article

The escalating environmental and health concerns regarding conventional meat consumption have intensified the global search for sustainable dietary alternatives. Plant-based foods and meat substitutes have emerged as promising solutions. These products aim to replicate the sensory and nutritional attributes of meat while mitigating ecological impacts. This review examined the current scenario of plant-based foods and meat substitutes, focusing on their environmental footprints, health implications, innovative ingredient developments, consumer acceptance, and the use of analytical tools in quality control. Life cycle assessments indicate that plant-based foods and meat substitutes significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption compared to animal-based products. These alternatives offer benefits like lower saturated fat. However, they still struggle to match the amino acid composition of meat. Consumer acceptance is influenced by factors including taste, texture, and cultural perceptions, and still requires sensory improvement. Innovations in ingredient sourcing, like the use of legumes, mycoproteins, and fermentation-derived components, are enhancing product quality and diversity. Furthermore, analytical tools such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, spectroscopy, and chemometric methods ensure product consistency and fulfill consumer expectations. By synthesizing interdisciplinary insights, this review offers an integrated perspective to guide future research and development in the field of meat alternatives. Full article

Local horse breeds, particularly cold-blood types, are often marginalized in economic and social contexts, primarily due to the neglect of their economic, genetic, and cultural potential, as well as their role in preserving the identity of rural areas, local communities, and ecosystems. The valorization of these breeds is a crucial prerequisite for their economic repositioning. The Croatian Posavina horse is a local breed, well adapted to harsh, extensive production systems. Its sustainability is achieved through pasture-based meat production, primarily targeting foreign European markets. Ensuring the sustainability of conservation programs requires a thorough understanding of growth dynamics, carcass traits, and meat quality. This study assessed growth performance and carcass characteristics in a sample of 30 male foals, with ten animals selected for detailed analysis of fatty acid, amino acid, and volatile aromatic compound profiles. At eleven months of age, the foals reached a live weight of 347 kg and a dressing percentage of 60.62%. Color, tenderness, and water-holding capacity parameters were favorable for consumers. The meat’s high protein content (22.37%) and low intramuscular fat (3.61%) make it suitable for health-conscious or sensitive consumer groups. A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.5%) and a nutritionally balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio (3.46) highlight the meat’s functional properties. The essential-to-non-essential amino acid ratio (0.81) further supports its nutritional value. Sensory analysis confirmed an attractive appearance, desirable texture and flavor, and a rich aromatic profile. The carcass and meat quality results, when compared with the production traits of other horse breeds, indicate that Croatian Posavina foal meat is a high-quality and nutritionally valuable alternative to conventional red meat. With optimized conservation and production strategies, the Croatian Posavina horse holds strong potential for market repositioning within sustainable and functional meat production systems. Full article

Trans fats are linked to numerous chronic diseases and cellular dysfunction; however, Spain has not implemented effective regulatory measures to restrict their presence in food products. This study addressed these gaps by analyzing trans fat content in commercial pastries sold in Spain and their biological impacts on mesenchymal stem cells, further examining its compliance with international guidelines. Also, a novel and scalable method for extracting fatty acids from pastry samples was developed and applied, enabling precise analysis using gas chromatography alongside sensory property assessments. The findings revealed significant variability in TFA levels across samples. To assess the biological implications of these TFAs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured to perform dose–response experiments using two selected pastry samples with the highest TFA content. Cellular adhesion, cytotoxicity, and proliferation were evaluated through MTT assays, bright-field, and fluorescence staining using FITC and DAPI markers. Results demonstrated dose-dependent impacts of TFAs on MSC viability, including reduced adhesion and proliferation alongside increased cytotoxicity. This study underlines the need for stricter regulatory frameworks to monitor TFA levels worldwide, including in Spain’s food industry. Additionally, it highlights the potential health risks associated with excessive TFA consumption, particularly concerning cellular health and growth mechanisms, which provide insights into its potential bioaccumulation implications. These findings provide a foundation for further research into dietary guidelines and industrial practices aimed at minimizing TFA exposure while promoting public health safety. Full article

Thus far, various aquaculture modes have been developed to facilitate the rapid growth of the aquaculture industry and thus meet the heavy demand for aquatic products for human consumption. However, the effects of different culture modes on fish muscular nutritional content and volatile flavor are rarely reported. In the present study, we evaluated the differences in muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor between Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris) groups cultured in two different modes, i.e., flow-through water tanks (CWWL) and traditional ponds (CWWC). Our statistical results showed that a significantly higher crude protein content and lower crude fat levels were observed in the CWWL group than in the CWWC group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the contents of total aromatic amino acids (Total ∑TAA) and total dicarboxylic amino acids (Total ∑DAA) were also significantly higher in the CWWL group. Among the fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA), were recorded at 1.44%, 2.5%, and 9.09%, respectively, in the CWWL group, which were dramatically higher than in the CWWC group. Conversely, the contents of volatile compounds, including 2-tridecanone, dimethyl trisulfide, and isophorone, in the CWWC group were also significant higher, which, however, may contribute to an unpleasant sensory experience. Conversely, other compounds like 2-methylbutanal and 2,3-butanedione were prevalent in the CWWL group, which can induce rich nutty and buttery flavors and thus enhance the freshness of flavor profiles. In conclusion, Chinese longsnout catfish cultured in flow-through tanks show higher nutritional value and better sensory flavor in comparison with those raised in ponds. These findings not only provide novel insights into the potential effects of aquaculture modes on muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor for Chinese longsnout catfish but also lay a solid foundation for optimizing practical culture modes to improve the global aquaculture industry. Full article