Fat Content Research Articles

Evaluating the therapeutic effect of different forms of silymarin on liver status and expression of some genes involved in fat metabolism, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in older laying hens.

Silymarin, the predominant compound of milk thistle, is an extract took out from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds, containing a mixture of flavonolignans with strong antioxidant capability. The experiment was conducted using 70 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens at 80 weeks of age with 7 treatments each with 10 replicates. Treatments included: (1) control diet without silymarin, (2) daily intake of 100mg silymarin powder/kg body weight (BW) (PSM100), (3) daily intake of 200mg silymarin powder/kg BW (PSM200), (4) daily intake of 100mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM100), (5) daily intake of 200mg nano-silymarin/kg BW (NSM200), (6) daily intake of 100mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM100) and (7) daily intake of 200mg lecithinized silymarin/kg BW (LSM200). The birds were housed individually, and diets were fed for 12 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed that NSM was produced with the average particle size of 20.30nm. Silymarin treatment improved serum antioxidant enzyme activity. All groups receiving silymarin showed a decrease in liver malondialdehyde content, expression of fatty acid synthase, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the liver, and hepatic steatosis than the control, except those fed the PSM100 diet. There were decreases in liver dry matter and fat contents, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocyte ballooning, and an increase in glutathione peroxidase gene expression and a decrease in iNOS gene expression in birds fed the NSM100, NSM200, LSM100 and LSM200 diets compared to the control group. Moreover, all groups receiving silymarin showed a significant decrease in liver weight compare to the control group. Overall, the effects of silymarin when converted to NSM or LSM and offered at the level of 200mg/kg BW were more pronounced on the hepatic variables and may be useful in the prevention of the liver disease in older laying hens.

Independent and joint relationships of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index with liver fat content.

To investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and liver fat content (LFC) in community-based participants and highlight their relationship in people with different body mass indices (BMIs). Using UK Biobank data, CRF was estimated with bicycle ergometer fitness testing and was evaluated based on physical work capacity at 75% maximum heart rate (PWC75%). LFC was quantified through liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of CRF and BMI with absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF (%). In total, 5765 participants with a mean age of 55.57 years and a median (range) follow-up of 10.7 (4.0-17.7) years were included. Compared with the lowest PWC75% tertile, the absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF in the highest PWC75% tertile were -0.450 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.699 to -0.192) and -4.152 (95% CI -6.044 to -2.104), respectively. These associations were independent of BMI, and individuals with obesity and normal weight had the largest absolute reduction and percentage change in LFC, respectively (p for interaction <0.001). Joint analysis showed that PWC75% and BMI had a negative dose-response relationship with PDFF. These associations were consistent in different sex and age subgroups (p for interaction >0.05). There was a significant negative association between CRF and LFC, and this association was independent of BMI. The results of this study strongly recommend improving CRF to mitigate LFC.

Composition of Donkey Meat (Equus Asinus) from the Puno Region, Peru

Objective: To determine the proximate chemical composition of donkey meat (Equus asinus) considering the variables of animal class (young and adult) and commercial cut (shoulder, rib and leg) with the purpose of nutritionally assessing it as an alternative source of red meat. Theoretical Framework: Donkey meat is characterized by a low intramuscular fat content and could be used as a valid alternative to other species of red meat such as beef and sheep in the Puno region, Peru. However, little is known about the nutritional quality of meat from donkeys that are slaughtered at the main equine slaughterhouse in southern Peru. Method: Muscle tissue samples were taken from the following muscles: deltoid, Longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris representing the commercial cuts of shoulder, rib and leg, respectively. Chemical analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash) was performed following the protocols established for meat by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), in the Bromatology Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of UNA-Puno. Data analysis was performed in a randomized complete block design (DBCA) and the LSD significance test (α=0.05). Results and Discussion: The proximate chemical composition of donkey meat is as follows: moisture 73.79%, protein 19.23%, fat 4.53% and ash 1.20%. The animal class (young and adult) and the commercial cut (shoulder, rib and leg) have a significant effect on the moisture and fat content (p≤0.05), with an inverse relationship between the two; but there is no effect on the protein and ash content (p&gt;0.05). Implications of the research: It was possible to demonstrate that the meat of donkeys from the Puno region has a similar composition to the red meat of other domestic species, so it can be a good alternative to replace red meat. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by knowing the chemical composition of donkey meat from the Puno region, Peru for consumption purposes as a substitute for red meat or for the preparation of meat by-products.

Acupuncture-assisted lifestyle intervention improve the metabolic status and spontaneous brain activity of type 2 diabetes Mellitus patients: a randomized, clinical trial

BackgroundAggressive weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has demonstrated numerous metabolic advantages, however, existing therapies for weight control have not reached satisfactory results. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the weight management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by using a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial design.MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 102 overweight adult T2DM patients were randomized into two groups. The control group receives diet, exercise, and sham acupuncture intervention, whereas the acupuncture group receives diet and exercise and acupuncture intervention, both for 1 month. Body weight and other anthropometric and laboratory indices were assessed at baseline and endpoint, meanwhile, the body fat content and spontaneous brain activity were measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)as the exploratory outcomes.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the studied parameters at the baseline. The body weight and BMI were significantly reduced both in the control and acupuncture groups after intervention, without statistical difference between the two groups. What’s interesting is that compared to the control, the acupuncture group displayed a greater improvement in central fat tissue. It notes that the acupuncture group achieved significant liver fat content reduction than the sham acupuncture group. At the same time, the spontaneous brain activity in the occipital lobe and parietal lobe significantly increased in the acupuncture group.ConclusionOne month of acupuncture treatment preferentially improved ectopic fat deposition and was accompanied by changes in brain activity compared with the control group, even before significant changes in total body weight had occurred. further studies of longer duration are necessary for validation.Trial registration: The protocol of this clinical trial is registered at the Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry (AMCTR, http://www.acmctr.org/, No. AMCTR-IOR-20000341).

Comparative Analysis of Milling Technologies in Dark and Milk Cocoa Topping Production for Ice Cream

Chocolate and cocoa toppings are widely used for confectionery products. Toppings used for ice creams contain higher fat content (about 40-60%) to ensure a greater flow to cover the whole product. The dark cocoa topping consists of cocoa and sugar powder distributed in vegetable fat, while cocoa topping with the added 7% non-fat milk fraction is regarded as a milk cocoa topping. This research aimed to determine and compare the impact of the ball mill, and five-roll mill and conching used for the production of dark and milk cocoa toppings regarding the particle size distribution, rheology properties and content of moisture, sucrose, fat and lactose. The obtained results showed that the volume-weighted mean parameter D (4,3) was lower in the samples produced in a ball mill. Additionally, the viscosity, linear and Casson, slightly increased in samples produced in a ball mill except for the milk cocoa topping which had 0.55 fold higher value of linear viscosity compared to the sample produced using a five-roll mill and conching. Regarding the results of NIR spectroscopy, it was found that the samples produced in a ball mill showed higher values of moisture, but lower values of sucrose, lactose and fat.

Processing of Larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor in Cooked Sausages: Effects on Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Parameters

Proteins from insect production represent an interesting (environmentally friendly) option or supplement to commercial livestock farming. At present, however, the larval stages of T. molitor (mealworm) and A. diaperinus (buffalo worm) have been authorized as food for human consumption EU-wide, as have the nymph and adult stages of Locusta (L.) migratoria (Locusta migratoria, Linnaeus, 1758) and Acheta (A.) domesticus (house cricket, Acheta domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758). However, there is the problem that insects that are recognizable as a whole tend to be avoided by consumers, especially in the European region, as they are reminiscent of living things and can cause aversion and disgust in consumers. Against this background, in the present study, five batches of two types of cooked sausages were produced: on the one hand, with turkey, and on the other hand, with pork lean meat as a base. In different formulations, 10% and 20% of the meat contents (turkey or pork) in these meat products were replaced by deep-frozen, pulverized T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae. The effects of the addition of these insects in the products on the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of these cooked sausages, compared to a product without insect content, directly after heating, were investigated. After production, a storage trial was also carried out to determine whether possible insect ingredients could influence the growth of inoculated bacterial species (Bacillus (B.) cereus, Escherichia (E.) coli, Listeria (L.) monocytogenes, and Campylobacter (C.) jejuni) and how the addition of insect larvae affectsthe sensory and physicochemical properties during storage. The study showed that the products with insects had reduced lightness (turkey p C = 0.025), increased yellowness (pork p S = 0.0009, p C &lt; 0.0001 and turkey p C = 0.0027) and a reduced red color (pork p S &lt; 0.0001, p C = 0.0001) after heating when compared to the cooked sausages without insects. However, no significant differences between the various cooked sausages with or without insects in terms of cooking loss, firmness, and protein, ash, and fat or water contents were found. The microbiological tests showed, on the one hand, that the prior microbial reduction (e.g., in the form of blanching) of the insect larvae was essential in order to guarantee the flawless microbiological quality of the cooked sausages and, on the other hand, that the addition of insects to the cooked sausages did not significantly affect the growth of the inoculated bacterial species and that no sensory differences could be detected during storage. Despite the significant color effects on the product, A. diaperinus and T. molitor larvae would be suitable as protein or meat alternatives in cooked sausages, but they would have to undergo pre-treatment, primarily with regard to microbiological safety. The extent to which a complete replacement of meat is possible has to be investigated in further studies.

Hybrid Meat Sausages with Cereal Ingredients: A Systematic Review and Development Trial with the Assessment of Physicochemical and Sensory Attributes

A number of consumers in developed countries are now reducing the amount of meat in their diets, so the development of novel alternatives for conventional meat products is becoming a challenge for the meat industry. The aim of this study was to analyse the possibility of developing hybrid meat sausages with cereal ingredients, based on a systematic review of the literature, as well as a development trial of a hybrid dry snack stick sausage with groats with an assessment of its physicochemical and sensory attributes. A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies about hybrid meat sausages with cereal ingredients, including bibliometric network analysis, was conducted. The development trial was conducted including physicochemical analyses and sensory assessment of the hybrid semi-dry sausages, produced as a ready-to-eat snack (cabanossi) with groats, obtained on an industrial scale. Among the studied hybrid meat products with cereal ingredients, there were patties, frankfurters, salami, and other sausages, while the cereal products added included various components obtained from rice, wheat, chia, and oats. The usefulness of the applied cereal components was emphasised in order to obtain a product of a potential better nutritional value and higher health-promoting properties, as well as being acceptable, or sometimes even better, and described as being products of a good quality. The development trial allowed us to obtain the hybrid semi-dry ready-to-eat cabanossi sausages with groats, which were compared with the hybrid semi-dry ready-to-eat cabanossi sausages with sunflower seeds. Both studied products were characterised by a composition in agreement with requirements, but of a reduced fat content (with hybrid semi-dry ready-to-eat cabanossi sausages with groats being even lower than for those with sunflower seeds; p &lt; 0.0001). Their sensory properties were acceptable, even if the plant-based components were recognisable. The characteristics of the hybrid meat products with cereal ingredients both in the literature and development trial were acceptable, and what is even more important is that they are characterised by a potential to be presented as a product of a better nutritional value and higher health-promoting properties.

High-concentrate diet supplemented with hydrolysable tannin improves the slaughter performance, intestinal antioxidant ability and barrier function of fattening lambs

The objective of current experiment was to study the potential influence of hydrolysable tannin supplementation on slaughter performance, meat quality, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant ability and barrier function in fattening lambs. In total, 36 male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight (15.83 ± 0.48 kg) and days in age (55 ± 2 d) were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 12 animals each: control without tannin (CON) and tannin supplementation groups (TA1, 3 g/d per lamb; TA2, 6 g/d per lamb). All the lambs were reared in individual hutches, and the experiment lasted for 60 d. On d 61, 8 lambs from each group were randomly selected to slaughter. Results showed that the serum diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide contents of TA2 group were higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than those of CON group. Compared with CON group, the carcass weight and intramuscular fat content of lambs in TA1 group were increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and the meat shear force was decreased (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The trypsin activity in the jejunum and ileum of TA1 group was higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Also, tannin supplementation significantly increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the level of jejunal and ileal total antioxidant capacity and reduced (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the jejunal malondialdehyde concentration in lambs. The jejunum and ileum of TA1 lambs showed reduced (p &amp;lt; 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha and increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA levels compared with CON lambs. In the jejunum, the secretory immunoglobulin A content of TA1 group was higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Lambs supplemented with tannin at the level of 3 g/d increased (p &amp;lt; 0.05) the gene expressions of claudin-1, claudin-4 and zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum when compared to those of CON and TA2 groups. In summary, tannin supplementation at the level of 3 g/d per animal can improve the production performance and intestinal function of fattening lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.

Application of resistance exercise training combined with CT image evaluation in postoperative functional rehabilitation and fracture risk prediction of elderly femurs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the overall functional recovery of femoral patients, improve recovery ability, and prevent fractures in the elderly. MethodsA group of elderly femoral postoperative participants were selected and randomly divided into resistance exercise training and routine rehabilitation training. Simultaneously, a control group (without a history of fractures) and a fracture group (with a history of fractures) were designed to predict fracture risk. Finally, computerized tomography was used to evaluate the functional rehabilitation status. ResultsThe resistance exercise training group showed significantly better performance in functional rehabilitation and fracture risk prediction than the control group, and the decrease in Barthel index at 12 weeks after surgery in this group was 6.25 (P > 0.001). The age, gender, and volumetric bone density between the control group and the fracture group showed P > 0.001, and the differences were statistically significant. The average age of the control group was significantly higher than that of the fracture group, and the proportion of males in the fracture group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The intramuscular fat content of the iliopsoas muscle in the fracture group was significantly lower than that in the control group, P = 0.004. This indicated that lower intramuscular fat content of the iliopsoas muscle was associated with higher fracture risk, as participants with lower intramuscular fat content of the iliopsoas muscle had less bone protection, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. The difference in body mass index between the two groups was not statistically significant, P = 0.737, indicating that the impact of this parameter on fracture risk was not significant in this study. ConclusionResistance exercise training combined with CT image evaluation is an effective rehabilitation strategy with high clinical application value. This study provides reliable empirical evidence for the application of resistance exercise training and the combination of CT image evaluation, and provides guidance for the optimization of clinical rehabilitation strategies.

Trans-10 shifted ruminal biohydrogenation and its implications for ruminant milk and meat fat content and quality

Feeding high-grain diets is a common practice in intensive ruminant production systems to meet animal energy requirements and maximize feed efficiency. One of the consequences of these diets is trans (t)10 shifted ruminal biohydrogenation, which includes increased formation of t10-18:1 and t10,cis (c)12-conjugated linoleic acid (t10,c12-CLA) at the expense of t11-18:1 and c9,t11-CLA. In dairy cows, the t10 shift has been associated with milk fat depression. In beef cattle, the t10 shift has not been associated with negative effects on animal performance or marbling fat deposition, however, it may negatively impact meat fat eating quality by decreasing its cis monounsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid ratio. Finally, the t10 shift increases t10-18:1 accumulation in ruminant-derived foods (dairy, beef and lamb) which at high enough levels may compromise the nutritional quality of these foods. The present review will cover our current understanding of the rumen microbes involved in the t10 shift and its implications for milk fat synthesis and beef fat quality.

Rationale and design of the SHASTA-3 and SHASTA-4 studies: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 studies of plozasiran in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia

Abstract Severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) confers an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and acute pancreatitis (AP). sHTG-associated AP is a substantial source of morbidity, mortality, reduced quality of life and financial burden to health care systems. Currently available therapeutic approaches for sHTG are often insufficient to reduce triglyceride (TG) levels and prevent AP. Plozasiran, an investigational siRNA therapeutic, inhibits hepatic production of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), a key regulator of lipoprotein lipase-mediated TG metabolism and clearance. In a phase 2 study of sHTG patients [TG ≥500 mg/dL (≥5.65 mmol/L)], plozasiran demonstrated durable reductions in TG levels of up to -80%, 12 weeks after the last dose, and decreased TG below 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L), a threshold of increased risk for AP in most participants. The SHASTA-3 and SHASTA-4 trials will evaluate safety and efficacy of plozasiran, including AP rates, in patients with sHTG. SHASTA-3 and SHASTA-4 are phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trials. Key inclusion criteria are prior sHTG and fasting TG ≥500 mg/dL (≥5.65 mmol/L), at screening. Key exclusion criteria include use of any hepatocyte targeted siRNA treatments that target lipids and/or TGs within 1 year (except inclisiran at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment), siRNA or ASO within 60 days, known FCS diagnosis, and AP within 4 weeks of screening. 700 adults with sHTG will be enrolled in these two trials in several sites across multiple countries. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive 4 quarterly subcutaneous injections of plozasiran 25 mg or matching placebo over a 1-year double-blinded period, followed by post-treatment evaluation or entry into the open-label extension study. The randomization will be stratified based on TG levels (≥880 mg/dL vs &amp;lt;880 mg/dL [≥ vs &amp;lt;10 mmol/L]) and prior history of AP, within 5 years of screening. The primary efficacy endpoint of the studies is placebo-adjusted percent change in fasting TG from baseline to month 12 with plozasiran. Secondary endpoints include percent change in fasting TG from baseline to month 10 compared to placebo, percent of patients achieving fasting TGs of &amp;lt;500 mg/dL (&amp;lt;5.65 mmol/L) and TGs of &amp;lt;150 mg/dL (&amp;lt;1.69 mmol/L) at month 10 and 12 compared to placebo, and event rate of adjudicated abdominal clinical events including ER visits and hospitalization for abdominal pain attributed to HTG and events of documented pancreatitis. The effect of plozasiran on other lipids and lipoproteins, inflammatory biomarkers, and liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction will be assessed. Adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event rates, safety and tolerability will be assessed. SHASTA-3 and SHASTA-4 are designed to determine whether the quarterly-dosed APOC3 siRNA plozasiran, added to standard of care, safely reduces TG levels and the rate of AP in patients with sHTG.

Association between objectively-measured sleep duration and early cardiac and hepatic imaging changes in adolescents: insights from the EnIGMA study

Abstract Introduction Inadequate sleep duration (SD) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in adults and adiposity in all life stages. Furthermore, previous cross-sectional studies have shown a possible association between self-reported SD and cardiac structural alterations as detected with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR), even in young healthy people. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies demonstrating an association between objectively-measured SD and structural cardiac alterations. Purpose To assess the association between SD and MR-derived cardiac and hepatic parameters in adolescents. Methods This study used longitudinal data collected as part of the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial in Spain (2017-2021), which enrolled 1326 participants (mean age: 12.5±0.5 years at baseline). Measurements were taken at three different time-points: baseline, 2-year follow-up and 4-year follow-up. SD and physical activity were assessed by accelerometry for seven consecutive days at each follow-up. The participants were offered to undergo a MR scan in the final follow-up as part of the Early imaging markers of unhealthy lifestyles in adolescents (EnIGMA) study. The imaging protocol included a cine SSFP to provide images for chamber size and function, myocardial tagging acquisitions to assess myocardial strain, T1 and T2 mapping sequences to provide precise myocardial relaxation time properties, and a liver mDixonQuant sequence to obtain liver fat content, using a 3-T scanner. The cumulative effect of the independent variable (SD) and the covariates was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) method, calculating the integral of the curve parameters during the follow-up period for each subject. To facilitate interpretation, AUC values were divided by the years of follow-up. The participants were included in the analysis if they had available data for SD in at least 2 of the 3 time-points. The association between SD and the MR parameters was assessed by linear regression models. Results 109 participants (61 girls [56.0%]; mean age=16.0±0.5 years) were included in this study. Indexed left ventricular (LV) mass, as well as indexed end-diastolic biventricular volumes were higher in boys than in girls (Figure 1). SD AUC (hours/day) was independently and inversely associated with indexed LV mass and liver fat fraction in the unadjusted and adjusted (age, gender, physical activity, body mass index percentile, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure percentiles AUCs) models (Figure 2). There were no significant associations between the SD AUC and other MR-derived parameters. Conclusion Shorter SD is independently associated with initial stages of cardiac remodeling and liver fat accumulation as assessed with state-of-the-art MR as early as in adolescence. Considering these results, health promotion programs should be implemented early in life emphasizing the importance of good sleep habits.Participant characteristicsAssociation between SD and MR

A Model for Fat Content Detection in Walnuts Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is an efficient and accurate method for fat content detection in walnuts. ‘Wen 185’ walnut is grown in large quantities in southern Xinjiang, and its fat content is an important indicator for evaluating the intrinsic quality. The excessive pursuit of yield efficiency, combined with the neglect of quality, agricultural product safety and other factors, has led to the production of poor-quality walnuts. Moreover, research on predicting walnut kernel fat content based on near-infrared spectroscopy technology is rarely reported. Therefore, a technical framework for walnut kernel detection based on near-infrared spectroscopy and the technical standards for ‘Wen 185’ are urgently needed. After first optimizing the initial spectrum data using five preprocessing methods, we established separate prediction models for walnut kernel fat content based on either a back propagation neural network or a support vector regression (SVR) algorithm. The results show that the correction set and validation set coefficients of determination of the walnut kernel fat content prediction model using the back propagation neural network algorithm were 0.86 and 0.89, respectively, with root mean square errors of 1.56 and 1.58, and an RPD value of 2.57; the coefficients of determination for the calibration and validation sets of SVR were 0.90 and 0.83, respectively, with root mean square errors of 1.76 and 1.70, respectively, and an RPD value of 1.70. Thus, near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to establish a foundation for realizing the rapid detection of walnut kernel fat content.

Impact of high‐intensity ultrasound, cooling rate, and storage temperature on physical properties and oil binding capacity in fully hydrogenated palm‐kernel lipid matrices

AbstractThe ability of a fat crystal network to entrap liquid oil is known as oil binding capacity (OBC) and is an imperative property in semi‐solid fats for use in confectionary, bakery, and snack products. Understanding the factors that increase the OBC of fats is crucial for developing fat‐based foods that are more resistant to unwanted oil migration. In this study, fully hydrogenated palm‐kernel based (FHPKO) lipid matrices were crystallized under different processing conditions to generate samples with a wide range of physical properties and OBC. Three dilutions were created by combining FHPKO with soybean oil (SBO)—75% FHPKO (containing 25% SBO), 50% FHPKO (50% SBO), and 20% FHPKO (80% SBO) and were crystallized at 33, 30, and 22°C; respectively. All the samples were crystallized using fast (FCR; 4.6°C/min) and slow (SCR; 0.1°C/min) cooling rates, as well as with (w) and without (wo) high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU; 20 kHz). These processing conditions resulted in four different sets of samples—FCR wo HIU, FCR w HIU, SCR wo HIU, SCR w HIU. Immediately after processing, the sample's hardness, solid fat content (SFC), viscoelasticity (G′, G″, δ), microstructure, melting behavior (Tpeak, enthalpy), and OBC using a centrifuge method (labeled OBCc) were analyzed. Samples were then stored at 22 and 5°C for 48 h and the aforementioned properties were measured again as well as OBC using a filter paper method (labeled OBCp). Results show that both OBCc and OBCp were positively correlated with the sample's SFC (rs = 0.912, p &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.777, p &lt; 0.001), storage moduli (G′) (rs = 0.674, p &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.526, p = 0.017), hardness (rs = 0.793, p &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.812, p &lt; 0.001), enthalpy (rs = 0.842, p &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.812, p &lt; 0.001), and the number of crystals (rs = 0.655, p &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.728, p &lt; 0.001); respectively. While no correlation between OBCp and the sample's peak melting temperature and microstructure was recorded, a negative association between the sample's peak melting temperature (rs = −0.782, p &lt; 0.001), phase angle (δ) (rs = −0.801, p &lt; 0.001), and crystal diameter (rs = −0.470, p = 0.004) was documented for OBCc. These results suggest oil binding capacity of palm‐kernel based crystallized fats can be increased by formulating harder fats that are elastic, contain more crystals, and have higher SFC and enthalpy. Additionally, the FCR with HIU processing conditions was the most effective in increasing the OBC.

Effects of Acorns on Meat Quality and Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Muscle Tissues of Yuxi Black Pigs

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acorn diets on the composition of fatty acid (FA) and the intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Yuxi black pigs. Methods: Ninety Yuxi black pigs with similar body weight (99.60 ± 2.32 kg) were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the AD20, AD30, AD40, and AD50 groups were fed experimental diets which contained 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% acorns, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 120 days. Results: The results showed that compared with the control group, the content of SFA in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris tissues in the AD30 group decreased by 8.57% and 20.10%, and the content of MUFA increased by 5.40% and 15.83%, respectively, while the PUFA content of biceps femoris increased by 5.40% (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the IMF content of the AD30 group was significantly higher than that of the control group in the longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of the ATGL, PPARγ, and FABP4 genes in longissimus dorsi (p &lt; 0.05) were up-regulated, and HSL were down-regulated (p &lt; 0.05) in the AD30 group. In the biceps femoris of the AD30 group, it was observed that the expression levels of the ACC and FAS genes were up-regulated (p &lt; 0.05), while HSL and ATGL genes were down-regulated (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the addition of appropriate amounts of acorn to the diet (a 30% acorn diet) could improve the nutritional value of pork.

Effects of Prickly Ash Seed Dietary Supplementation on Meat Quality, Antioxidative Capability, and Metabolite Characteristics of Hu Lambs

In China, the processing of prickly ash (PA) produces a large number of by-products, including prickly ash seeds (PASs), which are rich in bioactive components such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and which may have an important influence on meat quality and muscle metabolites. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of dietary PAS supplementation on the meat quality, antioxidant activity, and metabolite characteristics of lambs. Eighteen 3-month-old Hu lambs (25.66 ± 3.03 kg body weight) were randomly allotted to three different dietary treatment groups. In the three dietary treatments, 0% (basal diet, CON), 3% (CON with 3% PAS, low-dose PAS, and LPS), and 6% (CON with 6% PAS, high-dose PAS, and HPS) PASs were used. Results indicated significant improvements in the HPS group, including reduced cooking loss and increased fat content. The L* and b* 45 min values were significantly lower in the PAS groups than those in the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, dietary PAS supplementation increased in MUFA, PUFA, n-3 PUFA, PUFA/MUFA ratio, NEAA, and FFA compared to the CON group. Furthermore, PAS supplementation significantly improved serum and muscle antioxidant capacity. Metabolomic analyses revealed that increased metabolites, such as tryptophan, leucine, citric acid, adenosine 5′-triphosphate, creatine phosphate, inosine, and α-ketoglutaric acid, were primarily enriched in the biosynthesis of cofactors and nucleotide and purine metabolism pathways. Notably, supplementation with 6% of PASs exhibited the most prominent effect on lamb meat quality in this study. Therefore, the application of PASs as a feed component in lamb production can not only improve meat quality and muscle antioxidant capacity but also save feed costs.

Impact of Milk pH and Fat Content on the Prediction of Milk-to-Plasma Ratio: Knowledge Gap and Considerations for Lactation Study Design and Interpretation.

Different empirical lactation models have been published to predict the milk-to-plasma (M/P) ratio of drugs to gain knowledge on the extent of drug distribution to the breastmilk. M/P ratios will likely vary across the lactation period due to differences in physiological milk pH and fat content, which are not routinely reported in clinical lactation pharmacokinetic studies. This work aims to evaluate the sensitivity of two (a theory-based phase distribution and a log-transformed regression) lactation models for M/P prediction at different physiological milk pH and fat content. A literature search was conducted to collate reported M/P ratios for different drugs and their physicochemical parameters required for the prediction of the M/P ratio. Two distribution models were used for M/P ratio predictions. The M/P ratio of drugs was predicted under the physiological milk pHs of 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, and 7.4 and at of 1%, 3%, and 6% fat content. Calculated M/P ratios were compared with the observed M/P ratios. A total of 200 M/P ratios for 130 compounds (40 acids and 90 bases) were collected from clinical studies and included in the analysis. For both model, precision decreases and bias increases outside the milk pH range 7.0-7.2 and fat contents more than 3%. Significant variability exists in the observed M/P ratios. Both milk pH and fat content are important parameters for model prediction. Calculated M/P ratios are influenced by multiple covariates, including milk pH and fat content. The phase distribution model is less sensitive to these covariates than the log-transformed model, especially for acidic compounds. For complex matrices such as breastmilk, the actual physiological parameters of the sampled milk, at least milk fat and pH, and their distributions are required covariates to improve the prediction outcomes, design lactation pharmacokinetic studies, and inform the potential breastfed infant dose.

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.

Invasive Seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae: A Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Activity

Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO) is a species of brown seaweed that has invaded several shorelines worldwide, including the Spanish Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar coasts, causing serious environmental and economic problems. This work aimed to characterize the bioactive composition of RO. A high content of carbohydrates (58.7 ± 2.6 wt%), fats (17.1 ± 0.4 wt%), and ashes (14.3 ± 0.2 wt%) were found, together with lower protein content (5.5 ± 1.8 wt%). Holocellulose was the most abundant polysaccharide fraction (49.2 ± 1.3 wt%), showing 43.4 ± 2.0 wt% of cellulose and 5.8 ± 0.7 wt% of hemicellulose, followed by lignin (18.9 ± 2.5 wt%). The monosaccharides composition showed a high level of glucose (13.2 ± 1 wt%) and glucuronic acid (9.3 ± 0.5 wt%). RO contained high levels of essential nutrients (Ca, K, Na, S, Mg), trace minerals (Mn, Mo, Se, and Cu), and some toxic heavy metals (Ni, Cd, As). The main fatty acid present in RO was palmitic acid (C16:0, 30.8 ± 3.0 mg/100 g), followed by myristic acid (C14:0, 19.3 ± 2.4 mg/100 g) and eicosatetraenoic acid (C20:4, 19.2 ± 1.3 mg/100 g). The extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) presented significant contents of polyphenols (2.7 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (3.0 ± 0.4 mg TE/g DPPH, 4.5 ± 0.3 mg TE/g ABTS, 4.7 ± 0.3 mg TE/g FRAP). Six main polyphenols were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, showing higher contents of gallic acid (20.7 ± 1.5 mg/g) and chlorogenic acid (9.7 ± 0.5 mg/g). These results highlight the possibilities offered in the valorization of RO to obtain bioactive compounds with antioxidant performance in several applications.

LncBNIP3 Inhibits Bovine Intramuscular Preadipocyte Differentiation via the PI3K-Akt and PPAR Signaling Pathways.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is an economic trait in beef cattle that improves the meat quality. Studies have highlighted the correlation between long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and IMF development. In this study, lncBNIP3 knockdown promoted bovine intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation. RNA-seq analysis of intramuscular preadipocytes with lncBNIP3 knockdown identified 230 differentially expressed genes. The PI3K-Akt and PPAR signaling pathways were enriched. lncBNIP3 interference promoted mRNA and protein expression of key genes in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. LncBNIP3 interference reversed the effects of an AKT-inhibitor MK-2206 on Akt protein expression and lipid droplet accumulation, promoted mRNA and protein expression of essential genes in the PPAR signaling pathway, and ameliorated the inhibitory effects of a PPARg antagonist GW9662 on lipid accumulation. Therefore, lncBNIP3 inhibition of bovine intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation is likely mediated via the PI3K-Akt and PPAR signaling pathways. This study identified a valuable lncRNA with functional roles in IMF accumulation and revealed new strategies to improve beef quality.