Search Results (147)

As industrialization and economic growth accelerate, PM_2.5 pollution has become a critical environmental concern. Predicting PM_2.5 concentration is challenging due to its nonlinear and complex temporal dynamics, limiting the accuracy and robustness of traditional machine learning models. To enhance prediction accuracy, this study focuses on Ma’anshan City, China and proposes a novel hybrid model (QMEWOA-QCAM-BiTCN-BiLSTM) based on an “optimization first, prediction later” approach. Feature selection using Pearson correlation and RFECV reduces model complexity, while the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) optimizes model parameters. To address the local optima and premature convergence issues of WOA, we introduce a quantum-enhanced multi-strategy improved WOA (QMEWOA) for global optimization. A Quantum Causal Attention Mechanism (QCAM) is incorporated, leveraging Quantum State Mapping (QSM) for higher-order feature extraction. The experimental results show that our model achieves a MedAE of 1.997, MAE of 3.173, MAPE of 10.56%, and RMSE of 5.218, outperforming comparison models. Furthermore, generalization experiments confirm its superior performance across diverse datasets, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness in PM_2.5 concentration prediction. Full article

The human exposome, including dietary exposures such as pesticides, additives, and environmental contaminants, plays a critical role in shaping the gut microbiota (GM) and long-term health outcomes. While the Mediterranean Diet is known for its health-promoting effects, the role of food quality, specifically organic vs. conventional products, in modulating GM within this dietary pattern remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) whether an Italian Mediterranean Organic Diet (IMOD) confers additional benefits compared to an Italian Mediterranean non-Organic Diet (IMnOD), and (2) the impact of IMOD and IMnOD versus a free diet (No Diet) on GM and anthropometric parameters. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 39 healthy subjects. Eligible subjects were divided into the following groups: (1) 4 weeks No Diet, (2) 4 weeks IMOD, and (3) 4 weeks IMnOD. Microbiota profiling (16S rRNA sequencing), body composition (BIA), and dietary adherence (MEDAS, FFQ) were evaluated. Distinct microbial shifts following both IMOD and IMnOD compared to No Diet were revealed. Several taxa previously associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) biosynthesis (i.e., Anaerobutyricum hallii, Anaerostipes hadrus, and Dorea longicatena) were increased after both Mediterranean Diet interventions, while Parabacteroides distasonis showed a specific increase in the IMOD group. No significant changes in body weight or composition were observed. These findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, regardless of food source, reshapes the gut microbiota, while organic food intake may influence specific microbial trajectories. Our results support the relevance of food quality in dietary interventions. Full article

The available scientific evidence on padel injuries is scarce and inconclusive. For this reason, the main aim was to analyze the differences in injury incidence in padel according to specific factors of the sport, as well as to the level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the psychological state of the players. A sample of 216 padel players (mean age: 30.05 ± 9.50 years old) participated in this study. The participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire that included padel-specific variables, a sports injury questionnaire, the IPAQ, the MEDAS, and the CPRD. A higher incidence of injuries was observed in players with more experience (p < 0.001), more hours of play (p < 0.001) and at amateur or professional levels (p < 0.001). Mild and moderate injuries were common with mixed or herringbone soles; severe (p = 0.031), muscle, tendon and ligament injuries were common with herringbone soles (p = 0.023). Muscle and ligament injuries occurred more frequently on sand courts (p = 0.037), and with 350–370 g racquets (p = 0.029). Tendon injuries were associated with less mental ability (p = 0.014). There were no significant differences with the Mediterranean diet or level of physical activity. Injury in padel is related to sport-specific factors and psychological state but does not seem to be related to level of physical activity or diet. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be established, so future research in this field is needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Male infertility is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. Recent research has underscored the influence of lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits, smoking, alcohol abuse, and metabolic disturbances, on sperm quality. In this context, nutrition plays a pivotal role: adherence to a healthy diet like the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which emphasizes seasonal, fresh, and whole foods, has been linked to improved sperm performance. Conversely, a high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), characterized by additives, high levels of sugars, fats, and salt, and a nutrient-poor profile, may impair sperm quality. Methods: Based on data supporting the reproductive health benefits of the MD, this observational cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the possible relationship between MD adherence, assessed using the 14-point a priori Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), based on the NOVA classification, and sperm quality in 358 individuals (mean age 34.6 ± 9.3 years) who spontaneously referred to our center of reproductive medicine. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO 2021 criteria. Hormonal profiles (FSH, LH, testosterone, SHBG, bioavailable testosterone, and calculated free testosterone) were also determined. Results: MD adherence score was significantly and positively correlated with semen parameters, whilst negatively correlated with FSH and LH levels. In contrast, UPF intake was correlated with poor semen parameters, whilst no association was observed with hormonal levels. Multivariate analyses confirmed these associations and showed the independency from age and BMI. Notably, among men with FSH levels < 8 IU/mL, higher quartiles of UPF intake had lower markers of sperm quality, particularly for viability and typical morphology. Differently, high MD adherence scores were associated with high quality sperm parameters even when FSH levels were >8 IU/mL. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the adherence to MD, and conversely reduced intake of ultra-processed foods, is associates with a better semen profile. These findings suggest the possible role of dietary interventions as a modifiable factor in the management of male infertility. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among youth is rising, and the increase is closely linked to unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among University of Rijeka students and investigate its associations with dietary habits, physical activity, gender, and faculty type (health and non-health faculties). Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from September 2024 to March 2025 involved 217 randomly selected students from 16 faculties. The validated questionnaires Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), as well as a general data questionnaire, were used alongside anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference) and biochemical measurements (fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol). MetS was diagnosed using a combination of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and Polish Experts Consensus (2022) criteria. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: MetS was identified in 5.5% of students. Significant risk factors included obesity (body mass index, BMI, p < 0.05), low physical activity (IPAQ-SF, p < 0.05), elevated blood pressure (p < 0.01), high triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), and increased waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, p < 0.01). Female students reported lower physical activity than males (p < 0.05), while students from non-health faculties had lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS, p < 0.05) and reduced physical activity (p < 0.05). Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet correlated with lower BMI and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), whereas lower adherence was associated with reduced physical activity (Spearman’s r = −0.35, p < 0.01). Logistic regression with WHR as the dependent variable showed waist circumference (WC) as the strongest predictor (OR = 45.925, 95% CI: 5.238–402.666, p = 0.001), followed by triglycerides (OR = 3.395, 95% CI: 1.322–8.718, p = 0.011). BMI was inversely associated with WHR (OR = 0.068, 95% CI: 0.006–0.780, p = 0.031). HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose were not significant predictors (p > 0.05), indicating limited predictive power in this model. Conclusions: The 5.5% MetS prevalence underscores the need for targeted interventions promoting Mediterranean diet adherence and physical activity, particularly among non-health faculty students and females. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess intervention efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives:Arterial hypertension, increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and arterial stiffness (AS) are recognized predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging evidence suggests that vascular remodeling may precede the full development of hypertension. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FM%), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events. Conversely, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk due to its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and vascular health. Methods: This observational study explored the association between nutritional care and cardiovascular risk in 55 Italian adults (27 women, 28 men) consecutively evaluated at the Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, in 2024. Nutritional and vascular assessments, including BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), BIA, DXA, lab tests, blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and cIMT, were recorded. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between vascular and nutritional parameters. Wilcoxon rank sum test; Fisher’s exact test; and Pearson’s Chi-squared test were performed for statistical analysis. Participants were divided into two groups based on cIMT > 0.90 mm and ≤0.90 mm. Results: Significant correlations emerged between higher MEDAS scores and BMI (r = −0.53, p < 0.01), FM% (r = −0.49, p < 0.01), VAT (r = −0.63, p < 0.01), and cIMT (r = −0.88, p < 0.01). Higher WHR and VAT were associated with increased brachial and central BP and PWV. Notable dietary differences were significantly higher between cIMT groups. Total cholesterol/C-HDL, C-LDL/C-HDL, the Atherogenic Index of Plasma, and the HOMA Index differed significantly between groups. Significant differences were also observed in the left ventricular diastolic function (p = 0.04), LVM/BSA, and LVM/h^2.7 in individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These innovative findings underline the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to prevent CVD and suggest long-term benefits of Mediterranean diet adherence on vascular health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease whose importance rises with aging, though it is also looming large in younger populations due to increasing obesity. Its effects may damage renal and heart functioning. Plasma biomarkers of T2DM have been shown through metabolomic studies under different conditions, mainly obesity, but untargeted metabolomic studies on T2DM are lacking for elderly people. Methods: A UPLC-MS-based metabolomic approach was conducted to ascertain potential plasma biomarkers in a cohort older than 65 years. Results: The dipeptide Gly-His, along with diverse lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), mainly LPC(14:0) and LPC(20:4), and three gangliosides were found to have different plasma content in T2DM subjects compared to control (non-diabetic) subjects (NT2DM). LPC(20:4) exhibited a gender dependence, with statistically significant differences only in females. Gly-His correlated with MEDAS-14, whereas LPC(14:0) correlated with sugar-rich food consumption. Conclusions: As previously demonstrated for other conditions, mainly obesity, altered lipid metabolism was shown in this study to be a hallmark of T2DM in elderly people also. Full article

Background: Prediabetes, a precursor state to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is characterized by elevated glucose levels that are not yet in the diabetic range. It is often associated with comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, driven by unhealthy lifestyle factors. This study aims to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and anthropometric measures, such as body mass index and waist circumference, in Arab adults with prediabetes, considering other lifestyle patterns, including smoking, socioeconomic status, and physical activity. Methods: We performed baseline data analysis among a sample of prediabetic participants of a clinical trial aimed at improving physical activity and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Patients were recruited from the Sheikh Jarrah Clalit Health Services clinic in East Jerusalem. Eligible participants were identified via medical record review and invited by their primary physician. After providing informed consent, participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires covering sociodemographic data, physical activity, and dietary habits. Physical measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were taken using standardized protocols. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the locally adapted Israeli Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (I-MEDAS). Results: A total of 172 prediabetic adults aged 40–69.9 years were recruited. The majority of participants exhibited high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, with 80.2% achieving a high adherence score. However, no significant associations were found between Mediterranean diet adherence and BMI or waist circumference. Active smokers were 70.6% less likely to adhere to the Mediterranean diet compared to nonsmokers, and participants with equal-to-average income had lower odds of adhering to the diet compared to those with below-average income. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for tailored public health strategies that address local cultural, economic, and environmental factors influencing dietary habits. Improving adherence to the Mediterranean diet in this population will require a multifaceted approach, with further research needed to understand the complex relationship between diet, lifestyle, and chronic disease prevention. Full article

Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a multifaceted clinical condition characterized by various features, including ocular dryness (OD), which plays a substantial role in shaping the clinical presentation of the disease and has detrimental effects on quality of life. Recent research has acknowledged the advantages of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for its positive impact on various autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the severity of ocular symptoms in individuals with SS and adherence to the MD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of previously diagnosed SS patients recruited from the histopathological and immunological archives of a university hospital. The data were collected through a telephone questionnaire, including demographic and disease data, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score to evaluate the OD severity, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score to determine adherence to the MD. The primary outcome of the study, the correlation between OSDI and MEDAS scores, was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: The study included 114 patients, with a mean age of 51 (±13.4) years and a female proportion of 86%. OD was documented in 80.7% of the patients. The median OSDI and MEDAS scores were 23 (IQR 10–40) and 8 (IQR 5–11), respectively. A strong negative correlation was observed between the MEDAS and the OSDI scores (ρ = −0.73, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a significant negative relationship between the richness of diet in fatty acids and the OSDI score (ρ = −0.67, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The study results suggest an association between lower OD severity in patients with SS and adherence to the MD, particularly the components related to polyunsaturated fatty acids consumption. This approach may serve as a complementary strategy with multiple health benefits, alongside conventional treatment options. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children’s health may be influenced by maternal eating habits during pregnancy. A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)-based pattern has been associated with benefits in infectious disease and allergies in children. Methods: From a total 2228 pregnant women evaluated between 2015 and 2017 in the St. Carlos cohort, 1292 women belonging to the intervention group (IG) undertook a MedDiet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and nuts from early on in pregnancy. The control group (CG) consisted of 516 pregnant women who were advised to follow a fat-restricted MedDiet. The modified 12-point Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS) was applied. A total of 1808 (81.2%) children were analyzed at 6 years postpartum. All women from both groups received the same postpartum nutritional recommendations as the IG had during pregnancy. Results: Children from the IG showed lower rates of bronchiolitis and atopic eczema compared to the CG. Children whose mother’s MEDAS score was ≥6 at 24–28 GW vs. MEDAS scores < 6 presented lower rates of bronchiolitis [222/695 (28.8%) vs. 441/1113 (39.6%); p = 0.022] and atopic eczema [311/695 (39.0%) vs. 564/1113 (50.7%); p = 0.039]. The offspring of mothers with MEDAS scores ≥ 8 (n = 176) vs. MEDAS scores ≤ 3 (n = 564) showed a lower relative risk (RR) (95% CI) for developing bronchiolitis [0.75 (0.58–0.97)] and atopic eczema [0.82 (0.69–0.98)], with both having a p < 0.001 trend. Conclusions: A higher adherence to a MedDiet supplemented with EVOO and nuts during pregnancy is associated with health benefits in offspring at 6 years of age. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary recommendations are an essential part of guidelines for the best management of chronic cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to validate the Greek version of Cardiovascular Diet Questionnaire 2 (CDQ-2) and to assess the dietary habits among cardiovascular patients. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The study population was cardiovascular patients that were users of a private primary healthcare clinic. The data were collected between December 2024 and January 2025. The questionnaire was translated from French, back-translated, and reviewed by a committee of experts. The MEDAS was used as a gold standard. The psychometric measurements that were performed included reliability coefficients and Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA). Results: The total sample comprised 90 individuals. The Cronbach’s α was 0.97. A bivariate Pearson’s correlation established that there was a strong, statistically significant linear relationship between the CDQ-2 and MEDAS scores, with r(90) = 0.962 and p < 0.001. Cardiovascular patients seemed to have suboptimal dietary patterns, as indicated by the relatively low mean CDQ-2 score of 2.9 (SD = 17.2), along with a mean MEDAS score of 8 (SD = 5.2), where younger individuals (p < 0.001), males (p = 0.042), single/divorced/widowed individuals (p < 0.001), individuals with lower physical activity (p = 0.001), and active smokers (p = 0.022) demonstrated significantly poorer adherence to the optimal cardiovascular dietary status. Conclusions: The survey indicated that CDQ-2 was a valid and reliable scale to use in cardiovascular patients in Greece. Also, the patients were characterized by suboptimal dietary habits, indicating the need for personalized interventions to improve their dietary habits. Full article

Social innovation has emerged as a prominent strategy in development practice, attracting substantial scholarly attention. In Ethiopia’s pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, characterized by vulnerability and persistent development challenges, non-governmental organizations have begun implementing social innovations as alternatives to traditional interventions. However, the empirical understanding of the uptake of these innovations and the degree to which communities perceive ownership is limited. This study aims to investigate the adoption patterns of social innovations and evaluate community ownership of these innovations towards sustainability in specific Ethiopian contexts. Methods included partial participant observation, 12 case studies, 33 key informant interviews, and a sample survey of 392 respondents. The findings indicate that the average age of respondents is approximately 41 years old, with the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 94. Descriptive and inferential statistics showed that social innovations improved the management of the water system in Meda Wollabu and the enhanced goat market in Dasenech, with a developed sense of ownership benefitting and improving communities’ livelihood and sustainable development. The study concludes that developed sense of community ownership effective information dissemination, relative advantage and participation in training, highlighting the importance of tailored social innovation strategies that enhance community resilience and sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: The cultural and socioeconomic changes to which societies are exposed can alter individuals’ lifestyles and dietary habits. The nutritional patterns of Mediterranean countries may also be affected by these factors at varying levels, depending on the changing social characteristics of the countries. This study aimed to determine Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence among family members from four Mediterranean countries (Türkiye, Spain, Italy, and Lebanon). Methods: The survey was structured around sociodemographic data, family relationships, the Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS), the Mediterranean lifestyle index (MEDLIFE), the Mediterranean diet quality index (KIDMED), and the obstacles and drivers of MedDiet adherence. Results: The data were obtained from adults (n = 812), with the contribution of their children (n = 500) if they had any. According to the MEDAS, 22% of the adults strongly adhered to the MedDiet. Similar results were obtained when Mediterranean lifestyle adherence was analyzed using the MEDLIFE score, with 20% of the adults presenting a strong adherence, while significantly stronger adherence was found in Lebanon than in the other countries. Regarding the children and adolescents, around 30% presented strong adherence to the MedDiet. Price, availability, and accessibility were significant obstacles, whereas the perceptions of health and diet quality were identified as the drivers of the MedDiet. Conclusions: Overall, our results highlight the need for national policies to reduce the economic burden of healthy food options while encouraging equitable access to re-popularize the MedDiet pattern. Future research should focus on intervention strategies tailored to different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, the long-term impact of family-based strategies, and the cultural influences on MedDiet adherence. Full article

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be impacted by various environmental factors: lifestyle habits, food insecurity, social–economic status, and dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with a healthier lifestyle and better health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with better HRQoL in communities with low social and economic statuses living in two social neighborhoods, “Bairro da Rosa” and “Ingote”, in Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 102 citizens currently receiving government social support and attending the “Health Kiosk”, a community center created within the Europe Enabling Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (EU_SHAFE) project enhancing educative sessions and screening by health professionals. The participants answered a 36-item questionnaire about their HRQoL (SF-36) and a 14-item questionnaire about their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS). Spearman correlation analysis between variables and multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of the baseline characteristics and MedDiet adherence on HRQoL scores (SF-36). Results: No statistically significant correlation was found between MedDiet adherence and total HRQoL scores across the eight health concepts. However, age was shown to negatively influence HRQoL, whereas daily physical activity had a positive impact on health. SF-36 physical health concepts exhibited a linear trend with respect to MedDiet adherence, while emotional health concepts showed inconsistent patterns across adherence groups. Education and waist circumference influence HRQoL, with higher levels of education correlating with better quality of life and greater waist circumference being negatively associated with aspects such as energy and vitality. These findings suggest that factors beyond dietary patterns, such as physical activity, education, and body composition, play pivotal roles in shaping HRQoL in disadvantaged communities, emphasizing the need for multifaceted public health interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune disease which lowers a patient’s quality of life. Our study aimed to assess the association between Mediterranean lifestyle and anthropometric measurements in patients with HT. Methods: This study was conducted with 120 female patients previously diagnosed with HT. The ‘Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener-(MEDAS)’ and ‘MEDiterranean LIFEstyle-(MEDLIFE)’ scales were used to assess diet quality and lifestyle. Also, some anthropometric measurements were collected. Spearman’s Correlation Test was used to determine correlations between two quantitative variables. Results: The average age of the participants was 37.49 ± 7.47 years. The average diet quality scores were 7.80 ± 1.93 for MEDAS and the total life quality score was 16.41 ± 3.74 for MEDLIFE. Significant negative correlations were observed between the MEDLIFE total score and hip and waist circumferences, body weight, and body fat (%) (p < 0.05), as well as with the score of physical activity, rest, social habits, and conviviality (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an increase the Mediterranean dietary habits score was associated with a decrease in these measurements (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The MEDLIFE score, beyond only the Mediterranean dietary habits sub-score, was found to be associated with lower anthropometric measurements in patients with HT, who are at higher risk of pre-obesity and obesity. Full article