Association between high or low-quality carbohydrate with depressive symptoms and socioeconomic-dietary factors model based on XGboost algorithm: From NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms are a serious public mental health problem, and dietary intake is often considered to be associated with depressive symptoms. However, the relationship between the quality of dietary carbohydrates and depressive symptoms remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between high and low-quality carbohydrates and depressive symptoms and to attempt to construct an integrated model using machine learning to predict depressive symptoms. METHODS: A total of 4982 samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this study. Carbohydrate intake was assessed by a 24-h dietary review, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9). Variance inflation factor (VIF) and Relief-F algorithms were used for variable feature selection. RESULTS: The results of multivariate linear regression showed a negative association between high-quality carbohydrates and depressive symptoms (ß: -0.147, 95 % CI: -0.239, -0.056, p = 0.002) and a positive association between low-quality carbohydrates and depressive symptoms (ß: 0.018, 95 % CI: 0.007, 0.280, p = 0.001). Subsequently, we used the XGboost model to produce a comprehensive depressive symptom evaluation model and developed a corresponding online tool (http://8.130.128.194:5000/) to evaluate depressive symptoms clinically. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional study could not yield any conclusions regarding causality, and the model has not been validated with external data. CONCLUSIONS: Carbohydrate quality is associated with depressive symptoms, and machine learning models that combine diet with socioeconomic factors can be a tool for predicting depression severity.

Algal carbohydrate polymers: Catalytic innovations for sustainable development.

Algal polysaccharides, harnessed for their catalytic potential, embody a compelling narrative in sustainable chemistry. This review explores the complex domains of algal carbohydrate-based catalysis, revealing its diverse trajectory. Starting with algal polysaccharide synthesis and characterization methods as catalysts, the investigation includes sophisticated techniques like NMR spectroscopy that provide deep insights into the structural variety of these materials. Algal polysaccharides undergo various preparation and modification techniques to enhance their catalytic activity such as immobilization. Homogeneous catalysis, revealing its significance in practical applications like crafting organic compounds and facilitating chemical transformations. Recent studies showcase how algal-derived catalysts prove to be remarkably versatile, showcasing their ability to customise reactions for specific substances. Heterogeneous catalysis, it highlights the significance of immobilization techniques, playing a central role in ensuring stability and the ability to reuse catalysts. The practical applications of heterogeneous algal catalysts in converting biomass and breaking down contaminants, supported by real-life case studies, emphasize their effectiveness. In sustainable chemistry, algal polysaccharides emerge as compelling catalysts, offering a unique intersection of eco-friendliness, structural diversity, and versatile catalytic properties. Tackling challenges such as dealing with complex structural variations, ensuring the stability of the catalyst, and addressing economic considerations calls for out-of-the-box and inventive solutions. Embracing the circular economy mindset not only assures sustainable catalyst design but also promotes efficient recycling practices. The use of algal carbohydrates in catalysis stands out as a source of optimism, paving the way for a future where chemistry aligns seamlessly with nature, guiding us toward a sustainable, eco-friendly, and thriving tomorrow. This review encapsulates-structural insights, catalytic applications, challenges, and future perspectives-invoking a call for collective commitment to catalyze a sustainable scientific revolution.

Impact of prolonged storage on quality assessment properties and constituents of honey: A systematic review.

This systematic review paper aims to discuss the trend in quality assessment properties and constituents of honey at different storage conditions and confer the possible whys and wherefores associated with the significant changes. Initially, a literature search was conducted through Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. In total, 43 manuscripts published between 2001 and 2023 that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen for the review. As an outcome of this review, prolonged honey storage could deteriorate sensory, nutritional, and antioxidant properties and promote fermentation, granulation, microbial growth, carcinogenicity, organotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. This systematic review also recognized that diastase activity, invertase activity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural content, proline content, sugar content, amino acids, and vitamins could be used as indicators to distinguish fresh and stored honey based on the significant test (p-value) in the reported studies. However, all the reported studies used the simplest approach (one-way ANOVA) to identify the significant differences in the analyzed parameter during the storage period and none of them reported an approach to identify the most influential parameter at different storage conditions. In conclusion, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (supervised multivariate statistical tool) has to be employed in future studies to find the most influential parameter and could be used to potent chemical markers to distinguish fresh and stored honey because this analysis is incorporated with S-plot, variable importance of projection, and one-way ANOVA, which can produce the most accurate and precise results rather solely depending on one-way ANOVA.

Optimization of cost-effective enzymatic saccharification using low-cost protic ionic liquid as pretreatment agent in Agave bagasse.

This work studied the optimization of enzymatic saccharification of Agave tequilana bagasse (ATB) pretreated with the low-cost protic ionic liquid (PIL) ethanolamine acetate ([EOA][OAc]) using the highly available and cost-effective mixture of the enzymatic cocktails Celluclast 1.5L-Viscozyme L. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to maximize the sugars concentration and yield. The RSM optimization conditions of the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated ATB that achieved the maximum reducing sugars (RS) concentration were: 11.50 % w/v solids loading, 4.26 pH with 0.76 and 1.86 mg protein/mL buffer of Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5L, respectively. Similarly, the conditions that maximize the sugar yield (SY) were solids loading of 5.62 % w/v, and 4.51 pH as well as 1.07 and 2.03 mg protein/mL buffer of Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5L, respectively. Saccharification performance of the first-generation and low-cost enzyme mixture Celluclast 1.5L-Viscozyme L was compared with that reached by a second-generation and higher-cost CTec2, where Celluclast 1.5L-Viscozyme L achieved 60.86 ± 2.66 % y 79.25 ± 3.34 % of the sugars released by CTec2 at the same hydrolysis time (12 h) for the sugar concentration and yield models, respectively. These results are encouraging since they positively contribute to cost reduction and availability issues, which are key parameters to consider when thinking about scaling-up the process.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Honey in Southwest Ethiopia: Detection of Adulteration through Analytical Simulation.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of honey in the supply chain from the Gera district to Jimma town in southwest Ethiopia and develop a predictive model to detect adulteration. A preliminary survey revealed that poor handling practices and adulteration negatively impacted honey's physicochemical and microbial quality. For laboratory analysis, 268 honey samples were collected from households, cooperatives, chira markets, Agaro markets, and Jimma markets. They were mixed separately to create composite samples representing different value chain actors. Laboratory results indicated that honey samples from supply chain actors confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) in physicochemical and microbial quality. The study found that the extent of adulteration and physicochemical quality loss increased from producers to Jimma retailers, indicating multiple-stage adulteration along the supply chain that could pose a risk to the safety and quality of the product. The physicochemical quality parameters of the honey samples in the study varied within the following ranges: moisture (18.35-19.42%), water activity (0.48-0.61), viscosity (7.45-10.28 Pas), pH (3.41-4.0), titratable acidity (34.01-36.03 meq/kg), ash (0.1-0.23%), electrical conductivity (0.25-0.39 mS/cm), Total Soluble Solid (75.9-77.5 °Brix), Water insoluble Solid (0.16-2.48 g/100 g), Diastase Activity (6-14 DN), and Hydroxymethylfurfural (0.2-27.7 mg/kg). Microbiological analyses showed that total aerobic bacterial and fungal load ranged from 2.7 × 101-2.29 × 102 and 3.2 × 101-4.57 × 102, respectively. A predictive model was developed using adulteration indicator parameters, showing good linearity (R2>90%) and predictive capacity for detecting adulteration with sugar syrup.

The effects of carbohydrate-restricted diet on psychological outcomes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

CONTEXT: Carbohydrate-restricted diets are widely used as an effective treatment tool for many chronic diseases. The impact of these diets on physical health is well known, but their impact on psychological health is less well described in the scientific literature. This is an important aspect to focus on, especially if the diets are to be sustainable in the long term. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature describing the effect of carbohydrate-restricted diets and ketogenic diets on psychological outcomes, as observed in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, the potential synergistic effect of carbohydrate-restricted diets and exercise or social factors on these outcomes was researched. DATA SOURCES: Five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE Complete) were searched without restriction of publication date. DATA EXTRACTION: The first data extraction was made in October 2020 and the second in May 2022. Abstract screening was performed by 3 independent reviewers. The quality of studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. DATA ANALYSIS: Sixteen randomized controlled studies were included in the analysis. Five studies focused on clinical populations, 9 on obese/overweight populations, and 2 on healthy populations; all studies examined adult people. Four psychological outcomes were identified (quality of life, mental health, mood, and fatigue), and they were examined in connection with a very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. CONCLUSION: Daily low-carbohydrate intake may not negatively affect psychological well-being, and low-carbohydrate diets and ketogenic diets are no worse than other diets in this respect. An intervention of 12 weeks or longer can bring benefits in psychological well-being. The synergistic effect of diet and exercise or social factors was not reviewed due to lack of evidence.

Fabrication of myristic acid-potato starch complex nanostructures and assessment of their cytotoxic behavior.

BACKGROUND: Lipids and carbohydrates perform essential functions in foods. In recent decades, food scientists have studied the effects of carbohydrate-lipid interactions on the functional properties of food. However, the ways in which carbohydrate-lipid complex-derived materials affect the biological system are unknown. In this study, a myristic acid-potato starch complex was created using a simple cooking approach. The complex was employed as a precursor for the fabrication of myristic acid-potato starch complex-based nanostructured materials (MPS-NMs) through a liquid-liquid extraction approach. A study was conducted on the structural and cytotoxic features of the fabricated MPS-NMs. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the formation of spherical nanostructures, 3-60 nm in size. After 24 h exposure, the chloroform fraction-based and n-hexane fraction-based MPS-NMs increased cell death by ~90% and ~ 82%, respectively. Chloroform fraction-based MPS-NMs (CMPS-NMs) triggers apoptotic cell death in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). n-Hexane fraction-based MPS-NMs (HMPS-NMs) treated cells have red color-intact nuclei, attributed to necrotic cell death. The CMPS-NMs and HMPS-NMs significantly decreased the mitochondria membrane potential and increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. We observed significant downregulation in flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM), and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) gene expression levels in the exposed cells of CMPS-NMs and HMPS- NMs. In addition, we found upregulation of glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR) and glutathione S-transferase A4 (GSTA4) genes in CMPS-NMs, and HMPS-NMs exposure. CONCLUSION: The cooking process may lead to the formation of nanostructured material in food systems. Chloroform fraction-based MPS-NMs and HMPS-NMs may contribute to cell metabolic disorders. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Accurate assessment of macronutrients and micro-elements of ten newly developed green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cultivars grown in Uttar Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: Green gram is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and minerals. However, accurate data on the nutritional composition of green gram remains scarce since most researchers reported the carbohydrate content using the 'by difference method'. The objective of the current study is to accurately estimate the nutritional and mineral composition of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). RESULTS: Ten newly developed varieties and three local varieties of green gram were subjected to proximate and mineral composition analysis. The green gram varieties differed significantly (P < 0.05) for proximate and mineral content. From the results, they contain 62.5 to 84.6 g/kg of moisture, 28.3-37.4 g/kg of ash, 21.9-3.08 g/kg of fat, 484.6-535.7 g/kg of carbohydrate, 228.7-277.6 g/kg of protein, and 118.3-157.9 g/kg of dietary fibre. The most abundant mineral found was phosphorus, ranging 2716.66-4473.49 mg/kg followed by 3183.31-3597.61 mg/kg of potassium, 1506.51-1713.93 mg/kg of magnesium, 166.38-340.62 mg/kg of calcium, 40.16-348.79 mg/kg of iron, 27.60-34.35 mg/kg of zinc, 5.95-12.86 mg/kg of copper and 8.65-19.47 mg/kg of manganese. CONCLUSION: The newly developed varieties of green gram showed high protein and dietary fibre content, while the local varieties were high in calcium and iron. Hence, both types of varieties are nutritionally significant. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Differences in Intakes of Select Nutrients by Urbanization Level in the United States Population 2 Years and Older, NHANES 2013-2018.

BACKGROUND: Differences in nutrient intakes by urbanization level in the Unites States is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: Describe, by urbanization level: 1) intake of protein, fiber, percent of energy from added sugars (AS) and saturated fat (SF), calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, and vitamin D; 2) the percent of the population meeting nutrient recommendations. METHODS: Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls from 23,107 participants aged 2 y and over from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed. Usual intakes were estimated, and linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and whether family income met the 130% threshold examined intake differences by urbanization levels-large urban areas (LUA), small to medium metro areas (SMMA), and rural areas (RA). RESULTS: A small percentage of the population met the nutrient recommendations, except for protein (92.8%) and iron (70.5%). A higher percentage of the population met recommendations than SMMA and RA for fiber (11.8% compared with 8.1% and 5.3%, P < 0.001), AS (40.2% compared with 33.4% and 31.3%, P < 0.001), SF (26.8% compared with 18.2% and 20.1%, P < 0.001), and potassium (31.5% compared with 25.5% and 22.0%, P < 0.001). Mean protein intake were also higher in LUA than RA (80.0 g compared with 77.7 g, P = 0.003) and fiber intake higher in LUA than SMMA (16.5 g compared with 15.9 g, P = 0.01) and RA (16.5 g compared with 15.2 g, P = 0.001). In addition, contributions to energy intake were lower in LUA than SMMA for AS (11.3% compared with 12.0%, P < 0.001) and SF (11.5% compared with 11.7%, P < 0.001), and for LUA than RA for AS (11.3% compared with 12.9%, P < 0.001) and SF (11.5% compared with 11.8%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RA had some markers of poorer diet quality-lower protein and fiber intake and higher AS intake-compared with LUA, and these differences persisted in adjusted regression models. These results may inform public health efforts to address health disparities by urbanization levels in the Unites States.

Assessment of nutrient adequacy in undergraduate students during the undertaking shipboard internship: using 12-day dietary recall through smartphone photography.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigated nutritional status and estimated the adequacy of dietary intake of university students during shipboard internships. METHODS: In this cross- sectional study, data were collected from 25 students out of 42 participants who attended in the research information session in the department of maritime at a university located in Jeonbook, South Korea. The dietary intake data was obtained using the 12-day dietary recall through smartphone photography during the shipboard internships. The data on dietary intake were used to calculate acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDRs), frequency of inappropriate intake of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) as a reference, intake ratio to the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and index of nutritional quality (INQ). RESULTS: The average age of subjects was 21.68 years and average BMIs in men and women were 25.67 kg/m2 and 23.44kg/m2, respectively. The average energy of men and women was 2018.66 kcal and 1727.87 kcal, respectively. More than half of the subjects did not meet the inappropriate range of the AMDRs for carbohydrates and fat. The NAR of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium among all 10 nutrients tended to be lower in both men and women. The MAR were 0.71 and 0.769. On the other hand, in both men and women, vitamin C had the lowest INQ (0.5 and 0.39). For men, grains and potatoes were the major contributors to energy and carbohydrates, and calcium contributed in the order of meat, fish and eggs and vegetables and fruits. Although the highest contributors to energy and carbohydrates for women were grains and potatoes, the contributions from meat, fish, and eggs were similar, and the major contributors to calcium were vegetables and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the inadequate nutritional status of university students engaged in shipboard internships with the aim of pursuing careers as seafarers, there is a need to provide additional nutritional education tailored to their specific circumstances. Additionally, professional health guidance should be provided to maintain optimal nutritional status.

The nutrient profile and cost of specialty dietary patterns: a hypothetical case study.

OBJECTIVE: Ketogenic and vegan diets have become increasingly popular. The rising popularity of these dietary trends has been met in kind by the food industry producing a variety of specialty ultra-processed foods (UPF). Despite increasing popularity, the cost and nutrient profile of vegan and ketogenic diets (KD) that rely on UPF specialty products is poorly understood. We aimed to assess the cost and nutrient profile of vegan and KD that relied primarily on UPF and compare this to those that relied primarily on whole foods. DESIGN: We designed and calculated the cost of four 1-d meal plans for a hypothetical weight-stable adult female. Two meal plans were created for the vegan-style and ketogenic-style diets, respectively, with one of each being predominantly whole food based and the other constituting primarily of UPF. Carbohydrates were limited to ≤50 g, protein was set at 15-20 % and fat ≥75 % for the ketogenic meal plans. Carbohydrates were set between 45 and 65 %, protein 15 and 25 % and fat 20 and 35 % for the vegan meal plans. FoodWorks dietary analysis software was used to assess data against the national Australian/New Zealand nutrient reference value for adult females and cost was calculated using Countdown online shopping (a local New Zealand supermarket). SETTING: New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: None. RESULTS: The whole food-based meal plans met a greater proportion of the macro and micronutrient thresholds and were less costly when compared with the specialty-based meal plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that well-planned, predominantly whole food diets (regardless of dietary trend) are nutritionally superior and more cost-effective than those that rely on UPF.

Assessment of energy and nutrient intake of sri lankan mothers with prior gestational diabetes mellitus at 6-week postpartum: A community-based study.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the leading causes for the future diabetes. Diet modification is an imperative part in attenuating this progression. Objectives: This study assessed energy and nutrient intakes of Sri Lankan mothers at 6 weeks after delivery, with the aim of developing specific dietary guidelines for postpartum mothers with GDM. Materials and Methods: A community-based, descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted as a part of a quasi-experimental study. Nutrient and energy intakes were assessed among 100 mothers using 24-h dietary recall and a validated food frequency questionnaire. Energy and nutrient intakes were analyzed using NutriSurvey 2007 (EBISpro, Germany) which was modified for native food recipes and food composition tables for Sri Lanka. Results: The mean ± standard deviation intakes of total calories, carbohydrate, protein, and fat were 2817 ± 984 kcal, 445 ± 186 g, 95 ± 39 g, and 87 ± 58 g, respectively. The total calorie intake was significantly higher when compared to recommended levels based on the body mass index in both normal weight (3033 ± 1122 vs. 2300 kcal/d; P < 0.00) and overweight or obese (2759 ± 944 vs. 1800 kcal/d; P < 0.00) postpartum women. In the obese group, daily carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes were significantly higher than the recommended values (P < 0.00). Folic acid intake was lower in both normal (23.7 vs. 400; P < 0.001) and obese or overweight (63 vs. 400; P < 0.001) groups. Conclusion: The study indicated that in majority of the mothers with GDM, the daily calorie and carbohydrate intakes were higher than the recommended. The findings suggest the need for developing a scientifically feasible and culturally acceptable dietary modification program. All macronutrients were taken more than the recommended amounts, especially in the overweight/obese group.

Açai Seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Are Agroindustrial Waste with High Potential to Produce Low-Cost Substrates after Acid Hydrolysis.

Açai seeds have been discarded improperly around the Amazonia region, but they can be seen as promising low-cost substrates for fermentation processes. The structural carbohydrates and physicochemical characterization of açai seeds from the Amazonia were assessed followed by the determination of the optimal hydrolysis conditions using H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) and H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) to obtain a liquor with high contents of simple carbohydrates and low levels of potential microbial inhibitors usually generated during acid hydrolysis of carbohydrates. A central composite rotational design was carried out varying the concentrations of diluted acid (0-5%, w/v), solids (0.1-25%, w/v), and hydrolysis time (9.5-110 min). Acid hydrolysis with H2SO4 was more effective in producing reducing sugars (15.9-103.1 g/L) than H3PO4 (2.9-33.9 g/L) during optimization. The optimal hydrolysis conditions with H2SO4 were 3.5% of acid (w/v), 25% of solids during 70 min at 121 °C, which provided a liquor with 55 g/L of reducing sugars and low levels of microbial inhibitors: acetic acid (1.8 g/L), hydroxymethyl furfural (338 mg/L), and furfural (10 mg/L). Thus, açai seeds were characterized as promising agroindustrial waste with high potential to be used as a low-cost substrate in biotechnological processes, comprising relevant environmental and bioeconomic aspects for the development of the Amazonia.

Association of carbohydrate intake from different sources with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among chronic kidney disease populations: assessment of 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participation.

This study analysed the data from the NHANES (1999-2018) to examine how different sources of carbohydrate intake affected the all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of 11,302 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The data were adjusted for other factors using various methods. The results showed that CKD patients (stages 1-2 and 3-5) who consumed more carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and less carbohydrates from fruit juice or sauces had lower mortality rates. Replacing fat intake with carbohydrates from whole grains (HR = 0.86[0.78-0.95]), fruits (raw) (HR = 0.79[0.70-0.88]) and non-starchy vegetables (HR = 0.82[0.70-0.96]), but not protein intake, was linked to lower all-cause mortality. The fibre content in carbohydrates might partly account for the benefits of selected carbohydrate intake. This study provided practical recommendations for optimising the carbohydrate sources in CKD patients.

A low-cost efficient online derivatization system for the determination of saccharides by high-performance liquid chromatograph-ultraviolet detector.

In this study, a low-cost efficient online derivatization system was developed which allows for the detection of various types of mono- and oligo-saccharides only utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ultraviolet detector (UV) system. In the proposed method, phenylhydrazine was used as the derivatization reagent and directly spiked in the mobile phase, allowing for the separation and detection of mono- and oligosaccharides in an accessible instrument system (HPLC-UV). And the online derivatization design of the proposed method has significantly reduced the potential harm of derivatization reagents to the analysts. Furthermore, critical chromatographic parameters were optimized via the Box-Behnken design strategy, culminating in the ideal response for saccharides. Finally, the methodology validation of the proposed method was conducted. The proposed method showed satisfactory linear ranges with acceptable correlation coefficients (R2  > 0.99), outstanding accuracy (Recovery: 95.3%-105.6%), high intra-day precision (relative standard deviation [RSD]: 1.4%-7.1%) and inter-day precision (RSD: 2.0%-7.4%). The robustness and ruggedness of the proposed method were proved as the recovery values in the range of 95.0%-104.6% and 95.1%-104.8% for robustness and ruggedness, respectively. These satisfactory validation results confirm the applicability and reliability of the proposed method for the analysis of saccharides in various complex real-world samples.

Comprehensive assessment of biorefinery potential for biofuels production from macroalgal biomass: Towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy and greener future.

Marine macroalgae have attracted significant interest as a viable resource for biofuel and value-added chemical production due to their abundant availability, low production costs, and high carbohydrate and lipid content. The growing awareness of socio-economic factors worldwide has led to a greater consideration of marine macroalgae as a sustainable source for biofuel production and the generation of valuable products. The integration of biorefinery techniques into biofuel production processes holds immense potential for fostering the development of a circular bioeconomy on a broad scale. Extensive research was focused on the technoeconomic and environmental impact analysis of biofuel production from macroalgal biomass. The integrated biorefinery processes offers valuable pathways for the practical implementation of macroalgae in diverse conversion technologies. These studies provided crucial insights into the large-scale industrial production of biofuels and associated by-products. This review explores the utilization of marine macroalgal biomass for the production of biofuels and biochemicals. It examines the application of assessment tools for evaluating the sustainability of biorefinery processes, including process integration and optimization, life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, socio-economic analysis, and multi-criteria decision analysis. The review also discusses the limitations, bottlenecks, challenges, and future perspectives associated with utilizing macroalgal biomass for the production of biofuels and value-added chemicals.

Estimated Energy Expenditures and Energy Intakes of International Female Rugby Sevens Players in Five Days of a Training Camp and Competition Preparation.

To understand the energy balance of international female rugby sevens (R7s) players in applied environments, this study estimated the energy intakes (EI) and total daily estimated energy expenditures (TDEE) during a five-day training camp (TRAIN) and phase of competition preparation (COMP) of equal duration. Tri-axial accelerometer devices were worn throughout both scenarios to estimate TDEE, whereas EI was estimated via self-reported food diaries. Energy deficits of -47% (TDEETRAIN: 14.6 ± 1.6 MJ·day-1, EITRAIN: 7.7 ± 0.9 MJ·day-1, p ≤ 0.001, d = 5.1) and -50% (TDEECOMP: 15.5 ± 1.6 MJ·day-1, EICOMP: 7.7 ± 1.0 MJ·day-1, p ≤ 0.001, d = 5.7) were observed throughout TRAIN (n = 11; age: 25 ± 4 years, height: 170 ± 6 cm, weight: 71 ± 7 kg) and COMP (n = 8; age: 25 ± 3 years, height: 172 ± 5 cm, weight: 72 ± 6 kg), respectively. Carbohydrate intakes were below the lower range of sports nutrition recommendations in both TRAIN (-62%; 2.3 ± 0.3 g·kg-1 BM, p ≤ 0.001) and COMP (-60%; 2.4 ± 0.5 g·kg-1 BM, p ≤ 0.001). For protein (TRAIN: 1.7 ± 0.4 g·kg-1 BM, COMP: 1.5 ± 0.1 g·kg-1 BM), intakes met the lower range of recommendations. Fat intake exceeded recommendations of the percentage of total EI (COMP: 39 ± 5%). Accordingly, the dietary strategies of international female R7s players may warrant optimization, as carbohydrate and fat intakes were less than optimal when compared to current performance-based sports nutrition guidelines.

Food insecurity is associated with glycemic markers, and socioeconomic status and low-cost diets are associated with lipid metabolism in Mexican mothers.

The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and chronic disease has recently become more evident in middle- and low-income countries. We hypothesized that poor socioeconomic conditions, such as food insecurity, low educational level, or low SES, may restrict access to a healthy diet and may be associated with cardiometabolic risk independently of body fat. This study examined the relation between socioeconomic indicators, body fat, and cardiometabolic disease risk markers in a random sample of mothers living in Queretaro, Mexico. Young and middle-aged mothers (n = 321) answered validated questionnaires to determine SES, food insecurity, and educational level and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary patterns and the cost of individual diet. Clinical measurements included anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids profile, glucose, and insulin. Obesity was present in 29% of the participants. Women with moderate food insecurity had higher waist circumference, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance than women with food security. High triglyceride concentration and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with lower SES and lower educational level. Women who consumed a lower carbohydrate diet had higher SES, higher education, and better cardiovascular risk markers. The higher carbohydrate diet profile was the least expensive diet. There was an inverse association between the cost and energy-density of foods. In conclusion, food insecurity was associated with glycemic control markers, and lower SES and education were related to a low-cost, higher carbohydrate diet and to a greater cardiovascular risk. The influence of the social environment on obesity and cardiovascular diseases needs to be further explored.

Unequivocally large, but not enormous: An examination of the nutritional content of objective and subjective binge-eating episodes using ecological momentary assessment data.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the macronutrient profiles of subjective binge-eating episodes (SBEs), objective binge-eating episodes (OBEs), and typical eating episodes. METHOD: Twenty-one adults with binge eating completed ecological momentary assessment of all eating episodes for 2 weeks, including detailed monitoring of food types and portions. Binge-eating episodes (N = 237) were coded as OBEs (n = 76) or SBEs (n = 161). Calories and macronutrients were computed using manufacturer information and USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Multilevel regression models compared the eating episode types on caloric and macronutrient content. RESULTS: OBEs contained an average of 121.5 (95.1) g fat, 363.7 (289.1) g carbohydrates, 65.2 (38.2) g protein, 20.9 (16.4) g fiber, and 2856.2 (1869.2) calories. SBEs contained 31.6 (30.5) g fat, 76.5 (54.0) g carbohydrates, 20.5 (21.6) g protein, 5.3 (5.9) g fiber, and 695.1 (505.9) calories. Although OBEs contained significantly more calories and grams of all macronutrients than SBEs (p < .001), the macronutrient proportions of OBEs and SBEs did not differ. The proportions of carbohydrates (p = .005) and protein (p < .001) in SBEs significantly differed from typical eating episodes. DISCUSSION: Our findings offer preliminary evidence that OBEs and SBEs are more comparable in macronutrient profile than typical eating episodes. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present study compared the calories and grams of macronutrients in objectively large binge-eating episodes, subjectively large binge-eating episodes, and typical meals and snacks. Results suggest that objectively and subjectively large binge-eating episodes demonstrate similar profiles of macronutrients, which are different from the macronutrient profile of meals and snacks. These results may help the eating disorder field better study the impact of subjectively large binge-eating episodes.

Effect of Non- and Low-Caloric Sweeteners on Substrate Oxidation, Energy Expenditure, and Catecholamines in Humans-A Systematic Review.

The use of non- and low-caloric sweetener(s) (NCS and LCS) as a means to prevent overweight and obesity is highly debated, as both NCS and LCS have been proposed to have a negative impact on energy homeostasis. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of NCS and LCS on fasting and postprandial substrate oxidation, energy expenditure, and catecholamines, compared to caloric sweeteners or water, across different doses and types of NCS and LCS, acutely and in the longer-term. A total of 20 studies were eligible: 16 studies for substrate oxidation and energy expenditure and four studies for catecholamines. Most studies compared the acute effects of NCS or LCS with caloric sweeteners under non-isoenergetic conditions. These studies generally found higher fat oxidation and lower carbohydrate oxidation with NCS or LCS than with caloric sweeteners. Findings for energy expenditure were inconsistent. With the limited number of studies, no convincing pattern for the remaining outcomes and comparisons could be seen. In conclusion, drinks or meals with NCS or LCS resulted in higher fat and lower carbohydrate oxidation compared to caloric sweeteners. No other conclusions could be drawn due to insufficient or inconsistent results. Further studies in this research field are warranted.