Effects of heavy-load strength training during (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy on muscle strength, muscle fiber size, myonuclei, and satellite cells in women with breast cancer.

To investigate the effects of heavy-load strength training during (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer on muscle strength, body composition, muscle fiber size, satellite cells, and myonuclei. Women with stage I-III breast cancer were randomly assigned to a strength training group (ST, n = 23) performing supervised heavy-load strength training twice a week during chemotherapy, or a usual care control group (CON, n = 17). Muscle strength and body composition were measured and biopsies from m. vastus lateralis collected before the first cycle of chemotherapy (T0) and after chemotherapy and training (T1). Muscle strength increased significantly more in ST than in CON in chest-press (ST: +10 ± 8%, p < .001, CON: -3 ± 5%, p = .023) and leg-press (ST: +11 ± 8%, p < .001, CON: +3 ± 6%, p = .137). Both groups reduced fat-free mass (ST: -4.9 ± 4.0%, p < .001, CON: -5.2 ± 4.9%, p = .004), and increased fat mass (ST: +15.3 ± 16.5%, p < .001, CON: +16.3 ± 19.8%, p = .015) with no significant differences between groups. No significant changes from T0 to T1 and no significant differences between groups were observed in muscle fiber size. For myonuclei per fiber a non-statistically significant increase in CON and a non-statistically significant decrease in ST in type I fibers tended (p = .053) to be different between groups. Satellite cells tended to decrease in ST (type I: -14 ± 36%, p = .097, type II: -9 ± 55%, p = .084), with no changes in CON and no differences between groups. Strength training during chemotherapy improved muscle strength but did not significantly affect body composition, muscle fiber size, numbers of satellite cells, and myonuclei compared to usual care.

Integrated impact of multiple body composition parameters on overall survival in gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers: A descriptive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate if combining low muscle mass with additional body composition abnormalities, such as myosteatosis or adiposity, could improve survival prediction accuracy in a large cohort of gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies. METHODS: In total, 2015 patients with surgically-treated gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Skeletal muscle index, skeletal muscle radiodensity, and visceral/subcutaneous adipose tissue index were determined. The primary outcome was overall survival determined by hospital records. Multivariate Cox hazard models were used to identify independent predictors for poor survival. C-statistics were assessed to quantify the prognostic capability of the models with or without incorporating body composition parameters. RESULTS: Survival curves were significantly demarcated by all 4 measures. Skeletal muscle radiodensity was associated with non-cancer-related deaths but not with cancer-specific survival. The survival outcome of patients with low skeletal muscle index was poor (5-year OS; 65.2%), especially when present in combination with low skeletal muscle radiodensity (5-year overall survival; 50.2%). All examined body composition parameters were independent predictors of lower overall survival. The model for predicting overall survival without incorporating body composition parameters had a c-index of 0.68 but increased to 0.71 with the inclusion of low skeletal muscle index and 0.72 when incorporating both low skeletal muscle index and low skeletal muscle radiodensity/visceral adipose tissue index/subcutaneous adipose tissue index. CONCLUSION: Patients exhibiting both low skeletal muscle index and other body composition abnormalities, particularly low skeletal muscle radiodensity, had poorer overall survival. Models incorporating multiple body composition prove valuable for mortality prediction in oncology settings.

A Nomogram Including Sarcopenia for Predicting Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Localized Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Because of to the removal of subclassification of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), the survival prognostification of localized pRCC after surgical treatment became inadequate. Sarcopenia was widely evaluated and proved to be a predictive factor for prognosis in RCC patients. Therefore, we comprehensively investigated the survival prediction of the body composition parameters for localized pRCC. METHODS: Patients pathologically diagnosed with pRCC between February 2012 and February 2022 in our center were enrolled. The body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT), were measured by the images of preoperative computed tomography (CT). The primary outcome was set as progression-free survival (PFS), and the cutoff values of body composition parameters were calculated by using the Youden from receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses were performed to explore independent risk factors for survival prediction. Then, significant factors were used to construct a prognostic nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by Harrell's C-index, calibration curves and time-dependent ROC curves. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were enrolled for analysis. With a median follow-up time of 30.48 months, 25 (23.81%) patients experienced cancer progression. The percentage of sarcopenia was 74.29%. Univariate Cox analysis identified that gender, PRAT, SAT, skeletal muscle (SM), sarcopenia, surgical technique, and tumor diameter were associated with progression. Further multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.66), SAT (HR 6.36, 95% CI 2.39-16.93), PRAT (HR 4.66, 95% CI 1.77-12.27), tumor diameter (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14-0.86), and surgical technique (HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.06-7.64) were independent risk factors for cancer progression. Then, a prognostic nomogram based on independent risk factors was constructed and the C-index for progression prediction was 0.831 (95% CI 0.761-0.901), representing a reasonable discrimination, the calibration curves, and the time-dependent ROC curves verified the good performance of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: A prognostic nomogram, including sarcopenia, SAT, PRAT, tumor diameter, and surgical technique, was constructed to calculate the probability of progression for localized pRCC patients and needs further external validation for clinical use in the future.

Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Youth With Spina Bifida: Protocol for a Multisite, Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity prevalence in youth with spina bifida is higher than in their typically developing peers. Obesity is associated with lifelong medical, psychological, and economic burdens. Successful prevention or treatment of obesity in individuals with spina bifida is compromised by (1) the lack of valid and reliable methods to identify body fat in a clinical setting and (2) limited data on energy expenditure that are necessary to provide daily caloric recommendations. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study will be to develop 2 algorithms for use in youth with spina bifida in a clinical setting, one to model body fat and one to predict total daily energy expenditure. In addition, physical activity and dietary intake will be described for the sample. METHODS: This multisite, prospective, national clinical study will enroll 232 youth with myelomeningocele aged 5 to 18 years (stratified by age and mobility). Participants will be enrolled for 1 week. Data obtained include 4 measures of body composition, up to 5 height measures, a ramped activity protocol, and a nutrition and physical activity screener. Participants will wear an accelerometer for the week. On the final study day, 2 samples of urine or saliva, which complete the doubly labeled water protocol, will be obtained. The analysis will include descriptive statistics, Bland-Altman plots, concordance correlation, and regression analysis. RESULTS: The study received extramural federal funding in July 2019. Data collection was initiated in March 2020. As of April 2024, a total of 143 (female participants: n=76, 53.1%; male participants: n=67, 46.9%) out of 232 participants have been enrolled. Data collection is expected to continue throughout 2024. A no-cost extension until November 2025 will be requested for data analysis and dissemination of findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study furthers previous pilot work that confirmed the acceptability and feasibility of obtaining alternate height, body composition, and energy expenditure measures. The findings from this study will enhance screening, prevention, and treatment of abnormal weight status by facilitating the accurate identification of youths' weight status category and recommendations of daily caloric needs for this population that is at higher risk of obesity. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to impact outcomes for youth diagnosed with disabilities other than spina bifida who experience similar challenges related to alterations in body composition or fat distribution or measurement challenges secondary to mobility issues or musculoskeletal problems. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/52779.

Strategies to enhance the circularity of non-bottle PET packaging waste based on a detailed material characterisation.

The compositions of Dutch lightweight packaging waste (LWP) and sorted products named "PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) trays" have been determined on object level. Additionally, the PET trays from both waste types were sorted in 16 categories representing their packaging use and material build-up. The material composition of at least 10 representative trays from each category was determined with chemical and thermal analysis, based on which the average material composition per category was established. Based on this data the average material composition of sorted PET tray products was approximated. The recyclability of the various categories of PET trays was assessed based on their material build-up. The most ubiquitous PET trays in Dutch LWP and sorted products were only found to be suitable to produce opaque recycled PET with mechanical recycling processes. Whereas only some more uncommon PET trays can be used to produce transparent recycled PET with mechanical recycling processes. Depolymerisation is deemed to be a more appropriate recycling process that will allow the production of transparent food-grade recycled PET.

Impact of fat to muscle ratio with risk of disability on community-dwelling Japanese older adults: A 5-year longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Sarcopenic obesity is a combination of sarcopenia and obesity, which is associated with the onset of disability. Fat to muscle ratio (FMR) is a screening measure that assesses the ratio of muscle mass to fat mass. However, the relationship between the FMR and disability has not been investigated. METHODS: This study included 11,427 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years enrolled in NCGG-SGS (National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes), a national cohort study in Japan. FMR was measured by the bioelectrical impedance analysis and calculated by dividing fat mass by muscle mass. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis adjusted for covariates was used to investigate the association between FMR and the risk of developing new care needs at 5 years. FMR was divided by about quintile, with quintile 5 as the high. RESULTS: The high FMR group had the highest incidence of disability at 20.8 % for women and 20.1 % for men. In women, the association between FMR and disability was significantly different for the FMR (hazard risk [HR]: 1.43, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.75). There was no association between FMR and disability in men (HR: 0.98, 95 %CI: 0.76-1.25). Lagged analyses accounting for reverse causality did not change the relationship. CONCLUSIONS: FMR is associated with increased risk of disability in women community-dwelling older adults but not among men. Because the rate of decreased muscle strength is faster in men than in women, early decreased muscle strength may affect men's risk of disability more than muscle mass or fat mass.

The 300 Marines: characterizing the US Marines with perfect scores on their physical and combat fitness tests.

Few US Marines earn perfect 300 scores on both their Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT). The number 300 invokes the legendary 300 Spartans that fought at the Battle of Thermopylae, which inspired high physical fitness capabilities for elite ground forces ever since. Purpose: Determine distinguishing characteristics of the "300 Marines" (perfect PFT and CFT scores) that may provide insights into the physical and physiological requirements associated with this capability. These tests have been refined over time to reflect physical capabilities associated with Marine Corps basic rifleman performance. Materials and methods: Data were analyzed from US Marines, including 497 women (age, 29 ± 7 years; height 1.63 ± 0.07 m; body mass, 67.4 ± 8.4 kg) and 1,224 men (30 ± 8 years; 1.77 ± 0.07 m; 86.1 ± 11.1 kg). Marines were grouped by whether they earned perfect 300 scores on both the PFT and CFT (300 Marines) or not. We analyzed group differences in individual fitness test events and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). Results: Only 2.5% (n = 43) of this sample earned perfect PFT and CFT scores (n = 21 women; n = 22 men). Compared to sex-matched peers, 300 Marines performed more pull-ups, with faster three-mile run, maneuver-under-fire, and movement-to-contact times (each p < 0.001); 300 Marines of both sexes had lower fat mass, body mass index, and percent body fat (each p < 0.001). The lower percent body fat was explained by greater lean mass (p = 0.041) but similar body mass (p = 0.085) in women, whereas men had similar lean mass (p = 0.618), but lower total body mass (p = 0.025). Conclusion: Marines earning perfect PFT and CFT scores are most distinguished from their peers by their maneuverability, suggesting speed and agility capabilities. While both sexes had considerably lower percent body fat than their peers, 300 Marine women were relatively more muscular while men were lighter.

Microglial Piezo1 mechanosensitive channel as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease.

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) that control brain development, maintain neural environments, respond to injuries, and regulate neuroinflammation. Despite their significant impact on various physiological and pathological processes across mammalian biology, there remains a notable gap in our understanding of how microglia perceive and transmit mechanical signals in both normal and diseased states. Recent studies have revealed that microglia possess the ability to detect changes in the mechanical properties of their environment, such as alterations in stiffness or pressure. These changes may occur during development, aging, or in pathological conditions such as trauma or neurodegenerative diseases. This review will discuss microglial Piezo1 mechanosensitive channels as potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The structure, function, and modulation of Piezo1 will be discussed, as well as its role in facilitating microglial clearance of misfolded amyloid-ß (Aß) proteins implicated in the pathology of AD.

Morphological and Chemical Diversity within Japanese Laurencia Complex (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales, Rhodophyta).

Seaweeds of the red algal genus Laurencia are widely distributed worldwide in tropical, subtropical to temperate zones, and grow in Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Laurencia is one of the most studied seaweeds by organic chemists because it produces a variety of compounds with unique structures. In Japan, various halogenated compounds have been found in Laurencia, while some species do not produce any halogenated compounds. Laurencia is one of the most difficult seaweeds to classify morphologically; however, the major halogenated secondary metabolites produced tend to be species-specific, and these compounds can be used as chemical markers for chemical systematics (chemotaxonomy). Similarly, it has been confirmed that domestic Laurencia species produce species-specific halogenated compounds of certain types. Laurencia is one of the "weedy seaweeds" that have not been effectively utilized at present, but it produces a wide variety of metabolites, so there is a good possibility that compounds with specific activity may be found. Thus, it can be seen that the secondary metabolites in Laurencia have many interesting aspects. In this review, we reported significant morphological features to distinguish species in this genus, and the morphological features, habitat, distribution, and chemical composition that help discriminate Japanese Laurencia species.

Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Lycium barbarum L. fruits from Serbia.

Cultivation of goji berries (GB), fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae), is expanding worldwide, including in Europe. In this study, a comparative analysis of the nutritional value, chemical composition and in vitro biological activities of GB from different locations in Serbia was performed. Proximate compositions were evaluated according to standard methods. Minerals were assessed by inductively coupled plasma techniques, while fatty acids, sterols, and phenolic profiles were analyzed by gas- and liquid chromatography-based techniques coupled with flame-ionization, mass spectrometry, or diode array detection. The total content of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides was assessed using spectrophotometric methods. Methanol extracts from GB were examined for their antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase) and antibacterial activities. Despite significant variations among samples from different locations, the results confirmed that GB are a valuable source of dietary fiber and protein and are characterized by favorable fatty acid profiles. Phytochemical analysis revealed that ß-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, and 24-methyldesmosterol are the predominant sterols and caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin and rutin are the main phenols. All GB samples showed both antioxidant and mild antimicrobial activity. A dose-dependent anti-enzymatic activity (IC50 ranging 1.68-6.88 mg/mL) was demonstrated. The results support further promotion of GB cultivation in Serbia and further investigations on their potential applications in various industries.

Plasma metabolomic profile of adiposity and body composition in childhood: The Genetics of Glucose regulation in Gestation and Growth cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified metabolite modules associated with adiposity and body fat distribution in childhood using gold-standard measurements. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from 329 children at mid-childhood (age 5.3 ± 0.3 years; BMI 15.7 ± 1.5 kg/m2) from the Genetics of Glucose regulation in Gestation and Growth (Gen3G), a prospective pre-birth cohort. We quantified 1038 plasma metabolites and measured body composition using the gold-standard dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in addition to skinfold, waist circumference, and BMI. We applied weighted-correlation network analysis to identify a network of highly correlated metabolite modules. Spearman's partial correlations were applied to determine the associations of adiposity with metabolite modules and individual metabolites with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. RESULTS: We identified a 'green' module of 120 metabolites, primarily comprised of lipids (mostly sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholine), that showed positive correlations (all FDR p < 0.05) with DXA estimates of total and truncal fat (ρadjusted = 0.11-0.19), skinfold measures (ρadjusted = 0.09-0.26), and BMI and waist circumference (ρadjusted = 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). These correlations were similar when stratified by sex. Within this module, sphingomyelin (d18:2/14:0, d18:1/14:1)*, a sphingomyelin sub-specie that is an important component of cell membranes, showed the strongest associations. CONCLUSIONS: A module of metabolites was associated with adiposity measures in childhood.

Surface Carbon Formation and its Impact on Methane Dry Reforming Kinetics on Rhodium-based Catalysts by Operando Raman Spectroscopy.

A mechanism for carbon deposition and its impact on the reaction kinetics of Methane Dry Reforming (MDR) using Rhodium-based catalysts is presented. By integrating Raman spectroscopy with kinetic analysis in an operando-annular chemical reactor under strict chemical conditions, we discovered that carbon deposition on a Rh/α-Al2O3 catalyst follows a nucleation-growth mechanism. The dynamics of carbon aggregates at the surface is found to be ruled by the CO2/CH4 ratio and the inlet CH4 concentration. The findings elucidate the spatiotemporal development of carbon aggregates on the catalyst surface and their effects on catalytic performance. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism for carbon formation shows that the influence of CO2 on MDR kinetics is an indirect result of carbon accumulation over time frames exceeding the turnover frequency, thus reconciling conflicting reports in the literature regarding CO2's kinetic role in MDR.

Transgender healthcare: metabolic outcomes and cardiovascular risk.

Transgender identity is often associated with gender dysphoria and minority stress. Gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) includes masculinising or feminising treatment and is expected to be lifelong in most cases. Sex and sex hormones have a differential effect on metabolism and CVD in cisgender people, and sex hormone replacement in hypogonadism is associated with higher vascular risk, especially in ageing individuals. Using narrative review methods, we present evidence regarding metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes during GAHT and propose recommendations for follow-up and monitoring of metabolic and cardiovascular risk markers during GAHT. Available data show no increased risk for type 2 diabetes in transgender cohorts, but masculinising GAHT increases lean body mass and feminising GAHT is associated with higher fat mass and insulin resistance. The risk of CVD is increased in transgender cohorts, especially during feminising GAHT. Masculinising GAHT is associated with a more adverse lipid profile, higher haematocrit and increased BP, while feminising GAHT is associated with pro-coagulant changes and lower HDL-cholesterol. Assigned male sex at birth, higher age at initiation of GAHT and use of cyproterone acetate are separate risk factors for adverse CVD markers. Metabolic and CVD outcomes may improve during gender-affirming care due to a reduction in minority stress, improved lifestyle and closer surveillance leading to optimised preventive medication (e.g. statins). GAHT should be individualised according to individual risk factors (i.e. drug, dose and form of administration); furthermore, doctors need to discuss lifestyle and preventive medications in order to modify metabolic and CVD risk during GAHT. Follow-up programmes must address the usual cardiovascular risk markers but should consider that biological age and sex may influence individual risk profiling including mental health, lifestyle and novel cardiovascular risk markers during GAHT.

Brown trout in Oder estuary tributaries: genetic structure, stocking, and admixture.

Several rivers that are tributaries of the Oder estuary are inhabited by Salmo trutta L, the most important of which are Ina, Gowienica, and Wolczenica. Both forms of the species, sea trout and resident brown trout, are present. All rivers are traditionally stocked with either sea trout from the neighboring Pomeranian river Rega basin or resident brown trout from various locations. To examine populations in these rivers in terms of genetic structure, genetic diversity, and origin, they were analyzed using 13 microsatellite loci. Relatedness was also assessed for fish stocked in the same year. The obtained genotypes were compared with breeding stocks used for stocking in Poland. The analyses revealed a significant genetic distance between adult individuals from Ina and Rega Rivers and fish caught during electrofishing. Strong kinship relationships were identified in the sampled areas, with high proportions of fish originating from stocking and their dominance in numbers over wild juveniles, primarily in smaller tributaries. Additionally, clear separation in the origin of stocked individuals was observed. Adult trout from Ina and Rega are genetically closer to northern brown trout lineages, providing crucial information for the management and biodiversity conservation of Polish Salmo trutta populations.

Environment found to explain the largest variance in physical and compositional traits in malting barley grain.

BACKGROUND: Starch is the most abundant constituent (dry weight) in the barley endosperm, followed by protein. Variability of compositional and potentially related physical traits due to genotype and environment can have important implications for the malting and brewing industry. This was the first study to assess the effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction (G × E) on endosperm texture, protein content, and starch traits corresponding to granule size, gelatinization, content, and composition, using a multi-environment variety trial in California, USA. RESULTS: Overall, environment explained the largest variance for all traits (ranging from 23.2% to 76.5%), except the endosperm texture traits wherein the G × E term explained the largest variance (45.0-86.5%). Our unique method to quantify the proportion of fine and coarse milled barley particles using laser diffraction showed a binomial distribution of endosperm texture. The number of small starch granules varied significantly (P-value < 0.05) across genotypes and environments. We observed negative correlations between total protein content and each of enthalpy (-0.70), total starch content (-0.54), and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature (-0.52). Furthermore, amylose to amylopectin ratio was positively correlated to volume of small starch granules (0.36). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that environment played a larger role in influencing the majority of starch-related physical and compositional traits. In contrast, variance in endosperm texture was largely explained by G × E. Maltsters would benefit from accounting for environmental contributions in addition to solely genotype when making sourcing decisions, especially with regards to total protein, total starch, enthalpy, and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To perform a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF), as compared with either a control diet (CON) and/or calorie restriction (CR), on body composition and cardiometabolic health in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from their inception to March 2024 to identify original randomized trials with parallel or crossover designs that studied the effects of IF on body composition and cardiometabolic health. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Overall, 14 studies involving 1101 adults with prediabetes or T2D were included in the meta-analysis. IF decreased body weight (WMD -4.56 kg [95% CI -6.23 to -2.83]; p = 0.001), body mass index (BMI; WMD -1.99 kg.m2 [95% CI -2.74 to -1.23]; p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; WMD -0.81% [95% CI -1.24 to -0.38]; p = 0.001), fasting glucose (WMD -0.36 mmol/L [95% CI -0.63 to -0.09]; p = 0.008), total cholesterol (WMD -0.31 mmol/L [95% CI -0.60 to -0.02]; p = 0.03) and triglycerides (WMD -0.14 mmol/L [95% CI -0.27 to -0.01]; p = 0.02), but did not significantly decrease fat mass, insulin, low-densitiy lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, or blood pressure as compared with CON. Furthermore, IF decreased body weight (WMD -1.14 kg [95% CI -1.69 to -0.60]; p = 0.001) and BMI (WMD -0.43 kg.m2 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.27]; p = 0.001), but did not significantly affect fat mass, lean body mass, visceral fat, insulin, HbA1c, lipid profiles or blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Intermittent fasting is effective for weight loss and specific cardiometabolic health markers in individuals with prediabetes or T2D. Additionally, IF is associated with a reduction in body weight and BMI compared to CR, without effects on glycaemic markers, lipid profiles or blood pressure.

Mammary fat globules as a source of mRNA to model alterations in the expression of some milk component genes during lactation in bovines.

BACKGROUND: The milk's nutritional value is determined by its constituents, including fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. The mammary gland's ability to produce milk is controlled by a complex network of genes. Thereby, the fat, protein, and lactose synthesis must be boost in milk to increase milk production efficiency. This can be accomplished by fusing genetic advancements with proper management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), kappa casein CSN3, and Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) genes expression levels and such milk components as fat, protein, and lactose in different dairy breeds during different stages of lactation. METHODS: To achieve such a purpose, 94 milk samples were collected (72 samples from 36 multiparous black-white and red-white Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 22 milk samples from 11 Egyptian buffaloes) during the early and peak lactation stages. The milk samples were utilized for milk analysis and genes expressions analyses using non- invasive approach in obtaining milk fat globules (MFGs) as a source of Ribonucleic acid (RNA). RESULTS: LPL and CSN3 genes expressions levels were found to be significantly higher in Egyptian buffalo than Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows as well as fat and protein percentages. On the other hand, GLUT1 gene expression level was shown to be significantly higher during peak lactation than early lactation. Moreover, lactose % showed a significant difference in peak lactation phase compared to early lactation phase. Also, fat and protein percentages were significantly higher in early lactation period than peak lactation period but lactose% showed the opposite pattern of Egyptian buffalo. CONCLUSION: Total RNA can be successfully obtained from MFGs. The results suggest that these genes play a role in glucose absorption and lactose synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Also, these results provide light on the differential expression of these genes among distinct Holstein-Friesian cow breeds and Egyptian buffalo subspecies throughout various lactation phases.

Chickpea aquafaba: a systematic review of the different processes for obtaining and their nutritional and technological characteristics.

Aquafaba is the residual water from cooking chickpea in water. It has a high gelling ability, allowing it to create stable gels. However, those functional properties depend on the legume composition, genotype, cooking time, pressure, and temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the different processes for obtaining aquafaba and compare their nutritional composition and technological characteristics using a systematic review. The authors performed the systematic review by performing specific search strategies for Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, Lilacs, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. A total of 17 studies were analyzed. Of them, 17.64% (n = 3) used the wastewater from canned chickpeas, 17.64% (n = 3) compared the wastewater of canned chickpeas and dry grains, and 58.82% (n = 10) used dry chickpeas. Studies used different methods to analyze the protein content. The most used (n = 5) was the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The aquafaba presented carbohydrates at 2.03-2.59 g/100ml; protein at 0.0.8-2.8 g/100ml; and fat at 0.07-0.1 g/100ml. In general, preparing aquafaba followed: soaking (8-10 h at 4 °C-1 chickpea: 4 water), pressure cooking (30 min-2 chickpea: 3 water), and refrigerating (24h/4 °C). In general, the results showed the following steps to prepare aquafaba: soaking for 8-10 h at 4 °C at the proportion of 1:4 (chickpea:water), pressure cooking for 30 min in the proportion of 2:3 (chickpea: water), and refrigerating 24 h/4 °C. These procedures in a homemade aquafaba presented the best results, considering foam development and higher stability. The aquafaba from canned chickpeas has a higher foam-ability and lower emulsion properties than homemade cooking aquafaba. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05920-y.

Physiological characteristics predictive of passing military physical employment standard tasks for ground close combat occupations in men and women.

Challenges for some women meeting the physical employment standards (PES) for ground close combat (GCC) roles stem from physical fitness and anthropometric characteristics. The purpose of this study was to identify the modifiable and nonmodifiable characteristics predictive of passing GCC-based PES tasks and determine the modifiable characteristics suitable to overcome nonmodifiable limitations. 107 adults (46 women) underwent multiday testing assessing regional and total lean mass (LM), percent body fat (BF%), aerobic capacity (V̇O2peak), strength, power, and PES performance. Predictors with p-value <0.200 were included in stepwise logistic regression analysis or binary logistic regression when outcomes among sexes were insufficient. Relative and absolute arm LM (OR: 4.617-8.522, p < 0.05), leg LM (OR: 2.463, p < 0.05), and upper body power (OR: 2.061, p < 0.05) predicted medicine ball chest throw success. Relative and absolute arm LM (OR: 3.734-11.694, p < 0.05), absolute trunk LM (OR: 2.576, p < 0.05), and leg LM (OR: 2.088, p < 0.05) predicted casualty drag success. Upper body power (OR: 3.910, p < 0.05), absolute trunk LM (OR: 2.387, p < 0.05), leg LM (OR: 2.290, p < 0.05), and total LM (OR: 1.830, p < 0.05) predicted maximum single lift success. Relative and absolute arm LM (OR: 3.488-7.377, p < 0.05), leg LM (OR: 1.965, p < 0.05), and upper body power (OR: 1.957, p < 0.05) predicted water can carry success. %BF (OR: 0.814, p = 0.007), V̇O2peak (OR: 1.160, p = 0.031), and lower body strength (OR: 1.059, p < 0.001) predicted repeated lift and carry success. V̇O2peak (OR: 1.540, p < 0.001) predicted 2-km ruck march success. Modifiable characteristics were the strongest predictors for GCC-based PES task success to warrant their improvement for enhancing PES performance for women.