The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary behaviours of the Spanish adult population were changed during the COVID-19 outbreak confinement. For that purpose, an online questionnaire, ...based on 44 items including socio-demographic data, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) Adherence Screener (MEDAS) as a reference of a healthy diet, processed foods intake, changes in their usual food choices and weight gain was distributed using social media and snowball sampling. A total of 7514 participants (37% aged below 35 years, 70.6% female, 77.9% university-level education or higher) from all the Spanish territory completed the questionnaire. Results outlined healthier dietary behaviours during the confinement when compared to previous habits. Overall, the MEDAS score (ranging from 0 to 14, whereby higher a scoring reflects greater adherence to the MedDiet) increased significantly from 6.53 ± 2 to 7.34 ± 1.93 during the confinement. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, region and other variables, showed a statistically significant higher likelihood of changing the adherence to the MedDiet (towards an increase in adherence) in those persons who decreased the intake of fried foods, snacks, fast foods, red meat, pastries or sweet beverages, but increased MedDiet-related foods such as olive oil, vegetables, fruits or legumes during the confinement. COVID-19 confinement in Spain has led to the adoption of healthier dietary habits/behaviours in the studied population, as reflected by a higher adherence to the MedDiet. This improvement, if sustained in the long-term, could have a positive impact on the prevention of chronic diseases and COVID-19-related complications.
Intrinsic exploratory biases are an innate motivation for exploring certain types of stimuli or environments over others, and they may be associated with cognitive, emotional, and even ...personality‐like traits. However, their neurobiological basis has been scarcely investigated. Considering the involvement of the hippocampus in novelty recognition and in spatial and pattern separation tasks, this work researched the role of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in intrinsic exploratory bias for a perceptually complex object in mice. Spontaneous object preference tasks revealed that both male and female C57BL/6J mice showed a consistent unconditioned preference for exploring “complex”—irregular—objects over simpler ones. Furthermore, increasing objects’ complexity resulted in an augmented time of object exploration. In a different experiment, male mice received either vehicle or the DNA alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) for 4 weeks, a pharmacological treatment that reduced AHN as evidenced by immunohistochemistry. After assessment in a behavioral test battery, the TMZ‐treated mice did not show any alterations in general exploratory and anxiety‐like responses. However, when tested in the spontaneous object preference task, the TMZ‐treated mice did not display enhanced exploration of the complex object, as evidenced both by a reduced exploration time—specifically for the complex object—and a lack of preference for the complex object over the simple one. This study supports a novel role of AHN in intrinsic exploratory bias for perceptual complexity. Moreover, the spontaneous complex object preference task as a rodent model of “curiosity” is discussed.
Australian finger limes (Citrus australasica L.), an unusual citrus due to its unique pulp with a caviar-like appearance, has reached the global market as a promising source of bioactive compounds ...that promote health. This research was, therefore, performed to shed light on the bioactivity and composition of different parts of Citrus australasica L. (peel and pulp). Initial ultrasound-assisted extraction using MeOH:H2O (80:20, v/v) was carried out. After that, four fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water) were generated through liquid–liquid partitioning, and the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction in the peel, which presented the highest values of TPC and antioxidant activity, was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (HPLC-QTof) mass spectrometry. Fifteen compounds were identified, of which seven were characterized for the first time in this matrix. Moreover, ten phenolic compounds were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The major compounds in the sample were citric acid, pyrogallol, caffeic acid, coumarin, rutin, naringin, 2-coumaric acid, didymin, naringenin and isorhamnetin, which were found in a range from 2.7 to 8106.7 µg/g sample dry weight. Finally, the results presented in this novel work confirmed that the peel by-product of C. australasica L. is a potential source of bioactive compounds and could result in a positive outcome for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
This work aims at studying the optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) by multi‐response surface methodology (RSM) to test their efficiency towards ...the extraction of phenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves. The extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TF), DPPH scavenging method and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay were considered as response variables while effects of extraction time, percentage of ethanol, and temperature were studied. Extraction time of 20 min, 42% ethanol and 158°C were the MAE optimum conditions for achieving extraction yield of 26 ± 2%, EC50 15 ± 2 μg/mL, 16 ± 1 Eq Trolox/100 g dry leaf, 5.2 ± 0.5 mg Eq quercetin/g dry leaf, and 86 ± 4 mg GAE/g dry leaf. Regarding PLE, the optimum conditions that allowed extraction yield of 56 ± 2%, EC50 21 ± 3 μg/mL, 12 ± 2 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g dry leaf, 6.5 ± 0.2 mg Eq quercetin/g dry leaf, and 59 ± 6 mg GAE/g dry leaf were 128°C, 35% of ethanol, and 20 min. PLE enabled the extraction of phenolic compounds with a higher number of hydroxyl‐type substituents such as kaempferol diglycoside and its acetyl derivatives and those that are sensitive to high temperatures (glucosinolates or amino acids) while MAE allowed better recoveries of kaempferol, quercetin, and their glucosides derivatives.
Childhood obesity poses a global health challenge. In recent years, there has been an increase in interventions that begin in pregnancy, putting the concept of early programming and early risk ...factors into practice. The present study aims to update the findings regarding interventions in the first 1000 days of life.
A systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines was carried out in PubMed, WoS, Scopus and CINAHL to obtain the articles to be analysed. We included those studies published between 2016 and 2021. Human interventions that started within the first 1000 days of life and acted on at least one programming factor were included. Once selected, coding and quantitative content analysis was carried out to obtain a profile of the interventions during the first 1000 days.
From all screened articles, 51 unique interventions, which met the selection criteria, were included. The majority of interventions (81%) took place in high-income areas. Almost all (86%) were targeted at the general population. The majority (54%) started in the second trimester of pregnancy. A clear majority (61%) ended at the time of birth. 44% of the interventions included all pregnant women. Only 48% of these interventions were focused on improving the nutritional status of the offspring in the short term. Most interventions collected the baby's weight at birth (68%).
It can be concluded that current interventions are not covering as many aspects as they should. Future research should be conducted more frequently in developing countries and target disadvantaged groups. These interventions should include all pregnant women, regardless of their nutritional status, aiming to cover as many programming factors as possible and extending through the first 1000 days of life, with body mass index or skinfolds as measures of effectiveness during this period.
A combined study was performed to determine the effect of olive leaf aqueous extract (OLE), olive mill wastewater (OMWW) or water addition during the malaxation step on total phenolic content (TPC), ...antioxidant activity, virgin olive oil composition and quality parameters of olive oil. For these purposes, the Folin‐Ciocalteu assay, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and HPLC‐ESI‐TOF/MS were employed. The experiments were carried out at semi‐industrial scale in a cold extraction olive oil mill using olives of Koroneiki cultivar. Olive oil produced by olive paste which was malaxed without adding water, OMWW, or OLE was employed as control. The use of OMWW and OLE allowed obtaining oils with higher significant TPC compared to that malaxed with water (146.2 and 151.8 vs. 132.8 μg Eq GAE/g oil, respectively). The antioxidant activity followed the same trend. The use of OMWW and OLE enabled an oil enrichment in oleuropein derivatives, especially in 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA. Despite the fact that acidity and oxidation (K270 and K232 values) were higher in the aforementioned oils compared to the oil extracted with water, all values were under the European Union commission parameters for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) denomination. However, only the oil extracted using OLE presented slightly higher fruity, bitter, and pungent positive attributes compared to the control and to the oil extracted with water, thus, making OLE a promising by‐product for improving olive oils.
Practical applications: This research provides new insight for the improvement of olive oil extraction process in order to obtain high‐phenol EVOO which could be useful for the olive oil, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals industries. Besides, this study could serve as a starting point for improving the olive oil production process, while reducing the impact of its by‐products.
The addition of Olive mil wastewater (OMWW) and olive leaf extract during malaxation, allowed obtaining enriched oils with a higher content in total phenolics, and antioxidant activity compared to those obtained adding water. These enriched oils presentes higher quantities of oleuropein derivatives and specifically of 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA.
The addition of Olive mil wastewater (OMWW) and olive leaf extract during malaxation, allowed obtaining enriched oils with a higher content in total phenolics, and antioxidant activity compared to those obtained adding water. These enriched oils presentes higher quantities of oleuropein derivatives and specifically of 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA.
Introduction
In the quest for new sources of biologically‐active compounds, the chemical, and biological profiles of two Globularia species (G. trichosantha Fisch. & C. A. Mey and G. orientalis L.) ...were investigated.
Methodology
Chemical profiles were evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS), as well as by their total phenolic, flavonoids, and phenolic acids contents. The antioxidant abilities of the investigated extracts were done using different assays including free radical scavenging 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS), reducing power (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating. Inhibitory potential against key enzymes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (cholinesterases; AChE, and BChE), diabetes (α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase), hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) and obesity (pancreatic lipase) were evaluated.
Results
Globularia trichosantha and G. orientalis extracts showed remarkable antioxidant properties, with the water extracts being a better source of antioxidant compounds. Both species showed remarkable inhibitory effects against the target enzymes. However, for both species, only the acetyl acetate and methanolic extracts were potent against cholinesterases and lipase.
Conclusion
HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS analysis revealed the presence of 107 compounds from G. trichosantha and G. orientalis, among which, 43 compounds have been preliminarily characterised for the first time from the Globulariaceae family. To date, this study can be considered as the most comprehensive research focused on the characterisation of G. trichosantha and G. orientalis. Results amassed from this study tend to show that these plants represent a rich source of biologically active compounds which can be further explored and validated for their therapeutic potential.
The presence of 107 compounds from methanolic extracts of Globularia trichosantha and Globularia orientalis, among which, 43 compounds have been preliminarily characterized by HPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS analysis for the first time from this family. Biological activities have also shown that G. trichosantha and G. orientalis possess notable antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory potential against key enzymes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (cholinesterases; AChE, and BChE), diabetes (α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase), hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) and obesity (pancreatic lipase).
COVID-19 lockdown changed social habits and lifestyle, including dietary habits, of people worldwide. However, limited information is available about these changes in Egypt. This cross-sectional ...study investigates the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on dietary habits among the Egyptian populations.
An online questionnaire, based on sociodemographic data and dietary adherence in accordance with the validated PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), was used all over the Egyptian governorates. The dietary changes were statistically evaluated for significance in relation to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), education level and governorates.
A total of 1010 participants (76% aged below 36 years, 77% female, 22% obese, and 62% university-level education) answered the questionnaire. Respondents ≤ 20 years had a significant increase in weight and consumption of carbonated beverages, commercial pastries, fried and fast food. Egyptians > 50 years old had a significant decrease in physical activity. Underweight people (less than 3% of participants) increased their fast food intake with a prominent rise in weight. However, obese people increased cooking frequency and increased eating times with a decrease in physical activity. Male participants reported increased intake of carbonated beverages and fast food, while female participants increased the intake of homemade pastries with a significant decrease in physical activity. Approximately 50% of participants with postgraduate education reported decreased intake of fast food and carbonated beverages as well as decreased body weight. Residents of Cairo showed a significant increase in vegetable intake, and fried food intake with a decrease in seafood consumption. Participants from the Delta region had a significant increase in pastries intake.
The findings of this study explored the need for increasing awareness about healthy lifestyle in future lockdown periods.
Host cell metabolism is essential for the viral replication cycle and, therefore, for productive infection. Energy (ATP) is required for the receptor-mediated attachment of viral particles to ...susceptible cells and for their entry into the cytoplasm. Host cells must synthesize an array of biomolecules and engage in intracellular trafficking processes to enable viruses to complete their replication cycle. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle has a key role in ATP production as well as in the synthesis of the biomolecules needed for viral replication. The final assembly and budding process of enveloped viruses, for instance, require lipids, and the TCA cycle provides the precursor (citrate) for fatty acid synthesis (FAS). Viral infections may induce host inflammation and TCA cycle metabolic intermediates participate in this process, notably citrate and succinate. On the other hand, viral infections may promote the synthesis of itaconate from TCA cis-aconitate. Itaconate harbors anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties. Fumarate is another TCA cycle intermediate with immunoregulatory properties, and its derivatives such as dimethyl fumarate (DMF) are therapeutic candidates for the contention of virus-induced hyper-inflammation and oxidative stress. The TCA cycle is at the core of viral infection and replication as well as viral pathogenesis and anti-viral immunity. This review highlights the role of the TCA cycle in viral infections and explores recent advances in the fast-moving field of virometabolism.
The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the changes in dietary behavior among the Croatian adult population during the COVID-19 outbreak and to explore the impact of confinement on cooking ...habits.
The study was based on results from COVIDiet_Int cross-sectional study-a part of COVIDiet project (NCT04449731). A self-administered online questionnaire was used to assess the frequency of food consumption, eating habits, and sociodemographic information. A total number of 4,281 participants (80.5% females and 19.4% males) completed the questionnaire.
The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score before the confinement was 5.02 ± 1.97, while during the confinement, the MEDAS score increased to 5.85 ± 2.04. Participants who had higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) during the confinement were mostly females (88.8%), aged between 20 and 50 years, with the highest level of education (66.3%) and normal BMI (70.6%). The majority of participants maintained their dietary behavior as it was before COVID-19 confinement, while 36.9% decreased their physical activity. Participants with higher MEDAS score were more eager to increase their physical activity. Additionally, higher median values of MEDAS score were noted for participants with body mass index values below 24.9 kg/m
(6.0 vs. 5.0 for participants with BMI above 25 kg/m
). Participants in all residence places increased their cooking frequency during the confinement (53.8%), which was associated with an increase in vegetables, legumes, as well as fish and seafood consumption.
According to our findings, Croatian adults exhibited medium adherence to the MedDiet during the COVID-19 confinement. The results suggest that cooking frequency could be positively associated with overall dietary quality, which is of utmost importance in these demanding times.
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