Search Results (2,009)

Vascular diseases remain a major global health burden despite remarkable technological advances in vascular surgery and endovascular therapies. Conditions such as peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid stenosis, chronic venous disease, diabetic vasculopathies, and vascular chronic ulcers are not only biological entities but are deeply shaped by social structures, cultural norms, and economic inequalities. This article introduces Vascular Sociology as an interdisciplinary field that integrates vascular surgery with medical sociology to provide a more comprehensive understanding of vascular health and disease. Drawing on classical and contemporary sociological theory, including concepts such as social determinants of health, embodiment, illness narratives, and the disease–illness–sickness triad, the article argues that vascular pathology reflects cumulative social exposures across the life course. Socially patterned behaviors, work conditions, food environments, healthcare access, gender norms, and geographic inequalities profoundly influence disease onset, progression, treatment decisions, and outcomes. The paper highlights how surgical success is contingent not only on technical excellence but also on patients’ social contexts, including health literacy, trust in institutions, caregiving resources, and the capacity to adhere to long-term follow-up and rehabilitation. By outlining conceptual foundations, epidemiological evidence, and mixed-methods research strategies, the article positions Vascular Sociology as a framework capable of bridging biomedical knowledge with lived experience. This approach expands the definition of vascular outcomes to include social reintegration, identity transformation, and equity of care, ultimately aiming to improve patient-centered practice, reduce disparities, and inform more socially responsive vascular health policies. Full article

Purpose: A growing body of evidence has emerged on the role of diet for health outcomes in cancer survivors. Patients transitioning to post-treatment care may seek guidance on dietary changes, and summaries of the evidence for dietary patterns recommended by guidelines can support providers in effectively answering questions. Increasing evidence suggests that food choices impact planetary health. Plant-based diets are one eating pattern that may improve patient outcomes and planetary health. Methods: We performed a literature review and used narrative reporting to summarize evidence for plant-based diets and offer specific guidance for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients who are post-diagnosis. Specifically, we reviewed impacts on recurrence, all-cause, and cancer-specific mortality. Results: Increased fibre intake by consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, as well as reduced colon cancer-specific mortality. Replacing refined grains with whole grains is associated with improved disease-free survival for colon cancer survivors. Higher tree nut consumption is associated with improved disease-free survival for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors. Soy is safe to consume for breast cancer survivors and is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence. Conversely, more Western dietary patterns high in processed meat intake are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer recurrence and prostate cancer mortality. There are also environmental benefits of a shift towards plant-based diets to address the adverse health outcomes associated with climate change and its potential impact on cancer care delivery as previously outlined in a 2024 ASCO policy statement. Conclusions: Based on the best existing evidence, providers can suggest that patients consider plant-based dietary patterns in the post-treatment phase of their cancer care to support health outcomes and planetary health. Full article

Hemp is a high-yield crop traditionally cultivated for fiber used in products such as paper, textiles, ropes, and animal bedding, and more recently for sustainable applications in biofuels, insulation, and bioplastics. Beyond fiber, hemp is rich in phytochemicals. More than 500 compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, phenolics, phytosterols, and tocopherols are accumulated in leaves, flowers, and seeds, which are typically considered waste products in the fiber industry. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial properties, which have stimulated research into their pharmaceutical potential. However, hemp phytochemicals also find applications in other industrial sectors, including agrochemistry as natural insecticides, cosmetics for skin and hair care, and food and dietary supplements due to their associated health benefits. In light of this, the present review aims to give an overview of the available literature on the most common applications of hemp tissues, hemp extract, and purified hemp phytochemicals in agrochemical, cosmetic, and food sectors. This will be helpful to critically assess the current state of knowledge in this field and contribute to the ongoing debate over the natural and sustainable applications of hemp by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food is Medicine (FIM) programs have been shown to be effective at addressing food and nutrition insecurity among individuals. However, more evidence is needed to determine effective interventions at the household level and their impact on child health outcomes. Feeding the Family is a randomized controlled trial which aims to determine whether the amount of food provided and the ability to select foods in FIM interventions have an incremental effect on child and caregiver clinical outcomes relative to nutrition counseling alone. The objective of this paper is to describe the population at baseline among those enrolled in Feeding the Family, an FIM family intervention. Methods: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial (pRCT) with a 2 × 2 factorial study design was used at an urban primary care clinic. Participants were randomized into one of four arms for a 3-month intervention: (1) medically tailored meals (MTMs), (2) grocery prescription (GP), (3) combined MTMs + GP, and (4) delayed control. Primary outcomes consisted of child and caregiver biomarkers (BMI, blood pressure, A1c, LDL, and HDL). Secondary outcomes included child and caregiver dietary behaviors, nutrition security, and food security. Spearman correlations and Kruskal–Wallis rank sum tests determined correlations between caregiver and child biomarkers, as well as correlations between caregiver socioeconomic factors and child outcomes, respectively. Results: Thirty-one caregivers and fifty-one children were enrolled. Nearly 90% of caregivers reported low–very low household food security; 93.6% experienced ongoing financial strain. Several caregiver–child biomarker correlations were observed, including caregiver and child BMI (r = 0.59, p = 0.043), caregiver LDL and child A1c (r = −0.79, p = 0.004), and caregiver total cholesterol and child BMI (r = −0.62, p = 0.032). In addition, food assistance status was associated with child vegetable intake (H = 6.16, df = 2, p = 0.046), and caregiver food security score was associated with child food security score (H = 18.31, df = 9, p = 0.032). Conclusions: There are robust correlations between caregiver and child clinical outcomes at baseline. These findings underscore the need for FIM research to examine how a tailored program can improve the clinical outcomes of entire households to address health disparities effectively. Full article

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in animal production, offering novel strategies to enhance productivity, health, and product quality. Among trace elements, selenium (Se) plays an essential role in antioxidant defence, immune regulation, and redox balance through its incorporation into selenoproteins. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), synthesized via chemical, physical, or biological methods, have shown superior bioavailability, stability, and lower toxicity compared to traditional organic and inorganic selenium forms. This review explores the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and metabolic fate of SeNPs, emphasizing their advantages in poultry production systems. In poultry, SeNPs exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-stress effects by enhancing the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and thioredoxin reductase, thereby mitigating lipid peroxidation and oxidative tissue damage. Their immunomodulatory effects are linked to improved lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine regulation, and increased immunoglobulin levels under normal and stress conditions. SeNP supplementation has been associated with enhanced growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and reproductive outcomes in broilers, layers, and quails. Furthermore, selenium nanoparticles have demonstrated therapeutic potential in preventing or alleviating chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders. SeNPs also serve as biofortification agents, increasing selenium deposition in poultry meat and eggs, thus improving their nutritional value for human consumption. However, selenium’s narrow safety margin requires careful dose optimization to avoid potential toxicity. This review highlights the multifaceted benefits of selenium nanoparticles in poultry nutrition and health, while underscoring the need for further studies on grey SeNPs, long-term safety, and regulatory frameworks. Integrating SeNPs into poultry production represents a promising strategy to bridge animal health, food security, and public nutrition. Full article

People with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately affected by diet-related health inequalities. This Perspective outlines a dual challenge: (1) intrinsic vulnerabilities—cognitive limitations, health-literacy constraints, and comorbidities—that impair individuals’ ability to make healthy dietary choices, and (2) extrinsic neglect—insufficient support in care environments, inadequate nutrition-related training among informal caregivers and support staff, and structural gaps in policy and services. We argue that this “double jeopardy” undermines nutritional equity and proposes strategies for person-centered nutrition education, caregiver empowerment, supportive food environments, and inclusive policy frameworks. Greater interdisciplinary collaboration and tailored research are urgently needed to ensure nutritional health as a right for people with intellectual disabilities. Full article

As an emerging threat to global food security, wheat blast necessitates the development of a rapid and field-deployable detection system to facilitate early diagnosis, enable effective management, and prevent its further spread to new regions. In this study, we aimed to validate and improve a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification coupled with PCRD lateral flow detection (RPA-PCRD strip assay) kit for the rapid and specific identification of Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) in field samples. The assay demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, detecting as low as 10 pg/µL of target DNA, and exhibited no cross-reactivity with M. oryzae Oryzae (MoO) isolates and other major fungal phytopathogens under the genera of Fusarium, Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, and Botrydiplodia. The method successfully detected MoT in wheat leaves as early as 4 days post-infection (DPI), and in infected spikes, seeds, and alternate hosts. Furthermore, by combining a simplified polyethylene glycol-NaOH method for extracting DNA from plant samples, the entire RPA-PCRD strip assay enabled the detection of MoT within 30 min with no specialized equipment and high technical skills at ambient temperature (37–39 °C). When applied to field samples, it successfully detected MoT in naturally infected diseased wheat plants from seven different fields in a wheat blast hotspot district, Meherpur, Bangladesh. Training 52 diverse stakeholders validated the kit’s field readiness, with 88% of trainees endorsing its user-friendly design. This method offers a practical, low-cost, and portable point-of-care diagnostic tool suitable for on-site genomic surveillance, integrated management, seed health testing, and quarantine screening of wheat blast in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, the RPA-PCRD platform serves as an early warning modular diagnostic template that can be readily adapted to detect a wide array of phytopathogens by integrating target-specific genomic primers. Full article

Background: Oral food challenges (OFCs) are still the reference standard for confirming food allergy, yet the influence of previous anaphylaxis on challenge outcomes remains uncertain. Patients with a history of anaphylaxis are often considered at higher risk, which may affect the clinical decision-making process. This study aimed to identify predictors of OFC failure stratified by a history of anaphylaxis, given that prior investigations have predominantly considered anaphylaxis as an overall risk factor, without delineating distinct risk factor profiles according to anaphylaxis history. Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of standard-of-care pediatric OFCs to cow’s milk and hen’s egg white. Eligible children had suspected or confirmed IgE-mediated allergy to cow’s milk protein (CMP) or hen’s egg white protein (HEWP) and were stratified by the presence or absence of previous anaphylaxis to the challenged food. Clinical data were compared between groups. Open OFCs were conducted under inpatient supervision with full emergency support. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between comorbidities, specific IgE (sIgE) concentrations and OFC outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis evaluated diagnostic accuracy of sIgE concentrations in predicting OFC outcomes. Results: The analysis included 192 pediatric patients undergoing OFCs: 106 to CMP and 86 to HEWP. Six challenges (3.1%) were inconclusive, giving 186 valid results. The overall OFC failure rate was 32.3%. Patients with a past history of anaphylaxis more frequently underwent cow’s milk challenges (p = 0.01). Atopic dermatitis was a more common comorbidity in those without prior anaphylaxis (p = 0.04), regardless of the trigger. In hen’s egg challenges, children with a history of anaphylaxis reacted to significantly lower cumulative doses (p = 0.03) than patients without. Atopic dermatitis was identified as a predictor of OFC failure in children without prior anaphylaxis (p = 0.02), and asthma as a borderline predictor in those with previous systemic reactions (p = 0.05). Specific IgE concentrations correlated with OFC outcomes across allergens, with casein-sIgE showing the highest discriminative performance (AUC = 0.81) in children without previous anaphylaxis. Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis and asthma were identified as potential risk factors influencing OFC outcomes, depending on the patient’s history of anaphylaxis. The predictive accuracy of sIgE was different in groups stratified by presence of prior anaphylaxis, and the relationship between sIgE concentration and clinical reactivity was not identical across the two subpopulations. Casein-sIgE showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in children without previous severe reactions to CMP. Presence of anaphylactic reactions in the past is an important consideration when selecting children for OFCs to CMP and HEWP, since it delineates distinct risk factors for challenge failure in these patient populations. Full article

Gut microbial metabolites play a crucial role in modulating cognitive function. In a previous animal study, oral administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MWFLp-182 (L. plantarum MWFLp-182) significantly increased inosine levels in both the serum and feces of D-galactose (D-gal)-induced mice, which was accompanied by improved cognitive performance. Building on this finding, we further investigated the neuroprotective mechanisms of inosine derived from L. plantarum MWFLp-182 in alleviating D-gal-induced neuronal damage in HT-22 cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the addition of inosine (250 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL), which considerably reduces oxidative stress induced by D-gal (20 mg/mL), on the regulation of mRNA expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway factors. Compared to the D-gal group, the inosine-treated group exhibited a 4.3-fold and 8.7-fold increase in HO-1 and Nrf2 levels, respectively. Furthermore, inosine alleviates neuroinflammation by modulating the mRNA expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Compared to the D-gal group, the inosine-treated group showed reductions of 41.75%, 28.29%, and 32.17% in TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB levels, respectively. Moreover, immunofluorescence staining revealed that inosine exhibits anti-apoptotic properties by enhancing the levels of neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while simultaneously lowering the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein bcl-2-associated X (Bax). These findings suggest that inosine, a differentially expressed metabolite identified in a probiotic-intervention mouse model, alleviates D-gal-induced neuronal damage in HT-22 cells by modulating oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways, providing mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective effects of this metabolite. Full article

Amid escalating ecological degradation, social fragmentation, and rising mental health challenges—especially in rural and agricultural communities—there is an urgent need to reimagine systems that support both planetary and human flourishing. This viewpoint examines an emerging paradigm in agriculture that emphasizes the role of farmers’ inner development in fostering practices that enhance ecological health, community well-being, and a resilient food system. A key goal is to draw more academic attention to growing community calls for more holistic, relational, and spiritually grounded approaches to food systems as an important focus for ongoing research. Drawing on diverse case studies from Japan, India, and Europe, we examine how small-scale and natural farming initiatives are integrating inner development, universal human values, and ecological consciousness. These case studies were developed and/or refined through a program led by the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that seeks to integrate inner transformation with sustainable food systems change. The initiatives are intended as illustrative examples of how agriculture can transcend its conventional, anthropocentric role as a food production system to become a site for cultivating deeper self-awareness, spiritual connection, and regenerative relationships with nature. Participants in these cases reported significant shifts in mindset—from materialistic and extractive worldviews to more relational and value-driven orientations rooted in care, cooperation, and sustainability. Core practices such as mindfulness, experiential learning, and spiritual ecology helped reframe farming as a holistic process that nurtures both land and life. These exploratory case studies suggest that when farmers are supported in aligning with inner values and natural systems, they become empowered as agents of systemic change. By linking personal growth with planetary stewardship, these models offer pathways toward more integrated, life-affirming approaches to agriculture and future academic research. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a state of persistent, sterile low-grade inflammation in which sustained innate immune activation accelerates renal decline and cardiovascular complications. Diet-induced gut dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction lower mucosal immune tolerance, promote metabolic endotoxemia, and position the gut as an upstream modulator of systemic inflammatory signaling along the gut–kidney axis. Scope: Most studies address microbiota-derived metabolites, food-derived bioactive peptides, or omega-3 fatty acids separately. This review integrates evidence across these domains and examines their convergent actions on epithelial barrier integrity, immune polarization, oxidative-inflammatory stress, and inflammasome-dependent pathways relevant to CKD progression. Key mechanisms: CKD-associated dysbiosis is characterized by reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and increased generation and accumulation of uremic toxins and co-metabolites, including indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, trimethylamine N-oxide, and altered bile acids. Reduced SCFA availability weakens tight junction-dependent barrier function and regulatory immune programs, favoring Th17-skewed inflammation and endotoxin translocation. Bioactive peptides modulate inflammatory mediator networks and barrier-related pathways through effects on NF-κB/MAPK signaling and redox balance, while omega-3 fatty acids and specialized pro-resolving mediators support resolution-phase immune responses. Across these modalities, shared control points include barrier integrity, metabolic endotoxemia, oxidative stress, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: Although evidence remains heterogeneous and largely preclinical, combined nutritional modulation targeting these convergent pathways may offer greater immunomodulatory benefit than isolated interventions. Future multi-omics-guided, factorial trials are required to define responder phenotypes and translate precision immunonutrition strategies into clinical CKD care. Full article

Antimicrobials are common drugs used to treat and prevent infectious diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Since their discovery in the mid-20th century, their use has dramatically increased for the benefit of humanity, and also for animal care. However, antimicrobial resistance soon appeared, which, according to the WHO, will limit or impede their use at the horizon of 2050. Indeed, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a natural phenomenon in bacteria increased dramatically over the last 3 decades mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and plants. Apart from affecting human health, drug-resistant diseases also adversely affect plant and animal health, reduce agricultural productivity, and threaten food security. AMR affects all countries, regardless of economic status, and imposes high costs on health systems and national economies. Therefore, antimicrobial resistance should be studied and analyzed under the One Health paradigm. In mind of the One Health paradigm, to reduce and overcome AMR, we must take at least 3 complementary and integrated actions: (i) monitoring the resistome; (ii) developing protective strategies against antibiotic resistance; (iii) taking curative actions by designing new and original treatments. Moreover, the three actions must be conducted simultaneously due to the continuous adaptation of bacteria. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) contamination constitutes a paramount global threat to food safety, necessitating the urgent development of advanced, rapid, and non-destructive detection methodologies to ensure food security. This study successfully synthesized Bi₂WO₆ nanoflowers through optimized feed ratios of raw materials and further functionalized them with noble metal Au to construct a high-performance Au-Bi₂WO₆ composite nanomaterial. The composite exhibited high sensing performance toward acetoin, including high sensitivity (R_a/R_g = 36.9@50 ppm), rapid response–recovery kinetics (13/12 s), and excellent selectivity. Through UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations, efficient electron exchange between Au and Bi₂WO₆ was confirmed. This electron exchange increased the initial resistance of the material, effectively enhancing the response value toward the target gas. Furthermore, the chemical sensitization effect of Au significantly increased the surface-active oxygen content, promoted gas–solid interfacial reactions, and improved the adsorption capacity for target gases. Compared to conventional turbidimetry, the Au-Bi₂WO₆ nanoflower-based gas sensor demonstrates superior practical potential, offering a novel technological approach for non-destructive and rapid detection of foodborne pathogens. Full article

Background/Objective: This study investigated the associations between dietary patterns and subjective cognitive function among older Japanese adults and examined whether these associations differed according to sleep duration. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study was conducted using data from the Community Empowerment and Care study (2017–2020). Data were obtained from the Community Empowerment and Care Study of the T-Village, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Latent class analysis was used to identify dietary patterns based on the intake frequencies of seven food groups. Logistic regression models assessed the associations between dietary patterns and subjective cognitive function stratified by sleep duration (optimal: 7–8 h; unfavorable: <7 or >8 h). Results: Three dietary patterns were identified (diverse, balanced, restricted). Compared with the restricted pattern, the diverse (odds ratio = 0.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.26; p < 0.0001) and balanced patterns (odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.18–0.62; p = 0.0006) were associated with lower odds of poor subjective cognitive function. Associations were broadly similar across sleep groups, and interaction testing was not significant. Conclusions: Dietary quality was associated with better subjective cognitive function, particularly among older adults with unfavorable sleep duration. The study findings underscore the need for integrated lifestyle interventions that target both nutrition and sleep in aging populations. Full article

The widespread use of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary care, and livestock production has resulted in their frequent detection in diverse environmental and food matrices, making continuous surveillance of antibiotic residues in food products essential for consumer protection. In this study, a sustainable analytical method based on dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS was developed for the trace determination of sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, and enrofloxacin in commercial cow milk and chicken eggs. A natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of anisaldehyde and octanoic acid (2:1, molar ratio) was employed as a biodegradable extraction solvent, and key extraction parameters were systematically optimized. Under optimized conditions, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (R² ≥ 0.9982), recoveries of 89.5–98.7%, and RSDs ≤ 6.04%. Application to 44 commercial samples from the Saudi market revealed sulfamethoxazole as the most frequently detected antibiotic, occurring in 90% of egg samples (2.17–13.76 µg kg⁻¹) and 70.8% of milk samples (0.26–26.67 µg L⁻¹). A comprehensive evaluation using ten metrics confirmed the method’s greenness, practicality, analytical performance, and innovation. Overall, the proposed NADES–DLLME–UHPLC–MS/MS approach offers a rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for routine monitoring of antibiotic residues in food matrices. Full article