Nutritional Parameters Research Articles

Tribological properties of real foods using extended Stribeck curves and their relationship with nutritional and rheological parameters.

The tribological properties of 19 commercial food products, grouped into six categories (yogurt, dressings, spreads, porridges, emulsified sauces, and syrups) were investigated in relation to their rheological (dynamic oscillatory shear test) and nutritional properties (fat, carbohydrate, and protein). A tribological system (a glass ball and three polydimethylsiloxane pins) generated the extended Stribeck curve, monitoring friction factors (f) over an extended range of sliding speed (v) (10-8 to 100 m/s). Tribological parameters (f, v) at four inflection points dividing the frictional regimes (X1, breakaway point between the static and kinetic regimes; X1-X2, boundary; X2-X3, mixed; X3-X4, hydrodynamic regimes) and the slope between X3 and X4 (s) were subjected to principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components, using rheological and nutritional parameters as quantitative supplementary variables. Tribological patterns were predominantly influenced by viscosity, viscoelasticity, yield stress, fat content, and the presence of particles (e.g., sugar, proteins, and fibers) and pasting materials (e.g., starches and modified starches). The 19 tribological patterns were classified into 3 clusters: low f and s for fat- and/or viscoelastic-dominant foods (Cluster 1), low f and high s for food emulsions and/or those with low extent of shear-thinning (Cluster 2), and high f at the boundary regime either for the most viscous foods or for those in the presence of particulates (Cluster 3). These results suggest that the compositional and rheological properties have a more profound impact on the classification of complex tribological patterns than the categories of food products.

Improved Clinical Outcomes Associated With Hungry Bone Syndrome Following Parathyroidectomy in Dialysis Patients

ObjectiveHungry bone syndrome (HBS) is a common complication after parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. The rapid decline in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels diminishes bone resorption and accelerates bone formation. This causes a significant influx of calcium and phosphate into the bone, resulting in severe and prolonged hypocalcemia. While previous studies have established risk factors for HBS, the outcomes beyond the reduced recurrence rate of hyperparathyroidism have been largely unexplored. MethodsThis single-center retrospective study analyzed 322 cases in 314 dialysis patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2012 and 2022. The study examined baseline factors associated with HBS, adverse events, and clinical outcomes, including changes in blood pressure and hematologic and nutritional parameters over 3-12 months of follow-up, stratified by HBS status. ResultsTotal parathyroidectomy was performed in 28 cases (8.7%), total parathyroidectomy with implantation in 98 cases (30.4%), and subtotal parathyroidectomy in 196 cases (60.9%). HBS occurred in 207 cases (64%). Independent predictors of HBS included male sex, lower serum calcium levels, higher PTH levels, and lack of active vitamin D treatment at baseline. Patients with HBS had longer hospital stays but did not experience an increase in other adverse events. Following parathyroidectomy, the HBS group showed a greater reduction in blood pressure and more significant increases in hemoglobin, total lymphocyte count, and serum creatinine. This group also saw a more substantial decrease in the proportions of patients with hemoglobin <11 g/dL and serum creatinine/body surface area <380 μmol/L/m2. Although the HBS group showed a more significant decline in PTH levels from baseline, similar proportions achieved the target PTH level by the end of the study. Serum calcium levels remained substantially lower in the HBS group throughout the follow-up, while serum phosphate and PTH levels were comparable. ConclusionHBS was associated with more pronounced improvements in blood pressure, anemia, and nutritional parameters. The presence of HBS could indicate greater achievement in controlling hyperparathyroidism following parathyroidectomy.

Elucidating the dynamics and impact of the gut microbiome on maternal nutritional status during pregnancy, effect on pregnancy outcomes and infant health in rural Pakistan: study protocol for a prospective, longitudinal observational study

IntroductionUndernutrition during pregnancy is linked to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and has downstream effects on the growth and development of children. The gut microbiome has a profound influence on...

Evaluation of Effect of Seed Cycling on Anthropometric, Biochemical, Hormonal and Nutritional Parameters in the Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – A Cohort Interventional Study Design

Evaluation of Effect of Seed Cycling on Anthropometric, Biochemical, Hormonal and Nutritional Parameters in the Women Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – A Cohort Interventional Study Design

Older adult women with chronic anorexia nervosa: heterogeneous adaptation to undernutrition over time.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) in older adult women is primarily described through reviews or case reports focusing on psychiatric traits, with no comprehensive studies evaluating their complete nutritional and hormonal profiles. This study aimed to describe a group of women with anorexia nervosa aged above 35 years old (AN35), and compare them with young women with anorexia nervosa (ANY) and normal-weight control participants. Anthropometric, metabolic, nutritional, and psychiatric parameters were collected and compared among three groups of women: 50 AN35, 37 ANY, and 38 controls. AN35 exhibited a mean disease duration of 271 ± 19 months, with 94% chronic forms and 58% restrictive types. Despite having similar BMI as ANY, AN35 displayed more altered parameters, including higher liver enzymes (p = 0.007), free T3 (p = 0.0046) and leptin (p < 0.0001); and lower albumin (p = 0.0029), and white cells (p < 0.0001). AN35 showed significant heterogeneity in hormonal adaptation, such as free T3. Half of the patients aged above 51 years revealed high gonadotropin levels despite being undernourished. Additionally, AN35 groups presented with 50% of bones fractures, decreased T-scores under -2.5 (p < 0.0001 for femoral), and altered micro architectural HRPQT parameters compared to ANY. Anorexia nervosa in older adult women is predominantly chronic. Nutritional parameters changes with age suggests a significant heterogeneity and possible adaptation of energy balance and bodyweight set point for others. Complications may be severe, altering the quality of life, and sometimes potentially lethal. These findings highlight the potential adaptation of energy balance with age, and should assist clinicians in clinical practice.

Effect of bariatric surgery on nutritional and metabolic parameters: does the type of antidepressant medication matter?

PurposeDepression is prevalent in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BSx). Long-term use of antidepressant is associated with weight gain, particularly the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Little is known about whether different types of antidepressants affect the response to BSx. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SSRI use and nutritional and biochemical measurements in those with obesity pre-/post-BSx.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study. Patients were enrolled pre-BSx and divided into 3 groups: SSRI, non-SSRI and no antidepressant. Nutritional, biochemical and pharmacological data were collected pre- and 6 months post-BSx.ResultsPre-BSx, 77 patients were enrolled: 89.6% female, median age 45 years and body mass index (BMI) of 45.3 kg/m2. 14.3% were taking SSRIs and had a significantly higher BMI (52.1 kg/m2) compared to 62.3% in no antidepressant (46.0 kg/m2) and 23.4% in non-SSRI antidepressants (43.1 kg/m2). At 6 months post-BSx (n = 58), the SSRI group still had significantly higher BMI in comparison to the other two groups. No other significant differences found between groups.ConclusionDespite higher BMI, patients taking SSRI and undergoing BSx had similar responses, based on nutritional and biochemical parameters, to those on non-SSRI or no antidepressants.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.

Times series record of water quality analysis during flood time in Cauvery River basin, Tamil Nadu, India

We determine the spatial and temporal changes in the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of water quality in the Cauvery River basin. We also analyze the effects of anthropogenic and natural factors on the physicochemical and nutritional parameters. The river water samples were collected over a time series record of 6-h intervals for 6 days during and after flooding time. The combination of physicochemical and nutritional parameters generated a large dataset, which was processed using statistical analysis. In addition, statistical analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficients and plot the regression equations relating various parameters to electrical conductivity (EC). The resulting average values of pH, EC, and total dissolved solids (TDS) showed significant differences in the time series record of the study period (i.e., pH = 8.24, EC = 220 S/m, and TDS = 157.1 mg/L). The values of the following nutritional parameters in floodwater were also determined: orthophosphate = 0.13 mg/L, phosphate = 0.1 mg/L, nitrite = 2.11 mg/L, nitrate = 0.79 mg/L, and ammonia = 4.47 mg/L. Our findings indicates that flooding can deteriorate the groundwater quality, resulting in a decrease in water quality and an increase in contamination levels, which can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. This information is crucial to decision making in flood risk management, water resource planning, and conservation efforts to protect both human and ecological systems.

Nano-silicon and sodium mitigate damage by potassium deficiency in chicory

Chicory is a food with high nutritional. The use of beneficial elements in plants, such as sodium (Na) and silicon (Si), may be important to mitigate nutritional disorders, such as potassium (K) deficiency, but research is lacking on this topic. The objective was to evaluate the effects of sodium and nano-silicon on the nutritional, physiological, growth, and quality parameters of chicory under K deficiency and sufficiency. We used a concentration for sufficient K (3.0 mmol L−1), K-deficiency (1.5 mmol L−1), combined with the lack or presence of Na (2.0 mmol L−1) and Si (2.0 mmol L−1). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with six treatments corresponding to K sufficiency, K-sufficiency with Na, K-sufficiency with Si, K deficiency, K-deficiency with Na, and K-deficiency with Si, with six replications. The following growth variables were evaluated: (i) plant height, (ii) stem diameter, (iii) number of leaves, (iv) leaf area, and (v) plant biomass. Potassium and Si contents in the above ground part and K utilization efficiency were assessed, and the accumulation of K, Na, and Si was calculated. The efficiency of the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the photosynthetic pigments was determined. Electrolyte leakage index and relative water content, as well as phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and leaf firmness index were also determined. We found that supplying nano-Si and Na to a K-deficient nutrient solution increased K accumulation by 60% and 50% and K use efficiency by 79% and 62% compared to plants without supply of those elements. Nano-Si reduced electrolyte leakage, being 41% less than Na in K-deficient chicory. However, when Na was added to a nutrient solution with sufficient potassium, the K use efficiency decreased by 48% compared to sufficient potassium without Na. Under the same condition of sufficient supply of potassium and Na, K accumulation decreased by 20% in chicory compared to sufficient potassium without Na, and the photosynthetic pigments—total chlorophyll and carotenoids—were reduced by 5% and 10%, respectively. Our findings contribute to improve cultivation systems with low supply of K as the supply of Na and nano-Si mitigates the damage caused to the metabolism of chicory under K deficiency.

Hydrolytic Response of Beta-Amylase to Selected Starches when Adsorptively Immobilized on Agarose Gel

Fermentative microorganisms bring about transformative processes in food, thereby enhancing flavor and appearance indices, inhibiting undesirable components, improving shelf and storage life, as well as improving health and nutritional quality parameters. Traditional methods for identification of fermentative microorganisms involve cultivating and analyzing phenotypic characteristics, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Advanced molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, whole gene sequencing, next generation sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and hyper-spectral imaging offer rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of bacteria and fungi cultured on agar plates or in liquid media. Techniques, such as genotyping, examine the DNA sequence to determine the genetic makeup of microorganisms, alongside the grouping of isolates via application of phylogenetic tree similarity indices. Overall, modern molecular techniques have revolutionized the identification of fermentative microorganisms, providing efficient and more elaborate alternatives to traditional methods. In this review work, an attempt is made to examine the historical and analytical trends from the conventional methods to the most recent modern tools for effective identification of industrially-important fermentative microorganisms.

Recent Advances in the Identification and Characterization of Fermentative Microorganisms: An Exploratory Review

Fermentative microorganisms bring about transformative processes in food, thereby enhancing flavor and appearance indices, inhibiting undesirable components, improving shelf and storage life, as well as improving health and nutritional quality parameters. Traditional methods for identification of fermentative microorganisms involve cultivating and analyzing phenotypic characteristics, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Advanced molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, whole gene sequencing, next generation sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and hyper-spectral imaging offer rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of bacteria and fungi cultured on agar plates or in liquid media. Techniques, such as genotyping, examine the DNA sequence to determine the genetic makeup of microorganisms, alongside the grouping of isolates via application of phylogenetic tree similarity indices. Overall, modern molecular techniques have revolutionized the identification of fermentative microorganisms, providing efficient and more elaborate alternatives to traditional methods. In this review work, an attempt is made to examine the historical and analytical trends from the conventional methods to the most recent modern tools for effective identification of industrially-important fermentative microorganisms.

Effects of Nitrogen Accumulation, Transportation, and Grain Nutritional Quality and Advances in Fungal Endophyte Research in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Plants.

This study aims to understand the influence of nitrogen accumulation, fungal endophyte, yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and grain nutritional quality parameters on the yield of quinoa in some areas of China. The endophytic microbial community in plants plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and health, especially in quinoa plants under different nitrogen fertilizer levels. The results from the present study indicated that appropriate nitrogen application significantly enhanced the nitrogen accumulation and yield of quinoa grains during maturity, increasing by 34.54-42.18% and 14.59-30.71%, respectively. Concurrently, protein content, amylose, total starch, ash, and fat content also increased, with respective growth rates of 1.15-18.18%, 30.74-42.53%, 6.40-12.40%, 1.94-21.94%, and 5.32-22.22%. Our constructed interaction network of bacterial and fungal communities revealed that bacteria outnumbered fungi significantly, and most of them exhibited synergistic interactions. The moderate increase in N150 was beneficial for increasing quinoa yield, achieving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of over 20%. The N210 was increased, and both the yield and NUE significantly decreased. This study provides novel insights into the impact of nitrogen fertilizer on quinoa growth and microbial communities, which are crucial for achieving agricultural sustainable development.

Evaluation of Nutritional Values of Edible Algal Species Using a Shortwave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging and Machine Learning Technique.

In recent years, the growing demand for algae in Western countries is due to their richness in nutrients and bioactive compounds, and their use as ingredients for foods, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fertilizers, biofuels,, etc. Evaluation of the qualitative characteristics of algae involves assessing their physicochemical and nutritional components to determine their suitability for specific end uses, but this assessment is generally performed using destructive, expensive, and time-consuming traditional chemical analyses, and requires sample preparation. The hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique has been successfully applied in food quality assessment and control and has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional biochemical methods. In this study, the nutritional profile (proteins, lipids, and fibers) of seventeen edible macro- and microalgae species widely grown throughout the world were investigated using traditional methods. Moreover, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging device and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms were used to develop multi-species models for proteins, lipids, and fibers. The predictive power of the models was characterized by different metrics, which showed very high predictive performances for all nutritional parameters (for example, R2 = 0.9952, 0.9767, 0.9828 for proteins, lipids, and fibers, respectively). Our results demonstrated the ability of SWIR hyperspectral imaging coupled with ANN algorithms in quantifying biomolecules in algal species in a fast and sustainable way.

Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca): From foe to friend? Evidence of high nutritional value and potential suitability for food use

This study investigates the potential of Egyptian broomrape (E.B.; Phelipanche aegyptiaca, Pers.), a parasitic plant, as a novel food source. This study aimed at (i) determining E.B.’s nutritional parameters, (ii) studying the effect of 10 different hosts on these values, and (iii) assessing its safety through a toxicological evaluation in mice. The results showed that the host plant affects the parasite's nutritional composition. When developed on several hosts, E.B. has similar levels of proteins and total lipids as compared to quinoa seeds, as well as similar essential amino acids profile. However, the parasite shows substantially higher levels of dietary fibers than in quinoa (19.2–30.6 % DW, vs 7.1 % DW), total phenolic compounds (32.92–66.86 mg GAE/gr DW, vs 0.53 mg GAE/gr DW), ascorbic acid (3.1–6.0 mg/gr DW, vs 2.7 mg/gr DW), total ash (7.2–11.5 % DW, vs 2.6 % DW) and several minerals, but lower levels of reducing sugars (263–441 mg/gr DW, vs 479 mg/gr DW), indicating a potential for low glycemic index ingredients. The safety assessment in mice showed no significant toxic effects. These findings suggest that E.B. could be a valuable food source, warranting further investigation into its nutritional benefits and safety for human and animal consumption.

Recovery and Characterization of Calcium-Rich Mineral Powders Obtained from Fish and Shrimp Waste: A Smart Valorization of Waste to Treasure

With the increase in global aquaculture production, managing waste from aquatic biomass has become a significant concern. This research aimed to develop a sustainable valorization approach for recovering calcium-rich fish, including mackerel tuna and pangas bone and shrimp shell powders. The powders were characterized by various physicochemical and nutritional parameters, including proximate composition, amino acids, protein solubility, water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), and heavy metal contents. Color analysis and structural examination were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and in vitro radical scavenging activity was assessed. Significant protein content was observed in the powders, which was highest in shrimp shell powder (SSP) at 37.78%, followed by 32.29% in pangas bone powder (PBP) and 30.28% in tuna bone powder (TBP). The ash content was consistent in PBP and TBP at around 62.80%, while SSP had a lower ash content of 36.58%. Amino acid analysis detected 14 different amino acids in the recovered powders. Notably, SSP demonstrated the highest WHC and OHC values (2.90 and 2.81, respectively), whereas TBP exhibited the lowest values (1.11 for WHC and 1.21 for OHC). FE-SEM revealed the compact structure of TBP and PBP, contrasting with the porous surface of SSP. EDX analysis indicated higher calcium (24.52%) and phosphorus (13.85%) contents in TBP, while SSP was enriched in carbon (54.54%). All detected heavy metal concentrations were within acceptable limits. The recovered powders demonstrated significant ABTS free radical scavenging activity. The findings of this study suggest the suitability of the recovered powders for various food and pharmaceutical applications.

The Impact of Three White-Rot Fungi on Nutrient Availability, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Volatile Fatty Acid Production in Myceliated Sorghum.

Our study employed Pleurotus ostreatus, P. djamor, and Trametes versicolor (white rot fungi = WRF) in the process of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to convert sorghum grains into myceliated sorghum (MS). The MS was then used for in vitro studies to assess changes in nutrient content compared to untreated sorghum (control). The results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) increase in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of MS. Specifically, CP and ash values saw a remarkable increase from 68 to 330% and 40 to 190% in MS, respectively. Additionally, NDF and ADF degradability values increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 81.5% and 56.2% in P. djamor-treated MS at 24 h post-incubation. The treatment × time interaction was also significant (p < 0.001) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. T. versicolor MS exhibited the highest total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionate production. The use of WRF in the SSF process led to a significant improvement in the nutritional value of sorghum. Despite the varying effects of different WRF on the nutritional parameters in MS, they show potential for enhancing the feed value of sorghum in animal feed.

Machine Learning and Clinical Predictors of Mortality in Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis.

BACKGROUND Cardiac arrest (CA) is a global public health challenge. This study explored the predictors of mortality and their interactions utilizing machine learning algorithms and their related mortality odds among patients following CA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study retrospectively investigated 161 medical records of CA patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The random forest classifier algorithm was used to assess the parameters of mortality. The best classification trees were chosen from a set of 100 trees proposed by the algorithm. Conditional mortality odds were investigated with the use of logistic regression models featuring interactions between variables. RESULTS In the logistic regression model, male sex was associated with 5.68-fold higher mortality odds. The mortality odds among the asystole/pulseless electrical activity (PEA) patients were modulated by body mass index (BMI) and among ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) patients were by serum albumin concentration (decrease by 2.85-fold with 1 g/dl increase). Procalcitonin (PCT) concentration, age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), albumin, and potassium were the most influential parameters for mortality prediction with the use of the random forest classifier. Nutritional status-associated parameters (serum albumin concentration, BMI, and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 [NRS-2002]) may be useful in predicting mortality in patients with CA, especially in patients with PCT >0.17 ng/ml, as showed by the decision tree chosen from the random forest classifier based on goodness of fit (AUC score). CONCLUSIONS Mortality in patients following CA is modulated by many co-existing factors. The conclusions refer to sets of conditions rather than universal truths. For individual factors, the 5 most important classifiers of mortality (in descending order of importance) were PCT, age, hsCRP, albumin, and potassium.

Pharmabiotic/phytobiotic formulas approach and their intravaginal effect on different parameters.

Postpartum reproductive infections in cows generate significant economic losses. The use of lactic acid bacteria in animal health is an alternative tool to avoid antibiotic therapy in the prevention/treatment of bovine reproductive infections. In previous studies, 6 lactic bacteria from bovine mammary glands and vagina with beneficial, safe and technological characteristics were selected, and included in probiotic/phytobiotic formulas (combined with Malva and Lapacho extracts). In this work, probiotic and phytobiotic formulations were designed and their long-term viability determined. They were administered intravaginally to 30 females pregnant bovine pre and postpartum. The modification of the native microbiota and permanence/colonization of cultivable bacteria was evaluated, and also the safety of the designed products through the application of nutritional, clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters. The microorganisms maintained their viability up to 9 months at refrigeration temperature. The number of cultivable bacteria showed different pattern: total aerobic mesophylls increased slightly in all experimental groups, while Enterobacteriaceae increased after delivery, except in beneficial acid lactic bacteria + vegetable extract cows. Control and vegetable extract females showed the highest numbers of Enterobacteriaceae at the end of the trial (30 days postpartum). The number of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in all the groups between 15 days pre and postpartum. The different parameters evaluated demonstrate the safety and harmlessness of the designed formulas, without producing local and systemic adverse effects in the cows.

Does hydration of ‘Deglet Nour’ date palm fruits improve their quality and help to reduce waste?

This work investigates the quality change of date palm fruits after hydration treatment which is commonly applied to enhance the hard textured ‘Deglet Nour’ fruits that are unacceptable for consumption. Date palm fruits were treated at 60–62 °C with saturated steam for 4 h in three different processing units (DPU). Mid Infrared Spectroscopy (MIR) giving a global spectral evaluation discriminates samples from the three DPUs and highlights date palm fruits of the first DPU regarding hydration treatment. Treatment led to a decrease of fruit firmness, skin lightness, and of sucrose and malic acid contents whereas citric acid and procyanidins contents and procyanidins ‘degree of polymerization increased. Thermal treatment had no effect on glucose and fructose contents, on cell wall content and composition and on minor phenolic groups. Significant differences existed on dates from the three DPUs, discriminating dates presenting high firmness. Hydration treatment improve dates texture as expected while nutritional parameters were quite stable, confirming that is very promising and could be highly recommended to valorise fruit that are currently not commercialized. However, optimisation is needed for the very hard-type dates.

Assessment of oat (Avena sativa) varieties unveiled the variation in nutritional quality

The present study was carried out during 2022 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab designed for the exploration and characterization of different oat varieties to understand their potential for physical, gravitational, functional, nutritional, and extraction of β-glucan parameters. All studied varieties showed variability in the grain and flour quality of oats. The preference of a variety based on nutritional and functional parameters contingent on this evaluation could help a satisfactory basis for future oat crop improvement plans for feed and food security. The current scientific intervention suggests that oat variety OL 1876-2 might be a suitable choice for β-glucan extraction due to its high content with promising nutritional and functional benefits. These findings may open a new avenue for further research on utilization of oats for food purpose that could cater the imminent demands of health conscious people.

Usefulness of Perioperative Nutritional Therapy with the Glutamine/Arginine/Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate Product in Esophageal Cancer Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

A useful perioperative nutritional therapy for highly invasive esophageal cancer surgical cases needs to be developed. We clarified the usefulness of amino-acid-enriched nutritional therapy using glutamine (Gln)/arginine (Arg)/calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) products on the short-term postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Altogether, 114 patients (Gln/Arg/HMB group) received perioperative nutritional therapy with Gln/Arg/HMB products, and we retrospectively investigated the change in nutritional parameters including skeletal muscle mass, occurrence of postoperative complications, and short-term postoperative outcomes in this group. The results were compared between the Gln/Arg/HMB and control groups (79 patients not receiving the Gln/Arg/HMB products). The incidence of all postoperative complications, sputum expectoration disorder, and pleural effusion of grade ≥ III was significantly lower in the Gln/Arg/HMB group (62.0% vs. 38.6%, p = 0.001; 44.3% vs. 28.1%, p = 0.020; 27.8% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.011, respectively). The psoas muscle area and postoperative body weight were significantly higher at 1 month and 1 year after surgery in the Gln/Arg/HMB group than in the control group (93.5% vs. 99.9%, p < 0.001; 92.0% vs. 95.4%, p = 0.006). Perioperative amino-acid-enriched nutritional therapy may improve the short-term postoperative outcomes, nutritional status, and skeletal muscle mass of esophageal cancer surgical patients.