Search Results (995)

This study assessed the effect of replacing animal fat (scalded pork jowl) with a rapeseed oil-based collagen–agar emulsion gel (CAEG) on the quality parameters of model liver pâté-type meat systems. Model pâté batters and baked pâtés were prepared with fat replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The samples were analyzed for pH, color parameters, apparent viscosity, cooking yield, water activity, chemical composition, energy value, TBARS index, shear force, and structure. The use of CAEG as a partial replacer for pork jowl had no significant impact on the pH or color parameters (L*, a*, b*) of the pâté batters. It also did not affect the pH, water activity, cooking yield, or color parameters (L*, a*) of the baked pâtés. Increasing pork jowl replacement reduced pâté batter viscosity and baked product shear force, accompanied by a less fibrous protein network structure, as observed by microscopic analysis. At ≥50% replacement, significant reductions in fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and protein content, energy value, and TBARS levels were observed. However, excessive replacement of pork jowl with CAEG (≥75–100%) negatively affected texture, resulting in softer and less cohesive structures. Overall, the partial replacement of pork jowl with a rapeseed oil-based CAEG can improve nutritional and oxidative properties of liver pâté-type systems, while maintaining acceptable technological quality up to 50% replacement. Full article

The decoupling of dairy production from cropland can increase environmental burdens and constrain the recycling of nutrients in manure in land-limited, purchased-feed-dependent large-scaled dairy farms. This study evaluated the environmental and marginal economic effects of dairy–cropland recoupling using a cradle-to-farm-gate life cycle assessment and a 10,000-iteration Monte Carlo simulation. The observed farm system was used as the reference, and five partial forage-localization scenarios and one land-unconstrained full-localization benchmark were constructed by replacing off-farm domestic or imported forages with nutritionally equivalent farm-grown alternatives. Baseline global warming potential (GWP), nitrogen footprint (NFP), and phosphorus footprint (PFP) were 0.92 kg CO₂e, 9.72 g N, and 0.43 g P per kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk, respectively. Replacing off-farm domestic alfalfa hay with farm-grown alfalfa hay provided the strongest combined environmental performance per unit of supporting cropland, reducing the GWP and NFP by 1.17 kg CO₂e/m² and 2.76 g N/m², respectively, while also achieving the largest PFP reduction among the partial-localization scenarios. In contrast, replacing imported alfalfa hay generated the greatest marginal economic benefit (USD 0.37/m²) but increased the NFP by 0.12 g N/m², revealing a clear environmental–economic trade-off. Full forage localization reduced system-level GWP by 12.0% but required approximately 3731 ha of supporting cropland, far exceeding the farm’s 133 ha site area. The environmental and marginal economic effects of recoupling depended on the displaced forage supply chain and on scenario-specific differences in transportation, manure nutrient recycling, fertilizer substitution, and crop-production inputs. These findings support the partial and priority-based allocation of supporting cropland as a practical strategy for large-scaled dairy farms with similar purchased-feed dependence and land constraints, rather than complete forage self-sufficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Functional secondary hypogonadism is frequent in men with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) produces clinically relevant metabolic benefits remains uncertain. This systematic review evaluated double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials of TRT in obese men with functional secondary hypogonadism and either T2DM or metabolic syndrome. Methods: PubMed and Scopus were searched up to May 2026. Eligible studies enrolled adult men with biochemical hypogonadism and T2DM or metabolic syndrome, compared TRT with placebo, and reported metabolic outcomes. Open-label, single-blind, and non-randomized studies were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2 framework and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: Eight trials were included. The most consistent signal was improvement in body composition, mainly increased lean mass and reduced fat mass. Effects on insulin resistance were favorable in several trials but heterogeneous. GRADE certainty was low for fat mass, lean mass, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and it was very low for clamp-derived insulin sensitivity, HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid outcomes, inflammatory and vascular surrogate markers, and long-term safety. Conclusions: Low-certainty evidence suggests that TRT may improve body composition and HOMA-IR in carefully selected men with functional secondary hypogonadism and metabolic disease, whereas effects on glycemic and lipid outcomes remain very uncertain. TRT should not be regarded as an antidiabetic or lipid-lowering intervention. Larger phenotype-specific trials with longer follow-up are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: AI tools are becoming increasingly common, including in areas related to health and diet. However, there are no studies indicating the nutritional value of diets generated by large language models (LLMs). The aim of this study was to analyse the nutritional value of diets generated by three major language models. Methods: Three LLMs were used in the study: ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot. Using each of these, 35-day meal plans were generated for three energy variants: 2000 kcal, 2500 kcal and 3000 kcal. The meal plans were then analysed using dietary software. Results: All LLMs generated meal plans with an insufficient energy value (p < 0.001, one-sample t-test) by 284–546 kcal, depending on the model and the targeted energy content. The meal plans were characterised by an excessively high proportion of energy from protein and an excessively low proportion of energy from fat. Carbohydrates were planned in the correct amounts. ChatGPT and Copilot generated meal plans with a generally adequate vitamin and mineral content. Gemini generated meal plans that were often deficient, particularly for diets with lower energy values. Conclusions: Diets generated by LLMs have many shortcomings. Unsupervised use of LLM-generated meal plans by non-expert users may produce nutritionally inaccurate diets and should not replace professional dietary counselling. Full article

This study was designed to demonstrate the effect of Pinot Noir grape pomace extract (GPE) on the quality and shelf-life of frankfurter sausages during 35 days of storage at 4 °C. Due the high polyphenolic compounds of GPE, there is an increasing interest in potentially replacing the artificial additives with natural alternatives generated from waste. The GPE was prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Following ultrasound-assisted extraction, the extracts were filtered through filter paper to remove solid residues. The meat batter was divided into four groups: control (NFC) and three experimental batches with 1%, 2%, and 3% Pinot Noir grape pomace extract (FE1, FE2, FE3). Results showed that increasing GPE significantly raised water and protein levels while reducing fat content and water activity (p < 0.05). Except for a decrease in the b* color value, GPE did not notably affect pH, collagen, or L* and a* color parameters. Although the chemical parameters changed, the collagen content remained unchanged, indicating that GPE does not significantly affect connective tissues. The best effect was shown in the sample FE3, which had the highest GPE addition and exhibited the highest protein content (16.46%) and moisture content (64.99%), as well as the lowest water activity (0.93). Microbiologically, GPE reduced aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with all samples remaining safe for up to 28 days. These findings confirm GPE as a viable ingredient for producing safe, high-quality frankfurter sausages. Full article

High-value aviation rotable parts require accurate demand forecasting because each failure simultaneously creates a replacement demand, a repair workload, and a potential aircraft on-ground (AOG) risk. This study develops a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) queuing framework for forecasting demand and optimizing target stock levels under realistic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity constraints. Historical service-engineering records from B737 mechanical engine control (MEC) units are first benchmarked and filtered to retain inherent random failures during the useful-life phase. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test is then used to verify the exponential time-between-failure assumption required by the Markov model. Based on this validated failure-pattern classification, the study derives steady-state probability models for both an ideal $M/M/\infty$ repair system and a finite-capacity $M/M/c$ repair system. The main contribution is not the isolated use of Weibull or exponential reliability models, Markov chains, or inventory optimization, which are established methods, but their auditable integration into an airline rotable-parts workflow that links failure-pattern screening, finite repair capacity, service-level constraints, and engineering validation. The empirical results show that repair bottlenecks shift probability mass toward higher numbers of failed units, create a fat-tailed backlog distribution, and double the required target stock from 6 to 12 MEC units under a 95% service-level requirement. Sensitivity experiments further show that repair turnaround time, fleet size, and MRO channel capacity jointly determine the inventory-capacity cost trade-off. The proposed framework provides an interpretable decision tool for airlines to align spare-part procurement with actual repair-system performance. Full article

Sucrose plays a critical role in fat-continuous confectionery systems such as cocoa–hazelnut spreads by contributing to sweetness, texture, flow behavior, particle interactions, and overall sensory quality. In this study, sucrose was replaced with fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) at replacement levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% in cocoa–hazelnut spread formulations. The effects of these substitutions on physicochemical, textural, and rheological properties, particle size distribution, color parameters, estimated glycemic index (eGI), and sensory characteristics were investigated. Sucrose replacement significantly altered the structural and rheological properties of the spread matrix depending on both the type of oligosaccharide and the level of substitution. Formulations containing FOS exhibited more pronounced reductions in firmness and sensory acceptability at higher replacement levels. In contrast, IMO-containing formulations better preserved particle dispersion, viscoelastic stability, and overall sensory quality, particularly at low to moderate substitution levels. However, complete replacement of sucrose showed an adverse effect on taste and spreadability in both oligosaccharide systems. Both oligosaccharides contributed to a reduction in the eGI values. The eGI decreased from 50.71 to 39.90 in FOS-containing formulations and from 51.39 to 41.94 in IMO-containing formulations. These findings suggest that FOS is more effective in lowering the eGI, whereas IMO demonstrates greater potential for maintaining the technological and sensory quality of cocoa–hazelnut spreads when used as a partial sucrose replacer. Full article

Background: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with adverse outcomes in sepsis, but risk stratification within MASLD remains insufficiently defined. We investigated whether an admission liver–metabolic phenotype framework combining cardiometabolic burden with liver injury/fibroinflammatory risk markers identifies clinically relevant organ-support vulnerability in community-acquired sepsis. Methods: This secondary analysis of the prospective SepsisFAT cohort (378 adults with community-acquired sepsis) classified patients into four phenotypes by cardiometabolic burden (≥2 of: diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and liver-risk positivity (FIB-4 ≥ 2.67, APRI ≥ 1.0, liver stiffness ≥ 10 kPa, or FAST ≥ 0.55). The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI), while continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), other organ-support outcomes and in-hospital mortality were secondary endpoints. Results: Phenotype distribution was Low-risk 137 (36.2%), Cardiometabolic-only 84 (22.2%), Liver-dominant 88 (23.3%), and Mixed liver–cardiometabolic 69 (18.3%). AKI and CRRT increased across phenotypes (13.9% to 40.6% and 5.1% to 26.1%, respectively), and in-hospital mortality was highest in the Mixed phenotype (26.1%). After Firth-penalized adjustment for age, sex, and admission SOFA, the Mixed phenotype remained independently associated with AKI (aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.37–5.90) and CRRT (aOR 3.87, 1.50–10.80), confirmed in non-renal SOFA and admission eGFR-adjusted sensitivity analyses. Cardiometabolic burden alone did not confer excess organ-support risk. The same gradient persisted within the MASLD subgroup. Conclusions: Admission liver–metabolic phenotyping identified a renal-vulnerable sepsis subgroup not captured by binary MASLD classification alone. These findings support prospective, multicenter external validation of liver–metabolic phenotyping as a pragmatic approach to renal risk stratification in community-acquired sepsis. Full article

This study evaluates the feasibility of using coffee silverskin flour (CSF) as a milk cream replacer in full-fat ice cream to enhance its nutritional and functional profile. Two formulations were developed by replacing milk cream with CSF at levels of 15.78% (SSIC25) and 31.56% (SSIC50). Results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in fat content, decreasing from 10.14 g/100 g in the control sample to 5.91 g/100 g in SSIC50. Concurrently, total dietary fiber increased significantly from 3.22 to 7.34 g/100 g. The incorporation of CSF also enriched the mineral profile, with calcium and potassium levels increasing by 27.77% and 38.56% in SSIC50, respectively. Bioactive compounds were notably enhanced; caffeine content reached 335.25 mg/100 g, and caffeic acid derivatives reached 69.51 mg/100 g in the highest substitution level. Physicochemical analysis revealed that overrun increased significantly from 29.2% to 52.17%, while the melting rate remained unaffected. Sensory evaluation indicated that although CSF increased bitterness and grittiness, the SSIC25 formulation maintained favorable consumer acceptance scores (>6.0). In conclusion, coffee silverskin flour serves as a sustainable, health-promoting ingredient for frozen desserts, with a 15.78% replacement level identified as the optimal threshold for balancing nutritional improvement and sensory acceptance. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of replacing alfalfa hay with sulla [Sulla coronaria (L.) B.H. Choi & H. Ohashi] hay or sulla haylage in pasture-based diets for lactating Sarda ewes on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient utilization efficiency. Seventy-two mid-lactation ewes were assigned to three dietary treatments for 56 days—alfalfa hay (AH), sulla hay (SH), or sulla haylage (SHL)—all combined with 3 h/day grazing and a fixed amount of supplemental concentrate. The diets were formulated to be theoretically isoenergetic and isoproteic. Pasture nutritive value was generally comparable among the groups throughout the experimental period. Milk yield did not differ among treatments; however, fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) and milk fat and protein concentrations were higher in AH compared with the sulla-based diets. Actual nutrient intake differed among treatments, with nitrogen intake (NI) being greatest in AH, consistent with the higher milk urea concentration observed in this group. Estimated apparent energy utilization efficiency (FPCM/UFL intake) showed treatment-associated differences in exploratory analyses, with lower values observed in SH compared with AH and SHL. Similarly, exploratory estimates of apparent nitrogen utilization efficiency (Milk N/NI) were highest in SHL, intermediate in SH, and lowest in AH (p < 0.001). Condensed tannins were not detected in the conserved sulla forages under the analytical conditions adopted in this study. Therefore, the observed responses were unlikely to be directly associated with detectable condensed tannin activity. Overall, the results suggest that forage conservation method may influence milk composition and estimated apparent nutrient utilization indices, with sulla haylage showing higher exploratory estimates of apparent nitrogen utilization efficiency without negative effects on milk yield under the conditions of the present study. Full article

The human APOE gene is polymorphic with three major alleles that encode apolipoprotein (apo) E2, apoE3, and apoE4. Both apoE2 and apoE4 are associated with increased atherosclerosis risk. This study utilized human APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 gene replacement mice and single-cell RNA sequencing approach to delineate the mechanisms underlying this association. The human APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 mice were fed a Western-type high fat–cholesterol diet for 16 weeks. Hyperlipidemia and significant atherosclerosis were observed in APOE2 mice but not in APOE3 or APOE4 mice. However, increased vascular inflammation was observed in both APOE2 and APOE4 mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing followed by cluster analysis identified 25 major cell types in the aorta that include various immune cell types, endothelial cells, and various vascular mural cell subsets. Results showed that cells from the APOE2 mice were enriched with genes associated with intracellular lipid accumulation and inflammation, whereas cells from the APOE4 mice displayed elevated oxidative- and/or endoplasmic reticulum-stress and inflammatory response. Thus, apoE2 accelerates atherosclerosis by inducing diet-induced hyperlipidemia and inflammation, while apoE4 does not induce hyperlipidemia but enhances inflammation that may prime the vasculature for atherosclerosis development. The distinct mechanisms by which apoE2 and apoE4 promote atherosclerosis underscore the importance of including apoE genotype information in the design of therapeutics for atherosclerosis intervention. Full article

The present study evaluated the feasibility of replacing soy protein isolate with collagen and plasma proteins, either individually or in combination with κ-carrageenan, xanthan gum, and sodium tripolyphosphate, in an emulsion-type pork sausage, based on selected physicochemical, compositional, and textural quality parameters. Six formulations were produced, including a control and five reformulated variants in which soy protein was fully replaced by a mixture of collagen (1.88%) and plasma proteins (3.4%), used alone or supplemented with κ-carrageenan (1.0%), xanthan gum (0.2%), and sodium tripolyphosphate (0.2%). Moisture, protein, fat and collagen contents, color, pH, and sensory properties were analyzed after processing, while TBARS values and textural properties were assessed initially and after 30 days of storage. As a result of the reformulation, collagen content increased by 32.35–40.33%, while the collagen-to-protein ratio remained within legal limits (<20%). Soy protein replacement increased textural parameters, including hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, and shear force. Carrageenan and sodium tripolyphosphate enhanced texture and oxidative stability, whereas xanthan gum negatively affected texture quality and sensory acceptance. The formulation containing collagen, plasma proteins, carrageenan (1%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (0.2%) achieved the highest sensory scores, comparable to those of the control. The results show that replacing soy protein in an emulsion-type pork sausage is feasible when using optimized combinations of collagen, plasma proteins, and κ-carrageenan systems. Full article

This study aimed to develop low-fat acerola ice creams enriched with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) at concentrations of 6% and 12% and supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. Three formulations were prepared by partially or totally replacing fat with PHGG. After preparation, the ice creams were stored at −18 °C and evaluated over 180 days. Physicochemical analyses showed no differences in pH, acidity, moisture, or ash content among the samples. However, soluble solids and fat content varied depending on the PHGG level. The melting rate remained stable, while overrun increased proportionally with PHGG incorporation. Rheologically, PHGG addition significantly enhanced consistency. Microbiological analyses confirmed that all samples complied with safety standards. The ice creams exhibited symbiotic potential, maintaining L. rhamnosus GG viability > 8 log CFU/g for up to 180 days. In simulated gastrointestinal resistance tests, probiotic survival increased with PHGG concentration. After one day, counts during the enteric phase were 3.87, 6.20, and 6.08 log CFU/g for 0%, 6%, and 12% PHGG, respectively. After 180 days, the counts were 1.98, 4.41, and 3.25 log CFU/g, with corresponding survival rates of 47%, 84%, and 78% after one day, and 36%, 53%, and 42% after 180 days. Sensory analysis with 121 untrained panelists revealed no significant differences in aroma and taste. However, samples with higher fat content were better accepted in terms of appearance, texture, and purchase intent. Overall, partial fat replacement with PHGG proved effective in reducing fat while maintaining quality and enhancing probiotic stability, supporting its potential for functional low-fat foods. Full article

The valorization of winemaking by-products is a sustainable strategy consistent with circular bioeconomy principles and current public health priorities. This study aimed to evaluate residual oenological yeast sediment from local Moldovan grape varieties, Viorica and Fetească Regală, as a multifunctional ingredient and partial fat replacer in muffins. Sunflower oil was replaced with wine lees (WL) at 20%, 35%, and 50%, and the obtained products were analyzed in terms of physicochemical, nutritional, microbiological, colorimetric, and sensory characteristics. WL incorporation reduced the caloric value by up to 10% and decreased lipid content, while contributing to higher protein and dietary fiber levels. Moisture values remained within acceptable limits, whereas titratable acidity increased with the substitution level (p < 0.05). Muffin density showed a slight increase, and water absorption capacity improved markedly, reaching 269%, mainly due to the fiber-rich composition of WL. Color analysis indicated reduced lightness and increased redness, associated with yeast pigments and thermal reactions during baking. Microbiological results showed lower total viable counts with increasing WL addition; however, the 50% substitution level exceeded the permissible limits for yeasts and molds. Sensory evaluation indicated that the muffin with 20% WL was the most acceptable sample. Overall, WL may be considered a promising sustainable ingredient for developing reduced-fat muffins with improved nutritional value. Full article

Background: Visceral fat accumulation is strongly associated with metabolic disorders, particularly in Japanese adults who accumulate visceral fat even at lower body mass index levels. Sorghum is a whole grain rich in resistant starch and polyphenols, which may influence visceral fat area (VFA). This exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of 12-week sorghum consumption on VFA and metabolic parameters in Japanese adults with visceral fat accumulation. Methods: This single-arm intervention trial included adults aged 20–60 years with VFA ≥ 100 cm² and no ongoing medical treatment. Participants consumed cooked sorghum (80 g/day, dry weight) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric variables, VFA, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers were assessed before and after the intervention. Dietary intake was evaluated using a three-day food record. Pre- and post-intervention values were compared using paired t-tests. Results: Nine participants completed the study. VFA significantly decreased after 12 weeks of sorghum consumption (p = 0.02). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels showed a non-significant reduction, while other metabolic and hepatic biomarkers remained stable. No adverse changes were observed in dietary intake or physical activity. Eight of nine participants exhibited reductions in VFA. Conclusions: Daily sorghum consumption may contribute to reductions in VFA and improvements in liver-related biomarkers in Japanese adults with visceral fat accumulation. These findings provide preliminary evidence that partially replacing major carbohydrate sources with sorghum may support visceral fat management. Further confirmation in randomized controlled trials is warranted. Full article