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Although plant-derived nitrates and nitrites are increasingly recognized for their potential metabolic advantages, current research presents mixed outcomes. This study explores the relationship between vegetable-sourced nitrate and nitrite consumption and key metabolic indicators in overweight and obese Iraqi adults. A total of 338 individuals participated in a cross-sectional analysis, completing a validated food frequency questionnaire to quantify their intake of nitrates and nitrites from vegetables. Blood pressure readings were obtained using standard sphygmomanometer, and biochemical markers—including fasting glucose, lipid profile, and insulin—were assessed via enzymatic assays. Participants with the highest intake of vegetable nitrates demonstrated significantly lower systolic blood pressure compared to those with the lowest intake (P < 0.05). Likewise, elevated dietary nitrite consumption was linked to lower fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels, alongside increased HDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), across both crude and adjusted statistical models. Elevated intake of nitrates and nitrites from vegetables appears to be associated with favorable cardiovascular and metabolic health markers in overweight and obese individuals. These results highlight the potential of vegetable-based nitrate and nitrite consumption as a dietary strategy for improving cardio-metabolic outcomes, meriting further investigation through longitudinal studies.

Cereal vinegars are unique and diverse condiments have long been among the center of culinary traditions, and their potential health advantages are becoming more widely recognized. Cereal vinegars add a distinct flavor to salad dressings, pickles, and marinades, balancing flavors and exciting taste perceptions. Production technologies of cereal vinegars and innovations are discussed in this article which are required for manufacturing of cereal-based vinegars. We discussed complicated procedures of fermentation and aging, highlighting the methods that impart these vinegars' particular flavors and fragrances. Further, this paper explores into the nutritional wealth kept within these condiments and investigates the wide range of micronutrients, antio xidants, and bioactive substances found in them. It provides a brief summary of the potential health benefits of cereal vinegars and also discusses potential health hazards.

Globally, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has become increasing rapidly, raising concerns about its potential impact on human health. With a particular emphasis on how UPF intake contributes to obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), this review highlights the effect of UPF consumption on the well-being of both normal-weight and overweight people. Our review begins by defining Food processing and their categorization based on the degree of processing, emphasizing their ingredients and additives. The nutritive composition of UPFs is examined and emphasizes their high levels of trans fats, sugars, and salt which often contribute to excessive calorie intake and poor dietary quality. A notable decrease in k, mg vitamin A, C, D, E, B12, B3, zinc, and P was found, with the rise in UPF consumption and also associated with tendencies toward an inadequate dietary intake of micronutrients. This review further describes the adverse metabolic effects of UPFs, including weight management challenges, addiction-like eating behaviors, and increased risks for chronic diseases like CVD, cancer, and metabolic disorders. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and strategy interventions to promote healthier dietary patterns, addressing both individual and societal factors contributing to the rising prevalence of UPF intake.

Hylocereus undatus, occasionally referred to as the dragon fruit or white‐fleshed pitaya, is a rich in nutrients fruit appreciated because of its colorful look and health benefits. It is inexpensive in calories but packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium in addition to essential nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins. Similarly rich in dietary fiber, particularly promotes gut wellness and improves digestion, is pitaya. It additionally contains antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and betalains, which help with scavenging free radicals and reducing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on the human body. The substantial amount of betalains in Hylocereus undatus phytochemical composition is notable because it contributes to the plant's anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There has been an association among these phytochemicals and a decreased likelihood of contracting long‐term conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids and omega‐6 fatty acids, in particular, that reduce cholesterol levels while improving blood circulation, are plentiful in the fruit's seeds and are beneficial to heart wellness. The objective of this review is to highlight the nutritional profile, phytochemical and health benefits of Hylocereus undatus in detail. It is useful against many health illnesses including diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and cancer. It has strong antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential against a wide spectrum of microbes. Furthermore, various studies have proved that its extract has effective hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, and immunological perspectives. It has various applications in the field of food processing, pharmacy, value addition, and nutraceuticals.

Food packaging is intended to shield foods, provide necessary food details, and make food handling easier for delivery to customers. Packaging holds pivotal importance in the elongation of shelf-life, food, and quality. Controlled Release Packaging (CRP) is an innovative method that improves quality and safety of food products during storage. This technique involves the release of active ingredients in a controlled, regulated manner. Food preservation is greatly improved by the use of intelligent controlled release antimicrobial packaging, which uses responsive systems to release antimicrobial agents in response to environmental stimuli. This novel method prevents microbial development, extending the shelf life of perishable foods while simultaneously guaranteeing food safety. This paper elucidates a critical review of CRP. Additionally, it summarizes the difficulties and potential outcomes, as well as the present state of application in several food categories. An innovative and challenging packaging technique, CRP technology attempts to maximize the antibacterial effect and preserve the standard of food items by harmonizing the delivery of active ingredients with the need for food preservation using detecting input via a stimulus. In order to serve as a reference for future research on food preservation and food packaging, this review summarizes the uniqueness of CRP, active compounds, as well as its application in different foodstuff. Graphical Abstract

Purpose: A Multiparticulate system of Mebendazole was developed for colon targeted drug delivery by using natural polysaccharides like Chitosan and Sodium-alginate beads. Methods: Chitosan microspheres were formulated by using Emulsion crosslinking method using Glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. Sodium-alginate beads were formulated by using Calcium chloride as gelling agent. Optimization for Chitosan microspheres was carried out by using 23 full factorial design. 32 full factorial design was used for the optimization of Sodium-alginate beads. The formulated batches were evaluated for percentage yield, particle size measurement, flow properties, percent entrapment efficiency, Swelling studies. The formulations were subjected to Stability studies and In-vitro release study (with and without rat caecal content). Release kinetics data was subjected to different dissolution models. Results: The formulated batches showed acceptable particle size range as well as excellent flow properties. Entrapment efficiency for optimized batches of Chitosan microspheres and sodium alginate beads was found to be 74.18% and 88.48% respectively. In-vitro release of drug for the optimized batches was found to be increased in presence of rat caecal content. The best-fit models were koresmeyer-peppas for Chitosan microspheres and zero order for sodium-alginate beads. Conclusion: Chitosan and Sodium-alginate was used successfully for the formulation of Colon targeted Multiparticulate system.

Short‐chain carbohydrates are primarily made up of fructose molecules; fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are referred to as prebiotics and are renowned for their potential beneficial effects on health. Since they are inedible fibers, FOS go through the upper digestive tract nearly undisturbed while entering the colon, where they offer food to beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. This method supports digestive health and improves immunity by maintaining an optimal gut microbiome. Based on studies, through establishing an optimal gut environment, FOS can reduce the risk of several digestive disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). FOS has shown potential for improving metabolic health along with digestive health. They can help regulate weight and reduce the risk of diabetes due to their low caloric content and ability to regulate blood glucose levels. This review will contribute to the development of more focused and effective applications of FOS in health and medicine by identifying the areas of research gaps and suggesting future directions.

Background Despite its identification as a key checkpoint regulator of microglial activation in Alzheimer’s disease, the overarching role of CX3CR1 signaling in modulating mechanisms of Aβ driven neurodegeneration, including accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau is not well understood. Methodology Accumulation of soluble and insoluble Aβ species, microglial activation, synaptic dysregulation, and neurodegeneration is investigated in 4- and 6-month old 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 + / + and 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 −/− mice using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, transcriptomic and quantitative real time PCR analyses of purified microglia. Flow cytometry based, in-vivo Aβ uptake assays are used for characterization of the effects of CX3CR1-signaling on microglial phagocytosis and lysosomal acidification as indicators of clearance of methoxy-X-04 + fibrillar Aβ. Lastly, we use Y-maze testing to analyze the effects of Cx3cr1 deficiency on working memory. Results Disease progression in 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 −/− mice is characterized by increased deposition of filamentous plaques that display defective microglial plaque engagement. Microglial Aβ phagocytosis and lysosomal acidification in 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 −/− mice is impaired in-vivo . Interestingly, Cx3cr1 deficiency results in heighted accumulation of neurotoxic, oligomeric Aβ, along with severe neuritic dystrophy, preferential loss of post-synaptic densities, exacerbated tau pathology, neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Transcriptomic analyses using cortical RNA, coupled with qRT-PCR using purified microglia from 6 month-old mice indicate dysregulated TGFβ-signaling and heightened ROS metabolism in 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 −/− mice. Lastly, microglia in 6 month-old 5xFAD; Cx3cr1 −/− mice express a ‘degenerative’ phenotype characterized by increased levels of Ccl2 , Ccl5 , Il-1β , Pten and Cybb along with reduced Tnf , Il-6 and Tgfβ1 mRNA. Conclusions Cx3cr1 deficiency impairs microglial uptake and degradation of fibrillar Aβ, thereby triggering increased accumulation of neurotoxic Aβ species. Furthermore, loss of Cx3cr1 results in microglial dysfunction typified by dampened TGFβ-signaling, increased oxidative stress responses and dysregulated pro-inflammatory activation. Our results indicate that Aβ-driven microglial dysfunction in Cx3cr1 −/− mice aggravates tau hyperphosphorylation, neurodegeneration, synaptic dysregulation and impairs working memory.

is a pathogenic protozoan endemic to Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. However, with increased travel and emigration, it is becoming a common parasitic infection leading to many worldwide deaths. We present a case of a young Hispanic male immigrant with an amebic liver abscess. This case report highlights the complexities of diagnosing and treating infection.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a rare immune-mediated disorder comprised of non-infectious neuroinflammatory disease processes. Clinical presentation overlaps with a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders and infectious encephalitis; therefore, AE remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Patients may present with nonspecific symptoms such as psychiatric disturbances, cognitive deficits, seizures, movement disorders, and confusion. Prompt diagnosis and management are necessary for patients with AE to decrease mortality and improve quality of life. First-line therapy includes immunosuppression with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis. We report the case of an 86-year-old female with a medical history of Parkinson's disease who presented with nonspecific seizure-like activity and was diagnosed with AE.