Search Results (1,135)

The demand for clean-label functional foods has increased interest in natural polysaccharides with health benefits. Acemannan, an O-acetylated glucomannan from Aloe vera, possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activities, but its performance in fat-based systems is not well understood. This study examined the incorporation of acemannan into dark chocolate at 1% and 5% (w/w) and its effects on physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant, and sensory properties. Particle size distribution remained within acceptable limits, though the 5% sample showed a larger mean size and broader span. Rheological tests confirmed shear-thinning behavior, with the higher concentration increasing viscosity at low shear and reducing it at high shear. Antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH assay showed modest improvement in enriched samples. Consumer tests with 30 panelists indicated a strong preference (89%) for the 1% formulation, which maintained a smooth mouthfeel and balanced sensory characteristics, while the 5% sample displayed more fruity and earthy notes with lower acceptance. GC–MS analysis revealed altered volatile profiles, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed acemannan stability in the chocolate matrix. These findings demonstrate that acemannan can be incorporated into dark chocolate up to 1% as a multifunctional, structurally stable polysaccharide ingredient without compromising product quality. Full article

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) offers multiple advantages compared to air-insulated switchgear (AIS); primarily, due to its more compact design and reduced maintenance requirements. In recent years, environmentally friendly replacement gases for SF₆ have become an important research topic, not least because EU regulation will ban the use of SF₆ in new equipment for its member states in the coming years. For detecting defects inside equipment, partial discharge (PD) measurements are an important and well-established method, including in acceptance tests (FAT and SAT) and online monitoring. An important question is whether the PD behavior of various defects analyzed in SF₆ differs in potential replacement gases. In this work, standard geometries in form of needle plane arrangements were used to analyze the PD inception behavior of natural origin gases (synthetic air, CO₂ and N_2,) in comparison to SF₆ at various application relevant pressures. PD was measured both by the conventional (IEC 60270 conform) and UHF technique, recording the phase resolved partial discharge patterns (PRPDs), as well as emitted UHF-pulses. The tip radius and the protrusion length of the needle electrode were varied in order to investigate the influence of the electric field distribution on the PD inception behavior. Results show positive pressure dependence, but also deviations from the linear growth of PDIV, intermittent discharge behavior in synthetic air for some conditions and high-current discharges in the N₂ in the setup used. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation with rumen-protected fat from soybean or palm and thermally processed soybean on the feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, milk production, and milk content of ewes. Twenty-five Pantaneiras ewes, 3–6 years old, 39.8 ± 3.51 kg body weight, and 65 ± 4 days in milk, were distributed into five treatments (5 ewes in each) in a completely randomized design continuous trial, over 56 days. The treatments consisted of daily supplementation with soybean-based rumen-protected fat (SPF; 30 g/d), palm-based rumen-protected fat (PPF; 30 g/d), a blend of soybean and palm rumen-protected fats (Blend; 30 g/d), thermally processed soybean (TPS; 124 g/d), and a control without supplementation. We performed a daily evaluation of feed intake and milk production, and every 14 days, we evaluated the nutrient digestibility, milk composition, and fatty acid profile. The protein and casein content were lower in the SPF treatment. Supplementation with PPF resulted in a higher saturated fatty acid content, while supplementation with TPS resulted in higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents. The supplementation with SPF resulted in higher milk fatty acid functionality. Feeding ewes SPF or TPS enhanced nutrient intake and digestibility, leading to increased milk production and an improved milk fatty acid profile. In contrast, supplementation with PPF resulted in a less favorable fatty acid composition. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global challenge that is exacerbated by extensive antibiotic use in livestock farming. Identifying effective alternatives to widely used human antibiotics in animal production is vital to safeguard vital human medicines and ensure sustainable food systems. Here we describe studies identifying nitroxoline (NTX) as a promising antimicrobial candidate for use in poultry production. Methods: The antibacterial activity and resistance potential of NTX were assessed in vitro. In vivo studies in chickens evaluated tolerance, therapeutic efficacy in Salmonella-infected birds, pharmacokinetics, tissue residue depletion, growth performance, and effects on caecal microbiota. NTX was administered in-feed at different dose levels. Pharmacokinetic parameters and withdrawal periods were determined, and caecal microbiota composition was analysed using ribosomal RNA 16S sequencing. Results: NTX exhibits potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in vitro and low levels of resistance. NTX is well-tolerated in chickens at 500 mg/kg in-feed for 7 days and substantially reduces liver bacterial loads at 100 mg/kg in Salmonella-infected chickens. Pharmacokinetic and residue analyses reveal NTX manifests rapid absorption and distribution, high oral bioavailability (86%), and efficient tissue clearance with a 17-day withdrawal period required for skin-plus-fat clearance. NTX supplementation is associated with increased weight gain and improved feed efficiency compared to the control group, with performance comparable to chlortetracycline. Microbiota analysis indicates modulation of caecal bacterial communities, including increased Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus. Conclusions: These results indicate that NTX is a viable alternative to important human antibiotics widely deployed in poultry production, offering a potential approach to minimise antimicrobial resistance whilst maintaining animal health and food biosafety. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a palm oil-free structured lipid (SL) as a lipid base in sandwich-type cookie fillings. SL was enzymatically interesterified from a blend of soybean oil, high-oleic peanut oil, and crambe hard fat (34:34:32). Four fillings (30% fat) were prepared using either SL or commercial shortening (CS), with processing by mixer (F1, F2) or ball mill (F3, F4). Commercial sandwich cookies were included as a reference Standard. SL exhibited an improved lipid profile, containing up to 14% less saturated fatty acids, higher levels of monounsaturated (34.5%), and increased long-chain fatty acids (~18% C22:0). Physicochemical analyses were conducted over a storage period of 180 days, including evaluations of texture, particle distribution, color, water activity, oil loss, and oxidative stability. Among the formulations, F4 demonstrated the highest firmness (at ~121.1 N) and the smallest D₅₀ (~80 µm). However, it also exhibited lower oxidative stability (induction period: ~6.75 to 14.6 h) compared to CS-based fillings (~36 to 42.5 h), along with a higher oil loss (≥4.7%). Sensory of F4 yielded an overall acceptance index ≥ 70%, though it received lower scores for waxiness. Overall, the SL showed promising potential as a structuring fat in the fillings. Full article

Purpose: This single-athlete, longitudinal observational study describes training intensity distribution (TID) across two Olympic preparation cycles (Rio 2016 vs. Tokyo 2021) and explores whether differences in high-intensity exposure coincided with performance outcomes. Methods: An elite male 50 m freestyle specialist (personal best 21.27 s; height: 187 cm, weight: 80 kg, body mass index: 22.9 kg·m⁻², fat-free mass: 75.2 kg, and fat mass: 4.8 kg) was monitored across four mesocycle periods. TID is expressed as % of total swim volume in three zones: Z1 (low intensity), Z2 (threshold), Z3 [high intensity/race-pace, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Sprint Interval Training (SIT)]. Both the coach and swimmer signed a written informed consent for the use of their data. Results: For Rio 2016, TID (Z1/Z2/Z3) was as follows: General 80/0/20, Specific 60/0/40, Pre-competition 40/30/30, and Taper 50/20/30, indicating a polarized approach. For Tokyo 2021, TID shifted to: General 85/0/15, Specific 60/0/40, Pre-competition 30/30/40, and Taper 40/20/40. Discussion: In this single athlete, a greater proportion of work in Z3 during the Tokyo cycle, particularly in the Pre-competition and Taper phases, probably coincided with improved performance (21.57 vs. 21.79 s). Conclusions: Although clear causal inference is not possible, these observations depict the probability that sprint-swim preparation for 50 m events needs a training volume oriented to Z3 and relatively less in Z1. However, the study’s design, the methods by which the TID was recorded, etc., limit any generalization about the interpretation of the findings. Therefore, future studies should address these limitations, providing more insights into improving the training on that kind of events. Full article

Objectives: Obesity has been suggested as a possible risk factor for the post-COVID-19 condition, but most studies rely only on body mass index (BMI), which does not reflect body fat distribution. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple anthropometric indicator of central obesity and a practical proxy for body fat distribution, yet it has not been studied in relation to the post-COVID-19 condition. This study aimed to examine whether obesity, measured by BMI and WHtR, is associated with the post-COVID-19 condition. Methods: A total of 500 male military conscripts (aged 18 years) underwent anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and waist circumference). Participants with prior COVID-19 were asked whether they had persistent or new symptoms after infection. BMI categories followed WHO definitions, and WHtR ≥ 0.50 was used to define central obesity. Results: Of the 376 participants who had previously experienced COVID-19, 82 (21%) experienced the post-COVID-19 condition. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was more common among those with the post-COVID-19 condition than those without (15% vs. 5%). BMI-defined obesity was associated with higher odds of the post-COVID-19 condition (OR 2.80, 95%CI 1.25–6.24). Central obesity was also more frequent in the post-COVID-19 condition (26% vs. 14%) and was linked to increased odds as well (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20–3.97). Conclusions: Both BMI-defined obesity and central obesity were associated with the post-COVID-19 condition. While WHtR does not directly quantify body fat distribution, it represents a simple and feasible anthropometric indicator. Therefore, it may be an additional useful tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Full article

Background: Nanoplastics (NPs), as emerging foodborne contaminants, can accumulate in the heart and induce toxic effects. However, whether NPs exert differential cardiac impacts depending on dietary habits remains unclear. Methods: In this study, mice subjected to different dietary patterns (Normal diet, ND; High-fat diet, HFD; High-fructose diet, HFrD) were orally administered 80 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) at a dose of 10 mg/(kg·day) for 1, 4, and 8 weeks. The fluorescence tracing, histopathological analysis, quantification of inflammatory and fibrotic markers, and transcriptomic sequencing were used to evaluate the distribution and hazardous effect of PS-NPs. Results: By the 8th week, significant fluorescence labeled PS-NPs accumulation was detected in the hearts of mice on HFD group and HFrD group. Histopathological and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that both HFD and HFrD groups exacerbated cardiac collagen deposition and inflammatory infiltration in PS-NP-exposed mice. Transcriptomic analysis further indicated that under HFD, PS-NP exposure primarily activated MAPK signaling pathway-mediated inflammation, thereby promoting fibrosis. In contrast, under HFrD, PS-NP80 amplified cardiac injury via the TNF signaling pathway. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that dietary habits can aggravate the cardiac toxicity induced by foodborne nanoplastics, highlighting the importance of considering dietary patterns in the risk assessment of food contaminants. Full article

Obesity plays a crucial role in the progression of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes which are related to inflammation and liver disease. GATA-3 is a transcription factor that is involved in adipogenesis and inflammation. Therefore, it could be a potential therapeutic target for obesity-associated metabolic disorders. This study aimed to examine the effects of GATA-3 suppression on body weight, fat depot redistribution, liver histopathology, and inflammatory markers in transgenic db/db obese mice. Male db/db mice received subcutaneous injections of GATA-3-specific DNAzyme (hgd40; 10 or 100 µg/mL), pioglitazone (as a positive control), or vehicle only (as a negative control), twice weekly for two weeks. Body weight, organ weights, liver histopathology, mRNA expression of selected genes and serum cytokine levels were assessed. GATA-3 expression was not region specific, and its suppression did not significantly affect fat depot distribution or organ weights. However, the low dose of hgd40 accelerated body weight gain transiently. It also increased Il10 mRNA expression in the liver and significantly increased IL-10 protein concentration in the serum. In addition, a high dose of hgd40 resulted in a marked decrease in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration. These findings suggest that GATA-3 suppression may modulate inflammation and liver injury in obesity, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic potential for obesity-related metabolic disorders. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a replacement for monensin (MON) on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in heifers finished either in confinement or on pasture. Thirty-six Nellore heifers (252.44 kg ± 21.80 kg) were distributed in a completely randomised design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with two types of additives and two finishing systems. In both systems, a concentrate at 1.5% of body weight (BW) on a dry matter (DM) basis containing MON (282.2 mg/animal/day) or OEO (300 mg/animal/day) was offered daily. The final BW (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) were higher in confinement-finished animals than in those finished on pasture (p < 0.01). There was no effect from the finishing system (p ≥ 0.376) or additive (p ≥ 0.057) for hot-carcass weight, hot-carcass yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, or the Longissimus lumborum area. The pH and shear force of the meat did not differ between treatments (p ≥ 0.076). Finishing in confinement resulted in brighter meat than finishing on pasture (p ≤ 0.006). The use of OEO increased the redness of the meat (p ≤ 0.042). Consumer perception (n = 63) of the sensory attributes of aroma, colour, tenderness, flavour and juiciness was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). Heifers finished in confinement or on pasture, with the same proportion of concentrate in the diet and the addition of MON or OEO, presented similar characteristics for both the carcass and the meat. Full article

Background/Objectives: Both HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy contribute to dyslipidemia and abnormal body fat distribution in people living with HIV (PLWH). Exercise training is an effective intervention to protect against these metabolic changes. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the impact of exercise training on lipid metabolism in PLWH. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of high-intensity functional circuit training on the plasma lipidome of PLWH and HIV-negative subjects (control). Methods: PLWH (n = 13) and control (n = 14) were submitted to 8 weeks of exercise training. Body composition, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were measured. Plasma was obtained in a fasting state for lipidomic analysis. Results: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters revealed lower levels of leptin, HDL-C, body fat %, and BMI combined with elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-cell function (HOMA_beta) in PLWH when compared to control subjects that persisted from baseline to post-exercise training. Nonetheless, contrasting levels of adiponectin, fasting insulin, and phosphatidylcholine-containing lipids observed at baseline were equalized after training in PLWH. In control subjects, significant reductions in concentrations of triglycerides alongside phosphatidylinositol and glycosylated ceramides were observed post-exercise training. By contrast, PWLH displayed an increase in diglycerides, acylcarnitines, and free cholesterol levels after exercise training, together with decreased concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesteryl esters, and glycosylated ceramides. Conclusions: In addition to specific lipidome alterations in each group, particularly driven by improved insulin resistance in PLWH, this study showed concomitant modulation of several glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, suggesting health-promoting effects of short-term exercise training. Collectively, these modulated lipid species represent interesting targets for future lipidomic-based studies evaluating not only the effects of exercise training but also the molecular mechanisms resulting in a healthier plasma lipidome profile. Full article

Despite the progressive increase in obesity and associated chronic diseases in children, there is limited evidence on the optimal dosage of most medications for obese children and adolescents. This review analyzes the influence of pathophysiological changes on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and evaluates the body size descriptors used in clinical practice. Patients with obesity present significant pathophysiological alterations, such as a substantial increase in fat/lean mass ratio, increased blood flow and cardiac output, and changes in plasma protein binding, which may affect the volume of distribution of drugs and the adjustment of the loading dose. In these patients, the distribution volume of hydrophilic drugs appears to slightly increase, while it varies widely—depending on the drug and other factors such as affinity for other tissues—for lipophilic drugs. On the other hand, a reduction in tissue perfusion, alterations to liver enzyme activity, and an increase in liver and kidney mass and blood flow have been reported, indicating a possible modification in drug clearance and necessitating adjustments to maintenance regimens. Furthermore, while there are multiple size descriptors, it is difficult to establish a single dosing strategy for the obese population, given the lack of studies confirming the extent of changes in pharmacokinetic processes, which will also depend on the properties of each drug, such as liposolubility and elimination pathways. New strategies need to be developed to characterize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in the obese pediatric population in order to optimize dosing regimens and improve the safety and efficacy of treatments. Full article

This study investigates the reliability and potential genetic utility of data recorded by automatic milking systems by comparing them with official milk recording data. Analyses focused on phenotypic distributions, correlations, systematic differences, and heritability estimates for milk production and quality traits including milk yield, fat and protein percentage, somatic cell count, and electrical conductivity. Automatic milking system data and official milk recording data shared similar distributions. Correlations between the two systems were high for milk yield (r = 0.93), but moderate for fat (r = 0.52) and protein percentage (r = 0.48), and somatic cell count (r = 0.62), suggesting that while the former provides consistent data for quantity traits, quality-related ones may be less reliable. Systematic deviations between automatic milking systems and official milk recordings emerged across different lactation stages. Heritability estimates based on automatic milking system data were generally higher than the official control for production traits, supporting their use in genetic evaluations. Electrical conductivity displayed a similar heritability to somatic cell count, but its measure is insufficiently detailed and its use as an indirect indicator of udder health is not recommended. Automatic milking system data demonstrates potential for integration into genetic selection programs, although further refinement of sensor accuracy is recommended. Full article

This study focused on the preparation of microcapsules that simulate adipose tissue cells via complex coacervation, followed by the formation of block-like fat analogue products through gelation. The results indicated that microcapsules obtained by encapsulating coconut oil with soy protein isolate (SPI) and sodium alginate (SA) through a complex coacervation process could serve as effective fat substitutes in meat products. When the mass ratio of SPI to SA was 3:1, the core-to-wall mass ratio was 1:1, and the total wall material concentration was 3% (w/v), the oil loading rate of the microcapsules reached 39.17%. The particle size of the oil-loaded microcapsules was mainly distributed between 40–180 μm, which was comparable to the size of fat cells in animal adipose tissue. Microcapsules (50%, w/w) were mixed with a 5% (w/v) curdlan dispersion and heated at 95 °C for 60 min to form fat analogues. The fat analogues demonstrated significantly reduced cooking loss, enhanced textural rigidity, and superior chew resistance, achieving performance metrics comparable to those of natural adipose tissue. This dual-phase strategy—combining interfacial engineering of lipid microcapsules with polysaccharide-mediated gelation—provides a promising approach for developing sustainable, plant-based fat alternatives in meat product reformulation. The methodology not only addresses texture and flavour challenges in fat replacement but also enables precise control over lipid content, supporting applications in healthier food systems. Full article

The search for natural alternatives that improve the productive efficiency and metabolic state of dairy cows has driven the use of phytogenic compounds such as silymarin, a flavonolignan extracted from Silybum marianum L. Gaertn with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the effects of silymarin supplementation on the productive performance; milk composition; and ruminal, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative parameters of lactating Jersey cows kept in a confined system with robotic milking. Twelve cows (230 ± 30 days in lactation; 22 ± 3.5 kg/day of milk) were distributed in a crossover design, receiving a control diet (GCON) or a diet supplemented with 5 g/cow/day of silymarin (GSIL) for 28 days in each stage. Silymarin intake did not alter dry matter intake, feed efficiency, or average milk production (p > 0.05), but it increased milk fat content (4.27 × 4.02%; p = 0.05) and, consequently, milk production corrected for 4% fat (24.4 × 23.2 kg/day; p = 0.05). In the rumen environment, cows in the GSIL group showed higher concentrations of acetic acid (57.4 × 48.4 nmol/L), and total short-chain fatty acids (100.2 × 89.4 nmol/L; p = 0.01). Regarding the biochemical profile, silymarin reduced gamma-glutamyltransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as haptoglobin levels, indicating a hepatoprotective effect, combined with a lower inflammatory response in the liver. Oxidative status was improved by decreased levels of TBARS (lipid peroxidation) and reactive oxygen species, as well as myeloperoxidase activity in the serum of cows fed silymarin (p ≤ 0.05), but there was no difference between groups for superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels. The inclusion of silymarin in the diet of lactating Jersey cows improved the antioxidant and hepatic profile, increased milk fat content, and favored ruminal fermentation, suggesting metabolic and productive benefits in confined systems with high physiological demands. Full article