Low Caloric Content Research Articles

Application of fat substitutes in meat products

Abstract. In the human body, fat plays a key role. In addition to providing the body with the necessary energy, it also has a decisive influence on the structure and overall quality of food. However, frequent intake of high-fat food will have adverse effects on human health. With the increase in people's health awareness, the production of low-fat or fat-free food is an important way to improve people's dietary habits and improve their health levels. Therefore, it is hoped that by adding fat substitutes, we can reduce the harmful effects of excessive fat intake on the human body while maintaining the original flavor of food as much as possible. In this paper, the research reviews the basic concepts and classification of fat substitutes and their application in meat products, the current status of their application in sausage, pork, beef, and other products is elaborated, and the problems of fat substitutes such as intolerance to high-temperature frying are analyzed, and countermeasures for the research and development of fat substitutes with high thermal stability, high water absorption, low calorie content, and nutritional safety are proposed, providing provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of fat substitutes in meat products.

The effects of D-allulose on the gelatinization and gelling properties of wheat starch

D-Allulose, with its low calorie content and sweetness comparable to sucrose, has gained significant attention from researchers as an ideal substitute for sucrose. Here, we investigated the effects of D-allulose on the physicochemical properties and texture of wheat starch. The gelatinization results showed that D-allulose (D-allulose: wheat starch = 1:1 w/w) increased the pasting temperature (56.4 to 65.2 °C) and transition enthalpy (7.9 to 9.0 J/g) of wheat starch systems, and the impact was significantly lower than that of other commonly used small-molecule sugars (sucrose, fructose, glucose). In addition, rheological, texture, and X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed that the addition of D-allulose improved the hardness, gumminess, and recrystallization of retrograded wheat starch gels. Microstructure analysis indicated that the addition of D-allulose enhanced the structural density of wheat starch system, thereby significantly slowing down the retrogradation of wheat starch. D-allulose exhibited unique properties, promoting the gelatinization of wheat starch and delaying its retrogradation. These results will help to promote the wide application of D-allulose in starchy foods with special physiological functions.

Long-term consumption of aspartame & cancer risk

Artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame, are present in everyday modern diets due to their low-calorie content and high level of sweetness. They are often used as sugar substitutes to promote weight loss and manage diabetes. Despite their widespread use and approval by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerns about the safety and potential carcinogenicity of artificial sweeteners persist. This research paper delves into the controversy surrounding aspartame, which was classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2023. By reviewing literature and analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2024, this paper explores aspartame’s metabolism in the human body, its by-products, and its biological effects. The article also delves into a notable experimental study involving male Wistar albino rats that demonstrated significant biochemical changes, histological liver damage, and gene expression alterations at high doses of aspartame, indicating potential cancer risks. The findings underscore the need for further research to clarify the biochemical and molecular mechanisms linking artificial sweeteners to cancer while emphasizing cautious consumption and reevaluation of safety guidelines.

Minimally processed yam beam roots fortified with probiotics and phenolic compound from green coffee microencapsulated

Yam beam (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) root, commonly known as jicama, is widely consumed by health-conscious individuals due to its low caloric content. However, its nutritional value is relatively low, despite containing some. To enhance these nutritional properties, jicama can be supplemented with probiotics and antioxidant compounds. In this study, the jicama pieces were coated with an edible layer containing microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium spp. and phenolic compounds derived from green coffee, which were microencapsulated using a double spray drying technique. The probiotics and phenolic compounds were dried using double spray drying with chitosan at 120 and 140 °C. The results showed that the inlet air temperature did not have a statistically significant effect (p ≥ 0.05) on the encapsulation efficiency of probiotics, chlorogenic acid and caffeine content, or antioxidant activity expressed as IC50 value (110 - 116 µg/mL). After 6 d of storage at 4 °C, the jicama supplemented with the microcapsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. exhibited a reduction in microbial viability by 1 and 2 log CFU/g, respectively. However, the addition of microcapsules allowed a higher concentration of phenolic compounds than the control group. Minimally processed jicama containing microcapsules with probiotics and phenolic compounds could be a functional food, and the reported procedure could be applied for industrial purposes.

From Waste to Value: Fish Protein Hydrolysates as a Technological and Functional Ingredient in Human Nutrition.

Fish provides a low-caloric content, polyunsaturated fatty acids, many essential trace elements and is also a rich source of protein, ranging from 10% to 25%. Therefore, the production of FPH (fish protein hydrolysates) is of great interest, as the resulting products exhibit a variety of important bioactive and technological properties, making them potential ingredients for new functional foods and supplements. The aim of this review was to compile and analyze information on enzymatic hydrolysates, with particular emphasis on those derived from fish by-products, as a potential ingredient in human nutrition. Their nutritional characteristics, food safety aspects, bioactive properties, technological attributes, key influencing factors, and applications in food products were evaluated. The findings revealed that these properties are influenced by several factors, such as the raw material, enzymes used, degree of hydrolysis, and the molecular weight of the peptides, which need to be considered as a whole. In conclusion, the gathered information suggests that it is possible to obtain high-value products through enzymatic hydrolysis, even when using fish by-products. However, although numerous studies focused on FPH derived from fish muscle, research on by-products remains limited. Further investigation is needed to determine whether the behavior of FPH from by-products differs from that of muscle-derived FPH.

Sea Vegetables: An Alternative Food Source: A Review

Seaweeds or sea vegetables are the non-traditional vegetables largely produced and consumed by China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and other island countries. They are rich in essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, amino acids etc. making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Moreover, they have low caloric content and are free from cholesterol, essential for weight management and heart-healthy diets. Additionally, sea vegetables contain unique bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Globally the demand for seaweed as vegetables along with its several value-added products are increasing day by day. The cultivation of seaweed is cost effective as it does not require seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, no freshwater and arable land. Sea vegetables can serve as bio filters by absorbing excess nutrients from aquatic ecosystems, thus promoting environmental sustainability in coastal aquatic system. To combat hunger, achieve food security and protect the environment, it is crucial to create public awareness on the health benefits and nutritional value of sea vegetables. More in-depth research and developments are required to commercialize, explore the diversity of sea vegetables, develop innovative culinary applications and establishment of quality and safety standards. The present review works highlights a comprehensive overview of seaweed diversity, nutritional composition, health benefits, diverse uses, cultivation methods and potential for developing processed products for food and agricultural industry.

The influence of the design features of the fuel injector atomizer on the process of diesel fuel injection

Abstract. Problem. Increasing the demands for the technical and economic characteristics and the resource of modern augmented diesel engines requires finding ways and approaches to improve their design and systems, in particular, their fuel supply system. Changing the design parameters of the fuel injector atomizer allows to influence the conditions of fuel injection, its atomization in the combustion chamber, and the efficiency of the engine. The number and mutual arrangement of the nozzle holes of the fuel injector atomizer and their diameter are chosen by manufacturers based on the design features of the engine, in particular, the configuration of the combustion chamber and the conditions for filling the cylinder with fresh air. Goal. The purpose of the work was to carry out comparative numerical modelling to assess the influence of the number and diameter of the nozzle holes of the fuel injector atomizer on the diesel fuel injection process. Methodology. The problem is considered in a three-dimensional non-stationary setting. For numerical modelling, the geometry of the flow part of the fuel injector atomizer was formed, taking into account its design features (standard and modernized versions). The standard version has 7 nozzle holes with a diameter of 0.25 mm (evenly arranged relative to the axis of the atomizer, and the modernized version has 4 holes with a diameter of 0.3 mm in the standard place, evenly arranged relative to the axis of the atomizer and, additionally, 4 holes with a diameter of 0.2 mm from above (in the area of the closing cone) evenly arranged relative to the axis of the atomizer, but with a rotation around the axis of the atomizer by 45 degrees relative to the lower holes. To describe the process of the diesel fuel flow in the flow part of the fuel injector atomizer, the k - ε turbulence model is used, and to describe the process of phase transition from a liquid state to a vapour state – a mixture model is used. Results. The obtained results showed that the use of two rows of nozzle holes of different diameters for the atomizer of the fuel injector of the transport diesel engine allows to effectively organize the fuel injection process. For the atomizer nozzle of the modernized design, the volumetric fuel consumption is 30% for the upper holes and 70% for the lower ones. Originality. The scientific novelty of the work lies in determining the influence of the number and diameter of the nozzle holes of the fuel injector nozzle on the conditions of diesel fuel injection, taking into account cavitation effects. Practical value. The total area of the nozzle holes in the modernized version was increased by 20%, which makes it possible to increase the cycle supply of diesel fuel. It is especially important when using new types of fuel with a lower paraffin content and, accordingly, lower caloric content

STUDY OF STEVIA ECAPSULATION FOR USING IN PROBIOTIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS

At the moment, incoming products, beverages, raw materials on the market must comply with the requirements of State standards and safety requirements. The question of nutritional value is growing every day, based on the fact that the constant use of healthy foods develops the body's resistance to various diseases. Such products are called useful or functional products. An equally urgent task for today's specialists is the development of a functional fermented milk product that contains a pleasant sweet taste from natural Stevia plant extract. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a natural sweetener, which has many useful properties. For example, one of the first benefits in low-calorie content does not include fast carbohydrates. So, Stevia has less effect on blood sugar levels and does not increase insulin and is suitable for diabetics. In addition, Stevia extract can be used as prebiotic for co-encapsulation with probiotic microorganisms to enrich functional beverages. Purpose of this study is investigation of formulation parameters for reсeiving саpsules whiсh сreаte а strong bаrrier to penetrаtion of the encapsulated substаnсe to the externаl environment; the саpsules providing more effiсient mаnifestаtion of а сomplex of biologiсаl, phаrmасologiсаl, preventive or mediсinаl properties of bаgged substаnсe. Development of cаpsules of the long term of storаge in whiсh the асtive loaded mаteriаl is proteсted by аn envelope аnd саn preserve activity in vаrious pH environments became the most perspective. Ionic gelation method through extrusion represents a simple encapsulation technique that does not require organic solvents, making it suitable for both hydrophobic or hydrophilic compounds. Stevia extract -loaded Alginate-Chitosan particles with improved physicochemical properties with a process yield of 88-89% were obtained. The release kinetics of active agent was monitored using UV-vis spectroscopy and showed a slow release within 24 hours. Thus, the slow kinetics of the release of the agent demonstrates the effectiveness of the methodology of encapsulation based on the ionic gelation and hardening of shell. Сreаtion of саpsules with the ingredients enсаpsulаted inside, hаving thermostаble properties, resistаnсe to influenсe of асidiс environments аnd enzymes, meсhаniсаl аnd osmotiс resistаnсe to influenсe of externаl physiсаl аnd сhemiсаl fасtors, suсh аs meсhаniсаl effeсt, temperаture inсreаse, сhаnge of pressure, аnd аlso inсreаse in proteсtion of bаgged substаnсes remains as an actual problem at present time. The morphology, average diameters of wet and dry microcapsule were determined by optical microscopy using Olympus Soft Imaging Solutions GmbH, version E_LCmicro_09Okt2009. Twenty microparticles were randomly selected from triplicate batches to determine size distribution. The compositions of microcapsules for analysis on a scanning electron microscope were applied to a highly conductive graphite tape. SEM equipment was used to determine the pore size on the surface of the microparticles. Studies results showed that sizes of microcapsules were 720-830 µm, and color was determined by color of loaded agent. Microencapsulation allows not only protect active agent from aggressive environment, prolong activity, but also can be used for development product with useful properties for human health. Funding: This research is funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19679879).

Transcriptional regulation of multi-tissue mRNA expression by L-arabinose mitigates metabolic disorders in leptin receptor-deficient mice

L-arabinose, a sugar substitute, exhibits anti-diabetic effects due to its lower caloric content than conventional sugar. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms underlying its organ-to-organ interactions remain elusive in transgenic mouse models. Therefore, we investigated these anti-diabetic effects using mRNA sequencing analysis across multiple tissues. We used leptin receptor-deficient mice subjected to a normal diet with sucrose (SUC), SUC supplemented with erythritol (ERY), and SUC supplemented with L-arabinose (ARA) for 16 weeks. Prolonged supplementation with L-arabinose significantly lowered fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR levels, improved glucose tolerance, and markedly reduced body fat in the leptin receptor-deficient mice without affecting food and energy intake. The ARA group exhibited decreased activities of gluconeogenic enzymes (PEPCK, G6Pase) and increased glycolytic enzyme activity, signifying enhanced insulin sensitivity. Additionally, significant alterations in gene expression related to fatty acid metabolism and insulin resistance were observed, including a notable increase in the transcription of genes essential for fatty acid oxidation. L-arabinose supplementation also led to improved myogenesis and a reduction in chronic inflammation, indicating potential efficacy in mitigating diabetic sarcopenia. Overall, this study positions L-arabinose supplementation as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing insulin resistance and its associated complications, meriting further investigation into its role in diabetes management.

GLUCOSE AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS IN CEREALS SUBSTITUTING CASSAVA FLOUR AND RED BEANS

Diabetes mellitus is a disease or chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism as a result of insulin function insufficiency. Diabetics are advised to pay attention to the food they consume, preferably low in sugar. In general, cereals on the market are made from wheat flour which contains quite a lot of sugar, so it is necessary to modify cereal recipes to increase nutritional value. Cassava flour is a food source of carbohydrates with a lower calorie content than wheat flour. Red bean flour has a fairly high protein content and a low glycemic index, so the substitution of cassava flour and red bean flour is expected to increase the nutritional value. This study aims to determine the effect of substituting cassava flour and red bean flour on the nutritional value of cereals. This research used True Experimental with 4 treatment levels and 6 replications. The treatment applied was the ratio of wheat flour: cassava flour: red bean flour at each P0 (100:0:0), P1 (10:50:40), P2 (10:60:30), P3 (10: 70:20). Based on the research results, it shows that there is an effect of reducing glucose, energy, fat, carbohydrate and water levels compared to those without substitution. There was an increase in protein and ash content in the treatment. The cereal formulation that has the expected nutritional content is the P3 formulation

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds.

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

An comprehensive examination of the therapeutic and dietary attributes of Stevia

Introduction Stevia rebaudiana, an indigenous plant of South America, is becoming increasingly popular because of its potent sweetness obtained from steviol glycosides, which are considerably sweeter than sucrose. Due to its low calorie content and this characteristic, Stevia is considered a favoured sugar alternative in a wide range of food products. In addition to being a substitute for sugar, Stevia provides a range of metabolic benefits. Studies have shown that extracts from this plant have antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic qualities, can control blood glucose and insulin levels, enhance kidney function, and may have potential anticancer effects. The wide range of advantageous characteristics linked to Stevia highlights its promise as a subject for further exploration of its health-promoting effects. This article offers an analysis of scientific research and reliable sources, presenting the metabolic advantages and health impacts of steviol glycosides obtained from Stevia in the human body. Aim of the study This review aims to identify the metabolic benefits of Stevia rebaudiana on the human body. The main objective is to present its action as a component in the fight against obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and cancer cells. Material and method This article presents the current state of knowledge about the range of metabolic benefits of Stevia rebaudiana. Publications describing the effects of Stevia rebaudiana use on the metabolism and health of the human body were reviewed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords 'stevia', 'artificial sweetener', 'sugar substitute', 'obesity'.

Yacon powder mix: Effects of the composition and the process of microencapsulation by spray drying

Yacon is a tuber known as a healthy food due to its effects as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and prebiotic agent; it is rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and antioxidants, and due to its sweet taste and low-calorie content, it is used as a substitute for ordinary sugar. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of the composition of the feed and the microencapsulation process by spray drying (SD) on the properties of a yacon powder mixture (YP). Response surface methodology with a central composite design with a face-centered composition (α = 1) was used, considering the independent variables: inulin (IN) (3–5% w/w), maltodextrin (MD) (3–5% w/w), air inlet temperature (AIT) (140–160 °C), air outlet temperature (AOT) (75–85 °C) and atomizer disc speed (ADS) (18000–22000 rpm), and the dependent variables: moisture (Xw), water activity (aw), hygroscopicity (Hy), solubility (S), particle size (percentile D10, D50, and D90), total phenols (TP), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH), color (CIE-Lab*) and yield (Yi). The suspension formulation contained xanthan gum (0.167 %) and a mixture of ascorbic and citric acids (0.3 %). The aw and Xw values of the YP guarantee its microbiological stability; however, the process formulation produces a complex matrix (FOS- sugars- MD - IN) with high affinity for water, which favors adsorption phenomena (hygroscopic material) and high reconstitution (high solubility). The independent variables that best fit the experimental optimization criteria were: IN = 3.0 %, MD = 5.0 %, AIT = 143.7 °C, AOT = 80.1 °C, ADS = 22000 rpm, where Yi = 84.2 %, and the quality of the YP: Xw = 2.4 %, aw = 0.220, Hy = 23.0 %, S = 96.9 %, D10 = 10.6 μm, D50 = 23.4 μm and D90 = 169.3 μm, TP = 1228.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, ABTS = 2295.9 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g, DPPH = 5192.3 mg TE/100 g, L* = 80.5, a* = 5.1 and b* = 17.4. SD is an effective technology that positively impacts the development of new food products. In addition, the YP could have multipurpose applications for the industry, generating value in this agri-chain.

Differential Rates of Glycation Following Exposure to Unique Monosaccharides.

A complication of reducing sugars is that they can undergo Maillard chemical reactions, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation via engagements with the main receptor for AGEs (RAGE) in various tissues. Certain sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are well known to cause AGE formation. Recently, allulose has emerged as a rare natural sugar that is an epimer of fructose and which is of low caloric content that is minimally metabolized, leading to it being introduced as a low-calorie sugar alternative. However, the relative ability of allulose to generate AGEs compared to glucose and fructose is not known. Here we assess the accumulation of AGEs in cell-free, in vitro, and in vivo conditions in response to allulose and compare it to glycation mediated by glucose or fructose. AGEs were quantified in cell-free samples, cell culture media and lysates, and rat serum with glycation-specific ELISAs. In cell-free conditions, we observed concentration and time-dependent increases in AGEs when bovine serum albumin (BSA) was incubated with glucose or fructose and significantly less glycation when incubated with allulose. AGEs were significantly elevated when pulmonary alveolar type II-like cells were co-incubated with glucose or fructose; however, significantly less AGEs were detected when cells were exposed to allulose. AGE quantification in serum obtained from rats fed a high-fat, low-carb (HFLC) Western diet for 2 weeks revealed significantly less glycation in animals co-administered allulose compared to those exposed to stevia. These results suggest allulose is associated with less AGE formation compared to fructose or glucose, and support its safety as a low-calorie sugar alternative.

Optimization of thermosonication conditions for critical quality parameters of watermelon juice using response surface methodology

Topical consumer interest in natural, healthier, safer and nutritional juice, has inspired the search for innovative technologies that can minimize product degradation. In this regard, thermosonication has been proposed as a potential processing technology that can preserve and produce “fresh” products. Watermelon (Citrulluslanatus) juice is a nutrient-rich fruit juice that is desired by consumers due to its appealing color, pleasant odor, sweet taste and low-calorie content. This fruit juice is, however, highly perishable and prone to microorganisms, because of its neutral pH value and high amount of water activity. In addition, it is thermo-sensitive and therefore degrades quickly under thermal processing. This study aimed to identify the optimal thermosonication processing conditions for retaining the critical quality parameters (lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic content) of watermelon juice. Response surface methodology, employing a central composite design, was used to determine the effects of temperature (18–52 °C), processing time (2–13 min) and amplitude level (24–73 μm) at a constant frequency of 25 kHz. The highest quality parameters were obtained at 25 °C, 2 min, and 24 µm at a constant frequency of 25 kHz, which resulted in lycopene of 8.10 mg/100 g, β-carotene of 0.19 mg/100 g, ascorbic acid of 3.11 mg/100 g and total polyphenolic content of 23.96 mg/GAE/g with a desirability of 0.81. The proposed model was adequate (p < 0.0001), with a satisfactory determination coefficient (R2) of less than 0.8 for all phytochemicals. Thermosonicated watermelon juice samples showed minimal changes in their phytochemical properties, when compared to fresh juices; the lycopene content showed a significant increase after thermosonication, and a significant retention of β-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic acid was observed. According to the findings, thermosonication could be a viable method for preserving watermelon juice, with minimal quality loss and improved functional attributes.

Ретроспективний аналіз споживання основних груп харчових продуктів населенням України

The purpose of the article is to analyze trends in the nature of consumption by the population of Ukraine during 2000-2021 of food substances and energy, as well as the main groups of food products based on statistical indicators of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study included the analysis of information from national government statistics on population nutrition and its changes over a long period. The results. The nutrition structure of the population of Ukraine does not meet the requirements for rational nutrition. The analysis of the consumption of the main groups of food products since 2010 shows a gradual decrease in consumption and an unbalanced diet of the population. A decrease in the consumption of meat and meat products (less than recommended by 33.75%), milk and dairy products (less by 46.97%), fruits and vegetables (less by 34.44%), fish and fish products ( less by 34%). Low total caloric content of the diet and low estimated calcium content were also found. According to data on food consumption by the Ukrainian population compared to similar indicators in other countries, low consumption of meat and meat products, fish and vegetable oil, moderate consumption of sugar is noted. milk and milk products, significant consumption of vegetables and potatoes. Conclusions. The revealed trends in the structure of nutrition clearly indicate a significant impact of these changes on the life of the population, in particular, on the formation of health and an increase in the risk of developing food-dependent diseases. The nutritional status of Ukrainians requires careful attention and intervention to preserve and improve the health of the population.

Rational Design for the Complete Synthesis of Stevioside in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Stevioside is a secondary metabolite of diterpenoid glycoside production in plants. It has been used as a natural sweetener in various foods because of its high sweetness and low-calorie content. In this study, we constructed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain for the complete synthesis of stevioside using a metabolic engineering strategy. Firstly, the synthesis pathway of steviol was modularly constructed in S. cerevisiae BY4742, and the precursor pathway was strengthened. The yield of steviol was used as an indicator to investigate the expression effect of different sources of diterpene synthases under different combinations, and the strains with further improved steviol yield were screened. Secondly, glycosyltransferases were heterologously expressed in this strain to produce stevioside, the sequence of glycosyltransferase expression was optimized, and the uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-Glc) supply was enhanced. Finally, the results showed that the strain SST-302III-ST2 produced 164.89 mg/L of stevioside in a shake flask experiment, and the yield of stevioside reached 1104.49 mg/L in an experiment employing a 10 L bioreactor with batch feeding, which was the highest yield reported. We constructed strains with a high production of stevioside, thus laying the foundation for the production of other classes of steviol glycosides and holding good prospects for application and promotion.

D-Arabitol production by a high arabitol-producing yeast, Zygosaccharomyces sp. Gz-5 isolated from miso.

d-Arabitol, an alternative sweetener to sugar, has low calorie content, high sweetness, low glycemic index, and insulin resistance-improving ability. In this study, d-arabitol-producing yeast strains were isolated from various commercial types of miso, and strain Gz-5 was selected among these strains. Phylogenetic tree analysis of the internal transcribed spacer sequence revealed that strain Gz-5 was distinct from Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, a major fermenting yeast of miso. The strain, identified as Zygosaccharomyces sp. Gz-5, grew better than other Z. rouxii in 150g/L NaCl and produced 114g/L d-arabitol from 295g/L glucose in a batch culture for 8 days (0.386g/g-consumed glucose). In a fed-batch culture, the yeast produced 133g/L d-arabitol for 14 days, and the total d-arabitol amount increased by 1.75-fold. These results indicated that Zygosaccharomyces sp. Gz-5, a non-genetically modified strain, has excellent potential for the industrial production of d-arabitol.

Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials on the Effect of Sugar Alcohol Consumption on Oral Health: Trends, Insights, and Future Directions (1967-2024).

In recent years, the quest for healthier alternatives to sugar has led to the widespread use of sugar alcohol in various food and beverage products. Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, are popular substitutes due to their sweet taste and lower calorie content than sucrose. Beyond their role in calorie reduction, sugar alcohols have garnered attention for their potential impact on oral health. The bibliometric analysis of clinical trials on sugar alcohol and oral health in PubMed reveals a dynamic and multifaceted research landscape shaped by various factors. Fluctuations in publication rates over time suggest influences such as shifts in research interests, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer behaviors. Key authors like Makinen KK, Makinen PL, and Soderling E emerge as prolific contributors with collaborative solid networks within the research community. The University of Turku in Finland has been identified as the highest contributing university, while Caries Research is the most contributing journal based on the number of clinical trials published. The country-wise analysis highlights Italy and the United States as substantial contributors, with diverse trajectories of research activity observed across nations. The subject-specific words with the highest cooccurrence are xylitol, dental caries, chewing gum, Streptococcus mutans, and saliva. Thematic analysis dives deep into how sugar alcohols relate to oral health, using different methods to study their effectiveness, safety, and how they affect the oral microbiome. The analysis of topic trends indicates ongoing exploration of sorbitol and xylitol, with an increasing emphasis on the potential advantages of xylitol. Additionally, there is notable attention on cariostatic agents, strategies for dental caries prevention, and the emergence of novel research domains like probiotics and erythritol, showcasing the dynamic evolution of oral health research focuses and developments. Overall, this analysis provides valuable insights into the distribution and trends of clinical trial publications, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the research landscape in sugar alcohol and oral health.

Physicochemical Characterization, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity from Stenocereus queretaroensis: Mexican Endemic Fruits with High Potential Functionality

Stenocereus queretaroensis fruits are endemic to Mexico. They have an excellent advantage in cultivation because they require little water and fertilizers. These plants do not require fungicides and herbicides, drastically reducing production costs. However, the nutritional contribution and potential health benefits of S. queretaroensis fruits are unknown. The physicochemical characterization, the content of bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant capacity (AOX) of four S. queretaroensis fruits (red, purple, yellow, and white) were evaluated. All fruits had a low sugar content (7.04–8.96%) and provided 4–5% dietary fiber. The purple and red fruits presented 19.7–20.29 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) of total betalains, respectively, while the yellow fruit presented 9.21 mg/100 g fw of total carotenoids. The total soluble phenols were 54.86–62.14 mg/100 g fw. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were also found in all fruits in ascending order. The red fruit exhibited the highest AOX, followed by the yellow, purple, and white fruits. In conclusion, these fruits are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, highlighting that they provide 20% of daily consumption of dietary fiber and have a low caloric content. S. queretaroensis fruits, therefore, may have a high potential functionality, especially in people with diabetes and living with obesity.