Acid Index Research Articles

L-shaped relationship between atherogenic index of plasma with uric acid levels and hyperuricemia risk

BackgroundHyperuricemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels, as well as the risk of hyperuricemia.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 9,439 participants aged 18 years and above with complete triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) data. AIP was calculated as the logarithm of the ratio of TG to HDL-C. Weighted linear regression, weighted logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive model, restricted cubic spline and two-part linear and logistic regression were utilized to examine the relationships between AIP and SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk.ResultsWe identified a non-linear and L-shaped relationship between AIP and both SUA levels and hyperuricemia prevalence, with significant increasing observed up to a saturation point (0.588 for uric acid levels and 0.573 for hyperuricemia prevalence). Below these thresholds, the odds ratios (OR) for increased SUA and hyperuricemia were 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.762, 0.946) and 4.4 (95% CI: 3.528, 5.488), respectively (P<0.001). Beyond these points, the associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionOur findings suggest that AIP is significantly and non-linear associated with SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk, with a saturation effect observed beyond specific thresholds. These insights could inform clinical strategies for managing cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with elevated AIP. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Impact of Carbon Dioxide Levels on Biochemical Parameters Associated with Stem Rot Disease in Groundnut

Background: Sclerotium rolfsii is a widespread soil-borne fungal pathogen recognized for causing disease in a wide variety of agricultural and horticultural crops globally. Despite the economic losses attributed to this pathogen, there are limited reports concerning the biochemical alterations in groundnut in response to increased carbon dioxide levels and pathogen interactions. Methods: A pot culture experiment was carried out at ICRISAT during the rabi season 2022-23 in Open Top Chambers (OTC) to assess the biochemical responses of groundnut to climate change and pathogen interactions. The study was carried out at three different carbon dioxide levels (400 ppm, 550 ppm and 700 ppm) using the susceptible groundnut cultivar TMV 2 and the moderately resistant cultivar ICGV-14082. Result: The levels of total phenols, oxalic acid, ascorbic acid, catalase, peroxidases, polyphenol oxidase, and chlorophyll content index were elevated in groundnut plants infected with stem rot due to increased carbon dioxide levels. The biochemical activity was high at its peak in inoculated plants on 4th and 6th day post-inoculation of the pathogen and gradually declined on 8th and 10th days.

Expansion of Pleioblastus amarus in tea plantations significantly enhances the appearance and nutritional composition of bamboo shoots but adversely affects palatability

The expansion of Pleioblastus amarus into tea plantations introduces environmental heterogeneity, significantly influencing the growth and quality of bamboo shoots. This study examined the effects of bamboo expansion on the appearance, nutrition, and palatability of bamboo shoots, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify key influencing factors. Results revealed that bamboo expansion increased shoot diameter, length, and fresh weight, enhancing overall size and edibility, particularly in the tea-bamboo mixed forest center zone (TBC), where appearance quality peaked. Nutritional analysis revealed substantial increases in protein, fat, starch, and vitamin C content after bamboo expansion, along with the improvements in amino acid score (AAS), essential amino acid index (EAAI), and nutritional index (NI), indicating elevated nutritional value. However, despite the rise in soluble sugars and flavor-enhancing amino acids, higher levels of total acids, oxalic acid, tannins, and cellulose diminished the palatability, notably in TBC site. PLS-SEM further indicated that while bamboo expansion positively influenced shoot appearance and nutrition, soil factors predominantly drove these changes and concurrently detracted from overall palatability. These findings provide a framework for enhancing bamboo shoot quality and optimizing management practices in tea plantation ecosystems.

Pasta Enriched with De-oiled Sesame and Yellow Pepper Flours: Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Protein Quality, and Antioxidant Potential

Valorization of waste as a sustainable food additive to produce value-added products is a recent interest. De-oiled sesame flour (DSF) is underutilized despite its rich protein, fiber, and phenols content. Pasta has a poor nutritional value but is a good vehicle for fortification. Therefore, pasta was enriched with DSF at 10%, 20%, and 30%, in addition to 5% yellow pepper flour (YPF) to improve the taste (S10, S20, and S30, respectively). The enriched pasta was compared to control pasta (S0) made from 100% durum wheat semolina concerning the sensory attributes, cooking quality, physicochemical properties, and microstructure. S20 pasta demonstrated good cooking properties and a texture profile similar to the control, with high sensory appeal. It had the lowest cooking loss (7.60±0.10), gumminess (39.50±5.12 g), and chewiness (0.62±0.09 mJ), the highest water absorption and volume expansion (101.30±1.27% and 295.00±7.07%), a shorter cooking time (10.05±0.71 min) and hardness (73.00±5.66 g), with a moderate cohesiveness (0.54±0.03) (p<0.05). DSF increased the protein content of the enriched pasta significantly compared to the control (14.40±0.57g to 16.90±0.57g versus 13.20±0.28 g/100g). Besides, the protein quality was improved by adding 20% DSF: The essential amino acid index increased from 62.76±0.05% to 73.11±0.95% in S20 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was increased from 1.67±2.12% (control) to 28.75±1.53% (S20) (p<0.05). Besides, iron, calcium, and zinc were increased considerably (p<0.05). De-oiled sesame flour at 20% (S20) is a promising additive for pasta producers that offers acceptable physical changes, high nutritional value, and enhanced protein quality compared to control.

Evaluation of the physicochemical, bioactive, and sensory properties of yogurt fortified with microencapsulated iron

Iron deficiency anemia is a public health issue; this condition causes psychomotor development disorders and impairs cognitive functions. Various fortification practices have been developed for foods such as yogurt; however, interactions between nutrients and minerals often result in product rejection. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical, bioactive, and sensory properties of yogurt fortified with microencapsulated iron. Formulations of the encapsulant composed of chitosan, sodium alginate, and maltodextrin were developed, using 6% (w/v) coating material and 3% (w/v) ferrous sulfate. The best result of microencapsulation revealed a yield of 45.86%, efficiency of 60.79%, moisture content of 13.48%, and an iron load of 1.36 mg/50 mg. For fortification, 200 mg of microcapsules were used in 250 mL of yogurt. The evaluation of this fortification was conducted twice per week, two days apart, over a period of 10 days. pH and total soluble solids increased, the acidity index decreased during storage, and the peroxide percentage was not affected. It was found that the fortified yogurt did not retain water well, leading to increased whey separation and changes in firmness. Proximal and color analyses of the fortified and control yogurt samples showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The total phenol content decreased during storage, and the sensory evaluation indicated no significant difference in the acceptance of both samples.

Alterations in the nutrient composition, muscle quality, and proteomics of two Sepiidae species (Sepiella maindroni and Sepia esculenta) during storage

The present study compared muscle protein characteristics between Sepiella maindroni (S. maindroni) and Sepia esculenta (S. esculenta). We analyzed the nutrient composition, myofibrillar protein properties, and proteomic changes in muscle tissue under freezing conditions. Amino acid analysis revealed 17 hydrolyzed amino acids in both species’ muscle tissues, with tryptophan identified as the first limiting amino acid. Essential amino acids (EAAs) constituted more than 31% of total amino acids (TAAs), aligning closely with the FAO/WHO recommended ideal protein pattern. The Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI) for S. maindroni was high at 82.99. Twenty fatty acids were identified in both species, with total contents of C20:5n-3 (EPA) and C22:6n-3 (DHA) exceeding 40%. S. maindroni had significantly more such fatty acids than S. esculenta. During the freezing process, the total sulfhydryl content and Ca2+-ATPase activity of both species showed a decreasing trend, while carbonyl content exhibited an overall increase. After 60 days of freezing, the total sulfhydryl content and Ca2+-ATPase activity in the muscles of both species decreased to minimum levels. Compared to fresh samples, both species’ muscle tissues exhibited varying degrees of deterioration in microscopic structure after 60 days of freezing. A total of 350 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) comprising 208 upregulated and 142 downregulated proteins were identified in S. maindroni and S. esculenta. After 60 days of freezing, 322 DEPs, including 181 upregulated and 141 downregulated proteins, were detected in both species. COG functional classification indicated that low-temperature storage affected DEPs in the muscle tissue, influencing the flavor, texture, and protein functionality of the species.

Evaluation and prediction of the physical properties and quality of Jatobá-do-Cerrado seeds processed and stored in different conditions using machine learning models

The conservation of seed quality throughout storage depends on established conditions, monitoring, sampling and laboratory analysis, which are subject to errors and require technical and financial resources. Thus, machine learning techniques can help optimize processes and obtain more accurate results for decision-making regarding the processing and conservation of stored seeds. Therefore, the aim was to assess and predict the physical properties (moisture content, seed mass, length, thickness, width, volume, apparent specific mass, projected area, sphericity, mean diameter, circular area, circularity, drag coefficient), and physicochemical quality (crude protein, ash content, and acidity index) of Jatobá-do-Cerrado seeds under different processing conditions with pulp, without pulp (scarification), without pulp (fermented), and storage conditions at 10 and 23 °C over six months. Data were analyzed on Weka software (Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis) version 3.9.5. testing the following models: Pearson correlation, Artificial Neural Networks, decision tree algorithms RepTree and M5P, Random Forest, and Linear Regression. Processing cerrado jatobá seeds by fermentation and storage at 10 °C minimized physical changes and preserved the physicochemical quality of the seeds in polyethylene plastic, glass container, tetrapack, and polyethylene container, over six months. The combination of processing, temperature, and packaging variables for Artificial Neural Networks, RepTree, Random Forest, and M5P algorithms outperformed linear regression, providing higher accuracy rates. Artificial Neural Network and Random Forest models were the best predicting the effects of treatments on changes in physical properties and physicochemical quality of jatobá seed.

Rhodiola rosea L. extract ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation via NF-κB pathway inhibition

Rhodiola rosea L. is a traditional plant that has been found to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, however, there is a lack of research regarding its potential anti-ulcer activity. In this study, the plant’s anti-ulcer activity has been evaluated in detail for the first time. R. rosea methanolic extract anti-ulcer activity was investigated against ethanol-induced ulcer rats. The results showed that administering the extract to ulcerated rats reduced gastric acidity and ulcer index while improving nitric oxide (NO) and cytoprotective prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as anti-oxidants glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). On the other hand, the extract decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Further, ELISA assays showed that R. rosea extract decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in ulcerated rats. Western blot analysis confirmed the ELISA results, indicating that the extract decreased IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression and inhibited the NF-κB signalling pathway. Macroscopic and histological investigations on ulcerated rats verified the extract's anti-ulcer effects. The extract’s anti-ulcer activity was dose-dependent with the 600 mg/kg/day dose showing superior activity across all assays. GCMS analysis identified the extract’s major constituents as bicyclo [4.1.0] heptane, 7-pentyl (50.784 %) followed by 2-heptadecenal (33.2 %), and it is thought that these compounds play a crucial role in the extract’s bioactivity. Finally, in silico studies showed that the most abundant molecule, bicyclo [4.1.0] heptane, 7-pentyl, demonstrated the highest binding affinity in its interaction with H+, K+-ATPase. Taken together, the extract’s mode of action might include the inhibition of H+, K+-ATPase by bicyclo [4.1.0] heptane, 7-pentyl, followed by NF-κB pathway inhibition and subsequent regulation of cytokines and other inflammatory biomarkers. This innovative finding has the potential to lead to a successful anti-ulcer medicine, which might be followed by additional clinical trials or bioguided isolation research.

Effect of Acid Production from Forest Litter on the Availability of Heavy Metals in Soil

Forest leaf litter is an important source of soil nutrients, but how its decomposition products affect the availability of soil heavy metals is not totally clear. In order to understand the effects of leaf litter decomposition on soil heavy metal availability in a forest ecosystem, leaf litter samples were collected from Daluoshan in Wenzhou and the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve of Zhejiang and subjected to analysis. The leaf litter was produced by the forests’ dominant tree species, such as Myrica ruba, Bambusa cerosissima, Pinus sylvestris, Machilus thunbergia, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and Quercus acutissima. Decomposition of the leaf litter samples at room temperature and leaching decomposition of the samples were carried out to analyze the acid production characteristics of the litter samples and their impact on soil heavy metal availabilities. Oxalic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and citric acid were the dominant organic acids in the leaf litter decomposer, and the sum of these six organic acids accounted for more than 50% of the total organic acid. During a 30-day litter decomposition, the levels of organic acids basically increased, with significant increases appearing in the early stage. After leaching, the available contents of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb increased by a maximum of 11.95, 2.33, 12.00, 0.80, 0.83, 0.54, 51.50, and 0.28-fold, respectively, compared with those of the original soil sample. During leaching, the higher the content of low molecular weight organic acids in the leaf litter, the longer the leaching time required and the more obvious the influence on the level of available heavy metals. A stronger leaching effect was found for the soil samples taken from a depth of 0–20 and 20–40 cm accompanied by a more obvious increase in the available heavy metals in the soil. PLSPM results showed that there were significant differences between the soil acidity index and the available heavy metals in Daluoshan (p &lt; 0.05) and that there were significant differences between the soil acidity index and the available heavy metals in Wuyanling (p &lt; 0.01). The decomposition of litter produced low molecular weight organic acids, which caused a decrease in soil pH and an increase in exchangeable H+ and Al3+. Both changes had an impact on soil organic matter and further led to an increase in the activity of heavy metals in the soil. This will further lead to the increase of ecological and environmental risks to forest soil.

Morphological and Biochemical Variability of the Fruit and Seed Kernel of Balanites aegyptiaca from Burkina Faso

Balanites aegyptiaca fruits come in various shapes, which can be beneficial for breeding and industrial production purposes. This study aimed to estimate the morphological and biochemical variability of the fruit and seed kernel of B. aegyptiaca based on their shape. Six shapes, namely BLS (big long sharp), BSR (big sharp round), SLR (small long round), BSH (big short hollow), BLR (big long round) and SSR (small short round), were collected. The length, width and thickness of fruits/seeds and the weight of 100 fruits were assessed using a caliper and a scale. Physicochemical properties were determined using official AOAC and AOCS methods. The fatty acids were determined according to the methods of the IUPAC standards. Amino acids were analyzed using the non-derivatization LC-MS/MS method. Mineral and trace element analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry ICP-OES. The results showed significant differences (P&lt;0.001) in the length, width, thickness and weight of 100 fruits across the shapes. The BSH shape had the highest crude fat content and energy value, while the BLS shape had the least favorable profile due to high moisture and acid index. Seventeen fatty acids, 18 amino acids, and 23 minerals were identified, with significant variations observed among the shapes. The predominant fatty acid was cis-9,12-linoleic acid, ranging from 295458.09±100 mg/kg (BLS) to 194138.63±39 mg/kg (BLR). The BLS shape was characterized by the presence of cis-9,12,15-linolenic acid and stearic acid. Cystine was the most abundant amino acid ranging from 615418.83±29 mg/kg (BSR) to 339480.67±81 mg/kg (SSR). Potassium was the most prevalent mineral, followed by phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. The BLS shape was particularly rich in various minerals. These results highlight the significant morphological and biochemical variability of B. aegyptiaca in fruit, seed and kernel variants.

Effect of Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin on the Metabolic Profile, Oxidative Stress and Prophylaxis of Ovine Pregnancy Toxemia.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BC) on the metabolic profile, oxidative stress in Kashmiri merino ewes and its effect on the prophylaxis of Ovine pregnancy toxemia (PT). A total of 48 ewes were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 16 ewes. High dose BC (HBC): Ewes were given 0.2 mL BC/kg body weight, subcutaneously (SC) weekly from 6 weeks pre-lambing to lambing. Low dose BC (LBC): Ewes were given 0.1 mL BC/kg body weight, SC weekly from 6 weeks pre-lambing to lambing. No BC (CON): Ewes were given 0.2 mL normal saline/kg body weight, SC. Weekly from six pre-lambing to lambing. A significant effect of treatment was observed on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA; p = 0.06), beta hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA, p = 0.008), fructosamine (p = 0.034) and oxidative stress indices (OSI; p = 0.026) with less NEFA, β-HBA, OSI and more fructosamine levels in HBC followed by LBC. The BC did not affect glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total antioxidant capacity, calcium and phosphorus however a significant difference was observed along the sampling time in all the three groups. Plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase and total oxidant status levels showed a significant treatment-time interaction. Taking 0.8 mmol/L β-HBA as the cutoff limit for subclinical PT, only HBC was able to significantly control PT at 3 weeks pre-lambing (OR; 5.57; p = 0.035), at 2 weeks pre-lambing (OR: 9.53; p = 0.007), at 1-week pre-lambing (OR: 6.60; p = 0.017) and at lambing (OR: 5.57; p = 0.035). In conclusion, there was a positive effect of BC treatment on the energy metabolism in pregnant ewes and it helped in the amelioration of oxidative stress and hence can be used in the prophylaxis of PT.

Effect of Processing Methods on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Composition of Parkia biglobosa Seeds

Parkia biglobosa (PB) is among the various underexploited nutritious plants. A comparative study was conducted on the effect processing PB has on the amino and fatty acid composition. Fermented (FPB), defatted (DPB), and protein isolates (PI) samples were prepared from Parkia biglobosa seeds using various processing methods, and evaluated using standard analytical protocols. The PI showed the highest significant total non-essential amino acids, essential amino acids, and conditionally essential amino acids when compared with FPB and DPB. In addition, the PI showed the highest significant (p &lt; 0.05) total neutral amino acids, basic amino acids, total aromatic amino acids, and the lowest percentage cystine ratio of total sulphur amino acids and total amino acids in comparison with FPB and DPB. The PI also showed a better-predicted protein efficient ratio, essential amino acid index, biological value, protein content, and nutritional index than FPB and DPB. Furthermore, PI amino acid composition was compared favourably with the reference scores for a whole hen’s egg, preschool child, and provisional scoring pattern. Arginine and histidine values of PI were higher than the recommended values. The FPB (42.29%) showed the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with the DPB (41.94%) and PI (26.7%). The dominant saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were stearic acid (15.1 DPB), linoleic acid (42.29 DPB), and oleic acid (14.05 PI). The DPB (1.84) showed a better polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) ratio than FPB (1.74) and PI (0.91). The results revealed that the processing methods improved the relative amino acid composition, whereas the fatty acid composition improved in DPB. Therefore, PI could serve as an alternative in the formulation of complementary foods.

Association between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and metabolic syndrome risk: insights from a large US population-based study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between Neutrophil-Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio (NPAR) and MetS in a large, nationally representative US population. We analyzed data from 28,178 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between NPAR and MetS. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to assess the dose-response relationship. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore potential mediating effects of serum uric acid and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. After adjusting for confounders, participants in the highest NPAR quartile had a 14% higher risk of MetS compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.03–1.27, P = 0.010). RCS models revealed a monotonic increasing trend between NPAR and MetS risk (P for overall association = 0.002). Mediation analyses showed that serum uric acid and TyG index mediated 14.93% and 29.45% of the total effect of NPAR on MetS, respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated that the positive association between NPAR and MetS was more pronounced in Mexican Americans, individuals aged 20–65 years, those with lower income, males, current smokers, and moderate drinkers. Higher NPAR is associated with increased risk of MetS in the US adult population. This association is partially mediated by serum uric acid and TyG index. These findings suggest that NPAR may serve as a novel biomarker for MetS risk assessment and provide insights into potential mechanisms linking inflammation and metabolic disorders.

Unveiling the nutritional treasure trove: A comparative analysis of two Azolla species for potential food applications

The study investigates the nutritional potential of Azolla pinnata and Azolla caroliniana for its food applications. Nutritional evaluation revealed it as a valuable source of major and minor nutrients. Both species exhibited an abundance of vitamins as well as essential macro and micro mineral components. The essential amino acid profile ranged from 41.96% to 42.91%, and non-essential amino acids comprising of 57.1–58.02%. Fatty acid analysis indicated a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (26.96% - 28.06%) and Monounsaturated fatty acids were present in the range of 8.34–8.81%. The ω3:ω6 ratio favored a healthy balance in both species indicating a ratio of 4:1. Protein quality indices showed encouraging values with regard to Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Essential Amino Acid Index (EAAI), Nutritional Index (NI), Biological Value (BV), and Chemical Score (CS) for both species. Findings suggested Azolla species as promising candidate for its food applications. A balanced and varied diet is essential for human health, and to meet this, Azolla can be explored as a complementary source of nutrient along with other major dietary sources.

Evaluation of physiological performance and fruit quality of citrus trees under colored shade nets and open field conditions: A comparative study

Shade nets are frequently used to protect fruit-bearing trees from unfavorable weather conditions. However, the impact of colored shade nets on plant growth and fruit quality of horticultural crops remains poorly understood. This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of colored shade nets on photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), vegetative growth, and fruit quality of tangerine cultivar known as Murcott (Citrus reticulata, 'Murcott'). The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block with six replications and five different shade net treatments: red 60%, red 40%, green 60%, green 40%, and an open field as the control. The nets were placed on steel rectangular structures, which had a height of 4.5 meters, for a period of three months during the summer season. The results indicated that all shade net treatments led to an increase in relative humidity and a decrease in temperature, as compared to the control group. The green 60% had the highest Fv/Fm value, even though it had low rates of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and light intensity (LUX). On the other hand, the open field had the lowest rate, despite having a high rate of PAR and LUX. Trees under green 60% had the highest leaf chlorophyll content, while those under red 40% had the lowest. The open field and green 60% had the highest shoot growth rate, whereas the lowest rates were observed in trees under red 60% and green 40%. There was no significant impact of any of the shade net treatments on leaf area and total yield compared to the control. Compared to the open field, all shade net treatments resulted in a decrease in sunburn incidence. The highest levels of total soluble solids (TSS) were observed under green shade nets and the control group, whereas the lowest levels were detected under the red nets. Furthermore, it was observed that the green 60% resulted in a significant increase in several parameters including titratable acidity (TA), antioxidant capacity, total phenols, total carotenoids, and color index (Lab*). Given these positive attributes, the green 60% option is considered to be a viable choice for covering citrus trees.

Sex Differences in Physiological Responses to a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Soccer Season.

McFadden, BA, Walker, AJ, Cintineo, HP, Bozzini, BN, Sanders, DJ, Chandler, AJ, and Arent, SM. Sex differences in physiological responses to a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1891-1899, 2024-Identifying physiological changes that occur in response to workload demands can help to elucidate athlete management and recovery strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical and physiological demands between men and women throughout the course of a collegiate soccer season. Men ( N = 23) and women ( N = 26) soccer players participated in blood draws before preseason (T1) and every 4 weeks thereafter (T2-T4). Workload was determined at all practices and games via heart rate and global positioning satellite monitoring systems. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance and linear mixed models were used to assess workload and biomarker responses throughout the season ( p < 0.05). Both teams experienced the highest workloads during the first 4 weeks of the season ( p < 0.05), which was followed by several biomarker perturbations. Sex-by-Time interactions were observed for total cortisol, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acid index ( p < 0.05). Additional Sex effects were observed for free and total testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, sex-hormone binding globulin, creatine kinase, and iron levels ( p < 0.05). Women soccer players experienced further Time effects for free cortisol, iron, ferritin, and percent transferrin saturation ( p < 0.05). Male soccer players experienced additional Time effects for total testosterone, estrogen, creatine kinase, interleukin-6, triiodothyronine, and ferritin ( p < 0.05). Despite similar patterns of change in workloads, differential fluctuations in physiological markers were observed between the sexes. Understanding sex differences in response to comparable workloads may enhance exercise prescriptions for better athlete management plans. Additional strategies to increase iron may be warranted in female athletes.

Biochemical characterization of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties grown in Togo

Food and nutrition insecurity are a major problem in low-income countries. However, some crops like sesame are still underused and can be used to improve the food and nutritional security in rural areas. Grains of seven varieties of sesame comprising four (4) local and three (3) introduced varieties were studied for their nutrient content and oil composition to provide information on their nutritional value and oil quality for a holistic development and valorisation of the crop in Togo. Results revealed that water, ash, lipid, protein, total sugar, fiber, vitamin C, energy, total phenol and tannin contents ranged from 5.08 % to 6.30 %; 3.94–5.40 %; 36.69–45.62 %; 19.52–25.37; 11.10–19.16; 3.84–7.01 %; 1.10–1.94 %; 660–953.3 Kcal/ 100 g; 0.0020–7–0.006 % and 0.005–0.017 %. The oils extracted from these different varieties had saponification and acid indices that ranged respectively from 179.95 to 190.54 and from 4.47 to 8.96. In terms of fatty acid composition, oleic acid and linoleic acid ranged from 37.92 % to 42.24 % and 36.1–39.8 % respectively, while palmitic acid ranged from 6.82 % to 12.41 % and stearic acid from 5.51 % to 7.83 %. The results enabled us to identify the sesame grains of local varieties G3 and G3B as being suitable for enriching infant flours or for remedying the problems of protein and energy deficiency in Togo. Further, the oils extracted from these varieties are of good quality and can therefore be used in industry and for food purposes.

Nutritional Value Evaluation of New Pea Genotypes (Pisum sativum L.) Based on Their Chemical, Amino Acids and Dietary Fiber Composition.

This research concerned the assessment of the utility value of new pea breeding materials intended for registration in the European Union. The research material consisted of sixteen breeding lines and four reference pea varieties. The evaluation was carried out based on the chemical composition of seeds and its variability within the studied genotypes. The contents of protein, starch, lipids, ash and dietary fiber (DF) were determined. The nutritional value of the protein was assessed in vitro using the value of the limiting amino acid index chemical score (CS) and the integrated essential amino acid index (EAAI). The analyzed pea genotypes were characterized by significant diversity in terms of the content of the tested components. The obtained results combined with the PCA analysis were used to select pea genotypes of the highest quality, having the potential as a raw material for the production of food with health-promoting properties. The effect of the conducted research was the identification of three pea genotypes with the greatest potential in terms of protein content and dietary fiber complex.

Comparison of nutritional value of the wild and cultivated spiny loaches at three growth stages.

Environmental pollution and overfishing of wild spiny loach have led to the increased demand for breeding the fish. However, the nutritional value between the wild and cultivated spiny loaches was unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional components among the wild and cultivated spiny loaches at different growth stages by analyzing and comparing the proximate compositions, fatty acids, amino acids and volatile compounds. Results showed that the cultivated ones had significantly higher energy and fat contents than the wild. Particularly, the cultivated second-age spiny loach contained the highest contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.83 ± 0.01%) and EPA + DHA (0.85 ± 0.02%). Besides, the total essential amino acid content of cultivated second-age spiny loach was 2201.28, exceeding that recommended in the FAO/WTO scoring pattern (2,190). And it had the highest flavor amino acid (6.24 ± 0.04 g/100 g), essential amino acid index value (71.82) and higher contents of volatile compounds. Overall, the cultivated spiny loach, especially that at the second growth stage, displayed the highest nutritional value. The findings of this study would help farmers to harvest the suitable breeding stage of spiny loaches from the perspective of nutritional value, which is beneficial to the sustainable fish farming.

Pilot-scale bioremediation of rare earths wastewater by Chlamydomonas sp. YC

The extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) through in-situ leaching with ammonium sulphate [(NH4)2SO4] had resulted in the production of a large volume of ammonium-rich wastewater, causing severe environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess the ability of an indigenous microalga Chlamydomonas sp. YC, isolated from REEs wastewater, to directly treat real REEs wastewater under outdoor conditions in 50 L airlift photobioreactors (AL-PBRs) and 5.0 m3 open race-way photobioreactors (ORWPs). Additionally, the harvested Chlamydomonas sp. YC biomasses from these two pilot photobioreactors were comprehensively analyzed to evaluate the nutritional values. The results showed that Chlamydomonas sp. YC in AL-PBRs exhibited higher biomass production (1.1 g/L), greater removal efficiencies in NH4+-N (24.9%) and total nitrogen (20.4%), as well as higher CO2 fixation rate (125.0 mg/(L·d)), compared to those of ORWPs. Moreover, the Chlamydomonas sp. YC biomasses obtained from the two pilot photobioreactors contained 44.5% and 49.4% protein, 9.1% and 14.3% lipids. Moreover, Chlamydomonas sp. YC in the two pilot photobioreactors displayed essential amino acid indexes (EAAI) of 0.900, which was higher than that of soybean protein (0.657), indicating superior nutritional values. In conclusion, the implementation of the process involving Chlamydomonas sp. YC in AL-PBRs under outdoor conditions holds promise as a coupled microalgal biotechnology for the simultaneous removal of NH4+-N from REEs wastewater, and the capture of CO2 for the production of valuable biomass.