Search Results (1,113)

Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed intracellular parasite that disrupts host immune and metabolic homeostasis. Although accumulating evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota in parasitic infections, the effects of acute T. gondii infection on host gut microbial ecology remain poorly understood. In this study, metagenomic sequencing technology was used to systematically analyze the composition and functional alterations of the ileal microbiota in BALB/c mice on day 10 post-infection. Compared to uninfected controls, T. gondii infected mice exhibited a significant reduction in microbial diversity and a pronounced shift in community structure. Notably, there was an expansion of Proteobacteria, particularly the Enterobacteriaceae family, alongside a marked decline in beneficial taxa such as Actinobacteria and Bacillota. Functional annotation using the KEGG and CAZy databases revealed enrichment of metabolic pathways related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, O-antigen nucleotide sugar biosynthesis, bacterial secretion systems, and biofilm formation-Escherichia coli in the infected microbiota. These findings provide novel insights into the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and host-microbe interactions during acute T. gondii infection. Full article

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is a key enzyme in glycolysis that regulates sugar metabolism and energy production, thereby influencing fruit quality. The ‘Feizixiao’ litchi, widely cultivated in Hainan Province, faces sugar reduction during fruit ripening. This study evaluated the effects of the foliar application of calcium and magnesium (Ca+Mg) during the fruit expansion stage to alleviate this problem. Ca+Mg foliar application significantly enhanced soluble sugar content, promoted peel coloration, and reduced respiration and PK activity. Genome-wide analysis identified 19 PK genes (LcPKs) exhibiting diverse exon-intron structures and conserved motifs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed both conserved and species-specific features, while subcellular localization predicted that most LcPK proteins are likely to be localized in the cytoplasm. Synteny analysis showed closer evolutionary relationships with species in the same genus than with Arabidopsis. Cis-regulatory element analysis implicated LcPKs in light response, hormone signaling, growth, and stress adaptation. Hormonal assays at 63 and 70 DAA after treatment revealed increased abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene levels under Ca+Mg application. These hormonal changes correlated with the downregulation of LcPK3, LcPK4, LcPK5, LcPK8, and LcPK15, as confirmed by qRT-PCR, indicating negative regulation by ABA and ethylene. This regulatory mechanism likely contributes to overcoming sugar receding in litchi pulp. These findings offer insights into the regulation of sugar metabolism and strategies for enhancing fruit quality through the management of genes and nutrients. Full article

This study developed a novel 3D-printed bilayer film (BF) embedded with star anise essential oil nanoemulsion (AEO-NE) and tamarind shell-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for preserving sugar tangerines (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The BF comprised an outer chitosan-alginate-CQD barrier layer and an inner AEO-NE active layer, fabricated using dual-extrusion 3D printing. Results showed that BF-treated fruits had significantly lower weight loss (23.6% reduction) and decay rates (0% spoilage until day 10) compared to controls (p < 0.05). The film’s controlled release (31% AEO release over 15 days) and UV-blocking properties (CQDs) maintained fruit firmness, color stability (ΔE < 2.0), and sugar content (TSS increase of only 3.7%). Sensory evaluation confirmed BF’s superiority, with treated fruits retaining freshness for 15 days, while controls deteriorated rapidly. The study demonstrates that 3D-printed active films synergizing AEO and CQDs offer a sustainable, high-performance solution for citrus preservation, extending shelf life by 10–15 days. Full article

Cold stress can inhibit the growth of cucurbits, disrupt pollination and fertilization, induce fruit deformities, reduce plant resistance, and increase susceptibility to diseases, ultimately resulting in yield reduction, quality deterioration, or even complete crop failure. This review focuses on the main cucurbits, such as melon, cucumber, and watermelon, systematically expounding the roles of plant hormones, signaling molecules, soluble sugars, key regulatory factors, molecular mechanisms, and network interactions in their response to cold stress. Furthermore, it highlights future research directions and application potential. By analyzing existing challenges and prospective advancements in this field, the review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for facilitating genetic improvement in cold tolerance. Full article

The increasing demand for functional beverages sparked greater interest in health-promoting craft drinks, highlighting the need to optimize production parameters and assess their stability. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a grape juice-flavored naturally carbonated water kefir, evaluating its sensory qualities, physicochemical and microbiological stability. Fermentation conditions (F1) were optimized using Central Composite Rotational Design, leading to the selection of 24 h at 30 °C with (6.5% w/v) brown sugar, ensuring efficient pH reduction to safe levels. Sensory analysis selected grape juice as the flavoring agent, and a mixture design coupled with the desirability function determined the optimal formulation as 50% kefired water, 46.4% grape juice, and 3.6% water, resulting in high overall sensory desirability. During 42 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), the beverage exhibited progressive sugar consumption from residual metabolic activity, a dynamic antioxidant profile characterized by increases in total phenolic compounds and FRAP activity, stability in ABTS activity, and decline in DPPH activity. Lactic acid bacteria counts remained stable during storage, while acetic acid bacteria and yeast populations decreased. Furthermore, pH (~3.30) and alcohol content (~1.86 °GL) remained stable, although the latter requires clear labeling in compliance with regulations for similar fermented beverages. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a fast-growing cause of death worldwide. Systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the major causes of kidney damage leading to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and to urinary protein loss. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are drugs able to address both of these deleterious effects, preventing kidney damage from progressing. Initially born as hypoglycemic agents, SGLT2is subsequently proved to have not only positive metabolic but also pleiotropic effects on the kidney and the cardiovascular system. Indeed, they improve the metabolic profile, reducing uric acid, blood sugar levels, and body weight. Moreover, they exert an anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effect, reducing endothelial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Finally, they reduce renal hyperfiltration and control blood pressure, inducing osmotic diuresis and restoring tubulo-glomerular feedback. All these metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and hemodynamic effects contribute to significantly reducing the risk of cardiorenal events, as widely demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. The pleiotropic actions of SGLT2is together with their good tolerability make them a pillar treatment of CKD regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus. Further studies will be needed in order to expand the indications to populations previously excluded from clinical trials such as transplant recipients or glomerulonephritis patients. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding the nephroprotective mechanisms of SGLT2is which, after initial use as a hypoglycemic agent, have assumed a pivotal role in the actual and future management of patients with CKD. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate crop characteristics, including morpho-anatomical features and nutritional and health-promoting composition, of head lettuce cultivated in greenhouses covered with transparent glass (control) and glass containing a red luminophore (red). The plant material comprised two lettuce types: butterhead and iceberg. Alterations were observed in head dimensions, morphology, and leaf mesophyll structure of plants from the red greenhouse. Butterhead lettuce plants exhibited unaltered head area under tested conditions but displayed a reduction in accumulated sugars and amino acids, resulting in a decline in dry matter content. Conversely, an increase in soluble and insoluble sugars and amino acid content, along with no change in nitrate content, was observed in iceberg lettuce. However, the growth intensity of iceberg lettuce decreased, while its dry matter content increased. Moreover, phenols and vitamin C concentration were lower in iceberg lettuce than in the butterhead one. In the red greenhouse, the phenolic content declined in both lettuce types, but vitamin C levels were reduced in butterhead lettuce and remained unchanged in iceberg lettuce. The data clearly demonstrate that the extent of variation in crop characteristics observed in lettuce cultivated in the red greenhouse depended on the tested lettuce type, with notable alterations occurring in iceberg lettuce. Full article

Ready-to-eat cereals are a popular breakfast choice for children and adults, offering convenience and affordability. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional content of ready-to-eat cereals available in the Greek market and compare data for the following categories: products targeted at adults (n = 208) vs. children (n = 74) and their subgroups: all bran vs. refined and gluten containing vs. gluten free. Protein, fat, saturated fat and fiber were all present in significantly greater quantities in the adult group when compared with the child group. The median content of sugar contained in children’s products (25.0/100 g) was significantly higher than the one present in adults’ ready-to-eat cereals (15.2/100 g). Sugar content of children and adult’s RTECs was assessed against the criteria set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO). Sugar in children’s products (7.5 g per serving) did not comply with the criterion of <6 g per 30 g of serving. On the other hand, the sugar content in adult-oriented cereals (6.0 g per serving) was below the criterion of <10 g per 45 g of serving. All bran products demonstrated a better nutritional profile overall compared with the refined ones, but children’s options in the market are very limited, with only two products identified. Sugar reduction, particularly for children’s ready-to-eat cereals, should be a priority for policymakers and the food industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excessive intake of salt, oil, and sugar constitutes a major dietary risk factor for chronic diseases in China. Although salt, oil, and sugar reduction (“Three Reductions”) has been promoted at the national level, the population’s knowledge remains inadequately evaluated. This study aimed to assess the “Three Reductions” knowledge level among Chinese adults and its association with nutrition-related chronic diseases. Methods: Data were obtained from the Chinese Nutrition and Health Knowledge Survey 2022, a nationally representative cross-sectional study. A total of 68,673 participants aged 18–64 years were recruited from 200 survey sites of 31 provinces by multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling methods. A standard questionnaire was used for data collection, and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine factors associated with “Three Reductions” knowledge and its relationship with chronic diseases. All analyses were weighted by complex sampling. Results: In 2022, the mean “Three Reductions” knowledge score was 16.43 ± 4.17 (the full score is 24 points), and the awareness rate was 49.3% (95% CI: 47.0–51.6%). Females, those with higher education and income levels, those employed in medical institutions, and residents in urban and eastern areas had higher “Three Reductions” levels (p < 0.05). The “Three Reductions” knowledge level was significantly associated with chronic disease risk (p < 0.05). Specifically, the risk of chronic disease was reduced by 5% in the medium-score group (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90–1.00) and by 11% in the high-score group (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84–0.95). Conclusions: “Three Reductions” knowledge among Chinese is at a moderate level, with a significant association between “Three Reductions” knowledge level and chronic disease status. Dissemination of “Three Reductions” knowledge, especially practical knowledge, should be enhanced at the national level through various routes to reduce chronic disease risk. Full article

A large population in Africa, particularly West Africa, depends on leafy vegetables such as red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus), Lagos spinach (Celosia argentea), and African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) as affordable and readily available sources of nutrition. These vegetables are rich sources of phenolics, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, contributing significantly to dietary nutrition and providing an important source of revenue for farmers. However, the temperature rise due to climate change threatens their availability and nutritional value. This study assessed the effects of temperature regimes (23, 30, and 40 °C) on the growth and quality of these vegetables under greenhouse conditions for 48 (A. cruentus and C. argentea) and 54 (S. macrocarpon) days after sowing by measuring biomass (leaf, stem, shoot, root dry weight, root/shoot and leaf area), photosynthetic parameters, pigments, sugars, mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and free amino acids. Temperature significantly affected biomass, with A. cruentus and C. argentea showing declines of 13.5–32.2% and 5.1–27.8%, respectively, at 40 °C compared to 23 °C, indicating sensitivity to heat stress. Photosynthetic rates increased with a rise from 23 to 30 °C by 2.1–29.2% across all species. Sugar contents remained generally stable, except for notable decreases in glucose and soluble sugars by 43.3% and 40.5%, respectively, in C. argentea between 30 and 40 °C, and a 52.6% reduction in starch in S. macrocarpon from 23 to 40 °C. Mineral nutrient responses varied by species; however, they exhibited similar increases in nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as decreases in calcium and manganese, at higher temperatures. Notably, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds declined significantly in C. argentea (8.1% and 8.0%) and S. macrocarpon (4.7% and 13.3%). In contrast, free amino acid contents increased by 35.2% and 28.8% in A. cruentus and S. macrocarpon, respectively. It was concluded that A. cruentus and C. argentea suffer reduced growth and nutrients at 40 °C, while S. macrocarpon maintains biomass but has some biochemical declines; antioxidant capacity and phenolics drop at high temperatures, free amino acids rise, and 30 °C is optimal for all three. Full article

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are among the most traded and a significant component of global food and beverages. The consumption of these beverages is widely believed to be a major contributing factor to overweight, diabetes, tooth decay, and other noncommunicable diseases. To reduce the intake of these beverages, the World Health Organisation (WHO) encouraged countries and jurisdictions to introduce a sugar tax policy as an approach to reduce the sales and intake of the beverages. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of the relationship that exists among the factors that influence the intake of SSBs in enhancing sugar tax in South Africa. A mixed research methods were used to explore the relationships among the variables. The Exploratory Sequential Design (ESD) was deemed appropriate to deal with the introduction of a sugar tax to reduce the intake of the SSB, most especially in Africa where the tax is a new concept. The Exploratory Sequential Design began with the collection of the structured interview qualitative data and analysis using the thematic analysis procedure, then followed by quantitative data collection and analysis using the confirmatory factor analysis method. This study used mainly primary data collected from the Gauteng Province of South Africa for both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study. The study found that a sustainable effective sugar tax can be achieved when the public is aware of the existence, purpose, and acceptance of the sugar tax. Furthermore, the tax can become relevant and sustainable when it leads to a significant reduction in intake, contributing to negative consumer behaviour and attitude towards the intake of SSBs in South Africa. A synthesis of the integrated results confirmed that the recognition of the relationship among the factors influencing the intake of SSB and penalising the beverage manufacturers who do not reduce the sugar content in all their beverages as recommended by the WHO are vital in leading to a sustainable enhancement of an effective sugar tax in South Africa. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a major risk factor. Beyond medications, dietary interventions and functional foods offer significant cholesterol-lowering potential. This article provides a comprehensive review of functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients that help to reduce cholesterol levels and introduces the novel Cholesterol-Lowering Capacity Index (CLCI), designed to quantify and communicate the efficacy of such foods. In doing so, it summarizes key functional components, including plant sterols/stanols, viscous fibers, soy protein, red yeast rice, berberine, polyphenols (e.g., bergamot extract, garlic), and others, highlighting their mechanisms of action and the typical LDL-C reductions observed in clinical studies. Strategies for the design of next-generation cholesterol-lowering foods are discussed, such as combining multiple bioactives for synergistic effects, personalized nutrition approaches, and novel food processing techniques to enhance bioavailability. Building on these strategies, the CLCI is then proposed as a practical scoring system, analogous to the glycemic index for blood sugar, that integrates the evidence-based potency of ingredients, effective dosing, and synergistic interactions into a single metric. A methodology for the calculation of the CLCI is presented, alongside potential applications in food labeling, clinical guidance, and dietary planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tend to show patterns of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk earlier in life than the general population. The need for effective interventions for CVD risk-reduction in PTSD is increasingly evident. In this paper we present preliminary results from a longitudinal study of a health behavior intervention, as an adjunct to standard trauma therapy in PTSD. The health behavior intervention addresses CVD-related heath behaviors (physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress) in a 12-week program delivered individually in 90-min sessions. Behavior change recommendations included: increased aerobic activity; establishing a balanced diet, enhancing consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing sugars and fat/saturated fat; incorporating strategies to enhance sleep and lower PTSD-related disruptions (e.g., nightmares); and relaxation and cognitive coping skills to reduce general stress. Methods: Participants were randomized to the health behavior intervention plus standard trauma therapy experimental condition or a standard trauma therapy control group. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention phase. Sleep efficiency was measured from actigraphy watches. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and blood pressure was measured using an automated device. The preliminary outcomes are for 29 participants to date who have pre-post data. Results: Sleep efficiency was improved in the intervention group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group also evidenced significant pre-post increases in moderate physical activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Changes in vigorous physical activity did not reach statistical significance in this preliminary sample but the pattern of results are similar to those for moderate activity. Trends toward significance were also observed for pre-post changes in systolic (p = 0.06) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.07), with small reductions for the intervention group and increases for the control group. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary information about the effectiveness of the health behavior intervention on multiple parameters for adults with PTSD. The findings suggest that focusing on health behavior change in multidisciplinary treatments for PTSD may enhance outcomes such as sleep and physical activity and potentially result in greater quality of life. However, the small preliminary sample size reported here should be considered when interpreting the outcomes. Further research may also determine how improvements in health parameters impact other indices of long-term cardiovascular health. Full article

Excessive meat consumption is detrimental to personal health, the environment, and animal welfare. This study examined whether scenarios evoking anticipated pride for achieving, or anticipated guilt for failing, a meat reduction goal—focused on protecting health, the environment, or animal welfare—would affect participants’ anticipated emotions, desire and intention to eat less meat, and ultimately their selection of meat-based food. A between-subjects experimental design was used, with 380 participants randomly assigned to one of seven conditions (six experimental and one control conditions). Experimental scenarios varied by emotion (pride vs. guilt) and goal domain (health, environment, animal welfare), while the control condition focused on sugar reduction. Results showed that scenarios varied in effectiveness depending on the goal addressed and emotion elicited. Specifically, scenarios emphasizing pride for protecting health or the environment reduced meat selection directly, while pride for protecting animals and guilt for harming the environment reduced meat choice indirectly through positive anticipated emotions, desire, and intention. The guilt scenario about endangering animal welfare and the pride scenario for protecting the environment had a total negative effect. This study highlights that emotional appeals—particularly pride for achieving meat reduction goals—may serve as a promising lever for developing impactful communication strategies. Full article

Climate change is expected to significantly reshape viticulture across traditional wine regions, including the Douro winemaking region (DWR) in northern Portugal. This study evaluates projected impacts of climate change on key viticultural parameters, such as grapevine yield, phenology, and potential alcohol content, using an ensemble of high-resolution downscaled climate simulations for the recent-past (1986 to 2015) and for two emission scenarios: SSP1–2.6 (low-emissions pathway) and SSP5–8.5 (high-emissions pathway), for mid-century (2041–2070). Spatial and temporal analyses reveal a consistent and robust signal of change across all indicators, with magnitude and variability increasing under SSP5–8.5. Yield projections indicate a widespread decline across the region (−1 to −3 t/ha), especially under SSP5–8.5, with particularly strong reductions in currently high-yielding areas, such as Douro-Superior. This spatial heterogeneity suggests heightened vulnerability throughout the DWR, underscoring the importance of targeted adaptation strategies. Phenological analysis shows a marked advancement in flowering dates, shifting by up to 30 days earlier in the season, amplified under SSP5–8.5. These changes could impact grape development, increase exposure to early-season frost events, and disrupt traditional vineyard management schedules. Furthermore, potential alcohol content is projected to rise substantially across the region, with increases exceeding 2% vol in some areas under the more severe scenario. This trend may challenge wine typicity, regulatory classifications and geographical boundaries of the denominations of origin, and quality control, requiring both vineyard and oenological adaptations to manage elevated sugar levels. These findings point to significant, spatially variable climate-driven transformations in Douro viticulture. While some impacts may be partially mitigated under SSP1–2.6, SSP5–8.5 may require urgent adaptation to preserve wine quality, socioeconomic sustainability, and regional identity. Full article