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We examined the impact of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and sodium-ferrous-citrate supplementation on aerobic capacity and redox balance through a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Fourteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to Pla + ALA (4-week placebo followed by 4-week 5-ALA supplementation) or ALA + Pla (4-week 5-ALA supplement followed by a 4-week placebo) group and administered 5-ALA (25 mg/day) or placebo once daily. The participants underwent submaximal incremental cycling tests at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. In the cycling test at week 0, individual load-intensity stages required for blood lactate levels >2 mmol/L (lactate threshold, LT) and 4 mmol/L (onset of blood lactate accumulation, OBLA) were determined. The heart rate (HR), blood lactate (La), and oxidative stress markers (diacron reactive oxygen metabolite, d-ROMs; biological antioxidant potential, BAP) were measured at resting, LT, and OBLA states in each cycling test. Marker values were not significantly different between the groups. HR, La, and d-ROMs at resting, LT, and OBLA states were not significantly different among the conditions. BAP and BAP/d-ROMs ratios were significantly different in the OBLA state at week 4 of the 5-ALA group compared with that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 5-ALA supplementation might improve redox balance during high-intensity aerobic exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shionone is a triterpenoid that is the primary constituent of an important ancient Chinese medicine named Radix Asteris. It has emerged as an attractive candidate against different important diseases, including interstitial cystitis, colitis, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and urinary tract infections, and was found to have a protective effect on multiple organs, including the colon, kidneys, lungs, brain, and bladder. The anti-inflammation activity of shionone may be considered an important property that imparts the positive health outcomes of shionone. Important molecular targets and markers such as TNF-α, STAT3, NLRP3, and NF-κB were also found to be targeted by shionone and were verified in different diseases. This suggests the possible potential of shionone against other diseases associated with these targets. Pharmacokinetic studies also support the therapeutic potential of shionone and provide the initial track that may be pursued for its development. Yet, the compilation of the pharmacological activities of shionone and its important genes and pathway targets are absent in the existing literature, which would direct its development as a therapeutic and/or supplement. Hence, the present review provides a compilation of information concerning pharmacological activities, highlights the existing holes, and proposes a specific direction for the expansion of shionone as a therapeutic against different diseases and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. Over a 12-month period, 24 female buffaloes with an initial age of 54 ± 7 months and an average weight of 503.1 ± 23 kg were divided into four groups with different levels of palm kernel cake supplementation relative to body weight. The animals were kept in Brachiaria brizantha pastures with access to water and mineral salt. Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation. Throughout the year, mean values of rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature were higher in the afternoon (p > 0.05). Supplementation with palm cake did not result in influences on the thermoregulation of buffaloes in the study region. The respiratory rate showed an association with the annual seasonality of temperatures, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation between the rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and body surface temperature indicates that buffaloes respond to atmospheric thermal elevations (afternoon period), which is reflected in increasing thermal indices. In ruminants, diet composition has a positive correlation with heat production, which can influence thermoregulation, energy expenditure and, consequently, animal performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions and supplementation based on palm kernel cake, on the thermoregulation of crossbred buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. The research was carried out at Embrapa Amazônia Oriental (01°26′ S and 48°24′ W), Belém, Pará, and lasted 12 months (representing the entire year). Twenty-four buffaloes, females, with initial age and an average weight of 54 ± 7 months and 503.1 ± 23 kg, respectively, non-pregnant, non-lactating and clinically healthy were used, divided into four treatments based on the supplementation content of the palm cake (%DM) in relation to their body weight (%): 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0. The animals were kept in paddocks with Brachiaria brizantha (cv. Marandu), in a rotating system, with water to drink and mineral salt ad libitum. Equipment was installed to record environmental data (temperature and relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet bulb and black globe) and physiological data: rectal temperature (RT); respiratory rate (RR); and body surface temperature (BST), recorded twice a day, always in the morning (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.) shifts, and were used to calculate the Globe Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI). Supplementation did not influence the physiological variables of thermoregulation (p > 0.05). However, there were differences in the GTHI between the shifts, with higher means in the afternoon shift, especially in the less rainy period of the year, where the GTHI reached 92.06 ± 2.74 (p < 0.05). In all periods of the year, the mean values of RT, RR and BST were higher in the afternoon shift (p > 0.05). The respiratory rate (RR) is associated with the annual seasonality of the thermal waters, with higher averages in the afternoons of the rainy season. The positive correlation for rectal temperature, respiratory rate and body surface temperature indicated that buffaloes respond to thermal elevations in the atmosphere (afternoon period) and, consequently, reflect on the GTHI. Supplementation does not influence thermoregulation; the changes observed occurred in response to the region's thermal and rainfall conditions (mainly in the afternoon shift), with higher GTHI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on dependency grammar, the verb is the head of the sentence and it has the ability to determine the structure of the sentence, respectively to determine the necessary members of the sentence, without which the sentence would be grammatically incorrect, an ability known as valence of the verb. The sentence is built from groups of words related to each other in terms of grammar but also meaning. The group of words das schöne Haus ‘shtëpia e bukur’ in terms of the hierarchy has a noun, which stands at the highest hierarchical place and which leads it with this group of words, haus is therefore the head of this group of words, respectively shtëpia, and based on this, it is named as a noun phrase (Nominalphrase). Noun phrases, as a linguistic construction, depends on the verb in the sentence and based on this it can share different functions in the sentence as syntactic parts (Syntaktische Glieder). The parts of the sentence are divided into complete and circumstantial. The division is made according to the criteria of specification and necessity. A verb is specific if it occurs only in a certain subclass of verbs. As for necessity, the proof is made by removing the definite article from the sentence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A locale (frame) L has a largest spatial sublocale generated by the primes (spectrum points), the spatial part SpL. In this paper we discuss some of the properties of the embeddings SpL = L. First we analyze the behaviour of the spatial parts in the assembly: the points of L and of S(L)op (~= the congruence frame) are in a natural one-one correspondence while the topologies of SpL and Sp(S(L)op) differ. Then we concentrate on some special types of embeddings of SpL into L, namely in the questions when SpL is complemented, closed, or open. While in the first part L was general, here we need some restrictions (weak separation axioms) to obtain suitable formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to create various formulations of yogurt enriched with freeze-dried adjuncts, namely (i) probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 culture, and (ii) L. plantarum ATCC 14917 fermented black chokeberry juice, along with a commercial starter culture. The goal was to enhance functionality and optimize the nutritional value of the products. These new yogurt-style formulations were subsequently compared with commercially produced yogurt. All products demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, and the probiotic strain consistently maintained viable levels exceeding 7 log cfu/g throughout the entire storage period. The fermented milk produced with the adjunct-free L. plantarum cells, as well as the yogurt produced with the proposed lactobacilli-fermented chokeberry juice, exhibited the highest lactic acid production (1.44 g/100 g yogurt by the end of storage). Levels of syneresis were observed at lower values in yogurt produced with freeze-dried fermented chokeberry juice. Yogurts prepared with the lactobacilli-fermented freeze-dried chokeberry juice displayed elevated total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (25.74 µg GAE/g and 69.05 µmol TE/100 g, respectively). Furthermore, sensory tests revealed a distinctive fruity flavor in samples incorporating fermented juice. The results demonstrate that probiotic L. plantarum-fermented chokeberry juice enhances both the antioxidant capacity and the viability of beneficial bacteria in yogurt while it can be readily applied and commercialized, especially in the form of a freeze-dried formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soybean-based Yingyang Bao complementary food supplement represents a special nutritional improvement method for anemic infants in many intervention projects across China, while its benefits lack rigorous evidence. Using a quasi-randomized controlled trial design, which adhered to randomization and control except for the blinding method, 248 anemic infants were divided randomly into an intervention group (128 cases received the Yingyang Bao intervention based on routine feeding) and a control group (120 cases only received routine feeding). Anthropometric indicators and 16 blood indicators were measured at baseline and 1 year after intervention. The levels of hemoglobin, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, homocysteine, retinol, vitamin D3, and soluble transferrin receptor and the height–age-Z score and weight–age-Z score of the intervention group were significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.05). The homocysteine level improvement appeared to be moderately negatively correlated with the cobalamin level improvement (p < 0.05). The improvements of five indicators were significant correlated with the intervention duration (p < 0.05), and the corresponding three significant regression equations could predict the intervention effect and the intervention duration to a certain extent. This quasi-randomized controlled trial provided more convincing evidence that Yingyang Bao can effectively improve three kinds of malnutrition compared to previous research which only adopted self before and after comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pereskia aculeata, Miller is a Cactaceae originally from the American continent, and despite its notable nutritional value, this species is little consumed as food. The aim was a comparison between two techniques: saline extraction and alkaline extraction for produce a protein concentrate through inexpensive and easily reproduced techniques. For the saline extractions, two salts, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate, were used with 0.1 M, 0.5 M, and 1 M concentration rates. The alkaline extraction was done isolated at pH 10 and combined with ultrasound in 1:10 and 1:20 plant/solvent dissolutions. The treatments have been through isoelectric precipitation with different pH rates and then were centrifuged. The proteins resulted from precipitation were quantified through the Bradford method. Moreover, the purity level of the recovered protein products was established, and the characterization of the proteins molecular weight was done with polyacrylamide gel at 12%. The results revealed that the alkaline extraction with ultrasound in 1:20 dissolution was the best treatment. The positive effects of the highest dissolution combined with the alkaline extraction with ultrasound were evident with 27.42% (w/w) average percentage of extracted protein. The electrophoresis gel revealed two key bands of 68 kDa and 168 kDa. It is concluded that this plant's leaves have the potential to become a low-cost and industrially feasible protein product.

Many studies related to the therapeutic effect of black garlic (BG) have been carried out on cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, dyslipidemia and other diseases. This investigation was conducted to examine the effect of BG supplements on the lipid profile and blood glucose of rats fed a customary diet (non-high fat diet). A fermented black garlic product was extracted by a maceration method and its phytochemical components were analyzed using LCMS. Black garlic extract was given to healthy rats with a normal feed for 14 days. Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats. As a control, group A was given aquadest (placebo), and groups B, C, and D were given BG extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg BW, 30 mg/kg BW, and 45 mg/kg BW, respectively. On day 15, blood was taken from the retro-orbital plexus of the rats to measure the total levels of cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), Triglyceride (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose. Black garlic made by fermentation at 80oC for 8 days contained more monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides than fresh garlic. Black garlic contained 32 types of organosulfur compounds, and the 5 most abundant compounds were allicin (5.813%), allin (4.993%), isoallin (3.77%), cycloalliin (3.163%) and (-) S-allyl-L-cysteine (2.022%). Black garlic extract administration was able to maintain blood glucose homeostasis in rats fed a normal diet (non-high fat diet). Levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-C were significantly decreased in groups administered black garlic compared to the control group, whilst the level of HDL-C increased significantly in groups administered black garlic compared to the control group.

Abstract Acute diarrhea is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality attributed to infections in children under five years of age worldwide, with 1.7 million annual estimated cases and more than 500,000 deaths. Although hydroelectrolytic replacement is the gold standard in treating diarrhea, it does not interfere with the restoration of the intestinal microbiota. Several studies have searched for an adequate alternative in restructuring intestinal homeostasis, finding that treatments based on probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are effective, which made such treatments increasingly present in clinical practice by reducing illness duration with minimal side effects. However, there are still controversies regarding some unwanted reactions in patients. The diversity of strains and the peculiarities of the pathogens that cause diarrhea require further studies to develop effective protocols for prevention and treatment. Here, we provide a descriptive review of childhood diarrhea, emphasizing treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.

Antenatal depression and maternal nutrition can influence infant temperament. Although broad-spectrum-micronutrients (BSM: vitamins and minerals) given above Recommended Dietary Allowances during pregnancy can mitigate symptoms of antenatal depression, their associated effects on infant temperament are unknown. One hundred and fourteen New Zealand mother-infant dyads (45 infants exposed to BSM during pregnancy (range of exposure during pregnancy: 12–182 days) to treat antenatal depressive symptoms (measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and 69 non-exposed infants) were followed antenatally and for 12 months postpartum to determine the influence of in utero BSM exposure on infant temperament. The Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised: Very Short-Form assessed temperament at 4 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 (T3) months postpartum via online questionnaire. Latent growth curve modeling showed BSM exposure, antenatal depression and infant sex did not statistically significantly predict initial levels or longitudinal changes in orienting/regulatory capacity (ORC), positive affectivity/surgency (PAS) or negative affectivity (NEG). Higher gestational age was positively associated with initial PAS, and smaller increases between T1 and T3. Breastfeeding occurrence was positively associated with initial NEG. Although not significant, BSM exposure exerted small, positive effects on initial NEG (β = −0.116) and longitudinal changes in ORC (β = 0.266) and NEG (β = −0.235). While BSM exposure did not significantly predict infant temperament, it may mitigate risks associated with antenatal depression. BSM-exposed infants displayed temperamental characteristics on par with typical pregnancies, supporting the safety of BSM treatment for antenatal depression.

IntroductionIschaemia/reperfusion (I/R) may lead to acute kidney injury via the induction of oxidative stress. On the other hand, Moringa oleifera has been reported to exert antioxidant activities. This study was designed to assess whether or not Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement could prevent I/R-induced renal injury.Materials and methodsRenal I/R was induced by occluding the right renal artery for 30 min followed by a 2-h reperfusion.ResultsRenal I/R led to increased absolute renal weight and renal organo-somatic weight index. Renal I/R also caused distortion of renal histoarchitecture and impaired renal function evidenced by elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. In addition, renal I/R significantly elevated renal levels of hydrogen peroxide, MDA, and advanced oxidation protein products, but suppressed the levels of reduced glutathione, protein thiol, and non-protein thiol, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, renal I/R up-regulated myeloperoxidase activity and the renal levels of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Renal I/R also up-regulated Bax and caspase 3 expression in the kidney. Furthermore, I/R-driven structural and biochemical alterations were markedly inhibited by Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement.DiscussionThese results suggest that Moringa oleifera-based feed supplement may preserve the gross and histoarchitectural integrity of the kidney as well as renal function via downregulation of Bax/caspase 3 signaling by targeting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney of I/R rat.

Objectives: The objective of the current research was to evaluate the role of vitamin D in the management of oral lichen planus. Materials and Method: Based on their vitamin D levels, 90 individuals with oral lichen planus were equally divided into three groups. Deficient subjects received oral vitamin D supplementation. Result: The majority of improvements were observed in patients who were taking vitamin D supplements. It was discovered that the data comparison was statistically considerable. Conclusion: It was determined that vitamin D was crucial for the management of oral lichen planus.

Oil palm fronds and leaves are wastes of oil palm plantations which are abundantly available in Indonesia and contain polyphenolic compounds which have high economic potential and health value. However, the potential for polyphenols from oil palm leaf extract (OPLE), which has antioxidant activity, has not been utilized optimally until now. In this research, an antioxidant food supplement from OPLE which is rich in polyphenolic compounds was developed. OPLE was prepared using ethanol as a solvent and concentrated by vacuum evaporation, then separated by liquid-liquid column chromatography and identified by LC-MS. The total phenolic yield of the ethanol extract of palm leaves contained was higher phenolic content than the hexane extract, while the phenolic content and antioxidant content of the oldest leaf were higher than the 17th leaf. Separation of the active antioxidant ingredients was carried out by liquid-liquid column chromatography with chloroform eluent: methanol = 4: 1 v/v which is expected to separate the active compounds. The content of flavonoids contained in this fraction is 6-Methoxy-2-[2-(3'-methoxyphenyl) ethyl] chromone. Biotransformation using tannase enzyme produced the increase of flavonoid content and antioxidant of oil palm extracts.

The current study was carried out to isolation and diagnosis the isolates of bacteria as probiotics which were isolated from local yogurts in Erbil city markets, The probiotic bacteria identified in the present study were Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in selective De Man-Rogosa-sharpe (MRS) agar in micro aerobic conditions. The results showed the bacteria were; Gram positive, catalase and oxidase were negative as well as all the isolated bacteria fermented the glucose, while L. lactis fermented lactose and glucose only. L. acidophilus vary in the sugar fermentation. All the bacteria were able to survive in 0.3% bile salt concentration. and with regular decreasing of the viable cells in 1.0%. Lactobacillus plantarum and L. acidophilus had the ability to withstand the increased acidity and could grow in pH ranges 3-5. The results showed antibacterial activity of the cell free supernatant of the lactic acid bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus and the inhibition zones were 12, 14 and 16 mm of L. lactis, L. plantarum and L. acidophilus respectively, and 16, 18 and 20 mm against E. coli respectively, these probiotic bacteria were used in supplemented orange juice. The properties of the orange juices were determined as pH, Brix, and free surviving encapsulated probiotic bacteria. The probiotic bacteria were injected either free or microencapsulated into orange juice, Brix and pH were monitored as well as the total number of surviving probiotics was counted weekly for two months. The results showed that the encapsulated probiotic bacteria maintained their viability during the storage period compared to the unencapsulated probiotic bacteria, where they lost their viability. The encapsulated probiotics were found to be more stable than those containing free probiotics.

While traditional multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements generally come in tablet form, new powder forms of MVM supplements are available with theoretically higher bioavailability relative to tablet MVM supplements. The purpose of this study was to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minerals (magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)) in a tablet MVM supplement compared to a novel powder Foundational Nutrition supplement (AG1®), containing minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and pre-/probiotics, in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The tablet MVM supplement was specifically formulated for this study, with matched mineral contents and identical chemical structures. The adapted Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model was used to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of soluble minerals using a simulated upper gastrointestinal tract and dialysis membrane to mimic human digestion and absorption. The bioaccessibility was assessed at the end of the stomach and duodenum. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 h following dialysis. The preliminary soluble mineral analysis of the tablet (crushed to a powder) and AG1 powder demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) soluble fractions of Zn and Ca, but lower Mg in the AG1 powder vs. the tablet. The total soluble mineral percentages at the stomach and duodenum end were all significantly higher for the AG1 powder vs. the tablet (p < 0.05). Mg, Ca, and Zn were more (p < 0.05) bioaccessible and bioavailable in the powder compared to the tablet during the small intestine simulation. The bioaccessible fraction of K was higher (p < 0.05) only at 3 h for the tablet vs. the powder. These preclinical data demonstrate that the AG1 powder has superior dissolution and disintegration characteristics compared to the tablet, leading to increased bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro.

This study investigated the effect of different amounts of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) supplementation on recovery from eccentric exercise. Nine healthy male subjects undertook 4 trials in a randomized crossover design. Participants ingested either a three different amount (2g, 10g, and 20g) of BCAA supplement or placebo before the eccentric exercise. Muscle pain, hunger, vertical jump, balance, and sprint performance were measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, 1, 24, and 48 h. after exercise. All the variables were checked regarding their normal distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test and data were presented as means ±SD. A repeated-measure, two factor ANOVA was used to examine differences between the four trials over time for balance, speed, vertical jump, hunger, and muscle pain change. No differences were found at baseline values for balance, velocity, vertical jump, hunger, and muscle pain for four trials (p > 0.05). While the main effect of time was statistically significant for balance, speed, vertical jump, hunger, and muscle pain (p

A 47-year-old woman developed severe kidney dysfunction after taking a lipid-lowering supplement, Red Yeast Rice Cholestehelp, for approximately 7 months. The patient developed sudden nausea and had an elevated serum creatinine level of 4.26 mg/dL. A kidney biopsy showed findings consistent with acute tubular necrosis. Kidney dysfunction improved with discontinuation of supplementation, and corticosteroid therapy. Similar kidney involvement has been reported, raising concerns regarding supplements in Japan. An investigation of the nephrotoxic ingredients in the same product batches is currently underway. This report underscores the need for public awareness and warnings of health risk concerns associated with unregulated supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, little is known about the extent of interindividual variability in response to beta-alanine (BA) supplementation, nor what proportion of said variability can be attributed to external factors or to the intervention itself (intervention response). To investigate this, individual participant data on the effect of BA supplementation on a high-intensity cycling capacity test (CCT110%) were meta-analyzed. Changes in time to exhaustion (TTE) and muscle carnosine were the primary and secondary outcomes. Multilevel distributional Bayesian models were used to estimate the mean and SD of BA and placebo group change scores. The relative sizes of group SDs were used to infer whether observed variation in change scores were due to intervention or non-intervention-related effects. Six eligible studies were identified, and individual data were obtained from four of these. Analyses showed a group effect of BA supplementation on TTE (7.7, 95% credible interval [CrI] [1.3, 14.3] s) and muscle carnosine (18.1, 95% CrI [14.5, 21.9] mmol/kg DM). A large intervention response variation was identified for muscle carnosine (σIR = 5.8, 95% CrI [4.2, 7.4] mmol/kg DM) while equivalent change score SDs were shown for TTE in both the placebo (16.1, 95% CrI [13.0, 21.3] s) and BA (15.9, 95% CrI [13.0, 20.0] s) conditions, with the probability that SD was greater in placebo being 0.64. In conclusion, the similarity in observed change score SDs between groups for TTE indicates the source of variation is common to both groups, and therefore unrelated to the supplement itself, likely originating instead from external factors such as nutritional intake, sleep patterns, or training status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green fodder followed by crop residue, agro-industrial by-products and non-conventional feeds make a large contribution to livestock feeding in Ethiopia. Objective: To identify and estimate chemical composition of major feed resources in south western Ethiopia. Methodology: The study was conducted in the highland, midland and lowlands of south western Ethiopia. A total of 26 indigenous browse and 12 grass species, 3 crop residues, 3 cereal grain mill by-products and 8 non-conventional feeds (2 local brewery by-products, 6 enset, vegetable and fruit by-product) were identified for this study. Triplicate feed samples were collected and assessed for nutrient analysis. Results: Crop residues in highlands and, natural pasture followed by crop residues and browses in midland and lowland agro-ecologies were the dominant feed resources. Most browse species, few indigenous grass species, Colocasia esculenta L., Enset ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesem, Ipomoea batatas L. leaves, and local brewery by-products possessed crude protein (CP) content >110 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). Conversely, CP concentration of Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Benth. and Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill. across all agro-ecologies, crop residues, grass species in the lowlands, sugar cane leaf, banana peel and cereal grain screenings was 550 g kg−1 DM. All the tested feed resources but, Ricinus communis L., Acacia oerfota (Forssk.) Schweinf., Rhus natalensis Krauss and Balanites aegyptiaca L. possessed

For vegetarians or vegan athletes, improving the utilization of plant-based protein and the absorption of amino acids is crucial. This study explored the impact of combining pea protein with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 and resistance training on amino acid absorption and exercise performance. Sixteen male and sixteen female participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (20 g of pea protein without TWK10) or a TWK10 group (20 g of pea protein combined with 1 × 1010 colony-forming units of TWK10). After 28 days of supplementation combined with resistance exercise training three times per week. All subjects underwent body composition and muscle strength performance, plasma and fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis and blood amino acid concentrations. The TWK10 group showed a significant increase in muscle thickness and improvements were observed in 1 repetition maximum bench press, explosive, anaerobic power output compared to before the intervention, and were significantly higher than those in the control group (p

Cultured meat (CM) is an alternative protein food and is produced by cultivating muscle satellite (stem) cells (MSCs) derived from livestock animals (bovine, chickens, and porcine) through myogenesis leading to generate muscle mass. Myostatin (MSTN) is well well-known negative regulator of myogenesis, and in the present study, in silico screening of natural compounds was performed to identify MSTN inhibitors. Interestingly, quercetin was found to inhibit MSTN (binding energy −7.40 kcal/mol), and this was further validated by a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Quercetin was added to culture media to boost myogenesis, and its potent antioxidant property helped maintain media pH. Furthermore, quercetin increased the myotube thickness and length, increased MSC differentiation, and upregulated the gene and protein expressions of myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD), Myogenin (MYOG), and Myosin heavy chains (MYH) in vitro. In addition, quercetin inhibited the activities of MSTN, activin receptor type-2B (ACVR2B), and SMAD2 and 3, and thus significantly enhanced MSC differentiation and myotube formation. Overall, this study shows that quercetin might be useful for enhancing large-scale CM production. It is hoped that this study provides a starting point for research in the CM area aimed to enhancing product quality, nutritional values, and the efficacy of large-scale production.

IntroductionStunting and wasting are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, putting children at risk for disease and disability. Eggs are a nutrient-rich food that can potentially facilitate growth.PurposeThe aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of egg supplementation on growth in children.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Healthline (Ovid) were systematically searched for interventional studies on egg supplementation for growth in children aged 6 months to 18 years, with no restrictions on date. Studies were evaluated for quality using Cochrane’s GRADE technique. Data were pooled and reported as means and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsSeven studies reporting on 9 unique interventions in 3,575 male and female participants were included in the meta-analysis. Participants in the intervention groups experienced significantly greater increases in height/length (by 0.47 [0.13, 0.80] cm, p

Introduction: Prediabetes is a condition that, if left unaddressed, can lead to various complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Among the critical factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, dietary choices stand out as particularly significant. Objective: Consequently, our objective is to examine the latest research findings concerning dietary consumption and its impact on glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes. Methods: A literature review of randomized controlled trials was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect with searches conducted from January 2019 to 2023. The primary reviewer assessed the quality of the selected studies for bias risk using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal method for randomized controlled trials. Initially, 975 articles were identified through the search, but after applying the inclusion criteria, only 9 articles were ultimately selected. Results: The review found that a carrageenan-free diet, yogurt with Lactobacillus plantarum OLL2712, Allium hookeri extract (AHE), and delta-tocotrienol improve HbA1C levels. However, salmon, zinc supplement, and balanced deep-sea water were not effective on HbA1C. In addition, studies on the effectiveness of vitamin D in controlling blood glucose levels are inconsistent. Conclusion: Nurses can enhance patient outcomes through collaborative efforts to create individualized dietary strategies. These strategies may encompass the adoption of a carrageenan-free diet, the inclusion of L plantarum OLL2712-enriched yogurt, the utilization of AHE, and the integration of delta-tocotrienol into the dietary plan. This approach is particularly applicable to ambulatory care nurses, health supervisors, and primary care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of beneficial microorganisms as probiotics targets a broad range of intended uses, from maintaining health and supporting normal bodily functions to curing and preventing diseases. Currently, three main regulatory fields of probiotic products can be defined depending on their intended use: the more similar probiotic foods and probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutic products. However, it is not always straightforward to classify a probiotic product into one of these categories. The regulatory nuances of developing, manufacturing, investigating and applying each category of probiotic products are not universal, and not always apparent to those unfamiliar with the various global probiotic regulatory guidelines. Various global markets can be significantly different regarding legislation, possible claims, market value and quality requirements for the development and commercialization of probiotic products. Furthermore, different probiotic product categories are also linked with variable costs at different stages of product development. This review outlines the current landscape comparing probiotic foods, probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutics as probiotic products from a regulatory lens, focusing on product development, manufacturing and production, and clinical research agenda. The aim is to inform and promote a better understanding among stakeholders by outlining the expectations and performance for each probiotic product category, depending on their intended use and targeted geographical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the role of calcium and vitamin D in osteoporosis and heart disease, little research has examined changes in the intake of calcium and vitamin D among individuals with these conditions over time. Using data from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Surveys, we investigated changes in dietary and supplemental intake of calcium and vitamin D among Canadian older adults aged ≥ 50 years, both with and without heart disease and/or osteoporosis, between 2004 and 2015. Notable declines in dietary calcium intake occurred, particularly among non-supplement users. Surprisingly, individuals with osteoporosis and heart disease, who are at higher nutritional risk, were less likely to use calcium supplements in 2015 compared to 2004. Among calcium supplement users, those with osteoporosis or both conditions experienced significant reductions in their usual calcium intake in 2015, with an increased proportion failing to meet recommended intake levels. Conversely, vitamin D supplement users experienced a substantial rise in vitamin D intake in 2015. In 2015, only a small proportion of supplement users did not meet the recommended vitamin D intake levels. These findings underscore the importance of public health initiatives to facilitate safe increases in calcium and vitamin D intake for older adults, particularly those with heart disease and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a serious and very common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It negatively affects the quality of life, increases morbidity and poses a financial burden on the health care system. Currently, treatment of PDN focuses on glycaemic control, while pathogenesis-oriented therapy has not yielded satisfactory results. The need to improve therapy remains. There is accumulating evidence on the potential benefit of nutritional interventions. This narrative review aims to examine the potential benefit of dietary and nutritional supplementation for PDN management. According to the preliminary research, supplementation with vitamin E, B-complex, omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10 or N-acetylcysteine seems to be associated with promising results in improving PDN symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 57% of US adults take dietary supplements, with the most common being daily multivitamins. Daily multivitamins are typically formulated in a pill or tablet form; however, new options, including powder form that can be mixed with water, are being utilized to increase bioavailability. While limited data are available, the theory is that multivitamin tablets must be adequately dissolved before entering the small intestine for assimilation, while powders come pre-dissolved before consumption, which theoretically ensures enhanced bioavailability. Our aim was to investigate the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minerals (magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)) using a novel foundational nutrition supplement called AG1 compared to a multivitamin tablet. AG1 contains vitamins and minerals comparable to multivitamin tablets but also includes prebiotics, probiotics, and phytonutrients. We employed the adapted Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of this study's products using a simulated stomach and small intestine physiological environment equipped with a dialysis membrane (methylcellulose) to emulate absorption. Luminal contents were collected at the end of the stomach, duodenum, and 1-, 2-, and 3 h after small intestine absorption simulation (dialysis) to assess bioaccessibility. The dialysis solution was measured at 1-, 2-, and 3 h to assess bioavailability. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentage of the total amount of all minerals given at the baseline was present at the end of the stomach and duodenum portion for the powder form vs. the tablet. There was a significantly higher % maximal concentration (Cmax), bioavailability, and bioaccessibility for Mg, Ca, and Zn for AG1 vs. the tablet. These preclinical data demonstrate that a greater proportion of minerals in AG1 enter the small intestine, have a higher Cmax, and several are more bioaccessible and bioavailable than a tablet multivitamin in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal maternal vitamin status during pregnancy and lactation is essential to support maternal and infant health. For instance, vitamin D 3 is involved in infant bone development, and B-vitamins are involved in various metabolic processes, including energy production. Through a double-blind randomised controlled trial, we investigated the effects of maternal supplementation from preconception throughout pregnancy until birth on human milk (HM) concentrations of vitamin D 3 and B-vitamins. In addition, we aimed to characterise longitudinal changes in milk concentrations of these vitamins. Both control and intervention supplements contained calcium, iodine, iron, β-carotene, and folic acid, while the intervention also contained zinc, vitamins B 2 , B 6 , B 12 , and D 3 , probiotics, and myo-inositol. HM samples were collected across 4 time points from 1 week to 3 months post-delivery from 158 mothers in Singapore, and 7 time points from 1 week to 12 months from 180 mothers in New Zealand. HM vitamin D was quantified using supercritical fluid chromatography and B-vitamins with mass spectrometry. Potential intervention effects on HM vitamins D 3 , B 2 , B 6 , and B 9 , as well as other B-vitamin (B 1 and B 3) concentrations were assessed using linear mixed models with a repeated measures design. Over the first 3 months of lactation, HM 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 concentrations were 20% (95% CI 8%, 33%, P = 0.001) higher in the intervention group, with more marked effects in New Zealand. There were no observed intervention effects on HM concentrations of vitamins B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 6 , and B 9. In New Zealand mothers, longitudinally, vitamin D 3 concentrations gradually increased from early lactation up to 12 months, while vitamins B 1 and B 2 peaked at 6 weeks, B 3 at 3 weeks, and B 6 and B 9 at 3 months. Maternal supplementation during preconception and pregnancy increased HM vitamin D, but not B-vitamin concentrations in lactation. Further studies are required to examine the discrete benefits of vitamin D supplementation starting preconception vs during pregnancy, and to further characterise the effects of supplementation on later offspring health outcomes. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on the 16 July 2015 (identifier NCT02509988); Universal Trial Number U1111-1171-8056. This study was academic-led by the EpiGen Global Research Consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anticancer therapies are associated with significant adverse side effects and few treatments that alleviate symptoms exist. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been investigated as an intervention for reducing anticancer therapy side effects, although a review of the literature results has yet to be published. Aim: The current review summarizes evidence surrounding this topic and suggests both support and caution in using BCAAs as a treatment for patients receiving anticancer therapies. Methods: In this review, two literature searches were completed. Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms "branched-chain amino acids and cancer" and "BCAA and cancer." Results: Two bodies of evidence emerged: One supporting beneficial effects and the other showing adverse outcomes of BCAA supplementation in patients with cancer. Evidence of benefit was a decrease in malnourishment and unintentional weight loss during and after chemotherapy. Potential harms included the idea cancer cells may utilize BCAAs as a source of energy for growth. Conclusions: Supplementation of BCAAs in individuals with cancer should be implemented cautiously. Those who are severely malnourished due to anticancer therapy may benefit the most. BCAA supplementation may also be provided once cancer has been destroyed from the individual's body to aid with recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agroindustrial Technology / Jurnal Teknologi Industri Pertanian is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While traditional multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements generally come in tablet form, new powder forms of MVM supplements are available with theoretically higher bioavailability relative to tablet MVM supplements. The purpose of this study was to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of minerals (magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K)) in a tablet MVM supplement compared to a novel powder Foundational Nutrition supplement (AG1®), containing minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and pre-/probiotics, in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The tablet MVM supplement was specifically formulated for this study, with matched mineral contents and identical chemical structures. The adapted Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model was used to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of soluble minerals using a simulated upper gastrointestinal tract and dialysis membrane to mimic human digestion and absorption. The bioaccessibility was assessed at the end of the stomach and duodenum. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability were assessed at 1, 2, and 3 h following dialysis. The preliminary soluble mineral analysis of the tablet (crushed to a powder) and AG1 powder demonstrated significantly higher (p < 0.05) soluble fractions of Zn and Ca, but lower Mg in the AG1 powder vs. the tablet. The total soluble mineral percentages at the stomach and duodenum end were all significantly higher for the AG1 powder vs. the tablet (p < 0.05). Mg, Ca, and Zn were more (p < 0.05) bioaccessible and bioavailable in the powder compared to the tablet during the small intestine simulation. The bioaccessible fraction of K was higher (p < 0.05) only at 3 h for the tablet vs. the powder. These preclinical data demonstrate that the AG1 powder has superior dissolution and disintegration characteristics compared to the tablet, leading to increased bioaccessibility and bioavailability in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We consider a right nearring N and a module over N (known as, N-group). For an arbitrary ideal (or N-subgroup) Ω of an N-group G, we define the notions Ω -superfluous, strictly Ω -superfluous, g-superfluous ideals of G. We give suitable examples to distinguish between these classes and the existing classes studied in Bhavanari (Proc Japan Acad 61-A:23–25, 1985; Indian J Pure Appl Math 22:633–636, 1991; J Austral Math Soc 57:170–178, 1994), and prove some properties. For a zero-symmetric nearring with 1, we consider a module over a matrix nearring and obtain one-one correspondence between the superfluous ideals of an N-group (over itself) and those of M n (N) -group N n , where M n (N) is the matrix nearring over N. Furthermore, we define a graph of superfluous ideals of a nearring and prove some properties with necessary examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-ingredient thermogenic supplements can acutely increase resting energy expenditure (REE) and subjective energy. However, less is understood about the effects of chronic consumption on body composition, metabolism, and subjective variables such as mood, sleep quality, and eating behaviors. Fifty-two healthy, exercise-trained participants (50% female; mean ± SD age: 23.5 ± 3.0 years; body fat percentage: 27.3 ± 8.0%) were randomized 2:2:1 to take a whey protein supplement alone (PRO; n = 20), in combination with a thermogenic supplement (PRO + FB; n = 19), or no supplement at all (CON; n = 13) for four weeks. Body composition, anthropometric, metabolic, hemodynamic, and subjective outcomes were collected before and after the intervention. Greater changes in REE occurred in PRO + FB as compared to CON (111.2 kcal/d, 95% CI 2.4 to 219.9 kcal/d, p = 0.04), without significant differences between PRO and CON (42.7 kcal/d, 95% CI −65.0 to 150.3 kcal/d, p = 0.61) or between PRO + FB and PRO (68.5 kcal/d, 95% CI −28.3, 165.3, p = 0.21). No changes in hemodynamic outcomes (blood pressure and heart rate) were observed. In exercising adults, four weeks of supplementation with protein and a multi-ingredient thermogenic product maintained fasted REE as compared to no supplementation, for which a decrease in REE was observed, without differential effects on body composition, anthropometrics, or subjective variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Based on the safety testing results of the LPa 12/1 strain using Balb/c mice, the bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance-producing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPa 12/1 was deemed safe. The encapsulation of the LPa 12/1 strain seems suitable due to its potential application in dairy products. The LPa 12/1 strain has survived in higher counts in ewe–goat milk yoghurt than in cow milk yoghurt. However, sufficient amounts of the LPa 12/1 strain were counted in both types of yoghurts. The pH of yoghurts was not negatively influenced. Goat milk is gradually becoming the preferred milk by consumers worldwide, including Slovakia. It is also demanded as a functional and/or nutraceutical drink as it is rich in bioactive components. However, another new development is the research into the beneficial autochthonous strains used to enrich goat dairy products. Among individual species, representatives in raw goat milk are also involved in lacticaseibacilli. Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance-producing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPa 12/1 was isolated from raw goat milk. This study focuses on its potential as a new additive in dairy products. No mortality was found when checking the safety of the LPa 12/1 strain using Balb/c mice. The strain reached higher counts in ewe–goat milk yoghurt (up to 6.1 cfu/g log 10) than in cow milk yoghurt (almost 5.0 cfu/g log 10). Cow milk yoghurts remained in more stable consistency after LPa 12/1 supplementation compared with ewe–goat milk yoghurts, although specific organoleptic tests were not performed. However, LPa 12/1 has survived sufficiently in both types of yoghurts. This bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance-producing strain LPa 12/1 in its encapsulated form applied in yoghurts seems suitable to supplement dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Myrmecodia platytyrea, locally known as 'Sarang Semut', is an epiphytic plant native to Asia and the Asia Pacific. The tubers were traditionally used to manage cancer, hyperuricemia, and coronary heart diseases. Scientifically, the aqueous tuber extract has potential pharmacological benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Since the extract had no acute or subacute toxic effects, it might be used as a supplement to reduce inflammation and improve physiological functioning with better bioavailability than conventional preparations. This study aims to investigate the subacute toxicity of the microgranulated aqueous extract of M. platytyrea tuber (gMPAE). Methods: The formulation of the microgranules was established and analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The subacute oral toxicity study was carried out. The female nulliparous and non-pregnant ICR mice were divided into three groups (n=5), a group treated with normal saline (control group), a group treated with a placebo (blank microgranules), and a group treated with gMPAE, orally once daily for 28 days. Results: The gMPAE was produced using a spray-dry method and displayed microparticles with irregular shapes typical for spray-dried formulations. The sub-acute toxicity study showed no physical or behavioural changes in both placebo or gMPAE-treated mice compared to the control mice, with no mortality observed after 28 days of treatment and no signs of delayed occurrence of toxic effects 14 days post-treatment. Conclusion: Standardised spray-dried microgranules of M. platytyrea tuber aqueous extract were successfully developed to enhance the extract's efficacy and are safe to be used as health supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder in which tear fluid homeostasis is lost, resulting in increased tear film osmolarity and ocular surface irritation. In Asia, the short tear film breakup time-type DED, which has become a global problem in recent years, is common. While the mainstay of DED treatment in the West is the suppression of inflammation, the first goal of treatment is the stabilization of the tear film in Asia. To date, artificial tears and steroid eye drops have been the main treatment for DED. However, artificial tears require frequent administration of eye drops and thus pose adherence problems, while steroids have problems with side-effects (cataracts, increased intraocular pressure). This review evaluates the new generation therapies in Asia based on what is known about them and demonstrates that they are more effective for DED than traditional therapies such as artificial tears and steroids. Based on considerations, it is proposed that the optimal treatment for the short tear film breakup time-type DED is the initial application of mucin-secretion-enhancing eye drops (long-acting diquafosol) and oral supplements; and if additional treatment is needed, cyclosporine eye drops and the adjunctive therapies presented in this review are added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste produced from aquaculture ultimately hampered the water quality and growth performance of species cultured. Therefore, the potential exploitation of photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) from aquaculture waste was investigated to treat the wastewater in the fish culture. In this study, the wastewater was collected from a fishpond and cultured in sunlight-exposed sterile bottles for 14 days. In the water additive experiment, five treatments (in a 30 cm3 aquarium) were prepared namely cultured PSB (T1), aquatic plant hornwort (T2), aquatic plant salvinia (T3), positive control (P), and negative control (N). Five individuals of Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi (2.5±0.5 cm length) were placed in each treatment and reared for 30 days. Meanwhile, for the wastewater treatment, four treatments (in a 30 cm3 aquarium) were prepared namely wastewater from the hatchery fishpond (S1), wastewater from the hatchery fish tank (S2), positive control (P), and negative control (N). The results obtained indicate that T1 treatment significantly improved and maintained the water quality as compared to other treatments. The results showed the amount of ammonia and nitrite in S1 and S2 supplied with T1 for 30 days gradually decreased from day 1 until day 18. While zero amount of ammonia and nitrate was acquired from day 21 until day 30 of the wastewater experiment. The treatment with PSB showcased the bacteria's ability to utilize and absorb nutrients, thereby maintaining and improving water quality. The potential use of beneficial bacteria in the culture system can accelerate the nitrogen cycle for a sustainable way of wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is a neurologic condition characterized by hypersensitivity to auditory, olfactory, visual, and cutaneous stimuli; vomiting and nausea; and severe headache. It is the most frequent headache syndrome in children and can be categorized in chronic and/or episodic. Multiple dietary supplements have been inaugurated for the management of migraine, the most prevalent of which is vitamin D. In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has been a global public health problem, with 30–80% of the worldwide population having vitamin D deficiency. The significant role of vitamin D in neurological disorders is underlined by its key role in the brain function of the central nervous system (CNS). Current approaches in paediatric neurology include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for the treatment of paediatric migraine, among others. Vitamin D is one of the dietary factors that has been linked to migraine, however, this association has mostly been examined in the adult population. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum vitamin D and paediatric migraine by conducting a review of existing literature. The main question is described with the PICO format (population, intervention, control, and outcomes), while the assessment of the present research is under the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A systematic review of the literature reveals a remarkable association between vitamin D and migraine presentation in the paediatric population, affecting the frequency and duration of the episodes. That being the case, vitamin D supplementation could potentially improve the quality of life of paediatric patients suffering from migraine headaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR is the property of Associacao Paranaense de Ensino e Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Higenamine is prohibited in sports as a β2‐agonist by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. As a key component of a great variety of plants, including the Annonaceae family, one aim of this research project was to evaluate whether the ingestion of Annona fruit could lead to higenamine adverse analytical findings. Single‐dose administration studies including three Annona species (i.e., Annona muricata, Annona cherimola, and Annona squamosa) were conducted, leading to higenamine findings below the established minimum reporting level (MRL) of 10 ng/mL in urine. In consideration of cmax values (7.8 ng/mL) observed for higenamine up to 24 h, a multidose administration study was also conducted, indicating cumulative effects, which can increase the risk of exceeding the applicable MRL doping after Annona fruit ingestion. In this study, however, the MRL was not exceeded at any time point. Further, the major urinary excretion of higenamine in its sulfo‐conjugated form was corroborated, its stability in urine was assessed, and in the absence of reference material, higenamine sulfo‐conjugates were synthesized and comprehensively characterized, suggesting the predominant presence of higenamine 7‐sulfate. In addition, the option to include complementary biomarkers of diet‐related higenamine intake into routine doping controls was investigated. A characteristic urinary pattern attributed to isococlaurine, reticuline, and a yet not fully characterized bismethylated higenamine glucuronide was observed after Annona ingestion but not after supplement use, providing a promising dataset of urinary biomarkers, which supports the discrimination between different sources of urinary higenamine detected in sports drug testing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Using synchronization protocols is a primary management tool that improves the fertility of high-producing dairy cows. However, being on different days of the estrous cycle results in various responses to these programs. Double Ovsynch, but not Presynch-Ovsynch, program is recommended for anovular cows due to having additional GnRH injections. However, not all cows have corpus luteum (CL) at the start of the second Ovsynch and ovulatory follicles would grow at a low progesterone microenvironment, resulting in low-quality oocytes and embryos. The current study was conducted to identify these cows and assess the effectiveness of a progesterone supplement on the fertility of postpartum dairy cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 318 healthy postpartum dairy cows were used in the current study. Data of parity and milk yield (1st and 2nd months) were recorded for all cows. Briefly, on 40 DIM, cows received GnRH on d 40, PGF2α on d 47, GnRH on d 50 and checked for the presence of CL on d 57 at the start of the 2nd Ovsynch. Cows without CL were divided into control (DO-CL, continuing the routine program), and DO+CIDR (including one progesterone supplement). Those bearing CL were considered as DO-CL receiving routine injections. All cows were checked for pregnancy via ultrasonography on d 32, 60, and 120 post-AI, and pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss rate were calculated. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX Procedure of SAS software. Results: Cows bearing CL at the start of TAI Ovsynch, compared to DO-CL and DO-CIDR groups, had significantly higher P/AI on d 32 (50.84 vs. 29.27 and 41.46%, P=0.03), 60 (45.76 vs. 21.95 and 36.58%, P=0.01), and 120 (43.22 vs. 21.95 and 34.14%, P=0.03) post-AI. Although cows with CL at the start of the TAI program had 15% lower pregnancy loss than the control group, treatments did not significantly affect this trait in the 2nd (P=0.31) and 3rd -4 th month (P= 0.75). Parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) had a significant effect on P/AI on d 32 (P=0.04) but not on d 60 (P=0.17) and 120 (P=0.28) post-AI. The effect of milk yield (M≥ 36 vs. M˂36) on P/AI at d 32 (P=0.003), 60 (P=0.001), and 120 (P=0.001) was significant. Dairy cows in M˂ 36 group compared to M≥36 had significantly higher P/AI on d 32 (52.96 vs. 35.63%), 60 (46.62 vs 28.11%), and 120 (44.41 vs. 26.08%) post-AI. The effects of treatment × parity (P=0.41) or treatment × milk yield (P=0.45) interactions were insignificant. Conclusion: In the current study ovaries of dairy cows were exsamined at the start of TAI-Ovsynch and those not bearing CL received a progesterone supplement. These cows had an improvement in their P/AI rate compared to their counterparts in the control group. Therefore, identifying cows not bearing CL and applying progesterone is highly recommended. However, using a CIDR may not be sufficient and two CIDRs should be applied to achieve optimum results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a pollen substitute for honey bees that is nutritionally adequate and affordable is a scientific and practical challenge. We attempted a new rational approach and tried to exploit honey bees' natural cannibalistic behavior. We tested processed insect larvae as a food source that is nutritionally similar to bee brood, and which can easily be produced on a large scale. In cage experiments, monitoring bee mortality, food consumption and changes in bee body parts' weights showed that flour obtained by grinding dried yellow mealworm larvae has the potential to become an excellent component for pollen substitution. Bees from the cage group fed Tenebrio molitor patties (TG) demonstrated overall best results in comparison to sugar patties fed bee group (CG), yeast patties fed bee group (YG) and pollen patties fed bee group (PG). They did not lose weight as rapidly as the CG, did not defecate inside cages as the YG, nor show increased mortality as the PG. At the same time, TG consumed less food (mean 13.7 g/cage) than CG (16.8 g/cage), YG (20.4 g/cage) and PG (23.9 g/cage) within the period of 28 days. Bees' gut increase in weight was lowest in the CG, followed by TG and PG and was the highest in the YG which resulted in diarrhea after 14 days. Bees from TG did not lag behind other bees in head, thorax and abdomen weight after 28 days. We demonstrated that processed yellow mealworm larvae (T. molitor) can be used as an ingredient for honey bee feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are important modulators of red blood cell (RBC) rheology. Dietary LC-PUFAs are readily incorporated into the RBC membrane, improving RBC deformability, fluidity, and hydration. Female C57BL/6J mice consumed diets containing increasing amounts of fish oil (FO) ad libitum for 8 weeks. RBC deformability, filterability, and post-transfusion recovery (PTR) were evaluated before and after cold storage. Lipidomics and lipid peroxidation markers were evaluated in fresh and stored RBCs. High-dose dietary FO (50%, 100%) was associated with a reduction in RBC quality (i.e., in vivo lifespan, deformability, lipid peroxidation) along with a reduced 24 h PTR after cold storage. Low-dose dietary FO (6.25–12.5%) improved the filterability of fresh RBCs and reduced the lipid peroxidation of cold-stored RBCs. Although low doses of FO improved RBC deformability and reduced oxidative stress, no improvement was observed for the PTR of stored RBCs. The improvement in RBC deformability observed with low-dose FO supplementation could potentially benefit endurance athletes and patients with conditions resulting from reduced perfusion, such as peripheral vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]