Food Sources Research Articles

Relationship of serum and dietary vitamin D with high cardiometabolic risk in Mexican systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A cross-sectional study.

Objetive: Serum and dietary vitamin D could influence clinical disease activity and cardiometabolic outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to assess the relationship of serum and dietary vitamin D with cardiometabolic risk in Mexican SLE patients and healthy subjects (HS).Methods: 224 SLE patients and 201 HS were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum calcidiol was measured using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vitamin D dietary intake was assessed by collecting three 24h food records. Dietary patterns (DPs) were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Cardiometabolic status was analyzed through biochemical measurements and cardiometabolic indexes.Results: Calcidiol deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was associated with 1.66-fold higher risk of excess weight by body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2) (p = .02), 2.25-fold higher risk to low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (<40 mg/dL) (p < .001), and 1.74-fold higher risk to high triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dL (p = .02). Inadequate vitamin D dietary intake was associated with 1.92-fold higher risk of presenting non-healthy waist circumference (WC) (>80 cm) (p < .01), 2.05-fold higher risk of android waist to hip ratio (WHR ≥85) (p < .01), and 1.72-fold higher risk to excess weight (p = .02). Non-adherence to a DP rich in vitamin D food sources was associated with higher WC, WHR, triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C); furthermore, in HS, non-adherence to the DP rich in vitamin D food sources provided 2.11-fold higher risk to calcidiol deficiency.In Cconclusion: A pattern of Calcidiol deficiency, inadequate vitamin D dietary intake, and non-adherence to a DP rich in vitamin D food sources was related to high cardiometabolic risk in SLE patients and HS.

Review on Nutritional Potential of Underutilized Millets as a Miracle Grain.

The current situation, which includes changes in eating habits, an increasing population, and the unrestricted use of natural resources, has resulted in a lack of resources that could be used to provide nourishing food to everyone. Natural plant resources are quickly being depleted, so it is necessary to consider new alternatives. In addition to the staple grains of rice and wheat, many other crops are being consumed that need to be utilized to their full potential and have the potential to replace the staple crops. Millets are one of the most important underutilized crops that have the potential to be used as a nutricereal. Millets have a high nutritional value, do not produce acids, do not contain gluten, and can contribute to a healthy diet. Due to a lack of awareness regarding the nutritional value of millets, their consumption is still restricted to the population that adheres to conventional diets and is economically disadvantaged even though millets contain a significant amount of nutrients. Millets are becoming increasingly unpopular due to a lack of processing technologies, food subsidies, and the inconvenience of preparing food with millets. Millets are a Nutricereal rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibers, energy, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These nutrients help to protect against post-translational diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and celiac disease, among others. Millets are beneficial for controlling blood pressure, blood sugar level, and thyroid function; however, despite these functional properties, millets consumption has declined. Utilizing millets and other staple food crops to develop alternative food sources has become a new area of focus for businesses in the food industry. In addition, millet consumption can help foster immunity and health, which is essential in strengthening our fight against malnutrition in children and adolescents. In this article, the authors examine the potential of millets in terms of their nutricereal qualities.

Role of Technology to Improve the Effectiveness of University Canteen Systems

The university canteen system is an essential part of the campus environment, providing students and staff with a convenient and affordable source of food. However, many universities struggle to maintain efficient and effective canteen systems, leading to long queues, limited food options, and unsatisfactory service. The study seeks to identify the key challenges faced by traditional canteen systems in universities, to explore the potential benefits of using technology in university canteen systems, to analyse existing technologies used in university canteen systems and their effectiveness and to develop a framework that enhance the efficiency and user experience of university canteen systems. The study adopted a positivist research approach, making use of quantitative methods of data collection. The target population was university canteen managers and staff, university staff, and university students in Zimbabwe. In order to improve the performance of canteen systems, the project at hand provided a framework that uses technology to streamline operations, boost menu planning and customization, improve payment alternatives, and provide real-time feedback mechanisms to guarantee customer satisfaction. The study’s findings show that university canteens ought to concentrate on developing a framework based on innovation and technology that places a priority on innovations that boost financial performance, including cashless payment systems because they increase the effectiveness of canteen systems.

Association of Maternal Serum Vitamin D Level with Hydatidiform Mole-A Systemic Review

Hydatidiform mole is an abnormal type of pregnancy, in which a potentially anomalous ovum is abnormally fertilized resulting in a subsequently non-viable conceptus becoming an enlarged growth in the uterus with dangerous complications. These moles can occur as either complete or partial, each with its own unique features. Like other risk factor, nutritional risk factors are associated with increased likelihood of development of HM. Low dietary intake of carotene, inadequate protein and animal fats are thought to be associated with increased risk of HM. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with receptors found throughout the body including ovary, uterus, and placenta and has natural immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties. At the ovarian level, vitamin D has been shown to enhance ovulation. In the human syncytiotrophoblast, vitamin D and its components act together to enhance the expressions of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen, estrogen and progesterone. Furthermore, vitamin D co-regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in numerous tissues and 1,25(OH)2D3 also inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis. Deficiency of vitamin D may lead to increased ROS and decreased antioxidative defense systems that could lead to oxidative injury in patients with HM. In the human syncytiotrophoblast, vitamin D and its components act together to enhance the expressions of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen, estrogen and progesterone. Furthermore, vitamin D co-regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in numerous tissues and 1,25(OH)2D3 also inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis. Deficiency of vitamin D may lead to increased ROS and decreased antioxidative defense systems that could lead to oxidative injury in patients with HM. Studies showed there is significant association of low vitamin D level and obstetric complications like early pregnancy loss, premature rupture of membrane, fetal growth restriction and also many extra-skeletal diseases like ovary and colon cancer. In developing countries like-Bangladesh, vitamin D deficiency is much more common and starting in early life and persisting across the life span due to limited exposure to sunlight and low consumption of animal sources food. Therefore, this study was intended to determine the association of vitamin D and hydatidiform mole in a Bangladeshi woman, which may help in deciding about vitamin D supplementation as a preventive measure of hydatidiform mole.

Dietary Sugar and Anthropometrics among Young Children in the Guelph Family Health Study: Longitudinal Associations.

Purpose: Our understanding of the influence of sugar intake on anthropometrics among young children is limited. Most existing research is cross-sectional and has focused on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study objective was to investigate longitudinal associations between young children's total, free, and added sugar intake from all food sources at baseline with anthropometric measures at baseline and 18 months.Methods: The Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) is an ongoing randomized controlled trial and a family-based health promotion study. Food records and anthropometric data were collected at baseline (n = 109, 55 males; 3.7 ± 1.1 y, mean ± SD) and 18 months (n = 109, 55 males; 5.1 ± 1.1 y) of the GFHS pilots. Associations between sugar intakes and anthropometrics were estimated using linear regression models with generalized estimating equations adjusted for age, sex, household income, and intervention status.Results: Total sugar intake was inversely associated with body weight at 18 months (P = 0.01). There was no effect of time on any other associations between total, free, and added sugar intakes and anthropometrics.Conclusions: Early life dietary sugar intakes may not relate to anthropometric measures in the short term. Further investigation into potential associations between dietary sugar intakes and anthropometric variables over longer time periods is warranted.

Image-based recognition of parasitoid wasps using advanced neural networks.

Hymenoptera has some of the highest diversity and number of individuals among insects. Many of these species potentially play key roles as food sources, pest controllers and pollinators. However, little is known about the diversity and biology and ~80% of the species have not yet been described. Classical taxonomy based on morphology is a rather slow process but DNA barcoding has already brought considerable progress in identification. Innovative methods such as image-based identification and automation can further speed up the process. We present a proof of concept for image data recognition of a parasitic wasp family, the Diapriidae (Hymenoptera), obtained as part of the GBOL III project. These tiny (1.2-4.5mm) wasps were photographed and identified using DNA barcoding to provide a solid ground truth for training a neural network. Taxonomic identification was used down to the genus level. Subsequently, three different neural network architectures were trained, evaluated and optimised. As a result, 11 different genera of diaprids and one mixed group of 'other Hymenoptera' can be classified with an average accuracy of 96%. Additionally, the sex of the specimen can be classified automatically with an accuracy of >97%.

Characterizing Profiles of Alternative Food Source Utilization Among New Food Bank Users in Urban, Semi-Urban, and Rural Settings in Quebec (Canada)

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize alternative food source (AFS) utilization profiles among newly registered food bank (FB) users in urban, semi-urban, and rural settings. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the baseline data of the Pathways Study, a cohort of newly registered FB-users in Québec (2018–2020). Participants aged between 18–63 responsible for household food acquisition (n = 990) were included. Latent class analysis was used to classify FB-users into three latent AFS utilization profiles: FB-Exclusive-users, FB-Fruit/Vegetable-Market-users, and Multiple-AFS-users. The socio-demographic factors related to AFS utilization profiles vary across settings. These differences should be considered to improve AFS access.

Integration of Metabolomics with Network Pharmacology Deciphers the Anti-Fatigue Activity Mechanisms of the Extract of Mirabilis himalaica Root.

Fatigue, a common symptom in both diseased and healthy individuals, is a biological phenomenon characterized by a sense of extreme physical or mental exhaustion. To explore novel drugs and food sources of anti-fatigue, the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Mirabilis himalaica (MH extract) is evaluated as anti-fatigue agents in this work, and clarifies that the mechanism of MH intervention in fatigue symptoms, and distribution of the anti-fatigue constituents in the plant of Mirabilis himalaica is examined. The results show that the MH extract have a significantly anti-fatigue effect via the pharmacological experiment and biochemical indicators. The network pharmacology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and pharmacology are integrated to determine that boeravinone A, B, and E are the pharmacoperones of anti-fatigue. Moreover, the compounds of boeravinone are present only in the root and not in the leaf and stem of the Mirabilis himalaica, which validates that root of Mirabilis himalaica is historically and officially utilized medicinal parts.

Ventral Pallidum and Amygdala Cooperate to Restrain Reward Approach under Threat.

Foraging decisions involve assessing potential risks and prioritizing food sources, which can be challenging when confronted with changing and conflicting circumstances. A crucial aspect of this decision-making process is the ability to actively overcome defensive reactions to threats and focus on achieving specific goals. The ventral pallidum (VP) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are two brain regions that play key roles in regulating behavior motivated by either rewards or threats. However, it is unclear whether these regions are necessary in decision-making processes involving competing motivational drives during conflict. Our aim was to investigate the requirements of the VP and BLA for foraging choices in conflicts involving overcoming defensive responses. Here, we used a novel foraging task and pharmacological techniques to inactivate either the VP or BLA or to disconnect these brain regions before conducting a conflict test in male rats. Our findings showed that BLA is necessary for making risky choices during conflicts, whereas VP is necessary for invigorating the drive to obtain food, regardless of the presence of conflict. Importantly, our research revealed that the connection between VP and BLA is critical in controlling risky food-seeking choices during conflict situations. This study provides a new perspective on the collaborative function of VP and BLA in driving behavior, aimed at achieving goals in the face of dangers.

Fungi associated with ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus in Slovakia

AbstractThe black timber bark beetle (Xylosandrus germanus) is a strongly invasive ambrosia beetle and an important forest pest in Slovakia. This pest is closely associated with symbiotic fungi used as its food source. We investigated the fungi associated with X. germanus adults in Slovakia. In this study, Beauveria bassiana, B. pseudobassiana, Clonostachys rosea, Fusarium oxysporum, Ophiostoma quercus, Phaeoacremonium scolyti, and Talaromyces amestolkiae were isolated and identified by morphological and molecular analyses. The fungus Ophiostoma quercus was most frequently isolated from living beetles, while the entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana was the most commonly isolated from dead beetles. The morphological descriptions of fungi based on isolates from the surface of X. germanus adults are provided.

Antimicrobial resistance and genome characteristics of Salmonella enteritidis from Huzhou, China.

Salmonella enteritidis is a main pathogen responsible for sporadic outbreaks of gastroenteritis, and therefore is an important public health problem. This study investigated the drug resistance and genomic characteristics of S. enteritidis isolated from clinical and food sources in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, from February 1, 2021, to December 30, 2023. In total, 43 S. enteritidis strains isolated during the study period were subjected to virulence gene, drug resistance gene, genetic correlation, antibiotic resistance, and multilocus sequence typing analyses. All 43 isolates were identified as ST11, and contained 108 virulence-related genes. Drug sensitivity analysis of the 43 isolates showed resistance rates of 100% to nalidixic acid and 90.70% to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam. Multidrug resistance is a serious issue, with 81.40% of strains resistant to three or more antibacterial drugs. Genome sequencing indicated that S. enteritidis possessed 23 drug resistance genes, of which 14 were common to all 43 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis based on core genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms divided the 43 S. enteritidis strains into three clusters, with the 10 samples from an outbreak forming an independent branch located in cluster 3.

Pengaruh pemberian sampah organik terhadap pertumbuhan dan kandungan astaxanthin pada pupa black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus))

Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus)) or BSF are insects that process organic waste, with larvae rich in nutrients and potential as an alternative protein source for food and feed. Astaxanthin, an antioxidant found in plants, algae, and crustaceans, is also assumed to be present in insects like BSF. This study examined the impact of feeding different organic wastes on BSF larval growth and astaxanthin content in its pupae. The experimental design involved four treatments: fruit and vegetable scraps (BS), tofu pulp (AT), rice leftovers (N), and a mix of fruit and vegetable scraps, tofu pulp and rice left-over (C), with animal feed T51 as control. Each treatment was repeated three times. Growth parameters of BSF such as weight, length, and larval characteristics, along with the chemical content of pupae, including astaxanthin, were measured. Pupae were extracted using a triphasic maceration method with n-heptane, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, butanol-l, and distilled water. Compound identification was done using terpenoid qualitative tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable scraps (BS) significantly increased larval body size, with a weight of 0.09 ± 0.04 grams/larvae and a length of 1.49 ± 0.31 cm/larvae. LC-MS analysis detected lutein derivatives, anisodamine, resveratrol derivatives, dehydroarginine, and astaxanthin derivatives with a molecular mass of 597.23 m/z in BSF larvae fed on fruit and vegetable scraps.

Use of Viscous medium to study anthelmintic drug action in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans is an appealing tool for experimental evolution and for working with antiparasitic drugs, from understanding the molecular mechanisms of drug action and resistance to uncover new drug targets. We present a new methodology for studying the impact of antiparasitic drugs in C. elegans. Viscous medium was initially designed for C. elegans maintenance during long-term evolution experiments. Viscous medium provides a less structured environment than the standard nematode growth media agar, yet the bacteria food source remains suspended. Further, the Viscous medium offers the worm population enough support to move freely, mate, and reproduce at a rate comparable to standard agar cultures. Here, the Viscous medium was adapted for use in antiparasitic research. We observed a similar sensitivity of C. elegans to anthelmintic drugs as in standard liquid media and statistical difference to the standard agar media through a larval development assay. Using Viscous medium in C. elegans studies will considerably improve antiparasitic resistance research, and this medium could be used in studies aimed at understanding long-term multigenerational drug activity.

Land cover and space use influence coyote carnivory: evidence from stable-isotope analysis

For many species, the relationship between space use and diet composition is complex, with individuals adopting varying space use strategies such as territoriality to facilitate resource acquisition. Coyotes (Canis latrans) exhibit two disparate types of space use; defending mutually exclusive territories (residents) or moving nomadically across landscapes (transients). Resident coyotes have increased access to familiar food resources, thus improved foraging opportunities to compensate for the energetic costs of defending territories. Conversely, transients do not defend territories and are able to redirect energetic costs of territorial defense towards extensive movements in search of mates and breeding opportunities. These differences in space use attributed to different behavioral strategies likely influence foraging and ultimately diet composition, but these relationships have not been well studied. We investigated diet composition of resident and transient coyotes in the southeastern United States by pairing individual space use patterns with analysis of stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values to assess diet. During 2016–2017, we monitored 41 coyotes (26 residents, 15 transients) with GPS radio-collars along the Savannah River area in the southeastern United States. We observed a canopy effect on δ13C values and little anthropogenic food in coyote diets, suggesting 13C enrichment is likely more influenced by reduced canopy cover than consumption of human foods. We also observed other land cover effects, such as agricultural cover and road density, on δ15N values as well as reduced space used by coyotes, suggesting that cover types and localized, resident-like space use can influence the degree of carnivory in coyotes. Finally, diets and niche space did not differ between resident and transient coyotes despite differences observed in the proportional contribution of potential food sources to their diets. Although our stable isotope mixing models detected differences between the diets of resident and transient coyotes, both relied mostly on mammalian prey (52.8%, SD = 15.9 for residents, 42.0%, SD = 15.6 for transients). Resident coyotes consumed more game birds (21.3%, SD = 11.6 vs 13.7%, SD = 8.8) and less fruit (10.5%, SD = 6.9 vs 21.3%, SD = 10.7) and insects (7.2%, SD = 4.7 vs 14.3%, SD = 8.5) than did transients. Our findings indicate that coyote populations fall on a feeding continuum of omnivory to carnivory in which variability in feeding strategies is influenced by land cover characteristics and space use behaviors.

Optimizing Growth and Yield in Aerobic Rice through IoT-based Drip Irrigation and Fertigation

Aim: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different IoT based drip irrigation and fertigation management practices on growth and yield of aerobic rice. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a strip plot design with 4 main plots (Horizontal) and 3 sub-plots (Vertical) that are allocated randomly and replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: kharif and rabi seasons of 2022-23 &amp; 2023-24 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Methodology: The horizontal plot treatments were Nitrogen management practices (4) i.e., Control (N1), 100 % RDN (100% inorganic) (N2), 100 % RDN (50% inorganic &amp; 50% organic) (N3) and 125 % RDN (100 % inorganic) (N4). Vertical plots treatments were Irrigation management practices (3) which include Saturation (I1), 10 % DASM (I2) and 20 % DASM (I3). Organic nutrient sources were given as soil application and the inorganic sources were applied through fertigation. Sensor based (IoT) irrigation scheduling was done. Results: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic consistently resulted in higher growth parameters (plant height (110.4 cm and 93.9 cm), number of tillers m-2 (392.2 and 291.8) and plant dry weight (11814.8 kg ha-1 and 9557.0 kg ha-1) during kharif &amp; rabi respectively) followed by 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic &amp; 50% organic) in pooled data. Saturation irrigation resulted in taller plants with greater growth parameters (plant height (109.8 cm and 91.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (412.3 and 283.6) and plant dry weight (10916.0 kg ha-1 and 9463.4 kg ha-1) during kharif &amp; rabi respectively) compared to deficit irrigation treatments. Treatment of 125% RDN with 100% inorganic resulted in the higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (154.3 and 141.1), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (142.3 and 124.0), panicle weight (3.1 g and 3.3 g) during kharif &amp; rabi respectively) and yield (4790.2 kg ha-1 and 4583.8 kg ha-1) which was statistically similar with 100% RDN (100% inorganic) and 100% RDN (50% inorganic &amp; 50% organic). Saturation expressed higher yield attributes (no. of panicles m-2 (149.5 and 139.2), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (135.0 and 121.6), panicle weight (3.0 g and 3.2 g) during kharif &amp; rabi respectively) and yield (4554.0 kg ha-1 and 4425.5 kg ha-1) which was on par with 10% DASM. The interaction was found to be non-significant. Conclusion: Nitrogen application of 125% RDN and 100% RDN through fertigation were found to have statistically similar growth, yield parameters and yield. IoT based irrigation at 10% DASM was found to be on par with saturation treatment among all the growth, yield parameters and yield of aerobic rice.

Wild Edible Plants as an Alternative Food Source for The Community of Pakis Baru Village, Nawangan, Pacitan

Wild edible plants" is a term used to refer to wild plants that can be consumed or used as a food source by humans. Village communities often use wild edible plants to obtain additional food sources, especially in situations where access to other food ingredients is limited. The aim of this research is to find out the types of wild plants that are often used as alternative food ingredients, including the parts of the plants used and the processing efforts. The data analysis method used in this research is the qualitative descriptive method. Based on the results of interviews with informants, namely the people of Pakis Baru Village, 37 types of wild edible plants from 22 families were obtained which were used as alternative food, including tubers, vegetables and fruit. The most widely used wild edible plants, namely vegetables (24 species), followed by tubers (6 species), fruits (6 species) and other preparations in the form of grass jelly (1 species). The parts or organs of wild plants consumed are young leaves or leaf shoots, stems, flowers, fruit, bamboo shoots and tubers. The common processing methods are steaming, boiling, sautéing, roasting, botok, extracting the starch for certain food preparations, or consuming it directly as fresh vegetables. The high diversity of wild edible plant species shows that Pakis Baru Village has great potential as an alternative food source. From utilizing this diversity, society can develop varied and sustainable food strategies.

Production of microalgae in wastewater and brackish waters: kinetic, lipid content, bioremediation and cost analysis studies

ABSTRACT The cultivation of microalgae in domestic wastewater offers a sustainable solution for the treatment of effluents, while at the same time producing biomass rich in lipids, potentially usable in the production of biofuels. Furthermore, reuse contributes to the treatment of wastewater, transforming a byproduct into a valuable source of nutrients for the production of microalgae biomass. This study involves the production of microalgae in open cultivation, using domestic effluents as a source of nutrients in brackish environments, to study the potential for biodiesel production. Intracellular lipids were between 17 and 20%. As for the bioremediation capacity, the results showed removal levels greater than 95% of nutrients, as well as bacterial and pollutant load reduction. The growth kinetics and the prediction of theoretical kinetic models through the use of computational tools show significant differences, due to the lack of control of process parameters in open cultivations. Based on the literature review and market research, a cost analysis for large-scale production in open crops was made, comparing with closed crops and finding lower costs in the implementation, maintenance and production of biodiesel in the production open.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated in Food and Food-Processing Environments in Italy

Listeria monocytogenes, along with various other pathogenic bacteria, may show resistance against a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Evaluating the extent of resistance in harmful microorganisms like Listeria monocytogenes holds significant importance in crafting novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate or combat the rise of infections stemming from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The present work aims to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among Listeria monocytogenes strains in meat products (n = 173), seafood (n = 54), dairy products (n = 19), sauces (n = 2), confectionary products (n = 1), ready-to-eat rice dishes (n = 1), and food-processing environments (n = 19). A total of 269 Listeria monocytogenes strains belonging to eight different serovars were tested against 10 antimicrobials. In the classes of antibiotics, most of the strains were resistant antibiotics belonging to the family of β-lactams (92.94%). High proportions of L. monocytogenes isolates were resistant to oxacillin (88.48%), followed by fosfomycin (85.87%) and flumenique (78.44%). The lowest level of resistance was observed against gentamycin (1.49%). A total of 235 strains (n = 87.36%) showed a profile of multidrug resistance. In conclusion, a high occurrence of resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes was observed among the examined serotypes isolated from different food sources. This understanding enables the adoption of suitable measures to avert contamination and the spread of resistant bacteria via food.

Nutraceutical Features of the Phycobiliprotein C-Phycocyanin: Evidence from Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina).

Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina, is a photosynthetic filamentous cyanobacterium (blue-green microalga) that has been utilized as a food source since ancient times. More recently, it has gained significant popularity as a dietary supplement due to its rich content of micro- and macro-nutrients. Of particular interest is a water soluble phycobiliprotein derived from Spirulina known as phycocyanin C (C-PC), which stands out as the most abundant protein in this cyanobacterium. C-PC is a fluorescent protein, with its chromophore represented by the tetrapyrrole molecule phycocyanobilin B (PCB-B). While C-PC is commonly employed in food for its coloring properties, it also serves as the molecular basis for numerous nutraceutical features associated with Spirulina. Indeed, the comprehensive C-PC, and to some extent, the isolated PCB-B, has been linked to various health-promoting effects. These benefits encompass conditions triggered by oxidative stress, inflammation, and other pathological conditions. The present review focuses on the bio-pharmacological properties of these molecules, positioning them as promising agents for potential new applications in the expanding nutraceutical market.

Unveiling the eutrophication crisis: 20 years of nutrient development in Zhanjiang Bay, China

Coastal eutrophication is a major issue of marine pollution. The main factors controlling eutrophication must be identified to ensure effective marine environmental management according to the respective local conditions. Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB), located northwest of the South China Sea, is a semi-closed bay influenced by complex water flows and the development of surrounding cities. In this study, we investigated the development of nutrient concentrations and compositions in ZJB seawater over the past 20 years and the factors influencing eutrophication based on several field investigations from 2006 to 2022 and historical data. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were the main contributors to the severe long-term eutrophication in ZJB; however, light eutrophication was observed in the outer bay, primarily caused by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and DIP. The primary sources of COD and nutrients were riverine freshwater, sewage outfalls, mariculture and domestic effluents carried by rivers. Tidal effects diluted the nutrient concentrations in the bay with seawater from the outer bay, thereby playing a key role in nutrient redistribution. The DIN: DIP ratio of ZJB showed long-term nitrogen restriction and excess phosphorus, primarily owing to mariculture activities. Marine undertakings can exert various impacts on water quality. Eliminating illegal aquaculture and launching aquaculture tailwater treatment can improve water quality, whereas practices such as channel dredging may worsen it. This study demonstrates the intricate dynamics of the ZJB ecosystem and offers valuable insights for effective environmental management and conservation efforts.