Search

Background: The number of children experiencing postnatal situations of neurological risk (such as psycho-motor developmental disorders and delays) after birth has increased in recent years. These infants often require multiple pediatric interventions to address functional problems that might generate stress, anxiety, and discomfort. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the level of salivary cortisol, as a stress marker, increases after hydrotherapy and land-based therapy in children at risk of or currently presenting delayed psycho-motor development. Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 25 children (aged 3–36 months) between June 2022 and January 2023 at the Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Clinical Management Unit of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain. Three samples were collected from each child, representing baseline, post-hydrotherapy and post-land-based therapy. Result: All salivary cortisol levels were within the normal range. Resting values were the highest, and both modes of therapy decreased salivary cortisol levels. There were no statistically significant differences between the two therapies. Conclusions: Both therapies appear to be useful for treating children with psychomotor developmental disorders without increasing stress during physiotherapy sessions. Although cortisol levels were slightly higher with hydrotherapy than with land-based therapy, this may be due to the small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silaging can be used as preservation technology to valorize currently discarded raw material into protein hydrolysate on board deep-sea vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sorting and raw material freshness on the quality and yield of protein hydrolysates obtained through silaging of saithe (Pollachius virens) viscera. Additionally, the effect of using acidcontaining antioxidants was tested. Out sorting of the liver prior to silaging resulted in slightly higher hydrolysate yields. The hydrolysates with the highest protein contents were obtained from silages made from fresh raw materials (day 0), and the content decreased significantly after longer storage of the raw material (2–3 days at 4 ◦C). Storage of the raw material for 1 day did not affect the quality. However, a significantly higher degree of hydrolysis (DH), content of free amino acids (FAA), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were obtained when raw materials were stored for 3 days. The FAA composition was influenced by the raw material’s freshness, with increases in free glutamic acid and lysine and a decrease in free glutamine after longer storage. None of the studied parameters were significantly affected by out sorting of liver or the addition of antioxidants. Overall, the results indicate that the whole fraction of the viscera can be utilized without reducing the quality of the hydrolysate and that the raw material should be stored for a maximum of 1 day prior to preservation to optimize the quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Zoonoses, particularly foodborne zoonoses, are a major problem worldwide, jeopardizing human and animal health and negatively impacting other aspects such as the economy, food systems, and human and animal wellness. This review focuses on the control of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella in pigs and pork, revising past and ongoing control programs, the control options in the food chain, and the impact of policies implemented worldwide. The objective is to take a closer look at the efforts made in the last 2–3 decades in Salmonella control in pigs, evidencing their strengths, pitfalls, and limitations and determining future directions for the efficient surveillance and control of this pathogen in the future. Pork is among the major sources of human salmonellosis in developed countries. Since the 1990s, different surveys and cross-sectional studies, both national and international (i.e., the baseline studies performed in the European Union), have revealed and confirmed the widespread non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes in pigs. A number of countries have implemented control programs with different approaches and degrees of success. The efforts could be implemented either at farms, in post-harvest stages, or both. The current review revises the current state of the art in Salmonella in swine, the control programs ongoing or conducted in the past, and their strengths and failures, with particular attention to the weight of pre- and post-harvest control and the implications that both have for the success of interventions or mitigation after outbreaks. This review provides a novel perspective on Salmonella control in swine, a matter that still includes uncertainties and room for improvement as a question of public health and One Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the use of untapped mesopelagic species as a source of long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) to meet the growing demand. The challenges faced by commercial fishing vessels, such as varying catch rates and species distribution affecting lipid levels, are addressed. Marine oils were produced post-catch using thermal separation and enzymatic hydrolysis during four commercial cruises, screening approximately 20,000 kg of mixed mesopelagic species. Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale were the dominant species in the catch, while krill was the primary bycatch. The lipid composition varied, with B. glaciale having a higher prevalence of wax esters, while triacylglycerols and phospholipids were more predominant in the other species. LC n-3 PUFAs ranged from 19% to 44% of lipids, with an average EPA + DHA content of 202 mg/g of oil. Both processing methods achieved oil recoveries of over 90%. Estimates indicate that the mesopelagic biomass in the Northeast Atlantic could supply annual recommended levels of EPA + DHA to 1.5 million people, promoting healthy heart and brain functions. These findings offer valuable insights for considering mesopelagic species as a potential source of dietary marine lipids, laying the groundwork for further research and innovation in processing and obtaining valuable compounds from such species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of Venezuela are struggling to survive in a country with the world's highest annual inflation rate, 46,305% (1), and a minimum monthly wage of just USD $1.79 (5,196,000 Bolivars). [...]

Aims: According to Braak's hypothesis, it is plausible that Parkinson's disease (PD) originates in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and spreads to the brain through the vagus nerve. In this work, we studied whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in humans can progress with the emergence of pathogenic α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in the gastrointestinal tract and midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Methods: We have analysed the gut and the ventral midbrain from subjects previously diagnosed with IBD and form a DSS‐based rat model of gut inflammation in terms of α‐syn pathology. Results: Our data support the existence of pathogenic α‐syn in both the gut and the brain, thus reinforcing the potential role of the ENS as a contributing factor in PD aetiology. Additionally, we have analysed the effect of a DSS‐based rat model of gut inflammation to demonstrate (i) the appearance of P‐α‐syn inclusions in both Auerbach's and Meissner's plexuses (gut), (ii) an increase in α‐syn expression in the ventral mesencephalon (brain) and (iii) the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons, which all are considered classical hallmarks in PD. Conclusion: These results strongly support the plausibility of Braak's hypothesis and emphasise the significance of peripheral inflammation and the gut‐brain axis in initiating α‐syn aggregation and transport to the substantia nigra, resulting in neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the recovery of polyphenolic compounds such as punicalagin, punicalin, and ellagic acid via solid-state fermentation (SSF)-assisted extraction from pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) using Aspergillus niger GH1 and Saccharomhyces cerevisiae. Food processing has contributed to the increase in agroindustrial wastes, which has become a global concern due to environmental protection. However, these wastes can be valorized via the extraction of high-value components such as bioactive compounds. Ellagitannins extracted during the bioprocesses were identified via the HPLC–MS technique and quantified via total polyphenols (hydrolyzable and condensed assays). Enzymatic activities were tested. HPLC–MS analysis showed a decrease in the levels of punicalagin, the formation of punicaline, and the accumulation of ellagic acid during fermentation kinetics. The present study compares two different bioprocesses in order to obtain, from agroindustrial wastes, high-added-value compounds using SSF-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2013 to 2022, the available volumes, degree of utilization, as well as the application of different fractions of marine rest raw materials, like heads and skins, originating from the Norwegian seafood industry have been studied and mapped. The majority of the rest raw materials were still used for feed applications in 2021, but there has been observed a steady increase in volume to direct or indirect human consumption products in the period. While there are efforts to produce new high-quality products, several barriers must be addressed before a significant increase in the valorization of the industry occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autochthonous fruits such as Guavijú have beneficial health properties through their bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. This study aims to evaluate nutritional composition, phytochemical performance, total content of polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and bioactive compounds of Guavijú (Eugenia pungens) fruits. Methods: Macronutrients were analyzed using Anthrona method for carbohydrates, Kjeldahl method for proteins, and Soxhlet method for total fat. Phytochemical screening was performed to detect phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenoids, as well as leukoanthocyanidins and quinones. The total content of polyphenols was obtained using Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant capacity was determined by ORAC method, and the identification of bioactive compounds was carried out through LC-QqQ MS/MS. Results: Macronutrients were found in proportions of 33.4%, 5.5%, and 4.5% for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols and triperthenoids. The total polyphenol content was 46.6 mg/g. Antioxidant capacity was 11394±705 µmol/100 g. Conclusions: The identified bioactive compounds were cyanidin, delphinidin, enotein B, quercetin, and myricitrin. The results revealed that beneficial health properties due to the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, which constitutes a food, can prevent diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Mammography, which is the current gold standard technique used to diagnose it, presents strong limitations in early ages where breast cancer is much more aggressive and fatal. MiRNAs present in numerous body fluids might represent a new line of research in breast cancer biomarkers, especially oncomiRNAs, known to play an important role in the suppression and development of neoplasms. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate dysregulated miRNA biomarkers and their diagnostic accuracy in breast cancer. Two independent researchers reviewed the included studies according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number "CRD42021256338". Observational case-control-based studies analyzing concentrations of microRNAs which have been published within the last 10 years were selected, and the concentrations of miRNAs in women with breast cancer and healthy controls were analyzed. Random-effects meta-analyses of miR-155 were performed on the studies which provided enough data to calculate diagnostic odds ratios. We determined that 34 microRNAs were substantially dysregulated and could be considered biomarkers of breast cancer. Individually, miR-155 provided better diagnostic results than mammography on average. However, when several miRNAs are used to screen, forming a panel, sensitivity and specificity rates improve, and they can be associated with classic biomarkers such us CA-125 or CEA. Based on the results of our meta-analysis, miR-155 might be a promising diagnostic biomarker for this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant amounts of marine raw material are lost on-board the deep-sea vessels due to fast quality degradation. Optimal on-board handling and processing strategies can upgrade these resources from waste to food ingredients rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of raw material freshness and sorting on the quality, composition and yield of oil produced thermally from cod (Gadus morhua) residuals on-board a commercial trawler. Oil was produced from whole viscera fractions with liver or out-sorted livers right after a catch and after chilled storage for up to 6 days. The results showed that significantly higher oil yields could be obtained if the raw materials were stored for 1 day or longer. However, an undesired emulsion was formed when viscera were stored for 4 days. All oils were rich in health beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but viscera oils had generally lower quality with higher levels of free fatty acids and oxidation products. However, out-sorting of the liver was not necessary to meet guidelines for high-quality fish oil. Both viscera and liver could be stored for up to 2 days at 4 °C prior to oil production and still meet quality criteria for food applications. These results demonstrate a large potential in upgrading currently wasted marine raw materials into high-quality food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]