Search

Nitrate ( NO 3 − ) has properties that can improve muscle function, leading to improvements in metabolic cost of exercise as well as enhance force production. Gymnastics is a whole-body sport, involving events that demand a high level of strength and fatigue resistance. However, the effect of NO 3 − supplementation on both upper- and lower-body function in gymnasts is unknown. This study examined the effect of acute beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on isokinetic strength and endurance of the upper- and lower-body in highly trained international-level male gymnasts. In a double-blind, randomized crossover design, 10 international-level male gymnasts completed two acute supplementation periods, consuming either 2 × 70 ml NO 3 − -rich (∼12.8 mmol/L of NO 3 − ) or NO 3 − -depleted (PLA) BRJ. Maximal strength of the upper-leg and upper-arm at 60°/s, 120°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s, and muscular endurance (50 repeated isokinetic contractions at 180°/s) were assessed. Plasma NO 3 − (BRJ: 663 ± 164 μM, PLA: 89 ± 48 μM) and nitrite ( NO 2 − ) concentrations (BRJ: 410 ± 137 nmol/L, PLA: 125 ± 36 nmol/L) were elevated following BRJ compared to PLA (both p <.001). Maximal strength of knee and elbow extensors and flexors did not differ between supplements (p >.05 for all velocities). Similarly, fatigue index of knee and elbow extension and flexion was not different between supplements (all p >.05). Acute BRJ supplementation, containing ∼12.8 mmol/L of NO 3 − , increased plasma NO 3 − and NO 2 − concentrations, but did not enhance isokinetic strength or fatigue resistance of either upper or lower extremities in international-level male gymnasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Breadfruit Institute, a program at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaiʻi, is dedicated to conserving, studying, and utilizing breadfruit for food and reforestation purposes. Breadfruit is a versatile fruit that grows on a long-lived tree and provides energy, protein, and essential nutrients. The institute has been working to reintroduce breadfruit through research, propagation, and education, and has distributed over 10,000 trees throughout Hawaii since 2007. Their goal is to promote local food production, improve nutrition, and reduce reliance on imported food. The article also discusses the concept of regenerative agriculture and the challenges faced by breadfruit, such as saltwater intrusion and climate change. Dr. Diane Ragone, the director of the Breadfruit Institute, shares her research and efforts to document and preserve breadfruit varieties. [Extracted from the article]

In recent years, recognition has grown of the significant role that food systems play in driving climate change, constituting about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, while also playing a key role in sequestering carbon and adapting to climate changes. The COP28 climate conference signaled a pivotal shift, spotlighting food and agriculture in discourse. However, despite pledges and declarations, concrete plans and targets to address emissions from food chains remain elusive. Urgent action is imperative to transform food systems and avert surpassing critical warming thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom waste can account for up to 50% of the total mushroom mass. Spent mushroom substrate, misshapen mushrooms, and mushroom stems are examples of mushroom byproducts. In ancient cultures, fungi were prized for their medicinal properties. Aqueous extracts containing high levels of β-glucans as functional components capable of providing prebiotic polysaccharides and improved texture to foods have been widely used and new methods have been tested to improve extraction yields. Similarly, the addition of insoluble polysaccharides controls the glycemic index, counteracting the effects of increasingly high-calorie diets. Numerous studies support these benefits in vitro , but evidence in vivo is scarce. Nonetheless, many authors have created a variety of functional foods, ranging from yogurt to noodles. In this review, we focus on the pharmacological properties of edible mushroom by-products, and the possible risks derived from its consumption. By incorporating these by-products into human or animal feed formulations, mushroom producers will be able to fully optimize crop use and pave the way for the industry to move toward a zero-waste paradigm. • The edible mushroom industry generates recoverable byproducts due to the wide variety of bioactive components of mushrooms. • Mushroom stems are rich in polysaccharides with prebiotic and antiglycemic properties. • The by-products can be used in the formulation of functional foods, natural flavor enhancers and thickening agents. • Feeds supplemented with mushroom stems improve intestinal health in aquaculture and livestock farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound commonly used in the production of plastic bottles and containers, where it is used as a plasticizer and can migrate into food. Its intake may impair the functioning of endocrine glands and have a negative impact on the health of human, especially infants. Because it is also found in baby bottles. Generally BPA can enter the body through daily, cumulative and long-term consumption of various foods. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of BPA and its migration through some food containers and bottles. It also explains the potential risks associated with its consumption. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, some of the research conducted in this field has been used by searching in various Web databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed. Therefore, this study provides an overview of the migration of BPA from different packages and compares the obtained values with standard ranges. Findings: Most studies showed samples below the reference value. However, the use of containers made with BPA should be controlled and government policies should be implemented to eliminate or reduce the use of these containers. Originality/value: This paper collects evidence of migration of BPA to some foods through bottles and food containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on orthohantaviruses, a group of RNA viruses found globally and hosted by native rodent species in the Americas, particularly within the Cricetidae family. Some orthohantavirus genotypes cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), with Argentina showing high incidence, especially in Misiones province where new reservoirs like Akodon montensis have been identified, suggesting potential underreporting due to socioeconomic factors.

Self-rationing or one's ability to regulate allocation of resources for consumption can be an inefficient process. Despite the negative impact of self-rationing inefficiencies (eg unhealthy food choices), there is scarce research to understand this phenomenon. This study investigated college students' self-rationing efficiency of eating behavior and spending choices, and their relationship to academic performance. This study used a combination of a real-time experiment, self-reported surveys (n = 101), and interviews with college students (n = 12). Data was collected using two 24-hour recall periods, online surveys, and semi-structured interviews. College students demonstrated self-rationing inefficiency of eating behavior, but not of expenditure on food. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between self-rationing inefficiencies in eating behavior and students' academic performance. This study directly investigated self-rationing efficiency amongst college students' food choices and food expenditure, and enhances our understanding of its impact on college students' academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science platforms such as eBird provide essential spatiotemporal information and big data for the study of birds. The analysis of an extensive 20-year dataset of the distribution of the Eurasian Magpie Pica pica showed that the species is steadily expanding within urbanised areas in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The occurrence of the species in the eBird checklists in the study area has an average exponential growth rate greater than 20%. The area occupied by the species has multiplied by 40 in the last 20 years, going from 25 to almost 1000 km2. In order to test potential negative impacts of this demographic expansion on potential Magpie prey species, such as other birds, a seasonal study of the Magpie's diet through pellet analysis showed that its stable diet consists of insects, snails and seeds, while other birds or food from anthropogenic sources does not constitute a significant part of its diet. The combined use of new open-science big data technologies together with classical monitoring and laboratory study offers indispensable tools for the assessment of species distribution and potential spatial management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes risk in poultry products reinforces the urgent need for new technologies with high antimicrobial effects. In that sense, a combined technology consisting of encapsulated extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) during chicken nugget breading combined with infrared processing was hereby studied at three levels (experiments). The high in vitro EVOO antimicrobial activity (up to 74%), which was 1.2-fold higher against L. monocytogenes than Salmonella, was enhanced after encapsulation (α-cyclodextrin) by 1.5–2.0 and 1.2–1.6-fold, respectively (experiment 1). Oil-free processing (infrared and convection ovens) combined with encapsulated EVOO (2.5 and 1.6% EVOO doses) even enhanced the high in vitro antimicrobial activity of encapsulated EVOO (experiment 2). In the in vivo study (experiment 3), infrared (180 °C, 6.4 min) + convection air (120 °C, 10 min) processing combined with encapsulated EVOO (1.6 and 2.5%) within chicken nugget breading of the chicken nuggets achieved in vivo antimicrobial reductions of 60 and 80% against Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, respectively. In conclusion, this new technology including encapsulated EVOO (1.6–2.5%) within the breading of chicken nuggets and innovative oil-free processing may ensure the food safety of these poultry products very susceptible to the incidence of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current trend of shifting to food naturalness has prompted food industries to switch from synthetic to natural colorants. Concurrently, there is a spike in interest concerning the extraction of pigments from natural sources using non-conventional extraction techniques as the latter are environmental-friendly and sustainable compared to traditional methods. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is one of the emerging technologies that has been reported to be effective in the recovery of bioactive compounds from a plethora of natural sources because of its ability to expeditiously heat the extraction matrix, leading to rapid product recovery. This review focuses on the voluminous demand for natural colorants, their limitations, and potential food applications. Also, this review emphasizes the underlying principle and mechanism of MAE, as well as studies that unveil the efficacy and suitability of the technique for the recovery of pigments. Hence, given that natural pigments are susceptible to natural degradation, MAE is a promising technology for enhanced pigment yield and stability. In addition, recent trends such as technology integration and novel extraction solvents have considerably widened the scope and versatility of MAE as a greener extraction method. Furthermore, when coupled with MAE, waste valorization and further exploration of novel pigment sources (such as algae and other microorganisms) present thrust areas of research concerning the global sustainable development goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiscal policies can shift relative food prices to encourage the purchase and consumption of minimally processed foods while discouraging the purchase and consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed foods, high in calories and nutrients of concern (sodium, sugar, and saturated fats), especially for low-income households. The 2017–2018 packaged food purchase data among U.S. households were used to derive household income- and composition-specific demand elasticities across 22 food and beverage categories. Policy simulations, conducted in 2022–2023, assessed the impact of national taxes on unhealthy ultraprocessed food and beverage purchases, both separately and alongside subsidies for minimally processed foods and beverages targeted to low-income households. Resultant nutritional implications are reported on the basis of changes in purchased calories and nutrients of concern. In addition, financial implications for both households and the federal government are projected. A sugar-based tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would lower both volume and calories purchased with the largest impact on low-income households without children. Meanwhile, targeted subsidies would increase fruit, vegetable, and healthier drink purchases without substantially increasing calories. Under tax simulations, low-income households would make larger reductions in their absolute volume and calorie purchases of taxed foods and beverages than their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that these policies, if implemented, could help narrow nutritional disparities. Levying national taxes on unhealthy ultraprocessed foods/beverages and offering targeted subsidies for minimally processed foods/beverages could promote healthier food choices among low-income households. Such policies have the potential to benefit low-income households financially and at a relatively low cost for the federal government annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a qualitative methodology, 14 women experiencing food insecurity were interviewed to explore their experiences with engaging in healthy eating to manage their weight. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and evaluated using content analysis methods. Resilience factors situated throughout the social environment altered the path from exposure to risk (food insecurity) to poor outcomes (unhealthy eating behaviors/obesity). Resilience factors included social safety net programs, transportation, stretching the food budget, nutritional knowledge, and motivation. Study results can be used to develop strength-based policies and interventions to address obesity among women with low incomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics-based beverages are cherished as convenient and functional food due to their excellent nutritional profile, sensory quality, and shelf life. The need for fruit juice-based probiotic beverages has been sparked as certain consumers are allergic to dairy products or vegan. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review various fruit-based probiotic beverages developed by fortification or fermentation using various probiotics, methods used to prepare these beverages, health benefits of resultant beverages and the mechanism involved. In addition, advanced methods such as encapsulation/immobilization and spray drying to enhance the shelf life and stability of these beverages have also been discussed in detail. Overall, this review emphasizes the development and exceptional advantages of fruit-based probiotics. This study will be helpful for food scientists and food processors to develop novel probiotic beverages with enhanced health benefits and assist industries in determining the most economical raw materials and production processes for producing fruit juice-based beverages. [Display omitted] • Consumer's demand for fruit juice-based probiotic beverages (FJPB) is high. • Different fruits-based fermented/non-fermented probiotic beverages are discussed. • Technological interventions to enhance overall quality of FJPB are reviewed. • In vivo and in vitro health benefits of FJPB are also discussed in detail. • Instant, safe and quality FJPB have to be developed from regional low-cost fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailwater recovery system (TWR) sediment quality in Mississippi, USA, was evaluated seasonally within the storage reservoir and drainage ditch system from 2016 to 2019 for pesticide contamination, effects and bioavailability to Hyalella azteca (Saussure). Sediment bioassays (28-day) measured H. azteca survival and growth and tissue residue risks from sediment pesticide exposure. Sediment pesticide contamination comprised six current-use herbicides, three current-use insecticides, three legacy insecticides and one metabolite (p,p'-DDE). Sediment clomazone, bifenthrin and ΣDDT concentrations were greatest in drainage ditch sites during summer and fall. H. azteca tissue pesticide residues comprised three current-use herbicides and insecticides, as well as two legacy insecticides. Tissue residue clomazone, Ζ-cypermethrin and ΣDDT concentrations were greatest in drainage ditch sites during fall and winter. H. azteca survival and growth varied seasonally and spatially with lowest survival during fall and winter and lowest survival in the storage reservoir relative to drainage ditch sites during winter. Growth decreased during winter and spring with lowest growth in drainage ditches relative to the storage reservoir during spring. Patterns of associated survival and growth with tissue pesticide residues indicate increased risk during fall in TWR and where system water flows mobilise sediment pesticides increasing the risk of ecological impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper enquires into the travels of low‐cost varieties of marine fish in the context of Ghana, distinguishing flows that move toward coastal cities versus those destined for distant, inland cities. It derives data from field research on the Ghanaian small fish food system through surveys, FGDs and interviews conducted in Accra and Tamale. It is argued that although both coastal and inland cities partake in small fish food systems, they experience different flow patterns and FSN outcomes. These are partly related to the fact that Ghana relies on the confluence of local and imported sources for the delivery of low‐cost fish varieties to the population, especially in urban regions where such demand is high. We recommend that policies should focus on investing in infrastructure, especially transport and distribution systems linking cities to fishing communities, to enhance low‐cost fish distribution and improve FSN outcomes for low‐income urban consumers in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nutritional supplements can lead to doping risk and no data exist on high school athletes' use of certified third-party tested supplements. A cross-sectional cohort design was developed using an anonymous survey. Descriptive data for supplement use, use of third-party tested supplements, and knowledge in high school athletes were reported. A total of 225 high school athletes, ranging from 14-19 years of age, from a private high school in the western US, were included in the analysis of the results. A total of 94% (n=211) of athletes reported nutritional supplement use within the past year with an average of six (interquartile range: 3-9) individual supplements, ranging from 0-20 supplements per person. Most frequently reported were sports drinks (72%), vitamins (65%), sports bars (60%), protein powder (58%), caffeine (37%, as part of normal beverages, or 13% as a supplement), followed by creatine (23%). A total of 24% claimed to know for sure that all their supplements were third-party tested. In addition, the recognition of third-party testing organization icons was low (46% in supplement users vs. 14% in nonusers). Athletes also scored low in reporting how to find (22%) and how to order (25%) third-party tested supplements. In conclusion, almost all athletes in this study reported the use of multiple nutritional supplements annually. Only one-fourth of the athletes reported consistently using third-party tested supplements. Knowledge of where and how tested supplements could be purchased was limited in this high school athlete population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many high school athletes report using nutritional supplements. Due to a lack of education at the high school level, the use of safe for sports third-party tested nutritional supplements may be limited. To determine the impact of a short online nutritional supplement education program on safe dietary supplement behavior a cross-sectional repeated measures design was used. Therefore, a convenience sample of 106 high school athletes (14–19 years old) was recruited to measure pre-post education difference for nutritional supplement use and third-party tested (TPT) supplements. Additionally, it was analyzed if nutritional supplement related Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs were associated with athlete choices. The most popular supplements included protein powder (65%), caffeine from beverages (45%), and different types of vitamins (ranging from 38–44%). Consistent use of (safe) third-party tested individual supplements was low, ranging from 35–77% for the most frequently reported supplements. The combined TPB determinants explained 26% of the variance of the intention to use safe supplements (F3, 102 = 13.03, p < 0.001, Adj R2 = 0.26). The self-reported intention to use third-party tested supplements increased significantly (+7%–36% per individual supplement) after following the education program (Z = −3.288, p = 0.001) resulting in an intentional use of 54–94% TPT supplements. In conclusion, education resulted in more high school athletes reporting future third-party tested supplements use, and TPB construct scores did not change over time but could explain a substantial part of the variance of safe supplement use intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context There is an inconsistency between the results obtained from observational studies regarding intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objectives A dose-response meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between UPF intake and the risk of IBD. Data Sources Searches were performed in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to November 2, 2022. Data Extraction Data were available from 24 studies including a total of 4 035 694 participants from 20 countries. Data Analysis Risk ratios for IBD were analyzed by a random-effects model. Outcomes indicated that UPF intake was linked to an increased risk of IBD (relative risk [RR], 1.13; 95%CI, 1.06–1.21; P = 0.001; I2 = 73.2%; n = 59; N = 4 035 694). This association was significant, especially for the risk of Crohn's disease (CD) (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.00–1.41; I2 = 78.2%; P = 0.046; n = 23; N = 2 167 160), unlike the risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) (RR = 1.11; 95%CI, 0.99–1.26; P = 0.085; I2 = 60.3%; n = 27; N = 2 167 918). Also, results revealed that each 10% enhancement in daily UPF intake was not related to the risk of IBD (RR, 1.05; 95%CI, 0.98–1.14; P = 0.168; I2 = 31.9%; n = 4) or the risk of UC (RR, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.92–1.11; P = 0.876; I2 = 34.7%; n = 2) in adults. However, results suggested that for every 10% increase in daily UPF intake, there was a 19% increase in the risk of CD (RR, 1.19; 95%CI, 1.01–1.32; P = 0.021; I2 = 0.0%; n = 2) among adults. In addition, the results showed a positive linear relation between UPF intake with CD risk (Pnonlinearity = 0.431; Pdose response = 0.049) but not risk of IBD or UC. Conclusion High intake of UPFs was linked with an enhanced IBD risk, a specific risk of CD. However, conducting more observational studies among several ethnicities and using specific tools that accurately assess the amount of UPF consumption, components of UPFs, and food additives may be necessary. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023390258. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk) were calculated in both adults and children, using target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Ni were higher than the standard limits but they did not pose any non-carcinogenic health risks in adult and children's consumers (THQ <1). Meanwhile, the risk assessment of iAs indicates THQ > 1 for children in Egypt. Moreover, the THQ value due to Me Hg for adult in Tunisia and for children in Tunisia, Malta, Portugal, Latvia, Cambogia, Peru, South Korea, Romania, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Egypt was higher than 1 value. In addition, the calculated CR values of iAs for the adults and children were within the threshold risk of developing cancer (Between 1.00E–4 to 1.00E–6). Therefore, it is recommended to continuously monitor the concentration of PTEs in canned tuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field and lab experiments explored tetraniliprole dissipation in chili plants. A supervised trial in Devarayapuram village, Coimbatore, assessed the CO2 chili variety (December–March 2018–2019). Using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), samples were collected up to 15 d post-application. Initial tetraniliprole deposits on chili fruits, 1-h post-spray, were 0.898 and 1.271 μg g−1 at single and double doses. Over 80% dissipated within 5 d, reaching below detection limits by day 7 and 10 for single and double doses, respectively. Transformation analysis favored first-order kinetics. Tetraniliprole half-life on chili fruit was 1.49 and 1.53 d at recommended and double doses. The safe waiting period was 4.16 and 5.04 d for 60 and 120 g a.i ha−1. This study provides insights into tetraniliprole dynamics in chili plants, crucial for effective pesticide management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the extensive exposure to imidacloprid residues in food plants, there has been little research on imidacloprid residues in amaranth. The dissipation trend and residue behavior of imidacloprid were evaluated to provide guidelines for imidacloprid application on amaranth under open field and greenhouse. The dissipation rate of imidacloprid in amaranth conformed to the first-order kinetic equation, and the half-lives of imidacloprid in amaranth ranged from 0.29 days in open field to 1.29 days in the greenhouse. After 7 and 14 days from the application of imidacloprid (pesticide dosage, 45 or 67.5 g a.i./ha), the amaranth under the open field and greenhouse growth could be consumed safely with average residues of 0.19 and 0.38 mg/kg, respectively. This result demonstrated that the cultivation has the dominant influence on imidacloprid residue, and the residue of imidacloprid in amaranth planting on open field was much lower than that in the greenhouse, indicating a significant difference in the pesticide residues between the two cultivations with a p-value less than 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The study of the total content of essential minerals in food is important; however, only these values do not provide truly accurate information regarding their nutritional value. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability are key concepts that provide us with more precise information about these values. This study focuses on quantifying calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc in adult supplementation samples, specifically fortified dairy products (FDP) and modified enteral and oral nutrition formulas (EONF) for adults. The samples used in this work were digested using nitric acid and oxygen peroxide to quantify the total contents of Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn. The effectiveness of the acid decomposition procedure was evaluated through an accuracy test using the NIST 1547 certified sample, which exhibited recovery percentages of 97% for Ca, 95% for Fe, 101% for Mg and 90% for Zn. To assess bioaccessibility, extraction procedures were conducted using the in vitro Simple Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET). The bioaccessibility ranges, expressed as percentages, were 14%–62% for Ca, 23%–65% for Fe, 21%–46% for Mg and 33%–64% for Zn. Based on the results, it can be concluded that evaluating bioaccessibility is important for assessing the nutritional content of adult supplementation, as the labelled contents are not always accessible to the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Climate change is threatening our current food systems and countries around the world are seeking alternative food sources to safeguard against potential food insecurity and nutrient deficiency concerns. Various traditional foods used by Aboriginal groups of Australia have previously been shown to be highly nutritious, contain beneficial functional properties and can thrive in the harsh climatic conditions found across Australia. As interest in these traditional foods grows, Aboriginal groups are looking at developing a range of foods for modern markets. However, for many of these foods, there is still little known about their nutritional and functional properties. In this study, we report the nutrition composition and antioxidant properties of a native Australian grain species that is currently being developed for commercial markets by a collective of Aboriginal Traditional Custodians and compare its properties to a commonly consumed wheat variety. Compared with wheat, the native grain species contained 2‐fold greater protein and total fats, and higher levels of essential minerals and trace elements, including 8‐fold iron levels and >2.5‐fold calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese levels. Functionally, the native grain contained 2.4‐fold greater polyphenol content and displayed greater antioxidant potential in exposed human monocyte cultures. Importantly, the native grain was also found to contain a very low gluten content. Altogether, this shows that the native grain is nutritionally and functionally superior to commonly consumed wheat for the measured parameters and could potentially serve as a grain alternative or be used to fortify current wheat‐based and gluten‐free products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wholegrain composite flours are used for bakery products to enhance their nutritional value and to decrease the reliance on wheat importation as well as to ensure food security in most developing countries. This work aimed to optimise oat, maize, barley and wheat flour levels in the development of nutritionally enriched wholegrain pretzels. Composite flour blends were prepared by mechanical mixing of oat flour (OF), barley flour (BF), maize flour (MF) and wheat flour (WF) in the following proportion: WF (100%) (T0 – control), W:B (90:10) (T1), W:M (90:10) (T2), W:O (90:10) (T3), W:B:M:O (85:5:5:5) (T4), W:B:M:O (76:8:8:8) (T5) and W:B:M:O (70:10:10:10) (T6). Wholegrain composite flour mixes were analysed for their proximate composition and antioxidant properties. The fat, protein, ash and moisture content significantly changed (P < 0.05) in all treatments, while the fibre content increased. DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content showed significant changes compared to the control. A rapid visco analyser determined multigrain flour's rheological and pasting properties, and the values showed significant (P < 0.05) differences for peak viscosity, final viscosity and pasting temperature. The final product was analysed for proximate analysis, texture, colour and sensory evaluation. The increase in moisture, protein, fibre and ash content of the product was observed. Moisture, fat and fibre content of pretzels exhibited significant correlations (P < 0.05) with the sensory parameters. A grouping of the samples in function of the chemical and sensory characteristics was depicted from the principal component analysis. Texture and colour analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation results showed that the overall score for acceptability found for composite flour mix which contains 10% barley, 10% oat and 10% maize with wheat in a 30:70 ratio was accepted by the consumer. Consumption of wholegrain pretzels as snack food can contribute to a nutritious and balanced diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study explored the replacement of alkaline phosphate (AP) with flaxseed cake (FC) in mortadella, assessing the impact on technological, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory properties. The inclusion of FC proved promising in maintaining emulsion stability, cooking loss, and water‐holding capacity and did not significantly affect colour characteristics, as indicated by the ΔE values (<5). Sensory analysis validated the substitution, highlighting the absence of a sandy texture sensation and FC's ability to suppress sensory defects caused by the removal of AP. However, adding FC decreased texture parameters such as hardness and cohesiveness, which can be leveraged in formulating products for specific niches, like older adults. Adding FC did not favour mesophilic aerobic and lactic acid bacteria growth. Nevertheless, the TBARS values of the mortadellas with FC increased (peaking at 0.5 mg MDA kg−1), but the sensory detection limit was not reached even at the end of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research aimed to explore the influence of nutritional adjustments and storage stability on a functional, reduced‐calorie guava jam incorporating Aloe vera. Over two months, comprehensive analysis assessed physicochemical properties, sensory traits, microbial stability, and shelf‐life. The addition of Aloe vera gel resulted in significant improvements in pH (3.00 to 3.65), total soluble solids (40.10 to 42.20°Brix), antioxidant activity (36.85% to 81.09%), moisture content (29.48% to 38.82%), water activity (0.78 to 0.84), ash content (0.29% to 0.45%), fat content (0.14% to 0.19%), fibre content (1.05% to 1.86%), and the colour values. Moreover, b* scores for colour indication improved from 15.09 to 18.86. Texture attributes of cohesiveness and firmness improved significantly. Sensory evaluation favoured the T2 variant (20% Aloe vera gel), suggesting it as the optimal formulation. Furthermore, artificial neural networks (ANNs), a technique of machine learning, were utilised to predict guava jam behaviour, with 99% accuracy. The study discovered substantial changes in pH, total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, moisture content, and textural qualities, indicating that Aloe vera supplementation could improve guava jam quality and shelf‐life. The results of ANN predictions about antioxidants and cohesiveness provide information about the product's performance during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialty coffee is processed by performing high standards nationally (SNI) and internationally (SCAA). Good handling in the small coffee industry is essential to producing coffee raw materials as a refreshing drink. The aroma released from the best coffee beans gives an emotional flavor to the drinker - the aroma produced from the best coffee beans with different post-harvest methods. This study analyzed the physical quality of moisture content, coffee bean defects from dry processing post-harvest handling (natural and honey), and different roasting temperature differences to produce volatile compound profiles from three small-scale coffee industries. Six samples of raw materials from 3 small-scale coffee industries were selected by purposive sampling with the criteria that the processing farmer had performed SNI standards. Six coffee samples from the September harvest in 2022. Observations were made in the laboratory for analysis of moisture content and quality defects of coffee beans, then roasted by the industry and analyzed descriptively and multivariate analysis for volatile compounds. The moisture content of coffee beans from all coffee industries has met the requirements following SNI 01-2907-2008, that the moisture content is not more than 12.5 %. All coffee beans produced have 50 % potential as fine robusta coffee beans because they have no primary defects. Increasing the roasting temperature on all coffee beans increases volatile compounds. Coffee beans processed with honey produced more volatile compounds than the natural post-harvest method. The caffeine content in all post-harvest processing processes in the three industries has a difference in concentration due to differences in roasting temperature and time. The study that in the three-ground coffee small-scale industries processed by the natural post-harvest method, carbamic acid compounds were suspected to be from carbamate class insect pesticides (carbofuran) and the fungicide pyraclostrobin. Considering that pesticide residues harm human health, it is essential to implement measures to educate farmers to use organic fertilizers and ensure consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary reviews total aquatic food supply from aquaculture and capture fisheries from 2010 to 2020 at global, regional, and national levels within main producing countries; aquatic animal foods include fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrate animals destined for direct human consumption or as fish and seafood by the FAO. Whilst total combined aquatic animal food supply from aquaculture and capture fisheries has increased on a global basis from 18.59 to 20.49 kg/capita over the past decade, the global supply has not kept up with population growth over the same period. Of particular concern was the decrease in fish and seafood food supply within the African region, decreasing from 10.40 to 9.58 kg/capita, whilst population growth increased by 3.12%/year over the same period. Moreover, the Asian region was the only region where per capita fish and seafood food supply exceeded population growth; the bulk of fish and seafood supply being sourced from increased aquaculture production of primarily freshwater fish species, compared with other regions where marine wild fisheries still dominated fish and seafood supply. Fish and seafood supply in leading aquaculture and capture fisheries producing countries between 2010 and 2020, including China, Indonesia, India, Viet Nam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan, and USA are presented and demonstrate growth in per capita fish and seafood supply being lower than human population growth in Ecuador, Philippines, Turkey, Chile, Norway, Brazil, Myanmar, the South Korea, and Japan. If aquatic food supplies from aquaculture and inland/marine capture fisheries are to make an increasing global contribution to healthy diets, then the increased production and market availability of these products needs to be promoted by governments and actively encouraged and stimulated, particularly within the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a fiber substance produced by microbial fermentation. It is widely used in the food preservation industry because of its extremely pure texture, high crystallinity and high biocompatibility. In the present study, bacterial cellulose/thyme essential oil (BC/TEO‐E) with antibacterial and fresh‐keeping functions was prepared by ultrasonic treatment of modified bacterial cellulose for encapsulation of thyme essential oil, which effectively inhibited the spoilage of chilled chicken. RESULTS: The purified BC, produced by Acetobacter xylinum ATCC 53524, was ultrasonically treated wih different times (0, 30, 60 and 90 min). Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and zeta potential were used to characterize the structure of BC after ultrasound, showing that BC, treated for 30 min, had the optimal fiber structure, crystallinity (85.8%), thermal stability (347.77 °C) and solution stability (−26.63 ± 1.96 mV). BC/TEO‐E was prepared by a homogenizer for the preservation of chilled chicken. Optical microscopy indicated that the BC/TEO‐E prepared by 0.5% BC had optimal dispersion and stability, and even no delamination was observed in the emulsion. Compared with other groups (control, 0.5% BC and Tween‐E), the total number of colonies and coliforms in chilled chicken treated with 0.5% BC/TEO‐E was the lowest during the whole storage period (12 days), indicating that it can effectively inhibit bacterial growth. In addition, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pH and drip loss results showed that 0.5% BC/TEO‐E could effectively inhibit the spoilage of chilled chicken compared to the other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: All of the results acquired in the present study indicate that BC/TEO‐E has a potential application in chilled chicken preservation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a widely distributed global foodborne pathogen, primarily linked with contaminated chicken meat, poses a significant health risk. Reducing the abundance of this pathogen in poultry meat is challenging but essential. This study assessed the impact of Lactobacillus‐fermented rapeseed meal (LFRM) on broilers exposed to C. jejuni‐contaminated litter, evaluating growth performance, Campylobacter levels, and metagenomic profile. RESULTS: By day 35, the litter contamination successfully colonized broilers with Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni. In the grower phase, LFRM improved (P < 0.05) body weight and daily weight gain, resulting in a 9.2% better feed conversion ratio during the pre‐challenge period (the period before artificial infection; days 13–20). The LFRM also reduced the C. jejuni concentration in the ceca (P < 0.05), without altering alpha and beta diversity. However, metagenomic data analysis revealed LFRM targeted a reduction in the abundance of C. jejuni biosynthetic pathways of l‐tryptophan and l‐histidine and gene families associated with transcription and virulence factors while also possibly leading to selected stress‐induced resistance mechanisms. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that LFRM inclusion improved growth and decreased cecal Campylobacter spp. concentration and the relative abundance of pivotal C. jejuni genes. Performance benefits likely resulted from LFRM metabolites. At the molecular level, LFRM may have reduced C. jejuni colonization, likely by decreasing the abundance of energy transduction and l‐histidine and l‐tryptophan biosynthesis genes otherwise required for bacterial survival and increased virulence. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of our review was to systematically explore and compare the state‐of‐the‐art methodologies employed in the detection of pesticides, a critical component of global food safety initiatives. New approach methods in the fields of luminescent nanosensors, chromatography, terahertz spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are discussed as precise, rapid, and versatile strategies for pesticide detection in food items and agroecological samples. Luminescent nanosensors emerge as powerful tools, noted for their portability and unparalleled sensitivity and real‐time monitoring capabilities. Liquid and gas chromatography coupled to spectroscopic detectors, stalwarts in the analytical chemistry field, are lauded for their precision, wide applicability, and validation in diverse regulatory environments. Terahertz spectroscopy offers unique advantages such as noninvasive testing, profound penetration depth, and bulk sample handling. Meanwhile, Raman spectroscopy stands out with its nondestructive nature, its ability to detect even trace amounts of pesticides, and its minimal requirement for sample preparation. While acknowledging the maturity and robustness of these techniques, our review underscores the importance of persistent innovation. These methodologies' significance extends beyond their present functions, highlighting their adaptability to meet ever‐evolving challenges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1468–1484. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of aquaculture demands intense consumption of formulated foods, scarce natural resources such as water and land. The increase in aquaculture production needs to be sustainable in several aspects of the activity, including the use of more sustainable farming systems that provide reduced water demand, less space dependence for increased production, and availability of complementary natural food. In this perspective, the biofloc system (BFT), presents itself as a more friendly cultivation technology as a way to mitigate some impacts of aquaculture production. Much research has been carried out, addressing different aspects important to the production of fish in BFT. In this review, we address how stocking density, carbon sources and carbon nitrogen ration (C/N) affect animal performance and the nutritional value of bioflocs; the use of microbial aggregates as "in situ" and "ex situ" food and the benefits in feed conversion, and their influence on the immune system and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has linked obesity with an altered perception of rewards. This study aimed to contrast frontal cortical activities across body mass index (BMI) groups, in responding to differential rewards (monetary versus food). A total of 60 male participants (27.43 ± 6.07 years of age; 21 normal weight [BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg·m−2]; 20 overweight [BMI: 25.0–29.9 kg·m−2]; and 19 individuals with obesity [BMI ≥ 30 kg·m−2]) were tested for their response bias towards food and money rewards using the Probabilistic Reward Task (PRT), while their frontal cortical responses were recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). The feedback-related negativity (FRN), a reliable measure of reward valuation and learning, was calculated for food (FRN(Food)) and money (FRN(Money)). Results indicate a left-lateralised frontal cortical activity associated with the food reward condition, in the group of overweight and obesity. In contrast, a right-lateralisation was observed in the money reward condition only in the group with obesity. More specifically, FRN(Food) was shown to significantly differ between left and right frontal cortical areas among individuals with obesity (p = 0.035) and overweight (p = 0.012), but not in normal-weight individuals (p = 0.153). Additionally, results revealed that FRN(Food) and FRN(Money) were significantly different for individuals with obesity (p = 0.019), but such a significant difference was not evident in the overweight and normal-weight individuals (p ≥ 0.05). These findings offer intriguing new insights into neuropsychological differentiation across BMI groups, adding to the understanding of obesity-related behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study assesses the relationship between school food environment and eating behaviors of primary school children in Dodoma among 248 primary school children aged 6–13 years. School characteristics information and socio-demographic characteristics were collected. Multilevel modeling was employed to assess the individual-level variance in eating behaviors. Most of the variances in the investigated eating behaviors were at the personal level. Significant associations (p <.05) were between protein-rich food intake and fats and sugar-rich food with the death of either parent. And association between intake of vitamin and mineral-rich foods and the number of people living in household. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of menus is a strategic part of the marketing mix of restaurants and the way they can (or can not) create a competitive advantage and attract the customer's attention. In particular, restaurant menus communicate the restaurant unique selling proposition through its unique understanding of terroir. In this sense, the role of restaurants in the protection of local food identities and the promotion of local food heritage has become a topic of increasing interest. From a qualitative study based on a discourse analysis, the aim of this article is to understand the role of food in dining experiences through the storytelling embedded in the menus of the 8 restaurants awarded with the Michelin Green Star in Catalonia. While results show the pivotal role of products with a local origin, the narrative derived from the menus display meaningful relationships between local and global, old and new culinary techniques. Results also show the preoccupation of restaurants toward the protection of the linkages between the products and the territory, and the promotion of a zero-waste cuisine. Theoretical and practical implications are outlined to create both business and destination marketing strategies based on a "green" storytelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work described in this paper investigates the impact of cause-related marketing on brand image and loyalty from the perspective of international fast-food chains. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers to assess the current use of cause-related marketing practices (CrM) in fast-food chain restaurants. From the results of the interviews and review of literature, a model was developed including four variables, these are as follows: CrM, customer loyalty, brand image, and price increase. A self-administered structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on managers perspective of CrM, impact on brand image, customer loyalty, and price increase. Seven hundred and four questionnaires were distributed. Results from the study indicate that there is a correlation between CrM and brand and that there is a positive and significant and relationship between CrM and customer loyalty, CrM was found to have more effect on attitudinal loyalty than on behavioral loyalty. In addition, results revealed that brand image and customer loyalty are correlated. Regression analysis signified that customer loyalty is affected by brand image as the relationship between them is significant and positive. The study also found that brand image acted as a partial mediator between CrM and customer loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba, beans are part of the traditional gastronomy and livelihood of the people. During bean harvest, farmers generate high volumes of stubble, which they burn, thus adversely affecting soil health and organic matter, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. Bean harvest occurs during the dry season, a period of feed shortage for livestock, such that integrating farming and livestock production could be a way to feed and fatten sheep at little cost. We assessed the feasibility of feeding bean stubble to sheep by determining 1) volumes produced and nutritional value of stubble, 2) acceptability, performance, and carcass yields of lambs fed stubble, and 3) feasibility for this integrated farming-livestock system at local and regional levels. During harvest, 650 tons of stubble are produced in the municipality of Morón by 190 farmers, which represents a potential to feed more than 3,500 lambs, with acceptable average daily gains of 90 g per day with minimal supplementation. We thus affirm this is a viable technological practice with economic, ecological, and social implications as an acceptable alternative to burning stubble to enhance food security and livelihoods of small and medium-sized farms, while generating new employment opportunities, especially for rural women. Future studies are needed to evaluate the economic, ecological, and social impacts of this agriculture-livestock integration technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among multiple factors that can influence people's food security, the gender inequality factor has attracted inadequate attention in high-income countries, particularly in Japan. To analyse how and why gender inequality issue has been neglected in food policy in Japan, I propose the notion of the 'post-war Japanese eating model' based on the sociologies of family and food. I demonstrate how Japanese society has persisted with this eating model by examining two dominant dietary discourses, the Japanese dietary pattern and Hōshoku (deterioration of dietary practices). The former reinforced the post-war Japanese eating model, despite the prevailing agricultural and nutritional accounts. Regarding the latter discourse, Hōshoku was overestimated, resulting in enlarging the contradiction between norms (the Japanese dietary pattern) and practices. Given the increasing difficulty in performing such practice, their dietary norms need to be reconstructed through awareness of reflexive or 'semi-compressed' food modernity facing Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major global public health problem. SAM cases are treated using ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a dosage of ∼200 kcal/kg/day per the standard treatment protocol (STD). Emerging evidence on simplifications to the standard protocol, which among other adaptations, includes reducing the daily RUTF dosage, indicates that it is effective and safe for treating children with SAM. In response to a foreseen stock shortage of RUTF, the government of Afghanistan endorsed the temporary use of a modified treatment protocol in which the daily RUTF dosage was prescribed at 1000 kcal/day (irrespective of body weight) until the child achieved moderate acute malnutrition status (weight‐for‐height z‐score ≥ −3 or mid‐upper arm circumference [MUAC] ≥ 115 mm), at which point 500 kcal/day was prescribed until cured (modified treatment protocol [MTP]). In this paper, we report the results of this nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage experience. Data of 2042 children with SAM, treated using either the STD protocol (n = 269) or the MTP protocol (n = 1773) from August 2019 to March 2021 in five provinces, were analyzed. The per‐protocol analyses confirmed noninferiority of MTP protocol when compared to STD protocol for recovery rate [93.3% vs. 90.2%; ∆ (95% confidence interval, CI) = 3.1 (−0.9; 7.2) %] and length‐of‐stay [82.6 vs. 75.6 days; ∆ (95% CI) = 6.9 (3.3; 10.5) days], considering the margin of noninferiority of −10% and +14 days, respectively. Weight gain velocity was smaller in the MTP protocol group than in the STD protocol group [3.7 (1.7) vs. 5.2 (2.9) g/kg/day; ∆ (95% CI) = −1.5 (−1.8, −1.2); p < 0.001]. The STD group had a significantly higher mean than the MTP group for absolute MUAC gain [∆ (95% CI) = 1.7 (1.0; 2.3) mm; p < 0.001] and the MUAC velocity [∆ (95% CI) = 0.29 (0.20; 0.37) mm/week; p < 0.001]. Our results confirm the noninferiority of a nonweight‐based daily dosage and support the endorsement of this modification as an alternative to the standard protocol in resource‐constrained contexts. Key messages: More evidence supporting the use of the nonweight‐based daily ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) dosage for treating uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM), in specific contexts, is needed.Our real‐world prospective nonrandomized study showed that the fixed nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage protocol is as effective as the standard weight‐based protocol for treating uncomplicated SAM in children <5 in the Afghanistan context.Our findings support the reflection of a nonweight‐based daily RUTF dosage in resource‐constrained contexts in national and global policies and guidelines to improve coverage of all children in need of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate a diffusive predator–prey system incorporating additional food for predators, prey refuge, fear effect, and its carry-over effects. For the temporal model, the well-posedness and persistence of the system have been discussed. We investigated the existence and the stability behavior of the various equilibria. Furthermore, we explored the bifurcations of codimension-1 including transcritical, saddle-node, and Hopf, concerning the crucial parameters. The system also presents codimension-2 bifurcations such as Bogdanov–Takens and cusp bifurcation along with the global homoclinic bifurcation. We observed the bubbling phenomena, which illustrate the fluctuations in the amplitudes of the periodic oscillations. For the spatiotemporal system, we established the non-negativity and boundedness of the solutions. We derived the conditions for the diffusion-driven instabilities in a confined region with Neumann boundary conditions. Extensive numerical simulations have been conducted to depict the various stationary patterns in Turing space. It is observed that incorporating cross-diffusion divides the bi-parametric plane into various sub-regions and dynamic patterns are analyzed in these different regions. The intricate spatiotemporal dynamics exhibited by prey–predator interactions are crucial for unraveling the intricacies within ecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on natural and healthy nutrition, leading to increased interest in fermented foods and their associated health benefits. In line with this trend, fermentation is employed to enhance the exceptional properties of algae, including their nutritional value and digestibility, rendering them suitable for consumption as food. Fermentation of algae involves the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids by microorganisms, including bacteria or yeast. First of all, the fermentation process results in enhanced antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effects, anti‐inflammatory properties, immunomodulatory effects, anti‐glycation activity, antihypertensive effects and neuroprotective activity by increasing the bioavailability of bioactive compounds in algae. In addition, this method encourages the incorporation of algae into food products. In this process, both the flavour and texture are enhanced, while simultaneously preserving and enriching the beneficial nutrients and compounds present in algae. Despite the availability of various fermented algae products in the market, their widespread adoption has yet to be realised. The incorporation of fermented algae into food products not only enhances their nutritional content but also fosters the emergence of a new segment within the fermented food market. Herein, the concept of fermented algae, the fermentation process, its nutritional value and its health benefits are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans make decisions about food every day. The visual system provides important information that forms a basis for these food decisions. Although previous research has focused on visual object and category representations in the brain, it is still unclear how visually presented food is encoded by the brain. Here, we investigate the time-course of food representations in the brain. We used time-resolved multivariate analyses of electroencephalography (EEG) data, obtained from human participants (both sexes), to determine which food features are represented in the brain and whether focused attention is needed for this. We recorded EEG while participants engaged in two different tasks. In one task, the stimuli were task relevant, whereas in the other task, the stimuli were not task relevant. Our findings indicate that the brain can differentiate between food and nonfood items from ∼112 ms after the stimulus onset. The neural signal at later latencies contained information about food naturalness, how much the food was transformed, as well as the perceived caloric content. This information was present regardless of the task. Information about whether food is immediately ready to eat, however, was only present when the food was task relevant and presented at a slow presentation rate. Furthermore, the recorded brain activity correlated with the behavioral responses in an odd-item-out task. The fast representation of these food features, along with the finding that this information is used to guide food categorization decision-making, suggests that these features are important dimensions along which the representation of foods is organized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise of a consumer market increasingly concerned with food and healthy lifestyle habits, the search for functional products has increased in the last years. In this context, dairy products are relevant since they are already included in the consumer's diet. Furthermore, hydrolyzed collagen stands out among products with bioactive action, as it promotes the reduction of the incidence of arthritis, osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity, and premature aging and contains healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition to health benefits, the addition of these ingredients to dairy products can influence physical, chemical, rheological, microbiological, and sensory characteristics, such as: decreased syneresis and improved texture of fermented milks; viscosity increase in dairy beverage; increased proteolytic activity in cheeses; and increasing the viability of probiotics, without significantly altering the quality standards of the legislation. Despite the benefits described, more studies are needed to evaluate these effects in different dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies on the sublethal effects of chemical residues in beeswax on adult honey bees are increasing, the study protocols assessing the impacts on honey bee brood in realistic conditions still need to be investigated. Moreover, little is known about the residue's effect on gene expression in honey bee brood. This study reports the effects of chlorpyriphos-ethyl, acrinathrin and stearin worker pupae exposure through contaminated or adulterated beeswax on the gene expression of some key health indicators, using a novel in vivo realistic model. Larvae were reared in acrinathrin (12.5, 25, 10 and 100 ppb) and chlorpyriphos-ethyl (5, 10, 500 and 5000 ppb) contaminated or stearin adulterated beeswax (3, 4, 5, 6 and 9%) in newly formed colonies to reduce the influence of external factors. On day 11, mortality rates were assessed. Honey bee pupae were extracted from the comb after 19 days of rearing and were analysed for the gene expression profile of four genes involved in the immune response to pathogens and environmental stress factors (Imd, dorsal, domeless and defensin), and two genes involved in detoxifications mechanisms (CYP6AS14 and CYP9Q3). We found no linear relation between the increase in the pesticide concentrations and the brood mortality rates, unlike stearin where an increase in stearin percentage led to an exponential increase in brood mortality. The immune system of pupae raised in acrinathrin contaminated wax was triggered and the expression of CYP6AS14 was significantly upregulated (exposure to 12.5 and 25 ppb). Almost all expression levels of the tested immune and detoxification genes were down-regulated when pupae were exposed to chlorpyrifos-contaminated wax. The exposure to stearin triggered the immune system and detoxification system of the pupae. The identification of substance-specific response factors might ultimately serve to identify molecules that are safer for bees and the ecosystem's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19-induced lockdowns and movement restrictions led to individuals’ limited movement and recall of street food memories. Against this backdrop, the current study explores the enabler role of the perceived scare of COVID-19 on street food attachment and its contribution to recommending and revisiting intention. A prominent contribution of this study is the evaluation of the moderating role of perceived price fairness, food authenticity, vendor hygiene practices, and income. The proposed model is validated with perceptual responses gathered from two prominent destinations viz. India and the Middle East and analyzed with partial least squares. Results showed that the perceived scare of COVID-19 does significantly enhance one’s attachment associated with street food. Moreover, street food attachment does enhance an individual’s revisit and recommendation intention in the new normal. Furthermore, results showed that the contingent effects of food authenticity, perceived price fairness, vendor’s hygiene practice, and income have a positive moderation on the relationship between perceived scare of COVID-19 and street food attachment. The study is one of the few studies on street food attachment in the new normal for developing countries like India and the Middle East. The implications have relevance for street food businesses and small food business owners in Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. There are few studies on the association between processed food intake and infant atopic dermatitis (AD) during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake during pregnancy with infantile AD. Methods: This study involved 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project conducted in Korea. Dietary intake was estimated using a 24-h recall method at 12−28 weeks gestation. The NOVA classification was used to identify UPF, and UPF intake was calculated as the percentage of total energy consumption and categorized into quartiles. Infantile AD was assessed based on medical history and the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Associations were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Results: Children born to mothers in the highest quartile of UPF consumption (15.5% or more of the total energy) compared to the lowest quartile (6.8% or less) showed a higher risk of AD within 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07−2.66, P for trend 0.0436]. After adjustment for the confounding factors under study, the association was strengthened; the adjusted OR between extreme quartiles was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.11–4.32, P for trend = 0.0418). This association was maintained even after an additional adjustment based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), an indicator of diet quality. Conclusions: Higher maternal consumption of UPF during pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of infantile AD within the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]