Search Results (64)

Background: Western dietary patterns worldwide are increasingly dominated by energy-dense, nutrient-deficient industrial foods, often identified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Such products may have detrimental health implications, particularly if nutritionally inadequate. This study aimed to examine the intake of unhealthy UPFs among children and adolescents from five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) involved in the DELICIOUS project and to assess the association with dietary quality indicators. Methods: A survey was conducted with a sample of 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years to evaluate their dietary habits. Diet quality was assessed using the Youth Healthy Eating Index (Y-HEI), the KIDMED index to determine adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and compliance with national dietary guidelines. Results: Increased UPF consumption was not inherently associated with healthy or unhealthy specific food groups, although children and adolescents who consumed UPF daily were less likely to exhibit high overall diet quality and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. In all five countries, greater UPF intake was associated with poorer compliance with dietary recommendations concerning fats, sweets, meat, and legumes. Conclusions: Increased UPF consumption among Mediterranean children and adolescents is associated with an unhealthy dietary pattern, possibly marked by a high intake of fats, sweets, and meat, and a low consumption of legumes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations. Full article

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to nerve atrophy. Ultrasonography has a significant role in the diagnosis of ALS. Aim: We aimed to sonographically assess the size of all peripheral nerves and cervical nerve roots in ALS compared to controls. Methods: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Scopus using comprehensive MeSH terms for the keywords nerve, ultrasound, and ALS. We extracted data regarding cross-sectional area (CSA) or diameter for the following nerves: vagus, phrenic, tibial, fibular, sural, radial, ulnar, and median nerves, and the roots of C5, C6, C7, and C8 in both ALS patients and controls. Results: Our study included 2683 participants, of which 1631 were ALS patients (mean age = 60.36), 792 were healthy controls (mean age = 57.79), and 260 were patients with other neurological disorders. ALS patients had significantly smaller nerve size compared to controls. Nerve size differences were observed in the vagus nerve [MD = −0.23], phrenic nerve [MD = −0.25], C5 nerve root [SMD = −0.94], C6 nerve root [SMD = −1.56], C7 nerve root [SMD = −1.18], C8 nerve root [MD = −1.9], accessory nerve [MD = −0.32], sciatic nerve [MD = −11], tibial nerve [MD = −0.68], sural nerve [MD = −0.32,], ulnar nerve [MD = −0.80], and median nerve [MD = −1.21]. Conclusions: Our findings showed that ALS patients have a sonographically smaller nerve size than healthy controls. Therefore, this is a potential marker for neuronal diseases. Full article

This study focuses on enhancing the performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) in pumping applications by improving motor torque through the integration of advanced control strategies. The dq-axis model of a PMSM is utilized to facilitate precise control and dynamic response. The proposed approach combines Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) and Fuzzy Proportional-Integral-Derivative (fuzzy PID) controllers with Vector Control (VC) inverters, specifically designed for PMSMs with salient rotor structures. The salient rotor design inherently provides higher torque density, making it suitable for demanding applications like pumping. The FLC and fuzzy PID controllers are employed to optimize the motor’s dynamic response, ensuring precise torque control and improved efficiency under varying load conditions. The VC inverter further enhances the system’s performance by enabling rapid torque and flux control, reducing torque ripple, and improving overall motor stability. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy significantly increases motor torque, enhances energy efficiency, and reduces operational losses in pumping applications. This makes the system more reliable and cost-effective for industrial and agricultural pumping systems, where high torque and energy savings are critical. The integration of FLC, fuzzy PID, and VC with a salient-rotor PMSM offers a robust solution for achieving superior motor performance in real-world pumping scenarios. This work contributes to the development of smarter, more efficient pumping systems, paving the way for enhanced industrial automation and energy management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep is a fundamental physiological function that plays a crucial role in maintaining health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess dietary and lifestyle factors associated with adequate sleep duration in children and adolescents living in five Mediterranean countries. Methods: Parents of children and adolescents taking part in an initial survey for the DELICIOUS project were examined to assess their children’s dietary and eating habits (i.e., meal routines), as well as other lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity levels, screen time, etc.) potentially associated with adequate sleep duration (defined as 8–10 h according to the National Sleep Foundation). The youth healthy eating index (Y-HEI) was used to assess the diet quality of children and adolescents. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), indicating the level of association between variables. Results: A total of 2011 individuals participated in the survey. The adolescents and children of younger parents reported being more likely to have inadequate sleep duration. Among eating behaviors, having breakfast (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.08) and eating at school (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.74) were associated with adequate sleep duration. In contrast, children eating alone, screen time, and eating outside of the home were less likely to have adequate sleep duration, although these findings were only significant in the unadjusted model. After adjusting for covariates, a better diet quality (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.16), including higher intake of fruits, meat, fish, and whole grains, was associated with adequate sleep duration. Conclusions: Adequate sleep duration seems to be highly influenced by factors related to individual lifestyles, family and school eating behaviors, as well as diet quality. Full article

This study aimed to characterize the fermentation of commercial xylooligosaccharide (XOS) using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S61. XOS was utilized as the main carbon source in a modified MRS medium (MRSm) at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 4%, and 6% (w/v). The growth of L. plantarum S61 was tracked daily over a week and compared to a control MRS medium using glucose as the main carbon source. The pH, total free acidity, and biomass were analyzed during fermentation, and the resulting fermentation product was analyzed for its content of fatty acids, total polyphenols, and the production of antioxidant and antimicrobial metabolites. The findings revealed that L. plantarum S61 thrived in MRSm, particularly at a 6% XOS concentration, which was identified as the best condition among the four tested concentrations (1%, 2%, 4%, and 6%). The fermentation of XOS by L. plantarum S61 significantly increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to glucose, with the highest phenolic content observed at 6% XOS (6.70 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g). The strains produced various organic acids including lactic, malic, and oxalic acids from glucose and XOS. Notably, the strains yielded a broader range of organic acids with higher contents in the presence of XOS, leading to enhanced antifungal and antibacterial activities compared to glucose. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica, with inhibition zones of 20.25 mm and 11.75 mm for XOS (5% and 6%) and glucose, respectively. For Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus and M. luteus exhibited inhibition zones of 20.01 mm for XOS 6% and 10.25 mm for glucose. In terms of antifungal activity, the strongest inhibition was observed against Rhodotorula glutinis, with inhibition zones of 26.00 mm for XOS 6% and 20.04 mm for glucose. The fermentation product of XOS by L. plantarum S61 showed significant inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria and yeasts, suggesting its potential application in the manufacturing of preservatives with antifungal properties and pharmaceutical products targeting pathogenic and spoilage yeasts. Full article

The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in food products poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating innovative and sustainable antimicrobial solutions. This study investigates the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Stevia rebaudiana extracts to evaluate their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against MDR Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from sold fish samples. The obtained results show that the contamination with S. aureus reached 54.2% in the tested fish samples (n = 120), underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions. ZnO-NPs were successfully synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, and TEM, confirming their formation with an average size of 15.7 nm and reflecting their suitability for antimicrobial and biological applications. ZnO-NPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with a maximum inhibition zone of 24.4 ± 0.4 mm at 20 μg/disk, MIC values of 6.25–25 μg/mL, and MBC values of 12.5–50 μg/mL. Additionally, biofilm formation was inhibited by up to 92.1% at 250 μg/mL. Our mechanistic study confirmed that ZnO-NPs damage bacterial membranes and DNA, leading to the intracellular leakage of cell components that lead to bacterial cell lysis. The use of S. rebaudiana in ZnO-NP synthesis aligns with green chemistry principles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional antibiotics and enhancing the bioactivity of ZnO-NPs, and may address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance, thereby contributing to improved food safety and public health protection. Full article

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is a major foodborne pathogen posing a critical threat to public health, particularly through the contamination of animal products. The increasing prevalence and virulence of MDR E. coli strains underscore the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Stevia rebaudiana as a sustainable capping and reducing agent, aligning with green chemistry principles. Of the 120 fish samples, 74.2% (89/120) were positive for E. coli contamination. Among the identified E. coli strains, 77.8% (119/153) were classified as MDR. Resistance profiling revealed 22 distinct patterns, and seven highly resistant and virulent strains were selected for further analyses. The eco-friendly auto-combustion synthesis of ZnO-NPs produced nanoparticles with semi-spherical to hexagonal shapes and an average size ranging from 12 to 25 nm. Scanning Electron Microscope–Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS) confirms that ZnO-NPs primarily consist of zinc (37.5%) and oxygen (19.9%), with carbon (42.6%) indicating the green synthesis process. ZnO-NPs demonstrated potent, dose-dependent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against the selected MDR E. coli strains. Additionally, mechanistic studies revealed that ZnO-NPs disrupt bacterial cell membranes, alter cellular morphology, and interfere with DNA integrity. These findings highlight the potential of eco-friendly ZnO-NPs as a promising nanomaterial for enhancing food safety and addressing the growing challenge of MDR foodborne bacteria. Full article

Since the field of autonomous vehicles is developing quickly, it is becoming increasingly crucial for them to safely and effectively navigate their surroundings to avoid collisions. The primary collision avoidance algorithms currently employed by self-driving cars are examined in this thorough survey. It looks into several methods, such as sensor-based methods for precise obstacle identification, sophisticated path-planning algorithms that guarantee cars follow dependable and safe paths, and decision-making systems that allow for adaptable reactions to a range of driving situations. The survey also emphasizes how Machine Learning methods can improve the efficacy of obstacle avoidance. Combined, these techniques are necessary for enhancing the dependability and safety of autonomous driving systems, ultimately increasing public confidence in this game-changing technology. Full article

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant burden globally, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rising MRSA prevalence, with increasing diversity in the clonal complexes (CCs) identified. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its increased hospitalization rates and antibiotic use, may have further influenced MRSA’s genetic evolution and epidemiology in the country. Methods: To investigate this influence, genomic profiling of 310 MRSA clinical isolates collected between February and November 2022 was performed using a DNA microarray-based assay. Results: Isolates were assigned to 22 clonal complexes and 72 distinct strain assignments. The predominant clonal complexes were CC5, CC6, CC361, CC22, CC1, and CC8. Community-acquired MRSA lineages were dominant, with only one healthcare-associated MRSA lineage isolate identified. Upward trends of CC1153 were observed along with rare CCs, such as CC121-MRSA and CC7-MRSA, with the latter being reported for the first time in the Arabian Gulf region. The presence of pandemic strains USA300 CC8-MRSA-[IVa + ACME1] and CC8-MRSA-IV strains were also observed, including variants lacking Panton–Valentine leukocidin (pvl) genes and missing tst1 or enterotoxin genes. The PVL-negative CC772-MRSA-V/VT was identified, representing its first report in the UAE. A novel variant, CC361-MRSA-IV (tst1+/PVL+), was identified. Pvl genes were observed in 36% of the isolates, primarily from skin and soft tissue infections, while fusC (SCC-borne fusidic acid resistance) was identified in 13% of the isolates. Conclusions: The findings highlight the ongoing evolution of MRSA in the UAE, with the persistence and emergence of diverse and rare clonal complexes, driving the need for continuous genomic surveillance. Full article

Background/Objectives. Traditional dietary patterns are being abandoned in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger generations. This study aimed to investigate the potential lifestyle determinants that can increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) within the context of the EU-funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean Diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). This study comprised information on 2011 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years old collected during 2023. The main background characteristics of both children and parents, including age, sex, education, and family situation, were collected. Children’s eating (i.e., breakfast, place of eating, etc.) and lifestyle habits (i.e., physical activity level, sleep, and screen time) were also investigated. The level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED index. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for likelihood of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results. Major determinants of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were younger age, higher physical activity level, adequate sleep duration, and, among dietary habits, having breakfast and eating with family members and at school. Parents’ younger age and higher education were also determinants of higher adherence. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that an overall healthier lifestyle and parents’ education were the factors independently associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area is part of an overall healthy lifestyle possibly depending on parents’ cultural background. Full article

Background/Objectives: The diet quality of younger individuals is decreasing globally, with alarming trends also in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to assess diet quality and adequacy in relation to country-specific dietary recommendations for children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 2011 parents of the target population participating in the DELICIOUS EU-PRIMA project. Dietary data and cross-references with food-based recommendations and the application of the youth healthy eating index (YHEI) was assessed through 24 h recalls and food frequency questionnaires. Results: Adherence to recommendations on plant-based foods was low (less than ∼20%), including fruit and vegetables adequacy in all countries, legume adequacy in all countries except for Italy, and cereal adequacy in all countries except for Portugal. For animal products and dietary fats, the adequacy in relation to the national food-based dietary recommendations was slightly better (∼40% on average) in most countries, although the Eastern countries reported worse rates. Higher scores on the YHEI predicted adequacy in relation to vegetables (except Egypt), fruit (except Lebanon), cereals (except Spain), and legumes (except Spain) in most countries. Younger children (p < 0.005) reporting having 8–10 h adequate sleep duration (p < 0.001), <2 h/day screen time (p < 0.001), and a medium/high physical activity level (p < 0.001) displayed a better diet quality. Moreover, older respondents (p < 0.001) with a medium/high educational level (p = 0.001) and living with a partner (p = 0.003) reported that their children had a better diet quality. Conclusions: Plant-based food groups, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, and even (whole-grain) cereals are underrepresented in the diets of Mediterranean children and adolescents. Moreover, the adequate consumption of other important dietary components, such as milk and dairy products, is rather disregarded, leading to substantially suboptimal diets and poor adequacy in relation to dietary guidelines. Full article

Among crucial factors that control flooding events are extreme climate, urban growth, and mismanagement. Islands in the Nile River have experienced successive cycles of flooding and drying due to recent rainy years in the Nile Basin countries. This paper focuses on the impact of floods on the amounts of ammonium-N released, total concentrations of heavy metals, enzyme activities, and microbial biomass (C and N) in flood soils of 11 Nile River islands. Field moist soils and their airdried counterparts were collected from the outskirts of the island and incubated for 15 days at 30 °C to be analyzed. Results reflected that the amounts of released NH₄-N were higher in airdried than in wet soils. The average hydrolysis rates of the studied six enzyme substrates were correlated significantly with organic C, organic N, microbial bio-mass C and N in the field moist soils. The highest correlation coefficients (r) were with rates of hydrolysis of substrates of asparaginase, amidase, and β-glycosaminidase. A significant intercorrelation between rates of hydrolysis of the six studied enzyme substrates and r values which range from 0.81 to 0.98. At 10 mmol kg⁻¹ soil, Co⁺², Cd⁺², Pb⁺², Cu⁺², Cr⁺³, and Ni⁺² inhibited the release of NH₄-N. Arginine hydrolysis was inhibited by the six heavy metals at 5 mmol kg⁻¹ soil; the most effective inhibitors were Pb⁺², Ni⁺², and Cr⁺³. Due to the complex soil enzymatic and organic nitrogen hydrolase activities that occur during floods, fertile fields on the Nile River islands should not be fertilized before the summer flood seasons, which will prevent contamination of the Nile River water and loss of its island soil fertility. Full article

Allylic oxygenated derivatives of himachalenes are highly valued molecules due to their potential applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Previous attempts at catalyzed allylic oxidation of himachalenes led to the formation of a very stable η³-allyl palladium complex, preventing any further reaction development. Herein, we present the first successful palladium-catalyzed synthesis of a novel allylic acetoxylated derivative of himachalenes. This reaction was achieved by incorporating an aromatic ring into the substrate structure. The resulting intermediate complex was isolated and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to compare the reactivity of the newly synthesized complex with previously reported ones. The theoretical results confirm that the introduction of an aromatic ring enhances the reactivity of the η³-allyl palladium complex, thereby facilitating the desired transformation. Full article

This study aims to determine the feasibility of creating a date–milk beverage with nutritional and antioxidant benefits and determine the optimal formulation and storage conditions to preserve its quality. Date powder–milk beverages with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% weight/weight (w/w) dates were refrigerated at 1 °C and 5 °C for 10 days to evaluate their nutritional and antioxidant activities. The investigation showed that response surface methodology models accurately represented experimental data. Date powder concentration, storage period, and storage temperature all negatively affected pH, which ranged from 6.45 to 7.09, close to but surpassing the optimum pH. The beverage’s total dissolved solids (TSS) declined after 10 days, with no notable changes as the storage temperature rose from 1 °C to 5 °C. Increasing date powder concentrations resulted in darker beverages, with a color change (ΔE) ranging from 12.93 to 35.55. All variables showed a considerable increase in dietary fibers in milk–date beverages. Phenolic levels of 9.7 to 10.05 gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/gram dry weight are preserved by colder storage temperatures and greater date concentrations. During storage, antioxidant activity considerably increased (p < 0.001) for all date concentrations, but did not change with temperature. On the tenth day of storage, high-temperature storage and low date powder content increased colony counts (6.22 log10 CFU/mL). This study suggests that adding dates to dairy-based beverages creates nutritional drinks without additives, processed sugars, or preservatives that customers like. Thus, the optimal storage conditions for date–milk drinks were achieved at a date percentage of 25% w/w and a storage temperature of 1 °C for 10 days. Full article