Risk Factors and Consequences of Food Neophobia and Pickiness in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Food neophobia and pickiness are the resistance or refusal to eat and/or avoid trying new foods due to a strong reaction of fear towards the food or an entire group of foods. This systematic review aims to assess evidence on the risk factors and effects of food neophobia and picky eating in children and adolescents, giving elements to avoid the lack of some foods that can cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to future pathologies when they are adults. A systematic literature search was performed in Medlars Online International Literature (MEDLINE) via Pubmed and EBSCOhost, LILACS and IBECS via Virtual Health Library (VHL), Scopus, and Google Scholar.

Improved Functionality, Quality, and Shelf Life of -Type Camel Sausage Fortified with Spirulina as a Natural Ingredient.

The objective of the present work was to examine the effect of incorporating spirulina powder (SP) in -type sausages made exclusively with camel meat, as well as to evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality attributes and its prebiotic potential. The final purpose was to offer an innovative meat product to increase camel meat consumption. Several innovative fresh sausage formulations were developed using SP (00, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) and stored under vacuum conditions with refrigeration at 1 ± 1 °C for 35 days.

Correlating Microbial Dynamics with Key Metabolomic Profiles in Three Submerged Culture-Produced Vinegars.

Although vinegar is a product obtained by a well-known bioprocess from a technical point of view, the complex microbiota responsible for its production and their involvement in the organoleptic profiles are not clear yet. In this work, three acetification profiles in submerged culture using both synthetic and raw materials from Andalusia (Spain) were characterized by metagenomic (16S rRNA amplicon sequencing) and metabolomic tools (stir-bar sorptive extraction with thermo-desorption coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SBSE-TD-GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)). A total of 29 phyla, 208 families, and many more genera were identified, comprising bacteria and archaea as well as 75 metabolites, including minor volatile compounds, amino acids, biogenic amines, and other nitrogenous compounds.

Development of a Multifunctional Chitosan-Based Composite Film from Crab Shell () and Algae () with Enhanced Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties for Active Food Packaging.

Eco-friendly, bioactive and edible films from renewable resources are increasingly regarded as viable replacements for petroleum-based packaging. This study investigates the application of macroalgae powder (ULP) as an active additive in crab () chitosan-based films for natural food packaging. Films with ULP concentrations of 0.

Safety and Quality Improvement of NaCl-Reduced Banana and Apple Fermented with .

Food preservation techniques changed during the industrial revolution, as safer techniques were developed and democratized. However, one of the simplest techniques, adding salt, is still employed in a wide variety of products, not only as a flavor enhancer but as a method to allow for the controlled fermentation of products such as fruits. The objective of the present study consists of evaluating the quality of different salt-reduced fermented fruits through the application of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and vacuum, as well as assessing the LAB as a preventive measure against O157:H7.

Monitoring of the Dry-Curing Process in Iberian Ham Through the Evaluation of Fat Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Non-Destructive Sampling.

The current quality control of the dry-curing process in Iberian ham is performed with an olfactory evaluation by ham experts. The present study proposes to monitor the dry-curing process of Iberian ham using an objective analytical methodology that involves non-destructive sampling of the subcutaneous fat of the hams and a volatile profile analysis using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. Thirty-eight 100% Iberian acorn-fed hams were examined in total, with eighteen hams monitored during the post-salting stage and twenty during the drying-maturation stage.

New Strategy for the Covalent Immobilisation of Phenolic Compounds on Silica Particles to Fight Against Foodborne Pathogens.

The immobilisation of essential oil components (EOCs) on food-grade supports is a promising strategy for preserving liquid foods without the drawbacks of direct EOC addition such as poor solubility, high volatility, and sensory alterations. This study presents a novel method for covalently immobilising EOCs, specifically thymol and carvacrol, on SiO particles (5-15 µm) using the Mannich reaction. This approach simplifies conventional covalent immobilisation techniques by reducing the steps and reagents while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy and preventing compound migration.

Valorization of Coffee Cherry By-Products Through Fermentation by Human Intestinal Lactobacilli in Functional Fermented Milk Beverages.

During coffee production, the removal and disposal of the coffee bean-surrounding layers pose an environmental problem. In this work, we examined the effects of several aqueous coffee cherry extracts on the growth and metabolism, biofilm formation, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of six lactobacilli from the INIA collection and a commercial probiotic GG strain. Growth medium supplementation with different coffee cherry extracts (at 40%) stimulated strain growth and metabolism.

Exploring the Functional Features of Melon Peel Flour for Healthier Bakery Products.

The use of fruit by-products to develop new food products could be an advantageous approach to meet the demand for healthy foods and reduce food waste. In this study, the amino acid and mineral profiles of melon peel flour were evaluated. Non-essential/toxic elements were also determined.

Natural Eutectic Solvent-Based Temperature-Controlled Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Nano-Liquid Chromatography for the Analysis of Herbal Aqueous Samples.

In this work, two novel (-)-menthol-based hydrophobic natural eutectic solvents with vanillin and cinnamic acid were prepared and applied as extraction solvents. In this regard, 12 endocrine disruptors, including phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 4--butylphenol, 4--butylphenol, 4--amylphenol, 4--hexylphenol, 4--octylphenol, 4--heptylphenol, 4--octylphenol, and 4--nonylphenol and bisphenol A, were studied in a green tea drink. A temperature-controlled liquid-liquid microextraction was used as the extraction method, and nano-liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection was used as the separation and determination system.

Chemical Profile and Antibacterial Activity of L. cv Graciano Pomace Extracts Obtained by Green Supercritical CO Extraction Method Against Multidrug-Resistant Strains.

The objectives of this study were to obtain and characterise polyphenolic extracts from red grape pomace of L. cv Graciano via conventional solvent extraction (SE) and green supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against susceptible and multidrug-resistant strains of intestinal origin. The SE and SFE methods were optimised, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/QqQ-MS/MS) analysis revealed 38 phenolic compounds in the SE sample, with anthocyanins being the predominant polyphenols, and 21 phenolic compounds in the SFE samples, among which hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols were the predominant compounds.

Broccoli, Artichoke, Carob and Apple By-Products as a Source of Soluble Fiber: How It Can Be Affected by Enzymatic Treatment with Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5 L.

Dietary fiber (DF), and especially soluble dietary fiber (SDF), is a nutrient of particular interest today because of its anti-inflammatory role and its ability to reduce cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the enhancement of SDF in foods using different techniques has become a promising field of research. In order to prove the possibility of increasing this SDF content, the effects of different commercial enzymes (Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.

Toxic Trace Elements in Meat and Meat Products Across Asia: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Implications for Human Health.

Meat and meat products are vital sources of essential nutrients for human health and development. However, an excessive or inappropriate consumption can pose significant health risks. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified red meat as "probably carcinogenic to humans" and processed meat as "carcinogenic to humans", yet the role of environmental contaminants in these products was not addressed.

Glutaminase-2 Expression Induces Metabolic Changes and Regulates Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activity in Glioblastoma Cells.

Glutaminase controls the first step in glutaminolysis, impacting bioenergetics, biosynthesis and oxidative stress. Two isoenzymes exist in humans, GLS and GLS2. GLS is considered prooncogenic and overexpressed in many tumours, while GLS2 may act as prooncogenic or as a tumour suppressor.

The Role of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction on Cholesterol Transfer to HDL.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular events, and its functionality also influences prognosis. Exercise is an important tool to improve prognosis in the post-infarction (MI) population, but the role of exercise on HDL functionality is poorly understood. Sixty-two patients with acute MI were randomized in a supervised exercise program for 12-14 weeks (exercise group-EG) or a control group (CG).

Anticancer Plant Secondary Metabolites Evicting Linker Histone H1.2 from Chromatin Activate Type I Interferon Signaling.

Previously we discovered that among 15 DNA-binding plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) possessing anticancer activity, 11 compounds cause depletion of the chromatin-bound linker histones H1.2 and/or H1.4.

Hypoxia Compromises the Differentiation of Human Osteosarcoma Cells to CAR-R, a Hydroxylated Derivative of Lithocholic Acid and Potent Agonist of the Vitamin D Receptor.

The active metabolite of vitamin D3, calcitriol (1,25D), is widely recognised for its direct anti-proliferative and pro-differentiation effects. However, 1,25D is calcaemic, which restricts its clinical use for cancer treatment. Non-calcaemic agonists of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) could be better candidates for cancer treatment.

Atypical B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with iAMP21 in the Context of Constitutional Ring Chromosome 21: A Case Report and Review of the Genetic Insights.

Recent studies have demonstrated the association between constitutional ring chromosome 21 (r(21)c) and the development of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21). iAMP21 acts as a driver which is often accompanied by secondary alterations that influence disease progression. Here, we report an atypical case of iAMP21 B-ALL with a unique molecular profile in the context of r(21)c.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Aptamer- and Antibody-Based Proteomic Platforms in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples from a Real-World Memory Clinic Cohort.

High-throughput proteomic platforms are crucial to identify novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers and pathways. In this study, we evaluated the reproducibility and reliability of aptamer-based (SomaScan 7k) and antibody-based (Olink Explore 3k) proteomic platforms in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from the Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona real-world cohort. Intra- and inter-platform reproducibility were evaluated through correlations between two independent SomaScan assays analyzing the same samples, and between SomaScan and Olink results.

Molecular Signatures of Aeroallergen Sensitization in Respiratory Allergy: A Comparative Study Across Climate-Matched Populations.

Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru-two regions with similar climates but distinct socio-economic conditions. Our findings reveal that Spanish individuals, particularly those with asthma, demonstrate higher sensitization levels to a broader range of allergens, especially mites, with 85% of participants reacting to at least one mite allergen.

Human miR-1 Stimulates Metabolic and Thermogenic-Related Genes in Adipocytes.

MicroRNAs play a pivotal role in the regulation of adipose tissue function and have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for the management of obesity and associated comorbidities. Among them, miR-1 could be a potential biomarker for metabolic diseases and contribute to metabolic homeostasis. However, thorough research is required to fully elucidate the impact of miR-1 on human adipocyte thermogenesis and metabolism.

Biomarkers for the Molecular Diagnosis of IgE-Mediated Hymenoptera Venom Allergy in Clinical Practice.

Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is a potentially life-threatening condition, making accurate diagnosis crucial for identifying significant IgE sensitizations and enabling effective venom immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of biomarkers for the molecular diagnosis of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera insect venoms in clinical practice, and we present, in a structured manner, their importance in differentiating genuine sensitizations versus cross-sensitizations using different diagnostic procedures. Updated algorithms are provided, along with the advantages and limitations of molecular diagnosis approaches.

Platelet Mitochondrial Function and Endogenous Coenzyme Q Levels Could Be Used as Markers of Mitochondrial Health in Infertile Men: A Pilot Study.

Fertility disorders are a worldwide problem affecting 8-12% of the population, with the male factor substantially contributing to about 40-50% of all infertility cases. Mitochondria, crucial organelles for cellular viability, play a pivotal role in the processes of spermatogenesis and significantly affect sperm quality and their fertilizing ability. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) dysfunction, reduced energy supply for sperm, reduced endogenous coenzyme Q (CoQ) levels, and oxidative stress are among the main factors that contribute to male infertility.

Effect of Genetic Variants on Rosuvastatin Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers: Involvement of , and .

Statins are the primary drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of LDL cholesterol in the liver. A significant number of patients experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly musculoskeletal problems, which can affect adherence to treatment. Recent clinical guidelines, such as those from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) in 2022, recommend adjusting rosuvastatin doses based on genetic variations in the and genes to minimize ADRs and improve treatment efficacy.

Almond Grafting for Plum Pox Virus Resistance Triggers Significant Transcriptomic and Epigenetic Shifts in Peaches.

Sharka disease, caused by the plum pox virus (PPV), negatively impacts stone fruit production, resulting in economic losses. It has been demonstrated that grafting the almond ( (Miller) D.A.