Search Results (7,136)

Law enforcement officers experience substantial occupational stressors that increase vulnerability to food addiction and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may be compounded by adverse local environments. This study examined associations among county-level environmental factors, food addiction, and cardiometabolic profiles among North Carolina law enforcement officers. Participants included 330 officers (mean age = 37.98 years; mean BMI = 30.53 kg/m²) who completed the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and underwent assessments of anthropometrics, blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose. County-level Food Environment Index (FEI) scores and counts of fast-food restaurants, recreation and fitness facilities, and crime events were obtained from public data sources. Comparative analyses evaluated differences by county type and region, and BMI- and sex-adjusted regression models assessed associations among environmental factors, food addiction symptoms, and cardiometabolic profiles. Rural counties had significantly poorer FEI scores than suburban and urban counties, and rural officers reported the highest food addiction symptoms. Lower FEI scores were significantly associated with greater food addiction symptoms, which were, in turn, associated with higher adiposity and lower triglyceride levels. The findings support associations between food addiction and CVD risk, while underscoring potential influences of food environments on food addiction, warranting further investigation using more precise and up-to-date measures. Full article

We reported a simplified one-step emulsification strategy to prepare bi-continuous emulsions with a gel-like property using the pH-responsive self-assembled aggregates of an amphiphilic random copolymer poly (styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (P(St-co-MAA)) as the interfacial stabilizers. Using caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) as the oil phase, 1.0% P(St-co-MAA) aqueous solution with a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 as the water phase, and an oil/water phase ratio of 6:4, bi-continuous emulsions could be formed directly through one-step emulsification. Systematic characterization with a fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope, and confocal laser scanning microscope confirmed the formation of the bi-continuous emulsions. The three-phase contact angle measurements confirmed that the surface wettability of the self-assembled aggregates changed with pH, and the three-phase contact angles of the bi-continuous emulsions formed at a pH between 7.0 and 8.0 were close to 90°. Furthermore, rheological analysis of the bi-continuous emulsion showed the storage modulus (G′) dominating over the loss modulus (G″), which verified that the bi-continuous emulsion was attributed to the existence of a three-dimensional elastic gel network. The pH-dependent wettability of the self-assembled aggregates as the stabilizers enabled pH to control the emulsion type from O/W to bi-continuous to W/O. The work provides a simple, rapid, and robust approach to preparing bi-continuous emulsions without intricate particle modifications and cumbersome procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the triglyceride-glucose index with body mass index (TyG-BMI) and the triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio for predicting the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Data from patients diagnosed with OSA were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. The participants were stratified into two groups: OSA alone and OSA with MASLD. The clinical characteristics and polysomnography data were collected. TyG-BMI and TG/HDL-C ratios were categorized into tertiles. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to identify risk factors and assess their predictive performance for MASLD in OSA. Results: Among the 133 patients with OSA, 104 (78.2%) were diagnosed with MASLD. Multivariate analysis identified alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and TyG-BMI as independent risk factors for MASLD development in patients with OSA. Both TyG-BMI and TG/HDL-C ratio were significant predictors of MASLD in this patient population. The optimal cut-off values for TyG-BMI and TG/HDL-C ratio were 0.546 (sensitivity, 79.6%; specificity, 75.0%) and 0.539 (sensitivity, 93.2%; specificity, 60.7%), respectively. Combining TyG-BMI with ALT improved the predictive accuracy, yielding a cutoff of 0.696 (sensitivity, 76.7%; specificity, 92.9%). Similarly, the combination of TG/HDL-C ratio with ALT resulted in a cutoff value of 0.728 (sensitivity, 83.5%; specificity, 89.3%). Conclusions: TyG-BMI and the TG/HDL-C ratio are effective predictors of MASLD in patients with OSA. A combined model incorporating these indices with ALT levels demonstrated enhanced predictive accuracy for MASLD in this population. These indices are well-suited for risk stratification in resource-constrained settings facing a rising dual burden of OSA and MASLD. Full article

Respiratory viral infections such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 induce complex immune responses characterized by dysregulated cytokine production, which may influence disease severity and lead to post-infection immunometabolic alterations. However, comparative data on local epithelial and systemic immune responses during acute infection and recovery remain limited. Objective: To evaluate the expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and interleukins IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells from patients with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals who recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A total of 120 participants were distributed into four groups (control, influenza, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, and symptomatic COVID-19; n = 30 per group), in addition to 90 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. COVID-19 and influenza diagnoses were established by the treating physician based on clinical presentation and confirmed by RT–qPCR. Cytokine gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR, and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured using automated analyzers. Results: The asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 group showed significantly increased expression of IFN-γ (p = 0.0001), TNF-α (p = 0.0007), and IL-4 (p = 0.01). Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 exhibited elevated erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, along with increased glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels, while no significant alterations in liver function markers were observed. Conclusions:Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections are associated with distinct epithelial cytokine expression profiles during acute infection, and COVID-19 recovery is characterized by persistent immunometabolic alterations, suggesting prolonged systemic effects beyond viral clearance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human milk (HM) is recognized as the optimal source of infant nutrition, particularly during the first six months of life. While its nutritional aspects and bioactive components are well studied, the HM metabolome remains less understood, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study utilized targeted metabolomics for HM profiling and investigated associations of the HM metabolome with maternal and infant characteristics. Methods: In total, 267 HM samples and demographic data from mothers participating in the Maternal and environmental Impact assessment on Neurodevelopment in Early childhood years (MINE) study were collected during enrolment (up to 6-months postpartum) and analyzed using the MxP^® Quant 500 targeted metabolomics kit from Biocrates. Results: A total of 440 metabolites were quantified, mostly lipids such as triglycerides (59.73%), phosphatidylcholines (14.25%), and diglycerides (8.49%), and small molecules including amino acids (26.67%), amino acid-related compounds (21.33%), hexosylceramides (17.33%), and fatty acids (14.67%). Maternal age was positively correlated with a wide range of metabolites, mainly cholesteryl esters, sphingomyelins, triglycerides, and acylcarnitines, while child age was associated with metabolites belonging to acylcarnitine, phosphatidyl-choline, ceramide, diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, and triglyceride classes. Child’s gender was associated with metabolites, including ceramides, phosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the metabolites were significantly enriched in valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; arginine biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and glutathione metabolism; however, these reflect annotation-based clustering rather than evidence of active metabolic processes in HM. Conclusions: The HM metabolome varies with maternal and infant characteristics, particularly infant age, reflecting cross-sectional differences in milk composition among mother–infant dyads. Enrichment of metabolites annotated to amino acid and antioxidant-related pathways highlights coordinated representation of nutritionally relevant compounds. These findings provide new insight into the factors shaping HM composition in a low- and middle-income populations. Full article

Tachykinins (TKs), a conserved family of neuropeptides, play critical roles in regulating multiple physiological processes such as feeding and energy metabolism in insects. This study identified the TK gene (ApTK) from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi, an economically important insect species. Bioinformatic analysis showed that ApTK possesses four FX₁GX₂R motifs (X₁ and X₂ represent variable amino acid residues), comprising FMGVR, FYGVR, FIGVR, and FFGMR, in the C-terminus and shares a close phylogenetic relationship with TKs from Bombyx mori and Manduca sexta. Tissue-specific expression profiling demonstrated that ApTK was mainly expressed in the brain and midgut. Starvation–refeeding experiments showed that the expression of ApTK was significantly upregulated during food deprivation and returned to baseline after refeeding, evincing its involvement in hunger signaling. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of ApTK led to a significant increase in larval body weight and increased levels of triglyceride, glycogen, and trehalose, indicating enhanced energy storage. Collectively, these results demonstrate that ApTK acts as a key regulator in restraining feeding and modulating energy homeostasis in A. pernyi. Our findings provide insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying feeding behavior and energy metabolism in A. pernyi. Full article

This study investigated the effects of tributyrin supplementation on the immune and antioxidant status of lambs born to perinatal Hu ewes with negative energy balance (NEB) at 75%. Twenty healthy Hu ewes (average body weight 45.00 ± 5.00 kg) with similar body condition score, pregnant for 100 days with twin lambs, were randomly allocated into two groups: NEB group and 0.5% tributyrin supplementation group (TB). Lambs were artificially fed with milk from their respective maternal groups for 42 days and were classified as L-NEB (n = 20) and L-TB (n = 20). The experimental period lasted from 40 days before delivery to 42 days after delivery. At 42 days of age, five male lambs from each group were randomly selected and euthanized for analysis. Tributyrin supplementation significantly increased fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat content, and colostrum fat yield in perinatal ewes (p < 0.01). Lambs in the L-TB group exhibited improved growth performance compared with L-NEB lambs (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride concentration at 7 days of age was 68.4% higher, and serum triglyceride and glucose concentrations at 42 days of age were 42.9% and 13.9% higher, respectively, in the L-TB group than in the L-NEB group (p < 0.05). In addition, the L-TB group showed a 39.2% lower serum IL-1β concentration at 7 days and significantly downregulated hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression at 42 days, together with enhanced antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary tributyrin supplementation at 0.5% in perinatal undernourished ewes, applied under a controlled NEB feeding regimen, may improve milk composition and, consequently, enhance growth performance, immune status, and antioxidant capacity in lambs. Full article

With the rapid development of intensive aquaculture, unreasonable stocking density has become a major factor restricting the healthy growth of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three stocking densities (0.57, 1.13, and 2.27 kg/m³) on the growth performance, stress response, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of grass carp. Grass carp with an initial body weight of 81.76 ± 17.69 g were randomly assigned to three groups with three replicates. After 75 days of cultivation, we randomly sampled and measured their growth performance. Reagent kits were used to detect serum biochemical indicators, kidney immune enzyme activity, and liver antioxidant indicators in each treatment group. The expression of spleen immune-related genes was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results showed that the final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and condition factor were significantly higher in the medium-stocking-density group (p < 0.05). High stocking density significantly increased serum cortisol, glucose, transaminases, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, and decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). For immune parameters, the activities of immunoglobulin M (IgM), lysozyme (LZM), antimicrobial peptide (AMP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the kidneys decreased with increasing density. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the spleen were significantly upregulated, while IgM was downregulated in the high-density group (p < 0.05). Regarding antioxidant capacity, hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels increased initially and then decreased with increasing density, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased continuously. Collectively, these findings suggest that high stocking density induces growth inhibition, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction in grass carp. The medium density of 1.13 kg/m³ was found to be optimal for the growth and physiological health of grass carp in this study, providing a scientific basis for the optimization of intensive farming strategies. Full article

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep and is closely associated with metabolic dysregulation, including insulin resistance, adipose tissue dysfunction, and impaired lipid metabolism. Perilipin-2 (PLIN-2), a lipid droplet-associated protein involved in triglyceride storage and regulation of lipolysis, may reflect alterations in lipid homeostasis associated with OSA. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum PLIN-2 levels and OSA and to assess the relationship between PLIN-2 concentrations and disease severity. Methods: A total of 231 participants were included in this study, comprising 70 healthy controls and 161 patients with OSA. Patients were classified according to apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) as having mild (n = 60), moderate (n = 52), or severe OSA (n = 49). All participants underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG). Results: Serum PLIN-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with OSA and increased progressively with disease severity. PLIN-2 levels were positively correlated with polysomnographic indices of OSA severity, including AHI and oxygen desaturation index. ROC analysis demonstrated good discriminative performance of PLIN-2 for OSA presence and for distinguishing mild from severe OSA. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate an association between serum PLIN-2 levels and OSA. Our findings suggest that PLIN-2 may serve as a novel biomarker reflecting metabolic and lipid-related disturbances in OSA and may provide new insights into the pathophysiological link between intermittent hypoxia and altered lipid metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin B12 deficiency affects up to 40% of certain populations worldwide and has been associated with cardiometabolic risk. However, its relationship with detailed lipoprotein subfractions remains poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12 levels and atherogenic lipid profiles using NMR-based lipoprotein subfraction analysis. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data from 20,665 apparently healthy adults undergoing routine health screening were analyzed. Participants were categorized into quartiles based on serum vitamin B12 levels (Q1: ≤328 pg/mL; Q4: ≥540 pg/mL). Lipoprotein subfractions were quantified using Bruker NMR spectroscopy. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma was calculated as log₁₀(triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol). Statistical analyses included ANCOVA adjusted for age, with corrections for multiple comparisons. Results: Higher serum B12 levels were significantly associated with a more favorable lipid profile. Specifically, AIP values decreased progressively across B12 quartiles (Q1: −0.051 ± 0.273; Q4: −0.170 ± 0.294; p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.017). HDL-cholesterol increased (p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.008), while triglycerides and VLDL-TG subfractions (VLDL1-TG: p < 0.001; VLDL5-TG: p = 0.029) declined with higher B12 levels. Among LDL subfractions, small dense LDL (LDL5-TG) exhibited a consistent inverse association with B12 (p = 0.002, partial η² = 0.001). These associations were robust across all age strata, with no significant interaction between B12 levels and age. Conclusions: Serum vitamin B12 levels are inversely associated with atherogenic lipid parameters in a large cohort of asymptomatic individuals. Higher B12 status correlates with lower AIP, reduced triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and diminished small dense LDL particles across all age groups. These findings suggest that B12 status may serve as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular risk assessment and highlight the need for prospective interventional studies. Full article

This study examines how changes in salivary α-amylase and calcium affect the rheological properties and stability of food emulsions thickened with Locust Bean Gum (LBG) and Pre-gelatinized Rice Flour (RF), containing 10% Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCT). Increasing the LBG: RF ratio improves resistance to simulated saliva dilution. The 1:4 (LBG: RF) emulsion maintained an apparent viscosity within the NDD nectar-like range after simulated saliva addition, making it suitable for patients with dysphagia. Calcium sources from lactate (LC) and gluconate (GC) enhanced the emulsion’s resistance to α-amylase degradation, especially at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹. The study also evaluated levels according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). Both NDD honey-like and pudding-like samples were classified as IDDSI Level 3 by the syringe test, showing that different grading systems and food compositions can lead to variations. After simulated saliva treatment, the 1:4 (LBG: RF) sample showed the least degradation. These findings highlight the significant role of salivary α-amylase in thickened foods and emphasize the importance of optimizing thickener types and formulation ratios to enhance dietary safety for individuals with dysphagia. Full article

Mild fasting hypertriglyceridemia is often accompanied by early insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia, making it an attractive target for pragmatic dietary prevention. This trial aims to determine whether substituting common cereal-based staples with functional low-glycemic index (low-GI) products improves the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index in adults with fasting triglycerides >150 mg/dL. The GLOW study is an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, single-center crossover trial. Adults aged ≥18 years with fasting triglycerides >150 mg/dL and body mass index ≤30 kg/m² will be enrolled. Participants will follow a stabilized Mediterranean-style diet and will complete two 28-day intervention periods in random sequence: (i) functional low-GI Altograno^® pasta, pizza base and flatbread; and (ii) conventional standard wholegrain products. Intervention periods will be separated by a 28-day washout. Study foods will be consumed as fixed daily substitutions of usual staple servings (one bread portion and one pasta or pizza portion). The primary endpoint is the between-intervention difference in TyG response over each period, defined as the period-specific change from the corresponding period baseline to the end-of-period assessment. The primary analysis will compare end-of-period TyG between interventions while adjusting for the period-specific baseline value. Secondary endpoints include fasting triglycerides and glucose, atherogenic lipoproteins (non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B), inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), endothelial reactivity assessed with the Endocheck^®/Vicorder^® system, and food acceptability. Safety endpoints include adverse event recording. Treatment effects will be estimated using linear mixed-effects models accounting for treatment, period and sequence, with prespecified carryover sensitivity analyses. A total of 40 participants will be recruited to generate feasibility data and effect size estimates. This protocol will provide crossover evidence on whether pragmatic, product-level low-GI staple substitution improves TyG and related cardiometabolic and vascular biomarkers in adults with suboptimal triglyceridemia, informing larger trials. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07198789. Full article

DHX8 encodes a DEAH-box RNA helicase, an ATP-dependent enzyme that plays essential roles in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, transcription, and mRNA decay. Although DHX8 dysfunction has been linked with developmental abnormalities and disease pathogenesis in multiple model organisms, its biological functions in Lepidoptera, particularly in the silkworm Bombyx mori, remain unknown. To investigate the developmental role of B. mori DHX8 (BmDHX8), we generated knockout mutants using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Genome sequencing confirmed frameshift mutations in the BmDHX8 locus. BmDHX8 mutants exhibited severe developmental defects such as dramatically reduced body size and premature lethality of silkworm larvae. Molecular characterization suggested systemic dysregulation, as evidenced by decreased triglyceride accumulation, impaired mTOR signaling activity, and increased aberrant splicing events. Therefore, these results indicate that loss of BmDHX8 is associated with aberrant splicing and alterations in lipid homeostasis and mTOR signaling pathways, potentially contributing to developmental defects. Taken together, our study offers an initial functional knockout analysis of BmDHX8 in regulating larval development in silkworms. Full article

Background: Although low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy, many patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continue to experience cardiovascular events. This residual risk suggests that LDL-C alone does not fully capture the total atherogenic burden. Alternative lipid measures, including non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and cholesterol ratios, may provide a more comprehensive risk assessment, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of metabolic disorders. This study assessed the prevalence and clinical determinants of elevated non-HDL cholesterol and adverse cholesterol ratios among Middle Eastern patients with established ASCVD. Methods: This pooled cross-sectional analysis included 2763 adults with confirmed ASCVD from the Jordan SMuRF-less Study and six cardiovascular registries across the Middle East. Patients were stratified by standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs). Demographic, clinical, treatment, and lifestyle data were harmonized and analyzed using multivariable regression models. Results: Elevated non-HDL-C was observed in 54% of patients. Those with elevated non-HDL-C were younger (55.0 vs. 59.9 years) and more frequently current smokers (52.6% vs. 43.1%). Hypertension (64.2% vs. 51.0%) and heart failure (25.0% vs. 15.4%) were more common among patients with lower non-HDL-C, whereas dyslipidemia (90.8% vs. 75.8%) and acute coronary syndrome (88.1% vs. 83.7%) were more prevalent in the elevated group. Elevated non-HDL-C was associated with higher baseline LDL-C levels measured prior to the initiation of lipid-lowering therapy (141.3 vs. 81.1 mg/dL) and higher triglycerides (221.4 vs. 140.9 mg/dL). In multivariable analyses, age > 60 years (OR = 0.45), hypertension (OR = 0.74), and heart failure (OR = 0.61) were inversely associated with elevated non-HDL-C. Conclusions: Elevated non-HDL cholesterol is common among Middle Eastern patients with ASCVD, particularly younger individuals, reflecting early metabolic risk and increased atherogenic burden. Non-HDL-C is a valuable marker of residual cardiovascular risk, supporting earlier screening and region-specific prevention strategies. Full article

With no precedent in the literature, steel slag, an inexpensive and plentiful by-product of the steel industry, was discovered to be a highly selective and active catalyst for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of triglycerides and fatty acids. This material, which is not always recyclable, proved to perform in the virgin state (without any chemical pretreatment), actually fostering the conversion, via a hydrothermal reaction, of palmitic and stearic acids into the corresponding (C16 and C18) alkanes with selectivity above 90%. In addition, by moving to a more complex system such as soybean oil, a complete conversion and the possibility of recycling the catalyst were maintained. Catalytic material, which came from an Italian steel industry (Acciaierie d’Italia), was characterized by XRF, XRD, N₂ physisorption analyses, TPR, and TPD techniques. Catalytic performance was successfully correlated with the characterization results, and mechanistic proofs were provided on the catalytic role played by the several iron species present in the slag. The results reported in this work represent a significant contribution to the large-scale production of green diesel and, thanks to the possibility of using a catalyst based on steel slag in HDO processes, open the way to decarbonization and climate neutrality processes. Full article