Search Results (4,174)

Wild edible mushrooms are increasingly recognised for their nutritional and therapeutic potential, owing to their richness in bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni) in Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, and Leccinum scabrum collected from two forested regions of north-western Poland differing in anthropogenic influence and soil characteristics. The analysis encompassed structural polysaccharides (β- and α-glucans, chitin), carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, phenolic and organic acids. B. edulis exhibited the highest β-glucan and lycopene contents, but also the greatest cadmium accumulation. I. badia was distinguished by elevated ascorbic and citric acid levels and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, while L. scabrum showed the highest ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacities and accumulated quinic acid and catechin. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic acids, while cadmium levels were inversely associated with antioxidant potential and positively correlated with chitin. Although all metal concentrations remained within EU food safety limits, B. edulis showed consistent cadmium bioaccumulation. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of species selection and sourcing location when considering wild mushrooms for consumption or processing, particularly in the context of nutritional value and contaminant load. Importantly, regular or excessive consumption of B. edulis may result in exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) levels for cadmium and nickel, which warrants particular attention from a food safety perspective. These findings underscore the influence of species-specific traits and environmental conditions on mushroom biochemical profiles and support their potential as functional foods, provided that metal contents are adequately monitored. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Very elderly patients are at a heightened risk of developing AKI. Fibrinogen and albumin are well-known biomarkers of inflammation and nutrition, which are highly related to AKI. We aim to explore the predictive value of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) for AKI in very elderly patients with AMI. Methods: A retrospective cohort of AMI patients ≥ 75 years old hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between January 2018 and December 2022 was established. Clinical data and medication information were collected through the biospecimen information resource center at the hospital. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between FAR and the risk of AKI in patients with AMI. FAR was calculated as the ratio of fibrinogen (FIB) to serum albumin (ALB) level (FAR = FIB/ALB). The primary outcome is acute kidney injury, which was diagnosed based on KDIGO 2012 criteria. Results: Among 1236 patients enrolled, 66.8% of them were male, the median age was 80.00 years (77.00–83.00), and acute kidney injury occurred in 18.8% (n = 232) of the cohort. Comparative analysis revealed significant disparities in clinical characteristics between patients with or without AKI. Patients with AKI exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of arrhythmia (51.9% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.001) and lower average systolic blood pressure (115.77 ± 25.96 vs. 122.64 ± 22.65 mmHg, p = 0.013). In addition, after adjusting for age, sex, history of hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and other factors, FAR remained an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.36–1.58). ROC analysis shows that FAR predicted stage 2–3 AKI with superior accuracy (AUC 0.94, NPV 98.6%) versus any AKI (AUC 0.79, NPV 93.0%), enabling risk-stratified management. Conclusions: FAR serves as both a high-sensitivity screening tool for any AKI and a high-specificity sentinel for severe AKI, with NPV-driven thresholds guiding resource allocation in the fragile elderly. Full article

Wellington, New Zealand, is highly vulnerable to disaster-induced food security crises due to its geography and geological characteristics, which can disrupt transportation and isolate the city following disasters. Urban agriculture (UA) has been proposed as a potential alternative food source for post-disaster scenarios. This study examined the potential of urban agriculture for enhancing post-disaster food security by calculating vegetable self-sufficiency rates. Specifically, it evaluated the capacity of current Wellington’s community gardens to meet post-disaster vegetable demand in terms of both weight and nutrient content. Data collection employed mixed methods with questionnaires, on-site observations and mapping, and collecting high-resolution aerial imagery. Garden yields were estimated using self-reported data supported by literature benchmarks, while cultivated areas were quantified through on-site mapping and aerial imagery analysis. Six post-disaster food demand scenarios were used based on different target populations to develop an understanding of the range of potential produce yields. Weight-based results show that community gardens currently supply only 0.42% of the vegetable demand for residents living within a five-minute walk. This rate increased to 2.07% when specifically targeting only vulnerable populations, and up to 10.41% when focusing on gardeners’ own households. However, at the city-wide level, the current capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed people remained limited. Nutrient-based self-sufficiency was lower than weight-based results; however, nutrient intake is particularly critical for vulnerable populations after disasters, underscoring the greater challenge of ensuring adequate nutrition through current urban food production. Beyond self-sufficiency, this study also addressed the role of UA in promoting food diversity and acceptability, as well as its social and psychological benefits based on the questionnaires and on-site observations. The findings indicate that community gardens contribute meaningfully to post-disaster food security for gardeners and nearby residents, particularly for vulnerable groups with elevated nutritional needs. Despite the current limited capacity of community gardens to provide enough produce to feed residents, findings suggest that Wellington could enhance post-disaster food self-reliance by diversifying UA types and optimizing land-use to increase food production during and after a disaster. Realizing this potential will require strategic interventions, including supportive policies, a conducive social environment, and diversification—such as the including private yards—all aimed at improving food access, availability, and nutritional quality during crises. The primary limitation of this study is the lack of comprehensive data on urban agriculture in Wellington and the wider New Zealand context. Addressing this data gap should be a key focus for future research to enable more robust assessments and evidence-based planning. Full article

Hericium coralloides is a highly valued gourmet and medicinal species with growing market demand across East Asia, though industrial production remains limited by cultivation challenges. This study investigated the molecular characteristics, biological traits, domestication potential, and cultivation protocols of Hericium coralloides strains collected from the Changbaishan Nature Reserve (Jiling, China). Optimal conditions for mycelial growth included mannose as the preferred carbon source, peptone as the nitrogen source, 30 °C incubation temperature, pH 5.5, and magnesium sulfate as the essential inorganic salt. The fruiting bodies had a protein content of 2.43% g/100 g (fresh sample meter). Total amino acids comprised 53.3% of the total amino acid profile, while essential amino acids accounted for 114.11% relative to non-essential amino acids, indicating high nutritional value. Under optimized domestication conditions—70% hardwood chips, 20% cottonseed hulls, 8% bran, 1% malic acid, and 1% gypsum—bags reached full colonization in 28 days, with a 15-day maturation phase and initial fruiting occurring after 12–14 days. The interval between flushes was 10–12 days. The average yield reached 318.65 ± 31.74 g per bag, with a biological conversion rate of 63.73%. These findings demonstrate that Hericium coralloides possesses significant potential for edible and commercial applications. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation and resource reference for its artificial cultivation, supporting its broader industrial and economic utilization. Full article

Modern meat processing faces several challenges, including high resource consumption, environmental impact, and the need to enhance the nutritional and biological value of finished products. In this context, interest is growing in functional plant-based ingredients capable of improving the quality of meat products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding 0.01% hemp protein powder and 0.01% sea buckthorn extract (based on the weight of unsalted raw material) on the nutritional, technological, and microbiological characteristics of cooked-smoked sausages. The results demonstrated an increase in total protein content, a 2.5-fold rise in tocopherol levels, as well as a 17.9% improvement in the Amino Acid Score of threonine and a 2.48% increase in the biological value of protein. Samples enriched with plant-based components exhibited enhanced organoleptic properties and greater storage stability over 36 days. In addition, extrusion parameters for the production of the protein additive were optimized, resulting in a stable functional ingredient. Full article

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is a medicinal and edible homologous plant whose roots contain many bioactive substances such as polysaccharides and phenolics. This study explored the integration of burdock powder and lactic acid bacteria fermentation to enhance the nutritional quality, sensory attributes, and flavor profiles of duck sausages. Three bacterial strains, Lacticaseibacillus casei, L. helveticus, and L. plantarum, were selected based on sensory analysis, and their effects on sausage properties were evaluated through combined fermentation trials. The results demonstrated that duck sausages fermented with L. plantarum and L. helveticus and supplemented with 3% burdock powder (PHB group) exhibited > 1.5-fold higher antioxidant activity (ABTS at 85.2 μmol trolox/g and DPPH at 92.7 μmol trolox/g, respectively; p < 0.05) and 15% increase in total phenolic content (8.24 mg gallic acid/g) compared to non-fermented counterparts. The PHB formulation also enhanced color stability (lightness, redness, yellowness), textural characteristics (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness), and sensory acceptability. Volatile compound analysis revealed a reduction in off-odor aldehydes (hexanal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-decenal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal) and increased production of desirable aromatic compounds like tetramethyl-pyrazine. These findings highlight the potential of combining lactic acid bacteria fermentation with burdock powder to develop functional duck sausages with improved nutritional and sensory properties. Full article

Artificial gynogenesis is an essential technique for aquaculture breeding. Fertile offspring of the WuLi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Quanzhounensis, 2n = 100, WLC) were successfully produced via gynogenesis using ultraviolet-irradiated sperm from the blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala, 2n = 48, BSB). As anticipated, gonadal section examination confirmed that all gynogenetic WuLi carp (2n = 100, GWB) were female. To investigate whether paternal DNA fragments from BSB were integrated into the GWB genome, comparative analyses of morphological traits, DNA content, chromosomal numbers, 5S rDNA sequences, microsatellite DNA markers, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), growth performance and nutritional composition were systematically conducted between GWB and maternal WLC. The results revealed pronounced maternal inheritance patterns across morphological characteristics, DNA quantification, chromosomal configurations, 5S rDNA sequences and FISH signals, while microsatellite detection unequivocally confirmed paternal BSB DNA fragment integration into the GWB genome. Remarkably, GWB demonstrated significantly superior growth performance and elevated unsaturated fatty acid content relative to the maternal line. This approach not only addressed germplasm degradation in WLC but also provided valuable theoretical foundations for breeding programs in this commercially significant species. Full article

This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia–alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log₁₀ CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia–alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated L. reuteri, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems. Full article

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) is a serious complication arising from advanced gastric or pancreatic head cancer, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life by disrupting oral intake and inducing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. With benign causes such as peptic ulcer disease on the decline, malignancies now account for 50–80% of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) cases globally. This review outlines the pathophysiology, evolving epidemiology, and treatment modalities for MGOO. Therapeutic approaches include conservative management, endoscopic stenting, surgical gastrojejunostomy (GJ), stomach partitioning gastrojejunostomy (SPGJ), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE). While endoscopic stenting offers rapid symptom relief with minimal invasiveness, it has higher rates of re-obstruction. Surgical options like GJ and SPGJ provide more durable palliation, especially for patients with longer expected survival. SPGJ, a modified surgical technique, demonstrates reduced incidence of delayed gastric emptying and may improve postoperative oral intake and survival compared to conventional GJ. EUS-GE represents a promising, minimally invasive alternative that combines surgical durability with endoscopic efficiency, although long-term data remain limited. Treatment selection should consider patient performance status, tumor characteristics, prognosis, and institutional resources. This comprehensive review underscores the need for individualized, multidisciplinary decision-making to optimize symptom relief, nutritional status, and overall outcomes in patients with MGOO. Full article

Low-commercial-value natural pistachios (broken, closed, or immature) can be revalorised through oil extraction, obtaining a high-quality oil and partially defatted flour as by-product. This study evaluated the techno-functional and nutritional properties of the flours obtained by hydraulic press (HP) and single-screw press (SSP) systems, combined with pretreatment at 25 °C and 60 °C. The extraction method significantly influenced flour’s characteristics, underscoring the need to tailor processing conditions to the specific technological requirements of each food application. HP-derived flours presented lighter colour, greater tocopherol content, and higher water absorption capacity (up to 2.75 g/g), suggesting preservation of hydrophilic proteins. SSP-derived flours showed higher concentration of protein (44 g/100 g), fibre (12 g/100 g), and minerals, and improved emulsifying properties, enhancing their suitability for emulsified products. Pretreatment at 25 °C enhanced functional properties such as swelling power (~7.0 g/g) and water absorption index (~5.7 g/g). The SSP system achieved the highest oil extraction yield, with no significant effect of pretreatment temperature. The oils extracted showed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid (~48% of ω-9), highlighting their nutritional and industrial value. The findings support the valorisation of pistachio oil extraction by-products as functional food ingredients, offering a promising strategy for reducing food waste and promoting circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pica, the compulsive ingestion of non-nutritive substances, has long been observed in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This behavior is particularly noted in adults, including pregnant women, and poses both diagnostic and management challenges. We conducted a review of studies from the past decade to evaluate the epidemiology and nature of pica in adult IDA patients and the outcome of various treatment strategies on anemia and pica behaviors. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed articles (including observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews) published in English between 2015 and 2025. Inclusion criteria targeted studies of adult populations with IDA that reported on pica prevalence, characteristics, or treatment outcomes. We also reviewed clinical guidelines and meta-analyses on IDA treatment in adults for recommended management approaches. Results: Pica was found to be a prevalent symptom among individuals with IDA, but was readily treatable with appropriate iron deficiency treatment. Among treatment options, both oral and parenteral iron supplementation were found to be effective in resolving iron deficiency and pica. Choice of treatment depends on tolerance to oral iron, speed of resolution required, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Pica is closely intertwined with IDA; our review highlighted the prevalence of pica among individuals with IDA, which serves as both a clinical clue to underlying anemia and a potential source of complications. Crucially, the treatment of IDA is also effective for pica. We recommend oral iron therapy on alternate-day dosing as first-line therapy to minimize side effects, alongside dietary optimization. If IDA and pica are resistant to oral iron supplementation or oral iron cannot be tolerated, parenteral iron therapy can be considered. Full article

Understanding the metabolic characteristics of pineapple varieties is crucial for market expansion and diversity. This study performed comparative metabolomic analysis on the “Comte de Paris” (BL) and three Taiwan-introduced varieties: “Tainong No. 11” (XS), “Tainong No. 23” (MG), and “Tainong No. 13” (DM). A total of 551 metabolites were identified across the four varieties, with 231 metabolites exhibiting no significant differences between all varieties. This included major sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as key acids like citric, malic, and quinic acids, indicating that the in-season maturing fruits of different pineapple varieties can all achieve good sugar–acid accumulation under suitable conditions. The differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) that were identified among the four varieties all primarily belonged to several major subclasses, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, but the preferentially accumulated metabolites in each variety varied greatly. Specifically, branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine) and many DAMs in the flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignan, and coumarin categories were most abundant in MG, which might contribute to its distinct and enriched flavor and nutritional value. XS, meanwhile, exhibited a notable accumulation of aromatic amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan), various phenolic acids, and many lignans and coumarins, which may be related to its unique flavor profile. In DM, the dominant accumulation of jasmonic acid might contribute to its greater adaptability to low temperatures during autumn and winter, allowing off-season fruits to maintain good quality. The main cultivar BL exhibited the highest accumulation of L-ascorbic acid and many relatively abundant flavonoids, making it a good choice for antioxidant benefits. These findings offer valuable insights for promoting different varieties and advancing metabolome-based pineapple improvement programs. Full article

Pork is a major global source of animal protein, and improving both its production efficiency and meat quality is a central goal in modern animal agriculture and food systems. This study investigated post-inflection-point growth patterns in two genetically distinct pig breeds—the lean-type Yorkshire pig (YP) and the fatty-type Qingyu pig (QYP)—with the aim of elucidating breed-specific characteristics that influence pork quality and yield. Comprehensive evaluations of carcass traits, meat quality attributes, nutritional composition, and gene expression profiles were conducted. After the growth inflection point, carcass traits exhibited greater variability than meat quality traits in both breeds, though with distinct patterns. YPs displayed superior muscle development, with the longissimus muscle area (LMA) increasing rapidly before plateauing at ~130 kg, whereas QYPs maintained more gradual but sustained muscle growth. In contrast, intramuscular fat (IMF)—a key determinant of meat flavor and texture—accumulated faster in YPs post inflection but plateaued earlier in QYPs. Correlation and clustering analyses revealed more synchronized regulation of meat quality traits in QYPs, while YPs showed greater trait variability. Gene expression patterns aligned with these phenotypic trends, highlighting distinct regulatory mechanisms for muscle and fat development in each breed. In addition, based on the growth curves, we calculated the peak age at which the growth rate declined in lean-type and fat-type pigs, which was approximately 200 days for YPs and around 270 days for QYPs. This suggests that these ages may represent the optimal slaughter times for the respective breeds, balancing both economic efficiency and meat quality. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing pork quality through precision management and offer theoretical guidance for developing breed-specific feeding strategies, slaughter timing, and value-added pork production tailored to consumer preferences in the modern food market. Full article

Daphnis nerii cypovirus-23 (DnCPV-23) is a new type of cypovirus that has a lethal effect on many species of Sphingidae pests. DnCPV-23 can replicate in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells, but the replication characteristics of the virus in this cell line are still unclear. To determine the replication characteristics of DnCPV-23 in Sf9 cells, uninfected Sf9 cells and Sf9 cells at 24 and 72 h after DnCPV-23 infection were collected for transcriptome analysis. Compared to uninfected Sf9 cells, a total of 188 and 595 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Sf9 cells collected at 24 hpi and 72 h, respectively. KEGG analyses revealed that 139 common DEGs in two treatment groups were related to nutrition and energy metabolism-related processes, cell membrane integrity and function-related pathways, detoxification-related pathways, growth and development-related pathways, and so on. We speculated that these cellular processes might be manipulated by viruses to promote replication. This study provides an important basis for further in-depth research on the mechanism of interaction between viruses and hosts. It provides additional basic information for the future exploitation of DnCPV-23 as a biological insecticide. Full article

This study investigates the potential of using downgraded chestnuts, which are unsuitable for commercial sale, from five distinct Greek regions to produce chestnut flour and formulate gluten-free biscuits. Chestnuts were dried and milled into flour, which was then used as the sole flour ingredient in the biscuit formulation, in order to assess its nutritional and functional contribution. The moisture, lipid, protein, and ash contents were analyzed in chestnut flour samples, which showed significant regional differences. Chestnut flour biscuits (CFB) were compared to wheat flour biscuits (WFB). CFB exhibited significantly higher ash content (3.01% compared to 0.94% in WFB) and greater antioxidant capacity, with DPPH scavenging activity reaching 70.83%, as opposed to 61.67% in WFB, while maintaining similar moisture and lipid levels. Although CFB showed slightly lower protein content, the elevated mineral and phenolic compound levels contributed to its functional value. These findings indicate that downgraded chestnuts can be upcycled into gluten-free bakery products with improved functional characteristics. Given their antioxidant activity and mineral content, chestnut flour biscuits may serve as a valuable option for gluten-free diets, supporting circular economy principles and reducing food waste. Full article