Reducing the Levels of Sodium, Saturated Animal Fat, and Nitrite in Dry-Cured Pork Meat Products: A Major Challenge

The curing of meat is a conservation technique widely used since ancient times to prolong shelf-life. It consists in exposing meat to a mixture of sodium chloride and nitrate/nitrite. Sodium chloride affects the flavor, texture and shelf-life of meat products. Animal fat mainly affects the flavor and texture, and nitrate and nitrite affect the color and flavor, and give cured meat products their typical aroma. Excessive intake of sodium has been linked to arterial hypertension and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Excessive intakes of saturated fatty acids in pork fat, and also of nitrite, have been identified as factors promoting some cancers. There is consequently an increasing consumer demand to reduce these ingredients in processed meat and so develop healthier cured meat products. This paper reviews how and to what extent sodium, animal fat rich in saturated fatty acids, and nitrite contents can be reduced in the production of dry-cured hams and dry-fermented sausages.

Efficacy and safety profile of LCR35 complete freeze-dried culture in irritable bowel syndrome:A randomized,double-blind study

AIM:To assess the effects and safety of Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus LCR35 complete freeze-dried culture(LCR35) in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:A randomized,double-blind pilot study was performed in 50 patients complaining of IBS symptoms complying with RomeⅢcriteria.Patients were allocated to receive either LCR35(n = 25) at a minimum daily dose of 6 × 108 colony forming units or placebo(n = 25) for 4 wk.At inclusion,after treatment and 2 wk later,patients completed the IBS severity scale.Change from baseline in the IBS severity score at the end of treatment was the primary efficacy criterion.Changes were compared between groups in the whole population and in IBS subtypes(IBS with predominance of constipation,IBS with predominance of diarrhoea,mixed IBS,unsubtyped IBS).The presence of lactobacillus casei rhamnosus in stools was investigated at inclusion and at the end of treatment.The gastrointestinal quality of life questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression(HAD) scale were also completed.RESULTS:Both groups were balanced for baseline characteristics.In 85% of patients,stool analyses showed that lactobacillus casei rhamnosus able to survive in the digestive tract.In the whole population,improvements in the IBS severity score did not differ significantly between treatments with a 25% decrease after 4-wk treatment,and a 15% decrease from baseline 2 wk later in both groups.In IBS subgroups,statistical analysis could not be performed due to small sample size,but a clinical response in favour of LCR35 was observed in IBS patients with predominance of diarrhoea:no change in the symptom severity score was seen with the placebo after 4 wk treatment,whereas a clinically relevant decrease occurred with LCR35(-37% vs-3%).Furthermore,in spite of an increase in symptom intensity,the IBS severity score was maintained below the baseline value 2 wk later with LCR35(-19% from baseline),whilst a slight 5% increase from baseline was observed with placebo.In the IBS subgroup with predominance of diarrhoea only,a clinically relevant decrease in abdominal pain severity score(-36%)was observed with LCR35,whereas no change occurred with placebo.In mixed IBS patients,the 20% and 30% decreases in the IBS severity score observed after treatment with LCR35 and placebo,respectively,were maintained 2 wk later in both groups.A clinical response slightly in favour of placebo was observed at the end of the treatment period in IBS patients with predominance of constipation(-41% vs-20%) and unsubtyped IBS patients(-47% vs-17%),with the same value maintained 2 wk later.In both groups,no clinically relevant changes were observed either for the gastrointestinal quality of life index or HAD score.Thus,these results suggest that sub-grouping of IBS patients may be important for optimizing treatment responses by the physician.CONCLUSION:This pilot study suggests that LCR35 could have some efficacy in IBS patients complaining of diarrhoea.These preliminary results need to be conf irmed in larger studies.

Maternal antibiotic treatment affects offspring gastric sensing for umami taste and ghrelin regulation in the pig

Background:Scarce is knowledge on the process regulating the development of acid secretion,orexigenic signaling,and chemosensing in the stomach of young pigs.Changes of early microbial encounters by suckling pigs can interact with the gut maturation,by the induction of different molecular signaling.Our goal was to assess if the age of offspring and the maternal environment,influenced by sow antibiotic treatment peripartum,could affect gastric morphology and the expression of genes involved in the control of hydrochloric secretion,feed intake,taste,and inflammation in offspring stomach.Methods:84 pigs from sows fed a diet with amoxicillin(on-d10 to+d21 from farrowing,ANT)or without(CON)were sacrificed at d14,d21,d28(weaning)or d42.Samples of oxyntic(OXY),pyloric(PY)and cardiac mucosae close to OXY were collected and parietal and enteroendocrine cells(EECs)were counted.Relative gene expression of a set of 11 key genes(ATP4A,SSTR2,GAST,GHRL,MBOAT4,PCSK1,GNAT1,TAS1R1,TAS1R3,IL8 and TNF)was assessed by qRT-PCR.In addition,40 offspring obtained from the same ANT and CON sows were offered a normal or a fatenriched diet for 4 weeks between 140 and 169 d of age,and then OXY and PY were sampled.Results:The number of parietal and EECs increased with age(P<0.001).ATP4A increased with age(within suckling,P=0.043,post-weaning vs.suckling,P<0.001),SSTR2 increased only after weaning(P<0.001).In OXY,GHRL increased during suckling(P=0.012),and post-weaning as a trend(P=0.088).MBOAT4 tended to increase during suckling(P=0.062).TAS1R1 increased from suckling to post-weaning period(P=0.001)and was lower in ANT offspring(P=0.013).GNAT1 in PY was higher in ANT offspring(P=0.041).Antibiotic treatment of sows peripartum increased expression of GHRL and MBOAT4 in OXY of growing-finishing offspring aged 5 months.Conclusions:Data show that sensing for umami taste and ghrelin regulation can be affected by maternal environment,but the development of acid secretion,orexigenic signaling and taste perception in the stomach are mostly developmentally controlled.

Physicochemical, Biochemical and Instrumental Attributes and Consumer Acceptability of Dry-Fermented Sausages Elaborated with Combined Partial Substitutions of Sodium Chloride and Pork Backfat

We performed 6 fabrications of dry-fermented sausages to investigate, at laboratory scale, the effects of combined partial substitutions of sodium chloride by potassium chloride and pork backfat by sunflower oil on key physical-chemical and biochemical parameters, instrumental colour and texture measurements, and the consumer acceptability of the end-products. Regarding the physical-chemical parameters, statistical analysis of results showed that final product weight loss was impacted by fat content and use of sunflower oil;final mean water activity value was only affected by salt level;and animal fat content impacted pH values, only at the end of drying. Regarding the biochemical parameters investigated, we statistically found a marked impact of partial substitution of NaCl by KCl on the proteolysis evolution, of fat level and sodium content on the end-product lipolysis, and finally, a significant effect of animal fat level and incorporation of sunflower oil on both protein and lipid oxidations. However, the new product formulations combining salt and fat substitutions lead to globally acceptable water loss and water activity values and similar rates of proteolysis, lipolysis and lipid oxidation, but less protein oxidation. From a practical point of view, the results clearly showed that sodium and animal fat contents in dryfermented sausages can be drastically reduced with no too marked adverse effect on colour, final textural properties or consumer acceptability. On the basis of these laboratory results, new healthier dry-fermented products can be manufactured by an industrial company in the near future.

Preference of Dogs between Two Oral Formulations of Endectoparasiticides: NEXGARD SPECTRA^®(Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime) and Simparica Trio^TM(Sarolaner, Moxidectin and Pyrantel)

Pet owner compliance is essential for the success of veterinary healthcare strategies. As some parasites are zoonotic, consistent parasite control is an integral part of the One-Health strategy. Highly palatable formulations help ensure compliance, as they offer a positive experience for the dog and the owner. This study was conducted to ascertain if dogs exhibited a preference between two commercially available oral formulations of broad-spectrum endectoparasiticides, NexGard Spectra (afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime) and Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel). For four consecutive days, 100 healthy dogs were offered both products and consumption was recorded. If one product was more consumed than the other, it was defined as the preferred product. No adverse event was recorded throughout the study. A total of 358 chewable tablets were consumed over four study days;78.5% of dogs voluntarily consumed NexGard Spectra (281 chews), while 21.5% of dogs voluntarily consumed Simparica Trio (77 chews, p < 0.01). Among 75 dogs which demonstrated a preference for a product, significantly more dogs preferred NexGard Spectra (94.7%) compared to Simparica Trio (5.3%) (p < 2.2 × 10-16), resulting in a preference ratio of 17.75 to 1 for NexGard Spectra.

Metabolic Properties of Fibers and Connective Tissue of Four Muscles from Bovine Carcasses

Meat-grain-size (MGS) assessment is an empirical method for the early prediction of meat quality, a larger grain being synonymous with higher meat tenderness. The objective was to characterize 4 muscles (longissimus thoracis LT;rectus abdominis RA;longus colli LC;diaphragma D) of 5 coarse and 5 fine carcasses in terms of MGS in order to establish a link between muscular physicochemical properties and carcass MGS score. All comparisons were made of samples with similar fat content. The broiled sample hardness (shear force) was significantly higher for the coarse group than for the fine group (7.20 vs 5.89 kg;RA). Higher collagen content (27.94 vs 24.87 mg/g of dry matter in LT muscle;15.86 vs 13.13 mg/g of dry matter in D muscle), higher oxidative metabolism (cytochrome-c oxidase;LT and D) but also higher glycolytic metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase;LT) were also observed in the coarse groups. Not all the muscles react in a similar way depending on the MGS group. Nevertheless, significant results are constant from one muscle to another, the RA being the only muscle for which the difference in hardness between the two groups is significant.

Food and Nutrition Sciences—Open Special Issues: Public Health Nutrition Initiatives

Food and Nutrition Sciences—Open Special Issues: Public Health Nutrition

The Impact of Cooking of Beef on the Supply of Heme and Non-Heme Iron for Humans

Red meat contains a high proportion of heme iron (HI) which is absorbed at a far higher extent into the blood than the non-heme iron (NHI) found in plants. However, HI and NHI are expelled in the juice during cooking while a fraction of HI is converted into NHI, thus decreasing iron bioavailability. This paper relies on experiments and the use of modeling. The kinetics of the conversion of HI into NHI was measured and modeled in juice extracted from uncooked beef meat, and beef cubes were cooked to measure the variations of HI/NHI contents. In meat, HI/NHI ratio decreased from 2.0 when it was raw to less than 1.0 for the longest heat treatments and highest temperatures. The model was used to predict the effect of cooking conditions on the variations of the iron supplied by beef meat. The lowest contribution of meat to iron supply was found for under-pressure cooking at temperatures above 100°C.

Preference in Dogs of Two Oral Endectoparasiticide Formulations: NexGard Spectra^®(Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime) and Credelio^®Plus (Lotilaner and Milbemycin Oxime)

Fleas and ticks are major ectoparasites of dogs globally. Their control is based on regular treatments with ectoparasiticides, which represent the most important part of veterinary drugs worth around 3 billion Euros per year. In many parts of the world, dogs are also at risk of infection by endoparasites like heartworm, eyeworm, and lungworm. In these areas, endectoparasiticide formulations are used to prevent the risk of ecto- and endoparasite infections. Since 2014, oral formulations of insecticidal-acaricidal drugs have been launched, followed by endectoparasiticide formulations. These oral formulations facilitate the treatment by the owners and are now the market leaders. Intense work has been done during their development to enhance their palatability through their consistence (hard to soft) and their flavors. Palatable oral formulations facilitate the dog-owner relationship and help ensuring compliance. The most recent palatable formulations include isoxazoline as the ecto-parasiticide molecule. They also include anthelmintics (milbemycin oxime or moxidectin + pyrantel) to provide control of parasitic nematodes. Being very similar in terms of spectrum of activity, any differences in palatability may be a key differentiating factor for the owners. The present study was conducted to verify if dogs exhibited a preference between two endectoparasiticide oral formulations, NexGard Spectra® (afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime) and Credelio® Plus (lotilaner and milbemycin oxime). For four consecutive days, 100 dogs were offered the choice between both products and consumption was recorded. If one product was more consumed than the other, it was defined as the preferred product. A total of 375 chewable tablets were consumed over the four days, with a significantly higher consumption (p < 0.0001) for NexGard Spectra® (272 chews, 72.5%) compared to Credelio® Plus (103 chews, 27.5%). Seventy-six dogs showed a preference for a product amongst whom 68 preferred NexGard Spectra® (89.5%) and 8 preferred Credelio® Plus (10.5%), resulting in a preference ratio of 8.5 to 1 for NexGard Spectra® (p < 0.0001).

保持某种生活习惯并固定居住的肥胖儿童中身体组分及基础代谢率的纵向变化研究

The prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically during the past decades, and requires efficient care. Objectives. -To determine changes in anthropometric parameters and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in obese adolescents during and after 2 types of weight-reduction programs. Subjects and methods. -Twenty-six adolescents (group I, Z-score of BMI=4.72) followed a 9-month-weight reduction program including a moderate energy restriction and regular physical activities in a specialized institution. In addition, 39 adolescents (group E, Z-score of BMI=2.83) followed at home a 9-month-weight reduction program including medical and dietetic advices. Body composition (by impedancemetry) and BMR (by indirect calorimetry) were assessed before the beginning (M0), 4 months after (M4) and at the end (M9) of the programs, then 4 months (M13) and 16 month (M25) after the end of the weight-reduction programs. Results. -Twenty-two adolescents in group I and 20 adolescents in group E completed the study. At M0, age, body weight (BW), fat-free mass (FFM)-and BMR of subjects of group I were higher (1.0 year, 36 % , 30 % and 23 % , respectively, P < 0.001), than those of group E. Pubertal stage and percentage of fat mass (FM) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. At M9, adolescents of group I showed significant reductions in BW and FM (-19 and -37 % , respectively, P< 0.001), but not significant differences in FFM. In addition, BMR decreased significantly between M0 and M4, both in absolute value (-6.7% , P< 0.001) and after adjustment for FFM (-5.8% , P< 0.001), and the difference was maintained until M9. Between M9 and M13,BW and Z-sc-ore of BMI were maintained in 12 adolescents, but increased (+ 9.7% and 14.8% , respectively, P< 0.001) in 10 adolescents. However, BMR did not change significantly in all adolescents. Between M13 and M25, BW, FM, FFM and BMR increased significantly (+ 13% , + 34% , + 6% et + 5% , respectively, P< 0.001). During the 25 month period, adolescents of group E showed significant increases in BW, FFM and BMR (+ 8% , + 14% and + 10% , respectively, P< 0.001), and maintained their Z-score and FM. Conclusion. -The reduction in BMR during the weight-reduction program at the institution could contribute to body weight regain in the post-obese adolescents if they do not maintain the lifestyle habits taught during the weight-reduction period. In other respects, Z-score was stabilized in 51% of domiciled obese adolescents.

Modeling West Nile Virus transmission in birds and humans:Advantages of using a cellular automata approach

In Canada,the periodic circulation of West Nile Virus(WNV)is difficult to predict and,beyond climatic factors,appears to be related to the migratory movements of infected birds from the southern United States.This hypothesis has not yet been explored in a spatially distributed model.The main objective of this work was to develop a spatially explicit dynamic model for the transmission of WNV in Canada,that allows us to explore non-climate related hypotheses associated with WNV transmission.A Cellular Automata(CA)approach for multiple hosts(birds and humans)is used for a test region in eastern Ontario,Canada.The tool is designed to explore the role of host and vector spatial heterogeneity,host migration,and vector feeding preferences.We developed a spatialized compartmental SEIRDS-SEI model for WNV transmission with a study region divided into 4 rectangular cells.We used 2010–2021 bird data from the eBird project and 2010–2019 mosquito data collected by Ontario Public Health to mimic bird and mosquito seasonal variation.We considered heterogeneous bird densities(high and low suitability areas)and homogeneous mosquito and human densities.In high suitability areas for birds,we identified 5 entry points for WNV-infected birds.We compared our simulations with pools of WNV-infected field collected mosquitoes.Simulations and sensitivity analyses were performed using MATLAB software.The results showed good correspondence between simulated and observed epidemics,supporting the validity of our model assumptions and calibration.Sensitivity analysis showed that a 5%increase or decrease in each parameter of our model except for the biting rate of bird by mosquito(c^(B,M)and mosquito natural mortality rate(d^(M)),had a very limited effect on the total number of cases(newly infected birds and humans),prevalence peak,or date of occurrence.We demonstrate the utility of the CA approach for studying WNV transmission in a heterogeneous landscape with multiple hosts.