Search Results (5,866)

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of automated carcass parameters (VCS2000) in reflecting site-specific fat distribution along the thoracic (TV) and lumbar vertebrae (LV) of pork bellies. Additionally, this study aimed to determine how VCS2000-derived carcass weight and fat proportion influence localized fat accumulation and the resulting visual acceptability of these distinct anatomical sites. Total fat content, evaluated via the VCS2000 system, showed a positive loading on principal component 1 along with carcass weight, backfat thickness at various sites, and fat percentages at anatomical belly sites, demonstrating a close association with specific belly traits. Considering the carcass weight, belly weight, and belly fat accumulation at anatomical belly sites, carcasses with a higher weight but a lower fat percentage exhibited more favorable belly traits among all evaluated carcasses (p < 0.05). Anatomical location significantly influenced visual acceptability, with panelists preferring leaner sections (the 13th and 14th TV) over those with heavy fat accumulation (the 10th and 11th TV; p < 0.05). These results suggest that visual acceptability may be primarily driven by the localized distribution and structural balance of fat and lean meat, rather than the absolute fat proportion of pork belly. Full article

High-pressure processing (HPP) and lipid fortification affect surimi functionality, but their combined effects on oxidation and digestion-related responses remain insufficiently characterised. Hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) surimi containing 10% (v/w) canola oil, flaxseed oil, or no-added-oil control was treated at 0–600 MPa. Technological properties, colour, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), microstructure, protein banding, and free amino acid (FAA) release during in vitro digestion were assessed. Oil fortification affected moisture and fat content, while pressure had limited effects on bulk proximate composition. Pressure reduced cooking loss and increased water-binding capacity (WBC) and slice shear force (gel resistance to shearing), with WBC showing an oil fortification × pressure interaction (p < 0.001). Oil-containing gels showed higher WBC, lightness, yellowness, and whiteness than the control. TBARS values were affected by oil fortification, pressure, and their interaction (p < 0.001), were highest in flaxseed samples, and decreased with pressure in the measured subset. Microstructure indicated improved network integration at moderate pressure, whereas higher pressure produced denser, less uniform structures. FAA release was governed mainly by digestion phase (p < 0.001), with limited, non-linear pressure effects. Overall, HPP and lipid fortification influenced hoki surimi through matrix-level changes in functionality, oxidation, structure, and FAA release. Full article

The demand for sustainable, low-trans specialty confectionery fats drives the search for novel lipid sources. This study optimizes a ternary lipid matrix utilizing fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil (FHRSO), sea buckthorn oil (SBO), and native rapeseed oil (RSO) to overcome the structural limitations of previous binary systems. Formulations were modified via chemical interesterification, and optimization was conducted using a simplex-lattice mixture design targeting iodine value, slip melting point (SMP), and unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratios. The optimal blend (57% FHRSO, 9.5% SBO, 33.5% RSO) achieved an experimental SMP of 36.3 °C and a trans fatty acid content of 0.9%, strictly complying with TR CU 024/2011 regulations. The resulting triacylglycerol profile, characterized by mixed types (SOO, SOS, LOS), demonstrated compositional compatibility with the structural requirements of confectionery fats, supported by a solid fat content profile indicating appropriate melting dynamics. The strategic incorporation of RSO effectively improved the plasticity of the lipid network. In conclusion, this study presents the development of a locally sourced, low-trans ternary fat system that presents suitable physicochemical properties for future applications in specialty confectionery fat formulations. Full article

This exploratory study investigated meat quality differences and associated molecular characteristics between Liaodan Black (LDM) and Xinjin (XJM) pigs, two local breeds from Northeast China, using meat quality, fatty acid, and total amino acid measurements together with transcriptomic, proteomic, and untargeted metabolomic analyses of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (n = 3 per breed for all analyses). XJM pigs had higher intramuscular fat content and lower shear force, whereas LDM pigs had higher cooking yield. After correction for multiple testing, XJM pigs had higher oleic acid content. Total amino acid analysis showed higher serine, arginine, proline, methionine, and phenylalanine contents in XJM pigs, whereas isoleucine and leucine contents were higher in LDM pigs. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified 5678 differentially expressed genes and 533 differentially abundant proteins, respectively, while untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed 622 differential metabolites based on putative annotations. These molecular differences were mainly associated with cytoskeletal organization, oxidative phosphorylation, protein turnover, amino acid metabolism, and central carbon metabolism. Transcriptome–proteome integration identified 258 shared differential features, of which 139 showed concordant changes at the mRNA and protein levels. Integrated analysis identified nine candidate molecules. After Benjamini–Hochberg correction, exploratory correlation analysis showed that GOT1 and GLO1 protein abundances were negatively associated with shear force and cooking yield, whereas ESD protein abundance was positively associated with IMF content. qPCR analysis of selected DEGs showed good agreement with RNA-seq results (r = 0.883, p < 0.001). Overall, the differences observed between the sampled LDM and XJM groups were mainly associated with lipid deposition, muscle structure-related processes, and energy metabolism. Full article

The growing demand for nutritionally enriched and sustainable meat products has stimulated interest in the utilization of edible animal by-products and plant-based ingredients. The present study aimed to develop lamb pâté formulations containing lamb liver, lamb heart, mung bean, and chickpea and to evaluate their physicochemical, functional–technological, nutritional, microbiological, and contaminant characteristics. Four formulations were prepared, including a control without lamb offal and three experimental formulations containing 13%, 15%, and 17% lamb offal. Mung bean and chickpea were maintained at fixed levels of 7.5% each in all formulations; therefore, the experimental design primarily evaluated the replacement of lean lamb meat with increasing proportions of liver and heart. The effects of lamb offal incorporation on proximate composition, water-holding capacity, water-retention capacity, sensory characteristics, amino acid composition, vitamin and mineral composition, microbiological quality, and heavy metal content were investigated. Among the formulations evaluated, O-2 containing 15% lamb offal showed a favorable combination of physicochemical, water-binding, and sensory characteristics, including a protein content of 26.0%, fat content of 24.9%, moisture content of 62.5%, and the highest water-holding capacity (70.0%). O-2 also received the highest numerical sensory scores, although these were not significantly different from O-1 for several sensory attributes. Amino acid analysis confirmed the presence of essential and non-essential amino acids in the selected O-2 formulation. Compared with the control, O-2 showed numerically higher concentrations of the investigated B-group vitamins and significantly higher concentrations of iron, calcium, and potassium. At the investigated time point, O-2 showed a low total viable count (2.1 × 10² CFU/g), no detectable pathogenic microorganisms, and compliance with the evaluated microbiological criteria; lead and mercury were not detected under the analytical conditions used. Overall, the results indicate that partial replacement of lean lamb meat with edible lamb liver and heart within the fixed pulse-containing formulation can provide pâté with favorable physicochemical, water-binding, sensory, and nutritional characteristics. Further storage studies are required to establish shelf-life stability and microbiological safety throughout storage. Full article

Oxidative stress constitutes a key restrictive factor that undermines growth performance, reproductive efficiency and meat quality throughout the entire production cycle of commercial pig herds. Vitamin A (VA), an essential fat-soluble nutrient for pigs, fulfills dual antioxidant regulatory functions: it directly scavenges free radicals, and indirectly mediates transcriptional regulation of antioxidant processes via retinoic acid receptor-associated signaling pathways. By integrating recent in vivo feeding trial data and in vitro molecular experimental evidence, this review demonstrates that the antioxidant effect of VA in pigs is characterized by significant stress dependence, dose responsiveness and physiological stage specificity. Under stress challenge conditions, VA can significantly upregulate the body’s antioxidant response, while its regulatory effect is relatively weak under non-stress basal physiological conditions. From the mechanistic perspective, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) bound to RAR/RXR receptors can exert synergistic effects with the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway when VA is supplied at physiological nutritional doses, whereas high pharmacological doses of ATRA may induce competitive inhibitory crosstalk. It should be noted that most existing direct promoter-binding evidence is derived from cell line models rather than in vivo porcine tissue samples. For weaned piglets, an optimal dietary VA level can alleviate oxidative damage and intestinal barrier impairment induced by weaning stress, but excessive VA supplementation will trigger lipotoxic oxidative disturbance. In growing-finishing pigs, appropriate VA supplementation can increase glutathione (GSH) content in skeletal muscle and improve the lipid oxidation stability and color stability of pork during post-mortem storage; however, supra-nutritional VA will compete with vitamin E for tissue deposition, which may in turn impair the storage quality of pork. For sows, most existing studies on the reproductive antioxidant effect of VA are derived from intramuscular injection trials, and data from practical dietary VA intervention studies are still insufficient. Existing evidence indicates that maternal VA can regulate the transfer of retinol to offspring via the placenta and colostrum-milk, but no consistent dose-response relationship has been confirmed to date. Meanwhile, relevant research in breeding boars remains extremely insufficient. In terms of nutrient interaction, VA shows antioxidant synergistic effects with vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, while excessive intake of dietary vitamin D, copper or zinc will reduce the bioavailability of VA and weaken its antioxidant protective effect. Current research in this field is constrained by prominent inter-study heterogeneity, insufficient verification of in vivo molecular mechanisms in pigs, and the absence of antioxidant-targeted VA feeding standards adapted to diverse stress scenarios. The systematic summary of the above findings provides an important reference for the formulation of precision antioxidant nutritional strategies for commercial pig herds. To address the current knowledge gaps, future research should focus on constructing standardized porcine experimental stress models, applying multi-omics technical means to dissect tissue-specific VA antioxidant regulatory networks, clarifying the mechanism of maternal-offspring VA transfer under graded dietary VA intake, and optimizing compatible dosage forms and nutrient combinations adapted to on-farm application scenarios. The advancement of related research will help alleviate production losses caused by oxidative stress and promote the construction of healthy pig production systems. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a legume of great importance for food and nutritional security, especially in regions where malnutrition and climate change compromise agricultural production. Cowpea is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, while also having low lipid content. This crop was included in a biofortification program in Brazil, aiming at increasing its iron content. Biofortified cultivars represent a potential strategy to reduce anemia and malnutrition, as their iron concentrations are approximately 60 mg/kg and protein levels approach 30 g/100 g. Studies have shown that the iron bioavailability of cowpea is higher or comparable to that of ferrous sulfate in animal trials. However, in Caco-2 cell culture, iron bioaccessibility is low, likely due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Biofortification, as well as the addition of foods biofortified with beta-carotene, such as cassava or sweet potato, did not significantly influence the iron bioavailability of cowpeas. Germination increased bioaccessibility but did not alter iron bioavailability. Iron bioavailability was also unaffected by a diet high in fat and sugar, although certain gut health benefits were more evident with biofortified cowpea compared to a conventional variety. Biofortified and conventional cowpeas contain a comparable quantity of protein, but little is known regarding whether biofortification can affect the protein quality of cowpea and limitations in sulfur amino acids (methionine and cysteine). Biofortified cowpea demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects in cell culture studies (RAW 264.7 macrophages) and a low glycemic index in humans. In summary, studies have shown promising results for biofortified cowpea as a source of protein and high bioavailable iron, comparable to conventional cowpea, with potential functional benefits for gut health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Moderate carbohydrate diets (MCD) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) both improve metabolic status and liver injury in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but the therapeutic effect of their combined use remains unclear. This study evaluated whether adding an SGLT2i to an MCD provides incremental benefit. Methods: Among 327 patients with MASLD, 259 receiving MCD alone were assigned to the control group, and 68 receiving luseogliflozin 2.5 mg/day were assigned to the combination group. Propensity score matching using age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fibrosis-4 index identified 53 matched patients per group. Results: The proportion achieving ≥7% weight loss after 1 year was significantly higher in the combination group (74% vs. 26%). Reductions in body fat, visceral fat area, and liver fat content were also greater with combination therapy. ALT normalization rates were similar (64% vs. 55%). No significant between group differences were observed in liver enzymes, shear wave velocity, or Mac 2 binding protein glycosylation isomer levels. Improvements in several metabolic parameters—including triglycerides, uric acid, ferritin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and HbA1c—were more pronounced in the combination group. Conclusions: Although adding an SGLT2i to an MCD did not provide additional short-term benefits in liver injury or fibrosis markers, it produced substantially greater reductions in body, visceral, and liver fat and broader metabolic improvements. By facilitating clinically meaningful weight loss, SGLT2i may serve as a valuable adjunct to MCD for MASLD. Full article

Taxus chinensis var. mairei is valued for paclitaxel but suffers from poor regeneration and wild resource scarcity. To elucidate seed dormancy mechanisms and support large-scale cultivation, seeds were stratified under natural conditions for 9 months and subjected to physiological and proteomic analyses. During stratification, ABA increased significantly from 0 to 3 months, showed a slight non-significant decrease from 3 to 6 months, and then increased significantly to reach its highest level at 9 months; GA3 increased significantly from 0 to 3 months and remained stable thereafter. IAA rose to a peak at 6 months and then declined. Concurrently, soluble protein peaked then declined, free amino acids showed the opposite trend, and soluble sugar, starch, and fat content continuously decreased; peroxidase (POD) activity increased then decreased, while acid phosphatase (ACP) activity decreased then increased. TMT-based quantitative proteomics identified 3047 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs were defined as protein with fold change >1.2 or <0.83 and p < 0.05) and Benjamini–Hochberg adjusted p < 0.05. GO annotation indicated enrichment in metabolic and catalytic processes, with more DEPs detected in late versus early stages. KEGG pathway analysis implicated DEPs in endoplasmic reticulum protein processing, fatty acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, peroxisome pathways, and hormone signal transduction, with candidate proteins including calreticulin, protein disulfide isomerase, ACCase, acyl-CoA oxidase, phosphofructokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, PYR/PYL, and SRK2; these candidates require future functional validation. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the physiological and proteomic changes during natural stratification that are associated with progressive dormancy alleviation in T. chinensis var. mairei seeds. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of exercise against long-term high-fat diet (HFD)-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction, with a focus on ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1)-related autophagy–lysosome markers and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Methods: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal diet group (DC) and an HFD group, and the latter was further subdivided into a model group (MG), exercise group (EG), Nrf2 inhibitor group (NG), and exercise combined with Nrf2 inhibitor group (ENG) after 12 weeks of HFD feeding. EG received 6 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise, NG was treated with Nrf2 inhibitor for 6 weeks, and ENG received both the 6-week treadmill exercise and inhibitor injections simultaneously. Serum lipid, blood glucose and insulin resistance indices were detected; skeletal muscle morphology was observed by H&E staining; mRNA and protein expression of ARF1, ULK1, ATP6V0A1 and other factors were determined by RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry; the oxidative stress index was measured by an ELISA; and the colocalization of ARF1/ATP6V0A1 with the lysosomal marker Lamp1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results: Long-term HFD significantly increased mouse body weight, serum TC, TG, LDL-C, FBG levels and the HOMA-IR index, induced morphological alterations in skeletal muscle (loose myofiber arrangement, abundant intracellular vacuoles), inhibited the mRNA expression of ARF1, ULK1 and ATP6V0A1, and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Six weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise effectively improved HFD-induced metabolic disorders and skeletal muscle morphological damage, upregulated the expression of ARF1, ULK1 and ATP6V0A1, and reduced oxidative stress (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Notably, luteolin-mediated inhibition of Nrf2 signaling may partially reverse exercise-induced alterations in ARF1-related autophagy–lysosome markers and skeletal muscle morphology. Conclusions: Long-term HFD may induce morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, accompanied by changes in ARF1-associated autophagy–lysosome markers and elevated oxidative stress. Conversely, moderate-intensity exercise may ameliorate HFD-related changes in skeletal muscle morphology, potentially via Nrf2 signaling, providing a potential molecular target and theoretical basis for the exercise intervention strategies against HFD-induced metabolic-related skeletal muscle dysfunction. Full article

Coccidiosis impairs broiler performance and meat quality, whereas dietary corn source may influence responses to enteric challenges. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of corn type (yellow corn, YC; orange corn, OC) and coccidiosis challenge (challenged, C+; non-challenged, C-) on broiler (Cobb 500) meat quality. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial RCBD, with eight replicate pens per treatment and 15 birds per pen. The pen was the experimental unit. Breast meat was evaluated for yield, pH, instrumental color, woody breast severity, texture, water-holding capacity, lipid oxidation, and composition. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4, with a house section included as a blocking factor. Corn type × challenge interactions were observed for live, chilled, and whole breast weights at 2 h, with YC/C+ showing the lowest values, whereas OC/C+ maintained weights comparable to non-challenged treatments. OC/C+ increased yellowness and had the greatest woody breast incidence, while YC/C+ had the lowest severity. Coccidiosis increased thaw loss and reduced fat content, whereas cook loss, lipid oxidation, and most compositional traits were unaffected. Overall, OC/C+ had greater yield than YC/C+ under challenge but was also associated with greater woody breast severity, indicating an association rather than a causal trade-off. Full article

Background: Despite their high fat content, nut consumption is suggested to benefit body composition. However, it remains unclear whether nuts with different fatty-acid compositions affect body composition differently. This study aimed to assess the effects of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich nut consumption on body composition. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and additional sources identified 3118 articles, with 154 meeting the inclusion criteria. Subgroup analyses were conducted by nut fatty-acid composition and control diet type. Nuts were classified as MUFA-rich (MUFA:PUFA ratio ≥ 1.3) or PUFA-rich (<1.3) based on the percentages of total fat content. Results: Although there were no effects on body mass, BMI, or waist circumference, nut consumption significantly reduced % fat mass (WMD: −0.28%, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.02) and fat mass (WMD: −0.41 kg, 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.27) and increased % lean mass (WMD: 0.71%, 95% CI: 0.32 to 1.10). However, absolute lean mass did not change significantly. Benefits were observed only in the MUFA-rich subgroup, although subgroup differences were not significant. Both MUFA- and PUFA-rich nut consumption showed reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while MUFA-rich nut consumption further reduced triglyceride levels. Conclusion: Nut consumption, particularly MUFA-rich nuts, can improve body composition by percentage fat mass and absolute fat mass. Consuming either MUFA-rich and PUFA-rich nuts can further improve lipid–lipoprotein profiles. Full article

This study evaluated the physicochemical, functional, pasting, and thermal properties and digestibility of precooked unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L. cv. Hartón) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Agrosavia Aurora) flours. Both raw materials were subjected to steam cooking at 4 min, followed by drying at 60 °C and grinding to particle sizes below 150 µm. Sweet potato flour exhibited higher protein (3.82%), fat (0.22%), crude fiber (2.92%), ash (3.40%), total phenolic content (180.45 mg GAE/100 g), antioxidant activity (58.22% DPPH inhibition), β-carotene (3.85 mg/100 g), and water/oil absorption capacities. In contrast, unripe plantain flour showed higher carbohydrate content (94.30%), starch content (76%), greater swelling power at elevated temperatures, and higher peak, breakdown, and final viscosities. The precooking process reduced the pasting temperature and modified the viscosity profiles of both flours compared to unprocessed counterparts, expanding their technological versatility. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of typical starch, lipid, protein, and phenolic vibrational bands, with β-carotene-related peaks in sweet potato flour. Powder flowability analysis revealed that sweet potato flour presented higher cohesiveness and lower flowability than plantain flour. These results demonstrate that both precooked flours exhibit complementary nutritional and functional properties, supporting their potential application as gluten-free ingredients for functional food development and the industrial valorization of tropical perishable crops. Full article

Sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture requires reducing fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) use without compromising product quality. This study evaluated the effects of three isoenergetic and isoproteic diets—control fishmeal (FM), processed animal protein diet (PAP), and an alternative diet containing insect meal and microbial biomass (ALT)—on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) at two catch weights (300 and 800 g). Texture and cooking weight loss were largely unaffected by diet, whereas PAP and ALT increased post-cooking yellowness and chroma. PAP showed the highest content of sweet and total free amino acids (FAAs), while umami FAAs remained unchanged. Gas chromatography identified 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dominated by terpenes (49–54%, significantly higher in PAP and ALT), although lipid oxidation markers were similar. Sensory analysis revealed higher post-cooking chewiness and hardness in ALT, and enhanced umami for both alternative feeds. Consumer testing (n = 81) yielded high acceptance scores (>5/11-point scale) across treatments, with PAP scoring higher for oily flavor, textural oiliness, and aftertaste—an effect potentially linked to fatty acid composition rather than total fat content. Overall, replacing FM with PAP or ALT offers a sustainable feed strategy that preserves filet quality and consumer appeal. Full article

Apricot kernels are nutritionally valuable and possess both edible and medicinal properties. However, there is little published data on the differences in kernel nutrition among a large number of cultivars, which has limited the development and utilization of specialty apricot processed products. In this study, 15 nutritional components were measured in kernels of 141 apricot cultivars, followed by comprehensive statistical analyses including genetic diversity, principal component, correlation, and cluster analyses, along with a comprehensive evaluation. The genetic diversity index (H′) for all indicators exceeded 1.0, with fat, protein, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamin E showing H′ > 2.0, indicating nutritional diversity among cultivars. Correlation analysis revealed that fat content was significantly positively correlated with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and total fatty acids (r > 0.7), while oleic acid was negatively correlated with vitamin E and γ-tocopherol. The first five principal components accounted for 75.614% of the total variance, effectively capturing the essential information of the 15 traits. Cluster analysis at a Euclidean distance of 19.5 divided the 141 accessions into five groups, each with distinctive nutritional profiles. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of 15 nutritional components, the apricot cultivar ‘Kuhe Honglian’ achieved the highest score, followed by ‘Machuanling’, ‘Guajiayutianhexiangbai’, ‘Guanlaoyelian’, and ‘Graflthan’. These findings provide a foundation for advancing the apricot kernel processing industry and supporting the breeding of functional kernel-apricot varieties. Full article