Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-extracted oil from four umbelliferous vegetables using GC/MS analysis in the context of antibacterial activity.

Umbelliferous (Apiaceae) vegetables are widely consumed worldwide for their nutritive and health benefits. The main goal of the current study is to explore the compositional heterogeneity in four dried umbelliferous vegetables viz, celery, coriander, dill, and parsley targeting their volatile profile using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 133 volatile metabolites were detected belonging to 12 classes. Aromatic hydrocarbons were detected as the major components of the analyzed vegetables accounting ca. 64.0, 62.4, 59.5, and 47.8% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected at ca. 6.39, 8.21, 6.16, and 6.79% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of various health benefits were detected in parsley and represented by roughanic acid and α-linolenic acid at 4.99 and 0.47%, respectively. Myristicin and frambinone were detected only in parsley at 0.45 and 0.56%. Investigation of antibacterial activity of umbelliferous vegetables n-hexane extract revealed a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity for celery and dill against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone 20.3 mm compared to 24.3 mm of the standard antibacterial drug.

Exploring the changing association between parental and adolescent fruit and vegetable intakes, from age 10 to 30 years.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage, where escalating rates of overweight and obesity have raised concerns about diet quality and its association with adverse health outcomes. Parents are known to have considerable influence on childhood diet, but how this influence changes as adolescents mature is unknown. This study investigates the association between parental fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and adolescent FV consumption, exploring how this changes across adolescence and when adolescents leave home. METHODS: Adolescents aged 10-30 years (n = 12,805) from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), and their parents, reported FV intakes every 2 years. Multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess associations between parental and adolescent FV intakes, investigating interactions with age and living arrangement, and adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS: Parental FV intake was positively associated with adolescent FV intake (ß = 0.20 [95%CI:0.19,0.22] portions/day), with the strength of this association lowest during early adolescence (10-14 years) and peaking at 17-18 years (ß = 0.30 [95%CI: 0.27,0.33] portions/day). When adolescents no longer lived in the parental home, the association of parental FV intake with adolescent FV consumption decreased, but a positive association was maintained up to age 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasise the enduring effect of parental FV consumption on adolescent FV consumption, highlighting the potential for interventions to promote increased FV intake, acknowledging the lasting influence of parental diet, even beyond the confines of the parental home.

How does eligibility for GusNIP produce prescriptions relate to fruit and vegetable purchases and what factors shape the relationship? A protocol for a secondary analysis of nationally representative data in the USA.

INTRODUCTION: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Programme (GusNIP) produce prescription programme (PPR) 'prescriptions' provide eligible participants with low income, risk for diet-related chronic disease and food insecurity a healthcare issued incentive to purchase lower to no cost fruits and vegetables (FVs). However, GusNIP requirements specify that PPR prescriptions can only be redeemed for fresh (not frozen, canned or dried) FVs. This requirement may prevent participants from fully engaging in or benefiting from GusNIP PPR, given communities with lower healthy food access may have reduced fresh FV accessibility. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will use the nationally representative 2012-2013 National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) and complementary FoodAPS Geography Component data in a secondary data analysis to examine how household GusNIP PPR eligibility relates to the quantity and variety of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FV purchases and to what extent individual, household and food environment factors shape the relationship. FoodAPS data include household food purchasing and acquisition information across a 7 day period from 14 317 individuals among 4826 households and was collected between April 2012 and January 2013. The FoodAPS Geography Component provides information about the local community/environment relative to FoodAPS households. This study will examine the correlation or association of selected variables between different quantities and varieties of fresh, frozen, canned and dried FVs, as well as correlations among multilevel predictors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: We are following data integrity standards as outlined by agreements with the USDA Economic Research Service. All results of analyses will undergo a thorough disclosure review to ensure no identifiable data are shared. Results will be disseminated to research, practice and policy communities using an Open Access peer-reviewed manuscript(s), scientific and practice presentations, and a public facing report and infographic.

Mixed methods evaluation of the COVID-19 changes to the WIC cash-value benefit for fruits and vegetables.

Introduction: Recent cash-value benefit (CVB) increases are a positive development to help increase WIC participant fruits and vegetables (FV) access. Little is known about the impacts of the CVB changes on FV redemptions or about implementation successes and challenges among WIC State and local agencies. This mixed method study aimed to evaluate (a) the CVB changes' impact on FV access among WIC child participants measured by CVB redemption rates, (b) facilitators and barriers to CVB changes' implementation, and (c) differences in FV redemption and facilitators and barriers by race/ethnicity. Methods: We requested redemption data from all 89 State agencies for April 2020 to September 2022 and utilized descriptive statistics, interrupted time series analysis (ITS), and generalized linear regression analysis. Additionally, we recruited State agencies, local agencies, and caregivers across the U.S. for interviews and used rapid qualitative analysis to find emerging themes anchored in policy evaluation and implementation science frameworks. Results: We received redemption data from 27 State agencies and interviewed 23 State agencies, 61 local agencies, and 76 caregivers of child WIC participants. CVB monthly redemptions increased at $35/child/month compared to $9/child/month; however, adjusted ITS analyses found a decrease in redemption rates at $35/child/month. The decrease was not significant when the transition/first implementation month was excluded with rates progressively increasing over time. Differences were found among racial/ethnic groups, with lower redemption rates observed for non-Hispanic Black caregivers. Overall, WIC caregivers reported high satisfaction and utilization at the $35/child/month. The frequent and quick turnaround CVB changes strained WIC agency resources with agencies serving higher caseloads of diverse racial and ethnic populations experiencing greater issues with implementing the CVB changes. Conclusion: Despite implementation challenges, the increased CVB shows promise to improve WIC participant FV access and satisfaction with WIC. WIC agencies need adequate lead time to update the CVB amounts, and resources and support to help ensure equitable distribution and utilization of the FV benefits.

How effective is nutrition training for staff running after school programs in improving quality of food purchased and meal practices? A program evaluation.

OBJECTIVES / PURPOSE: After school programs represents a setting for promoting healthy dietary habits. The aim of this study was to evaluate how effective the after school program staff perceived nutrition training aiming to improve quality of food purchased and meal practices. We further aimed to assess the changes in purchase of primarily fish and fish products, whole grains and fruit and vegetables, by collecting receipts from food purchase before and after the intervention. RESULTS: This is a mixed methods study. Group interviews with after school staff were carried out and the data was analyzed deductively according to the RE-AIM framework. Receipts from food purchase were collected. Findings from the qualitative interviews indicated that the intervention had been a positive experience for the staff and suggested a new way of working with promoting healthy foods in after school program units. Although there were some challenges reported, the staff made necessary adjustments to make the changes possible to sustain over time. Findings from the receipts support the changes reported by the staff. These showed increased purchase of vegetables, fish, and whole grain in all four after school program units. After school programs in similar settings may expand on these findings to improve the students' dietary habits.

Insights into Chinese Canadian culture: enablers and barriers for fruit and vegetable intake.

Background: Fruits and vegetables (F&V) play a vital role in promoting health and preventing diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between F&V consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. Despite the high priority of public health in promoting F&V intake, Chinese immigrants in Canada often fall below national guidelines in their consumption. Understanding the factors influencing F&V intake in this community is crucial for developing effective interventions. Methods: This study used an applied ethnographic research approach to gain insight into the enablers and barriers that influence F&V intake among Chinese-Canadian adults in Richmond, BC. Semi-structured interviews and 'photovoice' group sessions were conducted to gather qualitative data from community participants and health care providers (HCPs). Results: The research identified four key themes: (1) Cultural differences around how vegetables are perceived, consumed and prepared; (2) Motivators and strategies for increasing vegetable and fruit intake; (3) Lack of culturally relevant dietary education and resources; and (4) Importance of value in vegetable/fruit-related decisions. Participants showed a strong preference for the traditional Eastern diet, with cost of food and lack of knowledge about Western vegetables acting as barriers to dietary diversity. The study also highlighted the need for culturally tailored educational resources to effectively promote F&V consumption. Conclusion: By adopting a multi-modal approach, incorporating both interviews and 'photovoice' sessions, this research provided comprehensive insights into the participants' perspectives and experiences related to F&V intake. Understanding these factors can guide the development of culturally appropriate interventions to increase F&V consumption among Chinese-Canadian adults in Richmond, BC, and potentially improve their overall health and well-being. Future studies should consider the heterogeneity within the Chinese immigrant population and target a more balanced representation of age groups to further enhance our understanding of F&V intake patterns in this community.

A review on fermented vegetables: Microbial community and potential upgrading strategy via inoculated fermentation.

Fermentation is a traditional method utilized for vegetable preservation, with microorganisms playing a crucial role in the process. Nowadays, traditional spontaneous fermentation methods are widely employed, which excessively depend on the microorganisms attached to the surface of raw materials, resulting in great difficulties in ideal control over the fermentation process. To achieve standardized production and improve product quality, it is essential to promote inoculated fermentation. In this way, starter cultures can dominate the fermentation processes successfully. Unfortunately, inoculated fermentation has not been thoroughly studied and applied. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review of the potential upgrading strategy of vegetable fermentation technology. First, we disclose the microbial community structures and succession rules in some typical spontaneously fermented vegetables to comprehend the microbial fermentation processes well. Then, internal and external factors affecting microorganisms are explored to provide references for the selection of fermented materials and conditions. Besides, we widely summarize the potential starter candidates with various characteristics isolated from spontaneously fermented products. Subsequently, we exhibited the inoculated fermentation strategies with those isolations. To optimize the product quality, not only lactic acid bacteria that lead the fermentation, but also yeasts that contribute to aroma formation should be combined for inoculation. The inoculation order of the starter cultures also affects the microbial fermentation. It is equally important to choose a proper processing method to guarantee the activity and convenience of starter cultures. Only in this way can we achieve the transition from traditional spontaneous fermentation to modern inoculated fermentation.

Lead Isotope Signatures and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Soils Irrigated with Swine Wastewater of Jiangxi Province, China.

The rapid development of livestock and poultry industry in China has caused serious environment pollution problems. To understand the heavy metals accumulation and identify their sources, 7 heavy metals contents and lead isotope ratios were determined in 24 soil samples from vegetable fields irrigated with swine wastewater in Dongxiang County, Jiangxi Province, China. The results showed that the concentration of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in the swine wastewater irrigated vegetable soils varied from 38.5 to 86.4, 7.57 to 30.6, 20.0 to 57.1, 37.5 to 174, 9.18 to 53.1, 0.043 to 0.274 and 12.8 to 37.1 mg/kg, respectively. The soils were moderately to heavily polluted by As, moderately polluted by Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd, and unpolluted to moderately polluted by Pb. Sampling soils were classified as moderately polluted according to the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index. Lead isotope and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis indicated that swine wastewater irrigation and atmospheric deposition were the primary sources of the heavy metals.

Consumption of in natura and ultra-processed foods in adults: an analysis of social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the social, metabolic, and lifestyle determinants of consumption of fruits, vegetables, and greens (FVG) and ultra-processed food (ULT) in adults from Pernambuco. METHODS: Cross-sectional and analytical study, conducted in 2015/2016. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the determinants of lifestyle were level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and metabolic variables were self-reported hypertension, blood glucose, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Consumption was measured by the Food Frequency Questionnaire, then created the Frequency of Consumption Index (SFI) of the mean intake of ULT and FVG foods. The indices of FVG and ULT consumption were transformed into quartiles and these variables were included in the multinomial logistic regression, considering their determinants when p<0.05. RESULTS: The sample was representative of the state, with 1,067 people being interviewed, whose intake of ULT was higher than that of FVG in the lowest and highest quartile of the consumption index. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was higher in higher consumption of alcoholic beverages (p=0.031) and BMI>25 kg/m2 (p=0.047); and lower in the lowest income (p=0.001). ULT intake was higher in young adults (p=0.005), lower income (p=0.044), and controlled blood glucose (p=0.021). Rural areas were 52% less exposed to medium-high ULT consumption (p<0.006). CONCLUSION: Higher rate of ULT consumption in relation to fresh foods, with income as a common determinant, inversely associated with ULT intake and directly related to FVG, which demands structuring policies.

Seasonal fluctuation and alternative host plants of vegetable crop-infesting tephritids in non-vegetable growing areas in South Sudanese zone of Burkina Faso.

This study was carried out in 3 types of biotopes where vegetable crops are not grown to highlight their contribution to the dynamics of vegetable-infesting flies. To this end, a trapping system based on a sexual attractant, the Cuelure associated with an insecticide was set up in 18 biotopes (6 natural areas, 6 mango orchards, and 6 agroforestry parks) in the regions of Hauts Bassins and Cascades in the South-West of Burkina Faso. During the trapping monitoring, which was done every 2 wk to collect insects captured, fruits present in 3 types of biotopes were sampled and incubated for insect emergence. Ten Dacus (Fabricius) [Diptera: Tephritidae] species and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) [Diptera: Tephritidae] were trapped in the study area. The predominant species captured was Z. cucurbitae (52.93%) followed by Dacus punctatifrons (Karsch) [Diptera: Tephritidae] (29.89%) and Dacus humeralis (Bezzi) (12.71%). Six tephritid species were emerged from 6 wild fruit species belonging to Cucurbitaceae, Apocynaceae, and Passifloraceae families. Fruit flies were more abundant from Jul to Nov with peaks observed in Aug or Oct depending on the species. Citrullus colocynthis L. (Cucurbitaceae), Lagenaria sp. (Cucurbitaceae), Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae), and Passiflora sp. acted as reservoir host plants of Dacus ciliatus (Loew), Dacus bivittatus (Bigot), Dacus vertebratus (Bezzi) [Diptera: Tephritidae], D. punctatifrons, and Z. cucurbitae, the major vegetable insect pests in West Africa. The 3 types of biotopes acted as suitable refuge areas of vegetable crop-infesting fruit flies either for the favorable microclimate or for the alternative host plants.

Risk assessment of trace elements in vegetables grown in river Yamuna floodplain in Delhi.

Urban agriculture is common in fertile river floodplains of many developing countries. However, there is a risk of contamination in highly polluted regions. This study quantifies health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown in the floodplain of the urban river 'Yamuna' in the highly polluted yet data-scarce megacity Delhi, India. Six trace elements are analyzed in five kinds of vegetable samples. Soil samples from the cultivation area are also analyzed for elemental contamination. Ni, Mn, and Co are observed to be higher in leafy vegetables than others. Fruit and inflorescence vegetables are found to have higher concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Zn as compared to root vegetables. Transfer Factor indicates that Cr and Co have the highest and least mobility, respectively. Vegetable Pollution Index indicates that contamination levels follow as Cr > Ni > Pb > Zn. Higher Metal Pollution Index of leafy and inflorescence vegetables than root and fruit vegetables indicate that atmospheric deposition is the predominant source. Principal Component Analysis indicates that Pb and Cr have similar sources and patterns in accumulation. Among the analyzed vegetables, radish may pose a non-carcinogenic risk to the age group of 1-5 year. Carcinogenic risk is found to be potentially high due to Ni and Cr accumulation. Consumption of leafy vegetables was found to have relatively less risk than other vegetables due to lower Cr accumulation. Remediation of Cr and Ni in floodplain soil and regular monitoring of elemental contamination is a priority.

Social Media for Nutrition Education-A Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a University Setting: "The University of Valladolid Community Eats Healthy" Study.

Social media- and internet-based interventions are nowadays widely used tools in health interventions. Although evidence of their effectiveness is still low, their applications could be very promising due to their affordability and wide reach. The current paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program, "The University of Valladolid Community Eats Healthy" (UVEH), to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in adults from the University of Valladolid (U. Valladolid) employing three online methodologies. A sample of 211 volunteers was randomly assigned into four groups: virtual campus (VC), Facebook (FB), Instagram (IG), and control. An intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior was implemented for seven weeks. Data were collected at the beginning (T0) and the end of the program (T1). The Predimed questionnaire was employed to assess FV intake. Vegetable intake was statistically significantly higher in the VC group (17.4% pre vs. 72.7% post). In the rest of the groups, there was also an increase in intake. Fruit consumption increased slightly only in the VC group (23.9% pre vs. 45.5% post). Participation decreased through the weeks: FB (week 2), IG (week 3), and VC (week 4). Retention was higher in the VC (48%) and control (60%) groups. Internet-based interventions employing interactive platforms such as virtual campus can be effective in enhancing participants' dietary habits in a clinically relevant manner.

Food Insecurity Is Associated with Diet Quality in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Household food insecurity (HFI) and poorer prenatal diet quality are both associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, research assessing the relationship between HFI and diet quality in pregnancy is limited. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to examine the relationship between HFI and diet quality among 1540 pregnant women in Australia. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between HFI severity (marginal, low, and very low food security compared to high food security) and diet quality and variety, adjusting for age, education, equivalised household income, and relationship status. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between HFI and the odds of meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations, adjusting for education. Marginal, low, and very low food security were associated with poorer prenatal diet quality (adj ß = -1.9, -3.6, and -5.3, respectively; p < 0.05), and very low food security was associated with a lower dietary variety (adj ß = -0.5, p < 0.001). An association was also observed between HFI and lower odds of meeting fruit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.76, p < 0.001) and vegetable (AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19-0.84, p = 0.016) recommendations. Future research should seek to understand what policy and service system changes are required to reduce diet-related disparities in pregnancy.

Valorization of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Pomace Combined with Golden Linseed (Lini semen) for the Development of Vegetable Crispbreads as Gluten-Free Snacks Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

This work aimed to develop gluten-free snacks such as crispbread based on beetroot pomace (Beta vulgaris L.) and golden linseed (Lini semen). Beetroot is attracting more and more consumer attention because of its nutritional and health properties. The use of beet pomace contributes to waste management. Linseed, known as a superfood with many health-promoting properties, was used to produce crispbreads as an alternative to cereals, which are allergens. Beetroot pomace and whole or ground linseed were used in different proportions to produce crispbread snacks. Chemical and physical analyses were performed including water activity, dry matter, betalains, and polyphenols content, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A sensory evaluation and microstructure observations were also performed. The obtained snacks were characterized by low water activity (0.290-0.395) and a high dry matter content (93.43-97.53%), which ensures their microbiological stability and enables longer storage. Beetroot pomace provided betalains-red (14.59-51.44 mg betanin/100 g d.m.) and yellow dyes (50.02-171.12 mg betanin/100 g d.m.)-while using linseed enriched the product with polyphenols (730-948 mg chlorogenic acid/100 g d.m.). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups such as the following: -OH, -C-O, -COOH, and -NH. The most desired overall consumer acceptability was achieved for snacks containing 50% beetroot pomace and 50% linseed seeds. The obtained results confirmed that beetroot pomace combined with linseed can be used in the production of vegetable crispbread snacks.

Impacts of vegetable processing and cheese making effluent on soil microbial functional diversity, community structure, and denitrification potential of land treatment systems.

The cheese making and vegetable processing industries generate immense volumes of high-nitrogen wastewater that is often treated at rural facilities using land applications. Laboratory incubation results showed denitrification decreased with temperature in industry facility soils but remained high in soils from agricultural sites (75% at 2.1°C). 16S rRNA, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and soil respiration analyses were conducted to investigate potential soil microbiome impacts. Biotic and abiotic system factor correlations showed no clear patterns explaining the divergent denitrification rates. In all three soil types at the phylum level, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria dominated, whereas at the class level, Nitrososphaeria and Alphaproteobacteria dominated, similar to denitrifying systems such as wetlands, wastewater resource recovery facilities, and wastewater-irrigated agricultural systems. Results show that potential denitrification drivers vary but lay the foundation to develop a better understanding of the key factors regulating denitrification in land application systems and protect local groundwater supplies. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Incubation study denitrification rates decreased as temperatures decreased, potentially leading to groundwater contamination issues during colder months. The three most dominant phyla for all systems are Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria. The dominant class for all systems is Nitrosphaeria (phyla Crenarchaeota). No correlation patterns between denitrification rates and system biotic and abiotic factors were observed that explained system efficiency differences.

Alimentação saudável: dicas práticas para variedade e sabor: Alimentos ricos em fibras

As fibras ajudam a promover a saúde intestinal, na digestão adequada e no controle do peso, fatores importantes na prevenção do câncer

Country-level sociocultural context and socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent dietary behaviours: A multilevel analysis in 21 European countries.

Studies to date have predominantly focused on countries' socioeconomic conditions (e.g., income inequality) to explain cross-national differences in socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent health (behaviours). However, the potential explanatory role of sociocultural contexts at country-level remains underexamined. This study examined whether the country-level sociocultural context and changes thereof were associated with adolescent socioeconomic inequalities in dietary behaviours. International comparative data of 344,352 adolescents living in 21 countries participating in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 waves of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey were combined with aggregated levels of openness-to-change from the European Social Survey (ESS). Four dietary behaviours (i.e., fruit, vegetable, sweets and soft drink consumption) and two measures of socioeconomic status (SES) on the individual level (i.e., family affluence scale [FAS] and occupational social class [OSC]) were studied. Multilevel logistic regression analyses returned contrasting results for the two SES measures used. In countries with higher levels of openness-to-change, smaller FAS inequalities in daily fruit, sweets and soft drink consumption were observed, but no such inequalities were found for vegetable consumption. Conversely, in these countries, larger OSC inequalities in soft drink consumption were found. Country-specific changes in openness-to-change over time were not associated with the magnitude of adolescent dietary inequalities. Findings underscore the importance of including country-level sociocultural contexts to improve the understanding of cross-national differences in socioeconomic inequalities in adolescents' diets. Future studies, spanning a longer timeframe, are required to examine whether such associations exist within countries over time since our timeframe might have been too small to capture these long-term trends.

Characterization of low molecular weight sulfur species in seaweed from the Antarctic continent.

Antarctic seaweeds are vital components of polar marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and supporting diverse life forms. The sulfur content in these organisms is particularly interesting due to its implication in biogeochemical processes and potential impacts on local and global environmental systems. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterization of seaweed collected in the Antarctic in terms of their total sulfur content and its distribution among different classes of species, including thiols, using various methods and high-sensitivity techniques. The data presented in this paper are unprecedented in the scientific literature. These methods allowed for the determination of total sulfur content and the distribution of sulfur compounds in different fractions, such as water-soluble and proteins, as well as the speciation of sulfur compounds in these fractions, providing valuable insights into the chemical composition of these unique marine organisms. Our results revealed that the total sulfur concentration in Antarctic seaweeds varied widely across different species, ranging from 5.5 to 56 g kg-1 dry weight. Furthermore, our investigation into the sulfur speciation revealed the presence of various sulfur compounds, including sulfate, and some thiols, which were quantified in all ten seaweed species evaluated. The concentration of these individual sulfur species also displayed considerable variability among the studied seaweeds. This study provides the first in-depth examination of total sulfur content and sulfur speciation in brown and red Antarctic seaweeds.

Comparative analysis of isothiocyanates in eight cruciferous vegetables and evaluation of the hepatoprotective effects of 4-(methylsulfinyl)-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (sulforaphene) from daikon radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts.

The contributions of cruciferous vegetables to human health are widely recognised, particularly at the molecular level, where their isothiocyanates play a significant role. However, compared to the well-studied isothiocyanate 4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl isothiocyanate (sulforaphane) produced from broccoli sprouts, less is known about the pharmacological effects of other isothiocyanates and the stage of vegetables preferable to obtain their benefits. We analysed the quantity and quality of isothiocyanates produced in both the sprouts and mature stages of eight cruciferous vegetables using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of isothiocyanates in a mouse model of acute hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Furthermore, we explored the detoxification enzyme-inducing activities of crude sprout extracts in normal rats. Among the eight cruciferous vegetables, daikon radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts produced the highest amount of isothiocyanates, with 4-(methylsulfinyl)-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (sulforaphene) being the dominant compound. The amount of sulforaphene in daikon radish sprouts was approximately 30 times that of sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphene demonstrated hepatoprotective effects similar to sulforaphane in ameliorating CCl4-induced hepatic injury in mice. A crude extract of 3-day-old daikon radish sprouts upregulated the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the liver, whereas the crude extract of broccoli sprouts showed limited upregulation. This study highlights that daikon radish sprouts and sulforaphene have the potential to serve as functional food materials with hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, daikon radish sprouts may exhibit more potent hepatoprotective effects compared to broccoli sprouts.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is inversely associated with the osteosarcopenia in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcopenia adversely affects the quality of life and physical health of older adults. We sought to explore the association between dietary patterns and osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study from Northeast China, in which, we included older community adults aged 60 and above. Through face-to-face interviews, we collected dietary information from participants using a food frequency questionnaire. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to obtain the dietary patterns of the participants. Through physical examination, we obtained the participants' information on osteosarcopenia, which was defined by the coexist of osteopenia and sarcopenia. We analysed the association between dietary patterns and dietary compositions with ostesarcopenia. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 9429 participants were included, and the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults was 6.2%. PCA identified three main dietary patterns, and the lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary pattern was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia. Compared to the lowest lacto-ovo-vegetarian quartile (Q1), the Q4 group (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.49-0.83) was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia. Through the weighted quantile sum regression model, we also found that the overall effect of the lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary components was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.92); the largest contributors were vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and dairy products. CONCLUSION: Overall, we found that a lacto-ovo-vegetarian dietary pattern, particularly the consumption of vegetables, fresh milk, eggs, and dairy products, was inversely associated with osteosarcopenia in older adults. And this might provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcopenia.