Diverse Food Research Articles

Diet and Environmental Sustainability: A Review of Australian Evidence

Evidence to inform the incorporation of environmental sustainability into public health nutrition policy and dietetics practice needs to be relevant to the local dietary, cultural, environmental, and food system context. Global recommendations and evidence from other countries may not be directly applicable. As this information is scattered across multiple research publications in Australia, a systematic review was undertaken to consolidate evidence and identify practical recommendations. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the search strategy sought to identify studies based on Australian dietary intake data obtained by surveys combined with an environmental assessment. Theoretical or conceptual studies were deemed out of scope. Included studies were grouped for synthesis based on content relating to total dietary energy intake, nutrient adequacy, foods and food groups, and dietary patterns. Out of 765 records, 14 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies addressed a variety of research questions using a variety of modelling approaches and environmental indicators. Current evidence suggests encouraging consumption of nutrient-dense foods, especially those that enhance satiety, along with discouraging consumption of nutrient-poor processed foods that contribute little to satiety and can lead to excessive dietary energy intake. Limiting total intake or diversity of protein-rich foods can increase risks of inadequate intake of micronutrients. For lower environmental impact dietary patterns, intake of vitamins A, B6, and B12, and minerals Ca, Mg, Se, and Zn can be below estimated average requirements. The practical implication is that foods that are rich and bioavailable sources of these nutrients need to be prioritized in any strategy to reduce dietary environmental impacts.

Demographic and Dietary Determinants of the Association between Dietary Fiber Intake and Obesity in Japanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study (JDDM 78).

To evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and obesity in Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes, as well as the demographic and dietary factors influencing this association. Cross-sectional study with nationwide registry data on Japanese type 2 diabetes outpatients (2014-2019). Diet was self-reported via a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Clinics throughout Japan. 1,565 Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes (63.1% men; age range 30-89 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of obesity in all participants (95% CI = 0.439-0.795, p < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed a significant inverse association between fiber intake and obesity in men and the older age groups (59-89 years), but not in women or the younger age group (30-58 years). In men, higher fiber intake was associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors, including increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and non-smoking (p < 0.001), with stronger associations compared to women. Vegetables, fruits, and soybeans/soy products were strongly correlated with fiber, while grains had a weak correlation. Folate was the micronutrient most strongly correlated with fiber. Higher fiber intake was associated with lower obesity risk, particularly in men and older age groups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted public health initiatives promoting the intake of diverse fiber-rich foods to effectively manage obesity. Further research is needed to understand sex- and age-specific factors in the fiber-obesity relationship in diverse populations.

Advancements in photodynamic inactivation: A comprehensive review of photosensitizers, mechanisms, and applications in food area.

Food microbial contamination results in serious food safety issues and numerous food loss and waste, presenting one of the most significant challenges facing the global food system. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology, which combines light and photosensitizers (PS) to provide antimicrobial effects, is an ideal nonthermal antimicrobial technique for the food industry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PDI technology, beginning with the fundamental photoactivation principles of PS and the pathways of photoinduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. PS is the most critical factor affecting PDI efficiency, which is categorized into three types: organic, metal oxide-, and carbon-based. This review systemically summarizes the photophysical properties, in vitro PDI performances, potential enhancement strategies, and the advantages and limitations of each type of PS. Furthermore, the antimicrobial mechanisms of the PDI technologies are analyzed at both microscopic and molecular levels. Finally, the current applications of PDI in various food systems are discussed, along with the associated challenges and opportunities. Overall, this review offers crucial insights into optimizing and advancing PDI technology, highlighting key challenges and suggesting future research directions to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of PDI for diverse food applications.

Tarumã-do-Cerrado (Vitex cymosa Bertero ex Spreng) for Food Diversity and Nutraceutical Products

Background: Tarumã-do-Cerrado (Vitex cymosa Bertero ex Spreng, TC) is a littleexplored Brazilian native fruit. Objective: The sustainable bioprospecting of new fruits is essential to devise strategies for preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases, like obesity, and even contribute to food diversity and discovering functional ingredients. Methods: This study evaluated the proximate composition, minerals, dietary fiber, and their fractions, phenolic compounds by two types of extraction, and antioxidant activity in the TC edible part. We also determined its fatty acid profile from the seed’s crude oil. Results: TC has 100 g low-fat content (0.19 g) containing good phosphorus (91.50 mg) source and is rich in chromium (0.05 mg) and molybdenum (0.53 mg). It has a high range of dietary fiber in fresh and freeze-dried fruit (4.01 g and 26.23 g, respectively). The different extraction conditions showed medium to high content (101.58 to 598.80 µg GAE/100 g) of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity has been demonstrated in vitro using electron or hydrogen/proton transfer mechanisms. The crude oilseed is a source of oleic (35.91%) and linoleic acid (32.20%). Conclusion: TC provides essential nutrients, fibers, and bioactive compounds to be allied to sustainable health strategies for food diversity and nutraceutical product development.

ANALISIS KETAHANAN PANGAN DAN KESEJAHTERAAN PETANI BERBASIS PRODUKSI SORGUM PADA LAHAN MARGINAL DI LOMBOK TIMUR

Food security is an effort to fulfill basic food needs. Therefore, local food production, specifically sorghum, needs to be increased to enhance national food diversification. Sorghum is one of the agricultural commodities with potential for cultivation as an alternative food source besides rice and corn. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of local food security for sorghum and the welfare level of sorghum farmers in Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. The research was conducted in Pemongkong Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. The tool used in the research was a questionnaire with a sample size of 30 respondents. The research area was determined deliberately (Purposive Method) with sampling techniques using random sampling. To measure the welfare level of sorghum farmers, a 5-point Likert scale was used, which was then scored using the composite method. The IKP (Food Security Index) per hectare was 1.28, indicating that sorghum production per hectare is more than sufficient to meet the family's food needs. An IKP greater than 1 suggests that the family's food security can be met or even exceed their basic needs. However, while the IKP indicates food sufficiency for the family, the Food Security Ratio (RKP), calculated from the ratio between KP and the total food needs across all food types (rice, maize, sorghum), shows a lower value. For per hectare, the RKP is only 0.25, which means that sorghum production can only fulfill about 25% of the total food needs that include rice, maize, and sorghum. Overall, the average composite score for all indicators of sorghum farmers' welfare level is 0.61, which falls into the High category. This indicates that in general, the performance of the various indicators is quite good, although some aspects, such as business security and farmer skills, require more attention for improvement.

The Belt and Road Initiative and China's diversifying food imports: A perspective on the "Five-pronged approach"

The diversification of imported food varieties is essential for ensuring China's food security. Since the inception of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), there has been a significant increase in agricultural trade cooperation between China and participating countries, facilitated by the "Five-pronged approach" (FPA). However, existing research regarding the BRI's impact on imports has not yet fully addressed the complexities inherent in agricultural trade, such as stringent logistics, customs regulations, inspection and quarantine procedures, and the varying trade costs associated with different agricultural commodities. This underscores a research gap in understanding the BRI's effectiveness in promoting diversified food imports, particularly across distinct food categories. Utilizing the Difference-in-Differences model, this research evaluates the BRI's contribution to China's diversified food imports and the heterogeneity of food types. The empirical findings suggest the initiative significantly promotes diversification in China's food imports, notably in the case of vegetable products, while the expansion of animal product imports continues to require sustained support from the FPA. The mechanism analysis indicates the FPA effectively reduces both direct and implicit trade costs, thereby fostering the growth of diversified food imports in China. Additionally, this study examines the initiative's effect on food and nutrition security among participating countries, highlighting a marked promotion of diversified food imports and dietary diversity. This research reinforces the BRI's pivotal role in advancing food security, both within China and across the participating nations.

Hoverfly assemblages in urban farms compared to urban parks in the city of Geneva

This study aims to assess whether urban farms are good providers of ecosystem services compared to other green infrastructures. To assess two services (pollinating and pest control services), hoverflies were monitored in three urban farms (Budé, Lignon and Tissot) and three urban parks (Franchises, Trembley and Beaulieu) in the canton of Geneva in 2017. The results show a large abundance of hoverflies in the parks and farms, particularly at the end of June. In terms of hoverfly diversity, 81 species were recorded, with 10 species accounting for around 80% of the captures. The Shannon index shows that hoverfly diversity is significantly higher in the parks than in the farms at three out of 6 sampling dates. Of the five most abundant species in parks and farms taken together, three are aphidiphagous and can therefore play a biocontrol role in crops. The average proportion of aphidiphagous individuals is significantly higher in the farms than in the parks. In conclusion, studying hoverflies in urban environments has permitted to highlight differences in function and community composition between apparently similar habitats. However, we recommend limiting the sampling period to the month of June, which would reduce the work involved in sampling with Malaise traps, while retaining significant discriminatory power and limiting impact on syrphid fly communities. In order to encourage hoverflies in the city, it is crucial to maintain several stepping stone habitats within the urban matrix, to favor structures that will give them access to diversified food resources and to adopt maintenance practices that have the least impact on these communities. The introduction of native hedges and aquatic habitats could also be a source of diversification for the pool of species found in the city.

Association between oral health-related quality of life and physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults: A 2-year longitudinal study.

Frailty is a major health concern among older adults, and its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) remains underexplored in longitudinal studies. To investigate the association between baseline OHRQoL and physical frailty incidence at a 2-year follow-up in community-dwelling older adults. Prospective longitudinal study. The study was conducted within the Tosa Longitudinal Aging Study framework in Japan. This study included 144 community-dwelling older adults (50 men and 94 women; median age, 81.0 years) with complete data who participated in the Tosa Longitudinal Aging Study in 2016 and 2018 and were not categorized as physical frailty in 2016. Baseline assessment included OHRQoL, which was evaluated using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI; range 12-60), with higher scores indicating better OHRQoL, oral function, and general health status. The incidence of physical frailty was defined using the revised Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. The association between the GOHAI score and physical frailty was assessed using logistic regression analysis. The median baseline GOHAI score was 58. The incidence of frailty after a 2-year follow-up was 13.9 % among the participants (18.0 and 11.7 % for men and women, respectively). Each point of the GOHAI score was associated with an 11 % reduction in frailty risk over 2 years after adjusting by age, sex, number of teeth, Food Diversity Score, Geriatric Depression Scale score, eating alone, smoking, and more than five medications (adjusted odds ratio: 0.893; 95 % confidence interval: 0.810-0.984). This longitudinal study showed that a higher baseline OHRQoL, based on the GOHAI score, was linked to a lower incidence of physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults after 2 years.

Investigating the Association between Healthy Eating Index and Early Childhood Caries in Iranian Preschool Children: A Case-Control Study

Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is known as a main global dental problem in childhood period, which oral diet may play an important role in the occurrence of this complication. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and ECC in children living in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In the current case-control study, 732 preschool children (aged 3–6 years) were examined for dental caries and then categorized into two groups of children with ECC, or who were Caries-Free (CF). Then, the HEI was measured by analyzing a validated food frequency questionnaire, which their parents were requested to complete. The association between HEI score and the prevalence of ECC was determined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The HEI for CF group was significantly higher than ECC group (P&lt;0.001, CI 95%: 57.58-67.93 vs. 51.72-65.49), respectively). The mean scores of grain, milk, fruits, vegetables, and meat groups were significantly higher in CF group (P&lt;0.001). Children in CF group were also more compliant with recommended intake of total fat (P&lt;0.01) and cholesterol (P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, CF children had a significantly more diverse food item intake (P&lt;0.001). It is noteworthy to mention that, with each unit increase in HEI score, the odds of ECC decreased by 0.04 (P=0.01, OR=0.04). Conclusion: Caries prevalence in preschool children could be prevented by enhancing food quality.

Infant Feeding Practices in Ethiopia: Birth Cohort Study in Five Regions.

Appropriate infant feeding is crucial to ensure optimal child growth and survival. We aimed to assess infants' breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices from 0 to 12 months in Ethiopia. This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Ethiopia Performance Monitoring for Action panel study performed from July 2020 to August 2021. One thousand eight hundred and fifty infants were included from five Ethiopian regions: Addis Ababa City Administration, Oromia, Amhara, Afar, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Regions. Appropriate infant feeding practices were assessed using the World Health Organization measurement criteria and descriptive analysis. One-year-old infants were considered to have a diversified diet if they had complementary feeding comprising five or more food groups. Two-thirds (67%, 95% CI: 63, 71) of newborns were put to the breast within 1 h after delivery. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 6.5 months, and 69% (95% CI: 67, 71) were exclusively breastfed at 5 months. Almost all (97%; 95% CI: 96, 98) were still breastfeeding at 12 months. Sixteen percent (95% CI: 13, 19) of infants (boys 15%, girls 16%) aged 12 months had a diversified diet, and 49% (95% CI: 44, 55) consumed sugary foods or beverages. Most Ethiopian infants had appropriate breastfeeding practices, while almost all had poor-quality complementary food at 1 year. Increasing access to high-quality education on infant feeding is crucial to maintaining and enhancing appropriate breastfeeding practices and complementary food quality. Intensifying poverty reduction efforts are essential to improve infants' dietary diversity and nutrient-dense food consumption.

Reliability of AI Chatbots in Categorising Foods by Oxalate Content /Yapay Zeka Araçlarının Gıdaları Oksalat İçeriğine Göre Sınıflandırmadaki Güvenilirliği

Aim: AI chatbots have shown promise in food classification tasks, but their accuracy in categorising foods based on specific nutritional content, such as oxalates, has not been thoroughly evaluated in the Turkish language. This study assesses the performance of three AI chatbots—ChatGPT 4.0, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot—in classifying foods according to their oxalate content. Materials and Methods: A dataset of 63 diverse food items, including commonly consumed Turkish foods, was used to evaluate the chatbots’ accuracy across five oxalate categories: little or none, low, moderate, high, and very high. The performance of each model was analysed, and commonly correct and incorrect classifications were identified. Results: ChatGPT 4.0 demonstrated the highest overall accuracy (69.8%), significantly outperforming Gemini (36.5%) and Microsoft Copilot (26.9%). Foods such as spinach and cocoa were consistently classified correctly, while foods like carrot and walnut were commonly misclassified. Statistical analysis using Cochran’s Q test revealed significant differences in accuracy among the chatbots (p-value &lt;0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of AI chatbots in dietary management, particularly in supporting clinicians who recommend low oxalate diets for patients with conditions such as hyperoxaluria or kidney disease stones. However, it emphasises the need for further refinement to improve accuracy, especially in classifying foods with regional variations or complex compositions commonly encountered in clinical settings.

ANALISIS TEH CELUP DARI BIJI PEPAYA VARIETAS CALIFORNIA

Tea bags made from California papaya seeds were developed to utilize papaya seed waste into a functional and economically valuable product. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory and chemical characteristics of the processed food product. The tea bag production process involved washing, drying, grinding, and packaging. Sensory analysis covered color, aroma, taste, aftertaste, and overall preference, while chemical tests included measurements of moisture content, crude fiber, ash content, antioxidant activity, and polyphenol levels. Results showed that a drying temperature of 200°C produced the formulation with the best sensory characteristics. Chemical analysis revealed a moisture content of 1.04%, ash content of 8.72%, crude fiber of 49.07%, total phenols of 0.12%, and antioxidant activity of 48.77%. Although some parameters did not meet the standards of SNI 3753:2014 for black tea bags, this product shows potential as a functional beverage with health benefits. Economic analysis demonstrated that the production of papaya seed tea bags is financially feasible, adding value to papaya seed waste. This product is expected to support food diversification, reduce waste, and offer a natural tea alternative with health benefits

Food packages and nutrition education improved pregnancy weight gain in Jagakarsa sub-District, Jakarta, Indonesia: a pilot study

The prevalence of low birth weight and stunting among infants in Indonesia remains high. Maternal nutritional status before pregnancy and weight gain during pregnancy critically affect the health status of infants. World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a balanced energy-protein (BEP) dietary supplement for pregnant women to reduce the risk of low birth weight of infant among the undernourished populations. A balanced energy-protein intervention are diverse and can be offered as food-based supplementation forms, commercially produced forms, food tokens, or vouchers. Although the Indonesian government implemented a supplementary food (biscuits) program for pregnant women, 35.4% of pregnant women did not consume all the provided biscuits. Therefore, there is a need to explore other alternatives, such as diversified food packages to improve gestational weight gain. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education combined with food packages on the weight gain of pregnant women in Jakarta. This study was a non-randomized controlled trial consisting two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Seventy women were consecutively assigned to the intervention and control groups for a 2-month intervention period. The intervention group received nutritional education and food packages. The control group received the standard intervention given at the Primary Health Center (PHC), which was supplementary food in the form of biscuits. Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression. Results showed that women who received food packages and nutritional education gained 1.15 kg more weight than those in the control group who did not receive these benefits. Study results also showed that pregnant women in the intervention group had higher intakes of energy (366 kcal), carbohydrates (66.4 g), vitamin B1 (0.14 mg), vitamin B6 (0.42 mg) and calcium 250 mg) compared to the control group. Over the two-month period, the average increase in body weight of women in the intervention group (3.6 kg) was significantly higher compared to women in the control group (2.7 kg). These findings underscore that intervention with food packages combined with nutritional education significantly increased the weight gain of pregnant women compared to the control group. Since the prevalence of stunting is steady, the Indonesian government needs to advise the local government to implement an alternative solution using food packages or locally sourced food supplementation to support adequate gestational weight gain. The findings from this study showed that free vouchers for food packages should be made available to pregnant women as a practical and impactful measure. Key words: pregnant women, food packages, nutritional education, gestational weight gain

Impact of Autoclaving on Functional Properties of Pigeon Pea Protein Isolates

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a protein-rich legume crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, serving as a vital dietary protein source, particularly where protein malnutrition is a concern. The protein fractions in pigeon pea seeds are primarily composed of albumin, globulin, glutelin, and prolamin, with globulins accounting for nearly 60% of the total protein. Despite its nutritional value, pigeon pea protein remains underutilized in plant protein market. This study investigated the impact of autoclaving treatment on the functional properties of protein isolates obtained from two pigeon pea genotypes, Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452. Key functional properties, including protein solubility, surface hydrophobicity, water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), emulsifying properties, and foaming properties, were analysed. Autoclaving significantly reduced protein solubility across all pH levels in the range of 35.85-75.28% due to thermal denaturation and aggregation. Surface hydrophobicity increased by 10.68% and 16.18% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452, respectively. WHC decreased to 210.28% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 209.8% for ICP 1452, while OHC increased to 186.44% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 189.25% for ICP 1452. Emulsifying activity index (EAI) and stability index (ESI) decreased after autoclaving, EAI decreasing to 16.39 m2/g for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 16.34 m2/g for ICP 1452 and ESI decreasing to 29 min for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 30.33 min for ICP 1452. Conversely, autoclaving significantly improved foaming capacity by 22.90% and 34.31% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and ICP 1452, respectively, with greater foaming stability, at 60 minutes, it increased to 15.92% for Pusa Arhar 2018-4 and 16.91% for ICP 1452. These findings highlight the potential of autoclaving to modulate the functional properties of pigeon pea protein isolates, enhancing their suitability for diverse food applications like inclusion in development of protein rich functional foods.

Dietary composition of Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis Przewalski, 1876 (Aves: Gruiformes: Gruidae) in its winter habitat: insights from fecal analysis in Bumdeling, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan

Gaining comprehensive insights into the dietary habits and food preferences of the Black-necked Crane (BNC) is crucial for developing effective conservation plans to safeguard this globally near-threatened species. The choice of habitats by these birds is primarily influenced by the availability of diverse food sources and overall environmental security. This study was conducted in 2019–2020 in Bumdeling, one of three wintering sites for BNC in Bhutan. It was prompted by concerns over a declining crane population, largely due to habitat alteration that threatens food sources. This study aimed to examine the dietary preferences of cranes by collecting and analyzing fecal samples from foraging and roosting sites. Results revealed that paddy-fields were the primary foraging areas. The presence of domestic grains after harvest, herbaceous plants, and invertebrates are crucial components of the food structure of cranes. Fecal samples contained 79 species from domestic crops, herbaceous plants, and invertebrates. Fecal dry weight exhibited significant differences from December to February compared to March, suggesting a decline in rice intake and an increase in invertebrate consumption, resulting in lower fecal weight. These results also showed that as the months progress rice decreases with a shift to a protein-rich diet of invertebrates before cranes migrate back to their summer grounds. Traces of plastics were found in feces from all feeding sites, highlighting the need for better waste management. Changes in agricultural practices have had significant impacts on the availability of food sources for cranes in Bumdeling. Collaboration among conservationists, local government, and communities is recommended to enhance winter habitats and provide food supplements when rice supplies start to diminish.

‘We can only grow grass here’: Unsettling the traditionality of grassland narrative

Abstract Ruminant livestock farming is predominant in England’s grassland regions, including the south-west of England (SWE). The common farming view that such regions are only good for growing grass amounts to a simplistic ‘traditionality of grasslands’ (TOG) narrative, which may discount the potential of these regions to align food production with diverse, sustainable consumption. We interrogate the assumptions underlying the TOG narrative through the analysis of contemporary and historical agricultural data sources and recent interviews with SWE food producers to reveal an SWE traditionality of mixed farming and diverse food production. By unsettling the TOG narrative, we draw attention to multiple elements intertwining physical limitations of land with powerful but mutable human-made limitations of the wider food system as drivers of land use in the SWE, underscoring the role and responsibility of policymakers to ensure wider dynamics of the food system enable the transition to diverse, sustainable food production in England’s grassland regions.

Utilising single‐cell sequencing in clinical nutraceutical research: Recent progress and perspectives

AbstractBackgroundSingle‐cell sequencing technologies have revolutionised pharmaceutical research by providing in‐depth insights into human biology at the single‐cell level. These tools enable researchers to identify rare cell types and analyse cellular diversity within tissues, facilitating the discovery of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. However, their application in nutraceutical research is still in its early stages.Main BodyUnlike pharmaceuticals, which have well‐defined chemical structures and mechanisms, nutraceuticals are food‐based materials intended for specific medical purposes and often contain complex and diverse food chemicals. These molecules can work synergistically, producing multi‐targeted effects in various tissues. Traditional bulk profiling methods for tissues and tumours do not adequately capture cellular heterogeneity or specific cellular responses to treatments. Therefore, advanced single‐cell sequencing is crucial for dissecting tissues into distinct cell types, helping to clarify the underlying mechanisms at the cellular level. Many derivatives of functional foods have been marketed or assessed, demonstrating health benefits. However, mechanistic insights are lacking, with most current data derived from observational studies or traditional in vitro and in vivo models. Human clinical trials are needed to validate these nutraceutical effects and determine effective and safe dosages. Edible mushrooms have gained attention as nutraceuticals due to their medicinal properties. They have been observed to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and combat cancer. These effects have been attributed to their unique bioactive components and historical uses in traditional medicine. Epidemiological studies show that higher consumption of edible mushrooms is linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.ConclusionIn this review, we share important lessons learned in the design and execution of clinical trials focusing on white button mushrooms as anti‐cancer nutraceuticals. We demonstrate the use of single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) in nutraceutical research to capture the nuanced biological responses and health effects of dietary foods and their constituents.

Exploring animal food microbiomes and resistomes via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics.

As a diverse and complex food matrix, the animal food microbiota and repertoire of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes remain to be better understood. In this study, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics were applied to three types of animal food samples (cattle feed, dry dog food, and poultry feed). ZymoBIOMICS mock microbial community was used for workflow optimization including DNA extraction kits and bead-beating conditions. The four DNA extraction kits (AllPrep PowerViral DNA/RNA Kit, DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit, DNeasy PowerSoil Kit, and ZymoBIOMICS DNA Miniprep Kit) were compared in animal food as well as the use of peptide nucleic acid blockers for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Distinct microbial community profiles were generated, which varied by animal food type and DNA extraction kit. Employing peptide nucleic acid blockers prior to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was comparable with post-sequencing in silico filtering at removing chloroplast and mitochondrial sequences. There was a good agreement between 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics on community profiles in animal feed data sets; however, they differed in taxonomic resolution, with the latter superior at resolving at the species level. Although the overall prevalence of AMR genes was low, resistome analysis of animal feed data sets by shotgun metagenomics revealed 10 AMR gene/protein families, including beta-lactamases, erythromycin/lincomycin/pristinamycin/tylosin, fosfomycin, phenicol, and quinolone. Future expansion of microbiome and resistome profiling in animal food will help better understand the bacterial and AMR gene diversity in these commodities and help guide pathogen control and AMR prevention efforts.IMPORTANCEWith the growing interest and application of metagenomics in understanding the structure/composition and function of diverse microbial communities along the One Health continuum, this study represents one of the first attempts to employ these advanced sequencing technologies to characterize the microbiota and AMR genes in animal food. We unraveled the effects of DNA extraction kits on sample analysis by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and showed similar efficacies of two strategies at removing chloroplast and mitochondrial reads. The in-depth analysis using shotgun metagenomics shed light on the community compositions and the presence of an array of AMR genes in animal food. This exploration of microbiomes and resistomes in representative animal food samples by both sequencing approaches laid important groundwork for future metagenomic investigations to gain a better understanding of the baseline/core microbiomes and associated AMR functions in these diverse commodities and help guide pathogen control and AMR prevention efforts.

Investigating the research landscape of chlorinated paraffins over the past ten decades.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are classified as emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Due to their associated environmental and health impacts, these groups of chemicals have been a subject of interest among researchers in the past decades. Here we used a scientometric approach to understand the research landscape of CPs using literature published in the Web of Science and Scopus database. RStudio and VOSviewer programs were employed as scientometric tools to analyze the publication trends in global CP-related research from 1916 to 2024. A total of 1,452 articles were published over this period, with a publication/author and co-author/publication ratio of 0.43 and 5.49, respectively. China ranked first in publication output (n = 556, 43.3%), and the highest total citations (n = 12,007), followed by Sweden (n = 90), Canada (n = 77), and Germany (n = 75). Publications from developing countries were limited, with most contributions from Africa originating from Egypt (n = 7), South Africa (n = 5), and Nigeria (n = 3), primarily through international collaborations. The average annual growth rate of 4.3% suggests a significant future article output. This scientometric analysis allowed us to infer global trends in CPs, identify tendencies and gaps, and contribute to future research. Despite having similar toxicity to short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP), long-chain chlorinated paraffin (LCCP) has received less attention. Therefore, future research should prioritize studying LCCP bioaccumulation and toxicity in diverse food webs, focusing on aquatic species vulnerable to CPs and effective toxicological models. Additionally, collaborative research with developing countries should be encouraged to enhance meeting the Stockholm Convention's demand.

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Côte d'Ivoire’s Grands-Ponts Region Using Food Diversity and Consumption Scores Approaches

Determinants of Household Food Insecurity in Côte d'Ivoire’s Grands-Ponts Region Using Food Diversity and Consumption Scores Approaches