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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extrusion and of open-pan cooking on whole germinated and non-germinated grains of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.), on its chemical-nutritional composition and in vitro iron bioavailability. The experimental design consisted of three flours: non-germination open-pan cooked millet flour (NGOPCMF), germination open-pan cooked millet flour (GOPCMF), and extrusion cooked millet flour (ECMF). The ECMF increased the carbohydrates, iron, manganese, diosmin, and cyanidin and decreased the total dietary fiber, resistant starch, lipids, and total vitamin E, in relation to NGOPCMF. The GOPCMF increased the lysine and vitamin C and decreased the phytate, lipids, total phenolic, total vitamin E, and riboflavin concentration, in relation to NGOPCMF. Furthermore, germinated cooked millet flour and extruded millet flour improved iron availability in vitro compared to non-germinated cooked millet flour. GOPCMF and ECMF generally preserved the chemical-nutritional composition of pearl millet and improved in vitro iron bioavailability; therefore, they are nutritionally equivalent and can be used to develop pearl millet-based products., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors affirm that they have no known conflicting financial interests or personal relationships that may have influenced the research presented in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Whole-grain pearl millet is a nutritious cereal source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. It offers health benefits such as glycemic control and satiety. Extrusion cooking for diverse formulations, including beverages, can alter its chemical composition, impacting the nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory acceptability of an extruded millet flour beverage and its acute effects on glycemic index (GI), glycemic and insulinemic response, food intake, and subjective appetite sensations in euglycemic and eutrophic adults., Methods: This is an acute, single-blind, randomized, controlled, cross-over clinical study comprising 14 euglycemic and eutrophic adults. Initially, beverages based on whole extruded millet flour were developed, and sensorially and chemically analyzed. Next, a clinical trial was conducted with participants undergoing four sessions and consuming one of the following options: extruded millet beverage, a maltodextrin control beverage, or a glucose solution administered in two separate sessions. Blood glucose, insulin, and appetite responses were assessed over a 2-h period, in addition to determining the GI of the beverages and analyzing food intake in the 24 h following each session., Results: The extruded millet flour strawberry-flavored beverage had the best sensory acceptance and was classified as having as high GI. Consumption of the extruded millet beverage showed similar glycemic and insulinemic responses, as well as appetite control and food intake of the subjects, when compared with consumption of the maltodextrin control beverage., Conclusions: Intake of the extruded millet beverage maintained glycemic and insulinemic responses, appetite control, and food intake in euglycemic and eutrophic subjects., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Chronic kidney disease increases uremic toxins concentrations, which have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Sorghum bicolor L. Moench has dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, while Bifidobacterium longum can promote beneficial health effects., Methods: It is a controlled, randomized, and single-blind clinical trial. Thirty-nine subjects were randomly separated into two groups: symbiotic group (SG), which received 100 mL of unfermented probiotic milk with Bifidobacterium longum strain and 40 g of extruded sorghum flakes; and the control group (CG), which received 100 mL of pasteurized milk and 40 g of extruded corn flakes for seven weeks., Results: The uremic toxins decreased, and gastrointestinal symptoms improved intragroup in the SG group. The acetic, propionic, and butyric acid production increased intragroup in the SG group. Regarding α-diversity, the Chao1 index was enhanced in the SG intragroup. The KEGG analysis revealed that symbiotic meal increased the intragroup energy and amino sugar metabolism, in addition to enabling essential amino acid production and metabolism, sucrose degradation, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleotide metabolic pathways., Conclusions: The consumption of symbiotic meal reduced BMI, improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and gastrointestinal symptoms, increased diversity according to the Chao1 index, and reduced uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease patients.

The consumption of diets high in saturated fat can induce damages in liver morphology and function, which leads to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatic steatosis. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is rich in protein, which provides bioactive peptides with potential benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Then, this study aimed to analyze the effect of digested total protein (DTP) of chia on inflammation, oxidative stress, and morphological changes in liver of C57BL/6 mice fed a diet rich in saturated fat. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 8/group), 8 weeks old, were fed standard diet (AIN), high-fat diet (HF), standard diet added digested protein (AIN + DTP) or high-fat diet added digested protein (HF + DTP) for 8 weeks. In animals fed a high-fat diet, chia DTP was able to reduce weight gain, food efficiency ratio and hepatosomatic index. In addition, it presented antioxidant capacity, which reduced catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. DTP was also able to reduce hepatic inflammation by reducing p65-NFκB expression and IL-1β expression and quantification. The APSPPVLGPP peptide present in chia DTP presented binding capacity with PPAR-α, which contributed to the reduction of hepatic fat accumulation evidenced by histological analysis. Thus, chia DTP improved hepatic inflammatory and histological parameters, being an effective food in reducing the liver damage caused by a high-fat diet., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The demand for organic vegetables is increasing worldwide, which has led to the growth of organic agriculture. However, information on chemical composition and antioxidant activity in vegetables grown organically under controlled conditions remains uncertain. For this study, 3 vegetables widely consumed in Brazil were cultivated in controlled organic and conventional cultivation systems: lettuce, coriander and tomato. Their chemical composition, mineral concentration, phenolic compound content, flavonoids and antioxidant activity (AA) were evaluated. The analyses of chemical and mineral composition revealed differences between the cultivation systems. Organic lettuce presented higher content of ashes, calcium and potassium. A higher content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was observed in most organic vegetables. Using the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the organic tomato exhibited higher AA compared to conventional, while the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method showed higher AA for organic coriander and tomato than theirs conventional version. The correlation between bioactive compounds and AA was positive, higher and stronger for organic vegetables, considering phenolic compounds (including flavonoids) and DPPH or FRAP antioxidant activity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) disclosed that organic lettuce and coriander were grouped according bioactive components. In general, organic vegetables showed better results for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We experimentally demonstrate stable trapping and controlled manipulation of silica microspheres in a structured optical beam consisting of a dark focus surrounded by light in all directions-the dark focus tweezer. Results from power spectrum and potential analysis demonstrate the nonharmonicity of the trapping potential landscape, which is reconstructed from experimental data in agreement to Lorentz-Mie numerical simulations. Applications of the dark tweezer in levitated optomechanics and biophysics are discussed.

Introduction: Personality shapes the cognitive, affective, and behavioral interactions between individuals and the environment. Defensive peripersonal space (DPPS) is the projected interface between the body and the world with a protective function for the body. Previous studies suggest that DPPS displays inter-individual variability that is associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety. However, DPPS may share a link with personality traits., Methods: Fifty-five healthy participants were assessed with the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5)-Adult to evaluate personality dimensions. Subjects underwent the Hand Blink Reflex (HBR) task that estimates the DPPS limits by assessing the modulation of blink intensity in response to the median nerve stimulation. Data of the HBR was analyzed with Bayesian multilevel models, while the relationship between DPPS and personality traits was explored using network analysis., Results: HBR was best modeled using a piecewise linear regression model, with two distinct slope parameters for electromyographic data. Network analyzes showed a positive correlation between the proximal slope and detachment personality trait, suggesting that individuals with higher scores in the detachment trait had an increased modulation of HBR, resulting in a larger extension of the DPPS., Discussion: Features of the detachment personality trait include avoidance of interpersonal experiences, restricted affectivity, and suspiciousness, which affect interpersonal functioning. We suggest that DPPS may represent a characteristic feature of maladaptive personality traits, thus constitute a biomarker or a target for rehabilitative interventions., 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 reviewer CF declared a past co-authorship with the authors MoB, AB, and MaB., (Copyright © 2023 Biggio, Escelsior, Murri, Trabucco, Delfante, da Silva, Bisio, Serafini, Bove and Amore.)

A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp., Lachnospiraceae sp., and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Phenolic compounds can act as a substrate for colonic resident microbiota. Once the metabolites are absorbed and distributed throughout the body, they can have diverse effects on the gut. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of a chia phenolic extract on intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier, brush border membrane functionality, intestinal microbiota, and morphology in vivo ( Gallus gallus model). Cornish-cross fertile broiler eggs, at 17 days of embryonic incubation, were separated into groups as follows: non-injected (NI; this group did not receive an injection); 18 MΩ H 2 O (H 2 O; injected with ultrapure water), and 10 mg/mL (1%) chia phenolic extract (CPE; injected with phenolic extract diluted in ultrapure water). Immediately after hatch (21 days), chickens were euthanized and their small intestine, cecum, and cecum content were collected and analyzed. The chia phenolic extract reduced the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and increased the sucrose isomaltase (SI) gene expression, reduced the Bifidobacterium and E. coli populations, reduced the Paneth cell diameter, increased depth crypt, and maintained villus height compared to the non-injected control group. Chia phenolic extract may be a promising beneficial compound for improving intestinal health, demonstrating positive changes in intestinal inflammation, functionality, microbiota, and morphology.

Chia is a functional food because of its positive impact on reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. These benefits are due to its nutritional composition as a source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. In our previous study, chia consumption increased the richness of the microbiota and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) when consumed by male Wistar rats, so, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of the consumption of chia with a high fat diet on gut health in female Wistar rats. 32 adult female Wistar rats were allocated into four groups and received one of the following diets: standard diet (SD), standard diet + chia (SDC), high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet + chia (HFDC) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, the intestinal microbiota, SCFA content, cecum content pH, immunoglobulin A (IgA) quantification and brush border membrane functionality were evaluated. There was no difference in the relative abundance of the gut microbiota, but chia consumption increased the microbial richness and diversity, increased the production of acetic and butyric acids in the SDC group and propionic acid in the HFD group, and decreased the pH of cecal content. The HFDC group demonstrated a lower IgA concentration compared to the HFD group. The SDC group increased SI and AP gene expression and decreased SGLT1 and PepT1 compared to the SD group. The consumption of chia can be beneficial for the functionality of the microbiota, improving SCFAs and intestinal pH, and the effects of chia in the microbiota can be more pronounced in HFD.

The chemical investigation of the fresh flowers of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) led to the isolation of two new echinocystic acid saponins. They were isolated by using chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by detailed 1 H and 13 C NMR spectral data including 2 D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and APT) spectroscopic techniques, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and acid hydrolysis. Their structures were established as 16-hydroxy-3-[[ O - β -D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)- O - α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy- β -D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3 β ,16 α )-olean-12-en-28-oic acid O -6-deoxy- α -L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)- O -6-deoxy- α -L-mannopyranosyl-(1→2)- β -D-glucopyranosyl ester ( 1 ) and 16-hydroxy-3-[[ O - β -D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)- O - α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy- β -D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3 β ,16 α )-olean-12-en-28-oic acid 6- O -[(2 S ,3 R ,4 R )-tetrahydro-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furanyl]- β -D-glucopyranosyl ester ( 2 ). Additionally, the permeability property and the capacity of interaction with biological membranes of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated.

Millet is a promising cereal with high amounts of dietary fibre and protein, and in addition, bioactive compounds with health-promoting functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of germinated and cooked whole millet flour ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) on protein quality, biochemical profile and intestinal health in vivo . Thirty-two male Wistar rats (21 days old) were separated into four groups, which received a casein control diet (CC; n = 8), a free protein diet (aproteic; n = 8) and two treatment diets: non-germinated millet (NM; n = 8) and germinated millet (GM; n = 8) for 29 days. The whole millet flours presented an adequate essential amino acid profile, except for lysine. The GM group presented a higher protein efficiency ratio and net protein ratio compared to the NM group. Weight gain, Lee index, and food efficiency ratio were lower in the treatment groups, compared to the control group. The GM group had lower plasma glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, and faecal pH compared to the other groups. The treatment groups presented lower triglyceride levels, higher levels of acetic and propionic acids, a larger thickness and depth of the colonic crypts, and a higher expression of PepT1 genes than the CC group. In conclusion, the millet flours demonstrated potential for controlling the lipid profile and biometric measurements. Additionally, the whole germinated millet flour provided better protein quality and improved intestinal morphology and functionality. These results indicate that the consumption of millet could be increased in human food, and considering its potential health benefits, it could be an alternative for dietary diversification, and germination is a good processing option.

Cashew nuts are rich in dietary fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, catechins, amino acids, and minerals that offer benefits for health. However, the knowledge of its effect on gut health is lacking. In this way, cashew nut soluble extract (CNSE) was assessed in vivo via intra-amniotic administration in intestinal brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, functionality, and gut microbiota. Four groups were evaluated: (1) no injection (control); (2) H 2 O injection (control); (3) 10 mg/mL CNSE (1%); and (4) 50 mg/mL CNSE (5%). Results related to CNSE on duodenal morphological parameters showed higher Paneth cell numbers, goblet cell (GC) diameter in crypt and villi, depth crypt, mixed GC per villi, and villi surface area. Further, it decreased GC number and acid and neutral GC. In the gut microbiota, treatment with CNSE showed a lower abundance of Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , and E. coli . Further, in intestinal functionality, CNSE upregulated aminopeptidase (AP) gene expression at 5% compared to 1% CNSE. In conclusion, CNSE had beneficial effects on gut health by improving duodenal BBM functionality, as it upregulated AP gene expression, and by modifying morphological parameters ameliorating digestive and absorptive capacity. For intestinal microbiota, higher concentrations of CNSE or long-term intervention may be necessary.

As a protein source, chia contains high concentrations of bioactive peptides. Probiotics support a healthy digestive tract and immune system. Our study evaluated the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of the hydrolyzed chia protein and the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei on intestinal bacterial populations, the intestinal barrier, the inflammatory response, and brush border membrane functionality in ovo ( Gallus gallus ). Fertile broiler ( Gallus gallus ) eggs ( n = 9/group) were divided into 5 groups: (NI) non-injected; (H 2 O) 18 MΩ H 2 O; (CP) 10 mg/mL hydrolyzed chia protein; (CPP) 10 mg/mL hydrolyzed chia protein + 10 6 colony-forming unit (CFU) L. paracasei ; (P) 10 6 CFU L. paracasei. The intra-amniotic administration was performed on day 17 of incubation. At hatching (day 21), the animals were euthanized, and the duodenum and cecum content were collected. The probiotic downregulated the gene expression of NF-κβ, increased Lactobacillus and E. coli , and reduced Clostridium populations. The hydrolyzed chia protein downregulated the gene expression of TNF-α, increased OCLN, MUC2, and aminopeptidase, reduced Bifidobacterium , and increased Lactobacillus . The three experimental groups improved in terms of intestinal morphology. The current results suggest that the intra-amniotic administration of the hydrolyzed chia protein or a probiotic promoted positive changes in terms of the intestinal inflammation, barrier, and morphology, improving intestinal health.

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dry heated whole sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour on the gut microbiota modulation and gut health of rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF)., Methods: In phase I (8 weeks), 45-50 days, male Wistar rats, were separated into the AIN93-M group (n = 10; fed with normal diet) and HFHF group (n = 20; fed with diet rich in saturated and simple carbohydrate). In phase II (10 weeks), we maintained the AIN-93-M group, and the HFHF group was divided into the HFHF group (n = 10) and HFHF plus sorghum flour group (n = 10)., Results: The consumption of sorghum flour increased the circular muscle layer and propionic acid when compared to the HFHF group. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the cecal microbiota presented no changes in the α-diversity and β-diversity between. However, the sorghum group exhibited higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the other experimental groups, and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes, compared to the HFHF group. Despite, sorghum increased the abundance of the genera Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae&#95;NK4A136&#95;group compared to the HFHF group. No differences were observed in total goblet cell number, crypt thickness and height, circular muscle layer, secretory IgA, and butyric acid between all groups., Conclusions: The consumption of sorghum flour can modulate the gut microbiota composition, abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, and intestinal morphology even with consumption of an HFHF diet., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia flour associated with a high fat diet on intestinal health in female ovariectomized Wistar rats., Methods: The study was conducted with 32 adult female ovariectomized Wistar rats, which were separated into four groups: standard diet (ST), standard diet with chia (STC), high fat diet (HF) and high fat diet with chia (HFC) for 18 weeks. Cecum content pH, short chain fatty acid content, brush border membrane functionality and morphology and the gut microbiota were evaluated., Results: This study demonstrated that the consumption of chia flour increased the production of acetic and butyric acids, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers and crypt thickness. It also improved the expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sucrose-isomaltase (SI) and decreased the cecum content pH. Further, the consumption of chia improved richness and decreased diversity of the microbiota. Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) clustering indicated difference between the ST and STC groups. In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the Bacteroides genus and members of the Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae families were enriched in the STC treatment group. The STC group demonstrated the enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways related to peptidoglycan and coenzyme A biosynthesis., Conclusion: Our results suggest that chia flour, which is rich in dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, presented potential properties to improve intestinal health., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)

Total absence of adipose tissue (lipoatrophy) is associated with the development of severe metabolic disorders including hepatomegaly and fatty liver. Here, we sought to investigate the impact of severe lipoatrophy induced by deletion of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) exclusively in adipocytes on lipid metabolism in mice. Untargeted lipidomics of plasma, gastrocnemius and liver uncovered a systemic depletion of the essential linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic (ALA) fatty acids from several lipid classes (storage lipids, glycerophospholipids, free fatty acids) in lipoatrophic mice. Our data revealed that such essential fatty acid depletion was linked to increased: 1) capacity for liver mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO), 2) citrate synthase activity and coenzyme Q content in the liver, 3) whole-body oxygen consumption and reduced respiratory exchange rate in the dark period, and 4) de novo lipogenesis and carbon flux in the TCA cycle. The key role of de novo lipogenesis in hepatic steatosis was evidenced by an accumulation of stearic, oleic, sapienic and mead acids in liver. Our results thus indicate that the simultaneous activation of the antagonic processes FAO and de novo lipogenesis in liver may create a futile metabolic cycle leading to a preferential depletion of LA and ALA. Noteworthy, this previously unrecognized cycle may also explain the increased energy expenditure displayed by lipoatrophic mice, adding a new piece to the metabolic regulation puzzle in lipoatrophies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the present study, the effect of 6-((4-fluorophenyl) selanyl)-9H-purine (FSP) was tested against memory impairment and sensitivity to nociception induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) (25-35 fragment), 3 nmol/3 μl/per site in mice. Memory impairment was determined by the object recognition task (ORT) and nociception by the Von-Frey test (VFT). Aβ caused neuroinflammation with upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (in hippocampus), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and the proinflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Additionally, Aβ increased oxidant levels and lipid peroxidation in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, but decreased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxiredoxin-1 (Prdx1) expression in the hippocampus. Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of FSP were demonstrated by a decrease in the expression of GFAP and NF-κB in the hippocampus, as well as a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines in both the hippocampus and cerebral cortex FSP protected against oxidative stress by decreasing oxidant levels and lipid peroxidation and by increasing HO-1 and Prdx1 expressions in the hippocampus of mice. Moreover, FSP prevented the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the hippocampus of mice induced by Aβ. In conclusion, treatment with FSP attenuated memory impairment, nociception sensitivity by decreasing oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The high similarity in anatomical and neurophysiological processes between pigs and humans make pigs an excellent model for metabolic diseases and neurological disorders. Lipids are essential for brain structure and function, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have anti-inflammatory and positive effects against cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Nutrigenomics studies involving pigs and fatty acids (FA) may help us in better understanding important biological processes. In this study, the main goal was to evaluate the effect of different levels of dietary soybean oil on the lipid profile and transcriptome in pigs' brain tissue., Results: Thirty-six male Large White pigs were used in a 98-day study using two experimental diets corn-soybean meal diet containing 1.5% soybean oil (SOY1.5) and corn-soybean meal diet containing 3.0% soybean oil (SOY3.0). No differences were found for the brain total lipid content and FA profile between the different levels of soybean oil. For differential expression analysis, using the DESeq2 statistical package, a total of 34 differentially expressed genes (DEG, FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05) were identified. Of these 34 DEG, 25 are known-genes, of which 11 were up-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from + 0.25 to + 2.93) and 14 were down-regulated (log2 fold change ranging from - 3.43 to -0.36) for the SOY1.5 group compared to SOY3.0. For the functional enrichment analysis performed using MetaCore with the 34 DEG, four pathway maps were identified (p-value < 0.05), related to the ALOX15B (log2 fold change - 1.489), CALB1 (log2 fold change - 3.431) and CAST (log2 fold change + 0.421) genes. A "calcium transport" network (p-value = 2.303e-2), related to the CAST and CALB1 genes, was also identified., Conclusion: The results found in this study contribute to understanding the pathways and networks associated with processes involved in intracellular calcium, lipid metabolism, and oxidative processes in the brain tissue. Moreover, these results may help a better comprehension of the modulating effects of soybean oil and its FA composition on processes and diseases affecting the brain tissue., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

A direct correlation has been reported between excessive fat intake and the development and progression of various enteropathies. Plant foods may contain bioactive compounds and non-digestible dietary fiber, with potential to improve intestinal health. Chia is a good source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Our study evaluated the role of chia flour associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) on colon histomorphometry, intestinal functionality and intestinal microbiome composition and function in Wistar rats. The study used 32 young male rats separated into four groups to receive a standard diet (SD) or HFD, with or without chia, for 35 days. At the end of the study, the cecum, cecal content and duodenum were collected. The consumption of chia increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved fecal moisture. Chia consumption improved the circular muscle layer in the SD group. The diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria were not affected, but increased richness was observed in the microbiome of the SD+chia group. Moreover, chia consumption decreased the expression of proteins involved in intestinal functionality. Chia consumption improved intestinal morphology and functionality in young Wistar rats but was insufficient to promote significant changes in the intestinal microbiome in a short term of 35 days.

Germinated millet ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a source of phenolic compounds that has potential prebiotic action. This study aims at evaluating the action of germinated pearl millet on gut function and its microbiota composition in Wistar rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. In the first stage, lasting eight weeks, the experiment consisted of two groups: AIN-93M (n = 10) and HFHF group (n = 20). In the second stage, which lasted ten weeks, the animals of the AIN-93M group (n = 10) were kept, while the HFHF group was dismembered into HFHF (HFHF diet, n = 10) and HFHF + millet (HFHF added 28.6% of germinated millet flour, n = 10) groups. After the 18th week, the urine of the animals was collected for the analysis of lactulose and mannitol intestinal permeability by urinary excretion. The histomorphometry was analyzed on the proximal colon and the fecal pH, concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and sequencing of microbiota were performed in cecum content. The Mothur v.1.44.3 software was used for data analysis of sequencing. Alpha diversity was estimated by Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. Beta diversity was assessed by PCoA (Principal Coordinate Analysis). The functional predictive analysis was performed with PICRUSt2 software (version 2.1.2-b). Functional traits attributed to normalized OTU abundance were determined by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). In the results, germinated millet flour reduced Oscillibacter genus and Desulfobacterota phylum, while increasing the Eggerthellaceae family. Furthermore, germinated millet flour: increased beta diversity, cecum weight, and cecum/body weight ratio; improved gut histological parameters by increasing the depth and thickness of the crypt and the goblet cell count ( p < 0.05); reduced ( p < 0.05) the fecal pH and mannitol urinary excretion; increased ( p < 0.05) the propionate short-chain fatty acid concentration. Thus, germinated millet has the potential to improve the composition of gut microbiota and the intestinal function of rats fed with an HFHF diet.

Macauba ( Acrocomia aculeata ) has aroused interest in the food industry due to the high nutritional value of its fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the protein quality and influence on biochemical markers, short chain fatty acids content, intestinal morphology, and intestinal functionality in Wistar rats of macauba kernel. Male young rats were divided into three groups ( n = 8) that received a control diet (casein), and two test diets (M30: 30% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour or M50: 50% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour) for 29 days. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), True Digestibility (TD), biochemical, and intestinal morphology and functionality markers were evaluated. The PER and NPR values were lower in test groups compared to the control group. TD did not differ between M30 and M50. The animals that were fed the macauba kernel flour had lower concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group. The concentration of acetic and propionic acids was higher and the fecal pH was lower in M30 and M50 groups compared to the control group. Gene expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) did not differ among the groups, and the M50 group had lower expression of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) than the control group. Crypts thickness was higher in the M50 group compared to the other groups, while the intestinal muscle layer width did not differ among groups. Therefore, macauba kernel flour proved to be a good plant protein alternative, and its consumption reduced blood lipids and increased short chain fatty acids content.

Despite the well-recognized effects of endogenous opioids on mood and behavior, research on its role in bipolar disorder (BD) is still limited to small or anecdotal reports. Considering that Beta-endorphins (β-END) and Mu-opioid receptors (MOR), in particular, have a crucial activity in affective modulation, we hypothesized their alteration in BD. A cross-sectional study was conducted. We compared: (1) BD type I (BD-I) patients (n = 50) vs healthy controls (n = 27), (2) two BD-I subject subgroups: manic (MAN; n = 25) vs depressed (DEP; n = 25) subjects. Plasma levels of β-END and MOR gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed using ELISA Immunoassay qRT-PCR. We found that subjects with BD exhibited a significant upregulation of MOR gene expression and a decrease of β-END (p<0.0001 for both). MAN display higher MOR levels than DEP (p<0.001) and HC (p<0.0001). Plasma levels of β-END were lower in DEP compared to MAN (p<0.05) and HC (p<0.0001). The main limitations are the cross-sectional design and the lack of a group of euthymic subjects. Although preliminary, our results suggest a dysregulation of the endogenous opioid systems in BD. In particular, both MAN and DEP showed a reduction of β-END levels, whereas MAN was associated with MOR gene overexpression., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The intra-amniotic administration approach has been used to evaluate the effects of plant origin prebiotics on intestinal health and on brush border membrane functionality and morphology. Prebiotics are fermentable dietary fibers, which can positively affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of colon bacteria, thus improving intestinal health. The consumption of prebiotics increases digestive tract motility, which leads to hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy of intestinal cells, increasing nutrient digestive and absorptive surface area. This review collates information about the effects and relationship between prebiotic consumption on small intestinal brush border membrane functionality and morphology by utilizing the intra-amniotic administration approach. To date, research has shown that the intra-amniotic administration of prebiotics affects the expression of key brush border membrane functional proteins, intestinal surface area (villi height/width), and goblet cell number/size. These effects may improve brush border membrane functionality and digestive/absorptive capabilities.

Background: Skeletal abnormalities such as bone loss occur when there is an imbalance in bone matrix synthesis and bone resorption. This imbalance is also caused by hormonal changes and inflammation. Chia ( Salvia hispanica L .) has a high nutritional value and is an excellent source of calcium. Evaluate the bioavailability of calcium from chia, and its effect on bone metabolism when consumed as part of a standard or high fat diet (HFD) in ovariectomized rats., Methods: The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats that received standard diet or HFD. 40 female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and 40 were sham-operated (SHAM). After recovery from surgery the animals received chia as a source of 20% of the calcium recommendation, calcium bioavailability was measured using the calcium balance technique. Bone strength and bone morphometry were evaluated by weight, length and microtomography measurements., Results: HFD increased serum calcium and decreased calcium retention. The addition of chia to HFD did not alter bone morphology. Ovariectomy led to lower percentage of bone volume, smaller trabecular thickness, higher trabecular separation and higher porosity, when ovariectomy was associated with HFD, the final weight, waist circumference, body mass index and adiposity were increased., Conclusions: Chia maintained bone health when offered as a source of 20% calcium, in a diet that met 100% of the mineral recommendation, regardless of the type of diet, in animals non-ovariectomized adults.

The reduction in estrogen levels is associated with the increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease development. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption in a standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD) on ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (SHAM) rats, in relation to biometric measurements, oxidative stress, mineral content and ATPase enzymes in the heart. The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats, which received a SD or HFD for 18 weeks. During the first 7 weeks, the animals received the SD or HFD. Then, 40 rats were ovariectomized and 40 rats were SHAM operated. After recovery from surgery, the animals were allocated to 8 groups (n = 10) and they received one of the following diets for 8 weeks: SD, SD + chia, HFD and HFD + chia. In the OVX group, HFD increased weight gain, adiposity, cardiac hypertrophy, and nitric oxide (NO) and K concentration and decreased the Na + /K + ATPase activity. In combination with HFD, ovariectomy decreased the catalase activity, Mg, Cu and Zn concentration, total ATPase activity, and Na + /K + ATPase and Mg2 + ATPase activities; this group also presented higher NO, Ca, K, Fe and Mn concentration in the heart. The SHAM group fed chia presented a lower fat content in the heart. In the OVX group fed HFD, chia increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, decreased NO and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes. Thus, chia improved the biometric parameters of the heart, the antioxidant activity and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes, showing a cardioprotective action, but without reversing the deleterious effects of ovariectomy.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels are non-selective cationic polymodal receptors gated by several different chemical and physical stimuli. TRPV1 receptors are distributed in several brain areas and interact with important neurotransmitter systems linked to mental disorders, such as endocannabinoid and opioid systems. The increasing number of results obtained in this field has recently attracted growing attention to these receptors as potential targets for the treatment of different psychiatric conditions. To review the available results on this topic, we searched on PubMed, Embase and Science Direct databases up to May 2020 using the following search string: "TRPV1", thus including a total of 48 studies. The results, still limited to preclinical studies, suggest that TRPV1 antagonism could represent a potential mechanism for the treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as for opioids, methamphetamine and cocaine addiction. Few available results consider schizophrenia-like behaviours, suggesting an intriguing role of TRPV1 receptors in the neurobiology of major psychoses. Single studies report the effectiveness of TRPV1 antagonists in animal models of obsessive-compulsive disorder and fibromyalgia. Future preclinical and clinical studies are required to shed further light on the feasibility of the use of TRPV1 modulators in psychopharmacology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a polymodal cation channel gated by a large array of chemical and physical stimuli and distributed across different brain regions on neuronal and glial cells. Preclinical studies indicate that TRPV1 might be a target for the treatment of anxiety, depression and addictive disorders. The aim of this narrative review is to focus on studies examining the effects of TRPV1 antagonism on neuroinflammation, neuroprotection and epigenetic regulation. Results suggest that TRPV1 modulation leads to pro- or anti-inflammatory effects depending on the cytokine environment and that the TRPV1 antagonism can switch the microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, TRPV1 inhibitors have neuroprotective properties through the regulation of calcium levels. Finally, TRPV1 antagonism exerts regulatory effects on genes involved in synaptic and cognitive functions through histone deacetylase 2 inhibition. These findings highlight different mechanisms that may underlie the efficacy of TRPV1 antagonists in animal models of severe psychiatric disorders.

We investigate pattern revivals in specially designed optical structures that combine different transverse modes. In general, the resulting pattern is not preserved under free propagation and gets transformed due to nonsynchronized Gouy phases. However, it is possible to build structures in which the Gouy phases synchronize at specific fractional values, thus recovering the initial pattern at the corresponding longitudinal positions. This effect is illustrated with a radially structured light spot in which the beam energy can be addressed to different positions without the need of intermediate optical components, which can be useful for optical communications and optical tweezing with structured beams.

Background: Muscular fatigue is caused by biochemical alterations that modify the mechanics of muscle contraction, resulting in negative changes in the performance of the contraction. Several resources are studied to mitigate this situation among which we can cite low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The effects of LLLT are being studied in healthy subjects with fibromyalgia and who are athletes, and currently the studies are being performed in spastic muscles with poststroke individuals. The aim will be to evaluate the effects of LLLT on the fatigue of the biceps brachii muscle of healthy individuals and individuals with spastic hemiparesis., Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative, randomized, placebo, double-blind clinical trial will be divided into 2 phases: phase I shall consist of 30 healthy subjects and phase II of 30 poststroke individuals. The study will consist of 3 groups (control group, placebo group, and LLLT group), and all individuals will pass through all groups, following the randomization criteria. The protocol consists of the application of LLLT in the biceps brachii muscle on the dominant side in healthy individuals and in the hemiparetic side of poststroke individuals, and, subsequently, 3 maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) will be performed for 50 seconds in the dynamometer, with an interval of 50 seconds between them. Pain intensity will be evaluated by means of the visual analog scale, and the myoelectric activity by means of surface electromyography associated with the evaluation of muscular strength by means of the dynamometer. The local temperature will be evaluated by infrared thermography and blood lactate concentration through the lactimeter, which will be measured at 4 different times, before the application of the laser (basal), and 3, 15, and 25 minutes after the MIVC.

This study investigates the acute anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract and mangiferin in the liver of rats fed a cafeteria diet. This study was a randomized longitudinal experimental study. The animals were divided into three groups - Control: cafeteria diet (CD); Extract: CD + leaf extract (250 mg kg -1 ); and Mangiferin: CD + mangiferin (40 mg kg -1 ). Body weight and food intake were measured every week. On day eight, mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory markers were evaluated in the liver. Also, liver weight, SOD activity and malondialdehyde concentration were measured. Treatment for only eight days with mango leaf extract and mangiferin increased SOD activity. Mangiferin intake increased the mRNA expression of PPAR-α and HSP72. The leaf extract treatment enhanced PPAR-α mRNA expression. Mangiferin and leaf extract consumption caused a lower concentration of NFκB (p65) in nuclear extracts, and greater IL-10 mRNA and protein levels. This study highlights the potential of acute treatment with mango leaf extract and mangiferin to prevent liver inflammation caused by fat-rich diets. These results indicate a new use for a product that has low cost, is found in great amounts, and is not routinely used.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a source of bioactive peptides, but little is known about its effects on hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, and the inflammatory process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole flour and bean protein hydrolysate of common bean variety Carioca on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. Four experimental groups were included in the study: standard diet (SD), high fat high cholesterol diet (HFC), high fat high cholesterol diet and whole bean flour (HFC-F); and high fat high cholesterol diet and bean protein hydrolysate (HFC-PH). Animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate showed lower weight gain and food intake. Animals fed with whole bean flour showed lower alanine aminotransferase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate. SOD mRNA was lower in HFC, HFC-F and HFC-PH groups whereas SOD concentration was higher in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups. HSP72 mRNA expression was lower in the HFC-F group in relation to HFC-PH. IL-10 and PPARα mRNA expression was lower in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups in comparison with SD. The whole bean flour and bean protein hydrolysate reduced inflammation and the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in BALB/c mice., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study investigated the influence of chia consumption on inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid profiles in adult female ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat diet. Forty ovariectomized and 40 intact (SHAM) rats were allocated into 8 groups (n = 10), and each rat received one of the following four diets: standard diet (ST); standard diet + chia (STC); high-fat diet (HF); and high-fat diet + chia (HFC) for 126 days. Biochemical parameters and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of PPAR-α, NFκB, TNF-α and Zn-SOD1 were analyzed, as well as those of TNF-α and IL-1β. Chia intake increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and reduced LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Plasma catalase activity was elevated in the STC group. Concentrations of TBARS were higher in all groups fed HF. PPAR-α mRNA expression was elevated, and levels of NFκB mRNA expression were reduced in the STC group. mRNA expression and protein levels of TNF-α were lower in rats fed the standard diet. Protein levels of IL-1β were reduced in rats fed the standard diet, and the high fat diet with chia. In general, ovariectomy did not influence the inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. Chia intake improved antioxidant activity by increasing SOD expression, PPAR-α expression, catalase activity, and HDL-c levels. In addition, chia consumption decreased the concentrations of the inflammatory markers IL-1β and LDL-c.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) flour on the adhesion of probiotics to intestinal epithelial cells and to evaluate the effect of a product based on this flour on gastrointestinal symptoms, weight, body fat, glycemia, and lipid profile in overweight men., Methods: Microbiological counts (probiotic count, survival after in vitro gastrointestinal resistance, Caco-2 cell adhesion) were analyzed. A randomized, cross-over intervention was performed. Intestinal microbiota was indirectly assessed on the basis of consistency, color of feces, and gastrointestinal symptoms., Results: P. aculeata did not affect Lactobacillus casei adhesion to Caco-2 cells. Ora-pro-nobis flour improved gastrointestinal symptoms and increased satiety., Conclusion: The consumption of ora-pro-nobis flour improved intestinal health. In addition, it maintained the high adherence of L. casei to intestinal cells as well as patient anthropometric and biochemical parameters., Practical Applications: Pereskia aculeata Mill. is well known in folk medicine and has several nutrients; however, there are few studies on this plant. This is the first study to analyze the influence of P. aculeata on bacterial adherence and the first cross-over clinical trial to evaluate the beneficial potential of ora-pro-nobis flour in overweight men. Thus, this study will contribute to the promotion of ora-pro-nobis as a functional ingredient and will arouse the interest of industries to develop related healthy foods. In addition, it is an effective dietary strategy to improve the gastrointestinal health of men., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: To determine the layperson's esthetic preference to the visual display (presence) or lack thereof (absence) of the interdental papillae during minimum smiling or the low smile line patient type., Materials and Methods: Two hundred lay-people were shown three-paired smile images indicative of a low gingival smile line patient type in which the vermillion border of the maxillary lip covered the mid-facial gingiva of the anterior teeth. The three images differed only with respect to [1] presence of interdental papillae, [2] absence of the interdental papilla ("black triangle"), or [3] absence of the interdental papillae (replaced with a long restorative contact area). The three images were paired in multiple groupings; group-1 consisted of a comparison of the presence of interdental papillae vs the lack of the interdental papillae "black triangle," group-2 compared the long restorative contact compared to the presence of the interdental papillae and Group-3 compared the long restorative contact replacing a missing papilla to the absence of the interdental papillae "black triangle." The comparisons were designed to determine the subjective preference of lay individuals between these groupings., Results: Ninety-eight percent of lay-people demonstrated a preference to the presence of the interdental papillae in the smile (image 1) when compared to its absence ("black triangle"; image 2) with a low smile line. Seventy percent preferred the visual display of the interdental papillae, that is, pink tissues (image 1), compared to the absence of the interdental papillae replaced with a long contact area (image 3), that is, white restorative materials, when viewing a low gingival smile line. And when comparing the absence of the interdental papillae "black triangle" to a long contact area, 92% of lay-people preferred a long contact area vs the absence of the interdental papillae with a "black triangle" with a low smile line., Conclusions: The visual display [presence] of the interdental papillae, that is, pink tissues, is notably preferred to the absence of the interdental papillae when replaced by either a "black triangle" or long contact area in the commonly known low smile line. This emphasizes the need to assess the Interdental Smile Line (ie, visual display of interdental papillae during smiling) in all patients and the importance to preserve and/or re-establishment of the interdental papillae, that is, pink tissues, even in patients with a low smile line., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Chia is a good source of calcium, however it is not been previously reported its bioavailability associated with an inflammatory condition. Thus, the present study evaluated the effect of chia on calcium bioavailability, inflammation, and oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet or standard diet for 35 days. Chia consumption resulted in lower calcium balance and calcium absorption and retention rates. In addition, the urinary calcium concentration was lower in groups that were fed chia. The bone resistance of animals feed chia was lower than that in rats fed the standard diet receiving calcium carbonate. Animals that were fed chia showed lower total, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than animalsfed calcium carbonate. Animals fed standard diet showed higher superoxide dismutase plasma concentrations than animals in the high fat calcium carbonate group. PPAR-α protein levels were higher in animals fed chia whereas TNF-α and IL-10 were lower in these animals. NFκB mRNA expression and protein levels were lower in the groups that received chia compared with HFD + CC. Chia intake presented low calcium bioavailability regardless of the type of diet consumed and was able to improved inflammation and the lipid profile in young Wistar rat. Besides this, the consumption of this seed increased the activity of antioxidants enzymes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Generation of uremic toxins p-cresylsulfate (p-CS), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) in hemodialysis (HD) individuals may be associated with the gut flora and recognized markers of disease progression. This study investigated the effect of synbiotic meal on uremic toxins in HD individuals. We conducted randomized singleblind and placebo-controlled intervention study with 58 HD subjects (20F/38M, 63.1 ± 10.9-old) who were randomly allocated in synbiotic group (SG, 40 g of extruded sorghum plus 100 mL of unfermented probiotic milk) or control group (CG, 40 g of extruded corn plus 100 mL of pasteurized milk), during 7-wk Metabolic markers and uremic toxins, fecal concentration of short chain fatty acid and pH value was determined. The SG group had decreased serum p-CS and IS, as well as decreased urea concentration (p < .05) compared to CG. SG showed higher fecal butyric acid and lower pH compared to baseline and SC (p < .05). In addition, serum p-CS and fecal pH were positively correlated to urea concentration in SG participants at the endpoint. The consumption of the synbiotic meal during 7-wk reduced colonic pH, and reduced serum uremic (p-CS and IS) toxins and urea in HD subjects., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

As part of the ongoing efforts in discovering potentially bioactive natural products from medicinal plants, the present study was conducted to isolate a new complex triterpenoid saponin from the barks of Albizia lebbeck. It was isolated by using chromatographic methods and its structural elucidation was performed using detailed analyses of 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra including 2D-NMR (COSY, TOCSY, HSQC and HMBC) spectroscopic techniques, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) analysis and chemical conversions. Its structure was established as 21-[[(2E,6S)-6-[6-deoxy-4-O-[(2E,6S)-6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-2,6-dimethyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]oxy]-16-hydroxy-3-[[O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3β,16α,21β)-olean-12-en-28-oic acid O-α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]-O-6-deoxy-α-l-mannopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1). Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the permeability property of 1, its activity on membrane integrity and supramolecular interactions with cellular constituents using in vitro experimental models., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The metabolic effects of cranberry and blueberry consumption on glycemic control have been evaluated in vitro and in animal models as well as in human studies, although findings have not been systematically reviewed yet. Therefore, a systematic review was carried out of relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in order to assess the effect of berries (blueberry and cranberry) consumption on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) glycemic control. Some evidences were also discussed on the anti-diabetic mechanisms exerted by berries polyphenols. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases: LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Three authors independently searched and extracted RCTs in which the effect of berries (cranberry or blueberry) consumption on T2DM glycemic control was assessed. A total of 7 RCTs, involving 270 adults with type 2 diabetes were included. Despite the heterogeneity of the administration forms ( in natura , dried, extract, preparations - juice), dosage, duration of the intervention and type of population of the studies involving these two berries some studies highlight the potential benefit of berries, especially of blueberry, on glucose metabolism in T2DM subjects. Daily cranberry juice (240 mL) consumption for 12 weeks and blueberry extract or powder supplementation (9.1 to 9.8 mg of anthocyanins, respectively) for 8 to 12 weeks showed a beneficial effect on glucose control in T2DM subjects. Those results indicate a promising use of these berries in T2DM management; although more studies are required to better understand the mechanisms involved.

We investigate the dynamics of a driven optical parametric oscillator under the injection of orbital angular momentum. The injected mode is adiabatically driven through arbitrary transformations on the Poincaré sphere of first-order paraxial beams. As a result, the down-converted beam conjugated to the seed is shown to follow a path imposed by a nontrivial symmetry on the Poincaré sphere. This symmetry allows controllable distinguishability between the spatial modes of the down-converted beams. In this Letter, we provide convincing experimental evidence of this effect.

This study investigated the chemical and nutritional composition of breakfast cereal based on whole sorghum, and the effect of its association with unfermented probiotic milk on the inflammation and oxidative stress of individuals with chronic kidney disease. Extruded sorghum breakfast meal presented higher carbohydrate concentration (approximately 71%), followed by protein (approximately 11%) and lipid (approximately 0.4%). When compared to extruded maize breakfast meal, it presented higher percentage of dietary fiber (p < 0.05), and higher content of phenolic compounds and tannin, consequently higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Extruded sorghum breakfast cereal combined with unfermented probiotic milk decreased the C-reactive protein (p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05) serum levels and increased the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, the extruded sorghum, source of tannin, anthocyanin, and dietary fiber, when consumed with unfermented probiotic milk alleviates the inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

There is a growing mortality related to co-morbidities associated with diabetes mellitus. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been associated with low cardiometabolic risk and reduction of inflammatory process. The objective of this paper is to review the impact of PUFA intake on glycemic control in diabetic patients as well as to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved. Medline/PubMed electronic database was searched to identify studies published within last five years regarding the effect of PUFA intake on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetics. The search terms used were "polyunsaturated fatty acid(s)," "PUFA," and "diabetes." We included only interventional studies that assessed the effects of PUFA intake on glucose metabolism - fasting glucose, serum insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR assessment- in type 2 diabetics. Initially, 48 articles were identified, of which one was not available and 41 did not match the inclusion criteria. Within the selected studies, three articles showed an improvement in fasting blood glucose, two showed an increase in fasting glycemia, and there was no effect of intervention in one article only. Based on the analyzed clinical interventional studies, supplementation of 0.42-5.2-g PUFA/day for at least eight weeks may become an alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in Asian subjects.

Inappropriate food behavior contributes to obesity and leads to vitamin deficiency. This review discusses the nutritional status of water- and fat-soluble vitamins in obese subjects. We verified that most vitamins are deficient in obese individuals, especially the fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B 12 and vitamin C. However, some vitamins have been less evaluated in cases of obesity. The adipose tissue is considered a metabolic and endocrine organ, which in excess leads to changes in body homeostasis, as well as vitamin deficiency which can aggravate the pathological state. Therefore, the evaluation of vitamin status is of fundamental importance in obese individuals.

A new furostane steroidal saponin was isolated from the leaves of Agave angustifolia var. marginata. On the basis of chemical conversions and spectroscopic analyses, its structure was established as 3-[O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O]-[O-6-deoxy-α-l-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-galactopyranosyl)oxy]-(3β,5α,22α,25R)-26-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-22-methoxy-furostane (1). Results of preliminary biological investigations indicated that compound 1 showed significant protective effects against induced gastric ulcers using in vivo experimental models and demonstrated negligible toxicity on membrane integrity in the in vitro assays., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Farmers of the Franca region in Brazil observed that Bidens sulphurea was able to eliminate the Panicum maximum weed, which infected coffee plantations, without affecting the crop. In an effort to determine if the inhibitory effects observed were due to the presence of phytotoxic compounds from leaves and roots, a biodirected isolation and spectroscopic characterization has been carried out. The leaf dichloromethane and root acetone extracts were the most active, and the former appeared to be more phytotoxic to the target species, including four weeds. A total of 26 compounds were isolated from leaves and roots, and four of them are described here for the first time. The major compounds in the leaf extract are the sesquiterpene lactones costunolide, reynosin, and santamarine, and these showed marked inhibition. Amaranthus viridis and Panicum maximum were the most sensitive species of the weeds tested. These three phytotoxic lactones were also evaluated on A. viridis and P. maximum under hydroponic conditions. A. viridis was the most affected species with the three lactones, and santamarine was the most phytotoxic compound on both. This is the first time that the phytotoxicity of sesquiterpene lactones has been evaluated on hydroponic culture. The work described here is a preliminary approach for the use of B. sulphurea for weed control in agriculture, both as a cover crop and by use of its components as natural herbicide leads.

This study investigated and compared the occurrence and concentration of macronutrients, moisture, ash, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, carotenoids, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, phytate and tannin in Brazilian chia seeds grown in the states of Mato Grosso (MT) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS). High concentrations of lipids (31.2g.100g -1 , on average), proteins (18.9g.100g -1 , on average), dietary fiber (35.3g.100g -1 , on average), vitamin E (8,203.6μg.100g -1 , on average) were observed. Similar values for total phenolic compounds and phytic acid in chia seeds from both regions were observed. Chia grown in RS showed higher antioxidant activity than chia grown in MT, and the tannin concentrations were higher in chia seeds grown in Mato Grosso (19.08±1.08eq.catequina/gsample). In conclusion, Brazilian chia seeds showed high concentrations of lipids, proteins, total dietary fiber, minerals and vitamin E., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study evaluated the effect of chia on the iron bioavailability and gene expression of proteins involved in iron metabolism in animals fed with a high fat diet and a standard diet. Four experimental groups were tested (n = 8): standard diet + ferrous sulfate (SD + FS), standard diet + chia (SD + C), high fat diet + ferrous sulfate (HFD + FS), high fat diet + chia (HFD + C). The hemoglobin gain, hemoglobin regeneration efficiency, biological relative value of HRE, serum ferritin and transferrin, liver iron concentration and gene expression of proteins were evaluated. The SD + C group showed lower transferrin expression when compared to the control group. The control group showed serum transferrin concentration higher than the other groups. Serum ferritin and liver iron concentration did not differ among the animals that received chia ferritin and hephaestin expression was lower in experimental groups when compared with the control group. The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor expression was higher in animals fed with SD + C than in the control group. The expression of duodenal cytochrome B and divalent metal transporter 1 in the HFD + C group was higher and ferroportin was lower in the groups containing chia. Animals fed with chia showed similar iron bioavailability compared to animals fed with ferrous sulfate.

Chia has been consumed by the world population due to its high fiber, lipids and proteins content. The objective was to evaluate the protein quality of chia untreated (seed and flour) and heat treated (90 °C/20 min), their influence on glucose and lipid homeostasis and integrity of liver and intestinal morphology of Wistar rats. 36 male rats, weanling, divided into six groups which received control diet (casein), free protein diet (aproteic) and four diet tests (chia seed; chia seed with heat treatment; chia flour and chia flour with heat treatment) for 14 days were used. The protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR) and true digestibility (TD) were evaluated. The biochemical variables and liver and intestinal morphologies of animals were determined. The values of PER, NPR and TD did not differ among the animals that were fed with chia and were lower than the control group. The animals that were fed with chia showed lower concentrations of glucose; triacylglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control group. The liver weight of animals that were fed with chia was lower than the control group. Crypt depth and thickness of intestinal muscle layers were higher in groups that were fed with chia. The consumption of chia has shown good digestibility, hypoglycemic effect, improved lipid and glycemic profiles and reduced fat deposition in liver of animals, and also promoted changes in intestinal tissue that enhanced its functionality.