The meat of the matter: plant-based meat analogue versus traditional meat product nutritional quality

Plant-based meat analogues(PBMA)are formulated to mimic the sensory characteristics of traditional meat products(TMP)using vegetarian ingredients and are increasingly popular with the trend towards plantbased diets,even among meat-eating consumers.This narrative review compared the nutritional quality of PBMA and TMP to broaden the discussion on the suitability of simulated meat products to substitute TMP,while exploring other attributes for their comparison.The complexity of PBMA and TMP means they are not entirely interchangeable.Importantly,PBMA health effects extend beyond their basic nutrient content and quality.Postprandial metabolism and satiety,for example,can be affected by product formulation,ingredient interactions,and thermomechanical processing involved in producing organoleptically acceptable PBMA.There are specific opportunities for low-sodium PBMA products to contribute to a healthy shift toward plantbased diets.In conclusion,PBMA cannot be assumed to be healthier than TMP.They should be designed with comprehensive consideration of composition and processing to ensure they support consumers who are adopting plant-based diets in realizing the theoretical health benefits.

Nutritional and Sanitary Quality of Infant Flours Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The quality of infant flours used during the weaning age is of great importance in that it conditions the nutritional health of infants and young children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and sanitary quality of infant flours produced in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study including 11 out of 25 infant flour production units that gave their consent to partake in the study. In total, 25 infant flour samples have been collected from July to September 2021. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined according to standard methods. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means of the physico-chemical and the means of the microbiological parameters respectively. The results showed that 60% of proteins and 80% of lipid and total carbohydrate contents were below the authorised limits. The energy values were below the authorised limit in 88% of the cases. All instant infant flours had microbiological loads compliant with Burkinabè standards. As for infant flour to be cooked, 63.64% and 81.82% had satisfactory numbers of total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected in these samples with 86.36% of infant formulae having results below the recommended limit. These results show that the infant flours produced in Ouagadougou were somehow of acceptable quality. However, there is a need to improve the formulae for macronutrient contents, energy values and sanitary quality to comply with the recommendations.

Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment nutritional support intervention for gastrointestinal tumor radiotherapy:Impact on nutrition and quality of life

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal tumors are a major cause of cancer-related deaths and have become a major public health problem.This study aims to provide a scientific basis for improving clinical treatment effects,quality of life,and prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal tumors.AIM To explore the clinical effect of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment(MDT)nutrition intervention model on patients with gastrointestinal tumors.METHODS This was a case control study which included patients with gastrointestinal tumors who received radiotherapy at the Department of Oncology between January 2021 and January 2023.Using a random number table,120 patients were randomly divided into MDT and control groups with 60 patients in each group.To analyze the effect of MDT on the nutritional status and quality of life of the patients,the nutritional status and quality of life scores of the patients were measured before and after the treatment.RESULTS Albumin(ALB),transferrin(TRF),hemoglobin(Hb),and total protein(TP)levels significantly decreased after the treatment.The control group had significantly lower ALB,TRF,Hb,and TP levels than the MDT group,and the differences in these levels between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).After the treatment,the MDT group had significantly more wellnourished patients than the control group(P<0.05).The quality of life total score,somatic functioning,role functioning,and emotional functioning were higher in the MDT group than in the control group.By contrast,pain,fatigue,nausea,and vomiting scores were lower in the MDT group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION MDT nutritional intervention model effectively improves the nutritional status and quality of life of the patients.The study provides a rigorous theoretical basis for improving the prognosis of cancer patients.In the future,we intend to provide additional treatment methods for improving the quality of life of patients with cancer.

Implications of vitamin D for flesh quality of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella):antioxidant ability,nutritional value,sensory quality,and myofiber characteristics

Background Muscle represents a unique and complex system with many components and comprises the major edible part of animals.Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for animals and is known to enhance calcium absorption and immune response.In recent years,dietary vitamin D supplementation in livestock has received increased attention due to biological responses including improving shear force in mammalian meat.However,the vitamin D acquisition and myofiber development processes in fish differ from those in mammals,and the effect of vitamin D on fish flesh quality is poorly understood.Here,the influence of dietary vitamin D on fillet quality,antioxidant ability,and myofiber development was examined in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella).Methods A total of 540 healthy grass carp,with an initial average body weight of 257.24±0.63 g,were allotted in 6 experimental groups with 3 replicates each,and respectively fed corresponding diets with 15.2,364.3,782.5,1,167.9,1,573.8,and 1,980.1 IU/kg vitamin D for 70 d.Results Supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D significantly improved nutritional value and sensory quality of fillets,enhancing crude protein,free amino acid,lipid,and collagen contents;maintaining an ideal pH;and reduc-ing lactate content,shear force,and cooking loss relative to respective values in the control(15.2 IU/kg)group.Average myofiber diameter and the frequency of myofibers>50μm in diameter increased under supplementation with 782.5–1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D.Levels of oxidative damage biomarkers decreased,and the expression of antioxi-dant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling molecules was upregulated in the 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D treatment compared to respective values in the control group.Furthermore,vitamin D supplementation activated cell differentiation by enhancing the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and myocyte enhancer factors compared to that in the control group.In addition,supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D improved protein deposition associated with protein synthesis molecule(target of rapamycin)signaling and vitamin D receptor paralogs,along with inhibition of protein degradation(forkhead box protein 1)signaling.Conclusions Overall,the results demonstrated that vitamin D strengthened antioxidant ability and myofiber devel-opment,thereby enhancing nutritional value and sensory quality of fish flesh.These findings suggest that dietary vitamin D supplementation is conducive to the production of nutrient-rich,high quality aquaculture products.

Recent Advances to Enhance Nutritional Quality of Rice

The nutritional quality of rice is a major concern,along with the need to enhance productivity to feed the continuously growing population.Therefore,there is a requirement to breed high-yielding rice varieties with improved nutritional quality that can help combat malnutrition,a global health issue.Undoubtedly,breeding approaches have played a significant role in increasing rice yield while enhancing its nutritional content.In addition to traditional breeding techniques,other recent approaches,such as genetic engineering,gene editing,omics methods,and agronomic practices,must also be employed to meet the nutritional needs of the current population.In this review,we offered detailed information on the development of nutritionally improved rice varieties through the enhancement of protein content,microand macronutrients,vitamins,and oil quality using genetic engineering approaches.We also identified QTLs associated with amino acids,proteins,and micronutrients in rice.Furthermore,omics approaches provide a range of tools and techniques for effectively exploring resources and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in trait development.Omics branches,including transcriptomics,proteomics,ionomics,and metabolomics,are efficiently utilized for improving rice nutrition.Therefore,by utilizing the information obtained from these techniques and incorporating all of these recent approaches,we can effectively modify the rice genome,directly enhancing the nutritional value of rice varieties.This will help address the challenges of malnutrition in the years to come.

Effects of Variable Lighting Intensity on Growth Characteristics and Nutritional Quality of Hydroponically Grown Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.)

Arugula(Eruca sativa Mill.),as an edible medicinal vegetable of peculiar flavor,is served as uncooked dish.The influence of variable lighting intensity(LI)on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of hydroponically grown arugula was investigated by using light-emitting diodes(LEDs)to light the hydroponically grown arugula for a reference for industrialized arugula production.The dynamic demands of arugula for LI in the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage were tested under two light quality conditions including a red/blue light ratio of 7:1 and a light/dark photoperiod of 12 h/12 h.Then,the curves of variable LI-induced changes in the growth indices of arugula in different development periods were drawn.Next,the influence of variable LI on the growth characteristics and nutritional quality of arugula was investigated by measuring the dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content,vitamin C content and soluble protein content.Variable LI significantly increased the height,stem diameter,leaf width,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content of arugula plant.Plant height,stem diameter,dry/fresh weight ratio,chlorophyll content and soluble protein content were the highest in the group exposed to LI of 200,300 and 300μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1)during the seedling stage,initial growth stage and vigorous growth stage,respectively.The greatest leaf width was achieved at LI of 100,250 and 350μmol•m^(-2)•s^(-1),respectively.High intensity LI markedly repressed the synthesis of vitamin C.

Effects of a Dehydrating Agent on Dry Matter Accumulation and Nutritional Quality of Different Maize Varieties

The high water content of corn grain at harvest is a challenge in Northeast China,where the growing season is short.Using a dehydrating agent before harvest can help corn seeds dehydrate quickly.The dry matter accumulation and nutrient quality of maize were systematically studied by field experiments and instrumental analysis using maize varieties of different maturities as test materials.The results showed that the accumulation of dry matter was enhanced by an increased dosage of a dehydrating agent.When the dehydrating agent dosage reached 1800 mL•hm-2,the dry matter accumulation of early-maturing varieties increased by 24.1 g,and the water content decreased by 8.08%.Different maize varieties were treated with the same dose;early-maturing varieties showed significant effects on grain dry matter accumulation,and kernel dry matter accumulation increased by 7%.The effects of different doses on grain dehydration were obvious,and the effects on different maize varieties varied.Medium-ripening maize varieties showed the most significant effect,with a 19.5%reduction in water content.The effects of dehydrating agent doses on maize yield,grain nutrient quality and seed germination rate were not significant.Therefore,a dehydrating agent promoted the accumulation of dry matter in grain and accelerated the rapid dehydration.

The Use of Secondary Grape Biomass in Beef Cattle Nutrition on Carcass Characteristics, Quality and Shelf Life of Meat

We determined whether the inclusion of 100 g/kg dry matter of grape pomace silage (GPS) and grape pomace bran (GPB) as substitutes for other traditional fiber sources in the diet of steers (Charolais x Nellore) would improve carcass characteristics, meat quality and composition, and shelf life. Twenty-four animals (248 ± 19.32 kg of initial body weight) were fed a high concentrate diet for 121 days. Carcass characteristics were measured, and the longissimus dorsi muscle was analyzed for fatty acid (FA) profile and composition. The meat was sliced and stored in air-permeable packages for 10 days. On each sampling day (d 1, 3, 7, and 10), oxidative stability, bacterial load, lipid and protein oxidation, and staining were analyzed. The experimental diets influenced the pH of cold carcasses only. The GPS group had a higher pH than the control. The GPS and GPB groups showed improved oxidant status (i.e., lower lipid peroxidation and concentrations of reactive oxygen species were in the meat of both groups than in control). On the first day of storage, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase activity was more significant in the meat of the GPS and GPB groups than in the control. The bacterial loads in the meat were attenuated by GPS inclusion;there were lower total coliform counts and a trend toward lower counts for enterobacteria in the control group. The diets altered the FA profile of the meat;i.e., the GPB diet allowed for a more significant amount of the n-6 omegas in the meat, while the GPS diet showed a tendency for a more significant amount of n-6 and 9 omegas. Both diets (GPS and GPB) increased the amounts of long-chain FAs. The GPS diet decreased saturated FA levels. We conclude that the dietary treatments GPS and GPB are a promising alternative to maintain meat quality standards throughout in real-world retail conditions. These treatments gave rise to an improvement in the nutritional value of the meat due to the more significant amounts of FAs that improve human health.

Genetic Variability and Phenotypic Correlations Study among Grain Quality Traits and Mineral Elements Concentrations in Colored and Non-Colored Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Twenty-four rice genotypes were examined to assess genetic variability,heritability,and correlations for seven-grain quality traits,eight nutritional elements,and protein.ANOVA revealed significant differences for the quality traits studied.For every trait under study,the phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the correspon-dence genotypic coefficient of variation.Heritability in a broad sense varied from 29.75%for grain length to 98.31%for the elongation trait.Hulling percentage recovery had a highly significant positive correlation with milling and head rice percentage.Consequently,milling percentage had a highly positive correlation with head rice percentage.In amylose percentage,all the genotypes belonged to low amylose except the Hassawi-1 variety,which had intermediate amylose content.Mineral nutrition contents of magnesium(Mg),sodium(Na),potas-sium(K),calcium(Ca),copper(Cu),manganese(Mn),zinc(Zn),iron(Fe),or protein percentage gave different variations for 24 rice genotypes under all the nutritional elements.Among the 24 genotypes,ten rice genotypes–HighNutrient-1,HighNutrient-2,HighNutrient-9,HighNutrient-8,HighNutrient-3,Hassawi-2,HighNutrient-7,HighNutrient-6,Hassawi-1,and HighNutrient-4–had the highest heist value for all nutritional and protein con-tents,and could be used as a donor to improving new varieties.There was a positive and significant correlation between magnesium Mg,K,Zn and Fe.Consequently,K had a positive correlation with zinc Zn,Fe,and protein percentage.Clustering analysis was divided into two groups:thefirst group included all genotypes rich in nutri-ents,while the remaining genotypes with low nutritional content were included in the second group.

Sex differences in the association between the muscle quality index and the incidence of depression: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Depression presents significant challenges to mental health care.Although phy-sical activity is highly beneficial to mental and physical health,relatively few stu-dies have conducted on the relationship between them.AIM To investigate the association between muscle quality index(MQI)and incidence of depression.METHODS The data used in this cross-sectional study were obtained from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey,which included informa-tion on MQI,depression,and confounding factors.Multivariable logistic regre-ssion models were employed,while taking into account the complex multi-stage sampling design.A restricted cubic spline model was utilized to investigate the non-linear relationship between the MQI and depression.Additionally,subgroup analyses were performed to identify influential factors.RESULTS The prevalence of depression in this population was 8.44%.With the adjusted model,the MQI was associated with depression in females(odds ratio=0.68,95%confidence interval:0.49-0.95)but not in males(odds ratio=1.08,95%confidence interval:0.77-1.52).Restricted cubic spline adjustment of all covariates showed a significant negative non-linear relationship between depression and the MQI in females.The observed trend indicated an 80%decrease in the risk of depression for each unit increase in MQI,until a value of 2.2.Subsequently,when the MQI exceeded 2.2,the prevalence of depression increased by 20%for every unit increase in the MQI.Subgroup analyses further confirmed that the MQI was negatively associated with de-pression.CONCLUSION The MQI was inversely correlated with depression in females but not males,suggesting that females with a higher MQI might decrease the risk of depression.

Genetic Differences and Selection of Major Nutritional Quality Characters in Millet

[Objective] The aim was to enhance specificity and efficiency of quality breeding of millet. [Method] Difference analysis, correlation analysis, principal compo- nent analysis, and path analysis were conducted on nutritional quality characters of 29 millet varieties. [Result] Variance coefficients of nutritional quality characters among different varieties were in descending order of crude protein 〉 crude fiber 〉 fat 〉 water 〉 total carbohydrate. The results of correlation analysis suggested that crude protein exhibited extremely significant negative correlation with total carbohydrate （correlation coefficient of -0.822 4） and significantly negative correlation with fat （correlation coefficient of -0.380 7）; the rest characters showed no significant correla- tion. In addition, according to PCA and path analysis, four characters, including crude protein, fat, total carbohydrate and crude fiber, determined 97.35% of variance of nutritional quality and could be taken as references for selection of breeding ma- terials, with a determination coefficient of 1.000 0. Fat and carbohydrate were typical nutritional quality characters of breeding materials, which should be selected in low generation. However, crude protein and crude fiber should be selected for millet in high generation. [Conclusion] The research provides references for breeding of new millet varieties with high nutritional quality.

Effects of Nitrogen on Grain Yield,Nutritional and Processing Quality of Wheat for Different End Uses

The effects of nitrogen on grain yield, nutritional quality and processing quality of wheat for different end uses were studied in Yangzhou from 2000 to 2002. Increasing N application amount and/or the ratio of topdressing N after elongation stage could raise grain yield, protein content, wet gluten content, sedimentation, falling number, development time and stability time. To produce strong-gluten and medium-gluten wheat, the suitable ratio of basis : tillering : elongation : booting N fertilizer was 3:1:3:3or5:1:2:2 with 180 - 240 kg N ha-1. To produce weak-gluten wheat, the ratio of basis : tillering : elongation N fertilizer should be 7 : 1 : 2 with 180 kg N ha-1 and 240×104 ha-1 seedlings.

Nutritional status and quality of life of the gastric cancer patients in Changle County of China

AIM: To analyze the relation between nutrition and quality of life in the stomach cancer patients, evaluate the intake of daily nutrition of the patients, and study the feasibility of nutrition intervention in improving quality of life of the stomach cancer patients.METHODS: A total of 285 surgical stomach cancer patients reported in the Changle Cancer Registry from 2002 to 2003 were investigated with respect to their diet and quality of life. Daily nutrition intakes of the patients were calculated according to the Food Composition Database, and these data were compared with the reference values proposed by the Chinese Nutrition Society. The partial correlation was used to analyze the relationship between nutrition and quality of life in the patients. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the factors influencing nutrition intake in stomach cancer patients.RESULTS: Except vitamin C, there were statistical correlations between the nutrition and quality of life in stomach cancer patients, and differences of the daily nutrition intake among three groups (good, modest and bad quality of life) of the patients were significant. Most of the stomach cancer patients had a lower daily nutrition intake than the reference values. At the significance level α = 0.05, the factors influencing the daily nutrition intake of the patients were number of meals a day, family income, way of operation, exercise and age.CONCLUSION: The nutritional status of the operated patients with stomach cancer may impact on their quality of life. The stomach cancer patients in Changle County have a low level of daily nutrition intake, which suggests that they have a bad nutritional status. To improve the quality of life of the patients, the nutrition intervention should be conducted. Increasing times of meals a day and having a high-protein, high-calorie foods can improve the nutritional status of the stomach cancer patients.Moreover, exercise for rehabilitation can whet the appetite of the patients and recover their body function, which in turn may improve the quality of life of the stomach cancer patients.

Analysis on Nutrient Compositions and Nutritional Quality of Lota lota( Linnaeus) Muscle

In order to evaluate the nutritional quality of Lota lota(Linnaeus) muscle,the common nutrient components,amino acid composition and fatty acid composition in muscle of wild Lota lota(captured in Hailang reaches of Mudan River) were determined by routine methods. The results showed that the contents of moisture,crude protein,crude fat and ash were 81. 82%,15. 93%,0. 44% and 1. 06% in fresh muscle of Lota lota,respectively. Totally 17 amino acids,including seven kinds of essential amino acids(EAA),were detected in dry muscle of Lota lota(Linnaeus),accounting for 72. 43% of total dry muscle. The content of EAA was 29. 82%,accounting for 41. 17% of TAA,meeting the amino acid composition of high-quality protein standard required by Food and Agriculture Organization /Word Health Organization(FAO /WHO). There were four delicious amino acids(DAA) in dry muscle,accounting for 28. 34% of total dry weight.The percentage of DAA to TAA was 39. 13% in dry muscle. The contents of C20:5n- 3(EPA) and C22:6n- 3(DHA) in dry muscle were 8. 65% and 20. 32%respectively,which were significantly higher than that of the artificially cultured fish species,such as Oxyeleotris marmorata(EPA:2. 24%,DHA:4. 74%),Spinibarbus sinensis(EPA:0. 87%,DHA:3. 08%) and Glossogobius giuris(EPA: 3. 94%,DHA: 8. 10%). Based on the amino acids score(AAS) and chemical score(CS),the first limited amino acid in Lota lota(Linnaeus) was sulfur-containing amino acid(methionine + cysteine). The essential amino acids index(EAAI) of Lota lota(Linnaeus) was 62.58. It is concluded that Lota lota(Linnaeus) is abundant in amino acids and high-unsaturated fatty acids,and rational in composition of amino acids. Thus,Lota lota(Linnaeus) is a high quality freshwater fish with high nutritional value and health value,possessing good exploitation and utilization prospects.

The Effect of Supplemental Blue, Red and Far-Red Light on the Growth and the Nutritional Quality of Red and Green Leaf Lettuce

Spectral quality of radiation has a major impact on the growth, development and nutritional quality of crops. The effect of supplemental radiation (blue, red and far-red) on the growth and nutritional quality with regard to health-promoting phytochemical and micronutrient composition of two lettuce (Lactuca sativa) varieties (red leaf “New Red Fire” and green leaf “Two Star”) was studied. Supplemental radiation was provided by blue (450 nm), red (660 nm) or far-red (730 nm) LEDs against a background of white light (fluorescent lighting, PAR;270 μmol/m2/s) in a growth chamber study. All the supplemental radiation treatments increased dry shoot biomass in both varieties. However, supplemental far-red radiation increased both fresh and dry shoot biomass in both varieties. In addition, supplemental far-red radiation produced distinct morphological characteristics in lettuce plants. It produced the largest shoot biomass, bigger and taller plants, fewer leaves but with larger leaf area compared to the control, similar to the shade avoidance response. With regard to the accumulation of phytochemicals, supplemental blue radiation enhanced the total phenolic compound concentration in both varieties. In addition, supplemental blue radiation sharply increased the accumulation of several phenolic compounds in green leaf lettuce including chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, rutin, kaempferol, luteolin and apigenin. For example, the leaf concentration of rutin in green leaf lettuce increased by 20-fold under supplemental blue radiation. Similarly, supplemental red radiation increased the concentration of many of these phenolic compounds in red leaf lettuce. However, supplemental far-red radiation had an inhibitory effect on the accumulation of chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, rutin and kaempferol in red leaf lettuce. While supplemental radiation did not affect the accumulation of most of the micronutrients, it had a negative impact on the accumulation of some micronutrients, the response being variety dependent. The results show that supplementing white light with specific spectral quality has a major impact on the biomass accumulation, morphology and on the accumulation of many health-promoting phytochemicals and micronutrients in lettuce. While it had a large positive effect in enhancing the accumulation of several phytochemicals, it also suppressed the accumulation of some micronutrients.

Effects of Compound Herbal Medicine on Serum Biochemical Indexes and Egg Nutritional Quality in Laying Hens

[ Objective] To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation on serum biochemical indexes and egg nutri- tional quality of laying hens. [Method] A total of 1 200 chickens at the age of 44 weeks were selected and randomly divided into five groups. After administration with different dosages of astragalus polysaccharides and berberine for 9 weeks, serum biochemical indexes were determined and nu- trient contents of egg were detected. [ ltesultl The contents of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP） in all treatment groups were significantly （ P 〈 0.05 or 0.01 ） higher than those in the control group. The cholesterol contents of all treatment groups were significantly （ P 〈 0.05 or 0.01 ） lower than those of the control group. E Conclusion~ The optimal concentrations of as- tragalus polysacchaddes and berberine in basic diets are 200 and 30 mg/kg, respectively.

Quality of life, physical performance and nutritional status in older patients hospitalized in a cardiology department

Objectives Quality of life(QoL) is a priority outcome in older adults suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Frailty and poor nutritional status may affect the QoL through mobility disorders and exhaustion. The objective of this study was to determine if physical frailty and nutritional status were associated with QoL, in older cardiology patients. Methods Cross sectional, observational study conducted in a cardiology department from a university hospital. Participants(n = 100) were aged 70 and older. Collected data included age, sex, cardiac diseases, New York Heart Association(NYHA) classification, comorbidities(Charlson Index) and disability. A Short Physical Performance Battery(SPPB), including walking speed assessment was performed;handgrip strength were measured as well as Fried’s frailty phenotype. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment(MNA) and Body Mass Index(BMI), inflammation by C-reactive protein(CRP). QoL was assessed using the EORTC–QLQ questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study the associations between all recorded parameters and QoL. Results In participants(mean age: 79.3 ± 6.7 years;male: 59%), Charlson index, arrhythmia, heart failure, NYHA class III-IV, MNA, disability, walking speed, SPPB score, frailty and CRP were significantly associated with QoL in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that NYHA class III-IV(P < 0.001), lower MNA score(P = 0.03), frailty(P < 0.0001), and higher CRP(P < 0.001) were independently associated with decreased QoL. Conclusions Frailty, nutritional status and inflammation were independently associated with poor QoL. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of nutritional and physical interventions on QoL in this population.

Low Light During Grain Filling Stage Deteriorates Rice Cooking Quality, but not Nutritional Value

To investigate the effect of low light （LL, 50% natural light） during grain filling （GF） stage on rice transamination, amino acid （AA） accumulation, nutritional value, and cooking quality in three different rice genotypes, transaminase activities and AA levels in grains during GF stage and the traits that significantly affected rice quality （physical appearance, cooking quality, and nutritional value） were analyzed. LL did not disturb transamination in rice grains during GF stage, as minimal impact was found on alanine and aspartate transaminase activities. Nevertheless, most AAs in caryopses, including lysine and threonine, increased in response to LL, except for sulfur-containing AAs. These results suggest that AA metabolism and accumulation in rice grains were rarely suppressed by LL during GF stage. Rice nutritional ingredients at harvest, such as major protein components including glutelin and most important essential amino acids （EAAs） including lysine and threonine, increased significantly in response to LL, whereas most protein and EAA ratios were rarely affected. However, LL markedly affected physical appearance of rice grains by reducing brown rice rate, milled rice rate, and 1000-grain weight and increasing the chalkiness rate. In addition, cooking qualities decreased in response to LL, while breakdown values and amylose levels decreased and setback values increased. We concluded that LL during GF stage decreased the cooking quality of rice, but could potentially improve the nutritional value of rice.

Nutritional Quality of Biscuit Supplemented with Wheat Bran and Date Palm Fruits (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>L.)

Fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are consumed throughout the world and are a vital component of the diet in most Arabian countries. The effect of partial replacement of wheat flour with a 1:1 mixture of wheat bran and date palm fruit powder on rheological properties of the biscuit dough was studied. Levels of mixture used were 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Dough rheology (farinograph, extensograph properties) and biscuit quality (physical properties, colour, sensory evaluation) were assessed. Results obtained indicated that water absorption gradually increased by increasing the levels of wheat bran: palm date powder, meanwhile mixing tolerance index decreased. Dough stability, which indicates the dough strength, also found to decrease by increasing mixture of wheat bran and date powder (1:1). Furthermore, dough development time gradually increased by increasing the mixture at all levels. It was 6.04 min at level of 40% compared to the control (2.5 min). Extensograph results showed that dough energy and dough resistance to extension and proportional number also increased compared with control sample. The proportional number (R/E) ratios increased largely from 3.20 to 5.27 at the level of 40.0%. Ash and fibre contents gradually increased as the mixture levels increased. However, mineral content progressively increased by increasing the level of date powder in the mixture. Incorporation of wheat bran and date powder mixture decreased the spread of the biscuits from 55.66 to 52.82 mm without change in the thickness of the biscuits. Organoleptic properties revealed that quality of biscuits was acceptable at mixture level of 30%.

Elevated Carbon Dioxide Level Suppresses Nutritional Quality of Lettuce and Spinach

Rising global CO2 levels are a major factor that impacts not only the environment but also many plant functions including growth, productivity and nutritional quality. The study examined the impact of elevated [CO2] on nutritional quality and growth characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Elevated [CO2] decreased the concentration of many important nutrients including nitrogen (protein), potassium and phosphorus in the edible parts of both lettuce and spinach. The nitrogen concentration in lettuce shoots was reduced by more than 30% at elevated [CO2] compared to the plants grown at ambient level of CO2. Similarly the concentration of a number of micronutrients including sulfur, zinc, copper and magnesium, was depressed in lettuce shoots. Although the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were higher in lettuce at elevated CO2, they were not affected in spinach. The photosynthetic activity was variable among the plant species while there was no increase in the carbon accumulation in these plants at elevated [CO2]. However, there was significant reduction in the leaf stomatal conductance in both lettuce and spinach in response to higher [CO2], which is likely affect both water loss from the leaves and their photosynthetic activity. The results indicate a broad adverse impact of rising [CO2] on the nutritional quality of commonly consumed leafy vegetables namely, lettuce and spinach.