Search Results (1,714)

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition. Full article

The market for plant-based alternatives to animal foods has increased rapidly in the past decade, mainly due to consumer demand. Little evidence is available regarding nutritional impacts, drivers, and barriers to using these products as substitutes for animal foods in real-life conditions. This pilot study followed 16 Danish adults (30 ± 11 years old; 11 females) for 4 weeks with substituting milk, cheese, and yogurt with plant-based analogues to dairy (PBADs) and assessed their drivers and barriers to applying the intervention with a mixed-method approach. PBADs are constantly compared to their animal counterparts, both regarding product characteristics, such as price and sensory properties, as well as cultural roles and subjective memories. The mixed methods showed dairy attachment, price, and taste were the main barriers to consuming PBAD, while changes in life and social circles were drivers (qualitative data). As for the liking of PBADs, plant-based yoghurt was the preferred intervention product (73.5/100, p < 0.05), followed by plant-based drinks (65.9/100), while plant-based cheese was the lowest rated (47.9/100, p < 0.05). As for dietary changes, a lower average intake of sugars, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc was observed after the intervention. Additionally, this study describes the attachment of the study population to milk and dairy products. It shows that choosing dairy is beyond nourishment but is connected to tradition, culture, pleasure, memories, and a sense of belonging. In contrast, there is no history or attachment to PBADs. Full article

Broad bean is one of the most important leguminous crops worldwide. However, its productivity is greatly affected by the infestation of Aphis fabae and Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The main objective of the current study was to identify the most susceptible phenological stages of the broad bean variety (Histal) against black aphids’ herbivory. This had been achieved through an evaluation of plant resistance mechanisms such as antixenosis and antibiosis. The results regarding an antixenosis test revealed that the four tested phenological stages of V. faba did not have a significant effect on the preference of A. craccivora and A. fabae towards the crop plant. Overall, a slightly higher number of adults settled on the three and four unfolded leaves’ stage of the crop plant. Similarly, the highest number of developed embryos were found in the four leaves’ stage of the crop, and the lowest in the second leaf stage. The adult body size of A. craccivora was slightly larger in the case of the three unfolded leaves. Furthermore, the maximum body size of A. fabae adults was recorded in the case of the first unfolded leaf stage crop. Linear correlations between the biological parameters for both species revealed only one significant relationship between developed and total embryos for A. craccivora. The results of the current study highlight the need to protect broad bean crops against infestations of black aphids, i.e., A. craccivora and A. fabae. This is essential for reducing direct damage and preventing the transmission of phytoviruses. However, future studies should aim to evaluate the susceptibility of all developmental phenological stages of the crop against black aphids to mitigate potential crop losses. Full article

Background: The relationship between sports participation and food preferences in adults, as well as the influence of gender, is still unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sports participation and individual food preferences and to explore potential gender differences among sports participants in a large group of Italian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2665 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who lead normal lives and underwent a routine lifestyle and dietary assessment at a clinical centre specialising in nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle counselling in Rome. Participants completed an online questionnaire on food preferences (19 foods) and sports practice. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and smoking, were used to assess associations. Results: Sports participation was defined as engaging in structured physical activity at least once per week and was reported by 53.5% of subjects (men: 60.1%; women: 49.0%; p < 0.0001). After adjustment, active individuals were significantly more likely to prefer plant-based drinks, low-fat yoghurt, fish, cooked and raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate (all p < 0.05) and less likely to prefer cow’s milk (p = 0.018). Among sport participants, males were more likely to prefer meat (general, white, red, processed) and eggs, while females preferred plant-based drinks. No significant gender differences were observed for dairy products, legumes, or fish. Differences in food preferences were also observed according to the type of sport, with bodybuilders showing higher preference for tofu and dark chocolate. The strongest associations were found in the 25–44 age group. Conclusions: Sports participation is independently associated with specific food preferences, characterised by greater preference for plant-based and fibre-rich foods, and gender differences in food choices persist even among active adults. These findings highlight the need to consider both sports participation and gender when designing nutritional interventions. Full article

Fusarium diseases are among the most dangerous fungal diseases of plants. To date, there are no plant protectants that completely prevent fusariosis. Current breeding trends are therefore focused on increasing genetic resistance. While global modern maize breeding relies on various molecular genetics techniques, they are useless without a precise characterization of genomic regions that determine plant physiological responses to fungi. The aim of this study was thus to characterize the expression of candidate genes that were previously reported by our team as harboring markers linked to fusarium resistance in maize. The plant material included one susceptible and four resistant varieties. Biotic stress was induced in adult plants by inoculation with fungal spores under controlled conditions. qRT-PCR was performed. The analysis focused on four genes that encode for GDSL esterase/lipase (LOC100273960), putrescine hydroxycinnamyltransferase (LOC103649226), peroxidase 72 (LOC100282124), and uncharacterized protein (LOC100501166). Their expression showed differences between analyzed time points and varieties, peaking at 6 hpi. The resistant varieties consistently showed higher levels of expression compared to the susceptible variety, indicating their stronger defense responses. Moreover, to better understand the function of these genes, their expression in various organs and tissues was also evaluated using publicly available transcriptomic data. Our results are consistent with literature reports that clearly indicate the involvement of these genes in the resistance response to fusarium. Thus, they further emphasize the high usefulness of the previously selected markers in breeding programs to select fusarium-resistant maize genotypes. Full article

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are well known for their roles in herbivore deterrence and attraction of natural enemies, but their direct impact on insect reproduction remains largely unexplored. In this study, we provide novel evidence that two representative HIPVs, 2-heptanol and α-cedrene, exert opposing effects on the reproduction of Chilo suppressalis, a major rice pest. While both volatiles repelled adults, α-cedrene unexpectedly enhanced oviposition, whereas 2-heptanol significantly suppressed egg laying. To examine these effects, we conducted oviposition assays, preoviposition and longevity tests, combined with qPCR and transcriptome analyses to explore underlying molecular responses. Mechanistically, α-cedrene upregulated Kr-h1, a gene linked to juvenile hormone signaling and vitellogenesis, promoting reproductive investment. Transcriptomic profiling revealed divergent molecular responses: α-cedrene activated reproductive pathways, whereas 2-heptanol induced stress- and immune-related genes, suggesting a trade-off between stress defense and reproduction. These findings demonstrate that HIPVs can exert compound-specific reproductive effects beyond repellency. This work fills a key knowledge gap and highlights the potential of HIPVs as precision tools in pest management strategies that exploit behavioral and physiological vulnerabilities beyond repellency. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

The tolerance of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) to plant-derived secondary compounds gradually increases with instars. Therefore, even if plant-based additives are applied at early stages, such as the second or third instar, they may have a differential impact on the ecofriendly control of S. frugiperda. In this study, S. frugiperda larvae were exposed to vanillic acid or sinapic acid at the second and third instar, and physiological and growth parameters were measured. The results showed that the effects of vanillic acid treatment on S. frugiperda were similar at the different instars. They can significantly affect the larval carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and mixed-function oxidase activities. By reducing larval food intake, food conversion, and utilization efficiency while increasing the food consumption rate, it inhibits weight accumulation. This leads to a significant extension of the development of both the larval and pupal stages, and the adult longevity was reduced. Treatment with sinapic acid at the second instar extended the negative effects on the pupal duration of S. frugiperda when compared to treatment at the third instar, but did not affect adult longevity. Therefore, vanillic acid treatment at the second or third instar stage, can play an important role in the ecofriendly control process of S. frugiperda. The results of this study are of great significance for integrated pest management. Full article

We present a model that integrates the mapping of the phenology and climatic suitability for the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), to provide guidance on when and where to conduct surveillance and management of this highly invasive pest. The model was designed for use in the Degree-Day, Establishment Risk, and Phenological Event Maps (DDRP) platform, which is an open-source decision support tool to help to detect, monitor, and manage invasive threats. We validated the model using presence records and phenological observations derived from monitoring studies and the iNaturalist database. The model performed well, with more than >99.9% of the presence records included in the potential distribution for North America, a large proportion of the iNaturalist observations correctly predicted, and a low error rate for dates of the first appearance of adults. Cold and heat stresses were insufficient to exclude the SLF from most areas of the conterminous United States (CONUS), but an inability for the pest to complete its life cycle in cold areas may hinder establishment. The appearance of adults occurred several months earlier in warmer regions of North America and Europe, which suggests that host plants in these areas may experience stronger feeding pressure. The near-real-time forecasts produced by the model are available at USPest.org and the USA National Phenology Network to support decision making for the CONUS. Forecasts of egg hatch and the appearance of adults are particularly relevant for surveillance to prevent new establishments and for managing existing populations. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a pervasive pest of humans throughout the world. Insecticide resistance, cryptic habits, and proclivity for harborage on human belongings have contributed to its global status as a difficult pest to control. Leaves from common bean plants, Phaseolus vulgaris L., which include numerous trichomes, have traditionally been used to capture wandering bed bugs in southeastern Europe. However, fresh leaves rapidly desiccate once removed from plants, losing their trapping ability. A leaf-derived trapping material was developed that does not desiccate as rapidly as fresh leaves and retains the potential to trap bed bugs. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the leaf-derived material in capturing bed bugs. We tested the leaf-derived material in both horizontal and vertical orientations, using fresh bean leaves as positive controls. When deployed horizontally, the leaf-derived material captured bed bugs of all life stages and both sexes (adults). Leaf-derived material was also found to capture bed bugs in a vertical orientation (only evaluated for adult male bed bugs). Because this experimental leaf-derived material was effective in both horizontal and vertical orientations and against all life stages, it may have great potential for development into bed bug monitoring or exclusion devices. Full article

Bombus haematurus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), which arrived from the Balkan Peninsula, was first reported in Italy in 2020 in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (FVG) (northeastern Italy) near the border with Slovenia. To study the spread and biology of the species, a survey was conducted at several sites of the FVG in the period 2023–2025. Bombus haematurus was recorded at 22 new sites across all four districts of the FVG (Trieste, Gorizia, Udine, and Pordenone), indicating its expansion towards the west. Bumblebees of this species were detected in plain and hilly areas at sites between 10 and 364 m a.s.l. They were observed more frequently at forest edges, undergrowth paths or clearings and meadows adjacent to woods, confirming the species is hylophilous. The activity of adults from February to July confirms that the bumblebee is an univoltine spring species. Specimens were observed foraging on the flowers of 19 wild and ornamental plants belonging to 12 families (in particular, Lamiaceae), confirming that the species is polylectic. The data collected indicate that B. haematurus are permanently established in the FVG and that a further spread of the species towards the west in the neighbouring Veneto region is likely. Full article

Studying the nutritional ecology of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) at different temperatures is a fundamental tool for improving mass production for use in biological control of pest mites. The current research studied the impact of both food types and temperatures on the life history and demographic parameters of the predator mite N. cucumeris. Mite cultures in the laboratory were developed using Tetranychus urticae Koch, and N. cucumeris was collected from field plants. The developmental stages of N. cucumeris fed on date palm pollen and the immature stages of T. urticae were investigated in a laboratory setting at different temperatures. Our research revealed that N. cucumeris readily accepted both food types at all the tested temperatures. The developmental stages and adult longevity of N. cucumeris, both female and male, decreased dramatically when the temperature increased from 18 °C to 34 °C. The net reproductive rate (R₀) reached its greatest values of 22.52 and 9.72 offspring/individual at 26 °C, and the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) reached its maximum values of 0.17 and 0.13 day⁻¹ at 34 °C and minimum of 0.12 and 0.10 day⁻¹ at 18 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. Conversely, the average generation time (T) showed a notable reduction from 22.48 to 16.48 and 20.88 to 16.76 days, accompanied by an upsurge in temperature from 18 °C to 34 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. The finite rate of growth (λ) exhibited distinct variations, reaching its highest value at 34 °C, 26 °C, and 18 °C when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. From these results, we can conclude that N. cucumeris was successfully fed date palm pollen as an alternate source of nourishment. In addition, the immature stages of T. urticae are suitable as food sources for N. cucumeris because they shorten the mean generation time. Therefore, the success of mass-rearing the predator mite N. cucumeris on a different, less expensive diet, such as date palm pollen, and determining the most suitable temperature for it has increased its spread as a biocontrol agent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Being overweight and obesity are major public health concerns that demand effective nutritional strategies for weight and body composition management. Beyond excess weight, these conditions are closely linked to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis, all of which contribute to cardiometabolic risk. Polyphenols—bioactive compounds in plant-based foods—may support improvements in body composition and metabolic health by modulating gut microbiota, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of polyphenol-rich interventions on gut microbiota composition, in combination with either oxidative stress or inflammatory biomarkers, and their potential impact on body composition in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted through May 2025. Eligible randomized controlled trials included adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) receiving polyphenol-rich interventions, with reported outcomes on gut microbiota and at least one inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarker. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Thirteen trials (n = 670) met inclusion criteria. Polyphenol supplementation significantly reduced circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPSs; SMD = −0.56; 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.02; p < 0.04), indicating improved gut barrier function. Effects on cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and CRP were inconsistent. Catalase activity improved significantly (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.28; p < 0.001), indicating enhanced antioxidant defense. Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased butyrate (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.96; p < 0.001) and acetate (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.75; p < 0.01), supporting prebiotic effects. However, no significant changes were observed in BMI or body weight. Conclusions: Polyphenol supplementation in overweight or obese adults may reduce metabolic endotoxemia, boost antioxidant activity, and promote SCFAs production. Effects on inflammation and body weight remain unclear. Further long-term trials are needed. Full article

Dietary protein is an essential macronutrient derived from both plant and animal sources required for muscle building, immune function, and wound healing. However, in the United States, protein consumption worsens as individuals age, with 30% of men and 50% of women over 71 consuming inadequate dietary protein due to a variety of factors, including changes in gut function, loss of appetite, tooth loss, financial concerns, and social isolation. The aim of this review is to underscore the need for increased protein requirements in aging populations, highlight potential barriers, synthesize these protein requirements, and also recommend strategies to meet these increased protein needs. Achieving adequate protein status, especially when facing chronic or acute health concerns, is essential to promote muscle and bone strength (because aging is associated with significant decreases in postprandial muscle protein synthesis), to support immune health (due to immunosenescence), and to maintain a good quality of life. For older adults, the literature suggests that a dietary protein intake of at least 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day is required in healthy, aging populations, and intakes of 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day are necessary for those with chronic or acute conditions. These protein intake recommendations can increase to 2.0 g/kg/day in more severe cases of illness, malnutrition, and chronic conditions. The reviewed literature also suggests that evenly balanced protein distributions of 25–30 g of dietary protein (0.4 g/kg) per meal from animal and plant protein sources alike are sufficient to maximize muscle protein synthesis (MPS) rates in older populations. Additionally, pre-sleep protein feeds of 40 g/night may be another strategy to improve daily MPS and amino acid utilization. Full article