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The main active component of Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) rhizome is Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide (PsP) with antioxidant function. At present, only the mature rhizome of P. sibiricum is used to extract PsP, while the young rhizome of by-product is discarded directly as waste, resulting in significant wastage of P. sibiricum resources. We used ultrasound-assisted extraction-deep eutectic solvents (UAE-DESs) method to extract PsP of young and mature rhizomes, respectively. The extraction rate, structure composition and antioxidant ability of PsP between young and mature rhizomes were compared, so as to provide references for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum resources. The PsP extraction rate (33.88 ± 1.95%) of young rhizome was close to that (45.08 ± 1.92%) of mature rhizomes. The main component (PsP-2) of the PsP in young rhizome contained six kinds of monosaccharides, which belonged to acidic polysaccharides. The above characteristics of the PsP of young rhizome were similar to those of mature rhizome. The PsP of young rhizome also exhibited similar biological activity to that of the mature rhizome, which indicated even more advantages in DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The results of this study support the utility of the young rhizome, consequently helping to avoid unnecessary waste and provide reference for comprehensive utilization of P. sibiricum. Full article

Behaviour is often the fundamental driver of disease transmission, where behaviours of individuals can be seen to scale up to epidemiological patterns seen at the population level. Here we focus on animal behaviour, and its role in parasite transmission to track its knock-on consequences for parasitism, production and pollution. Livestock face a nutrition versus parasitism trade-off in grazing environments where faeces creates both a nutritional benefit, fertilizing the surrounding sward, but also a parasite risk from infective nematode larvae contaminating the sward. The grazing decisions of ruminants depend on the perceived costs and benefits of the trade-off, which depend on the variations in both environmental (e.g., amounts of faeces) and animal factors (e.g., physiological state). Such grazing decisions determine the intake of both nutrients and parasites, affecting livestock growth rates and production efficiency. This impacts on the greenhouse gas costs of ruminant livestock production via two main mechanisms: (1) slower growth results in longer durations on-farm and (2) parasitised animals produce more methane per unit food intake. However, the sensitivity of behaviour to host parasite state offers opportunities for early detection of parasitism and control. Remote monitoring technology such as accelerometers can detect parasite-induced sickness behaviours soon after exposure, before impacts on growth, and thus may be used for targeting individuals for early treatment. We conclude that livestock host x parasite interactions are at the centre of the global challenges of food security and climate change, and that understanding livestock behaviour can contribute to solving both. Full article

With interest in camel milk growing due to its nutrients and biologically active compounds, research into methods of processing and drying it is crucial. In recent decades, extensive studies have explored its chemical composition and health benefits with a focus on drying techniques and their effects on its properties. This review systematically summarizes the available literature on camel milk drying processes and their effects on its chemical composition with a view to shortening the drying time. To achieve this goal, we meticulously reviewed numerous studies published between 2014 and 2024 to identify optimal drying methods that maximize the preservation of camel milk’s nutrient components and bioactive compounds. Our analysis revealed significant findings: freeze drying preserves nutrients better than spray drying, but is less efficient. Spray drying, while faster, tends to compromise some nutritional values. Conclusively, optimizing drying parameters can improve production efficiency and nutrient retention. Full article

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are some of the key culprits that cause cancer metastasis and metastasis-related deaths. These cells exist in a dynamic microenvironment where they experience fluid shear stress (FSS), and the CTCs that survive FSS are considered to be highly metastatic and stem cell-like. Biophysical stresses such as FSS are also known to cause the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can facilitate cell–cell communication by carrying biomolecular cargos such as microRNAs. Here, we hypothesized that physiological FSS will impact the yield of EV production, and that these EVs will have biomolecules that transform the recipient cells. The EVs were isolated using direct flow filtration with and without FSS from the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line, and the expression of key stemness-related genes and microRNAs was characterized. There was a significantly increased yield of EVs under FSS. These EVs also contained significantly increased levels of miR-21, which was previously implicated to promote metastatic progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. When these EVs from FSS were introduced to MCF-7 cancer cells, the recipient cells had a significant increase in their stem-like gene expression and CD44⁺/CD24⁻ cancer stem cell-like subpopulation. There was also a correlated increased proliferation along with an increased ATP production. Together, these findings indicate that the presence of physiological FSS can directly influence the EVs’ production and their contents, and that the EV-mediated transfer of miR-21 can have an important role in FSS-existing contexts, such as in cancer metastasis. Full article

In chicken diet with dietary fat, adding plant polyphenols as a natural antioxidant is recommended to enhance the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) content and improve oxidative stability in meat and eggs. However, high plant polyphenol doses could act as a pro-oxidant and interfere with the absorption of n-3 PUFAs. The study aimed to determine the effects of Dodoneae angustifolia (D. angustifolia) polyphenol levels in flaxseed-enriched diets on fatty acid content and oxidative stability in the meat and eggs of Sasso chickens. Chickens received 0, 200, 500, or 800 mg of D. angustifolia extract/kg diet designated as DA0, DA2, DA5, and DA8 treatments, respectively. Results showed that the breast muscle content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) in 200 and 500 mg extract/kg diet and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) in 800 mg extract/kg diet increased (p < 0.05) compared to those who did not receive. Feeding D. angustifolia polyphenol levels had no significant effect on egg yolk n-3 PUFA content. However, a decrease (p < 0.05) in egg yolk n-6 PUFAs was observed in hens with an increase in the dose of D. angustifolia polyphenol extract. In breast muscle, feeding on a 500 mg extract/kg diet decreased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05) compared to the control diet. However, feeding different doses of D. angustifolia extracts had no effect on egg yolk lipid peroxidation. Full article

Mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FMB1), are common contaminants in cereal-based foods. Instances of contamination are predicted to increase due to the current challenges induced by climate change. Despite the health benefits of whole grains, the presence of mycotoxins in bran remains a concern. Nonetheless, previous research indicates that wheat bran can adsorb mutagens. Therefore, this study investigated the capacity of maize, wheat, and oat brans to adsorb AFB1 and FMB1 under varying in vitro conditions, including pH, binding time, temperature, particle size, and the amount of bran utilized. Maize bran demonstrated a high AFB1 adsorption capacity (>78%) compared to wheat and oat brans. However, FMB1 was not adsorbed by the brans, possibly due to its hydrophilic nature. Lower temperature (≤25 °C) enhanced AFB1 adsorption efficacy in wheat and oat bran, while for maize bran, the highest adsorption occurred at 37 °C. A linear model following Henry’s law best explained AFB1 adsorption by the brans. Further studies identified the pericarp layer of bran as the primary site of AFB1 adsorption, with the initial liquid volume being a critical factor. The study concludes that bran could potentially act as an effective bioadsorbent. Further research is essential to confirm the adsorption efficacy and the bioavailability of AFB1 through in vivo experiments. Full article

The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits. For all of these reasons, the main purpose was to compare body composition and metabolic status between vegetarian and omnivorous individuals and relate these values with cardiovascular risk. The present analysis included 176 participants (61 vegetarians and 115 omnivores). Body composition was assessed using a dual-energy X–ray absorptiometry, biochemical parameters obtained from capillary blood, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk (10RCVD) calculated by the QRISK3 score. No statistical differences were found between groups regarding body composition. Concerning metabolic markers, vegetarian individuals showed reduced values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non–HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). There were no differences in 10RCVD between groups. In both diets, moderate correlations between groups were found for cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the vegetarian regimen might be associated with better cardiometabolic biomarkers and better cardiovascular health, although controversial with the body composition trends observed. In conclusion, the results suggest that cardiovascular risk appears to be more influenced by body composition, mainly fat tissue, over dietary patterns itself. Full article

Toddlerhood (aged 13~36 months) is a period of dietary transition, with water intake being significantly influenced by parental feeding patterns, cultural traditions, and the availability of beverages and food. Nevertheless, given the lack of applicable data, it is challenging to guide and evaluate the water intake of toddlers in China. In this study, our objectives were to assess the daily total water intake (TWI), evaluate the consumption patterns of various beverages and food sources contributing to the TWI, determine the conformity of participants to the adequate intake (AI) recommendation of water released by the Chinese Nutrition Society, and analyze the various contributors to the daily total energy intake (TEI). The data for the assessment of water and dietary intake were obtained from the cross-sectional dietary intake survey of infants and young children (DSIYC, 2018–2019). A total of 1360 eligible toddlers were recruited in the analysis. The differences in related variables between two age groups were compared by Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. The potential correlation between water and energy intake was examined utilizing age-adjusted partial correlation. Toddlers consumed a median daily TWI of 1079 mL, with 670 mL (62.3%, r = 0.752) derived from beverages and 393 mL (37.7%, r = 0.716) from foods. Plain water was the primary beverage source, contributing 300 mL (52.2%, r = 0.823), followed by milk and milk derivatives (MMDs) at 291 mL (45.6%, r = 0.595). Notably, only 28.4% of toddlers managed to reach the recommended AI value. Among these, toddlers obtain more water from beverages than from foods. The median daily TEI of toddlers was 762 kcal, including 272 kcal from beverages (36.4%, r = 0.534) and 492 kcal from foods (63.6%, r = 0.894). Among these, the median daily energy intake from MMDs was 260 kcal, making up 94.6% of the energy intake from beverages (r = 0.959). As the pioneer survey on TWI of toddlers in China based on nationally representative data, attention to the quality and quantity of water intake and actions to better guide parents by both individuals and authorities are eagerly anticipated. Additionally, the revision of the reference value of TWI for Chinese toddlers is urgently required. Full article

The study aimed to show the potential clinical application of supplements used among sportsmen for patients suffering from Intensive Care Unit-acquired Weakness (ICUAW) treatment. ICUAW is a common complication affecting approximately 40% of critically ill patients, often leading to long-term functional disability. ICUAW comprises critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, or a combination of both, such as critical illness polyneuromyopathy. Muscle degeneration begins shortly after the initiation of mechanical ventilation and persists post-ICU discharge until proteolysis and autophagy processes normalize. Several factors, including prolonged bedrest and muscle electrical silencing, contribute to muscle weakness, resulting from an imbalance between protein degradation and synthesis. ICUAW is associated with tissue hypoxia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, reduced glucose uptake, lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased free-radical production. Several well-studied dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals commonly used by athletes are proven to prevent the aforementioned mechanisms or aid in muscle building, regeneration, and maintenance. While there is no standardized treatment to prevent the occurrence of ICUAW, nutritional interventions have demonstrated the potential for its mitigation. The use of ergogenic substances, popular among muscle-building sociates, may offer potential benefits in preventing muscle loss and aiding recovery based on their work mechanisms. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different LED lights on the growth of cauliflower microgreens and to determine which combination of LED light best increases tolerance to salt stress and promotes the growth and accumulation of secondary antioxidants in the presence of salt stress in vitro. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under different LED light treatments (red light, blue light, a combination of red and blue light, and cool white light) and in MS media with different NaCl concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mM). The effects of the different light qualities and salt stress conditions on growth, content of photosynthetic pigment, flavonoids, phenol, proline, and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. The best treatments for microgreen development, according to the data, were those that combined red and blue light. In addition to increasing stress tolerance and enabling plant growth at a lower salt concentration (50 mM NaCl), the combination of blue and red light also enhanced the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant potential of microgreens grown in vitro, which may have nutritional and pharmaceutical value. Full article

Background: Human beings consume different chemical forms of iodine in their diet. These are transported by different mechanisms in the cell. The forms of iodine can be part of thyroid hormones, bind to lipids, be an antioxidant, or be an oxidant, depending on their chemical form. The excessive consumption of iodine has been associated with pancreatic damage and diabetes mellitus type 2, but the association between disease and the chemical form consumed in the diet is unknown. This research analyzes the effect of excessive iodine consumption as Lugol (molecular iodine/potassium iodide solution) and iodate on parameters of pancreatic function, thyroid and lipid profiles, antioxidant and oxidant status, the expression of IR/Akt/P-Akt/GLUT4, and transcription factors PPAR-γ and CEBP-β. Methods: Three groups of Wistar rats were treated with 300 μg/L of iodine in drinking water: (1) control, (2) KIO₃, and (3) Lugol. Results: Lugol and KIO₃ consumption increased total iodine levels. Only KIO₃ increased TSH levels. Both induced high serum glucose levels and increased oxidative stress and pancreatic alpha-amylase activity. Insulin levels and antioxidant status decreased significantly. PPAR-γ and C/EBP-β mRNA expression increased. Conclusion: The pancreatic damage, hypertriglyceridemia, and oxidative stress were independent of the chemical form of iodine consumed. These effects depended on PPAR-γ, C/EBP-β, GLUT-4, and IR. Full article

The aim of this study was to produce two fermented processed foods made from sheep meat, one of them inoculated with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei and the other with Lactobacillus paracasei, evaluating their microbial growth, viability, and the efficiency of these microorganisms as bioconservants. To that effect, physicochemical, physical, and microbiological analyses were carried out, as well as a count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The results regarding the physicochemical and physical characteristics were in accordance with Brazilian legislation, except for the humidity and carbohydrate analysis and water activity, the values of which were not in accordance with the legislation. However, the microbiological results regarding the pathogenic microorganisms’ growth were within the standard established in the legislation until the end of the time of analysis. Regarding the presence of probiotics, both fermented processed foods had values higher than 10⁷ CFU/g relative to LAB count until the limit of 84 days. From these results, it can be concluded that the probiotics are viable, showing bioconservative activity and proper consumption conditions, since they are in conformity with the legislation. Full article

Background: Despite the limited understanding of its precise mechanism of action, sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has proven to be helpful for pediatric patients with constipation, particularly those with fecal incontinence. It is unclear whether the outcome of SNS is impacted by normal or abnormal colonic motility. Our study aimed to determine whether colonic manometry results had an impact on the outcome of SNS as a treatment in pediatric patients with refractory idiopathic constipation. Methods: Electronic medical records of patients with idiopathic constipation who underwent colonic manometry and SNS placement at our center over 6 years were reviewed. A comparison of post-SNS outcomes was performed between patients with normal and abnormal colonic manometry studies. Results: Twenty patients [12 (60%) females, median age of 10.2 years] met inclusion criteria, with fecal incontinence in 12 (60%) and abnormal colonic manometry in 6 (30%). Significantly more patients had an improvement in fecal incontinence following SNS placement (p = 0.045). There were no significant differences in post-SNS constipation outcome measures between patients with normal versus abnormal colonic manometry. Conclusions: Colonic manometry did not help with patient selection for those being considered for SNS therapy. Our findings do not support performing colonic manometry as a screening prior to SNS placement. Full article

Gastrointestinal (GI) afflictions are prevalent among the feline population, wherein the intricacies of the gut microbiome exert a profound influence on their overall health. Alterations within this microbial consortium can precipitate a cascade of physiological changes, notably in immune function and antioxidant capacity. This research investigated the impact of Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cats’ GI health, exploring the effects of probiotic supplementation on the intestinal ecosystem using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The findings demonstrated a significant improvement in gut barrier function by reducing plasma concentrations of D-lactate (D-LA) by 30.38% and diamine oxidase (DAO) by 22.68%, while increasing the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. There was a notable 25% increase in immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, evidenced by increases of 19.13% in catalase (CAT), 23.94% in superoxide dismutase (SOD), and 21.81% in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Further analysis revealed positive correlations between Lactobacillus abundance and IgA, CAT, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels. These correlations indicate that B. lactis and L. plantarum enhance feline immune and antioxidant functions by increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in the GI tract. These findings provide a foundation for probiotic interventions aimed at enhancing health and disease resistance in feline populations. Full article