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The extensive utilization of conventional plastics has resulted in a concerning surge in waste. A potential solution lies in biodegradable polymers mostly derived from renewable sources. Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 is a microorganism capable, under stress conditions, of intracellularly accumulating Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a bio-polyester. This study aimed to identify optimal conditions to maximize the intracellular accumulation of PHB and its global production using natural media obtained by processing lignocellulosic residues of cardoon, a low-cost feedstock. An intracellular PHB accumulation was observed in all of the tested media, indicating a metabolic stress induced by the lack of macronutrients. Increasing C/N ratios led to a significant decrease in cellular biomass and PHB production. Furthermore C. necator DSM 545 was incapable of consuming more than 25 g/L of supplied monosaccharides. Surprisingly, in the samples supplied with 60 % of the pentose-rich liquid fraction, complete consumption of xylose was observed. This result was also confirmed by subsequent tests using Medium 1 growth media containing xylose as the sole carbon source. Using a diluted medium with a C/N ratio of 5, a PHB production of 5.84 g/L and intracellular PHB accumulation of 77 % w/w were respectively achieved. Finally, comparative shelf-life tests conducted against conventional pre-packaging materials in PP suggested that PHB films performed similarly in preserve ready-to-eat products., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The improvement of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) extraction process involves the proper management of endogenous enzymes of the olive fruit and all the technological conditions that can affect their activities. Coratina and Peranzana cultivars were processed to assess the influence of different technologies for fruit breaking (crushing and stoning) with and without controlled oxygen addition during this critical phase. The study of volatile compounds revealed that the enzymes that are responsible for their genesis during the technological process were significantly affected by oxygen addition in both the systems of fruit crushing. The results from the stoning technology proved that the quality improvement was a consequence of the prevention of the seed breaking and the oxidation catalyzed by the olive stone enzymes. In Peranzana EVOOs, it was possible to increase the aldehyde concentration up to 97% using stoning technology with a 0.2 L/min oxygen addition compared with traditional crushing. At the same time, non-significant reductions in phenolic compounds were detected when comparing crushing and stoning with and without the addition of oxygen, and similar trends were observed for the two studied cultivars. The sensory analyses confirmed the differences in phenolic and volatile composition detected in the EVOO samples.

Plants, including pumpkins ( Cucurbita spp.), are an interesting source of nutrients and bioactives with various health benefits. In this research, carotenoid extracts obtained from the pulp of eight pumpkin varieties, belonging to the C. moschata and C. maxima species, were tested for cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that pumpkin bioactives exert a cytotoxic action against the tested cells, in particular Butternut extract at a 100 μM (53.69 μg/mL) concentration after 24 h of treatment and Mantovana extract at 50 μM (26.84 μg/mL) after 48 h. Moreover, the carotenoid extracts also showed interesting in vitro antioxidant activity, evaluated by ABTS and ORAC assays. To fully characterize the qualitative and quantitative profile of carotenoids in the tested extracts, a high-performance chromatographic technique was performed, revealing that pumpkin pulp carotenoids were mainly represented by β-carotene, mono- and di-esterified hydroxy- and epoxy-carotenoids. Moreover, the carotenoid dataset was also useful for discriminating samples from two different species. In conclusion, the results of the present study highlight the potential anti-cancer activity of pumpkin carotenoid extracts and the possibility of using them as chemotherapeutic adjuvants.

Acrylamide (AA) is a contaminant resulting from the Maillard reaction and classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a probable carcinogen in Group 2A, with proven neurotoxic effects on humans. European Union (EU) Regulation No. 2017/2158 is currently in force, which establishes measures meant to reduce AA levels in food and sets reference values, but not legal limits, equal to 40 and 150 μg/kg AA in processed cereal-based foods intended for infants and young children and in biscuits and rusks, respectively. For this reason, sixty-two baby foods were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-Q-TOF/MS) to check whether industries were complying with these values, even though AA control is not legally mandatory. In total, 14.5% of the samples exceeded the reference values; these were homogenized chicken products (211.84 ± 16.53, 154.32 ± 12.71, 194.88 ± 7.40 μg/kg), three biscuits (276.36 ± 0.03, 242.06 ± 0.78, 234.78 ± 4.53 μg/kg), a wheat semolina (46.07 ± 0.23 μg/kg), a homogenized product with plaice and potatoes (45.52 ± 0.28 μg/kg), and a children's snack with milk and cocoa (40.95 ± 0.32 μg/kg). Subsequently, the daily intake of AA was estimated, considering the worst-case scenario, as provided by the consumption of homogenized chicken products and biscuits. The results are associated with margins of exposure ( MOE s) that are not concerning for neurotoxic effects but are alarming for the probable carcinogenic effects of AA.

Background: For the study of quantitative and qualitative muscle parameters, ultrasound and bioelectric impedance analysis are reliable, non-invasive, and reproducible. The aim of this study was to test the combined role of those techniques for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in a population of hospitalized older males and females., Methods: A total of 70 subjects were recruited, including 10 healthy adults and 60 hospitalized elderly patients with a good level of independence and cooperation, with and without sarcopenia. The rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA), thickness, echogenicity, and compressibility were measured with ultrasound echography. The phase angles (PhAs) and skeletal muscle mass were calculated by bioimpedence analysis. The muscle quality index (MQI) was calculated as the product of CSA and PhA., Results: Muscle compressibility was greater and PhA was lower in sarcopenic when compared with non-sarcopenic subjects. The threshold values for sarcopenia diagnosis in both sexes of CSA, of PhA, and of the MQI were identified. The obtained CSA values showed an AUC of 0.852 for women and 0.867 for men, PhA of 0.792 in women and 0.898 in men, while MQI was 0.900 for women and 0.969 for men., Conclusions: The newly calculated cut-off values of CSA, PhA, and MQI predicted the presence of sarcopenia with good sensitivity and specificity values. The use of the MQI proved to be more promising than the separate use of CSA and PhA in both male and female subjects.

Purpose of Review: To explore the groundbreaking international consensus on the DEFASE (DEfinition of Food Allergy Severity) project as a revolutionary grading system for IgE-mediated food allergy severity. Against the backdrop of the growing public health challenge posed by food allergy, this article delves into the importance of validating and implementing DEFASE in real-world clinical settings., Recent Findings: With new therapeutic options available for food allergy, including biologics alongside immunotherapy, it is urgent to properly support clinical decision-making in the management of the disease. The DEFASE score is the first international consensus-based grading system of severity associated with food allergy as a whole disease embracing multidisciplinary perspectives from different stakeholders involved. In its current version, this comprehensive scoring system has been developed to be used in research settings., Summary: The review emphasizes the potential impact of DEFASE on patient outcomes, healthcare management, and resource allocation, underscoring its significance for the allergy scientific community. Future research should focus on internal and external validation of the scoring system, targeting these models to various food allergenic sources, populations, and settings., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the perspectives regarding precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) of prepackaged foods following the consultation conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the WHO., Recent Findings: The FAO/WHO consultation provided a comprehensive assessment of the current status and practices of PAL implementation worldwide. One of the key findings highlighted by the Expert Committee was the need for improvement in existing PAL systems. It was noted that many countries lacked uniformity in PAL practices, leading to inconsistencies in labelling and potentially misleading information for consumers. Furthermore, the consultation emphasized the importance of PAL being risk-based, taking into account both the amount and frequency of unintended allergen presence (UAP) in food products., Summary: The FAO/WHO consultation shed light on various perspectives and challenges associated with PAL of prepackaged foods. Key findings emphasized the need for improvement in existing PAL systems, including the adoption of a risk-based approach, standardized regulations, and enhanced transparency. Moving forward, collaborative efforts between regulatory agencies, food manufacturers, and consumer advocacy groups will be essential in developing effective PAL strategies that prioritize consumer safety and well being., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The supply chains of food raw materials have recently been heavily influenced by geopolitical events. Products that came from, or transited through, areas currently in conflict are now preferentially supplied from alternative areas. These changes may entail risks for food safety., Methods: We review the potential allergenicity of botanical impurities, specifically vegetable contaminants, with particular attention to the contamination of vegetable oils. We delve into the diverse types of botanical impurities, their sources, and the associated allergenic potential. Our analysis encompasses an evaluation of the regulatory framework governing botanical impurities in food labeling., Results: Unintended plant-derived contaminants may manifest in raw materials during various stages of food production, processing, or storage, posing a risk of allergic reactions for individuals with established food allergies. Issues may arise from natural occurrence, cross-contamination in the supply chain, and contamination at during production. The food and food service industries are responsible for providing and preparing foods that are safe for people with food allergies: we address the challenges inherent in risk assessment of botanical impurities., Conclusions: The presence of botanical impurities emerges as a significant risk factor for food allergies in the 2020s. We advocate for regulatory authorities to fortify labeling requirements and develop robust risk assessment tools. These measures are necessary to enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential risks posed by these contaminants.

Background: Aging is associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity (SO), and increased arterial stiffening, with possible detrimental effects on morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between sarcopenia, SO, and different indexes of arterial stiffness in older adults., Methods: A total of 77 hospitalized patients (mean age 78.68 ± 9.65 years) were evaluated, obtaining anthropometric variables, biochemical samples, handgrip test, and body composition assessment. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring both carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a proxy for central stiffness, and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), as well as considering peripheral arteries. The population was sorted into four subgroups: obese, sarcopenic, SO, and controls., Results: The highest CAVI (11.31 ± 2.58) was found in sarcopenic patients. SO had the highest value of cfPWV (15.18 ± 8.44 m/s), even after adjustment for significant covariates. In multiple regressions, SO diagnosis resulted as a significant predictor of cfPWV ( p  = 0.03, R 2  = 0.20), and sarcopenia diagnosis resulted as a predictor of CAVI ( p  = 0.042, R 2  = 0.12)., Conclusions: In conclusion, a positive correlation is found between sarcopenia, SO, and arterial stiffness among older subjects. In particular, greater central arterial stiffness is associated with SO, outlining a remarkable effect on the cardiovascular risk profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (© 2024 Fantin, Giani, Manzato, Zampieri, Comellato, Urbani, Zoico, Mazzali and Zamboni.)

Background: Hospital readmissions among older adults are associated with progressive functional worsening, increased institutionalization and mortality., Aim: Identify the main predictors of readmission in older adults., Methods: We examined readmission predictors in 777 hospitalized subjects (mean age 84.40 ± 6.77 years) assessed with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), clinical, anthropometric and biochemical evaluations. Comorbidity burden was estimated by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Median follow-up was 365 days., Results: 358 patients (46.1%) had a second admission within 365 days of discharge. Estimated probability of having a second admission was 0.119 (95%C.I. 0.095-0.141), 0.158 (95%C.I. 0.131-0.183), and 0.496 (95%C.I. 0.458-0.532) at 21, 30 and 356 days, respectively. Main predictors of readmission at 1 year were length of stay (LOS) > 14 days (p < 0.001), albumin level < 30 g/l (p 0.018), values of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 40 ml/min (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure < 115 mmHg (p < 0.001), CCI ≥ 6 (p < 0.001), and cardiovascular diagnoses. When the joint effects of selected prognostic variables were accounted for, LOS > 14 days, worse renal function, systolic blood pressure < 115 mmHg, higher comorbidity burden remained independently associated with higher readmission risk., Discussion: Selected predictors are associated with higher readmission risk, and the relationship evolves with time., Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of performing an accurate CGA, since defined domains and variables contained in the CGA (i.e., LOS, lower albumin and systolic blood pressure, poor renal function, and greater comorbidity burden), when combined altogether, may offer a valid tool to identify the most fragile patients with clinical and functional impairment enhancing their risk of unplanned early and late readmission., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Recent advances in the olive oil sector aim to develop sustainable strategies for the valorisation of mechanical extraction co-products as a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this work, we studied the effectiveness of a phenolic extract (PE) from olive vegetation water (OVW) as a new antioxidant of natural origin for improving the quality and extending the secondary shelf life (SSL) of a fresh basil pesto sold as a served loose product at the deli counter, simulating the storage conditions after packaging, opening, and serving. For that, the PE was mixed with the oily phase of fresh pesto in two different concentrations and compared to a control pesto (CTRL) made with the addition of common additives (ascorbic acid (E300) and sorbic acid (E200)). The physicochemical parameters, phenolic and volatile composition, sensory profiles, and antioxidant capacity of the experimental pesto samples were evaluated after opening. The results proved that the enrichment with the PE improved the stability of the pesto and, hence, its overall quality. The PE provided higher protection than the CTRL against primary and secondary oxidation at both concentrations tested and delayed the accumulation of the volatile compounds responsible for the 'rancid' off-flavour up to 7 days after first opening, while also preserving higher levels of the pesto phytonutrients (such as the rosmarinic, caffeic, and chicoric acids and α-tocopherol). These results show that the generation of food waste in households, catering chains, retail, and/or restaurants can be reduced, improving the sustainability of the food industry and the competitiveness of the olive oil sector.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a bilateral ocular inflammatory disease with a conjunctival and corneal involvement and typical onset during childhood. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the mucosa (≥15 eosinophils/HPF) and symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. EoE and VKC are both immune-mediated diseases sharing a similar pathogenetic mechanism and a high association with other allergic diseases. Nevertheless, no data are currently available about their clinical association. We present 4 cases of concomitant diagnosis of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and eosinophil esophagitis suggesting that these conditions may coexist in the same patient more frequently than expected. Health care providers should be aware of the possibility of co-occurrence in their daily practice., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare quantitative and qualitative ultrasound parameters between healthy young adults and post-acute hospitalized older adults with and without physical disability, as well as between normal weight and overweight/obese persons., Design: Cross-sectional observational study., Setting and Participants: A total of 120 individuals were recruited: 24 healthy young adults, 24 normal weight and 24 overweight/obese community-dwelling adults, and 48 post-acute hospitalized older adults with different degrees of functional autonomy., Methods: The rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) thickness, echogenicity, strain elastography, and compressibility were measured with ultrasound echography., Results: Post-acute older adults with a good level of autonomy showed higher echogenicity, a higher compressibility index and elastometry strain, and lower rectus femoris thickness and CSA as compared with young persons. Post-acute individuals with physical disability showed lower echogenicity and a greater stiffness compared with their still autonomous counterparts. Normal weight individuals showed lower stiffness as evaluated with elastometry and a lower SCAT thickness, as compared with individuals with age-matched overweight or obesity. From multiple regression analyses, using CSA as an independent variable, an inverse association with female sex and age was observed, explaining 16% and 51% of variance. Echogenicity was directly associated with age (34% of variance) and with the Barthel index (6% of variance). Elastometry showed association with age and body mass index (BMI), 30% and 16% of variance, respectively. Considering compressibility as a dependent variable, a direct association with age and an inverse association with BMI were observed, with 5% and 11% of variance respectively., Conclusions and Implications: Muscle mass decreases with age and with physical disability. Echogenicity, which increases with age and disability level, seems to be associated with myofibrosis. Conversely, elastometry seems useful in the characterization of muscle quality in overweight or obese individuals and as a reliable indirect measure of myosteatosis., (Copyright © 2023 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)