Physical Composition Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Silybum marianum and Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) on Japanese Quail’s Carcass Characteristics, Oxidative Stability, and Quality of Breast Meat

Background: Herbs possess a large amount of antioxidants; thus, using them in the poultry diet can improve the quality of final products. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of artichoke, Silybum marianum, and their mixture on Japanese quail’s carcass characteristics, oxidative stability, and breast meat quality. Methods: A total of 120 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 experimental treatments (0%, 1.5% artichoke, 1.5% S. marianum, 1.5% mixture of artichoke and S. marianum). Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates of 10 birds. At the end of the experiment (day 42), the carcass characteristics of the birds were recorded, and the physical characteristics, chemical composition, color, and oxidative stability of breast meat were evaluated. Results: The results showed no significant difference among the experimental groups regarding pH, dry matter, ash, drip loss, and cooking loss. Dietary enrichment with artichoke and S. marianum caused a decrease in the mean body weight in the experimental treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation with herbal powders increased the crude protein and fat content of breast meat, and group 4 (artichoke+S. marianum) had a higher mean than other groups (P<0.05). The hardness of breast meat in the treatment groups has decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, the amount of lightness in the treatments has reduced, and redness and yellowness have increased. TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index showed a significant decrease in the investigated treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation of S. marianum and artichoke improved nutritional value and increased oxidative stability of breast meat in Japanese quail. However, they adversely affected birds’ weight gain and feed consumption.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ФАЗОВОГО СОСТАВА КОМПОЗИЦИОННЫХ ВЯЖУЩИХ ДЛЯ ГИДРОТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО БЕТОНА

The article studies production of composite binders for hydraulic concrete. Vitreous perlite from the Mukhor-Tala deposit of the Republic of Buryatia was used as an active mineral additive for the composite cement binder. Pozzolanic activity of vitreous and crystallized perlites was determined. Assessment of physical and mechanical properties and phase composition of autoclave-cured lime-perlite binders were carried out for subsequent assessment and identification of the hydrate phases of the composite cement binder. An X-ray phase analysis of Portland cement and a composite binder with vitreous perlite with a specific surface area of 600 m2/kg was carried out. The study established that use of active mineral additive based on glassy perlite leads to increase in amount of low-basic calcium hydrosilicates in cement stone. Electron microscopic analysis of composite binders for concrete hydraulic structures was carried out.

Association of Questionnaire-Based Physical Activity Analysis and Body Composition Dynamics in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical activity (PA) exerts an important influence on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Alterations in body composition in patients with T2D may be involved in the overall pathophysiologic process, but PAs and alterations in body composition have been poorly studied. A total of 615 patients with T2D were selected by convenient sampling. The patients were investigated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-S). Moreover, biochemical indices were collected, and the progression of the body composition of the subjects was determined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The variables included lumbar bone mineral density (LSBMD), femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD), hip bone mineral density (HBMD), whole-body bone mineral density (TBMD), limb skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), whole-body fat percentage (B-FAT) and trunk fat percentage (T-FAT). Moreover, the levels of physical activity (high level of physical activity [H-PA], medium level of physical activity [M-PA] and low level of physical activity [L-PA]) were divided into three groups to analyze the changes in patient body composition with changes in physical activity level. One-way analysis of variance showed that β-CTX, TP1NP, HbA1c, B-FAT and T-FAT increased significantly (p<0.05), while 25(OH)D, LSBMD, FNBMD, HBMD, TBMD and ASMI decreased significantly (p<0.001) with the decrease of physical activity. However, there was no significant difference in serum lipids between lnHOMA-ir and lnHOMA-β (p>0.05). Multiple linear regression model was established to gradually adjust for clinical confounding factors. It was found that physical activity level was independently positively correlated with LSBMD, FNBMD, HBMD, TBMD, and ASMI, and was independently negatively correlated with B-FAT and T-FAT in patients with type 2 diabetes. A lack of physical activity is an independent risk factor for decreased bone mineral density, decreased skeletal muscle content and increased fat content in patients with T2D.

Impact of anthropogenic factor on changes in physical and chemical properties of chernozems in the lake Sevan basin of the republic of Armenia

This article focuses on the study of changes in the physical and chemical composition of mountain chernozems of the Republic of Armenia under the influence of an anthropogenic factor. It is established that under long-term and unsystematic agricultural use of chernozems in arable variants of soils, in comparison with virgin soil, significant changes in their physical and chemical properties are observed. Especially, absorption capacity decreases as a result of reduction of such important bases as absorbed calcium and magnesium. To improve the physical and chemical properties, increase fertility, effective use, and protection of mountain chernozems of the Lake Sevan basin of the Republic of Armenia, it is necessary to develop and apply a complete scientifically substantiated system of agrotechnical measures.

Association between physical activity, body composition, and cognitive performance among female office workers.

Regular physical activity can potentially prevent cognitive decline. While most studies focused on the general decline of the elderly and child and adolescent population, aging is a gradual process and cognitive decline can commence in middle age. Other than the middle-aged working population, gender-specific nuances are another overlooked area regarding the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance. Therefore, this study examines the associations and benefits of maintaining regular physical activity habits with cognitive function and body composition in middle-aged female office workers. The results show that middle-aged females exhibited age-related declines in working memory, while no significant age-related changes are observed in reaction time and executive function. However, the regular exercise group demonstrates the ability to maintain their cognitive performance across age, unlike the sedentary group, who experiences declines in reaction time and executive function with age. Our findings highlight the significant impact of age on specific cognitive functions in middle-aged females and the positive influence of regular exercise on cognitive performance. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the potential of "the Brain Gym" App for efficient cognitive function assessment. The findings underscore the importance of regular exercise for cognitive well-being in middle-aged females and provide valuable insights into the relationship between body composition and cognitive function.

Effect of Steam Explosion on the Structure, Chemical Composition and Pyrolytic Volatile Composition of Tobacco Waste

Tobacco stems are an important part of the tobacco leaf, containing a lot of cellulose, result in the low utilization of tobacco leaves in cigarettes. The pre-treatment technology of tobacco stems is a key to increase the utilization of tobacco stems. In this work, steam explosion treatment was carried out on tobacco stems with different moisture contents containing 2%, 5% and 10%, respectively. The steam explosion is carried out under different pressure and pressure holding time conditions, the changes in physical structure, chemical composition and pyrolysis volatiles of tobacco stem was investigated. The results indicate that steam explosion has a negligible impact on the crystalline structure of cellulose and low-order polysaccharide crystals, while it has an obvious effect on KCl. Steam explosion increases the specific surface area by destroying the amorphous structure on tobacco stems. The contents of chemical constituents and pyrolytic volatiles indicate that there is a significant leaching effect of lignin, but no change in cellulose content. Soluble polysaccharides, the main component of hemicellulose, were converted into pyrolytic volatiles e.g., furfural and furfuryl alcohol. In conclusion, the technology of steam explosion promotes the leaching, decomposition and chemical transformation of amorphous structures on tobacco stems, thus destroying the structure of the cell walls.

The Effect of 8-Week Protein Supplementation with a Simple Exercise Program on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Amino Acid OMICS among Healthy Sedentary Indians: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Dietary protein plays a crucial role in the modulation of several physiological processes to sustain health and well-being. There is robust evidence of enhanced muscle protein synthesis, improved physical fitness, body composition, and performance contributed by protein supplementation combined with exercise among trained individuals or athletes. Evidence of the efficacy of such intervention on healthy adults having a sedentary lifestyle is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 12 g of additional protein in the form of a protein supplement compared to a placebo combined with a simple exercise program on plasma amino acid level, body composition, and muscle strength among healthy Indian adults having a relatively sedentary lifestyle. This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted on sedentary healthy adults 20-45 years of age, with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 27.9 kg/m2. Eighty-two participants were randomized into either the protein (intervention) or placebo (control) group. The exercise regime was the same for both groups. Out of 82 randomized participants, 58 completed the intervention. Blood tests were conducted for the amino acid OMICS measurement followed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition and isokinetic dynamometry for muscle strength. A significant improvement was observed in the lean mass (kg) and appendicular muscle mass (AMM) adjusted for weight in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The muscle strength and contractile quality were comparable in the 2 groups. Plasma BCAA showed a significant negative association with body fat % (r = -0.43, p < 0.05 for the intervention group and r = -0.33, p = 0.07 for the control group) and a positive association with lean body mass % (r = 0.56, p < 0.01 in the intervention group vs r = 0.29, p = 0.10 in the control group) in the intervention group compared to control. In conclusion, this study highlighted the value of incorporating a lifestyle intervention including protein supplementation with simple exercises to optimize body composition in sedentary healthy individuals. This trial is registered with CTRI/2018/12/016777.

Effects of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation Following Exercise Training on Physical Performance in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether 4 wk of daily ingestion of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) combined with exercise training improves physical performance-muscle strength, agility and muscle power-in healthy young adults. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Twenty healthy young adults received either an MFGM powder containing 1.6 g of fat and 160 mg of sphingomyelin or an isocaloric placebo powder daily throughout 4 wk of power or agility training. Physical performance tests and body composition measurements were conducted before and after the 4-wk intervention. Ingestion of MFGM did not affect isometric or isokinetic muscle strength, but it was associated with a greater increase in vertical jump peak power compared with placebo. There were no significant changes in body weight or lean body mass during the intervention period in either group, and no significant differences between groups. We conclude that daily MFGM supplementation combined with exercise training has the potential to improve physical performance in young adults; however, further studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to obtain more evidence supporting achievement of improved physical performance through MFGM supplementation.

Diferentes fontes de nutrientes na produção e qualidade de alface crespa “Veneranda”

ABSTRACT Driven by the growing demand for good quality food, agriculture is changing the way of cultivation to attend consumer’s expectations. In addition to the nutritional value, the production system has been an important factor in the consumer’s intention to purchase products. In this scenario, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of different nutrient sources on production characteristics and nutritional quality of 'Veneranda' lettuce. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design, with seven treatments (control, bokashi, organic compost, mineral fertilizer, mineral fertilizer + organic compost, foliar biofertilizer and soil biofertilizer), and five replications. In commercial vegetative stage, lettuce was harvested and evaluated for physical, physicochemical, bioactive compounds and mineral composition. Lettuce produced with mineral and organomineral fertilizers showed the highest yield of physical characteristics, which is related to the highest nitrogen content in their leaves. The use of organomineral fertilization, organic and mineral compost and biofertilizer via leaf application presented a positive effect on lettuce cultivation, with better nutritional quality and productivity.

The feasibility of using combined soils in greenhouse conditions for growing Osteospermum

Periodically recurring droughts, unstable atmospheric moisture, and elevated air temperatures in summer are characteristic of the Orenburg region, which is part of the South Ural region. Of great scientific and practical importance at the present stage is the creation of soils that are optimal in terms of physical and chemical composition, giving high production results. The article presents the results of experimental data on the use of combined soils in greenhouse conditions in the Orenburg region when growing ornamental plants Osteospermum, for the purpose of decorative landscaping in urban areas, as one of the promising flower crops. In laboratory conditions, when constructing the soil, its chemical composition was carried out before sowing ornamental crops and after transplanting plants into open ground, in order to analyze the needs of plants for the mineral component of the soil and the possibilities of its reuse (secondary) for enriching the open soil of flower beds in urban conditions.

Association of bradykinin receptor 2 (BDKRB2) variants with physical performance and muscle mass: Findings from the LACE sarcopenia trial.

Understanding genetic contributors to sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle strength and mass) is key to finding effective therapies. Variants of the bradykinin receptor 2 (BDKRB2) have been linked to athletic and muscle performance. The rs1799722-9 and rs5810761 T alleles have been shown to be overrepresented in endurance athletes, possibly due to increased transcriptional rates of the receptor. These variants have been rarely studied in older people or people with sarcopenia. We performed a post hoc sub-study of the Leucine and ACE (LACE) inhibitor trial, which enrolled 145 participants aged ≥70 years with low grip strength and low gait speed. Participants' blood samples were genotyped for rs179972 using TaqMan and rs5810761 by amplification through Hotstar Taq. Genotypes were compared with outcomes of physical performance and body composition measures. Data from 136 individuals were included in the analysis. For rs1799722 the genotype frequency (TT: 17, CC: 48, CT: 71) remained in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE p = 0.248). There was no difference between the genotypes for six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) or Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Men with the TT genotype had a significantly greater 6MWD than other genotypes (TT 400m vs CT 310m vs CC 314m, p = 0.027), and greater leg muscle mass (TT 17.59kg vs CT 15.04kg vs CC 15.65kg, p = 0.007). For rs5810761, the genotype frequency (-9-9: 31, +9+9: 43, -9+9: 60) remained in HWE (p = 0.269). The +9+9 genotype was associated with a significant change in SPPB score at 12 months (-9-9 0 vs -9+9 0 vs +9+9-1, p<0.001), suggesting an improvement. In men, the -9-9 genotype was associated with lower arm fat (-9-9 2.39kg vs -9+9 2.72kg vs +9+9 2.76kg, p = 0.019). In men, the rs1799722 TT genotype was associated with longer 6MWD and greater leg muscle mass, while the rs5810761 -9-9 genotype was associated with lower arm fat mass.

Bioprocessing strategies for enhanced probiotic extracellular vesicle production: culture condition modulation.

Probiotic extracellular vesicles are biochemically active structures responsible for biological effects elicited by probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus spp., which are abundant in the human body (e.g., gut), are known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and are commonly used in food products, supplements, and in discovery research. There is increasing evidence that Lactobacillus-derived extracellular vesicles (LREVs) have potent immunomodulatory capacity that is superior to probiotics themselves. However, key mechanistic insights into the process that controls production and thus, the function of LREVs, are lacking. Currently, it is unknown how the probiotic culture microenvironment orchestrates the type, yield and function of LREVs. Here, we investigated how multifactor modulation of the biomanufacturing process controls the yield and biological functionality of the LREVs. To achieve this, we selected Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus as the candidate probiotic, initially cultivated under traditional culture conditions, i.e., 100% broth concentration and pH 5.5. Subsequently, we systematically modified the culture conditions of the probiotic by adjusting three critical process parameters: (1) culture medium pH (pH 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5), (2) growth time (48 and 72h), and (3) broth concentration (50% and 10% of original broth concentration). EVs were then isolated separately from each condition. The critical quality attributes (CQA) of LREVs, including physical characteristics (size, distribution, concentration) and biological composition (protein, carbohydrate, lipid), were analysed. Functional impacts of LREVs on human epidermal keratinocytes and Staphylococcus aureus were also assessed as CQA. Our findings show that the production of LREVs is influenced by environmental stresses induced by the culture conditions. Factors like broth concentration, pH levels, and growth time significantly impact stress levels in L. rhamnosus, affecting both the production and composition of LREVs. Additionally, we have observed that LREVs are non-toxicity for keratinocytes, the major cell type of the epidermis, and possess antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, a common human skin pathogen. These properties are prerequisites for the potential application of EVs to treat skin conditions, including infected wounds. However, the functionality of LREVs depends on the culture conditions and stress levels experienced by L. rhamnosus during production. Understanding this relationship between the culture microenvironment, probiotic stress response, and LREV characteristics, can lead to the biomanufacturing of customised probiotic-derived EVs for various medical and industrial applications.

Chemical and physical identification and classification of an artificial soil (circular economy)

The perception and explanation of changes in the mechanical behaviour of contaminated soils are associated with physical classification and chemical composition. Elements are evolutionary in this type of soil and in the context of a contaminated environment. Let’s start by evaluating a group of artificial soils. The matrix is a granitic residual soil with a mixture (M) of hydraulic lime with used lubricating oil. The samples used have proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of M in the residual granitic soil. A soil sample with 5% oil (OS5) was also made, which constitutes the optimal oil content in the soil. Afterwards, the alteration of the physical-chemical identification and the evolutionary classifications of these artificial soils were studied. The structure of the soil is altered, and this is associated with the flocculation of fine particles by the effect of lime and oil and will probably influence the mechanical behaviour of the soils. In chemical terms, it is assumed an increase in the leaching index, a decrease in the chemical mobility index and an increase in losses when it comes to artificial samples. These indices show some potential in the assessment of pollution, but eventually need adjustments, mainly in the scales.

Condicionamento fisiológico de sementes em Clitoria ternatea L. com nanotubos de carbono de paredes múltiplas: Uma abordagem físico-química e morfológica

Abstract Clitoria ternatea L. is valued for its ornamental characteristics, medicinal properties, and culinary uses. However, efficient production of this species is constrained by seed coat dormancy, which impedes germination and seedling production. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical and morphological aspects of C. ternatea seeds, focusing on overcoming dormancy by applying multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with carboxylic acid. The seeds were characterized by their physical, chemical, and mineral composition. Characterization included color dominance, geometry, thousand seed weight, and moisture content analyses. The seeds were treated with different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg L-1) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) during 24 hours of soaking. Then the germination rates were evaluated and morphological analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Regarding the morphometry of the seeds, they were characterized by an oblong shape, a predominance of black tegument coloration, high levels of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fibers, and the presence of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Seeds soaked in MWCNTs at a concentration of 200 mg L-1 exhibited an increase in germination percentage and the formation of normal seedlings compared to the control group (seeds soaked in water). The results suggest that MWCNTs can help to overcome seed dormancy and improve the quality of the resulting seedlings. Image analysis and scanning electron microscopy were crucial in understanding the physicochemical characteristics of the seeds and their changes upon exposure to MWCNTs.

Sex-specific impact of GCKR rs1260326 polymorphism on metabolic traits in an older Japanese population: the Bunkyo Health Study.

Metabolic syndrome involves health problems influenced by aging and genetics. The glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) rs1260326 polymorphism (Leu446) is associated with metabolic traits. This study explores the impact of the GCKR rs1260326 polymorphism on metabolic traits in older Japanese with focusing on sex-specific differences. This cross-sectional study from the Bunkyo Health Study in Tokyo, Japan, examined 883 participants aged 65-84 years. Participants were excluded with diabetes, or on drug treatment for diabetes or dyslipidemia. The GCKR P446L polymorphism was analyzed and compared their characteristics of physical activity, dietary intake, body composition, and metabolic parameters. Study participants with GCKR rs1260326 genotypes (C/C 20.7%, C/T 47.6%, T/T 31.7%) had a median age of 72 years, and 60.4% were women. Men with the T/T genotype, as compared to the C/C genotype, had a lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and skeletal mass index. This genotype also associated with lower fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and higher Matsuda index, but not after adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity. In contrast, women with the T/T genotype, compared to the C/C genotype, showed higher C-reactive protein, fibroblast growth factor 21, and Matsuda index. They also had lower fasting insulin, insulin area under the curve, and HOMA-IR; with these associations being independent of age, BMI, and physical activity. The GCKR rs1260326 genotype-affected metabolic traits differentially by sex in older Japanese. This highlights the need to consider sex differences in GCKR-related metabolic outcomes.

Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis, stored for more than 30 years

The propolis is a unique natural product that has been used by people in traditional medicine since ancient times. The aim of the present work is to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis, originating in 1993 from North-Eastern Bulgaria. The stored raw material has unchanged physical and chemical parameters - appearance, color, smell, content of mechanical impurities, wax content (19.6%), oxidizability index (16), active acidity (5.5), acid number (42.3 mg KOH/ g), ester number (152 mg KOH/g), boiling point (107°C). The data show that 40 components were identified, representing 99.14% of the total composition. The main components (over 2%) are: chrysin (18.37%), pinobanksin-3-etenoate (13.38%), pinobanksin-3-propanote (11.38%), pinobanksin-3-pentanoate (9.36%), squalene (6.36%), galangin (5.91%), dihydrochrysin (4.11%), pinobanksin-3-butenoate (2.94%), caffeic acid isomer 2 (2.74%), and (E)-sinapic acid (2.23%). Total phenols were 23.91 mg GAE/g. Antioxidant activity was determined by three methods: DPPH (1874.12 mMTE/g), FRAP (1039.18 mMTE/g), and ABTS (1539.52 mMTE/g). The antioxidant effect was monitored against goose fat and sunflower oil. The obtained data show maximally preserved physical parameters, chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the propolis sample stored for more than 30 years, which can be used in various products, an object of future research.

The influence of the production method on the physicochemical properties of organic fertilizer obtained by vermiremediation

The research was carried out in 2022-2023 to study the effect of vermiremediation of vermicompost on the physicochemical properties. The scientific novelty of the research was that the production of environmentally friendly fertilizer was tested in various ways. Depending on the production method and dose of the biological product, the optimal chemical and physical composition of the organic fertilizer has been established. The experimental design involved the study of the following options: the dose of a biological product used for the reproduction and life of soil-forming flora (factor A), the method of producing vermicompost (factor B) - year-round and seasonal. The experiment was launched at the training and experimental station of the Stavropol State Agrarian University. When using the biological product “Baikal-1” at a dose of 70 ml/1t, the maximum yield of vermicompost was obtained - 0.53 t per 1 ton of compost, which significantly exceeded the option in which a dose of 50 ml/1 t was used by 0.03 t. Year-round production turned out to be the best in formation of optimal density and yield of vermicompost. The optimal fertilizer was obtained during year-round production using the drug Baikal EM-1 at a dose of 70 ml/1 ton.

Identification of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio sp) in the waters of the industrial area of north aceh regency and lhokseumawe city

North Aceh Regency and Lhokseumawe City’s waters are mangrove ecosystems, estuaries, fisheries management activities, and industrialization activities. Activities in the industrial areas of North Aceh Regency and Lhokseumawe City have the ability to contaminate waters and affect the chemical and physical composition of the water, which has a direct impact on the abundance of harmful bacteria (Vibrio sp). The study looked at the distribution of harmful bacteria (Vibrio sp) in water near industrial areas in North Aceh Regency and Lhokseumawe City. The purpose of this study is to investigate the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio sp.) in the waterways of North Aceh Regency and Lhokseumawe City's industrial areas. This study will also look into the relationship between water quality factors and the abundance of harmful bacteria. The study was carried out in July and August 2023 at four stations placed in marine waters near the industrial area. The research methods used in this research are survey methods and laboratory analysis. Purposive sampling and the ANOVA test were the analysis and sampling techniques employed in this study. The findings demonstrated that there was no discernible variation in Vibrio parahaemolyticus between stations 1, 2, 3, and 4. Station 2 saw a strong Vibrio cholerae effect (p &gt; 0.05), resulting in 87.20 74.36b CFU/ml. Vibrio total from the four research stations that significantly affected station 2 (p &gt; 0.05) were 280.00 167.26b CFU/ml.

Variations in Postmenopausal Body Composition: A Cross-Sectional Comparison between Physical Activity Practitioners and Sedentary Individuals.

Physical activity is broadly recognized for promoting weight reduction and bestowing numerous health benefits. Nonetheless, robust evidence concerning the impact of physical activity on postmenopausal women, undergoing physiological shifts, remains scant. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between physical activity and body composition among postmenopausal women. Employing a cross-sectional and retrospective design, 702 women were examined. Data on physical activity and body composition were amassed through anthropometric assessments and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). A significant proportion of women exhibited anthropometric alterations indicative of overweight/obesity, alongside elevated values in Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Waist-to-Height, and bone mass, signifying a heightened risk for disease onset. While a majority engaged in some form of physical activity, this did not yield notable reductions in the assessed metrics. Noteworthy changes were only discerned in BMI and bone mass among pre-menopausal women; whereas among postmenopausal women, in addition to disparities in bone mass, those inactive were 1.18 times more prone to a very high disease risk, as gauged by WC.

Physicochemical characteristics of kefir milk from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seed milk

This study aims to determine the physicochemical characteristics of milk kefir from lotus seed milk (Nelumbo nucifera) and to determine the effect of increasing the concentration of lotus seed milk (Nelumbo nucifera) on physical and chemical properties. physical composition which includes lightness, chroma and hue color tests as well as viscosity and chemical composition which includes moisture, ash, fat, protein and carbohydrate content as well as to determine the best treatment for the manufacture of kefir milk. The research method used was a randomized block design (RDB) with treatment with different concentrations of lotus seed milk with 5 levels of treatment, namely A0 (100% cow's milk, 0% lotus seed milk), A1 (75% cow's milk, 25% lotus seed milk), A2 (cow's milk 50% lotus seed milk 50%), A3 (cow's milk 25% lotus seed milk 75%), A4 (0% cow's milk 100% lotus seed milk) and was repeated 2 times. The results showed that the lightness and chroma color test of kefir milk with lotus seed milk concentration treatment decreased but the hue color and viscosity of kefir milk increased. The ash, fat, protein and carbohydrate content values of milk kefir with lotus seed milk concentration treatment decreased, but the water content value increased.