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Aroma is a critical quality of fruit and vegetable juices, drawing considerable attention. High-pressure processing (HPP) is demonstrated to possess more advantageous than thermal sterilization in preserving the aroma quality of fruit and vegetable juices and reducing processing off-flavors. In this paper, the changes in aroma quality of HPP fruit and vegetable juices during processing and storage are reviewed. The HPP treatment process has little effect on the overall aroma quality and sensory attributes of fruit and vegetable juices. The deterioration of aroma quality mainly occurs during the subsequent storage period. This paper elucidates the mechanism of aroma quality change of HPP fruit and vegetable juices from aspects such as the activation or inactivation of enzymes by HPP and the interaction between matrix molecules and aroma. It summarizes the currently common aroma quality control measures for HPP fruit and vegetable juices. The enzyme inactivation effects could be improved by combining temperature and pressure, optimizing the pressurization mode, and using technologies such as HPP in combination with CO2 and ultrafiltration. Product quality could also be improved by improving storage conditions. This paper reviews the research progress on aroma quality of ultra-high pressure fruit and vegetable juices, in order to provide ideas and references for subsequent product research and development and the study of aroma change mechanisms.

The present study aimed to elaborate and evaluate the nutritional, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory qualities of mixed orange, sorrel, and taioba fruit juice. Four formulations were prepared: AT25 (50% orange, 25% sorrel, 25% taioba); AT15 (70% orange, 15% sorrel, 15% taioba); A50 (50% orange, 50% sorrel); and T30 (70% orange, 30% taioba). The juices were subjected to analyses of centesimal composition; physicochemical characterization; bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity; instrumental color analysis; microbiological quality; and sensory analysis. The low pH and high total titratable acidity of the juices may have contributed to the microbiological quality observed. The average of phenolic compounds was 63.28 mg FAE/100 mL. The A50 juice significantly differed from the other juices in terms of the sensory attributes analyzed, demonstrating better acceptance. It was concluded that taioba and sorrel have the potential for use in mixed juices because they provide adequate physicochemical, microbiological, and nutritional characteristics.

Energy conservation in microorganisms is classically categorized into respiration and fermentation; however, recent work shows some species can use mixed or alternative bioenergetic strategies. We explored the use of extracellular electron transfer for energy conservation in diverse lactic acid bacteria (LAB), microorganisms that mainly rely on fermentative metabolism and are important in food fermentations. The LAB Lactiplantibacillus plantarum uses extracellular electron transfer to increase its NAD+/NADH ratio, generate more ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation, and accumulate biomass more rapidly. This novel, hybrid metabolism is dependent on a type-II NADH dehydrogenase (Ndh2) and conditionally requires a flavin-binding extracellular lipoprotein (PplA) under laboratory conditions. It confers increased fermentation product yield, metabolic flux, and environmental acidification in laboratory media and during kale juice fermentation. The discovery of a single pathway that simultaneously blends features of fermentation and respiration in a primarily fermentative microorganism expands our knowledge of energy conservation and provides immediate biotechnology applications.

IntroductionAlthough epidemiological studies associate the consumption of sugary beverages with adverse health effects, human experimental studies have demonstrated substantially different metabolic responses when 100% fruit juices are compared with artificial beverages. Fruit juices do not just provide sugars and associated calories, but they are also rich in bioactive compounds. Flavanones are bioactives specifically and abundantly found in citrus foods, with hesperidin as the major representative in sweet oranges. Flavanone intake has been associated with a lower incidence of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, clinical evidence are too scarce to confirm the vasculoprotective effects of 100% orange juice (OJ) presumably mediated by flavanones and thereby do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn about their efficacy.Methods and analysisThe HESPER-HEALTH study aims to assess the efficacy of OJ in improving vascular function and the contribution of hesperidin to these effects. This double-blind, randomised, controlled, crossover study will be carried out in 42 volunteers predisposed to CVD, based on age and on overweight. It includes three 6-week periods of consumption of 330 mL/d of OJ versus control drinks with and without hesperidin at a dose in agreement with a daily OJ serving (approx. 200-215 mg). The primary outcome is endothelial function, assessed by flow mediated dilation, with measurements performed at fasting and postprandially in response to a challenge meal. The secondary outcomes include bioavailability and metabolism of flavanones, changes in other markers of vascular function, systemic biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, vitamin C and carotenoids status, anthropometry and body composition, gut microbiota composition, nutrigenomic response and in oxylipin profiling.Ethics and disseminationThis ongoing study was approved by the Ethics committee Sud-Est III, Bron, France on 17 November 2020. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04731987; Pre-results.

PurposePrevious studies evaluating ticagrelor drug-drug interactions have not differentiated intestinal versus systemic mechanisms, which we do here.MethodsUsing recently published methodologies from our laboratory to differentiate metabolic- from transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions, a critical evaluation of five published ticagrelor drug-drug interactions was carried out to investigate the purported clinical significance of enzymes and transporters in ticagrelor disposition.ResultsThe suggested CYP3A4 inhibitors, ketoconazole and diltiazem, displayed unchanged mean absorption time (MAT) and time of maximum concentration (Tmax) values as was expected, i.e., the interactions were mainly mediated by metabolic enzymes. The potential CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitor cyclosporine also showed an unchanged MAT value. Further analysis assuming there was no P-gp effect suggested that the increased AUC and unchanged t1/2 for ticagrelor after cyclosporine administration were attributed to the inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 rather than P-gp. Rifampin, an inducer of CYP3As after multiple dosing, unexpectedly showed decreased MAT and Tmax values, which cannot be completely explained. In contrast, grapefruit juice, an intestinal CYP3A/P-gp/OATP inhibitor, significantly increased MAT and Tmax values for ticagrelor, which may be due to activation of P-gp or inhibition of OATPs expressed in intestine.ConclusionsThis study provides new insight into the role of transporter pathways in ticagrelor intestinal absorption by examining potential MAT and Tmax changes mediated by drug-drug interactions.

Overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disease, in part due to hepatic fructose overload. However, it is not clear whether consumption of beverages containing fructose as naturally occurring sugar produces equivalent metabolic dysregulation as beverages containing added sugars. We compared the effects of consuming naturally-sweetened orange juice (OJ) or sucrose-sweetened beverages (sucrose-SB) for two weeks on risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Healthy, overweight women (n = 20) were assigned to consume either 3 servings of 100% orange juice or sucrose-SB/day. We conducted 16-hour serial blood collections and 3-h oral glucose tolerance tests during a 30-h inpatient visit at baseline and after the 2-week diet intervention. The 16-h area under the curve (AUC) for uric acid increased in subjects consuming sucrose-SB compared with subjects consuming OJ. Unlike sucrose-SB, OJ did not significantly increase fasting or postprandial lipoproteins. Consumption of both beverages resulted in reductions in the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (OJ: -0.40 ± 0.18, p = 0.04 within group; sucrose-SB: -1.0 ± 0.38, p = 0.006 within group; p = 0.53 between groups). Findings from this pilot study suggest that consumption of OJ at levels above the current dietary guidelines for sugar intake does not increase plasma uric acid concentrations compared with sucrose-SB, but appears to lead to comparable decreases of insulin sensitivity.

BackgroundA major problem in the orange industry is 'delayed' bitterness, which is caused by limonin, a bitter compound developing from its non-bitter precursor limonoate A-ring lactone (LARL) during and after extraction of orange juice. The glucosidation of LARL by limonoid UDP-glucosyltransferase (LGT) to form non-bitter glycosyl-limonin during orange maturation has been demonstrated as a natural way to debitter by preventing the formation of limonin.ResultHere, the debittering potential of heterogeneously expressed glucosyltransferase, maltose-binding protein (MBP) fused to cuGT from Citrus unishiu Marc (MBP-cuGT), which was previously regarded as LGT, was evaluated. A liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was established to determine the concentration of limonin and its derivatives. The protocols to obtain its potential substrates, LARL and limonoate (limonin with both A and D ring open), were also developed. Surprisingly, MBP-cuGT did not exhibit any detectable effect on limonin degradation when Navel orange juice was used as the substrate; MBP-cuGT was unable to biotransform either LARL or limonoate as purified substrates. However, it was found that MBP-cuGT displayed a broad activity spectrum towards flavonoids, confirming that the enzyme produced was active under the conditions evaluated in vitro.ConclusionOur results based on LC-MS demonstrated that cuGT functionality was incorrectly identified. Its active substrates, including various flavonoids but not limonoids, highlight the need for further efforts to identify the enzyme responsible for LGT activity to develop biotechnology-based approaches for producing orange juice from varietals that traditionally have a delayed bitterness. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Passiflora setacea (PS) is a passionfruit variety of the Brazilian savannah and is a rich source of plant food bioactives with potential anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an acute intake of PS juice upon inflammation, metabolic parameters, and gene expression on circulating immune cells in humans. Overweight male volunteers (n = 12) were enrolled in two double-blind placebo-controlled studies. Blood samples were collected from fasting volunteers 3 h after the consumption of 250 mL of PS juice or placebo (PB). Metabolic parameters (insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total triglycerides) and circulating cytokines were evaluated (study 1). Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from the same subjects were isolated and RNA was extracted for transcriptomic analyses using microarrays (study 2). Insulin and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels decreased statistically after the PS juice intake, whereas HDL level increased significantly. Interleukin (IL)-17A level increased after placebo consumption, whereas its level remained unchanged after PS juice consumption. Nutrigenomic analyses revealed 1327 differentially expressed genes after PS consumption, with modulated genes involved in processes such as inflammation, cell adhesion, or cytokine-cytokine receptor. Taken together, these clinical results support the hypothesis that PS consumption may help the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases.

Disturbed sleep may negatively influence physical health, cognitive performance, metabolism, and general wellbeing. Nutritional interventions represent a potential non-pharmacological means to increase sleep quality and quantity. (1) Identify an optimal suite of nutritional ingredients and (2) validate the effects of this suite utilising polysomnography, and cognitive and balance tests. The optimal and least optimal combinations of six ingredients were identified utilising 55 male participants and a Box-Behnken predictive model. To validate the model, 18 healthy, male, normal sleepers underwent three trials in a randomised, counterbalanced design: (1) optimal drink, (2) least optimal drink, or (3) placebo were provided before bed in a double-blinded manner. Polysomnography was utilised to measure sleep architecture. Cognitive performance, postural sway, and subjective sleep quality, were assessed 30 min after waking. The optimal drink resulted in a significantly shorter sleep onset latency (9.9 ± 12.3 min) when compared to both the least optimal drink (26.1 ± 37.4 min) and the placebo drink (19.6 ± 32.0 min). No other measures of sleep, cognitive performance, postural sway, and subjective sleep quality were different between trials. A combination of ingredients, optimised to enhance sleep, significantly reduced sleep onset latency. No detrimental effects on sleep architecture, subjective sleep quality or next day performance were observed.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major food-borne pathogen worldwide and a frequent contaminant of fruit juices. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of bacteriocin-containing Cell-Free Culture Supernatants (CFCS) of Pediococcus pentosaceus IO1 against S. aureus inoculated in fruit juices, as well as their impact on the juice sensory attributes. Methods: The orange and watermelon juice samples were treated with bacteriocin supernatant at different concentrations (1, 5, and 10% v/v) and the sensory attributes were evaluated using a 5-point hedonic scale and thereafter inoculated with a culture of S. aureus. Then, the inhibitory effect of bacteriocin-containing CFCS of P. pentosaceus IO1 against S. aureus in the fruit juices was evaluated by in situ and plate assays. Results: The 10% (v/v) bacteriocin-containing CFCS exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, reducing S. aureus counts in pasteurized orange and watermelon juices by 1.42 and 2.12 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/ml, respectively, and by 1.03 and 0.88 log CFU/ml in unpasteurized orange and watermelon juices, respectively, compared to the control. The taste, colour, and overall acceptability of pasteurized orange and watermelon juices treated with 1% (v/v) bacteriocin supernatant and 0.1% (w/v) sodium benzoate were not significantly different (p=0.228) from those pasteurized orange and watermelon juices without preservative. Conclusion: The bacteriocin produced by P. pentosaceus IO1 could be used as a natural preservative in fruit juices to control S. aureus. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.9.3.11151

Background: Pineapple juice processing is an art of preservation, and the processing technologies play important role in pineapple juice quality. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential impacts of non-thermal processing methods on the physicochemical, bioactive, and microbiological properties of fresh pineapple juice. Methods: Extracted juices were subjected to several non-thermal processes including microwave processing, vacuum evaporation, mild pasteurization, pulsed electric field, and ultra-sonication. Physicochemical properties including Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, and color; Total Phenolic Content (TPC); Total Anthocyanin Content (TAC); antioxidant capacity; and microbiological properties were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed by Minitab statistical software (version: 18.1). Results: TSS, pH, acidity (%) of processed juices ranged from 11.03-12.03, 4.07-4.27, and 0.42-0.49, respectively. In terms of color properties both ultra-sonication and microwave processing showed the highest values of L*(luminosity), a* (redness), and b* (yellow). The highest TPC was reported in ultra-sonication treatment 11.996±0.002 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/100 ml. The TAC varied from 0.179-0.235 mg Total Anthocyanin (TA)/100 ml, where ultra-sonication and mild pasteurization treatment yielded the highest and lowest contents, respectively. Conclusion: Perfect phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, retention of anthocyanin content, and attractive color in pineapple juices when treated with non-thermal techniques. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.9.3.11150

In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that topical application and oral consumption of pomegranate reduces UVB-induced skin damage. We therefore investigated if oral pomegranate consumption will reduce photodamage from UVB irradiation and alter the composition of the skin microbiota in a randomized controlled, parallel, three-arm, open label study. Seventy-four female participants (30-45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1000 mg of pomegranate extract (PomX), 8 oz of pomegranate juice (PomJ) or placebo for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) and melanin index were determined using a cutometer (mexameter probe). Skin microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. The MED was significantly increased in the PomX and PomJ group compared to placebo. There was no significant difference on phylum, but on family and genus level bacterial composition of skin samples collected at baseline and after 12 week intervention showed significant differences between PomJ, PomX and placebo. Members of the Methylobacteriaceae family contain pigments absorbing UV irradiation and might contribute to UVB skin protection. However, we were not able to establish a direct correlation between increased MED and bacterial abundance. In summary daily oral pomegranate consumption may lead to enhanced protection from UV photodamage.

Free sugars overconsumption is associated with an increased prevalence of risk factors for metabolic diseases such as the alteration of the blood lipid levels. Natural fruit juices have a free sugar composition quite similar to that of sugar-sweetened beverages. Thus, could fruit juice consumption lead to the same adverse effects on health as sweetened beverages? We attempted to answer this question by reviewing the available evidence on the health effects of both sugar-sweetened beverages and natural fruit juices. We determined that, despite the similarity of fruits juices to sugar-sweetened beverages in terms of free sugars content, it remains unclear whether they lead to the same metabolic consequences if consumed in equal dose. Important discrepancies between studies, such as type of fruit juice, dose, duration, study design, and measured outcomes, make it impossible to provide evidence-based public recommendations as to whether the consumption of fruit juices alters the blood lipid profile. More randomized controlled trials comparing the metabolic effects of fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption are needed to shape accurate public health guidelines on the variety and quantity of free sugars in our diet that would help to prevent the development of obesity and related health problems.

The association between consumption of added or concentrated sugars and prostate cancer risk is unclear. We examined the association between concentrated sugars in beverages and desserts and prostate cancer risk among 22 720 men in the usual-care arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, enrolled during 1993-2001. After a median follow-up of 9 years, 1996 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for prostate cancer risk and 95 % CI, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Increased consumption of sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer for men in the highest quartile of sugar consumption (HR: 1·21; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·39), and there was a linear trend (P

Increased oxidative stress contributes to development and progression of several human chronic inflammatory diseases. Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim is to summarize results from human studies regarding health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries, including products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate, capsules); all referred to as cherries here. We found 29 (tart 20, sweet 7, unspecified 2) published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries. Most of these studies were less than 2 weeks of duration (range 5 h to 3 months) and served the equivalent of 45 to 270 cherries/day (anthocyanins 55-720 mg/day) in single or split doses. Two-thirds of these studies were randomized and placebo controlled. Consumption of cherries decreased markers for oxidative stress in 8/10 studies; inflammation in 11/16; exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength in 8/9; blood pressure in 5/7; arthritis in 5/5, and improved sleep in 4/4. Cherries also decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) in diabetic women, and VLDL and TG/HDL in obese participants. These results suggest that consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major food -borne pathogen worldwide and a frequent contaminant of fruit juices. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of bacteriocin -containing Cell -Free Culture Supernatants (CFCS) of Pediococcus pentosaceus IO 1 against S. aureus inoculated in fruit juices, as well as their impact on the juice sensory attributes. Methods: The orange and watermelon juice samples were treated with bacteriocin supernatant at different concentrations (1, 5, and 10% v/v) and the sensory attributes were evaluated using a 5 -point hedonic scale and thereafter inoculated with a culture of S. aureus. Then, the inhibitory effect of bacteriocin -containing CFCS of P. pentosaceus IO 1 against S. aureus in the fruit juices was evaluated by in situ and plate assays. Results: The 10% (v/v) bacteriocin -containing CFCS exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, reducing S. aureus counts in pasteurized orange and watermelon juices by 1.42 and 2.12 log Colony Forming Units (CFU)/ml, respectively, and by 1.03 and 0.88 log CFU/ml in unpasteurized orange and watermelon juices, respectively, compared to the control. The taste, colour, and overall acceptability of pasteurized orange and watermelon juices treated with 1% (v/v) bacteriocin supernatant and 0.1% (w/v) sodium benzoate were not significantly different (p=0.228) from those pasteurized orange and watermelon juices without preservative. Conclusion: The bacteriocin produced by P. pentosaceus IO 1 could be used as a natural preservative in fruit juices to control S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pineapple juice processing is an art of preservation, and the processing technologies play important role in pineapple juice quality. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential impacts of non -thermal processing methods on the physicochemical, bioactive, and microbiological properties of fresh pineapple juice. Methods: Extracted juices were subjected to several non -thermal processes including microwave processing, vacuum evaporation, mild pasteurization, pulsed electric field, and ultra -sonication. Physicochemical properties including Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, and color; Total Phenolic Content (TPC); Total Anthocyanin Content (TAC); antioxidant capacity; and microbiological properties were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed by Minitab statistical software (version: 18.1). Results: TSS, pH, acidity (%) of processed juices ranged from 11.03 -12.03, 4.07 -4.27, and 0.42 -0.49, respectively. In terms of color properties both ultra -sonication and microwave processing showed the highest values of L*(luminosity), a* (redness), and b* (yellow). The highest TPC was reported in ultra -sonication treatment 11.996±0.002 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/100 ml. The TAC varied from 0.179 -0.235 mg Total Anthocyanin (TA)/100 ml, where ultra -sonication and mild pasteurization treatment yielded the highest and lowest contents, respectively. Conclusion: Perfect phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, retention of anthocyanin content, and attractive color in pineapple juices when treated with non-thermal techniques [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD), also known as bitter leaf, is widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. The presence of bioactive compounds in VAD is believed to be responsible for its characteristic bitterness. In Ghana, it is a common practice to mitigate the bitterness of VAD by combining it with Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (lime) juice extracts, although this method lacks scientific evidence and documentation. Therefore, the antioxidant and anticancer activities of VAD and lime juice extracts (V5) and their combined effects were evaluated in vitro. Method: The antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects of VAD extracts were determined against Jurkat, MCF-7, HepG2, and PNT2 cells using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to quantify antioxidant activity and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess cytotoxicity. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Linear regression was employed to determine the correlation between the concentration and the percentage of antioxidant activity, while p values were calculated using Student's t -test. Results: The laboratory analysis focused on the extracts V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. Briefly, V1 and V2 contained equal amounts of saponins and terpenoids. Among these, V2 exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity, as indicated by an EC50 value of 2.14 ± 0.06 mg/mL. V2 also demonstrated cytotoxicity against the MCF-7, HepG2, Jurkat, and PNT2 cell lines. On the other hand, V3 and V4 did not show any cytotoxic effects across all tested cell lines. In contrast, V5 was toxic to HepG2 and MCF-7 cells but had no cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cell lines. V2 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity (0-1000  μ g/mL), with the strongest inhibition observed against Jurkat cells (IC50 value = 96.341  μ g/mL) and a selective index of 3.567. The difference in activity between the extracts from different parts of the plant and the extract combined with lime juice was significant ( p < 0.05), indicating a synergistic effect of the phytochemicals in both VAD and lime juice. Conclusion: V2 and V5 demonstrated a remarkable antioxidant property, and they are effective in inhibiting cancer cell lines, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Eunice E. Ampem Danso et al.)

This study explored the association of cardioprotective role of thyroid hormones (TH) and benefit effects of grape juice (GJ) on vascular function against the apoptosis and inflammation associated with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). Wistar rats were distributed into five groups: control; PH (MCT 60mg/kg i.p.); PH+GJ (GJ-7 µL/g / day, gavage for 14 days); PH+TH (T3, 2μg/100g/day, and T4, 8μg/100g/day, by gavage for 14 days); and PH+TH+GJ. Echocardiographic, morphometric measurements and expression of proteins associated with apoptosis and inflammation were evaluated. The reduced cardiac output (35%) in PH was attenuated in the PH+GJ, PH+TH, and PH+TH+GJ groups (P<0.05). Both GJ and TH had no effect on the PH-induced hypertrophy index. The PH + TH group showed reduced BAX (~90%) and increased Bcl2 levels (~80%) as compared to PH group (P<0.05). The PH-induced increase in caspase 3 was diminished (~92%) in the PH+TH (P<0.05). Both GJ and TH, isolated and combined, reduced caspase 9 levels (~70%). PH-provoked elevated NLRP3 levels was decreased (~90%) in PH+TH (P<0.05). The therapeutic approach showed cardioprotective effects in the PH model which may be mediated by mitigation of apoptosis and inflammation.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in energy metabolism because it uses fatty acids for thermogenesis during cold exposure. Preclinical studies found that boysenberry anthocyanins (BoyACs) activate BAT. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate how BoyAC intake affects BAT in humans. We performed an open-label single-arm nonrandomized study in healthy volunteers. Before and after 4 weeks of daily consumption of 100 ml boysenberry juice (BoyJ) containing 61 mg of BoyACs, participants were assessed at 24 °C and then after 1 h of mild cold exposure (18 °C). An infrared thermography camera was used to measure skin surface temperatures in the supraclavicular BAT region (Tscv) and the non-BAT region of the upper chest (Tch). Energy metabolism was measured by indirect calorimetry. For each endpoint, we calculated Δ as the difference between values before and after cold exposure and compared the values before and after BoyJ intake. 10 volunteers participated (age: 36.1 ± 4.1, body mass index (BMI): 20.9 ± 0.6). After BoyJ intake, ΔTscv-ch was significantly higher (p = 0.029), but Δ energy expenditure, Δ fat oxidation, and Δ carbohydrate oxidation were not significantly different. We found a significant positive correlation between BMI and Δfat oxidation with BoyJ intake. The results indicate that 4 weeks of BoyJ intake activates cold-induced thermogenesis in the scv-BAT but does not have a significant effect on energy metabolism. BoyJ intake may increase fat oxidation during cold exposure in individuals with higher BMI.Trial registry number: UMIN000043476, 05/03/2021., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Plant-derived nanovesicles represent a novel approach in the field of plant-derived biomaterials, offering a sustainable and biocompatible option for various biomedical applications. The unique properties of these vesicles, such as their ability to encapsulate bioactive compounds, make them suitable for therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical purposes. In this study, we have, for the first time, successfully bio-fabricated vesicles derived from Opuntia ficus-indica (FicoVes) using an efficient and cost-effective method. Characterized by a size of approximately of 114 nm and a negative zeta potential of -20.9 mV, FicoVes exhibited excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, showing no reduction in the viability of human and animal cells. Our results showed that FicoVes possess significant antioxidant properties as they reduced ROS generation in TBH-stimulated cells. FicoVes displayed anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il 1β, TNF α) and enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL4, IL10) following an inflammatory stimulus. Furthermore, FicoVes accelerated epithelial wound closure in L929 fibroblast monolayers in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting their potential role in tissue repair. This study establishes FicoVes as a promising candidate for nutrigenomic applications, particularly in the context of inflammation-related disorders and wound healing. Further research, including in vivo studies, is essential to validate these findings and fully explore their therapeutic potential.

Obesity is a costly and ongoing health complication in the United States and globally. Bioactive-rich foods, especially those providing polyphenols, represent an emerging and attractive strategy to address this issue. Berry-derived anthocyanins and their metabolites are of particular interest for their bioactive effects, including weight maintenance and protection from metabolic aberrations. Earlier findings from small clinical trials suggest modulation of substrate oxidation and glucose tolerance with mediation of prospective benefits attributable to the gut microbiota, but mixed results suggest appropriate anthocyanin dosing poses a challenge. The objective of this randomized, placebo-controlled study was to determine if anthocyanin-dense elderberry juice (EBJ) reproduces glucoregulatory and substrate oxidation effects observed with other berries and if this is mediated by the gut microbiota. Overweight or obese adults (BMI > 25 kg/m 2 ) without chronic illnesses were randomized to a 5-week crossover study protocol with two 1-week periods of twice-daily EBJ or placebo (PL) separated by a washout period. Each treatment period included 4 days of controlled feeding with a 40% fat diet to allow for comparison of measurements in fecal microbiota, meal tolerance testing (MTT), and indirect calorimetry between test beverages. Eighteen study volunteers completed the study. At the phylum level, EBJ significantly increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and decreased Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, EBJ increased Faecalibacterium , Ruminococcaceae , and Bifidobacterium and decreased Bacteroides and lactic acid-producing bacteria, indicating a positive response to EBJ. Supporting the changes to the microbiota, the EBJ treatment significantly reduced blood glucose following the MTT. Fat oxidation also increased significantly both during the MTT and 30 min of moderate physical activity with the EBJ treatment. Our findings confirm the bioactivity of EBJ-sourced anthocyanins on outcomes related to gut health and obesity. Follow-up investigation is needed to confirm our findings and to test for longer durations.

Menopause is associated with reduced endothelial-dependent vasodilation and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Dietary nitrate, a non-pharmacological approach, may increase vasodilatory capacity consequentially reducing CVD risk. We investigated macro- and microvascular function after acute nitrate supplementation in postmenopausal females (PMF). Vascular function was studied with flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and near-infrared post occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). Incremental handgrip exercise was performed to investigate blood flow and tissue oxygenation. We hypothesized acute dietary nitrate would not impact resting endothelial measures but would increase post ischemic vasodilation and incremental exercise blood flow. Late-phase PMF (n = 12) participated in a randomized crossover design with 140 mL of nitrate-rich (NR) beetroot juice or nitrate-poor black currant juice. Testing included a 5-min FMD, a 3-min ischemic exercise FMD, and incremental exercise at 10%, 15%, and 20% maximal voluntary contraction to measure blood flow and pressure responses. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. One-way ANOVA indicated lower resting pressures, but no change to FMD, or PORH in either protocol. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated NR supplementation significantly reduced mean arterial pressure at rest and during incremental exercise at all intensities without changes to blood flow. Acute nitrate is effective for resting and exercising blood pressure management in PMF., (© 2024 The Author(s). Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)

Objectives: This study examined the effect of a 4-week unsweetened cranberry beverage (CRAN) (317 mg polyphenols) versus placebo beverage (PLAC) ingestion (240 mL/day) on moderating exercise-induced changes in innate immunity., Methods: Participants included 25 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design was used with two 4-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by an intensive 2.25 h cycling bout. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (in an overnight fasted state) and at 0 h, 1.5 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Stool and urine samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation. Outcome measures included serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, and cortisol, complete blood counts, plasma untargeted proteomics, plasma-targeted oxylipins, untargeted urine metabolomics, and stool microbiome composition via whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing., Results: Urine CRAN-linked metabolites increased significantly after supplementation, but no trial differences in alpha or beta microbiota diversity were found in the stool samples. The 2.25 h cycling bout caused significant increases in plasma arachidonic acid (ARA) and 53 oxylipins (FDR q-value < 0.05). The patterns of increase for ARA, four oxylipins generated from ARA-cytochrome P-450 (CYP) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-diHETrEs), two oxylipins from linoleic acid (LA) and CYP (9,10-DiHOME, 12,13-DiHOME), and two oxylipins generated from LA and lipoxygenase (LOX) (9-HODE, 13-HODE) were slightly but significantly higher for the CRAN versus PLAC trial (all interaction effects, p < 0.05). The untargeted proteomics analysis showed that two protein clusters differed significantly between the CRAN and PLAC trials, with CRAN-related elevations in proteins related to innate immune activation and reduced levels of proteins related to the regulation of the complement cascade, platelet activation, and binding and uptake of ligands by scavenger receptors. No trial differences were found for cortisol and muscle damage biomarkers., Conclusions: CRAN versus PLAC juice resulted in a significant increase in CRAN-related metabolites but no differences in the gut microbiome. CRAN supplementation was associated with a transient and modest but significant post-exercise elevation in selected oxylipins and proteins associated with the innate immune system.

The purpose of this study was to examine how green leaf juice drinking affect the postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial hyperglycemia causes vascular endothelial damage and chronic inflammation, promoting atherosclerosis, regardless of the presence of diabetes. Some ingredients in greenleaf juice have been reported to suppress blood glucose levels; however, the effect of greenleaf juice on reducing blood glucose levels in healthy individuals is unclear. We observed changes in postprandial blood glucose levels in 13 healthy young women who drank greenleaf juice before or concomitantly with rice. Compared to water, greenleaf juice consumption reduced blood glucose levels at 90 and 120 min after rice consumption, with no difference regardless of the time of greenleaf juice consumption. Greenleaf juice may be one of the most convenient and cost-effective methods for reducing postprandial blood glucose in healthy people.

Background : Consumption of flavonoid-rich orange juice has been shown to reduce adiposity and liver steatosis in murine models of diet-induced obesity. However, little is known about the effects of whole orange intake, independent of body weight changes, on liver function and steatosis in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal is to understand the direct impact of orange consumption on metabolic health. Methods : Sixty-two men and women aged 30-65 with MASLD (Controlled Attenuation Parameter, (CAP) > 275 dB/m) were randomly assigned to consume either 400 g of whole oranges or non-citrus fruits daily for 4 weeks. Baseline evaluations included medical assessments, blood tests, and body composition. Liver health was assessed using transient elastography (FibroScan ® ) for steatosis and fibrosis, conducted by blinded personnel. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05558592). Results : After 4 weeks of orange supplementation, liver steatosis decreased in the treatment group, with 70.9% showing steatosis compared to 100% in controls ( p < 0.004), indicating a 30% reduction in liver disease prevalence. There were no significant changes in fibrosis or plasma liver enzymes, though plasma gamma glutaril transferase (GGT) levels decreased significantly. Body weight, waist circumference, body composition, lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. Dietary analysis revealed no change in caloric intake, but vitamins C, A, thiamine, and riboflavin increased in the orange group. Conclusions : Our findings suggest that phytochemical-rich foods, especially whole fruits like oranges, may enhance liver function as an adjunct treatment for MASLD. The notable reduction in liver steatosis prevalence occurred independently of body weight changes. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of orange supplementation on steatosis and fibrosis progression and to identify the specific bioactive compounds and mechanisms involved.

Background: Orally transmitted acute Chagas disease (ACD) primarily affects low-visibility and low-income individuals in tropical and subtropical zones. Managing ACD remains challenging even after more than 100 years of its discovery. Its spread to non-endemic areas has made it a global health issue. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the difficulties encountered in handling a real-life situation., Methodology and Findings: This report examines an outbreak of 39 cases of ACD due to oral transmission by bacaba juice ingestion that occurred in Pedro do Rosário, Maranhão, Brazil. A clinical and epidemiological investigation, including an entomological search, was conducted. Diagnosis criteria included positive peripheral blood smear (PBS), seroconversion of IgG, and a two-fold increase in IgG titer (laboratory criteria); and clinical findings, epidemiological exposure, and at least one positive IgG test (clinical-epidemiological criteria). In-house conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on 33 samples. All patients were treated with benznidazole. After 4.5 years, IgG levels were reassessed in 26 individuals. The mean age was 33.6 years, with no gender difference. The mean incubation period was 13.8 days, and the mean between symptom onset and treatment was 16.6 days. The most common symptoms were fever and lymphadenopathy (90%). Diagnostic success rates were 66.6% (laboratory criteria), 23% (clinical-epidemiological criteria), and 10.2% (high clinical suspicion despite negative tests). Test positivity rates were 69.7% (PBS), 91.4% (serology), and 100% (PCR). There were no deaths. Serological cure was achieved in 34.6% of cases, and IgG titers decreased in 15.3%., Conclusions and Significance: We encountered several barriers in managing ACD, including population vulnerability, reliance on outdated diagnostic techniques, lack of standardized molecular biology methods, and limited therapeutic options. This report underscores the importance of rapid surveillance and early treatment to prevent fatalities. We recommend the standardization of conventional PCR in diagnostic routines., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Simões-Neto et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Objectives: Apples are one of the most frequently consumed fruits and are effective in preventing lifestyle-related and other diseases. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate health benefits of processed apple products such as juice. In this study, we analyzed the health benefits of consuming apple juice, focusing on changes in the gut microbiota, which plays an important role in maintaining human health., Results: Rats were fed apple juice ad libitum, and the relative abundances of various gut microbiota in fecal samples were analyzed. In addition, rats treated apple juice were fed with a high-fat diet, and body weight, plasma triglyceride, glucose, and cholesterol levels were measured. The relative abundance of Clostridium cluster XIV did not change with the treatment of apple juice, but the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV was significantly decreased. In contrast, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which provide benefits to the human body, were significantly increased by 3-fold and 10-fold, respectively, with apple juice consumption. When apple juice-treated rats were fed a high-fat diet, the increase in body weight, liver fat, and blood lipid parameters were all suppressed compared to high-fat alone group., Conculusion: This study suggests that the consumption of apple juice changes the gut microbiota, exerts a prebiotic effect, and is effective in improving lifestyle-related diseases., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disorder marked by the buildup of triacylglycerols (TGs) in the liver. It includes a range of conditions, from simple steatosis to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can advance to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD's prevalence is rising globally, estimated between 10% and 50%. The disease is linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases and currently lacks effective treatment options. Therefore, researchers are focusing on evaluating the impact of adjunctive herbal therapies in individuals with NAFLD. One herbal therapy showing positive results in animal models and clinical studies is fruits from the Vaccinium spp. genus. This review presents an overview of the association between consuming fruits, juices, and extracts from Vaccinium spp. and NAFLD. The search used the following keywords: (( Vaccinium OR blueberry OR bilberry OR cranberry) AND ("non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" OR "non-alcoholic steatohepatitis")). Exclusion criteria included reviews, research notes, book chapters, case studies, and grants. The review included 20 studies: 2 clinical trials and 18 studies on animals and cell lines. The findings indicate that juices and extracts from Vaccinium fruits and leaves have significant potential in addressing NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism and boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, blueberries appear to have the potential to alleviate NAFLD, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Historically, fruit juice was recommended by pediatricians as a source of vitamin C and as an extra source of water for healthy infants and young children as their diets expanded to include solid foods with higher renal solute load. It was also sometimes recommended for children with constipation. Fruit juice is marketed as a healthy, natural source of vitamins and, in some instances, calcium. Because juice tastes good, children readily accept it. Although juice consumption has some benefits, it also has potential detrimental effects. High sugar content in juice contributes to increased calorie consumption and the risk of dental caries. In addition, the lack of protein and fiber in juice can predispose to inappropriate weight gain (too much or too little). Pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about juice to inform parents and patients on its appropriate uses.

The α-L-rhamnosidase (rha1) gene was homologously expressed in Aspergillus niger strains CCTCC 206047 and CCTCC 206047ΔpyrG, using hygromycin B and auxotrophic as selection markers. The engineered A. niger strains RHA001-1 and RHA003-1 were screened, yielding α-L-rhamnosidase activities of 20.81 ± 0.56 U/mL and 15.35 ± 0.87 U/mL, respectively. The copy numbers of the rha1 gene in strains RHA001-1 and RHA003-1 were found to be 18 and 14, respectively. Correlation analysis between copy number and enzyme activity in the A. niger strains revealed that α-L-rhamnosidase activity increased with the copy number of the rha1 gene. Recombinant α-L-rhamnosidase was utilized for the enzymatic debittering of Ougan juice, and its process conditions were optimized. Furthermore, the primary bitter substance neohesperidin (2.22 g/L) in Ougan juice was converted into hesperetin 7-O-glucoside (1.47 g/L) and hesperidin (0.143 g/L). This study presents a novel approach for the production of food-grade α-L-rhamnosidase and establishes a technical foundation for its application in the beverage industry., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Beetroot juice (BRJ) intake has been considered a practical nutritional strategy among well-trained athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of BRJ intake on performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables during a simulated 2000-meter rowing ergometer test in well-trained master rowers., Method: Ten well-trained male master rowers (30-48 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design for 3 weeks. In the first week, a researcher explained all the experimental procedures to the participants. In the next two weeks, the participants were tested in 2 rowing ergometer sessions, separated from each other by a 7-day washout period. In both strictly identical sessions, the participants randomly drank BRJ or placebo (PL) 3 hours before the start of the tests. Subsequently, the participants carried out the 2000-meter rowing ergometer tests. Oxygen saturation and blood lactate measurements were performed before starting (pretest) and at the end of the test (posttest). Performance parameters and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded during the rowing ergometer test., Results: An improvement in time trial performance was observed, with a mean difference of 4 seconds (90% confidence limits ± 3.10; p  ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. Relative and absolute maximaloxygenuptake V ˙ O 2 max increased (mean difference of 2.10 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , 90% confidence limits ± 1.80; mean difference of 0.16 L·min -1 90% confidence limits ± 0.11, respectively; p  ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. No ergogenic effect was observed on ventilatory efficiency and blood lactate concentrations after BRJ intake., Conclusion: Acute BRJ intake may improve time trial performance as well as V ˙ O 2 max in well-trained master rowers. However, BRJ does not appear to improve ventilatory efficiency.

Background: The xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle Web.) plant is produced mainly in the Central Highlands region of Mexico. The main aim of this research was to determine the effect of pasteurization on chemical and functional properties of xoconostle juice. Methods: Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, Titratable Acidity (TA), total phenolic and flavonoid content, betacyanins, betaxanthins, and reducing and non-reducing sugars contents were determined in both unpasteurized and pasteurized xoconostle juices. In vivo assay using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was done in male rats to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effect of juice. Data were statistically analyzed using SigmaPlot. Results: There was a meaningful increasing (p

Introduction: This study aimed to add value to Arabic Gum (AG) and the blueberry discarded harvest from Northwest of Argentina, developing functional dietary beverages with AG at three concentrations of 0; 5; 10 and 15 g/100 mL, and to assess the sensory acceptability, physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties. Material and methods: Blueberries (BB) at 30 g/100 mL and steviol glycosides (0.03 g/100 mL) were used. Results: The beverage with 10 g/100 mL of AG had the best scores for sensory acceptability and was preferred by consumers. It has a pH of 3.88, soluble solid content of 14.97 °Brix, density of 1.05 g/cm3 and a colour which showed a tendency from red to blue. The Total Caloric Value (per 100 mL of beverage) was 53.4 Kcal, 13.53 g of carbohydrates, 8.80 g of total dietary fibre, and a sodium content of 12.26 mg. The total polyphenol content was 214.23 mg GAE /100 g. Conclusions: The serving size of functional beverage covers 70% of the daily dietary fibre recommendation.

Microbial dysbiosis may manifest as inflammation both orally and in the gastrointestinal tract. Altered oral and gut microbiota composition and decreased diversity have been shown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontal disease (PD). Recent studies have verified transmission of oral opportunistic microbes to the gut. Prebiotics, probiotics, or dietary interventions are suggested to alleviate IBD symptoms in addition to medicinal treatment. Lingonberries contain multiple bioactive molecules, phenolics, which have a broad spectrum of effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proteolytic, and anti-cancer properties. An all-natural product, fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), is discussed as a potential natural anti-inflammatory substance. FLJ has been shown in clinical human trials to promote the growth of oral lactobacilli, and inhibit growth of the opportunistic oral pathogens Candida , Streptococcus mutans , and periodontopathogens, and decrease inflammation, oral destructive proteolysis (aMMP-8), and dental microbial plaque load. Lactobacilli are probiotic and considered also beneficial for gut health. Considering the positive outcome of these oral studies and the fact that FLJ may be swallowed safely, it might be beneficial also for the gut mucosa by balancing the microbiota and reducing proteolytic inflammation.

Rosa sterilis (RS) is a characteristic fruit in southwestern China that has numerous health benefits; however, its pharmacological effect needs further clarification, especially with respect to the exploration of its potential anti-breast-cancer effect, as there are still knowledge gaps in this regard. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Rosa sterilis juice (RSJ) on breast cancer (BC) through in vitro cellular experiments and by establishing mouse 4T1 breast xenograft tumors. This study also had the aim of elucidating RSJ's underlying mechanisms. RSJ can inhibit cell proliferation, affect cell morphology, and impact the clone formation ability of BC; furthermore, it can promote apoptosis by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In mouse 4T1 breast xenograft tumors, RSJ markedly inhibited tumor growth, relieved the pathological lesions, lowered the expression of Ki67, and regulated the expression of the apoptosis-associated protein. Moreover, we observed that RSJ can inhibit the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, our research reveals that RSJ can alleviate BC by triggering the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and suppressing the Jak2/Stat3 pathway, providing new dietary intervention strategies for BC.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on performance metrics during cycling sprint exercise according to the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases up to September 2023. Inclusion criteria were healthy recreationally active men and women who consumed nitrate-rich and nitrate-deficient beetroot juice to assess performance outcomes of mean power, peak power, time-to-peak power, and minimum power during 30-s cycling sprints. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and TESTEX tools and funnel plots. A random effects model was performed on six studies and showed that dietary nitrate had significant effects on time-to-peak power (SMD: -0.66, 95% CI: -1.127 to -0.192, p = 0.006) but not on mean power, peak power, or minimum power. Subgroup analysis revealed that an acute low nitrate dose improved time-to-peak power (SMD: -0.977, 95% CI: -1.524 to -0.430, p < 0.001) but not after a multiday moderate nitrate dose (SMD: -0.177, 95% CI: -0.619 to -0.264, p = 0.431). These data suggest that acute nitrate supplementation can benefit time-to-peak power during 30-s cycling sprints, but due to the limited availability of data and heterogeneity in methodology, these results should be interpreted with caution. There was insufficient data on women to analyze sex-based differences. Future studies are required to provide insight on how supplementation regimen and population impact the effects of dietary nitrate for enhancing cycling sprint performance.

Background: Aronia melanocarpa is nowadays valued for its high content of biologically active substances, the main group of which are polyphenols, which include anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids. From the available sources, we can conclude that extracts and juices from black chokeberry have a great potential in human nutrition and influence on their health., Objective: The research was to evaluate the effect of regular consumption of 100% organic chokeberry juice on selected anthropometric and lipid parameters of overweight or obese women., Material and Methods: A clinical study consisted of 19 women with overweight and obesity, age from 44 to 63. The probands consumed 50 ml of chokeberry juice daily for 8 weeks as part of their regular diet. Body composition and biochemical indicators were monitored before consumption, after 4 and 8 weeks of nutritional intervention. Body composition was determined using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) - InBody 720. Biochemical analyzes of blood serum were performed using standard methods in an accredited laboratory using automatic biochemical analyzer a BioMajesty JCA-BM6010/C., Results: The monitored group of probands is characterized by menopausale and postmenopausale women, overweight or obese women with hypercholesterolemia without pharmacological treatment. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed when evaluating the amount of body fat (BFM) of the probands before the start of consumption and after the consumption of chokeberry juice. We noted a statistically significant reduction especially in the assessment of visceral fat (VFA) (p<0.001). There were no fundamentally significant changes in the lipid profile of women in this intervention study. With short-term consumption of chokeberry juice (after 4 weeks), we recorded an average reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but without statistical significant. We also focused on the evaluation of the inflammatory marker CRP and noted a significant beneficial reduction of CRP (p˂0.05)., Conclusions: In the research, we evaluated the effect of 8 weeks consumption of 100% chokeberry juice on selected anthropometric parameters, focusing on changes in visceral fat and total fat in overweight and obese women. In conclusion, we can state that the regular consumption of chokeberry juice has a beneficial effect on fat tissue in women of reproductive age, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Tart cherries have low glycemic index, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore may benefit performance and recovery from exercise. We determined the effects of consuming tart cherry juice versus a high-glycemic index sports drink on cycling performance, substrate oxidation, and recovery of low-frequency fatigue. Using a randomized, counter-balanced cross-over design, with one-month washout, 12 recreational cyclists (8 males and 4 females; 35±16y; VO2peak 38.2±7.4 ml/kg/min) consumed cherry juice or sports drink twice a day (300mL/d) for 4d before and 2d after exercise. On the exercise day, beverages (providing 1g/kg carbohydrate) were consumed 45min before 90min of cycling at 65%VO2peak, followed by a 10km time trial. Blood glucose, lactate, carbohydrate and fat oxidation, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), O2 cost of cycling, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the initial 90min of cycling. Muscle soreness, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and low-frequency fatigue were determined at baseline and after the time trial on the exercise day, and 30min after beverage consumption 24 and 48h later. There were no differences for time trial performance (17±3min cherry juice vs. 17±2min sports drink, p = 0.27) or any other measures between drink conditions. There were time main effects (p<0.05) for isometric MVC (decreasing) and low-frequency fatigue (increasing; i.e. decreased force at low relative to high stimulation frequencies), changing significantly from baseline to post-exercise and then returning to baseline at 24h post-exercise. Tart cherry juice was not effective for improving performance, substrate oxidation during exercise, and recovery from exercise, compared to a high-glycemic index sports drink., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Gao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Physical inactivity and poor dietary choices contribute to the rise in cardiometabolic diseases in the United States. It remains critical to identify strategies that may mitigate the negative impact of these behaviors. Several studies have shown that the consumption of dietary inorganic nitrate may improve vascular health and glucose regulation in animal models and some human studies. However, the improvements in glucose regulation have yet to be corroborated in humans with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) on glycemic and hemodynamic responses in individuals with T2D while controlling for medication. Seven participants with a clinical diagnosis of T2D were recruited into this study and were temporarily removed from blood pressure- and glucose-lowering medications. Hemodynamic measurements (pulsewave velocity) and an oral glucose tolerance test (glycemic response) were measured following consumption of either BRJ or a denitrolized placebo. Saliva and blood samples were collected at baseline and two and four hours post supplementation to measure changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations. We detected significant improvements in total plasma glucose exposure ( p = 0.022) and the SVR change score ( p = 0.009) in the BRJ condition. This study demonstrated that BRJ consumption can improve oral glucose tolerance in individuals with T2D while controlling for medication; however, future larger-cohort randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm if BRJ is a viable treatment for glucose control in individuals with T2D.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exerts a severe toll on human health and the economy, with high prevalence and mortality rates. The search for bioactive components effective in the treatment of COPD has become a focal point of research. Beetroot juice, readily accessible and cost-effective, is noted for its ability to enhance athletic performance and for its preventive and therapeutic impact on hypertension. Beetroot juice is a rich source of dietary nitrates and modulates physiological processes via the nitrate-nitrite- nitric oxide pathway, exerting multiple beneficial effects such as antihypertensive, bronchodilatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering actions. This paper provides a review of the existing research on the effects of beetroot juice on COPD, summarizing its potential in enhancing exercise capacity, lowering blood pressure, improving vascular function, and ameliorating sleep quality among patients with COPD. The review serves as a reference for the prospective use of beetroot juice in the symptomatic improvement of COPD, as well as in the prevention of exacerbations and associated comorbidities., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 Chen et al.)

In our opinion, the 'hang-time' of nitrate-containing products discussed in the letter by Green and Green is an interesting variable that should be considered when nitrate-based treatment or prevention strategies are designed. However, due to direct nitrate recycling after nitrate intake, products with a long 'hang-time' (e.g., chewing gum) may not always have an advantage compared to products with a short 'hang-time' (e.g., vegetable juices). We argue that extending the 'hang-time' is especially relevant and potentially beneficial for different applications, such as using a low nitrate dose to stimulate the oral effects, reaching oral tissues that may otherwise not be exposed to dietary nitrate (e.g., periodontal pockets), and providing a longer nitrate exposure in individuals with an impaired salivary flow. Apart from the 'hang-time', other important variables are the nitrate dose and source (e.g., different salts and vegetable extracts), as well as the desired effect (e.g., an oral effect versus systemic effects). Finally, we believe that the alterations in salivary microbiota observed before and after chewing three nitrate-rich gums over a period of ~5 h, as reported by Green and Green, could be considered beneficial. However, the oral microbiota composition is affected by the circadian rhythm and the effect of gum mastication should be evaluated. These results should thus be confirmed by a placebo-controlled study, where these confounding factors can be accounted for., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Aim: This study evaluated effects of various solutions on color stability and surface hardness of a nanohybrid dental composite in simulated oral environments., Materials and Methods: Sixty-four composite disks were fabricated and randomly allocated into eight groups ( n = 8 per group): Artificial saliva (AS), Biotene (B), passion fruit juice (PFJ), orange juice (OJ), Sprite (S), Coca-Cola (CO), apple cider vinegar (ACV), and cranberry juice (CJ). Specimens were immersed in respective solutions at 37°C for 28 days. Surface microhardness was assessed using Vickers microhardness test, and color alterations were quantified using SpectroShade Micro spectrophotometer. Measurements were taken 24 hours after initial polymerization and after 28-day immersion period. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed model ANOVA., Results: After 28 days, specimens exhibited significant changes in microhardness and color. Polished surfaces showed microhardness decreases of 21.9-35.5%, with ACV and CJ causing largest reductions. Non-polished surfaces unexpectedly showed increased microhardness (11.2-17.4%). Color changes were more pronounced on polished surfaces, with CO and CJ causing maximum alterations. Statistical analysis revealed significant interactions between surface treatment, staining media, and immersion time ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: All experimental groups demonstrated significant changes, highlighting composite materials' susceptibility to environmental factors. Even well-polymerized and polished surfaces underwent alterations, emphasizing necessity for periodic follow-up and maintenance polishing in esthetic restorations., Clinical Significance: The present research emphasizes significance of oral environmental factors on composite restoration longevity and esthetics, advocating for patient education on dietary impacts and tailored maintenance strategies to preserve restoration quality. How to cite this article: Shetty P, Jayakumar HDN, Pulickal TJ, et al. Effects of Various Solutions on Color Stability and Surface Hardness of Nanohybrid Dental Composite Under Simulated Oral Conditions. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(7):669-676.

Background: There is a growing consensus that fasting-induced ketosis has beneficial effects on human physiology. Despite these compelling benefits, fasting-induced ketosis raises concerns in some clinicians because it is often inappropriately compared with the pathologic uncontrolled ketone production in diabetic ketoacidosis. The determinants of the inter-individual differences in the intensity of ketosis during long-term fasting is unknown., Methods: We monitored daily variations in fasting ketonemia, as well as ketonuria, which is less invasive, in a large cohort of 1610 subjects, fasting between 4 and 21 days with the Buchinger Wilhelmi program, minimally supplemented with ~75-250 kcal (daily fruit juice, vegetable soup, and honey)., Results: Ketonuria was detected in more than 95% of fasting subjects from day 4 onwards. Subjects consuming only soups, without fruit juice or honey, exhibited reduced caloric intake (72 kcal instead of 236 kcal) and carbohydrate intake (15.6 g instead of 56.5 g), leading to more intense ketonuria. Participants with high ketonuria were, in the majority, males, young, had a higher body weight, and had lower HDL-C and urea values. They had a larger decrease in blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin levels, body weight, and waist circumference. Furthermore, in the high-ketonuria group, a larger increase in blood uric acid concentration was observed., Conclusion: Our study showed that long-term fasting triggered ketosis, never reaching pathological levels, and that ketosis is influenced by age, gender, health, and the level of physical activity. Furthermore, it is modulated but not suppressed by minimal carbohydrate intake. Our study paves the way for better understanding how supplementation can modulate the therapeutic effects and tolerability of long-term fasting.

Background : Dietary quality and the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods have been shown to protect against memory decline. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of a nutritional supplement on changes in cognitive performance. Methods : In adults aged 40 to 70 years with subjective memory complaints, participants were randomly allocated to take a supplement containing vitamin E, astaxanthin, and grape juice extract daily for 12 weeks or a matching placebo. The primary outcomes comprised changes in cognitive tasks assessing episodic memory, working memory, and verbal memory. Secondary and exploratory measures included changes in the speed of information processing, attention, and self-report measures of memory, stress, and eye and skin health. Moreover, changes in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured, along with changes in skin carotenoid concentrations. Results : Compared to the placebo, nutritional supplementation was associated with larger improvements in one primary outcome measure comprising episodic memory ( p = 0.037), but not for working memory ( p = 0.418) or verbal learning ( p = 0.841). Findings from secondary and exploratory outcomes demonstrated that the nutraceutical intake was associated with larger improvements in the Everyday Memory Questionnaire ( p = 0.022), increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( p = 0.030), decreased plasma malondialdehyde ( p = 0.040), and increased skin carotenoid concentrations ( p = 0.006). However, there were no group differences in changes in the remaining outcome measures. Conclusions : Twelve weeks of supplementation with a nutritional supplement was associated with improvements in episodic memory and several biological markers associated with cognitive health. Future research will be essential to extend and validate the current findings.

Background: Adverse remodeling of lung vessels elevates pulmonary pressure and provokes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH results in increased right ventricle (RV) afterload, causing ventricular hypertrophy and the onset of heart failure. There is no specific treatment for maladaptive RV remodeling secondary to PAH., Objectives: This study aims to explore two therapeutic approaches, grape juice (GJ) and thyroid hormones (TH), on PAH-induced oxidative stress and cardiac functional changes., Methods: Parameters of echocardiography related to lung vessel resistance (AT/ET ratio), RV contractility (TAPSE), and RV diastolic function (E/A peaks ratio) were evaluated. Also, total ROS, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, calcium handling proteins, pro-oxidant and antioxidant protein expression were measured. Values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Both GJ and TH treatments demonstrated reductions in pulmonary resistance (~22%) and improvements in TAPSE (inotropism ~11%) and AT/ET ratio (~26%) (p<0.05). There were no changes amongst groups regarding the E/A peak ratio. Although ROS and TBARS were not statistically significant, GJ and TH treatments decreased xanthine oxidase (~49%) levels and normalized HSP70 and calcium handling protein expression (p<0.05). However, only TH treatment ameliorated diastolic function (~50%) and augmented NRF2 immunocontent (~48%) (p<0.05)., Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study stands as a pioneer in showing that TH administered together with GJ promoted functional and biochemical improvements in a PAH model. Moreover, our data suggest that GJ and TH treatments were cardioprotective, combined or not, and exhibited their beneficial effects by modulating oxidative stress and calcium-handling proteins.

ObjectiveThis study examines the extent to which insufficient sleep is associated with diet quality in students taking part in the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Project.MethodsData were collected in Fall 2012 for all 4th and 7th grade children enrolled in public schools in two Massachusetts communities. During annual body mass index (BMI) screening, students completed a survey that assessed diet, physical activity, screen time, and sleep. Of the 2456 enrolled students, 1870 (76%) had complete survey data. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine associations between sleep duration and dietary outcomes (vegetables, fruits, 100% juice, juice drinks, soda, sugar-sweetened beverages and water), accounting for clustering by school. Models were adjusted for community, grade, race/ethnicity, gender, television in the bedroom, screen time, and physical activity.ResultsIn adjusted models, students who reported sleeping < 10 hours/day consumed soda more frequently (β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.20) and vegetables less frequently (β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18, -0.01) compared with students who reported ≥ 10 hours/day. No significant associations were observed between sleep duration and fruits, 100% juice, juice drinks or water.ConclusionsIn this population, insufficient sleep duration was associated with more frequent soda and less frequent vegetable consumption. Longitudinal research is needed to further examine these relationships.