Fat Content Research Articles

Development of a sex-specific visceral fat area estimation using discrete multi-wavelength near-infrared spectroscopy measurements in Korean individuals.

A high level of visceral fat area (VFA) is associated with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors. VFA measured by computer tomography (CT) scan is accurate but has limitations for everyday use. Meanwhile, near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates the superficial layers of the human body so that fat content can be measured just as CT imaging measures fat accumulation. This study evaluated whether discrete multi-wavelength NIR spectroscopy (DMW-NIRS) can be used to measure abdominal fat as a satisfactory alternative to a CT scan. 290 subjects were enrolled in this study, and each subject underwent DMW-NIRS NIR measurement and CT scan. A sex-specific DMW-NIRS-based VFA estimation formula was developed by multiple linear regression, including lipid density, age, and body mass index (BMI). The model of DMW-NIRS estimated VFA gave the least Akaike Information Criterions (AIC), Root Mean Squared Errors (RMSE), and the greatest Coefficient of determination (R2) to predict VFA (1199, 29.5, 0.544 in female, and 1714, 41.3, 0.504 in male, respectively). Also, the DMW-NIRS estimated that VFA was highly performed to determine visceral obesity, which is comparable with other obesity surrogates. This study suggested that lipid density can be used as a valid, noninvasive method to determine visceral obesity.

Метаболічний синдром: механізми розвитку та експериментальні моделі

Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by the presence of insulin resis­tance and the presence of two of the following risk factors: obesity, hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), hypertension, or microalbuminuria. The multifactorial nature of metabolic syndrome makes it difficult to create an adequate experimental model that would best represent the entire spectrum of the pathophysiology of this condition. This review aims to summarize current literature data on the pathophysiological mechanisms of metabolic syndrome in the context of the development of insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and inflammation. The article also summarizes modern approaches to the induction of metabolic syndrome in rodents, among which dietary manipulation, genetic modifications, and the use of pharmaceuticals are the most common. As genetic models of metabolic syndrome, rodents with leptin or leptin receptor deficiency are most often used, in particular leptin-deficient mice (ob/ob), leptin receptor-deficient mice (db/db), Zucker obese rats (ZF), diabetic rats lines Zucker with obesity (ZDF) and others. Pharmaceutical drugs that can be used to induce metabolic syndrome include endogenous glucocorticoids and antipsychotic drugs. Several dietary manipulations are used to induce metabolic syndrome in laboratory animals. In particular, one type of diet or a combination of diets can be used, such as diets high in fructose, sucrose and fat, or a diet characterized by a high content of both fructose and fat or sucrose and fat. Manipulations with the composition of products consumed by experimental animals make it possible to simulate the development of metabolic syndrome, since the diet affects the metabolism of the entire body, and has a regulatory effect on hormones, glucose and lipid metabolism pathways.

Effects of different feeding rates on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal microbial composition of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different feeding rates on the growth, muscle composition, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal microbiota composition of juvenile crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). A total of 240 crayfish with an initial body weight of 8.33±0.50 g were randomly distributed into five groups, and each group had three replicates. The five groups corresponded to five different feeding rates of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% body weight per day (BW/day). The feeding trial lasted for six weeks. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR) first increased when the feed rate increased from 2% to 6 % (P<0.05) and then showed a decreased trend with the further increase of the feeding rate, but no significant differences were observed. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased with a rise in feeding rate, which reached a peak at the feeding rate of 10% (P<0.05). The survival rate (SR), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and condition factor (CF) were unaffected by the feeding rates (P>0.05). The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and ash contents of crayfish muscle remained unchanged among all feeding rate groups. Intestinal activities of lipase and amylase increase with the feeding rate (up to 6%) increasing (P<0.05). The ACE and Chao indices in the groups fed at 2% of feeding rate were significantly lower than those at a feeding rate of 10% (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the groups fed at feeding rates of 4%, 6%, and 8% was higher than that in other groups (P<0.05), Citrobacter in the group fed at feeding rate of 6% was lower than that in different groups (P<0.05). The intestinal microbiota primarily functions in connection to amino acid, carbohydrate, and vitamin metabolism. Therefore, the optimum feeding rate could be 6.0% of the feeding rate of juvenile P. clarkii.

Effects of Red Vinasse on Physicochemical Qualities of Blue Round Scad (Decapterus maruadsi) During Storage, and Shelf Life Prediction.

A fish processed with red vinasse is a type of Fujian cuisine with regional characteristics. In order to monitor the effect of red vinasse on storage quality and shelf life of blue round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) during storage, the changes in fat content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), pH value, texture, and sensory quality were studied at different storage temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C). By analyzing the correlation between changes in sensory qualities and physical and chemical indexes, a first-order kinetic model and the Arrhenius equation were used to build a shelf-life prediction model for blue round scad during storage. The results showed that processing with red vinasse can significantly reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) production and the decrease in PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.05) during storage. Based on partial least squares regression (PLSR), the storage temperature and time have a significant impact on the PUFA composition in blue round scad, which changed less when the samples were stored at 4 °C and 25 °C, and they had better nutritional composition of fatty acids at lower temperatures. Among the PUFAs, DHA (C22:6n-3) and EPA (C20:5n-3) had higher relative contents and significantly decreased during storage (p < 0.05). Additionally, the processing with red vinasse can slow down the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value and pH of blue round scad, maintain the appropriate hardness, elasticity, cohesion and chewability, and improve the overall sensory quality of the fish. In addition, according to the results of model prediction based on TBARS value, the storage shelf life of blue round scad with red vinasse added was 55 d, 2.7 d and 28 h at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C, respectively. The accuracy of the forecast model was high, and the relative errors of the measured values and predicted values were less than 10%. Thus, it not only provided a theoretical basis for the processing and application of red vinasse to Chinese traditional food, but also provided innovative ideas for the safe storage and high-value utilization of blue round scad.

Nutritional Processing Quality of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) Venison in Different Muscles.

In order to investigate the nutritional processing quality of sika deer (Cervus nippon) venison at different sites, the pH24 h, tenderness, pressurized water loss rate, meat color, intramuscular fat, moisture, protein, amino acid, fatty acid and squalene contents of sika deer venison were determined in twelve sites: foreleg, hind leg, outer tenderloin, rump, neck meat, chest meat, deer flank, abdominal rib, high rib, tenderloin, anterior tendon and posterior tendon. The results showed that the pH24 h of sika deer venison at different sites was 5.49~5.78; the tenderness of outer tenderloin (31.71 N) was the lowest, and the neck meat (68.53 N) was the highest; the squeezing moisture of tenderloin (28.12%) was the largest, and the foreleg (12.34%) was the smallest; the brightness of outer tenderloin L* (29.68) was the lowest, and the redness a* and yellowness b* of deer flank were the highest; the intramuscular fat and moisture were 0.66~4.97% and 71.00~73.78%, respectively; and the protein content of outer tenderloin (23.44%) and rump (24.02%) was high. The venison meat contained 17 kinds of amino acids, and the total amount was 63.87~79.33 g/100 g. It was rich in essential amino acids, mainly lysine and leucine, accounting for 64.29~65.39% of non-essential amino acids, which was close to the ideal protein composition. Palmitoleic acid and oleic acid were the main monounsaturated fatty acids in venison, and the contents of abdominal ribs were the highest, 16,875.33 mg/kg and 31,772.73 mg/kg, respectively. The contents of essential fatty acids were also the highest in abdominal ribs (11,225.37 mg/kg); forelegs, hind legs, outer tenderloins, rumps, neck meat, chest meat, high rib, tenderloins, anterior tendons and posterior tendons were all good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Squalene content was highest in the abdominal rib (100.85 mg/kg). The nutritional processing quality of sika deer venison in different muscles is significantly different, and this study can provide a data basis for the evaluation and processing of sika deer venison quality.

Low dose exposure to dioxins alters hepatic energy metabolism and steatotic liver disease development in a sex-specific manner

“Dioxins” are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are continuously present in the environment at appreciable levels and have been associated with increased risk of steatotic liver disease (SLD). However, current understanding of the role of sex and effects of mixtures of dioxins in SLD development is limited. Additionally, there exists debates on the levels of dioxins required to be considered dangerous as emphasis has shifted from high level exposure events to the steady state of lower-level exposures. We therefore investigated sex-dependent effects of low-level exposures to a mixture of dioxins: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) and Polychlorinated biphenyl 126 (PCB126), in the context of SLD and associated metabolic dysfunction. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet and weekly administered either vehicle control or TCDD (10 ng/kg), PeCDF (80 ng/kg) and PCB 126 (140 ng/kg) over a two-week period. Female mice generally demonstrated higher hepatic fat content compared to males. However, exposure to dioxins further elevated hepatic cholesterol levels in females, and this was accompanied by increased lipogenic gene expression (Acaca, Fasn) in the liver. In contrast, exposed males but not females displayed higher white adipose tissue weights. Furthermore, TCDD + PeCDF + PCB126 activated the AHR (hepatic Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 induction); with Cyp1a1 induction observed only in exposed females. Notably, gene expression of hepatic albumin (Alb) was also reduced only in exposed females. Overall, exposure to the low dose dioxin mixture compromised hepatic homeostasis via metabolic perturbations, and hepatic dysregulation was more accelerated in female livers.

Formulation and Evaluation of Weaning Foods Prepared from Multigrain Flour and Powdered Milk

Aims: Children after 6 months need to shift from breast milk to weaning food. The present study aims to develop low cost nutritious weaning foods to fulfil the increased nutritional requirements during this phase of growth. Study Design: The present study involved development of three different samples of low cost weaning foods prepared with multigrain flour (combination of rice flour, wheat flour and gram flour in the ratio of 2:1:0.5) mixed with milk powder (5%, 7.5% and 10% of the total flour mixture). Sensory, physicochemical and cost analyses were performed for the samples. Place and Duration of Study: University Polytechnic (Boys), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, between January 2016 and July 2016. Methodology: Sensory evaluation was done on a 9 point hedonic scale after preparing the samples for consumption by adding either water or milk. Physicochemical properties of the developed samples such as moisture content, ash content and protein content were assessed during storage at room temperature (25-32˚C) for 2 months in airtight laminated aluminium film packing material. Results: In sensory of samples prepared with water, sample 3 was found to be the most preferred sample while in case of samples prepared with milk, sample 1 was found to be the best in sensory quality. All the developed weaning food samples were found to be stable during 50 days of storage. Moisture content, Protein content and Ash content of the samples ranged from 4.84 to 10.38%, 13.23 and 16.29% and 1.22 to 1.54% respectively. Samples with more milk powder showed higher protein content and fat content. Conclusion: The prepared weaning food samples had comparable physicochemical and sensory characteristics and lower cost than the commercially available weaning foods. They will be helpful in fulfilling the nutritional requirement of the vulnerable sections of society including middle-income groups (MIG) and low-income groups (LIG) consumers and overcoming malnutrition.

Nutritional qualities of cookies made from wheat/cashew nut composite flour

The current study examined the nutrient qualities of cookies made from wheat/cashew nut composite flour blends. The wheat flour was partially replaced at different concentration of cashew paste for cookie production. Using standard methods, the physicochemical and sensory evaluation of cookies were ascertained. The result of the proximate composition showed that protein content varied from 11.31 % to 15.23 % while fat content 10.23–12.95 %. Phytochemical properties showed that tannin content ranged from 0.28 to 0.64 g/100 g while the phytate content varied from 3.71 to 4.12 g/100 g. Mineral content result showed that sodium content ranged from 122.45 to 163.55 mg/100 g while the potassium content 59.60–70.60 mg/100 g. The Na/K ratio ranged from 2.29 to 2.47 which is a positive sign that the cookies could be beneficial as functional food for those who have high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. Baking characteristic of cookies showed that the weigh ranged from 13.40 to 19.47 g while the thickness ranged from 0.60 to 0.77 mm. Result from sensory attributes of the cookies showed that WC3 was the most generally accepted. The study concludes that nutritious cookies can be produced from wheat/cashew nut composite flour.

Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on the Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Indices of Juvenile Furong Crucian Carp

The impact of dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, and serum biochemical indices of Furong crucian carp was examined. Five hundred and forty carp (2.35 ± 0.08 g) were randomly assigned to nine groups and fed diets with three different protein levels (30.0, 35.0, and 40.0%) and three different lipid levels (4.0, 7.0, and 10.0%) for 60 days. The current findings revealed that the interaction effect between dietary lipid and protein levels exhibited significance for the final average weight (FAW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), energy deposition rate (EDR), whole-fish energy, ash, and fat content (p &lt; 0.05). Specifically, there was a significant reduction in FAW, WGR, and SGR with increasing dietary fat supplementation. Conversely, FE, EDR, and protein efficiency ratios were significantly decreased with increasing dietary protein levels (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, serum albumin and globulin levels exhibited significant increases in response to dietary lipid inclusion (p &lt; 0.05). The findings collectively indicate that Furong crucian carp fed a diet comprising 4% lipid and 30% protein exhibited the optimal growth and feed utilization. Conversely, excessive protein and lipid supplementation were detrimental to growth and resulted in the aggravation of metabolic disorders.

Effect of Genotype on the Response to Diet in Cardiovascular Disease-A Scoping Review.

Nutrigenetics investigates the role of genetic variants that contribute to the inter-individual variation in response to food intake. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are influenced by the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, including the diet. The aim of this scoping review is to analyze the literature on the effect of genotypes on the response to dietary interventions for the treatment of CVD risk factors. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE to identify published articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 were selected. Data were extracted according to the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) format. Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies differed in design, intervention characteristics, tested genotypes, and ancestry. The most frequently analyzed variants were single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and energy balance, among others. The interventions tested the effects of different dietary patterns, diets modified in macronutrient content and types of fat, natural and processed foods, nutraceuticals, and nutrient supplements. Common APOE variants were the most analyzed genotypes showing significant interactions with different dietary interventions affecting blood lipids. Other genotypes found in pathways involving folic acid, lipid metabolism and transport have shown interactions with diverse dietary components across studies. Gene-diet interactions are observed in multiple dietary interventions. Replication of findings of nutrigenetic studies is required across different populations. The response to dietary treatments modifies CVD-related risk factors and shows variation associated with genotypes.

Nutritional differences in eggs, chicken, and plantain from agroecological, conventional, and commercial systems: a case study in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT This case study examines the nutritional differences between agroecological, conventional, and commercial products in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a participatory methodology with local farmers, eggs, chicken, and plantain were selected for analysis. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were compared across the three production systems. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and MANOVA. Results indicate that agroecological products from the studied farms tended to have lower moisture content. Agroecological eggs showed higher fat content (11.09 g/100 g vs 9.32 g/100 g conventional and 8.45 g/100 g commercial). Agroecological chicken presented higher protein content (22.37 g/100 g vs 20.73 g/100 g conventional and 18.1 g/100 g commercial) and potassium (281 mg/100 g vs 298 mg/100 g conventional and 213 mg/100 g commercial). Agroecological plantain had higher ash content (0.85 g/100 g vs 0.77 g/100 g conventional and 0.79 g/100 g commercial) and calcium (8 mg/100 g vs 5 mg/100 g conventional and 6 mg/100 g commercial). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). While these findings suggest potential nutritional benefits of agroecological production in this region, further studies with a larger number of replicates are needed to confirm these trends on a broader scale.

Computational Identification of Milk Trait Regulation Through Transcription Factor Cooperation in Murciano-Granadina Goats.

The Murciano-Granadina goat (MUG) is a renowned dairy breed, known for its adaptability and resilience, as well as for its exceptional milk traits characterized by high protein and fat content, along with low somatic cell counts. These traits are governed by complex biological processes, crucial in shaping phenotypic diversity. Thus, it is imperative to explore the factors regulating milk production and lactation for this breed. In this study, we investigated the genetic architecture of seven milk traits in MUGs, employing a two-step computational analysis to examine genotype-phenotype associations. Initially, a random forest algorithm identified the relative importance of each single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in determining the traits of interest. The second step applied an information theory-based approach to exploring the complex genetic architecture of quantitative milk traits, focusing on epistatic interactions that may have been overlooked in the first step. These approaches allowed us to identify an almost distinct set of candidate genes for each trait. In contrast, by analyzing the promoter regions of these genes, we revealed common regulatory networks among the milk traits under study. These findings are crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation, and they highlight the pivotal role of transcription factors (TFs) and their preferential interactions in the development of these traits. Notably, TFs such as DBP, HAND1E47, HOXA4, PPARA, and THAP1 were consistently identified for all traits, highlighting their important roles in immunity within the mammary gland and milk production during lactation.

Quality enhancement of potato chips through acrylamide mitigation and comparison with local potato chips in Bangladesh

Potato chips are popular and frequently consumed ready-to-eat food in the world. Acrylamide is a possible carcinogenic and neurotoxic compound formed in potato chips during heat processing, a public health concern. This study aimed to develop potato chips to mitigate acrylamide formation, followed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines with some modifications. A total of 15 local chip samples were collected by a stratified random sampling method and were assessed for nutritional values, sensory attributes, microbial quality, and acrylamide levels. Acrylamide was extracted from potato chips using a novel activated charcoal method, then determined by the High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method and showed that only 40% of local potato chips were above the benchmark level established by the EU 2017/2158 (750 ppb) (parts per billion) and ranged from 461 ppb to 2129 ppb while in the developed chips it was not detected. The microbial results showed that the developed chips are safe according to Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) standard, while the local chips contain total viable count (TVC) (&gt;104 ) and yeast-mold count in a significant amount (&gt;103 ). Sensory evaluation results showed that the developed potato chip samples had high ratings for all the evaluated attributes. From the nutritional point of view, fat content is lower while protein and fiber content is higher in developed potato chips. Moisture content is significantly higher in local potato chips than in developed potato chips, which is the major concern for microbial quality. As a result of the study's findings, acrylamide formation in potato chips was successfully mitigated by adhering to FDA modification guidelines without compromising quality, despite the fact that many locally produced potato chips are unfit for human consumption.

Autocrine/paracrine fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) enhances systemic lipid metabolism in rainbow trout fed with a high-fat diet by elevating uridine levels through the AMPK signaling pathway and activating the upp2 promoter via irf1

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is recognized for its role in regulating vertebrate energy metabolism, yet its impact on metabolic fatty liver disease in fish remains unexamined. This study investigates the regulatory mechanism of the autocrine/paracrine cytokine FGF1 on systemic lipid metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD). Experimental fish (540 in total) were divided between two dietary groups (low-fat diet (LFD) and HFD) and categorized into three treatment groups: LFD + PBS (LFD injected with PBS), HFD + PBS (HFD injected with PBS), and HFD + rFGF1 (HFD injected with recombinant FGF1 protein). Over a 6-week period on the HFD, rainbow trout demonstrated weight gain and signs of metabolic dysregulation. However, compared to the HFD + PBS group, exogenous rFGF1 administration significantly lowered hepatosomatic index (HSI), whole-body, muscle, and liver crude fat content, hepatic vacuole formation, serum triglyceride (TG), serum LDL-c, and the expression levels of fatty acid synthesis (fas) and transport genes (cd36, fatp6), while elevating HDL-c and the expression levels of fatty acid oxidation genes (cpt1a, pparα, and acox1) (P < 0.05), thereby alleviating HFD-induced lipid accumulation without a significant impact on body weight (P > 0.05). Serum metabolomic analysis indicated that rFGF1 significantly elevated serum uridine levels (P < 0.05), with uridine demonstrating a capacity to regulate hepatocyte lipid metabolism effectively. Furthermore, rFGF1 was shown to enhance hepatic uridine biosynthesis through the AMPK signaling pathway, concurrently modulating uridine catabolism by downregulating interferon regulatory factor 1 (irf1) and altering its transcriptional control of uridine phosphorylase 2 (upp2). These findings suggest that rFGF1 mitigates hepatic lipid accumulation in rainbow trout under an HFD by promoting uridine synthesis via the AMPK pathway and partially inhibiting uridine catabolism through IRF1-UPP2 signaling.

Treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: The fat-trimming FGF21 approach.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a condition characterized by hepatosteatosis, inflammation, and tissue damage, with steatosis as the initial stage, which involves chronic, excess deposition of lipids in hepatic lipid droplets. Despite the growing prevalence and serious risks it poses, including liver decompensation, the need for transplantation, and increased patient mortality, MASH currently faces no approved pharmacotherapy. Several promising treatment candidates have emerged from recent clinical trials, including analogs of FGF21 and agonists of the associated FGFR1-KLB complex. These agents were well-tolerated in trials and have demonstrated significant improvements in both histological and biochemical markers of liver fat content, inflammation, injury, and fibrosis in patients with MASH. Endocrine FGF21 plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. It achieves this through pathways that target lipids or lipid droplets in adipocytes and hepatocytes. Mechanistically, pharmacological FGF21 acts as a potent catabolic factor to promote lipid or lipid droplet lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial catabolic flux, and heat-dissipating energy expenditure, leading to effective clearance of hepatic and systemic gluco-lipotoxicity and inflammatory stress, thereby preventing obesity, diabetes, and MASH pathologies. In this review, we aim to provide an update on the outcomes of clinical trials for several FGF21 mimetics. We compare these outcomes with preclinical studies and offer a lipid-centric perspective on the mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of these agents for MASH.

Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying and bowel function in pediatric ketogenic diet therapy: a clinical trial

Ketogenic diet (KD) is an excess fat, enough protein, and minimal carbohydrate diet. The high fat content in KD lowers the oesophageal sphincter tone, slows gastric emptying, and decreases intestinal transit time. The primary aim of the current clinical trial was to study the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on gastric emptying in children with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) on KD. Assessment of the protective effect of L-carnitine on bowel function and habits in those patients was a secondary aim. The current study recruited 30 patients aged 12 months to 18 years newly diagnosed with DRE assigned to start KD who were following up at the Pediatric Clinical Nutrition and Neurology Outpatient Clinics or were admitted due to DRE at the Pediatric Neurology Inpatient Department, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University (Egypt). Participants were assigned randomly into 2 arms; arm I: received KD with L-carnitine supplementation, arm II: received KD only. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of starting KD, the assessments of children included: 24-hour dietary recall, Chalfont Seizures Severity Scale, gastrointestinal symptoms score and Bristol stool chart, frequency of defecation per week, anthropometric measurements assessment, fasting serum lipid profile and measurement of the antral length by ultrasound. There was significant increase in antral length in the patients who received KD with L-carnitine supplementation compared to the non-supplemented group. The antral length showed a significant negative correlation with GI symptoms score in all cases and the L-carnitine supplemented group. It also showed a significant positive correlation with Bristol stool score in all patients and a significant positive correlation with stool frequency in the L-carnitine supplemented group only. L-carnitine supplementation to children with DRE on KD has a significant role in improving gastric motility and it increases the frequency of defecation. Further studies are recommended to explore additional benefits, meanwhile it is prudent to advise L-carnitine supplementation for such patients.

Evaluation of the performance of low-fat (oil-fat) dressings based on chemically modified Guayabo plantain starch (Musa paradisiaca L.).

Guayabo plantain (GP) starch was chemically modified by acetylation to evaluate its role as a stabilizer and emulsifier in low-fat dressings. Native starch (NS) from GP was chemically modified starch (MS), and its functional properties, such as water absorption index, water solubility index, swelling power, gelatinization temperature (Tg), were evaluated. Additionally, functional groups and morphology were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy. Low-fat dressings were prepared using NS and MS at two concentrations, 2% and 3% (NS2, NS3, MS2, MS3), and the stability of the dressings was evaluated over a storage period of 28 days at 4 °C ± 2.0 °C. The percentage of acetylation and the degree of substitution obtained were 2.48% and 0.01, respectively, complying with current regulations. MS showed a higher amylose content (23.62 ± 1.89%) than NS (16.01 ± 0.43%). The Tg of MS decreased, and the appearance of bands at 1012 and 1723 cm-1 in the FT-IR spectra suggested a modification in the functional characteristics of starch due to acetylation. Emulsions of MS at 2% and 3% (MS2 and MS3) showed a smaller droplet size and higher interfacial dispersion. However, MS3 had higher viscosity, which contributed to an increase in hydrophobicity and delays in flocculation and subsequent coalescence. This research study provides useful information on the use of 3% MS dressings in new food formulations, reducing fat content while preserving functional characteristics, thus ensuring greater stability.

Effect of meat type and fat level on burger meat characteristics: A combined approach using imaging and sensory techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat level and meat cut type on burger meat through color, texture, image, and sensory analyses, and to explore the ability of the imaging technique as a complementary tool for consumer quality perception. For this purpose, burger meat samples were prepared by combining pork and beef meat (50/50%) with other nonmeat ingredients. The differences between samples were fat level: around 15 g fat/100 g (code HF) or 10.5 g fat/100 g (code LF); cut types: from cow carcasses (code C) or yearling (code Y). Instrumental color and texture measures analysis, an image analysis, and a sensory evaluation were carried out on samples (raw and cooked) at two times: day 0 and day 1 before expiry dates. The results showed that the samples made with meat from cows presented lower L* and higher a* and b* values than the samples made from yearling. However, the fat level did not affect this parameter. This same pattern was observed for the image measurements. Regarding texture, the samples with higher fat content (and lower moisture content) had higher hardness values. Generally, meat type had no effect on textural parameters. The samples that consumers gave the highest overall acceptance scores were those made of cow meat at both fat content levels. These samples also had the highest raw and cooked color scores. The fat level slightly affected hardness, with the same pattern observed for the instrumental measures of texture. The analyses showed a good correlation between instrumental techniques and sensory evaluation.

Nutritional Composition, Fatty Acid Content, and Mineral Content of Nine Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Inbred Varieties.

Sorghum is a self-pollinating species belonging to the Poaceae family characterized by a resistance to drought higher than that of corn. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has been grown for centuries as a food crop in tropical areas where it has an increasing importance, particularly as a cereal option for people with celiac disease. Over the past fifty years, food-grade varieties and hybrid seeds with white pericarp have been developed, particularly in the United States, to maximize sorghum food quality. Nutrient composition, including moisture, protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat content, fatty acid composition, and mineral content, was determined for nine inbred varieties with a stabilized food-grade sorghum genotype selected in the USA and grown under typical Mediterranean conditions. Differences in these nutritional components were observed among the varieties considered. Notable differences were found for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, while saturated fatty acids were similar in all varieties. Oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all nine lines. Differences were also noted in mineral content, particularly for K, Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ba. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) demonstrated the absence of gliadin-like peptides in all the sorghum varieties analyzed, confirming, thus, that these analyzed varieties are safe for consumption by celiac patients. Knowledge of the nutritional values of sorghum lines is relevant for breeding programs devoted to sorghum nutritional content and for beneficial properties to human health.

Nutritional Composition of Marine Water Fishes of Bangladesh: A Review

Marine fishes have been recognized for high quality protein and essential fatty acids which play a vital role in human being for nutrition and disease prevention. This review focuses on the nutrient composition of marine fishes in Bangladesh. Nutrient composition data was collected through literature searching in databases and source, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Fish, and Bangladesh-based database Banglajol. Published articles contained proximate composition, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids profiles of marine fishes. The highest energy, protein, fat and ash content in 100 g edible raw marine fish was 926 kJ, 50 g, 24.2 g, and 8.4 g, respectively. The maximum amount of minerals such as 8.6 mg iron, 29.3 mg zinc, 1900 mg calcium, 160 µg iodine, 120 µg selenium, 1000 mg phosphorus, 187.98 mg magnesium, 497.4 mg sodium, 764 mg potassium, 1.1 mg manganese, 300 mg sulphur and 0.5 mg copper found in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. The highest quantity of vitamins was 288.7 µg vitamin A, 0.9 mg vitamin B6, 15 µg vitamin B12, 13 µg vitamin D, 2.4 mg vitamin E, 17 µg folate, 0.2 mg thiamine, 0.2 mg riboflavin and 19.3 mg niacin in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. According to available data, marine fish are good sources of protein, vitamins, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and fatty acids. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species which should guide policy and programs to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.