Introduction: Health and sustainability are current trends in the market of food products with fewer or no animal-derived ingredients. Three-dimensional technology is a highly promising tool for the development of novel and palatable food products. More research is needed to elucidate how these trends and technologies actually affect consumer health.

Aim: This work aims to study the composition and effect of cooking and the in vitro digestion of a vegan product (bacon) and a hybrid product (veal cutlet) developed using 3D technology.

Materials and methods: Vegan bacon and hybrid veal cutlet were obtained from Cocuus enterprise. Both products were cooked using a frying pan with a negligible amount of oil. Their general composition was analyzed in both the raw and cooked states, followed by in vitro digestion (INFOGEST method). Digestibility parameters and oxidation degree (TBARs) were assessed.

Results: Both analogues showed lower fat and energy values than their respective conventional products. The fatty acid profiles were healthier in the analogue products with a significantly lower amount of saturated fatty acids. Cooking resulted in a considerable loss of moisture (7-11%) in both products, giving rise to the concentrations of the rest of the components. The total digestibility was approximately 63% for both products. Protein digestibility was higher for hybrid products (78.32%), probably due to their animal origin, than for vegan products (65.88%). Lipid digestibility was 40.68% for bacon and 55.54% for hybrid products. Additionally, both products increased their oxidation degree during the digestion process.

Conclusions: Three-dimensional technology seems to be a suitable process to develop healthier and sustainable food products.

Funding:

This research was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain), grant number PID2020–115348RB-I00- BIOGENSA2. I. Ariz is grateful to the “Asociación de Amigos de la Universidad de Navarra” for the grant received.

This study investigates the potential of Baltic Sea algae, in particular Furcellaria lumbricalis, as a sustainable agricultural resource to improve the sustainability of the food value chain in Latvia. This research study is in line with Latvia's Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3), which aims to reconcile economic development with environmental sustainability through the efficient use of natural resources. This study was conducted in two phases: the first involved the collection and analysis of macroalgae samples from various coastal areas in Latvia, while the second focused on controlled experiments to assess the effect of liquid digestate from anaerobically fermented algae on seed germination.
The results indicate that Furcellaria lumbricalis has a high dry weight potential and optimal acidity levels for Latvian soils, making it suitable in plant production. Experiments showed that a 12% concentration of liquid digestate significantly accelerated seed germination compared to lower concentrations (3% and 6%). The overall germination rate was highest with the 12% concentration, suggesting that Baltic Sea algae can serve as an effective growth promoter for cultivated plants.
This study concludes that Baltic Sea algae can improve the sustainability of the food value chain by providing a renewable source of nutrients, leading to healthier and more nutritious food options. However, further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of algal liquid by-products on plant growth and green mass. Filling this research gap is crucial to fully realise the potential of algal biomass in sustainable agriculture and to promote a climate-resilient food system.

Introduction:
Innovations in technology offer unprecedented opportunities to transform dietary behaviors and promote healthier eating habits. This research article explores the integration of technology-driven interventions, behavioral science principles, and personalized approaches to revolutionize dietary behavior and support long-term health and well-being.

Methods:
A pioneering longitudinal study was conducted, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as mobile applications, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence algorithms. Participants were provided with personalized dietary recommendations, real-time feedback on eating behaviors, and tailored interventions based on their individual preferences and goals.

Results and Discussion:
The results demonstrate the efficacy of technology-driven interventions in promoting healthier eating habits and facilitating sustained behavior change. Participants experienced improvements in dietary quality, increased adherence to dietary guidelines, and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods. Moreover, the integration of personalized feedback and tailored interventions led to greater engagement and motivation, fostering long-term adherence to healthier eating patterns.

Conclusions:
The integration of technology into dietary behavior interventions represents a paradigm shift in health promotion, offering scalable and personalized solutions to support healthier eating habits. By harnessing the power of technology-driven approaches and behavioral science principles, individuals can overcome barriers to dietary change and achieve lasting improvements in health and well-being. This research article underscores the transformative potential of technology in promoting healthier dietary behaviors and highlights the importance of continued innovation in this field.

INTRODUCTION: Honey has been proven to be efficacious in wound healing since ancient times. In the modern world, the application of honey has reappeared with a focus on the treatment of diabetic wounds.

METHODS: Thus, in the present study, an in situ hydrogel was fabricated through the use of a stimuli-responsive polymer, poloxamer 407, and chitosan. Each polymer was dispersed individually using the cold method. Subsequently, medical-grade honey was incorporated into the in situ hydrogel formulation, where the temperature at the site of application stimulated the conversion of the formulation from a sol form into a gel. An initial characterization of the formulation's spray diameter, gel-to-sol conversion, rheological parameters, and mucoadhesive characteristics has been performed. The anti-microbial activity, anti-oxidant activity, and in vivo wound healing efficacy of the formulation were also studied.

RESULTS: The selected in situ formulation demonstrated a phase transition at 33°C, a pH of 5.8, which is appropriate for use in wounds, and an appropriate viscosity (408 cP) that would allow the hydrogel to be applied easily. However, its strong mucoadhesive force (20.300 ± 0.557 g) would prevent the formulation from leaking after its application. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of the formulation was also found to be satisfactory against both Escherichia coli (gram -ve) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram +ve). The excision wound model showed that the treatment group exhibited rapid re-epithelization and collagen formation in comparison to the control group and the standard group. The biochemical anti-oxidant assay showed that there were significant results in the treatment group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, it could be concluded that using this in situ hydrogel of honey is a better option for treating diabetic wounds.

Background: The relationship between heart failure (HF) and the Mediterranean and DASH diets is not well delineated. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of high adherence to the Mediterranean and DASH diets compared to low adherence in reducing the risk of incident HF (primary prevention of HF) and reducing all-cause mortality in patients with HF (secondary prevention of HF).

Methods: The reporting stages of this meta-analysis closely adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken for published papers in the PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, ICTRP, and the NIH clinical trials databases.

Results: A total of 16 reports from 14 studies were included in this paper. A significant inverse association was identified between high adherence to the Mediterranean diet model (compared to low adherence) and the risk of incident HF (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63–0.93, p = 0.007) among patients without a previous diagnosis of HF. Similarly, there was a significant and inverse relationship between high adherence to the DASH diet (compared to low adherence) and the risk of incident HF (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98, p = 0.03) among patients without a previous diagnosis of HF. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet model (compared to low adherence) was associated with lower all-cause mortality (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.99, p = 0.03) among patients with HF.

Conclusions This paper demonstrated that high adherence to the Mediterranean and DASH diets significantly reduced the risk of incident HF among individuals without a previous diagnosis of HF, whereas only high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower all-cause mortality among patients with HF.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common tumors in the female reproductive system, with usually limited curative effect and adverse reactions. Neferine (Nef) is derived from lotus seeds, a medicinal and edible plant, and has good functional activity. However, its efficacy and anti-cancer mechanism for EC remain to be studied. In this study, MTT was used to test cytotoxicity, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle, apoptosis, Ca²⁺ levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes. miRNA-seq detected differentially expressed miRNAs after Nef treatment. In addition, WB and immunohistochemistry were used to detect apoptosis-related proteins in cells and mice.Our results showed that Nef can cause ishikawa cell apoptosis and block cell proliferation through the G2/M phase. We obtained 101 significantly different miRNAs (p < 0.05 and |logFC| > 1) through miRNA sequencing, conducted GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and obtained the Ca²⁺ and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways that are highly related to apoptosis. Subsequently, we found that Nef treatment significantly changed intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and MMP, activating the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway and the expression of key proteins in the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, Nef also inhibited the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway, causing cell apoptosis. Moreover, in mouse tumor tissues, the expression of key proteins such as CHOP, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Cyto-c, and p-AKT was also consistent with the results in vitro. In conclusion, Nef can induce the activation of the mitochondrial pathway through the Ca²⁺-mediated ERS pathway and PI3k/AKT pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis in endometrial cancer cells, confirming the potential function of Nef in the prevention and treatment of EC.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of oral supplementation with L-glutathione, specifically enhanced with bioavailability boosters (namely tannin, low molecular weight chitosan, and polyethylene glycol), on endogenous reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, markers of oxidative damage, and glycemic regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 250 T2D patients were enrolled, with 217 completing the study. Baseline and 180-day post-supplementation levels of GSH, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and various metabolic parameters were measured. After 180 days, the L-glutathione group exhibited a significant increase in GSH levels (119.78%) compared to the placebo group (22.53%), with the difference between groups being 97.25% (95% CI [92.20%, 102.30%]) (p < 0.01). Significant reductions in GSSG and 8-OHdG levels were also observed, indicating decreased oxidative stress. Variations in HbA1c and insulin levels were noted, though not consistently reaching statistical significance. L-glutathione supplementation, when combined with specific bioavailability enhancers, significantly increases endogenous GSH levels and improves antioxidant defense in T2D patients. The role of L-glutathione as a therapeutic strategy offers a promising adjunct to current diabetes management practices, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive treatment approach. This approach should not only aim to achieve glycemic control but also to improve the oxidative status of patients, thereby potentially reducing the risk of long-term complications. The integration of L-glutathione supplementation into diabetes care protocols could represent a significant step forward in the quest for more effective, holistic treatment strategies. Future research, building on the foundations laid by this study, will be crucial in optimizing dosing, understanding long-term impacts, and further elucidating the mechanisms by which L-glutathione and other antioxidants can best be used to improve the health and well-being of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The interplay between genetic factors, mitochondrial function, adiposity, and the gut microbiota has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its implications for metabolic health and disease risk. One such genetic factor of interest is the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, with the APOE4 allele being associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases and altered metabolic profiles. Additionally, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial DNA integrity and function, which are essential for cellular energy metabolism.

Our results reveal that individuals carrying the APOE4 allele exhibited a distinct microbial profile characterized by an enrichment of Barnesiella spp., Ruminococcus, and Verrucomicrobia taxa. The enrichment of these taxa in individuals with the APOE4 allele may reflect alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, SCFA production, or mucin turnover within the gut ecosystem. TFAM rs1937 was found to correlate with adiposity, suggesting a potential link between mitochondrial function and adipose tissue metabolism. Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, likely associated with fiber fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production, exhibited varying abundances across different TFAM genotypes. We also found differences in Sutterella, a member of the Alcaligenaceae family, indicating its potential involvement in gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, the presence of the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, implicated in esterols metabolism, was also detected.

By addressing adiposity and microbiota composition in conjunction with genetic factors like APOE4 and TFAM , novel mechanisms can be elucidated in order to optimize metabolic health, enhance longevity, and reduce the burden of age-related diseases. These approaches represent a promising frontier in precision medicine and personalized healthcare.

Objectives: This study aimed to establish the protective role of Cuscuta reflexa against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and method: Phytochemical screening, acute toxicity study, and then in vivo isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction were carried out. During the study period, biochemical, cardiac marker, electrograph, and antioxidant evaluations were conducted. In the end, an antioxidant and Histopathology study was carried out using Olympus binuclear at 45 X using eosin and haemoxylin stains.

Result: This study demonstrated the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, proteins, amino acids, tannins, flavonoids, and steroids. No mortality and morbidity were observed until 2000 mg/kg doses. During the in vivo study, the protective role of Cuscuta reflexa on the restructuring of electrographic parameters QT, P wave, RR interval, PR intervals, QRS complex, and heart rate was observed. In the serum biomarker test, recovery to the average level from elevated ALT, AST, CK-MB, CK-NAC, and LDH was observed in treatment groups. Enzymatic antioxidants were found to be protective in a dependent manner. The histopathological finding suggested the significant recovery of reversible cellular injury characterised by striation, cellular necrosis, vacuoles, interstitial spaces, neutrophils, and macrophage infiltration regarding the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa.

Conclusions: The present study highlights the presence of secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. We also discussed the protective role against electrocardiographic changes, elevated cardiac biomarkers, anti-inflammatory parameters, free radicals, and reversible or irreversible cellular injury.

To reduce climate change, governments and global organisations are increasingly recommending the reduced consumption of animal-based foods and a shift to plant-rich diets. However, there is still much confusion amongst the public as to which foods are nutritionally the healthiest and how best to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Extensive research has been carried out to assess the motivations for turning to a vegetarian or vegan diet but research into factors influencing the consumption of dairy or plant-based beverages is more limited. This study aimed at determining the current factors that influence the consumption of plant-based milk vs. cow's milk. The participants were 265 adults based in the UK who solely consumed either plant-based milk or cow's milk. Data were gathered through an online cross-sectional survey. Plant-based milk drinkers were likely to have a more left-wing political view than cow's milk drinkers but there was no significant difference between groups in age, gender, physical activity or household income. Results from a binomial logistic regression showed that the influence of environmental and ethical impact, intolerance and allergy concerns and dietary preference enhanced the probability of being a plant-based milk drinker. The influence of health and friends and family reduced the likelihood of being a plant-based milk drinker. These findings may offer valuable insights into the factors influencing milk choices and contribute to the broader dialogue on promoting sustainable nutritional consumption.