Introduction:

In recent years, various approaches have been used to assess vitamin D serum levels in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to establish a correlation between recurrent acute ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) infections in pediatric patients and their vitamin D serum levels.

Materials and Methods:

We included pediatric patients who presented with recurrent acute suppurative otitis media (more than 3 episodes in the last 6 months). We conducted accurate objective ENT endocavitary examinations and thorough medical histories to assess the developmental conditions and onset of unilateral and bilateral acute otitis media. The study group consisted of children aged between 2 and 6 years who presented with fever, otalgia, nasal obstruction, and purulent rhinorrhea. Otoscopy was used to evaluate the condition of the tympanic membrane during suppuration, with or without perforation. All children underwent serological testing to determine their vitamin D serum levels.

Results:

The current study revealed a notable prevalence of otitis media, with a higher incidence observed in boys. There was a significant correlation found between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of these conditions. Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels may play an integral role in reducing the recurrence of suppurative otitis media in preschool-aged children.

In recent years, the necessity of vitamin D supplementation, particularly in cases where sun exposure is insufficient, has been increasingly recognized.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an intake of sodium chloride (salt: 40% sodium and 60% chloride by weight) of 5 g (about 2 g of sodium). The dietary intake of sodium (Na) was assessed in young adults at De Montfort University (DMU, UK). Comprehensive nutrient intake information was collected from 111 (20.45 yrs old; 78 female) DMU students between 2015 and 2016 from three major ethnic backgrounds (41 from Asia, 41 from Africa, 27 from Europe) using a validated variant of the Nutrition Norfolk Food Frequency Questionnaire. According to their BMI values, 25.7% and 8.3% of this population were overweight and obese, while 9.2% were underweight. The number that were overweight is three times that of the national average in this age group, 10.6%. The dietary intake of Na was significantly higher in male participants (2878.48 vs. 2144.05 mg/day; p-value=0.0028), which might be explained by their higher intake of foods that have been identified as primary sources of sodium in a number of comprehensive studies, specifically meat (271.553 vs. 193.063; p-value=0.016), cereals (202.74 vs. 169.91; p-value=0.0842) and cow’s milk (228.09 vs. 163.55; p-value=0.037; all in g/day). The dietary intake of Na was much lower in individuals with a lower BMI [underweight (1948.22) < obese (2361.92) < overweight (2377.72) < normal weight (2417.54), p-value=0.830; all in mg/day], although not significantly. This is in line with studies that have suggested that a high sodium intake may contribute to promoting weight gain. The dietary intake recorded for the whole DMU group (2359.66) was much higher than that described in a Spanish adult population (2026 mg/day), which might be logically due to differences in the intake of ready-to-eat and processed meals between both countries. The authors of that study also reported significantly higher sodium intakes in Spanish men. Our study highlights the need for further public health policies in England to address the WHO recommendations, as most students exceeded the recommended intake of sodium.

Pseudomonas taetrolens is a Gram-negative bacterium renowned for its diverse metabolic capabilities, making it a significant subject of study in biotechnological and industrial processes. Research on Pseudomonas taetrolens often aims to optimize conditions for the production of valuable biochemicals, elucidate its metabolic pathways, and explore its potential in industrial applications. This bacterium is particularly noteworthy for its roles in biotransformation and bioremediation, which are crucial in both environmental microbiology and industrial biotechnology. This study investigated the ability of Pseudomonas taetrolens to convert lactose into lactobionic acid using sweet and acid whey as substrates. The experimental setup involved controlling parameters such as temperature, pH, agitation speed, oxygen supply, and the viability and quantity of added bacterial biomass. The process was conducted in a bioreactor, with data collection every three hours and efficiency tested using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that, under identical fermentation parameters, lactose was completely converted into lactobionic acid in sweet whey. In contrast, acid whey required repeated additions of Pseudomonas taetrolens biomass to achieve complete lactose conversion. These findings suggest that sweet whey is more suitable for lactose oxidation. However, further tests are necessary to conduct an in-depth analysis of the compositions of sweet and acid whey and their effects on the reproduction of Pseudomonas taetrolens.

Inulin is a plant polysaccharide that is used by a wide variety of plants as an energy store. Structurally, it consists of d-fructofuranose units, linked by β (2→1) bonds, usually with a glucose moiety attached to the end by an α (1→2) bond. Inulin is not digestible by human gut enzymes, but it can be digested by some bacteria of the human microbiota, acting as a prebiotic. Due to this condition, during the last years, different studies have been conducted focused on the potential application of inulin as a food ingredient with health-promoting activities against metabolic syndrome diseases. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of action of inulin are still unclear.
Here, we present a bibliographic review of human intervention studies evaluating the effect of inulin supplementation on metabolic parameters to gather evidence on its potential benefits and to describe its mechanisms of action. The study includes studies published in PubMed during the last years.
At the microbiota level, the main effect produced by inulin is the selective favouring of beneficial species in the colon, especially those belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium and Anaerostipes, which have been found to be associated with improved insulin sensitivity, glycemic levels, and anthropometric parameters. In addition, it has been seen that, by competitive exclusion, pathogenic species, such as those of the Clostridium genus, are negatively affected.
On the other hand, inulin fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids, which positively affect different metabolic parameters. They improve glucose metabolism and decrease hepatic lipogenesis, improve intestinal barrier functions, reduce inflammation, modulate immune activity, and improve anthropometric parameters such as weight or BMI.
In conclusion, the scientific evidence analysed suggests that inulin intake produces positive health effects through the improvement in the intestinal microbiota and through the metabolites produced by its fermentation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The Mediterranean diet is abundant in bioactive components such as fiber and polyphenols. Some of these components have shown their ability to modulate the immune system and microbiota composition.

The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of a diet rich in polyphenols and fiber on the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven-week-old Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet (REF group) or a diet enriched in fiber (9%) and polyphenols (0.5%) (FPD group) for 9 weeks. Body weight and feed and water consumption were monitored throughout the study period. At the end, intestinal tissue was collected for a histological study and contents from both the cecum and small intestine were obtained for a microbiota study. In this study, diversity and taxonomy were evaluated by massive sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After 9 weeks of intervention, no significant changes were found in the histological structure of the small intestine. However, in cecal content, the FPD group had higher bacterial α- and β-diversity than the REF group. Additionally, the FPD group showed a different taxonomic profile. As example, the relative abundances of the Bacteroides and Breznakia genera increased whereas those of Streptococcus and Lactococcus decreased. In the case of small intestine content, there were no differences in microbiota diversity, but some differences at the taxonomic level also appeared. The differences in α- and β-diversity and in bacteria profile found between the compartments were more evident in the FPD group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, although a fiber- and polyphenol-enriched diet does not change the structure of the small intestine, it modulates bacterial gut microbiota composition. Further studies will be focused on the function of the intestinal microbiota and its implications on health.

Adenoid tissues, also known as pharyngeal tonsils, are a mass of lymphatic tissue located in the nasopharynx that play a crucial role in the immune system by trapping and destroying pathogens entering through the nasal passages and is formed by a lymphatic structure with an immunological role, being a part of Waldeyer's ring. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between low serum iron levels in preschool children who present for otolaryngology evaluation with symptoms of acute adenoiditis.

Material and Method: In our study, we included 118 patients aged between 2 and 6 years who presented with nasal obstruction, purulent rhinorrhea, sleep disturbance, nocturnal cough, and varying degrees of fever attacks. Otolaryngological examination evidenced adenoidal tissue of different sizes covered with pus that drained into the nasal fossa and at the level of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Given the multitude of etiological factors implicated in the onset of acute adenoiditis, we aimed to evaluate tserum iron levels in all examined patients.

Results: More than 42% of the investigated patients presented with varying degrees of low iron levels, which were well correlated with the intensity of their symptoms.

Conclusion: Our observational study concludes that deficient nutrients in a healthy diet, associated with low serum iron levels, are correlated with the onset of acute adenoiditis in preschool children.

Over the last few years, the interest in bioactive peptides derived from microalgae has grown significantly due to their potential health benefits. Within the different microalgae species, the green microalga Tetraselmis chuii stands out for its protein profile composition and essential amino acids¹. The proteomic analyses of simulated gastric or gastrointestinal digestion phases, both in vitro and in silico, have become one of the most widely investigated strategies to evaluate bioactive peptides from microalgae proteins.

T. chuii biomass was pretreated with a combination of freeze–thaw cycles and ultrasounds. Proteomic analysis was carried out by HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The functional analysis of the proteome was carried out with OmicsBox software. The annotated proteins were classified into three functional groups—cellular component, molecular function, and biological processes—using BLAST 2GO Methodology. n silico gastric digestion was performed by the Rapid Peptides Generator (RPG); pepsin was selected as the digestive enzyme. In parallel to this, in vitro orogastric digestion was carried out following the INFOGEST protocol². The antioxidant capacity of the digests was evaluated by ORAC and ABTS assays.

The proteomic and functional analysis allowed for the identification of 287 annotated proteins, which were classified into three different groups: 254 sequences (33.5% of total) were associated with a biological process; 222 sequences (35.5%) were classified as proteins involved in molecular function; and 240 sequences (31.0%) were identified as proteins constituent of a cellular component. In silico gastric digestion of the identified proteins revealed the release of 14,774 peptides, most of them (79%) containing between two and ten amino acids. Among the low-molecular-weight peptides produced during the in silico analysis, 24% contained aromatic amino acids, which could be responsible for the radical scavenging capacity determined in the in vitro orogastric digests of T. chuii.

Introduction Due to its beneficial contents including dietary fiber and γ-oryzanol, brown rice bran powder (BRBP) can be considered as a functional food item. Hence, the current trial aims to investigate the effects of BRBP consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, antioxidant status, and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn).

Subjects, Materials and Methods In this 8-week open label, controlled trial, fifty patients with MetSyn were randomized into a control (who only received the standard diet (SDiet)), or intervention group (who were additionally administered 15g/day BRBP). Patients’ demographic and anthropometric data were recorded. Blood samples were then gathered to analyze levels of metabolic factors and antioxidant enzymes activity. Moreover, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire was completed.

Results Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlled for the baseline levels revealed that at the study endpoint, compared to the controls who only followed a SDiet, patients who additionally received BRBP showed significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) and (P-value<0.0001; effect size (ES): -1.29), waist circumference (P-value<0.001; ES: -1.12), total-cholesterol (P-value=0.046; ES: -0.66), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P-value=0.037; ES: -0.67), fasting blood sugar (P-value=0.015; ES: -0.79). Further, BRBP consumption resulted in significant improvements in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P-value=0.050; ES: 0.62), serum activities of catalase (P-value=0.026; ES: 0.72), glutathione peroxidase (P-value<0.001; ES: 1.08), and superoxide dismutase (P-value=0.009; ES: 0.84), as well as constipation rate (P-value=0.018; ES: -0.85) compared to SDiet alone. However, no significant changes were found regarding levels of triglyceride, glutathione, and blood pressure after the trial.

Conclusion The findings of this trial support the weight-reducing, hypocholestrolemic, ant-hyperglycemic, and antioxidative effects of adding BRBP to SDiet prescribing for MetSyn patients.

Introduction: We previously documented the beneficial effects of rice bran oil (RBO) on cardiac function, and on atherogenic cardiometabolic factors of men with coronary artery disease. Hence, in the current trial, we aimed at extending these findings by exploring the effects of this healthy oil on the metabolic profile, novel insulin resistance surrogate markers, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status of overweight/obese men and women with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn).

Methods: A total of 50 overweight/obese adults (mean body mass index (BMI) = 31.08 kg/m2) with at least 3 MetSyn components were randomly allocated to either a control group, who received standard diet plan, or intervention, who were additionally supplemented with 30g/d of RBO for 8 weeks. BMI, MetSyn components, metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), triglyceride-glucose–BMI index (TyG-BMI), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and plasma polyphenols levels were measured before and after this open-label trial.

Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values revealed that compared to the patients who only received the standard diet plan, those who were additionally supplemented with 30g/d RBO demonstrated significantly reduced total cholesterol (P-value =0.005; effect size(ES):-0.92), LDL-cholesterol (P-value=0.048; ES:-0.62), fasting blood sugar (P-value =0.014; ES:-0.77), MDA (P-value =0.002; ES: -1.01), METS-IR (P-value<0.001; ES: -1.24); and TyG-BMI (P-value=0.007; ES:-0.85) after 8 weeks. Additionally, RBO consumption resulted in significantly higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (P-value=0.004; ES:0.94) and TAC (P-value<0.0001; ES:2.05). However, no significant changes were noted regarding BMI, waist circumference, serum triglyceride, plasma polyphenols, and blood pressure.

Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with RBO in addition to standard diet could be an effective complementary option for MetSyn, considering its hypocholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidative effects, and alleviating lipid peroxidation in these with patients.

The increasing demand for sustainable, locally sourced ingredients in the food industry necessitates exploring the applications of food by-products. This study investigated the use of local food by-products to produce herbal tea, evaluating their potential health benefits and sensory properties. Four new tea formulations (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were developed using Citrus microcarpa (calamansi), Mangifera indica (mango), and Zingiber officinale (ginger) peels in different ratios. The tea formulations were infused at 100°C for 7 minutes. Their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and sensory profile were investigated. Of the formulations, F1, consisting of a 1:1 ratio of mango and calamansi peels, emerged as the preferred choice among the panelists. It exhibited the highest TPC (77.30 μg GAE/mL) and TFC (83.53 μg QE/mL), along with a strong antioxidant capacity (EC₅₀ 98.66 μg/mL), as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Notably, both F3, which consisted of a 1:1 ratio of ginger and mango peels, and F4, with a 1:1:1 ratio of mango, ginger, and calamansi peels, although less preferred by the panelists compared to F1, also demonstrated strong antioxidant activities (EC₅₀ 71.76 μg/mL and 94.08 μg/mL, respectively). These findings highlight the potential of utilizing these fruit peels in herbal tea production, considering their appealing sensory profiles and significant health benefits. Further research on the promising F1 formulation is recommended, including microbiological tests, shelf-life studies, and additional bioactivity tests. Investigating other combinations and infusion methods may yield formulations with enhanced properties.