Advanced Tandem Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Complex Mixtures of Triacylglycerol Regioisomers: A Case Study of Bovine Milk Fat.

Comprehensive analysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) regioisomers is extremely challenging, with many variables that can influence the results. Previously, we reported a novel algorithmic method for resolving regioisomers of complex mixtures of TAGs. In the current study, the TAG Analyzer software and its mass spectrometric fragmentation model were further developed and validated for a much wider range of TAGs. To demonstrate the method, we performed for the first time a comprehensive analysis of TAG regioisomers of bovine milk fat, a very important and one of the most complex TAG mixtures in nature containing FAs ranging from short to long carbon chains. This analysis method forms a solid basis for further investigation of TAG regioisomer profiles in various natural fats and oils, potentially aiding in the development of new and healthier foods and nutraceuticals with targeted lipid structures.

Removal of PAHs, TSS, oils and fats from ammonium-rich coke wastewater by granular filtration.

Coke wastewater is a complex industrial wastewater due to its high content of toxic compounds such as cyanides, thiocyanates, phenols, tar, oils, and fats. After a series of treatments, wastewater with a high ammonium content is obtained (around 4,150 mg·L-1). A stripping process is used to reduce it. Certain pollutants in the influent, such as tar, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oils, fats and total suspended solids (TSS), interfere with stripping and therefore must be previously removed. In this study, the performance of a pilot-scale airlift sand filter was evaluated under real conditions for the reduction of the concentration of tar, PAHs, oils, fats and TSS, before stripping. Prior to the sand filter, a cationic flocculant was added to the influent (2 ppm). High (10 mm.min-1), medium (7.5 mm.min-1) and low sand speeds (1.9-2.6 mm.min-1) were assessed. The latter conditions gave the best results: a decrease of 98.2% in TSS, 99.7% in oils, fats and grease and 97.6% in PAHs. The final effluent (≤ 1.6 mg PAHs·L-1, ≤ 5 mg TSS·L-1 and ≤ 0.05 mg·L-1 of fats, oils and grease) was suitable for the stripping process.

Nutritional factors affecting camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk composition.

Saharan population in Algeria still depending on bovine milk, which suffers from serious constraints undermining its sustainability. Camelus dromedarius milk has experienced growing demand following the emerging market requirements for livestock production and dairy farming over the past decade. The present work aimed at analysing the effect of nutritional regime on milk quality. The differences in pH, Acidity D°, Ash and Fats were significant. The pH was negatively influenced by the intensification conditions such as the much higher use of concentrates. The major constituents of milk were strongly and positively correlated with barley, wheat bran, TN/Kg.DM (Total Nitrogen/ Kg. Dry Matter), Kg.DM, Concentrates and daily watering. The results showed that a good energy-protein balance around 73 g PDI/UFL (Protein Digestible in the Intestine/Energetic Forage Unit for milk production) was beneficial for a better milk protein ratio. The use of corn, soybeans, palm dates and VM-premix (Vitamin Mineral) supplementation were also favourable to the synthesis of fats. Crude fiber and cell walls were better valued in the synthesis of fats with the availability of concentrates and the increasing of TN /Kg.DM and VM-premix rate in dietary regime. The vitamin C content elevate following high ratio of UFL /Kg.DM and PDI/UFL. For thus, the influence of nutritional status can lead to major improvements that need also more advanced and detailed studies.

Component analysis of fat, oil and grease in wastewater: challenges and opportunities.

The presence of fat, oil and grease can lead to blockages in sewer lines, pumps, and treatment plant operations, thereby creating health risks and environmental hazards. These deposits primarily consist of fatty acids, triglycerides and soap, among other components. These three main components are hydrophobic and insoluble in water. The composition of FOG can vary significantly depending on the source, such as food service establishments, households, or industrial processes. Several analytical methods, such as chromatographic, gravimetric, chemical and spectroscopic analysis, are used to measure different FOG components. AOAC, Gerber and APHA are the most commonly utilized standardized analytical methods for measuring FOG components. The AOAC and Gerber methods, which use gas chromatography, tend to provide more accurate results compared to other methods. This can be attributed to GC's ability to measure individual fatty acids in FOG samples by separating and quantifying each compound based on its unique chemical properties, such as volatility, polarity and molecular weight. Similarly, high-performance liquid chromatography is capable of measuring glycerides by separating and quantifying them based on their polarity and molecular weight. This article delves into the challenge of accurately measuring FOG concentrations and evaluates various FOG measurement technologies. The study also discusses the need for standardized methods for FOG measurement, highlighting the importance of understanding FOG deposits and the performance of grease interceptors.

Differentiation of lard from other animal fats based on n-Alkane profiles using chemometric analysis.

Adulteration of lard with other fats and oils in food production affects many areas including economics, religion, and health. Previous studies discriminated lard based on major components of fats, i.e. triglycerides and fatty acids. This study aimed to differentiate lard and other animal fats (beef, chicken and mutton fat) based on n-alkane profiles established by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) were able to initiate clustering of lard and other animal fats. Good result was obtained using Random Forest (RF) and Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Statistical models propose tetracosane (C24) as a potential n-alkane marker and it was found that C24 was the major alkane with composition of 15.72% (GC-MS) of total alkanes identified. Based on this finding, more interesting study may potentially be explored for the interest of various fats and oils consumers in vast applications especially using chemometrics analysis.

Effects of monensin supplementation on lactation performance of dairy cows: a systematic review and dose-response meta­analysis.

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review with meta-analysis to determine the effects of the dose-response relationship between monensin supplementation and dairy cow performance and milk composition. Results from 566 full-text articles and 48 articles with 52 studies were meta-analyzed for pooled estimates. Monensin supplementation up to 23 ppm increased milk production, with the optimal dose being 12.6 ppm. Monensin supplementation at doses ranging from 16 to 96 ppm increased milk production in the prepartum phase (- 28 to 0 day relative to calving). From 60 to 150 DIM, monensin supplementation up to 21 ppm had a significant positive effect on this outcome, while supplementation in the 37 to 96 ppm range caused a decrease in this variable. At 0 to 60 and > 150 DIM, monensin supplementation had no effect on milk yield. At dosages of 22 to 96 ppm, 12 to 36 ppm, and below 58 ppm and 35 ppm, respectively, monensin supplementation resulted in significant decreases in dry matter intake (DMI), milk protein percentage, milk fat percentage, and milk fat yield. Overall, based on the results of this meta-analysis and considering all variables, the recommended optimal dose of monensin could be about 16 ppm.

Relationship of liver fat content with systemic metabolism and chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the correlation of liver fat content (LFC) with metabolic characteristics and its association with chronic complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: Eighty-one prospectively enrolled T2DM patients were divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group and the non-NAFLD group according to the presence of NAFL complications. LFC was determined by MRI IDEAL-IQ Sequence, and patients were divided into 4 groups according to LFC by quartile method. Basic information, metabolic indexes, and occurrence of chronic complications in different groups were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: BMI, SBP, DBP, TG, ALT, AST, GGT, UA, HbA1c, FCP, 2 h CP, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-IS in the NAFLD group were significantly higher than the non-NAFLD group (P < 0.05). The incidences of chronic complications in the NAFLD group were higher than in the non-NAFLD group but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, ALT, AST, FCP, 2 h CP, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-IS showed significant differences between the patients with different LFC, and these indexes were significantly higher in patients with higher LFC than those with lower LFC (P < 0.05). Moreover, diabetes duration, TC, HOMA-IR, and LFC were the risk factors for ASCVD complications, while diabetes duration, TG, and LDL-C were risk factors for DN complications. Also, diabetes duration and SBP were risk factors for both DR and DPN complications in T2DM patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LFC is positively correlated with the severity of the systemic metabolic disorder and chronic complications in T2DM patients.

Physical and chemical characteristics of fat, oil and grease deposits in Chinese kitchen drainage systems.

The blockage of kitchen pipes seriously affects people's normal life. Minimal research is reported on fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits in kitchen drainage pipes in China. In this study, 16 collected kitchen pipe deposits from various pipe materials are tested using physical and chemical methods. Experimental results show that samples have rough surfaces with porosity between 7 and 20% and appear as milky white lumps with moisture content less than 30% and the density is less than 1.000 g/cm3. Larger diameter of pipes can short blockage period. The oil content varies in deposits. The frequency of restaurants using oil is eight times higher than the family kitchen and the number of oil using is four times. The types of all free fatty acids in the samples are C14-C20, and the content of C16H32O2 is the highest. The highest metal content in the sample is calcium ion, up to 605.036 mg/L. Not only samples have a discontinuity formation process, but also characteristic absorption spectrum between 1300 and 1420, 1550 and 1610 and 1745 cm-1 also draws that saponification reaction occurs during the formation of these samples. The composition and formation rules of FOG deposits analysed can provide reference to prevent and remove blockages in the pipes and develop the kitchen drainage system in China.

Investigation of used cooking oil on the formation of FOG deposits in sewer line clogging.

Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits, resulting from saponification reaction, have been identified as the primary source of blockage of sewer pipes. This mainly emanates from the adhesion of these deposits on pipe walls, culminating in the sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). This undesired phenomenon poses several challenges for municipalities, including environmental issues, health-related hazards, and an increase in incurred costs. Unlike the previous literature, the present study, for the first time, attempts to characterize the effect of used cooking oils (a mixture of different oils) as a perceived crux, triggering the genesis of deposits. The experimental results revealed that there exists a host of physical and chemical disparities between fresh oil calcium soaps (FOCSs) and used oil calcium soaps (UOCSs). Notably, when mixed with water, FOCSs produced non-miscible layers, whereas a homogenous, sticky, and viscous solution observed for UOCSs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis casts light on the fact that the heating process would greatly influence the oil chemical structure and its resultant calcium soaps. In comparison with calcium chloride, as time elapsed, the optical microscope images illustrated that the calcium sulfate clots formation proceeded at an accelerated rate, delivering particles with larger sizes. Viscosity and adhesion are two prominent distinctions between soaps. In sharp contrast to soap produced from oil with a higher palmitic acid content, it was discerned that the oil containing less palmitic acid generates UOCSs with higher viscosity and adhesion than FOCSs. It can therefore be inferred that the distinct chemical structures driven by high temperature during the cooking process produce soaps with different characteristics as compared with fresh oil. This phenomenon would have a profound impact on the formation of the deposits in sewer lines.

The role of restaurant wastewater for producing bioenergy towards a circular bioeconomy: A review on composition, environmental impacts, and sustainable integrated management.

Population inflation has led to the unprecedented increase in urbanization, thus causing negative impacts on environmental sustainability. Recently, there is an upsurge in the number of restaurants due to the changing lifestyles of the people round the globe. For instance, there were 167,490 food and beverage establishments in 2015, representing an annual growth rate of 5.1% since 2010 in Malaysia. The rapid growth of restaurants has implicated a negative impact due to the generation of highly polluted restaurant wastewater (RWW). RWW is mainly generated during the cooking, washing, and cleaning operations. RWW typically contain fat, oil, and grease (FOG) resulting from residues of meat, deep-fried food, baked items and butter, and has caused serious blockages of sewer due to clogging and eventually sewage backup. This has increased the required frequency of cleaning and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Results from the previous studies have shown that FOG can be treated using physical, chemical, and biological processes. Different technologies have been applied for the treatment of FOG and other pollutants (COD, BOD, SS and NH4-N) present in RWW. Therefore, this review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of RWW, chemical and physical characteristics of FOG with the mechanism of its formation and utilization for biocomposites, biogas and biodiesel productions for circular bioeconomy. Besides, this review has discussed the potential treatment technologies comprehensively for RWW which is currently remain understudied. Integrated sustainable management of FOG with technoeconomic analysis of bioproducts, sustainable management with international initiatives and previous studies are also summarized. Hence, this review aims towards providing better alternatives in managing RWW at sources, including its treatment and potential of its biorefinery, therefore eventually contributing towards environmental sustainability.

On-Site Measurement of Fat and Protein Contents in Milk Using Mobile NMR Technology.

Robust and easy-to-use NMR sensor technology is proposed for accurate, on-site determination of fat and protein contents in milk. The two parameters are determined using fast consecutive 1H and 35Cl low-field NMR experiments on milk samples upon the 1:1 addition of a low-cost contrast solution. Reliable and accurate measurements are obtained without tedious calibrations and the need for extensive database information and may readily be conducted by non-experts in production site environments. This enables on-site application at farms or dairies, or use in laboratories harvesting significant reductions in costs and time per analysis as compared to wet-chemistry analysis. The performance is demonstrated for calibration samples, various supermarket milk products, and raw milk samples, of which some were analyzed directly in the milking room. To illustrate the wide application range, the supermarket milk products included both conventionally/organically produced, lactose-free milk, cow's, sheep's and goat's milk, homogenized and unhomogenized milk, and a broad nutrient range (0.1-9% fat, 1-6% protein). Excellent agreement between NMR measurements and reference values, without corrections or changes in calibration for various products and during extensive periods of experiment conduction (4 months) demonstrates the robustness of the procedure and instrumentation. For the raw milk samples, correlations between NMR and IR, NMR and wet-chemistry, as well as IR and wet-chemistry results, show that NMR, in terms of accuracy, compares favorably with the other methods.

Relationship between adiponectin and intramuscular fat content determined by ultrasonography in older adults.

Age-associated intramuscular adipose tissue (IntraMAT) deposition induces the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between IntraMAT and biochemical parameters in older adults remains unclear. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to elucidate the relationship between adiponectin and echo intensity-estimated IntraMAT using ultrasonography in normal-weight older adults (men 9, women 13) and examine biochemical parameters. Blood tests were performed to determine fasting levels of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol (Total-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acid, triglycerides (TGs), adiponectin, leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor, and homoeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Mean gray-scale echo intensity was calculated as the IntraMAT index of the vastus lateralis. Waist circumference was measured at the level of the navel as the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) index. Echo intensity was significantly inversely correlated with adiponectin or LDL-C, and that was significantly positively correlated with TG. Adiponectin level was inversely correlated with waist circumference. Partial correlation analysis with waist circumference as the control variable revealed that adiponectin was inversely correlated with echo intensity, independent of waist circumference, whereas no such correlation was observed after controlling for LDL-C and TG levels. When biochemical parameters were grouped in the principal component analysis, among men, Total-C, insulin, and HOMA-IR or hemoglobin A1c, and high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor-alpha were grouped with the same distribution for factors 1 and 2. Among women, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and Total-C or TGs were grouped with the same distribution for factors 1 and 2. These data suggest that adiponectin level is related to IntraMAT content, independent of VAT in normal-weight older adults. The dynamics of adiponectin might not be similar to those of other circulating biochemical parameters in older men and women.

Impact of high-pressure treatment on casein micelles, whey proteins, fat globules and enzymes activity in dairy products: a review.

The quality and safety of food products are the two factors that most influence the demands made by consumers. Contractual food sterilization and preservation methods often result in unfavorable changes in functional properties of foods. High-pressure processing (HPP) (50-1000 MPa) is a non-thermal preservation technique, which can effectively reduce the activity of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms with minimal impact on the functional and nutritional properties of food. Comprehensive inquires have disclosed the potential profits of HPP as an alternative to heat treatments by affecting the structure of milk components, particularly proteins and fats. The present paper aims to investigate the effects of HPP on milk components including fats, casein, whey proteins, enzymes, and minerals, as well as on the industrial production of milk and dairy products including cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, cream, and probiotic dairy products. HPP allows to extend shelf life of products without the use of additives, meeting current consumer demands. The assurance of microbial safety and the production of food products with minimal changes in quality characteristics (organoleptic, nutritional, and rheological properties) are among its main effects. In addition, the nutritional value of HPP-treated dairy products is also preserved.

Indicators of full value feeding rations for dairy cows / Indicadores de rações de valor total para vacas leiteiras

This article presents the results of the level of feeding and the health status of dairy cows in a commercial dairy farm on the content of the main components in milk (fat, protein, urea). The aim of the research was to study the milk productivity and composition of milk of cows, to analyze the level of feeding and the content of basic nutrients in the diet of the farm. The farm breeds purebred Holstein cattle with a high genetic potential for productivity. The milking herd was formed in 2009 on the basis of 600 heads of Holstein-Friesian heifers imported from Hungary, as well as 65 heads of Holsteinized heifers of Ukrainian selection from Ukraine in 2015. Today the livestock numbers about 1,500 head of cattle, of which there are about 900 breeders. On the territory of the farm there are: 3 cowsheds for keeping cows, an insemination room, a milking parlor with a parallel installation of the Delaval company, in which 48 cows are milked for one milking, the ABK, where the manager’s office, livestock technician, accounting is located, and a mini-hotel with dining room and lounges. Dairy bases are equipped with auto-drinkers, ventilation, plumbing, electric lighting, manure removal mechanisms, and a milking installation. The object of the research was Holstein cows in the amount of 483 heads of Aina Dairy Farm LLP. The studies were carried out according to generally accepted zootechnical methods using modern equipment for conducting analyzes and interstate and state standards. The research results showed that the milk productivity of cows averaged 19.5 kg per day, the fat content 4.3%, the protein 3.9%, the number of somatic cells 230.5 thousand units / ml, urea 45.3 mg / 100 ml respectively. Analyzing the [...].

Este artigo apresenta os resultados do nível de alimentação e do estado de saúde de vacas leiteiras em uma fazenda comercial leiteira sobre o conteúdo dos principais componentes do leite (gordura, proteína, ureia). O objetivo da pesquisa foi estudar a produtividade e composição do leite de vacas, analisar o nível de alimentação e o teor de nutrientes básicos na dieta da fazenda. A fazenda produz gado holandês de raça pura com alto potencial genético de produtividade. O rebanho leiteiro foi formado em 2009 com base em 600 cabeças de novilhas Holstein-Friesian importadas da Hungria, bem como 65 cabeças de novilhas holsteinizadas da seleção ucraniana em 2015. Hoje o gado totaliza cerca de 1.500 cabeças de gado, das quais existem cerca de 900 criadores. No território da fazenda existem: 3 estábulos para criação de vacas, uma sala de inseminação, uma sala de ordenha com instalação paralela da empresa Delaval, na qual são ordenhadas 48 vacas para cada ordenha, a ABK, onde fica o escritório do gestor, pecuária técnica, a contabilidade está localizada, e um mini-hotel com refeitório e salões. As bases leiteiras são equipadas com bebedouros automáticos, ventilação, encanamento, iluminação elétrica, mecanismo de remoção de esterco e instalação de ordenha. O objeto da pesquisa foram vacas da raça holandesa no valor de 483 cabeças da Aina Dairy Farm LLP. Os estudos foram realizados de acordo com métodos zootécnicos geralmente aceitos, utilizando equipamentos modernos para a realização de análises e padrões interestaduais e estaduais. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que a produtividade do leite das vacas era em média 19,5 kg por dia, o teor de gordura 4,3%, a proteína 3,9%, o número de células somáticas 230,5 mil unidades / ml, ureia 45,3 mg / 100 ml respectivamente. A análise do nível de ureia no leite [...].

Bacterial factors of mastitis in lactating women and its effect on the physical properties and chemical composition of breast milk.

Mastitis is a complication seen in some breastfeeding mothers and is the most common inflammatory lesion of the breast in breastfeeding mothers. In this complication, breast milk undergoes chemical and physical changes. It can lead to a drop in breastfeeding, weight loss, and, consequently, stunted growth of infants. Bacteria are the main cause of breast inflammation. Therefore, in this study, bacterial factors of mastitis were evaluated in lactating women. Also, their effects were considered on the physical properties and chemical composition of mothers' breast milk. For this purpose, 210 breastfeeding mothers referred to health centers were randomly selected, and their milk samples were collected. In addition to collecting mothers' demographic information by a questionnaire, the chemical composition (sugar, protein, and fat) and the physical properties (pH, density, and freezing temperature) of milk were measured. Bacterial evaluations were performed on the milk of these mothers by catalase test, coagulase test, and mannitol salt agar. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and T-test. The results showed that 56 mothers had mastitis, and Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the main bacteria in the milk of these mastitis mothers. These bacteria caused physical and chemical changes in breast milk so that mothers with Staphylococcus aureus mastitis had less sugar in their milk, and mothers with coagulase-negative staphylococci had less protein in their milk. Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus may reduce milk sugar by consuming milk sugar, and coagulase-negative staphylococci may also target milk protein. But to confirm these results, a larger population of mothers with mastitis is needed. Further studies are also needed to prove this result.

MEK6 Overexpression Exacerbates Fat Accumulation and Inflammatory Cytokines in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

Obesity is a state of abnormal fat accumulation caused by an energy imbalance potentially caused by changes in multiple factors. MEK6 engages in cell growth, such as inflammation and apoptosis, as one of the MAPK signaling pathways. The MEK6 gene was found to be related to RMR, a gene associated with obesity. Because only a few studies have investigated the correlation between MEK6 and obesity or the relevant mechanisms, we conducted an experiment using a TgMEK6 model with MEK6 overexpression with non-Tg and chow diet as the control to determine changes in lipid metabolism in plasma, liver, and adipose tissue after a 15-week high-fat diet (HFD). MEK6 overexpression in the TgMEK6 model significantly increased body weight and plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. p38 activity declined in the liver and adipose tissues and lowered lipolysis, oxidation, and thermogenesis levels, contributing to decreased energy consumption. In the liver, lipid formation and accumulation increased, and in adipose, adipogenesis and hypertrophy increased. The adiponectin/leptin ratio significantly declined in plasma and adipose tissue of the TgMEK6 group following MEK6 expression and the HFD, indicating the role of MEK6 expression in adipokine regulation. Plasma and bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) of the TgMEK6 group increased MEK6 expression-dependent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines but decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, further exacerbating the results exhibited by the diet-induced obesity group. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the synergistic effect of MEK6 with HFD in fat accumulation by significantly inhibiting the mechanisms of lipolysis in the adipose and M2 associated cytokines secretion in the BMDM.

Intraepineurial fat quantification and cross-sectional area analysis of the sciatic nerve using MRI in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A patients.

The objectives of this study were to assess the fat fraction (FF) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the sciatic nerve in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients using Dixon-based proton density fat quantification MRI and to elucidate its potential association with clinical parameters. Thigh MRIs of 18 CMT1A patients and 18 age- and sex-matched volunteers enrolled for a previous study were reviewed. Analyses for FF and CSA of the sciatic nerve were performed at three levels (proximal to distal). CSA and FF were compared between the two groups and among the different levels within each group. The relationship between the MRI parameters and clinical data were assessed in the CMT1A patients. The CMT1A patients showed significantly higher FF at level 3 (p = 0.0217) and significantly larger CSA at all three levels compared with the control participants (p < 0.0001). Comparisons among levels showed significantly higher FF for levels 2 and 3 than for level 1 and significantly larger CSA for level 2 compared with level 1 in CMT1A patients. CSA at level 3 correlated positively with the CMT neuropathy score version 2 (CMTNSv2). In conclusion, the sciatic nerve FF of CMT1A patients was significantly higher on level 3 compared with both the controls and the measurements taken on more proximal levels, suggesting the possibility of increased intraepineurial fat within the sciatic nerves of CMT1A patients, with a possible distal tendency. Sciatic nerve CSA at level 3 correlated significantly and positively with CMTNSv2, suggesting its potential value as an imaging marker for clinical severity.

Intramuscular fat in gluteus maximus for different levels of physical activity.

We aimed to determine if gluteus maximus (GMAX) fat infiltration is associated with different levels of physical activity. Identifying and quantifying differences in the intramuscular fat content of GMAX in subjects with different levels of physical activity can provide a new tool to evaluate hip muscles health. This was a cross-sectional study involving seventy subjects that underwent Dixon MRI of the pelvis. The individuals were divided into four groups by levels of physical activity, from low to high: inactive patients due to hip pain; and low, medium and high physical activity groups of healthy subjects (HS) based on hours of exercise per week. We estimated the GMAX intramuscular fat content for each subject using automated measurements of fat fraction (FF) from Dixon images. The GMAX volume and lean volume were also measured and normalized by lean body mass. The effects of body mass index (BMI) and age were included in the statistical analysis. The patient group had a significantly higher FF than the three groups of HS (median values of 26.2%, 17.8%, 16.7% and 13.7% respectively, p < 0.001). The normalized lean volume was significantly larger in the high activity group compared to all the other groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.02). Employing a hierarchical linear regression analysis, we found that hip pain, low physical activity, female gender and high BMI were statistically significant predictors of increased GMAX fat infiltration.

Effect of E-cigarettes aerosol exposure during lactation in rats: Hormonal and biochemical aspects.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been marketed as a less lethal substitute for smoking traditional cigarettes. This study aims to investigate the impact of e-cigarettes aerosol exposure on lactating dams and pups, whose dams were exposed. Lactating dams received fresh air (control) or e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation (day 4-21). Maternal exposure to e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation induced significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the fat content of the milk and serum Leptin level (P < 0.005) compared to control dams. Furthermore, pups whose dams were exposed to e-cigarettes during lactation showed an increased level of glucose, thyroxine and decreased level of insulin. The exposure to e-cigarettes aerosol during lactation altered the composition of milk as well as the hormonal and biochemical profile in dams and pups. This result, if observed in women using e-cigarettes, suggests that e-cigarettes' use during lactation may have consequences on the milk production and hormonal and biochemical profile in breastfeeding mothers and nursing babies.

Application of Oleogel and Conventional Fats for Ultrasound-assisted Obtaining of Vegan Creams.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the fat system type (milk fat - MF, palm oil - PO or oleogel - OG, i.e. RO-LO - rapeseed oil and linseed oil mixture structured by candelilla wax) on the properties of soy creams, in comparison with dairy cream. The MF exhibited the most increase of acid value (2.5-fold), and the RO-LO - increase of peroxide value (3-fold), after 30 days of storage at 20°C. The PO was the most oxidative stable. The OG presented the slightest oxidative changes, the highest slip melting point (39°C) and centrifugal stability (99.6%). The pH and total acidity values of soy creams were similar to soy drink. All creams exhibited unimodal distribution of dispersed particles. The average particle size and dispersity indexes of these emulsions were in range of 1.74-1.80 µm and 0.93-1.16, respectively. The creams with MF or OG exhibited a greater viscosity than sweet dairy cream - 1.66 10-5 nm-2, and a higher degree of shear-thinning. The accelerated creaming phenomenon (flotation of lipids molecules) occurred during centrifugation. The cream with PO had the lowest resistance to centrifugal force (instability index - 0.052). The possibility to obtain a stable vegan soy creams containing oleogel (as replacer of conventional fats) has been demonstrated.