Search Results (2,632)

The high acidity, alcohol, and mycotoxin levels in distiller’s grains (DGs) limit its application in practical production. To address these issues, a new DG fermentation technique was developed in this research. Firstly, four strains were selected and the fermentation conditions were optimized to ferment the fresh DGs. When the inoculum was set at 8%, the fermentation temperature was maintained at 35 °C, the fermentation time lasted for 48 h, the bacterial mixture ratio (Bacillus subtilis ASAG 216: Lactobacillus acidophilus G1: Saccharomyces cerevisiae ANP 101: Streptococcus thermophilus EFR 046) was 1:1:2:1, and the contents of crude protein in fermented DGs (FDGs) were the highest, so we chose these fermentation conditions to ferment the DGs. In addition, under these fermentation conditions, the amino acids were significantly (p < 0.05) increased while the concentrations of crude fiber and mycotoxins contents were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in FDGs than in DGs. Subsequently, the nutritional value of DGs and FDGs were evaluated using a two-step in vitro digestion method. The digestibility of dry matter, protein, and crude fiber increased by 16.23%, 13.54%, and 64.09%, respectively, in FDGs compared to that in DGs. Finally, laying hens were treated by adding 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% FDG to the basal diet for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that addition of 2% FDG in the diet could significantly (p < 0.05) increase the laying rate of hens compared to that fed the control diet, while addition of 4% FDG in the diet could remarkably (p < 0.05) reduce the rate of broken eggs compared to the other groups. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in other indices. These indicates that FDG has potential as a functional feed additive to enhance animal productivity. Full article

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease with limited treatment options focused primarily on symptom management. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions may influence inflammation and pain through modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome. Methods: We conducted a 4-week open-label pilot trial evaluating the effects of an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention (ITIS diet) in 20 patients with knee OA (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05559463, registered prior to enrollment; sponsor: University of California, San Diego; responsible party: Monica Guma; study start date: 1 October 2021). The following were assessed before and after the intervention: (1) clinical outcomes; (2) gut and salivary microbiomes; and (3) salivary, stool, and plasma metabolomes. Responders were defined as patients achieving ≥30% reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. Results: The ITIS diet was well-tolerated, with good adherence (66.2%) and a significant improvement in clinical outcomes, including reduced pain and improved overall health measured with the visual analog scale (VAS). Responders (n = 8) showed distinct gut microbiome and metabolome profiles compared to non-responders (n = 12). Notably, taxa within the Lachnospiraceae family exhibited dynamic, bidirectional shifts post-intervention: Anaerostipes and Limivivens were enriched among responders and negatively correlated with pain scores, while Oliverpabstia and Fusicatenibacter were depleted following dietary intervention. These taxa also showed strong correlations with anti-inflammatory metabolites, including hydroxydecanoic acid derivatives and pyridoxine. Furthermore, subsequent network analysis revealed more structured and selective microbiome–metabolome interactions in responders, specifically post-intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that a short-term anti-inflammatory dietary intervention was associated with meaningful changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family emerged as key taxa associated with pain reduction and anti-inflammatory metabolite production. Our findings suggest that specific microbial responses—rather than global diversity changes—may underlie dietary responsiveness in OA. Although exploratory and limited by sample size, our results support further investigation into personalized, microbiome-informed nutritional strategies for OA management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a state of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, increasing the risk of birth complications, and subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus in the mother and offspring. Risk factors such as diet, obesity, and family history have demonstrated strong association with GDM, but no clear pathophysiology has been ascertained. Methods: An analysis was conducted on 38 women with and 296 without GDM, within a case/control study of pre-eclampsia. The genetic variants examined were selected from among a published polygenic risk score of 10 variants (PRS-10). Genetic models were evaluated for each variant by multivariate logistic regression methods adjusted for age, body mass index, and pre-eclampsia. Since the genotypes for three of the PRS-10 were not available, a risk score comprising the total risk alleles among seven of the variants (PRS-7) was evaluated among those with all genotypes available. Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed significant, independent, positive associations between body mass index (BMI) and age. The posited PRS-7 showed a trend (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.92–2.56, p = 0.070), and sensitivity analysis comprising three variants (PRS-3) was significantly associated with GDM (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.17–5.06, p = 0.017). In univariate analysis, rs1421085 was associated with GDM (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26–0.95, p = 0.034), but not after adjustment for covariates, and paradoxically not for the expected risk allele. None of the other six variants showed an individual association with GDM. The previously published meta-analysis of PRS-10 showed a degree of heterogeneity (p_Q= 0.03) among the three cohorts analyzed, suggesting that variant effects may differ according to the genetic background, which points to the importance of examining the generalizability of any posited polygenic risk scores. Conclusions: In conclusion, we provide additional support for and further refine the results of a previously published polygenic risk score for GDM in an ethically unrelated population. Full article

Background: Balancing nutrition security with environmental sustainability is a key priority in global food policy, with Sustainable Healthy Diets (SHDs) serving as a critical framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Traditional Japanese cuisine reflects SHD principles through its emphasis on plant-based, seasonal, and minimally processed dishes. However, modern, globalized dietary patterns increasingly feature ultra-processed foods, raising concerns about health risks such as high sodium intake. Methods: This study adopts a novel dish-level content analysis of 120 contemporary recipes from NHK Today’s Cooking between 2023 and 2025, a TV program by Japan’s national public broadcaster that is widely regarded as reflecting the practices of Japanese home cooking, to examine how SHDs pillars—nutritional diversity (e.g., varied protein sources), environmental sustainability (e.g., low-carbon ingredients), and cultural continuity (e.g., traditional techniques)—are embedded in Japanese home cooking. Unlike macro-level consumption or nutrition data, this dish-level approach reveals how individual dishes embody sustainability through ingredient selection, preparation methods, and cultural logic. Results: Quantitatively, pork (33.3%) and seafood (19.2%) together dominated main protein sources, with minimal beef (2.5%) and a notable presence of soy-based foods (12.5%), supporting lower reliance on environmentally intensive red meat; mean salt content per person in main dishes was 2.16 ± 1.09 g (28.9% for men, 33.3% for women of Japan’s daily salt targets), while recipe patterns emphasizing fermentation and seasonal alignment highlight possible pathways through which Japanese dietary practices can be considered ecologically efficient. Simultaneously, the analysis identifies emerging challenges, encompassing environmental issues such as overfishing and public health concerns like excessive sodium consumption. Conclusions: By centering dishes as culturally meaningful units, and using media recipes as reproducible, representative datasets for monitoring dietary change, this approach offers a reproducible framework for assessing dietary sustainability in evolving global food systems. Full article

Goats are important producers of meat, milk, hair, and leather. Early-weaned kids may encounter issues such as weaning stress and stress from high-density farming, which can hinder their growth and development. Therefore, exploring feed additives capable of alleviating stress in kids to enhance their growth performance is of particular importance. This experiment aims to investigate the effects of inulin on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal health of weaned kids. Thirty healthy 60-day-old Leizhou black goat weaned kids with similar body weights (9.00 ± 0.05 kg) were selected and evenly divided into five groups by weight, with six kids in each group. The control group was fed the basal diet, while the AM HCl group received 0.05‰ aureomycin hydrochloride. The inulin groups were supplemented with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% inulin, respectively. By comparison, the results of the 0.3% inulin group in this experiment were most consistent with those of the AM HCl group, and the final weight of the kids was the highest. The 0.3% and 0.5% inulin groups had significantly enhanced immune-related indicator (such as sIgA, IgA, and IgG) concentrations and antioxidant activities (p < 0.05) in kids. Inulin significantly increased cecal total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and the activities of jejunal α-amylase, chymotrypsin, and trypsin (p < 0.05); the activities of intestinal antioxidant enzymes, including GSH-PX, SOD, and T-AOC, were significantly increased (p < 0.05); and the intestinal anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Inulin significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of the tight junction protein genes TJP1 (ZO-1) and OCLN in the jejunum (p < 0.05). It also significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β1 and IL-10 while significantly reducing the mRNA level of pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Therefore, inulin enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of weaned kids, improved the body’s immune response, and reduced inflammatory responses. Specifically, when comparing the growth status, antioxidant enzyme activity, and tight junction protein mRNA level among the groups of kids, the 0.3% inulin supplementation yielded the best results in this experiment. Full article

We previously demonstrated lipid nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to disrupt the gene encoding cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (Cypor), combined with transient administration of acetaminophen (APAP), to repopulate the liver with healthy hepatocytes and rescue a phenylketonuria mouse model. This study aimed to investigate electroporation-mediated delivery of Cypor-targeting CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins into wild-type hepatocytes, combined with liver engraftment under APAP treatment, as an in vivo selection approach in a mouse model of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (Ldlr^−/−). Electroporation provides higher delivery efficiency compared to lipid nanoparticles. We observed engraftment levels up to 13% engraftment of electroporated Cypor-deficient hepatocytes with indels in the liver of Ldlr^−/− mice after transient APAP administration, while negligible engraftment was observed in no-APAP controls (mean 9% and 2%, respectively, p = 0.0121). The engraftment of Cypor-deficient Ldlr^+/+ hepatocytes was associated with reductions in LDL-cholesterol (18%) and triglycerides (52%) compared to the untransplanted control Ldlr^−/− mice fed a Western diet for 5 weeks, but offered no protection from the development of diet-induced aortic root atherosclerosis or liver steatosis. While biochemical markers for liver damage normalized after discontinuation of APAP, we observed persistent lipid accumulation in the liver of Ldlr^−/− mice grafted with Cypor-deficient Ldlr^+/+ hepatocytes, likely stemming from the impact of Cypor deficiency on cholesterol clearance. Therefore, the combination of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated Cypor knockdown to induce clonal expansion of gene-edited hepatocytes using transient APAP administration is not a viable therapeutic strategy for familial hypercholesterolemia due to the essential role of Cypor in cholesterol metabolism. Unlike findings from phenylketonuria mouse model studies, the loss of Cypor function could not be compensated by unedited native hepatocytes in Ldlr^−/− mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that electroporation is a viable and informative approach for evaluating gene editing strategies for the treatment of inherited metabolic diseases that affect the liver. Our electroporation procedure revealed that a one-size-fits-all gene editing strategy may not be universally applicable for treating inherited metabolic liver disorders. Tailored gene editing and selection strategies may be needed for different liver disorders. Full article

The growing demand for health-promoting food products has led to increased efforts to develop formulations enriched with probiotics and dietary fiber (DF). While traditional fermented foods remain widely recognized sources of probiotics, there is a pressing need to innovate novel, nutritious, and high-quality alternatives that also incorporate additional functional ingredients. In the context of sustainable consumption and health-conscious dietary trends, fruit and berry pomace has emerged as a promising source of DF with prebiotic potential, supporting the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms. A growing body of research emphasizes the potential of pomace valorization, showcasing its relevance in the development of value-added food products. This review explores the key features and selection principles for probiotic strains, particularly those from the former group of Lactobacillus species, alongside opportunities for combining probiotics with fruit and berry pomace in functional food matrices. Special attention is given to the physiological and technological attributes of DF derived from pomace, which are critical for their successful application in food systems and their potential synergistic effects with probiotics. Although numerous probiotic-enriched products are currently available, DF remains an underutilized component in many of these formulations. Research has predominantly focused on dairy-based applications; however, the increasing demand for plant-based diets calls for a shift towards non-dairy alternatives. Looking forward, future innovations should prioritize the integration of probiotics and pomace-derived DF as symbiotic systems into plant-based food products, with an emphasis on their dual roles as nutritional enhancers and potential prebiotics. Full article

Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, factors that contribute to the development of long-term complications. In this context, the 2-aminobenzothiazole scaffold has emerged as a promising candidate due to its broad spectrum of biological properties. In this study, we performed a multidisciplinary evaluation of benzothiazole derivatives (5a–d, 8a–d, 11a–d, and 12c–d), starting with the in silico prediction of their properties, along with molecular docking against aldose reductase (ALR2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). All compounds complied with the main rules of pharmacological similarity and optimal affinity, highlighting 8d (ΔG = −8.39 kcal/mol for ALR2 and −7.77 kcal/mol for PPAR-γ). Selected compounds from families C and D were synthesized in moderate yields (~60%) and showed low acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀ > 1250 mg/Kg). Compounds 8c and 8d inhibited ALR2 at concentrations below 10 µM. In vivo studies using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model with a high-fat diet revealed that compound 8d produced sustained antihyperglycemic effects and reduced insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and polydipsia, without inducing hepatotoxicity or displaying intrinsic antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity. These findings suggest that 8d is a promising candidate for further development in diabetes-related therapeutic strategies. Full article

The captive breeding of marine ornamental fish with specialized larval requirements—such as Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus—remains a major bottleneck in aquaculture, largely due to the lack of techniques tailored to their unique morphological and nutritional needs. The global marine ornamental aquaculture market is valued at approximately USD 2.15 billion annually; however, only around 10% of marine ornamental species are currently supplied through captive breeding, highlighting a substantial technological gap. The artificial propagation of C. mesoleucus is particularly challenging due to the species’ small mouth gape and high nutritional demands during early development. To address this issue, we evaluated the effects of three live-prey types—Euplotes sp., Brachionus sp., and Bestiolina coreana—as well as a mixed diet containing all three, on larval performance. From 3 days post-hatch, larvae were fed each prey type at equal densities (15–20 individuals/mL), and water quality was carefully maintained to minimize external influences. Survival and total length were assessed at 14 dph. At the end of the trial, the mixed-diet group showed the highest survival rate (36.2 ± 5.6%), whereas larvae fed only B. coreana exhibited the greatest total length (7.4 ± 1.2 mm) and a high metamorphosis rate (97.8%). These findings demonstrate that prey selection significantly influences the early survival and growth in C. mesoleucus larvae and highlight the critical role of copepods in promoting growth performance. However, as larval biomass was not quantified, the findings should be interpreted with caution, and future studies incorporating biomass assessments are needed to draw more conclusive inferences. The successful mass rearing of this species supports the feasibility of captive production to reduce wild harvesting, protect coral-reef biodiversity, and promote sustainable ornamental aquaculture. Full article

Background: Grain foods are important sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Objective: To identify healthy grain foods and to assess their associations with composite diet quality measures and selected health outcomes. Methods: Healthy grain foods were identified using two methods. The first one, Carbohydrate Food Quality Score (CFQS-3) was based on whole grains, fiber, and added sugar. The second, NRF9.3g score for grains, balanced nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E, folate, iron, and magnesium) against added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Nutrient composition data for 1244 grain foods came from the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS 2017–2023). Dietary intakes came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017–2023). The Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2020) and the diet-level Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) were the two measures of diet quality. National food prices came from the USDA 2021 Thrifty Food Plan. Data on body weight, waist circumference, insulin, and cholesterol came from NHANES clinical files. Results: Healthy grain foods were those that scored >2 points on CFQS-3 or were in the top tertile of NRF9.3g scores. The CFQS-3 score favored cooked whole grains and cereals and savory snacks. The NRF9.3g score gave the highest ratings to breads, rolls, and RTE cereals. Consumers of healthy grains identified using both methods had higher HEI 2020 values and higher diet-level NRF scores. Both effects were dose-dependent. Consumption of healthy grains was associated with lower obesity rates and lower fasting insulin levels. Conclusions: Consumption of healthy grain foods was associated with healthier diets and lower obesity prevalence. Dietary guidelines need to acknowledge the contribution of healthy grain foods to diet quality and health. Full article

The incidence of allergic diseases has increased notably in recent years. The reasons for this increase include air pollution, diet, and infectious factors. This study aims to analyze the interactions between aeroallergens, environmental pollutants, and meteorological factors and their impact on allergenic sensitization in Toledo, Spain. An aerobiological study was conducted over the past 30 years (1994–2023) using a Burkard collector and the SEAIC (Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology) methodology. Meteorological data were obtained from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and pollutant data were acquired from the Castilla-La Mancha Air Quality Monitoring Network. Patients presenting with seasonal allergic symptoms at the University Hospital of Toledo were selected for skin testing with various types of airborne pollen. A total of twenty pollen taxa were identified in the Toledo atmosphere, as follows: Cupressaceae (26.53%); Olea europaea (21.62%); Quercus (21.12%); Poaceae (10.30%); Urticaceae (2.58%); Plantago (2.48%); Platanus (2.00%); Amaranthaceae (1.72%); Rumex (1.68%); and Morus, Pistacia, Populus, Artemisia, Fraxinus, Alnus, Carex, and Ericaceae (less than 1% each). The average temperature increased by 1.2 °C, while the level of precipitation remained stable. Among all pollutants, only a moderate increase in ozone levels was observed; however, the concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides decreased. The prevalence of pollen sensitization in allergic patients ranged from 8% for Pinus nigra to 84% for Phleum pratense. In conclusion, the rise in temperature due to climate change, coupled with high concentrations of pollutants such as ozone, can result in increased concentrations of the main types of wind-borne pollen. Thus, this can lead to a greater sensitivity to pollen and, consequently, more people becoming allergic to pollen. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a growing global health concern, is closely linked to obesity and sedentary behavior. Central to its development are insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, which plays a key role in energy expenditure, glucose uptake, and insulin sensitivity. Notably, increased accumulation of lipid metabolites in skeletal muscle is observed both in endurance exercise—associated with improved insulin sensitivity—and in high-fat diets that induce insulin resistance. The review examines the contrasting metabolic adaptations of skeletal muscle to these opposing conditions and highlights the key signaling molecules involved. The focus then shifts to the role of the stress kinase p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in skeletal muscle adaptation to overnutrition and endurance exercise. p38α enhances mitochondrial oxidative capacity and regulates nutrient utilization, both critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. During exercise, it cooperates with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to boost glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, key mechanisms for improving insulin sensitivity. The co-activation of p38α and AMPK in skeletal muscle emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue to combat insulin resistance and T2D. The review explores strategies for selectively enhancing p38α activity in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, it advocates a comprehensive approach to T2D prevention and treatment, combining established caloric intake-reducing therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, with interventions aimed at increasing energy expenditure via activation of p38α and AMPK signaling pathways. Full article

Introduction: Subclinical atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized in younger populations, often progressing silently until the onset of overt cardiovascular events. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a validated, non-invasive biomarker of early vascular alterations. Although the Mediterranean diet (MD) is well established as cardioprotective, its relationship with CIMT in young adults remains insufficiently studied. Objective: To assess sex-specific adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its association with carotid intima-media thickness in a cohort of university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 60 university students (50% male, aged 17–25 years), selected through stratified probabilistic sampling. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, MD adherence via the PREDIMED questionnaire, and CIMT measured using a high-resolution carotid Doppler ultrasound. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and descriptive statistics, with significance set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Results: A notable 95% of participants showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Significant sex differences in dietary patterns were identified: males consumed more red meat (ρ = 0.023), while females reported higher fish intake (ρ = 0.037). Despite behavioral risk factors, all CIMT values remained within normal ranges (≤0.9 mm). No significant association was found between MD adherence and CIMT (ρ = 0.554). Conclusion: This exploratory study reveals a high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including poor dietary adherence, among young adults, despite the absence of detectable vascular structural changes. Although no significant association was found, the findings reflect the dietary and behavioral profiles of a young, low-risk population. Full article

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of cinnamic acid (CA) against liver injury and fat accumulation induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), focusing on the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a control group receiving carboxymethylcellulose; a CA control group (40 mg/kg); an HFD group; two HFD groups treated with CA (20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg); and a HFD group co-treated with CA (40 mg/kg) and brusatol (2 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective Nrf2 inhibitor. CA was administered orally, and brusatol intraperitoneally, both twice per week for twelve weeks. CA had no effect on serum glucose or insulin but improved serum and hepatic profiles in HFD rats. It also attenuated liver vacuolization and normalized serum levels of ALT, AST, and γ-GT. CA also reduced hepatic apoptosis by increasing Bcl2 and reducing Bax and caspase-3 levels. CA mitigated oxidative stress by reducing MDA and enhancing SOD and GSH levels. It suppressed inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. CA also downregulated SREBP1, FAS, ACC-1, and Keap1 while increasing mRNA and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. All these effects were dose-dependent. Similar molecular effects of CA were also seen in control rats while CA protection in HFD rats was abolished with brusatol indicating Nrf2-dependency. Such findings highlight CA as a promising nutraceutical candidate for preventing HFD-induced liver injury. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical applicability in metabolic liver diseases. Full article

Previous studies have suggested correlations between the microbiota of the black soldier fly and larval growth and bioconversion ability, primarily through functional inference. However, the concrete impact of the microbiota remains to be demonstrated. To address this, we assembled two synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) derived from endogenous bacteria and evaluated their effects on larval growth. SynComs were administered to axenic larvae reared on sterilised diet (gnotobiotic) or as a probiotic in non-sterile treatments. Larvae were reared on vegetable-based (pre-consumer vegetable residues) or on animal-based (chicken hatchery residues) substrates. The SynComs were administered at two concentrations (5 × 10⁷ and 10⁸ CFU per isolate) in the substrate prior to neonate introduction. SynComs improved the growth of axenic larvae compared to untreated controls, although not to the levels observed in conventionally reared larvae. In non-sterile conditions, the combined SynComs increased growth on vegetable-based substrate, but no effect was observed on the animal-based substrate, suggesting a substrate-dependent effect. These results highlight microbiota’s critical role in larval development and the potential of microbiome engineering in insect rearing systems. This preliminary study opens the way for optimisation of SynCom assemblies, which could be enhanced through pre-testing of individual isolates and selecting microbial combinations tailored to specific substrates. Full article