The effects of melatonin and magnesium in a novel supplement delivery system on sleep scores, body composition and metabolism in otherwise healthy individuals with sleep disturbances.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a novel dietary supplement, including melatonin and magnesium, delivered via coffee pods on sleep quality, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body composition in individuals with poor sleep quality disturbances. Using a double-blinded, randomized, crossover trial, we recruited 35 participants to a 4-week intervention with both supplements (1.9 mg melatonin + 200 mg elemental magnesium before sleep) and placebo conditions, considering a 7d washout period between treatments. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was applied, RMR (kcal) was measured using indirect calorimetry (canopy ventilated open-circuit system) and body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Decreases in PSQI and anger - hostility scores, as well as in energy intake and fat mass, were observed (p < 0.05) for both conditions, from baseline to the end of each 4-week intervention. Differences between conditions were also observed for these parameters along with energy spent in activity, number of sedentary breaks, sleep efficiency, latency time, time in bed, total sleep time, awakening time, and movement index (p < 0.05) favouring the supplement condition. However, the final PSQI questionnaire scores still indicated poor sleep quality on average (PSQI > 5), in both conditions, with no changes regarding RMR. A melatonin-magnesium supplement, in a coffee pod format, showed improvements in sleep quality in otherwise healthy individuals with sleep disturbances, however PSQI questionnaire scores still indicated poor quality on average (PSQI > 5).

Biorefining Twin Transition: Digitalisation for Bio-based Chemicals/Materials - Discovery, Design and Optimisation.

The article discusses the production of platform chemicals from various biological sources, including glycerol, lignin, cellulose, bio-oils, and sea products. It presents the results of catalytic and downstream processes involved in the conversion of these biomass-derived feedstocks. The experimental approaches are complemented by numerical descriptions, ranging from density functional theory (DFT) calculations to kinetic modellingof the experimental data. This multi-scale modelling approach helps to understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the production of platform chemicals from renewable resources.

Lower calcium and iron intake in adolescent gymnasts: A case of concern for youth sports nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Diet is important for the appropriate development and maturation of young amateur athletes. The aim of this study was to determine whether young gymnasts were consuming adequate amounts of nutrients, particularly calcium and iron. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Portugal's Almada and Lisbon regions in 2020. To determine if participants' diet was adequate, weight, height, and skinfold measurements were taken. Dietary consumption was examined using two 24-h recalls. We collected data from 66 participants (60% females, 12-18 y of age), of whom 82% had normal weight and 39% had ideal body fat. RESULTS: The daily total energy intake (TEI) was1605 ± 601 kcal. Of the TEI, 19%, 31%, and 50% were comprised of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively. The most often consumed protein sources were poultry and ultra-processed meat products (52% and 45%, respectively). The average daily consumption of calcium and iron was 626 ± 293 and 9 ± 3 mg, respectively. Only 2 of the 66 participants had calcium intake within recommended levels, and 1of 5 had iron intake within recommended levels, the percentage of which was lower in girls than boys (7.5% versus 38.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having a sufficient macronutrient distribution, Portuguese gymnasts consume a high amount of ultra-processed items and a low amount of calcium and iron. The low proportion of female gymnasts with adequate iron consumption is cause for worry in sports nutrition.

Ionic liquids as protein stabilizers for biological and biomedical applications: A review.

Biotechnology has revolutionized science and health care by providing new biomolecules with biological and medical applications. However, the low stability of several life-saving bioproducts still hinders their transport, storage, and application. Hence, protein-based bioproducts instability and high costs are the main bottlenecks limiting access to biopharmaceuticals in low-income countries and communities. Aiming to improve the stability of protein-based products, researchers have studied ionic liquids (ILs) as protein stabilizers due to their unique properties and ability to enhance the solubility and stability of a wide range of biomolecules. Although different classes of ILs have the potential to improve protein stability, their effects are dependent on several variables, such as the complex and intrinsic properties of proteins, the nature and concentration of ILs, and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH). For medical applications, the biocompatibility of ILs can also limit their biological use. Therefore, the current state-of-the-art on ILs applications for non-enzymatic protein stabilization was carefully analyzed and discussed, considering protein properties, ILs classes, and IL solutions concentrations. Lastly, a critical perspective regarding ILs applications as protein stabilizers was presented, highlighting the current lacunas in the field while guiding future studies to answer the existing paradigms.

Development and Validation of an Anthropometric Equation to Predict Fat Mass Percentage in Professional and Semi-Professional Male Futsal Players.

This study aimed to (i) characterise the body composition of professional and semi-professional male futsal players, (ii) assess the validity of commonly used equations to estimate FM%, (iii) develop and cross-validate a futsal-specific FM% prediction equation. In a cross-sectional design, 78 adult male futsal players were assessed for body mass, stature, skinfolds, and girths as per the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol and completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for reference body composition data. Using paired-sample t-tests, the FM% from the DXA and nine published equations were compared. New sport-specific models were developed by stepwise multiple regression. Existing equations were cross-validated using the least squares regression, concordance correlation coefficient, and the Bland−Altman analyses. New equations were further cross-validated using the PRESS approach. None of the existing equations accurately predicted the DXA-derived FM% (p < 0.001; R2 ≤ 0.76, SEE ≥ 1.59; CCC ≤ 0.83; bias = −8.2% to −1.3%, limited agreement, and varying trends). The novel Bettery® equation: −0.620 + (0.159 ∗ Σ4SKF [triceps, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh (mm)]) + (0.120 ∗ waist girth (cm)), demonstrated a high accuracy (R2 = 0.85, SEE = 1.32%), a moderate strength of agreement (CCC = 0.92), no bias (0.2%), good agreement (±2.5%), and no trend (r = −0.157; p = 0.170) against the DXA. The Bettery® equation is the first to allow for a valid and sport-specific assessment of FM% in male futsal players.

Ambient-Pressured Acid-Catalysed Ethylene Glycol Organosolv Process: Liquefaction Structure-Activity Relationships from Model Cellulose-Lignin Mixtures to Lignocellulosic Wood Biomass.

Raising the awareness of carbon dioxide emissions, climate global warming and fossil fuel depletion has renewed the transition towards a circular economy approach, starting by addressing active bio-economic precepts that all portion amounts of wood are valorised as products. This is accomplished by minimizing residues formed (preferably no waste materials), maximizing reaction productivity yields, and optimising catalysed chemical by-products. Within framework structure determination, the present work aims at drawing a parallel between the characterisation of cellulose-lignin mixture (derived system model) liquefaction and real conversion process in the acidified ethylene glycol at moderate process conditions, i.e., 150 °C, ambient atmospheric pressure and potential bio-based solvent, for 4 h. Extended-processing liquid phase is characterized considering catalyst-transformed reactant species being produced, mainly recovered lignin-based polymer, by quantitative 31P, 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as well as the size exclusion- (SEC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation for higher or lower molecular weight compound compositions, respectively. Such mechanistic pathway analytics help to understand the steps in mild organosolv biopolymer fractionation, which is one of the key industrial barriers preventing a more widespread manufacturing of the biomass-derived (hydroxyl, carbonyl or carboxyl) aromatic monomers or oligomers for polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes and (epoxy) resins.

Periodontal Health, Nutrition and Anthropometry in Professional Footballers: A Preliminary Study.

Poor oral health in elite sport is a pressing issue, however little is known about the periodontal status of professional footballers. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of periodontitis in a group of professional footballers and its association with nutritional parameters and self-report non-traumatic injuries. Additionally, we assessed its association with anthropometric, dietary inflammatory load and self-reported muscular and/or articular injuries. Twenty-two professional footballers were evaluated at the beginning of the 2020-2021 season via full-mouth periodontal inspection, anthropometric measurements and the application of the dietary inflammatory index through a food intake measurement of 24 h dietary recall on two different days. Self-reporting non-traumatic muscular and articular injuries for the past 6 months were recorded from each athlete. Then we compared clinical measurements according to the periodontal status and we correlated age, periodontal and nutritional parameters. Overall, the prevalence of periodontitis was 40.9% and peri-implantitis was also observed. No significant differences were found regarding age or nutritional parameters according to the periodontal status. More non-traumatic muscular events in the past 6 months were found in the periodontitis group (55.6% vs. 38.4%), although the difference was non-significant. Both clinical attachment loss, periodontal pocket depth and the periodontal epithelial surface area revealed a significant moderate correlation with the percentage of fat mass, muscle mass, muscle mass index and total adipose folds. This group of professional footballers showed an alarming prevalence of periodontitis. Further studies shall examine whether periodontitis and periodontal treatment impact the performance of this group of athletes.

Chitin Deacetylation Using Deep Eutectic Solvents: Ab Initio-Supported Process Optimization.

Chitin is the most abundant marine biopolymer, being recovered during the shell biorefining of crustacean shell waste. In its native form, chitin displays a poor reactivity and solubility in most solvents due to its extensive hydrogen bonding. This can be overcome by deacetylation. However, this process requires a high concentration of acids or bases at high temperatures, forming large amounts of toxic waste. Herein, we report on the first deacetylation with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an environmentally friendly alternative, requiring only mild reaction conditions. Biocompatible DESs are efficient in disturbing the native hydrogen-bonding network of chitin, readily dissolving it. First, quantum chemical calculations have been performed to evaluate the feasibility of different DESs to perform chitin deacetylation by studying their mechanism. Comparing these with the calculated barriers for garden-variety alkaline/acidic hydrolysis, which are known to proceed, prospective DESs were identified with barriers around 25 kcal·mol-1 or lower. Based on density functional theory results, an experimental screening of 10 distinct DESs for chitin deacetylation followed. The most promising DESs were identified as K2CO3:glycerol (K2CO3:G), choline chloride:acetic acid ([Ch]Cl:AA), and choline chloride:malic acid ([Ch]Cl:MA) and were subjected to further optimization with respect to the water content, process duration, and temperature. Ultimately, [Ch]Cl:MA showed the best results, yielding a degree of deacetylation (DDA) of 40% after 24 h of reaction at 120 °C, which falls slightly behind the threshold value (50%) for chitin to be considered chitosan. Further quantum chemical calculations were performed to elucidate the mechanism. Upon the removal of 40% N-acetyl groups from the chitin structure, its reactivity was considerably improved.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.: A Multi-Benefit Potential to Be Exploited.

Consumer interest in foods with enhanced nutritional quality has increased in recent years. The nutritional and bioactive characterization of fruits and their byproducts, as well as their use in the formulation of new food products, is advisable, contributing to decrease the global concerns related to food waste and food security. Moreover, the compounds present in these raw materials and the study of their biological properties can promote health and help to prevent some chronic diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) is a plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, being a food source for ones and a potential for others, but not properly valued. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Many of its natural compounds have interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial. The antioxidant power of prickly pear makes it a good candidate as an ingredient of new food products with fascinating properties for health promotion and/or to be used as natural extracts for food, pharmaceutic or cosmetic applications. In addition, it could be a key player in food security in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there are often no more plants.

Development of a Microfluidic Platform for R-Phycoerythrin Purification Using an Aqueous Micellar Two-Phase System.

Temperature-dependent aqueous micellar two-phase systems (AMTPSs) have recently been gaining attention in the isolation of high-added-value biomolecules from their natural sources. Despite their sustainability, aqueous two-phase systems, and particularly AMTPSs, have not been extensively applied in the industry, which might be changed by applying process integration and continuous manufacturing. Here, we report for the first time on an integrated microfluidic platform for fast and low-material-consuming development of continuous protein purification using an AMTPS. A system comprised of a microchannel incubated at high temperature, enabling instantaneous triggering of a two-phase system formation, and a microsettler, allowing complete phase separation at the outlets, is reported here. The separation of phycobiliproteins and particularly the purification of R-phycoerythrin from the contaminant proteins present in the aqueous crude extract obtained from fresh cells of Gracilaria gracilis were thereby achieved. The results from the developed microfluidic system revealed that the fractionation performance was maintained while reducing the processing time more than 20-fold when compared with the conventional lab-scale batch process. Furthermore, the integration of a miniaturized ultrafiltration module resulted in the complete removal of the surfactant from the bottom phase containing R-phycoerythrin, as well as in nearly twofold target protein concentration. The process setup successfully exploits the benefits of process intensification along with the integration of various downstream processes. Further transfer to a meso-scale integrated system would make such a system appropriate for the separation and purification of biomolecules with high commercial interest.

Chitin isolation from crustacean waste using a hybrid demineralization/DBD plasma process.

Conventional isolation of chitin from crustacean waste demands the use of high amounts of hazardous chemicals, hence not leading to a sustainable process. Atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has demonstrated an enhanced ability to remove proteins directly from the biomass without the formation of any waste. Simultaneously, organic acids have proven very efficient in the removal of inorganic minerals from crustacean waste. Therefore, a hybrid process composed of DBD plasma and demineralization using organic acids has been successfully applied for the isolation of chitin. Results showed that the integration of nitrogen-based plasma and lactic acid demineralization allowed the elimination of 90 % of the proteins and ensures the complete removal of minerals from shrimp shells waste. The isolated chitin was further characterized using distinct techniques, namely XPS, ATR-FTIR, XRD and SEM. Chitin degree of deacetylation and molecular weight were also assessed. Hence, this work presents a sustainable and feasible platform for the extraction and purification of chitin from crustacean waste with almost zero waste formed.

Unravelling the Interactions between Surface-Active Ionic Liquids and Triblock Copolymers for the Design of Thermal Responsive Systems.

The tunable properties of surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) and Pluronics are dramatically magnified by combining them in aqueous solutions. The thermo-controlled character of both, essential in the extraction of valuable compounds, can be fine-tuned by properly selecting the Pluronic and SAIL nature. However, further understanding of the nanoscale interactions directing the aggregation in these complex mixtures is needed to effectively design and control these systems. In this work, a simple and transferable coarse-grained model for molecular dynamics simulations, based on the MARTINI force field, is presented to study the impact of SAILs in Pluronics aggregation in aqueous solutions. The diverse amphiphilic characteristics and micelle morphologies were exemplified by selecting four archetypical nonionic Pluronics-two normal, L-31 and L-35, and two reverse, 10R5 and 31R1. The impact of the alkyl chain length and the headgroup nature were evaluated with the imidazolium-based [C10mim]Cl and [C14mim]Cl and phosphonium-based [P4,4,4,14]Cl SAILs. Cloud point temperature (CPT) measurements at different Pluronic concentrations with 0.3 wt % of SAIL in aqueous solution emphasized the distinct impact of SAIL nature on the thermo-response behavior. The main effect of SAIL addition to nonionic Pluronics aqueous solutions is the formation of Pluronic/SAIL hybrid micelles, where the presence of SAIL molecules introduces a charged character to the micelle surface. Thus, additional energy is necessary to induce micelle aggregation, leading to the observed increase in the experimental CPT curves. The SAIL showed a relatively weak impact in Pluronic micelles with relatively high PPG hydrophobic content, whereas this effect was more evident when the Pluronic hydrophobic/hydrophilic strength is balanced. A detailed analysis of the Pluronic/SAIL micelle density profiles showed that the phosphonium head groups were positioned inside the micelle core, whereas smaller imidazolium head groups were placed much closer to the hydrophilic PEG corona, leading to a distinct effect on the cloud point temperature for those two classes of SAILs. Herein, the phosphonium-based SAIL induces a lower repulsion between neighboring micelles than the imidazolium-based SAILs, resulting in a less pronounced increase of the CPT. The model presented here offers, for the first time, an intuitive and powerful tool to unravel the complex thermo-response behavior of Pluronic and SAIL mixtures and support the design of tailor-made thermal controlled solvents.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Syndrome: A Rare Entity to Consider.

INTRODUCTION: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown aetiology with good prognosis. It is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy, nocturnal diaphoresis and fever. Surgical excision of the adenopathy, histopathological study and immunophenotyping are crucial for diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This paper describes five patients with three different histological subtypes of KFD, including an atypical presentation masquerading as pyelonephritis and two other cases where physicians mistakenly started chemotherapy. In one other case cytomegalovirus was identified as the responsible aetiological agent, while in the remaining patient, KFD evolved into an autoimmune condition. DISCUSSION: KFD, although rare, may mimic infectious, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. It also poses a risk for the subsequent development of an autoimmune disorder. LEARNING POINTS: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), although rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever of unknown origin.Early recognition of KFD may minimize the use of unnecessary aggressive examinations and therapies.The course of KFD in most patients is self-limiting, but there is a risk of progression to an autoimmune syndrome.

α-Chitin dissolution, N-deacetylation and valorization in deep eutectic solvents.

Chitin displays a highly rigid structure due to the vast intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, thus hindering its dissolution and deacetylation using most solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are special and environmentally friendly solvents composed of a hydrogen bond acceptor and a hydrogen bond donor. This allows them to dissolve chitin by disturbing its natural hydrogen bonding while establishing new bonds, hence turning the polymer more susceptible to solvents. Therefore, four distinct DESs (choline chloride-lactic acid ([Ch]Cl:LA), choline chloride:oxalic acid ([Ch]Cl:OA), choline chloride:urea ([Ch]Cl:U) and betaine-glycerol (Bet:G)) were applied in chitin dissolution, being the most performant ones further applied in its homogenous N-deacetylation with NaOH. In this work, a milder and more biocompatible approach was carried out by using 30 wt% NaOH at 80°C, instead of the typical ≥40 wt% NaOH at temperatures ≥100°C. Herein, the reaction process took up to 18 hours, being the results analyzed through ATR-FTIR. Chitin was converted into chitosan with a 70-80% degree of deacetylation (DDA) in a short period while using homogenous conditions. These promising results provide the first proof of concept of the ability of Bet:G and [Ch]Cl:LA-based DESs to be used as a greener approach for the chitin homogeneous N-deacetylation.

Relationship between Cocoa Intake and Healthy Status: A Pilot Study in University Students.

Due to its polyphenol content, cocoa's potential health effects are attracting much attention, showing, among other things, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective actions. However, there is very limited information regarding the effect of cocoa on human immunity. This study aimed to establish the relationship between cocoa consumption and health status, focusing on physical activity habits and allergy prevalence in young people. For this, a sample of 270 university students was recruited to complete a food frequency questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a lifestyle and health status questionnaire. The results were analysed by classifying the participants into tertiles defined according to their cocoa consumption: low (LC), moderate (MC), and high (HC) consumers. The consumption of cocoa inversely correlated with physical activity and the MC group had significantly less chronic disease frequency than the LC group. The percentage of allergic people in the MC and HC groups was lower than that in the LC group and, moreover, the cocoa intake, especially moderate consumption, was also associated with a lower presence of allergic symptoms. Thus, from these results a positive effect of cocoa intake on allergy can be suggested in the young population.

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A comprehensive review of the evidence.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered the most common behavioural disorder in school-age children. ADHD is a complex and multifactorial disorder characterised by a variety of symptoms, including concentration problems, excessive motor activity and impulsivity which interferes with execution of simple school tasks. Diagnosis has been essentially subjective, since no specific laboratory tests are available. However, ADHD remains overdiagnosed, probably due to social pressures for children to be successful in school from an early age, which leads parents to seek medical support. Although therapeutic approaches for ADHD have been essentially pharmacologic, in recent years several studies were performed to investigate the role of nutrition, especially omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega 3-PUFA), in the development and treatment of this disorder. In this review, the authors gathered the most relevant evidence regarding omega 3-PUFA, mainly docosahexaenoic acid, as coadjutant or as a single therapy, in the management of ADHD symptoms. The authors also reviewed this disorder's current medical and therapeutic features.

Impact of Surface Active Ionic Liquids on the Cloud Points of Nonionic Surfactants and the Formation of Aqueous Micellar Two-Phase Systems.

Aqueous micellar two-phase systems (AMTPS) hold a large potential for cloud point extraction of biomolecules but are yet poorly studied and characterized, with few phase diagrams reported for these systems, hence limiting their use in extraction processes. This work reports a systematic investigation of the effect of different surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs)-covering a wide range of molecular properties-upon the clouding behavior of three nonionic Tergitol surfactants. Two different effects of the SAILs on the cloud points and mixed micelle size have been observed: ILs with a more hydrophilic character and lower critical packing parameter (CPP < 1/2) lead to the formation of smaller micelles and concomitantly increase the cloud points; in contrast, ILs with a more hydrophobic character and higher CPP (CPP ≥ 1) induce significant micellar growth and a decrease in the cloud points. The latter effect is particularly interesting and unusual for it was accepted that cloud point reduction is only induced by inorganic salts. The effects of nonionic surfactant concentration, SAIL concentration, pH, and micelle ζ potential are also studied and rationalized.

A new food frequency questionnaire to assess chocolate and cocoa consumption.

OBJECTIVE: Cocoa has been highlighted as a food with potential benefits to human health because of its polyphenol content. However, few studies show the contribution of cocoa and chocolate products in polyphenol intake. The aim of this work was to develop a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for evaluating the intake of food products containing cocoa (C-FFQ). METHODS: A sample of 50 university students was recruited to complete the 90-item questionnaire, a validated questionnaire (called here European Food Safety Authority [EFSA]-Q) as well as a 24-hour dietary recall (24 HDR). Spearman correlation test, Bland-Altman plots, and quintile classification analysis were conducted together with the Wilcoxon test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Significant correlations between the C-FFQ and the EFSA-Q for the most common cocoa/chocolate products were observed (P < 0.05), as well as between data from the C-FFQ and 24 HDR (P < 0.05). However, a number of cocoa/chocolate products frequently consumed by the participants were detected by the C-FFQ and 24 HDR which were not included in the EFSA-Q. According to the C-FFQ, chocolate bars were the main source of cocoa in university students, but dairy products also provided an important amount of cocoa. CONCLUSION: The developed C-FFQ questionnaire can be considered as a valid option for assessing the consumption frequency of cocoa/chocolate-derived products, thereby allowing the evaluation of cocoa polyphenol intake in further studies.