Efficient Production of Propionic Acid in the Fed-Batch Fermentation of Propionibacterium acidipropionici and Its Metabolic Flux Analysis

To improve the fermentation efficiency of Propionibacterium acidipropionici, a simplified metabolic network was established to provide theoretical guidance for medium optimization and process regulation. The effect of glucose and glycerol on propionic acid production and metabolic flux distribution was investigated and the combination of glucose and glycerol was optimized. The results showed that the productivity of propionic acid could be improved by enhancing the synthesis of pyruvate and its flux distribution to the oxaloacetate branch. Finally, the scaled-up fed-batch fermentation of P. acidipropionici was conducted. The concentration of propionic acid reached 51.75 ± 3.62g/L with a glucose/glycerol ratio of 4:1, an improvement of 79.25% relative to the use of glucose alone, and the corresponding productivity and yield were 0.39g/(L· h) and 0.52g/g, respectively. Therefore, the combination of glucose and glycerol significantly improved the productivity of propionic acid and provides a new strategy for industrial production.

Implementation of Healthy and Sustainable Dishes in a Multicultural University Cafeteria: A Pilot Study Using Sensory Science

Food choices are closely linked to individual cultural factors. In university students of different nationalities, finding a balance so that their choices are healthy and sustainable is a challenge that can be addressed by working on consumer perception. The aim of this study proposes to evaluate the acceptance of dishes prepared based on the Mediterranean diet, in the student’s cafeteria of a university with students from all over Latin America. An on-place evaluation panel was carried out in the main cafeteria of the university with 71 students from 12 Latin-American countries for three sustainable lunch menus. In each menu evaluation, a six-compartment tray containing the source of carbohydrates, animal protein, plant-based protein, and vegetables was provided. The attributes evaluated for each food group were: appearance, color, odor, flavor, and overall liking, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Moreover, the overall liking, flavor intensity, and the general quality of the menu were evaluated. For overall liking and flavor intensity, a 9-point scale was used, and for quality a 10-point scale. In general, the dishes received fair acceptance, and participants stated they liked them; however, animal protein had a higher acceptance over carbohydrates and vegetables. Most participants would like these foods to be served in place of fast food in the student cafeteria.

Maternal Nutrition Status and Human Milk Composition of DHA and AA Fatty Acids in Breastfeeding Honduran Women

Dietary habits and maternal nutrition status are the most important modifiable factors that will determine the concentration of certain essential components and nutrients in Breast Milk (BM).The objectives were to estimate the nutritional status of Breastfeeding (BF) women in rural Honduras, identifying the main food sources that contribute to the consumption of EFA and its content in BM. The Honduran study was part of an international study with a sample (n=25) with children between 26 and 64 days of age. The consumption of food sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) was evaluated with a frequency questionnaire. BMcomposition was analyzed using the dry drop method with Guthrie cards. 56% of mothers provided exclusive BF, 27% of mothers were overweightand 68% had excess body fat. The average monthly consumptionof marine foods was 1.44, 0.60 and 0.68 servings of fish, sardines and tuna, respectively. The average consumption of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) was 0.05 g / day. The content of DHA, EPA and AA fatty acids in BM was 0.14, 0.01 and 0.4% respectively. The amount of DHA and AA in the BF women is well below the median values of a global reference distribution.

Biochemical and Dietary Indicators of Bone Health in Rural Adolescent Girls from Konkan Region of Maharashtra, India (DERVAN-5)

Adolescent period is marked by bone modeling and remodeling and leads to accrual of peak bone mass. Ideal peak bone mass depends on diet, hormones, genetic influence and environment and has consequences on bone health in adulthood. We measured biochemical indicators of bone health in rural adolescent girls. Methods: Five hundred fifty adolescent girls from longitudinal DERVAN cohort study from Indian state of Maharashtra underwent anthropometry. Biochemical parameters (intact parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase) were measured. Results: Prevalence of underweight & stunting was 28.8%, 30.7% respectively. More than 56% were thin & only 5% were obese. Median body fat% & bone mass measured by bio-impedance were 23.3 and 1.6 Kg respectively. More than 80% were vitamin D deficient and 12.0% were calcium deficient. Median dietary calcium intake was 158.5mg/day which was far below recommended 850 mg/day. Median parathyroid hormone concentration was 8.49pmol/L and 66.7% had elevated concentrations (> 6.89pmol/L). Elevated phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were observed in 23.3% and 23.0%. Parathyroid hormone was inversely associated with age (p<0.001) and vitamin D (p<0.001) and directly with phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05) for both. On multivariate analysis elevated parathyroid hormone was associated with low vitamin D (p<0.001). Conclusion: The adolescent girls of KONKAN are undernourished and vitamin D deficient. Despite poor dietary calcium intake the serum calcium levels were maintained at the cost of elevated parathyroid hormone. Thus parathyroid hormone may be used as a marker of bone health. This could be useful in planning early interventions to improve bone health.

Zinc Supplements in COVID-19 Pathogenesis-Current Perspectives

Zinc is an indispensable trace element required for several critical functions of the human body. Deficiencies of micronutrients can impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infectious disease. It is noteworthy that higher susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is seen in individuals with micronutrient deficiencies and poorer overall nutrition. Research in the last two decades suggests that one-third of the global population may be deficient in zinc, which affects the health and well-being of individuals of all ages and gender. Zinc deficiency is now considered one of the factors associated with susceptibility to infection and the detrimental progression of COVID-19. The trace element is essential for immunocompetence and antiviral activity, rendering zinc supplements highly popular and widely consumed. Zinc supplements are required in small doses daily, and their absorption is affected by food rich in fiber and phytase. The organic forms of zinc such as picolinate, citrate, acetate, gluconate, and the monomethionine complexes are better absorbed and have biological effects at lower doses than inorganic salts. Considering the present global scenario, choosing the right zinc supplement is essential for maintaining good health. In the present review, we reexamine the role of zinc in immunity and antiviral activity and a comparative account of different forms of zinc supplements.

Threshold of Daily Energy and Protein Requirements to Prevent Weight Loss in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in Japan

Background and Aims: Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) frequently develop weight loss. However, little is known about the energy and protein thresholds that cause weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the threshold of daily energy and protein requirements to prevent weight loss in patients with AD. Methods: We included 75 Japanese long-term care hospital patients with probable AD (22 men and 53 women, aged 65–101 years) in an interventional study. After a one-week survey using weighed food records weighed food records, the relationship between the obtained energy and protein intake and weight loss after three months was examined. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the daily determinants of weight loss. Subsequently, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to examine the threshold for discriminating weight loss. Results: Sixty-one (81.3%) patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Twenty patients (26.7%) had >5% weight loss. The significant associations with weight loss were Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) point, energy intake, and protein intake; with a MNA point at cutoff of 17.25, an energy intake at cutoff of 29.93kcal/kg, and a protein intake at cutoff of 1.122g/kg. Conclusion: To prevent weight loss in AD patients, it is important to prevent malnutrition and administer more than 30kcal/kg energy intake and more than 1.1g/kg protein intake. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to determine the threshold of daily energy and protein requirements to prevent weight loss.

The Scope of Nutrition and Metabolism is Interacting More with Human Health

During the past decades, we have witnessed a rapid rise in nutrition and metabolism-related disorders such as obesity and chronic diseases. Obesity has become a worldwide health issue characterized by increased consumption of animal fat and protein, refined grains, and added sugar, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. According to the 2017-2018 survey of the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity in adults was 42.4%, with no significant differences between men and women or by age group. In order to battle the causes of chronic diseases, the promotion of healthy eating and active lifestyles has become an important topic within the scientific framework of nutrition and metabolism [1]. Meanwhile, as worldwide human lifespan increased substantially in the past decades, aging has also become an important related issue. Now, knowledge from nutrition and metabolism has not only been used as the base to sustain human life, but also as critical scientific maneuvers to alleviate human diseases and to promote healthier lives. Several studies have indicated that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) (Figure 1A) levels decrease with age and decline of NAD metabolism may induce several aging associated diseases, including metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and various cancers [2]. It has been also discovered that compounds such as Sirtuins (SIRT) (Figure 1B), which are NAD+-dependent deacetylases, are involved in stress response, anti-oxidative defense, and longevity via posttranslational modifications [3]. The reduced sirtuin function and reduction of the cofactor NAD+ were found to be closely associated with aging. On the other hand, resveratrol (Figure 1C), a natural polyphenolic compound widely found in grapes and wines, was found to display beneficial properties such as cardio-protective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [4]. These protective effects have been demonstrated through the activation of a NADdependent histone deacetylase family member Sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) protein [5]. In addition, recent studies have shown that xanthohumol (Figure 1D) and its derivatives may improve obesity and metabolic syndrome in part by changing the gut microbiota and modulating bile acid metabolism [6]. Xanthohumol is an unique ingredient of hops (Humulus lupulus), also found in beer, which belongs to a class of compounds that contribute to the flavor of hops. Though being a beer-lover does not ensure weight loss or to healthy aging, a supplement may help. There is no doubt that a healthy lifestyle and good diet are the best means of sustaining life and alleviating various chronic diseases. The studies of the biochemical and genetic pathways that contribute to cellular damage accumulation over time have revealed many potential drug targets in dealing with aging and its related chronic diseases [7]. Currently, the discovery of the bioactive components from food ingredients can be accelerated by three major strategies: high throughput screening, phage display technique, and virtual screening techniques [8]. In silico target prediction and mass spectroscopy based proteomics, which are efficient strategies to identify and further validate the cellular targets, are also available. You may be aware that these powerful strategies still rely heavily upon the availability and completeness of libraries of potential drug candidates, especially the compounds from food ingredients. To achieve these very promising research goals, through the strategy of targeting the critical proteins involved in many chronic diseases, the establishment of an International Food Ingredients Consortium (IFIC) is thus proposed [8]. Taken together, now is the best time to discover the precious health-promoting ingredients hiding within food products. This endeavor may represent a great contribution for the ultimate goal of eating right and living a healthier life for people around the world.

When Eating “Correctly” is not so Healthy: Factor Analysis of the ORTO-15 in University Students from Mexico City

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the ORTO-15 questionnaire, in Mexican university students. This questionnaire was designed to assess the presence of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). Method: The sample consisted of 911 Mexican university students (65.4% women) aged between 18 and 28 years (M=21±1.9) who answered the Spanish version of the ORTO-15. Results: The results of the factor analysis with a varimax rotation yielded a structure of 14 test items made up of four factors, which explained 52.4% of the variance. Likewise, an adequate internal consistency was obtained (Cronbach’s alpha=0.78). Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ORTO-15 are supported as a reliable tool for the evaluation of orthorexia nervosa in the Mexican population; however, it is important to consider the influence of the Mexican culture. Its use is expected to contribute significantly to a better understanding of the impact these behaviors have on Mexican population.

Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Worldwide, malnutrition is a public health concern with noteworthy consequence especially in pregnant women. Maternal undernutrition may dispose mothers to poor wellbeing including infection, preeclampsia/ eclampsia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Pregnant women are exposed to nutritional deficiency because of increased metabolic needs as a result the usually end up in undernutrition. There is lack of updated information in the study area regarding nutritional status and factors among pregnant women. Objective: To assess undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant womenin Kacha Birra district, Southern Ethiopia in 2019. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities from February 21-March 20, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by a statistical package for social science version 22 software. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undergone to identify factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women. Result: Among 344 pregnant women who participated in the study, 52.6% were undernourished. On the multivariable analysis; having a history of peptic ulcer disease [(AOR=1.97 (1.23-3.17)], husband’s educational status with Illiterate to elementary [AOR=0.589 (0.369-0.940), medium dietary diversity score [AOR=2.931 (1.106-7.766)], high dietary diversity score [AOR=2.485 (0.915-6.747)], intestinal parasite infection [AOR=1.725 (1.086-2.742)], second trimester gestational age [AOR=0.338 (0.159-0.718)] had shown statistically significant association with maternal undernutrition. Conclusion: Over half of pregnant women were in undernurition. Multisectorial collaboration and coordination among related sectors and strengthening programs targeted on adult’s educational status, improved drinking water and sanitation against pregnant women’s, counseling on Antenatal clinic and prevention and treatment of chronic disease during pregnancy.

The Impact of Nutritional Therapy on Resting Energy Expenditure in Malnourished Older Hospitalized Patients

Background and Aims: Little is known about the effect of nutritional therapy on Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in malnourished older hospitalized patients. We sought to evaluate longitudinal changes in REE during nutritional therapy and to examine the different factors associated with changes in REE among these patients. Methods: Twenty-three malnourished older patients (age range 67-93, 65% women) participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Malnutrition was defined as Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) <8. REE was measured by using indirect calorimetry on hospital admission and at discharge. Body composition (i.e. Fat Free Mass (FFM)) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The Parker mobility score was performed to evaluate the patient’s mobility. Nutritional support (i.e. high protein and/or high calorie oral nutritional supplements) was provided to all malnourished patients during hospitalization. Results: All patients were malnourished with a median MNA-SF score of 6. The median time between two REE measurements was 13 days (interquartile range: 11-15). On admission, REE was significantly lower in patients with lower FFM (P=0.043) and decreased along with the degree of malnutrition (P=0.008). REE (+212.6 kcal, P=0.010) and REE/FFM (+5.6 kcal/kg, P=0.021) increased significantly during hospitalization. In a multiple regression analysis, age, gender and BMI followed by MNA-SF score and mobility were the major independent risk factors of changes in REE. Conclusion: Low REE in malnourished older patients increased to normal after 2 weeks of nutritional treatment.