Effects of high dietary inclusion of Arthrospira platensis, either extruded or supplemented with a super-dosing multi-enzyme mixture, on broiler growth performance and major meat quality parameters.

BACKGROUND: This investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM). RESULTS: Throughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value.

Walking net V ˙ O2 rises with advancing age in older women: where to go from here?

PURPOSE: Walking net V ˙ O2 tends to increase with advancing age; however, factors contributing to this relationship have not been widely described. The implications of such findings could inform targeted strategies to promote independent mobility in older adults. Herein, we evaluated the relationship between net V ˙ O2 and age at two submaximal workloads while exploring potential moderators of this relationship. METHODS: Secondary analyses were performed on 35 older (65 ± 3 years) women who completed a battery of physical assessments including fixed-speed, non-graded and graded (+ 2.5%) treadmill walking with indirect calorimetry to determine net V ˙ O2. Maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2max), knee extensor maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), peak rate of torque development (RTD), and plantar flexor range-of-motion (PFROM) were also measured. RESULTS: Bivariate correlations showed non-graded (r = 0.403, p = 0.017) and graded (r = 0.413, p = 0.014) net V ˙ O2 were positively related to age. Notably, these relationships strengthened after adjusting for V ˙ O2max. Regression modeling showed age, RTD:MVC ratio (composite of muscle performance), and PFROM together explained 49% and 34% of the variance in non-graded and graded net V ˙ O2, respectively. Further analyses suggested knee extensor MVC moderates the relationship between non-graded net V ˙ O2 and age, accounting for 9% of the variance [ΔR2 = 0.090, F (1,31) = 4.13, p = 0.05]. CONCLUSION: These data support the premise that, in older women, walking net V ˙ O2 rises with advancing age, and additionally, the RTD:MVC ratio and PFROM are independent correlates of non-graded net V ˙ O2. Exercise interventions with a high degree of training specificity including explosive, velocity-based elements may promote independent mobility in older women.

Piglets performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health in response to feeding Ulva lactuca seaweed supplemented with a recombinant ulvan lyase or a commercial carbohydrase mixture.

Ulva lactuca, a green seaweed, may be an alternative source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for weaned piglets. However, it has a recalcitrant cell wall rich in a sulphated polysaccharide - ulvan - that is indigestible to monogastrics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of 7% U. lactuca, combined with carbohydrases supplementation (commercial carbohydrase mixture or recombinant ulvan lyase), on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health parameters (morphology and microbiota) of weaned piglets. The experiment was conducted over 14 days using 40 weaned piglets randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets: a control diet based on wheat-maize-soybean meal, a diet with 7% U. lactuca replacing the control diet (UL), a diet with UL supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP, and a diet with UL supplemented with 0.01% of a recombinant ulvan lyase. The dietary treatments had no major effects on growth performance, nitrogen balance and gut content variables, as well as histological measurements. Contrarily, dry matter and organic matter digestibility decreased with dietary seaweed inclusion, while hemicellulose digestibility increased, suggesting a high fermentability of this cell wall fraction independently of carbohydrases supplementation. Some beneficial microbial populations increased as a consequence of enzymatic supplementation (e.g., Prevotella), while seaweed diets as a whole led to an increased abundance of Shuttleworthia, Anaeroplasma and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, all related with a healthier gut. It also decreased Lactobacillus when compared to controls, which is possibly related to increased bioavailability of seaweed zinc. This study indicates that, under these experimental conditions, up to 7% dietary U. lactuca has no detrimental effect on piglet growth, despite decreasing acid detergent fibre digestibility. Carbohydrases supplementation of Ulva diets is not required at this incorporation level.

Decreased adiponectin/leptin ratio relates to insulin resistance in adults with obesity.

Adipose tissue dysfunction is a key mechanism that leads to adiposity-based chronic disease. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of the adiponectin/leptin ratio (AdipoQ/Lep) as an adipose tissue and metabolic function biomarker in adults with obesity, without diabetes. Data were collected from a clinical trial conducted in 28 adults with obesity (mean body mass index: 35.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) (NCT02169778). With the use of a forward stepwise multiple linear regression model to explore the relationship between AdipoQ/Lep and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), it was observed that 48.6% of HOMA-IR variance was explained by triacylglycerols, AdipoQ/Lep, and waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.001), AdipoQ/Lep being the strongest independent predictor (Beta = -0.449, P < 0.001). A lower AdipoQ/Lep was correlated with higher body mass index (Rs = -0.490, P < 0.001), body fat mass (Rs = -0.486, P < 0.001), waist-to-height ratio (Rs = -0.290, P = 0.037), and plasma resistin (Rs = -0.365, P = 0.009). These data highlight the central role of adipocyte dysfunction in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and emphasize that AdipoQ/Lep may be a promising early marker of insulin resistance development in adults with obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Adiponectin/leptin ratio, triacylglycerols, and waist-to-hip ratio explained almost half of HOMA-IR variance in the context of obesity. This study provides evidence to support adipose tissue dysfunction as a central feature of the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance. Early identification of individuals at higher risk of developing metabolic complications through adipose tissue dysfunction assessment and the staging of obesity and its transient phenotypes can contribute to improve therapeutic decision-making.

Association between Fat-Free Mass Loss, Changes in Appetite, and Weight Regain in Individuals with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The role of fat-free mass loss (FFML) in modulating weight regain in individuals with obesity, as well as the potential mechanisms involved, remain inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if % FFML following weight loss (WL) is a predictor of weight regain and to investigate the association between %FFML and changes in appetite markers. METHODS: Seventy individuals with obesity (BMI: 36 ± 4 kg/m2; age: 44 ± 9 y; 29 males) underwent 8 wk of a very low energy diet (550-660 kcal/d), followed by 4 wk of gradual refeeding and weight stabilization and a 9-mo maintenance program (eucaloric diet). The primary outcomes were body weight and body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass). The secondary outcomes were plasma concentrations of ß-hydroxybutyrate (a marker of ketosis) in fasting and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin) and subjective appetite feelings during fasting and every 30 min after a fixed breakfast for 2.5 h. All were measured at baseline, week 9, and 1 y [week 13 in 35 subjects (25 males)]. The association between FFML, weight regain, and changes in appetite was assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: WL at week 9 was 17.5 ± 4.3kg and %FFML 20.4 ± 10.6%. Weight regain at 1 y was 1.7 ± 8.2 kg (8.8 ± 45.0%). After adjusting for WL and fat mass at baseline, %FFML at week 9 was not a significant predictor of weight regain. Similar results were seen at week 13. The greater the %FFML at week 9, but not 13, the smaller the reduction, or greater the increase in basal ghrelin concentration (ß: -3.2; 95% CI: -5.0, -1.1; P = 0.003), even after adjusting for WL and ß-hydroxybutyrate. CONCLUSIONS: %FFML was not a significant predictor of weight regain at 1 y in individuals with obesity. However, a greater %FFML was accompanied by a greater increase in ghrelin secretion under ketogenic conditions, suggesting a link between fat-free mass and appetite regulation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01834859.

Association between ß-Hydroxybutyrate Plasma Concentrations after Hypocaloric Ketogenic Diets and Changes in Body Composition.

BACKGROUND: Early studies show that ketogenic diets (KDs) lead to preferential loss of fat mass (FM), whereas preserving fat-free mass (FFM). Additionally, animal data support the anticatabolic effects of DL-3-hydroxybutyrate. From our knowledge, a potential association between ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB) plasma concentrations and changes in body composition has never been explored. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this analysis was to determine if ßHB plasma concentrations, following hypocaloric KDs, were associated with FM and FFM changes in men and women with obesity. METHODS: Data from 199 individuals (BMI = 36.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2; age = 43.6 ± 9.8 y; 82 men) were collated from 3 weight loss studies employing common measures of body composition (air displacement plethysmography) and ßHB plasma concentration (ELISA). The association between ßHB and weight, FM and FFM loss (kg), and %FFM loss (%FFML) was investigated with Spearman correlation. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine if ßHB was a significant predictor of the changes in anthropometric variables, after adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS: ßHB was not associated with FFML (% or kg), but a weak positive association was seen with FM loss (r = 0.182, P = 0.01, n = 199) and a trend with weight loss (r = 0.128, P = 0.072, n = 199). ßHB was a significant predictor of both weight and FM loss (kg), after adjusting for age, sex, baseline BMI, and intervention study. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of ketosis is not associated with FFM preservation. However, the higher the level of ketosis, the greater the weight and FM loss. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the mechanisms involved. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov identifier as NCT01834859, NCT04051190, NCT02944253.

Relationship between Ketones, Ghrelin, and, Appetite on Isocaloric Diets with Varying Carbohydrate Quality and Amount: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial in People with Obesity (CARBFUNC).

BACKGROUND: Low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diets may suppress the increase in appetite otherwise seen after diet-induced fat loss. However, studies of diets without severe energy restriction are lacking, and the effects of carbohydrate quality relative to quantity have not been directly compared. OBJECTIVES: To evaluated short- (3 mo) and long-term (12 mo) changes in fasting plasma concentrations of total ghrelin, ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB), and subjective feelings of appetite on 3 isocaloric eating patterns within a moderate caloric range (2000-2500 kcal/d) and with varying carbohydrate quality or quantity. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial of 193 adults with obesity, comparing eating patterns based on "acellular" carbohydrate sources (e.g., flour-based whole-grain products; comparator arm), "cellular" carbohydrate sources (minimally processed foods with intact cellular structures), or LCHF principles. Outcomes were compared by an intention-to-treat analysis using constrained linear mixed modeling. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03401970. RESULTS: Of the 193 adults, 118 (61%) and 57 (30%) completed 3 and 12 mo of follow-up. Throughout the intervention, intakes of protein and energy were similar with all 3 eating patterns, with comparable reductions in body weight (5%-7%) and visceral fat volume (12%-17%) after 12 mo. After 3 mo, ghrelin increased significantly with the acellular (mean: 46 pg/mL; 95% CI: 11, 81) and cellular (mean: 54 pg/mL; 95% CI: 21, 88) diets but not with the LCHF diet (mean: 11 pg/mL; 95% CI: -16, 38). Although ßHB increased significantly more with the LCHF diet than with the acellular diet after 3 m (mean: 0.16 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.24), this did not correspond to a significant group difference in ghrelin (unless the 2 high-carbohydrate groups were combined [mean: -39.6 pg/mL; 95% CI: -76, -3.3]). No significant between-group differences were seen in feelings of hunger. CONCLUSIONS: Modestly energy-restricted isocaloric diets differing in carbohydrate cellularity and amount showed no significant differences in fasting total ghrelin or subjective hunger feelings. An increase in ketones with the LCHF diet to 0.3-0.4 mmol/L was insufficient to substantially curb increases in fasting ghrelin during fat loss.

Classification of Common Food Lipid Sources Regarding Healthiness Using Advanced Lipidomics: A Four-Arm Crossover Study.

Prospective studies have failed to establish a causal relationship between animal fat intake and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Furthermore, the metabolic effects of different dietary sources remain unknown. In this four-arm crossover study, we investigated the impact of consuming cheese, beef, and pork meat on classic and new cardiovascular risk markers (obtained from lipidomics) in the context of a healthy diet. A total of 33 young healthy volunteers (23 women/10 men) were assigned to one out of four test diets in a Latin square design. Each test diet was consumed for 14 days, with a 2-week washout. Participants received a healthy diet plus Gouda- or Goutaler-type cheeses, pork, or beef meats. Before and after each diet, fasting blood samples were withdrawn. A reduction in total cholesterol and an increase in high density lipoprotein particle size were detected after all diets. Only the pork diet upregulated plasma unsaturated fatty acids and downregulated triglycerides species. Improvements in the lipoprotein profile and upregulation of circulating plasmalogen species were also observed after the pork diet. Our study suggests that, within the context of a healthy diet rich in micronutrients and fiber, the consumption of animal products, in particular pork meat, may not induce deleterious effects, and reducing the intake of animal products should not be regarded as a way of reducing cardiovascular risk in young individuals.

Dabcyl as a Naked Eye Colorimetric Chemosensor for Palladium Detection in Aqueous Medium.

Industrial activity has raised significant concerns regarding the widespread pollution caused by metal ions, contaminating ecosystems and causing adverse effects on human health. Therefore, the development of sensors for selective and sensitive detection of these analytes is extremely important. In this regard, an azo dye, Dabcyl 2, was synthesised and investigated for sensing metal ions with environmental and industrial relevance. The cation binding character of 2 was evaluated by colour changes as seen by the naked eye, UV-Vis and 1H NMR titrations in aqueous mixtures of SDS (0.02 M, pH 6) solution with acetonitrile (99:1, v/v). Out of the several cations tested, chemosensor 2 had a selective response for Pd2+, Sn2+ and Fe3+, showing a remarkable colour change visible to the naked eye and large bathochromic shifts in the UV-Vis spectrum of 2. This compound was very sensitive for Pd2+, Sn2+ and Fe3+, with a detection limit as low as 5.4 × 10-8 M, 1.3 × 10-7 M and 5.2 × 10-8 M, respectively. Moreover, comparative studies revealed that chemosensor 2 had high selectivity towards Pd2+ even in the presence of other metal ions in SDS aqueous mixtures.

Novel Crown Ether Amino Acids as Fluorescent Reporters for Metal Ions.

Unnatural amino acids with enhanced properties, such as increased complexing ability and luminescence, are considered to be highly attractive building blocks for bioinspired frameworks, such as probes for biomolecule dynamics, sensitive fluorescent chemosensors, and peptides for molecular imaging, among others. Therefore, a novel series of highly emissive heterocyclic alanines bearing a benzo[d]oxazolyl unit functionalized with different heterocyclic π-spacers and (aza)crown ether moieties was synthesized. The new compounds were completely characterized using the usual spectroscopic techniques and evaluated as fluorimetric chemosensors in acetonitrile and aqueous mixtures in the presence of various alkaline, alkaline-earth, and transition metal ions. The different crown ether binding moieties as well as the electronic nature of the π-bridge allowed for fine tuning of the sensory properties of these unnatural amino acids towards Pd2+ and Fe3+, as seen by spectrofluorimetric titrations.

ARTE index revisited: linking biomarkers of cardiometabolic health with free-living physical activity in postmenopausal women.

Activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) correlates with physical activity volume; however, between-person differences in body size and walking economy (net V̇o2) can influence AEE. The ratio of total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting energy expenditure (REE) estimates physical activity level (PAL) relative to body mass, yet does not account for variance in walking economy. The activity-related time equivalent (ARTEwalk) circumvents such constraints by adjusting for individual-specific walking economy. Herein, we compared AEE, PAL, and ARTEwalk index in a cohort (n = 81) of postmenopausal women while examining possible associations with biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. Secondary analyses were performed on postmenopausal women dichotomized above/below age group 50th percentile for body fat percent. TEE was reduced by 10% for the thermogenesis of digestion wherein AEE was calculated by subtracting REE from adjusted TEE. PAL was calculated as the ratio of TEE/REE. AEE was divided by the mean net energy expenditure of nongraded walking to calculate the ARTEwalk index. Between-group differences were not detected for AEE or PAL. However, the ARTEwalk index revealed that participants with less adiposity were more physically active (258 ± 149 vs. 198 ± 115 min·day-1; P = 0.046; g = 0.46). AEE and PAL did not correlate with cardiorespiratory fitness or biomarkers of cardiometabolic health. Cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.32), arterial elasticity (r = 0.24), total cholesterol/HDL-c ratio (r = -0.22), and body fat% (r = -0.24) were correlated with ARTEwalk. The ARTEwalk index may offer utility in detecting possible differences in physical activity volume among postmenopausal women and appears better associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers compared with AEE or PAL.

Differences in gastrointestinal hormones and appetite ratings among obesity classes.

The aim of this study was to compare gastrointestinal (GI) hormones and subjective ratings of appetite among obesity classes, and between classes of obesity and controls. Ninety-eight adult individuals with obesity, divided into class I (n = 35), II (n = 44) and III (n = 19), together with 45 controls without obesity were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Body weight/composition, and basal and postprandial (after a 600 kcal fixed breakfast) plasma concentrations of acylated ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), total peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK) and insulin, as well as subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, desire to eat (DTE) and prospective food consumption (PFC) were measured. There were no differences in the plasma concentration of GI hormones (either basal or postprandial) among obesity classes, except for insulin. In general, obesity was associated with impaired secretion of GI hormones. Ghrelin secretion did not decline postprandially in class-III obesity. GLP-1 peak for obesity class I and II was early and lower, while class III showed no postprandial GLP-1 response. Postprandial PYY response for obesity class II and III was absent, and class III showed a delayed and shortened postprandial CCK response. Obesity class II and III had greater basal insulin concentration compared to controls and postprandial insulin was greater in obesity class III versus class II, class I and controls. No differences were found for appetite ratings among obesity classes. In conclusion, obesity is characterized by impaired secretion of GI hormones, with reduced postprandial satiety, particularly in individuals with obesity class III. This abnormal pattern may lead to overeating.

Chromatographic-Based Platforms as New Avenues for Scientific Progress and Sustainability.

Chromatography was born approximately one century ago and has undergone outstanding technological improvements in innovation, research, and development since then that has made it fundamental to advances in knowledge at different levels, with a relevant impact on the well-being and health of individuals. Chromatography boosted a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of human-environment interactions and systems, how these interactions affect our life, and the several societal challenges we are currently facing, namely those related to the sustainability of our planet and the future generations. From the life sciences, which allowed us to identify endogenous metabolites relevant to disease mechanisms, to the OMICS field, nanotechnology, clinical and forensic analysis, drug discovery, environment, and "foodprint", among others, the wide range of applications of today's chromatographic techniques is impressive. This is fueled by a great variability of powerful chromatographic instruments currently available, with very high sensitivity, resolution, and identification capacity, that provide a strong basis for an analytical platform able to support the challenging demands of the postgenomic and post COVID-19 eras. Within this context, this review aims to address the great utility of chromatography in helping to cope with several societal-based challenges, such as the characterization of disease and/or physiological status, and the response to current agri-food industry challenges of food safety and sustainability, or the monitoring of environmental contamination. These are increasingly important challenges considering the climate changes, the tons of food waste produced every day, and the exponential growth of the human population. In this context, the principles governing the separation mechanisms in chromatography as well the different types and chromatographic techniques will be described. In addition, the major achievements and the most important technological advances will be also highlighted. Finally, a set of studies was selected in order to evince the importance of different chromatographic analyses to understand processes or create fundamental information in the response to current societal challenges.

Plasma Metabolites and Liver Composition of Broilers in Response to Dietary Ulva lactuca with Ulvan Lyase or a Commercial Enzyme Mixture.

The effect of a high incorporation level of Ulva lactuca, individually and supplemented with a Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZyme) on broilers' plasma parameters and liver composition is assessed here. Twenty one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 10): corn/soybean meal based-diet (Control); based-diet with 15% U. lactuca (UL); UL diet with 0.005% of commercial carbohydrase mixture; and UL diet with 0.01% of recombinant ulvan lyase. Supplementing U. lactuca with the recombinant CAZyme slightly compromised broilers' growth by negatively affecting final body weight and average daily gain. The combination of U. lactuca with ulvan lyase also increased systemic lipemia through an increase in total lipids, triacylglycerols and VLDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). Moreover, U. lactuca, regardless of the CAZyme supplementation, enhanced hepatic n-3 PUFA (mostly 20:5n-3) with positive decrease in n-6/n-3 ratio. However, broilers fed with U. lactuca with ulvan lyase reduced hepatic α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations relative to the control. Conversely, the high amount of pigments in macroalga diets led to an increase in hepatic ß-carotene, chlorophylls and total carotenoids. Furthermore, U. lactuca, alone or combined with CAZymes, enhanced hepatic total microminerals, including iron and manganese. Overall, plasma metabolites and liver composition changed favorably in broilers that were fed 15% of U. lactuca, regardless of enzyme supplementation.

Ketogenic diets and appetite regulation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The popularity of ketogenic diets in the treatment of obesity has increased dramatically over the last years, namely due to their potential appetite suppressant effect. The purpose of this review was to examine the latest evidence regarding the impact of ketogenic diets on appetite. RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of the studies published over the last 2 years adds to previous evidence and shows that ketogenic diets suppress the increase in the secretion of the hunger hormone ghrelin and in feelings of hunger, otherwise see when weight loss is induced by non-ketogenic diets. Research done using exogenous ketones point out in the same direction. Even though the exact mechanisms by which ketogenic diets suppress appetite remain to be fully determined, studies show that the more ketotic participants are (measured as ß-hydroxybutyrate plasma concentration), the smaller is the increase in ghrelin and hunger and the larger is the increase in the release of satiety peptides. Further evidence for a direct effect of ketones on appetite comes from studies using exogenous ketones. SUMMARY: The appetite suppressant effect of ketogenic diets may be an important asset for improving adherence to energy restricted diets and weight loss outcomes.

Dietary Arthrospira platensis improves systemic antioxidant potential and changes plasma lipids without affecting related hepatic metabolic pathways in post-weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: The ability of a high level of dietary Arthrospira platensis, individually or in combination with two exogenous carbohydrate-degrading enzymes (lysozyme and Rovabio®), to improve systemic antioxidant potential and hepatic lipid metabolism was tested in piglets. Forty male post-weaned piglets, sons of Large White × Landrace sows crossed with Pietrain boars, were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10) and fed during 28 days one of the following diets: 1) a control basal diet (cereal and soybean meal); 2) a basal diet with 10% of A. platensis (AP); 3) the AP diet supplemented with 0.005% of Rovabio® (AP + R); 4) the AP diet supplemented with 0.01% of lysozyme (AP + L). RESULTS: Arthrospira platensis decreased BW gain of piglets, regardless the addition of feed enzymes. The majority of plasma metabolites were affected by diets. A. platensis increased total lipids, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, without changing hepatic fatty acid content or modulating, in an expressive manner, the transcriptional profile of lipid sensitive mediators. The antioxidant potential in general, and total carotenoids in particular, were improved by the microalga, regardless lysozyme or Rovabio®. CONCLUSIONS: Summing up, A. platensis, individually and combined with feed enzymes, impacts negatively on piglets' growth but improves the systemic antioxidant potential and changes plasma lipids with a minor modulation on related hepatic metabolic pathways.

Impact of COVID-19 on a paediatric emergency service.

COVID-19 has significantly affected the use of health care worldwide and, consequently, admissions to hospital emergency services. The aim of this study is to describe the change of the activity of a Paediatric Emergency Service (PES) of a tertiary hospital during the pandemic. A retrospective cohort study with analysis of visits to the PES from March 30 to June 30, 2020, and comparison with homologous periods in the previous 3 years (2017-2019).A total of 53,883 episodes were analysed, with a median age of 5.8 years, and 53% were boys. In 2020, there was a 60% reduction in the number of admissions (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in referral by the public medical advice phone line of the National Health Service (NHS) (18.5% vs 5.4%) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (5.1% vs 4.2%). Urgent patients decreased (31.2% vs 38.3%), and non-urgent patients increased (7.5% vs 1.7%). There was a significant reduction in school (0.4% vs 7.1%) and sports accidents (0.1% vs 1.2%) and an increase in other accidents (falls, wounds, burns, and dog bites) (12.2% vs 6.3%). Hospitalisation rate was higher (5.7% vs 3.1%, p < 0.001). The infection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was 1.1%, all with mild illness or asymptomatic.Conclusion: The pandemic brought a marked reduction in emergency admissions and a decrease in urgent situations but an increase in accidents, such as falls, wounds, burns, and dog bites. Despite the low infection rate for SARS-CoV-2, there were increased referrals by the phone line of NHS and EMS and a higher admission in the ward. What is Known: • The number of admissions to emergency services significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the paediatric population, whom has a milder disease than adults. • Diseases that justify urgent/emergent hospital admission continue to exist and the eventual delay in seeking health care might lead to a worse prognosis. What is New: • Despite the low rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, there was an increase in referrals by the phone line of the National Health Service and Emergency Medical Services. • The global admission rate to the ward increased but there were no admissions to intensive care or deaths.

Prediction equations for estimating body weight in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Assessing body weight in older adults may be challenging. Hence, the present study aimed to develop and cross-validate updated and reproducible equations to estimate body weight in a large sample of older adults, namely among the older-old. METHODS: In total, 1456 individuals aged ≥ 65 years, from the Nutrition UP 65 study, were included in the present analysis. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two sub-samples: development (n = 991) and validation samples (n = 465). Prediction equations using height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC), calf circumference (CC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) were generated for the development sample using multiple regression analysis and then validated using the validation sample. RESULTS: The model with five predictor variables generated the following equations: females 65-79 years: -114.682 + 0.522 × height (cm) + 0.620 × MUAC (cm) + 0.517 × WC (cm) + 0.893 × CC (cm) + 0.111 × TST (mm) (adjusted r2  = 0.883, standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 4.4); females ≥ 80 years: -110.806 + 0.494 × height (cm) + 0.637 × MUAC (cm) + 0.500 × WC (cm) + 0.986 × CC (cm) + 0.021 × TST (mm) (adjusted r2  = 0.890, SEE = 3.9); males 65-79 years: -114.875 + 0.558 × height (cm) + 0.073 × MUAC (cm) + 0.671 × WC (cm) + 0.717 × CC (cm) + 0.182 × TST(mm) (adjusted r2  = 0.820, SEE=5.0); and males ≥ 80 years: -128.789 + 0.546 × height (cm) + 0.202 × MUAC (cm) + 0.612 × WC (cm) + 1.236 × CC (cm) + 0.093 × TST (mm) (adjusted r2  = 0.906, SEE = 3.5). CONCLUSIONS: Body weight can be estimated with good accuracy in older adults using these sex- and age-specific equations generated from regression models using three to five anthropometric predictor variables.

Stretch-Shortening Cycle Potentiation and Resistance Training-Induced Changes in Walking Economy/Ease and Activity-Related Energy Expenditure in Older Women.

ABSTRACT: Hunter, GR, Singh, H, Martins, C, Baranauskas, MN, and Carter, SJ. Stretch-shortening cycle potentiation and resistance training-induced changes in walking economy/ease and activity-related energy expenditure in older women. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1345-1349, 2021-Use of elastic energy to improve economy and ease of walking may be important for older adults. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether baseline (i.e., untrained) stretch-shortening cycle potentiation (SSCP) was associated with potential changes in free-living activity-related energy expenditure (AEE) after supervised exercise training. Sedentary, postmenopausal women (n = 64) between 60 and 74 years of age were evaluated before and after 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training. Assessments included: (a) body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), (b) resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), (c) submaximal and maximal walking (treadmill/indirect calorimetry), (d) total energy expenditure (doubly labeled water), and (e) one repetition maximum performed on an incline leg press and SSCP (calculated as the difference between concentric and countermovement leg press throw). Results indicated that baseline SSCP was related (r = -0.29; p < 0.02) to changes in AEE. However, subjects who possessed a high baseline SSCP did not increase SSCP or AEE, whereas subjects with low to moderate baseline SSCP demonstrated a significant increase in both SSCP (low +0.54 and moderate +0.47 m·s-1) and AEE (low +158 and moderate +333 kcal·d-1) post-training (all p less than 0.05). Our findings suggest that among subjects with low to moderate baseline SSCP, 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training can increase SSCP and free-living AEE. However, subjects with high baseline SSCP may require tailored exercise to increase SSCP and possibly AEE.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) By-Products Valorization: Novel Bio Ingredients for Functional Foods.

Pineapple is consumed on a large scale around the world due to its appreciated sensorial characteristics. The industry of minimally processed pineapple produces enormous quantities of by-products (30-50%) which are generally undervalued. The end-of-life of pineapple by-products (PBP) can be replaced by reuse and renewal flows in an integrated process to promote economic growth by reducing consumption of natural resources and diminishing food waste. In our study, pineapple shell (PS) and pineapple core (PC), vacuum-packed separately, were subjected to moderate hydrostatic pressure (225 MPa, 8.5 min) (MHP) as abiotic stress to increase bromelain activity and antioxidant capacity. Pressurized and raw PBP were lyophilized to produce a stable powder. The dehydrated samples were characterized by the following methodologies: chemical and physical characterization, total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant capacity, bromelain activity, microbiology, and mycotoxins. Results demonstrated that PBP are naturally rich in carbohydrates (66-88%), insoluble (16-28%) and soluble (2-4%) fiber, and minerals (4-5%). MHP was demonstrated to be beneficial in improving TPC (2-4%), antioxidant activity (2-6%), and bromelain activity (6-32%) without affecting the nutritional value. Furthermore, microbial and mycotoxical analysis demonstrated that powdered PC is a safe by-product. PS application is possible but requires previous decontamination to reduce the microbiological load.