Search Results (26,417)

Backround and Objectives: Basketball performance is shaped by repeated high-intensity actions interspersed with brief recovery. Conventional continuous or strictly incremental testing may not fully capture short active-recovery dynamics relevant to stop-and-go sports. Material and Methods: This study applied a VT₂-referenced progressive–intermittent treadmill protocol and focused on 60-s active-recovery kinetics to describe effort tolerance in an applied basketball setting. Basketball players from Mureș County completed anthropometry (24 h pre-test, fasted) and a single laboratory visit. Pre-test training and diet were standardized for 48 h (submaximal training; predominantly carbohydrate intake). CPET was performed in 3-min stages (6.5 km·h⁻¹ start; +0.7 km·h⁻¹ per stage) and stopped at RER = 1.00 and/or blood lactate = 4.0 mmol·L⁻¹ (operational VT2). After 3 min active recovery, participants completed six 60-s high-speed bouts separated by 60-s active recovery intervals (AR1–AR6), with intensities prescribed at 120–180% of VT2-derived speed, followed by an 8-min active recovery. For each AR interval, linear regression over 0–60 s yielded slopes for VO₂, VO₂/HR, VCO₂, V̇E, VE/VO₂, VE/VCO₂, and PetCO₂. Results: VT₁ was determined at 2.29 m·s⁻¹ (VO₂ 32 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹) and VT2 at 3.07 m·s⁻¹ (VO₂ 42 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹). Maximal intermittent speed was 5.33 m·s⁻¹ (VO₂ 45.5 mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹; RER 1.06; PetCO₂ 38 mmHg). VO₂ differed across successive bouts (p = 0.0001), while PetCO₂ showed a small downward drift across repetitions. Peak indices (max speed, VE/VCO₂max, PetCO₂max, VEmax) were associated with phase-specific recovery slopes across early, mid, and late recovery periods (false discovery rate–adjusted correlations). Lactate decreased over 8 min, but lactate change rates were not associated with peak indices. Conclusions: The VT₂-referenced progressive–intermittent protocol appears feasible in basketball players and provides phase-dependent recovery information that complements conventional peak CPET outcomes, with potential relevance for applied team settings. Full article

Olive pomace, a byproduct of olive oil production, is a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the metabolic effects of a subcritical water extract from California olive pomace (SWE COP) obtained from Arbequina olives. The extract was mainly composed of carbohydrates (72.81%) and contained 66.62 ± 1.22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of phenolics, with 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, hydroxytyrosol, and verbascoside identified as the predominant compounds. Male C57BL/6N mice were fed a standard diet (SD; n = 7), a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD; n = 7), which was used to induce features of diet-associated metabolic syndrome, or an HFSD supplemented with 3% (w/w) SWE COP (n = 7) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with SWE COP significantly reduced plasma triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels compared with the HFSD group. Moreover, SWE COP improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduced mesenteric and epididymal adiposity. Histological analysis showed that SWE COP alleviated hepatic steatosis and lowered the NAFLD activity score. These findings demonstrate that phenolic-rich SWE COP exerts beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and reduces liver fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. Overall, SWE COP represents a promising functional ingredient derived from olive industry byproducts for mitigating metabolic dysfunctions associated with obesity. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a low soybean meal (SBM) diet and its supplementation with graded levels of raffinose on the growth performance, expression of genes related to nutrient transport and intestinal function, and cecal microbiota of white-feathered broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly allotted to six isoenergetic and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, each with eight replicates of 10 birds. The diets consisted of a positive diet, a low SBM diet (10% reduction in SBM), and the low SBM diet supplemented with 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, or 0.25% raffinose. Results indicated that, compared with the positive diet, the low SBM diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) the overall mortality and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during days 22–42, while significantly decreasing (p < 0.05) dietary ether extract (EE) availability. Raffinose supplementation to the low SBM diet linearly reduced (p < 0.05) dietary gross energy and dry matter utilization and downregulated duodenal SLC5A1 gene expression at 42 days, while linearly increasing (p < 0.05) the cecal isobutyric acid content. A decreasing tendency in mortality during days 22–42 was also observed with raffinose inclusion (p = 0.088). Notably, the low SBM diet elevated the relative abundance of Campylobacterota and Helicobacter, which was effectively reversed by raffinose supplementation. In conclusion, a 10% reduction in dietary SBM negatively affected the survival, nutrient utilization, and cecal microbial structure in broilers, whereas raffinose supplementation partially modulated these alterations. Full article

Introduction/Objectives: Body composition changes and diet quality may contribute to metabolic complications and graft outcomes after kidney transplantation. We evaluated the relationships between diet quality and CT-derived body composition components (skeletal muscle mass, muscle quality/myosteatosis, and visceral adiposity) and explored their associations with metabolic markers and graft function. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective cross-sectional study, we included 161 adult first kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with a functioning graft and ≥12 months of follow-up. Body composition was quantified on routine abdominal CT at the L3 level using skeletal muscle index (SMI), mean muscle attenuation (Hounsfield units) for myosteatosis, and visceral adipose tissue area (VAT). Diet quality was scored using the Revised Diet Quality Index (DQI-R). Graft function was followed with creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by the CKD-EPI equation. Results: Mean age was 45.7 ± 13.2 years and 58% were men. The prevalence of low muscle mass was 26.0%, myosteatosis 73.5%, and visceral obesity (VAT ≥ 100 cm²) 45.6%. No participant had “good” diet quality; 48.4% had poor diet quality. DQI-R showed a weak positive correlation with SMI (r = 0.157; p = 0.047) but was not significantly related to VAT, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), Kidney transplant recipient (VSR) or myosteatosis. In multivariable models, age and VAT were associated with HbA1c, whereas body composition and diet quality variables were not independent predictors of eGFR. Myosteatosis was independently associated with older age. Conclusions: Visceral adiposity and impaired muscle quality frequently clustered and were linked to metabolic status. These findings support post-transplant follow-up strategies that go beyond BMI and integrate body composition and nutritional assessment within a multidisciplinary care model. Full article

Background/Objectives: Habitat degradation and fragmentation reduce population size, genetic diversity, and connectivity, increasing extinction risk in small and isolated populations. Coastal wetlands of northwestern Peru have undergone extensive anthropogenic modification, yet the genetic and ecological status of resident carnivore populations remains poorly documented. This study aimed to assess genetic diversity, relatedness, demographic signals, and diet composition of a Pampas cat (Leopardus garleppi) population inhabiting the Mangroves San Pedro de Vice (MSPV), a Ramsar-listed coastal wetland. Methods: We combined noninvasive fecal genotyping using eight nuclear microsatellite loci with vertebrate DNA metabarcoding. Scat samples were collected across three field seasons (2019–2021). Individual identification, genetic diversity metrics, genetic mark–recapture estimation of census size (Nc), effective population size (Ne), bottleneck tests, and relatedness analyses were performed to evaluate population status and kin structure. Dietary composition was characterized using metabarcoding and assessed for sex-specific differences. Results: Sixty-eight scats yielded multilocus genotypes for nine individuals (six males, three females). Genetic analyses revealed moderate diversity (mean allelic richness = 3.47; observed heterozygosity = 0.69; expected heterozygosity = 0.58) and evidence consistent with a recent genetic bottleneck. Genetic mark–recapture analyses estimated a small census size (Nc = 9; 95% CI: 7.0–9.0), while the effective population size was markedly low (Ne = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5–7.4), yielding an Ne/Nc ratio of ~0.27. Multiple first-order kin dyads were detected, indicating strong local kin structure and limited external recruitment. Metabarcoding identified eight vertebrate prey species, with diet dominated by the native rodent Aegialomys xanthaeolus. No significant sex-specific differences in diet composition were detected. Conclusions: The MSPV Pampas cat population represents a small, kin-structured range-edge population showing signatures consistent with recent genetic erosion and restricted connectivity. These patterns align with isolation in a degraded coastal wetland landscape, highlighting the importance of habitat protection, prey resource conservation, and restoration of functional connectivity to support long-term population persistence. Full article

Background: The aim of our study was to analyze the supply of various forms of genistein (nano, micro, and classic) on the content of four macroelements—calcium, magnesium potassium, and sodium—in the kidneys, brains, hearts, livers, spleens and femurs of rats under conditions of mammary gland neoplasia (induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)). Methods: Thirty-two 30-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were included in this study. The animals were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: the control group received only a standard diet (without supplementation), while three groups were supplemented with genistein in different forms—nanoparticles (0.1 mg/mL; size 92 ± 41 nm), microparticles (0.1 mg/mL; size 587 ± 83 nm), or macromolecular genistein (0.1 mg/mL). To induce mammary gland cancer, all rats were administered DMBA. Results: In the presented studies, significant changes in the content of elements in the organs of rats supplemented with various forms of genistein were observed. Of particular importance was the occurrence of soft tissue calcifications caused by the dietary supplementation of rats with various forms of genistein, ranging from the classic form to the nanometric form, in the context of an existing mammary gland neoplastic process. Calcium accumulation occurred in various tissues—the brain (from 252% to 449%); the heart (from 159% to 661%); the liver (from 90% to 613%), regardless of the form of genistein; and the spleen (by 127%) and femurs (by 294%) only in the case of nanogenistein supplementation—compared to rats from the control group not supplemented with any form of genistein in conditions of induced mammary gland cancer. Conclusions: Genistein supplementation in cancer conditions affects mineral homeostasis in rats. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of postoperative immunonutrition on vaginal cuff healing in well-nourished patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. The secondary objective was to assess postoperative complications occurring within 30 days. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. Patients receiving postoperative oral immune-modulating diets were compared with those managed with a standard postoperative diet. Vaginal cuff healing assessed at postoperative 4th and 6th weeks. Postoperative complications within 30 days were recorded prospectively. Results: A total of 131 patients were included [immunonutrition group, n = 69; control group, n = 62]. At the 4th postoperative week, complete vaginal cuff healing was observed in 84.1% of the immunonutrition group and 75.8% of the control group [p = 0.24]. By the 6th postoperative week, complete healing rates were comparable [96.6% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.43]. In multivariable analysis, vaginal cuff closure time was independently associated with delayed cuff healing [p = 0.02]. Postoperative morbidity did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Vaginal cuff healing after laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer was primarily influenced by surgical factors, particularly vaginal cuff closure time, rather than postoperative immunonutrition. Full article

Background: Excess body weight before pregnancy is common and may be associated with suboptimal dietary intake and adverse metabolic outcomes. This study aimed to assess dietary intake and selected metabolic parameters in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity compared with women of normal pre-pregnancy body weight, and to explore changes following nutritional education. Methods: The study included 62 pregnant women between 10 and 36 weeks of gestation. The study group consisted of 44 women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, while the control group included 18 women with normal pre-pregnancy body weight. Dietary intake was assessed using repeated 24 h dietary recalls and analyzed before and after a nutritional education intervention. Nutrient intake was compared with national dietary reference values, and selected biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results: Before nutritional education, diets in both groups were characterized by a high proportion of energy derived from fat, excessive intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), sodium, and phosphorus, and insufficient intake of dietary fiber, vitamin D, folates, iron, and iodine. After nutritional education, modest changes in dietary composition were observed, including a reduction in SFA and sucrose intake and a slight shift toward a higher proportion of energy derived from protein. However, improvements in biochemical parameters were limited. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, short-term nutritional education during pregnancy was associated with modest dietary modifications but had a limited impact on metabolic parameters. The results do not support strong clinical recommendations or modifications of existing dietary guidelines but underscore the need for larger, well-powered studies with longer follow-up to better evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in pregnant women with different pre-pregnancy nutritional statuses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only effective treatment for celiac disease (CeD) but remains challenging due to structural and environmental barriers. Evidence on these determinants in Latin America is scarce. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Gluten-Free Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P-GF) for adults with CeD in Chile and examine its association with GFD adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (October 2023–January 2024) included adults (≥18 years) with biopsy- or serology-confirmed CeD (n = 233). The questionnaire collected sociodemographic and clinical data, assessed adherence using the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT; good < 13, poor ≥ 13), and measured perceptions of home and supply food environments via the adapted NEMS-P-GF. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and reliability with Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s ω. Associations with adherence were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U. Results: NEMS-P-GF domains showed adequate validity (KMO 0.71–0.81; Bartlett’s p < 0.001) and acceptable-to-excellent reliability (α/ω = 0.70–0.90). Participants with good vs. poor adherence perceived more supportive environments, particularly at home (median 4.79 vs. 1.29; p < 0.01) and globally (1.72 vs. −7.25; p < 0.01). Supply environments were perceived as less supportive due to limited availability and high prices (median −3.68 and −7.78), with smaller differences between adherence groups (p = 0.018). Conclusions: Supportive home environments were strongly associated with better GFD adherence, while supply environments remained broadly restrictive, showing modest but significant differences between adherence groups. The NEMS-P-GF demonstrated preliminary evidence of good psychometric properties and offers a valid, context-sensitive tool to assess GF food environments and inform public health strategies for CeD populations. Full article

The gonadal development of Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) plays a crucial role in the success of artificial breeding. Soy isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens commonly found in aquafeeds, have shown potential in enhancing gonad development in fish. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary soy isoflavones on gonadal development, growth performance, histology, sex hormone levels, vitellogenin content, and expression of related genes in female Japanese eel broodstock. A 4-week feeding trial was conducted with 120 two-year-old female eels randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing 0 (C), 0.1 (L), 0.5 (M), and 0.9 (H) mg/g of soy isoflavones. The results indicated that gonadal development was enhanced in the M and H groups, as evidenced by a significantly higher gonadosomatic index (GSI) and increased oocyte cross-sectional area (CSA) in M group, and greater nutrient accumulation in both the M and H groups. The expression of er and cyp19a genes in the ovary was downregulated in the treatment groups, leading to decreased serum estradiol (E₂) and increased testosterone levels. Furthermore, hepatic vtg gene expression was upregulated in the M and H groups, though VTG protein content remained unchanged, suggesting an initiation of vitellogenesis at the transcriptional level. In conclusion, dietary soy isoflavones at 0.5–0.9 mg/g provide an effective pretreatment strategy to enhance early ovarian development in Japanese eel broodstock, potentially improving their responsiveness to subsequent hormonal induction in artificial breeding programs. Full article

Modern diets often provide insufficient health-promoting nutrients, prompting the development of enriched staple foods. This study investigated the impact of incorporating germinated spelt (Triticum spelta), naked oat (Avena nuda), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seeds at 30% and 60% levels on the nutritional, technological, and sensory properties of wheat bread. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis verified the successful transfer of grain-specific bioactive compounds into the dough and bread matrix—benzoxazinoids (BOA, MBOA) from spelt, avenanthramides (AVN A, B, C) from oats, and flavonoids (e.g., rutin, vitexin, orientin) from buckwheat—emphasizing both free and bound metabolite fractions. Multigrain breads exhibited a complementary phytochemical profile. The antioxidant properties of the enriched breads were markedly enhanced, with germinated buckwheat providing the most pronounced increase. Analysis confirmed a significant increase in dietary fibre content proportional to the level of germinated grain addition, with almost double the content in 60% multigrain bread. Texture analysis indicated that the control crumb exhibited the greatest relative firming over 48 h during storage. Sensory evaluation showed that all of the enriched breads received high acceptability scores (>18/20). The incorporation of germinated seeds effectively enhances the nutritional value of bread, offering a promising strategy for developing health-promoting bakery products. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a global metabolic disorder, and sprouted wheat (SW) exhibits potential for alleviating metabolic syndromes, although its mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of SW on T2DM using a high−fat diet−induced T2DM mouse model. SW intervention significantly improved glycolipid metabolism disorders (p < 0.05), attenuated hepatic mitochondrial injury (p < 0.05) and maintained hepatic homeostasis. SW also reshaped the gut microbiota structure and inhibited the TLR4/NF−κB inflammatory pathway (p < 0.05). Untargeted metabolomics combined with network pharmacology identified five key functional metabolites and four core targets involved in the protective effects of SW. Germination optimized the nutritional composition of wheat, and SW regulated the microbe–liver axis through a multi−component, multi−target and multi-pathway mode. These results reveal the mechanism of SW in improving T2DM−related metabolic disorders and provide experimental support for its application. In the future, SW can be further developed as a dietary nutritional supplement for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of metabolic diseases. Full article

The quality of beef fat depends on both intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid (FA) composition, which can be modulated by finishing diets. This study evaluated the effects of silage type and feeding intensity on IMF deposition, FA profile, desaturase indices, and lipid quality indices in finishing Holstein–Friesian bulls. Thirty-two bulls were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 8/group) and fed total mixed rations for 120 days based on grass silage or maize silage, under intensive (≈50:50 forage:concentrate, DM basis) or semi-intensive feeding (≈70:30). FA composition of longissimus lumborum lipids was determined by GC-FID, and lipid quality indices were calculated, including the atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H). Feeding intensity increased IMF content (p = 0.001) and the absolute amounts of major FA classes (g/100 g meat). Silage type primarily affected FA composition by increasing n-3 PUFA and lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio in grass silage diets (p = 0.042). Several FAs showed silage type × feeding intensity interactions (p < 0.05), indicating that the response to dietary energy supply depended on the forage base. Overall, feeding intensity mainly regulated lipid deposition, whereas silage type modulated the nutritional profile of intramuscular fat. Full article

This study investigated the impact of including 10% of dried brewers’ grain (BG), grape pomace (GP), or olive cake (OC) in the finishing diets of thirty-two Ovella Galega lambs on their growth parameters and carcass quality. Productive parameters such as live weight, average daily gain (ADG), and subcutaneous fat depots were monitored. The following carcass traits were also evaluated: carcass weight, conformation, fatness degree, morphology, and pH. Moreover, the left-half carcasses were sectioned into the main commercial cuts. Results showed that the type of diet did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) the growth performance and carcass characteristic of the animals. All groups reported similar (p > 0.05) live weights, ADG, and pre-slaughter fat thickness. In the same manner, the lack of significant variations observed in the productive parameters was also reflected in the carcass traits, showing comparable (p > 0.05) weights, dressing percentages, conformation, fatness levels, morphometric measures, and pH among treatments. Furthermore, the commercial value of the animals was not compromised (p > 0.05) by the experimental treatments. Thus, these outcomes suggest that the employment of these agri-food by-products, at moderate levels, could represent a viable and sustainable feeding approach for these autochthonous lambs. Full article

Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease of the skeleton characterized by a low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue structure, leading to increased fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It is often referred to as the “silent killer of bones” because it progresses without symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. Osteoporosis is a serious health problem, especially in aging societies, leading to fractures, limited mobility, and a decreased quality of life. Osteoporosis prevention through dietary modification should be the first step in protecting bone health before implementing any form of pharmacotherapy. The composition of the diet and nutritional patterns are considered the most important factors influencing the shaping of gut microbiota and its metabolites, which in turn affect the regulation of bone tissue metabolism. Mushrooms, as a source of vitamin D, can play a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Additionally, the application of UV irradiation can rapidly increase the vitamin D₂ content in mushrooms. A review of currently available studies reveals that many mushroom species contain substances (Ca, P, Se) that support bone formation by promoting remineralization. Mushrooms also induce bone regeneration after osteoporosis by balancing their reconstruction. This review systematically integrates the latest research on the use of mushrooms in the prevention of osteoporosis. The most promising species in the prevention of osteoporosis include: Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Pleurotus eryngii, Antrodia camphorata, Auricularia auricula, Agaricus bisporus, and Grifola frondosa. Full article