Search Results (574)

The frequency of specific variants associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases has been extensively studied through genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Differences between populations may be caused by the interaction of several factors, such as environmental and genetic backgrounds. Here, we studied 19 SNPs involved in atherosclerosis (AT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the Azorean and mainland Portuguese populations and compared their frequencies with other European, Asian, and African populations. Results revealed that, although there was no difference between Azorean and mainland populations, eight SNPs in ADAMTS7, PCSK9, APOE, and LDLR genes showed significant statistical differences (χ², p < 0.05) when compared with the European population. The multilocus genetic profile (MGP) analysis demonstrated that 7.4% of mainlanders and 11.2% of Azoreans have a high-risk of developing atherosclerosis. The opposite tendency was observed for venous thromboembolism risk, where the mainland population presented a higher risk (6.5%) than the Azorean population (4.1%). Significant differences in VTE-MGP distribution were found among the Azorean geographic groups (p < 0.05), with the Eastern group showing the highest VTE risk. Conversely, for the risk AT-MGP, the Central group shows the highest risk (12.9%). Taken together, the data suggest a risk of developing a cardiovascular disease consistent with the European population. However, the Azorean-specific genetic background and socio-cultural habits (dietary and sedentary) may explain the differences observed, validating the need to assess the allelic and genotypic frequencies between different populations, especially in small geographical locations, such as the Azores archipelago. In conclusion, these findings can improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of high-risk individuals, and contribute to reducing the lifelong burden of cardiovascular diseases in the Azorean population. Full article

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

As an integral component of humanity’s cultural heritage, traditional villages universally confront challenges such as population loss and cultural discontinuity amid rapid urbanization. Cluster-based protection models have increasingly become the international consensus for addressing the survival crisis of such settlements. This study selects the Central Yunnan region of Southwest China—characterized by its complex geography and multi-ethnic habitation—as the research area. Employing ArcGIS spatial analysis techniques alongside clustering algorithms, we examine the spatial distribution characteristics and clustering patterns of 251 traditional villages within this region. The findings are as follows. In terms of spatial distribution, traditional villages in Central Yunnan are unevenly dispersed, predominantly aggregating on mid-elevation gentle slopes; their locations are chiefly influenced by rivers and historical courier routes, albeit with only indirect dependence on waterways. Regarding single-cluster attributes, the spatial and geomorphological features exhibit a composite “band-and-group” pattern shaped by river valleys; culturally, two dominant modes emerge—“ancient-route-dependent” and “ethnic-symbiosis”—reflecting an economy-driven cultural mechanism alongside latent marginalization risks. Concerning construction characteristics, the “Qionglong-Ganlan” and Han-style “One-seal” residential features stand out, illustrating both adaptation to mountainous environments and the cumulative effects of historical culture. Based on these insights, we propose a three-tiered clustering classification framework—“comprehensive-element coordination”, “feature-led”, and “potential-cultivation”—to inform the development of contiguous and typological protection strategies for traditional villages in highland, multi-ethnic regions. Full article

Background: Accelerated demographic aging in Hungary and across Europe presents significant public health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly in preserving cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Modifiable lifestyle factors—especially dietary habits—play a critical role in brain aging and cognitive decline. Objective: This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which Western dietary patterns contribute to cognitive impairment and neurovascular aging, with specific attention to their relevance in the Hungarian context. It also outlines the rationale and design of the Semmelweis Study and its workplace-based health promotion program targeting lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on Western diet, cognitive decline, cerebrovascular health, and dietary interventions. Emphasis was placed on mechanistic pathways involving systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and decreased neurotrophic support. Key findings: Western dietary patterns—characterized by high intakes of saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and linoleic acid—are associated with elevated levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a lipid peroxidation product linked to neuronal injury and accelerated cognitive aging. In contrast, adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns—particularly those rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil and moderate red wine consumption—supports neurovascular integrity and promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. The concept of “cognitive frailty” is introduced as a modifiable, intermediate state between healthy aging and dementia. Application: The Semmelweis Study is a prospective cohort study involving employees of Semmelweis University aged ≥25 years, collecting longitudinal data on dietary, psychosocial, and metabolic determinants of aging. The Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model translates these findings into practical interventions targeting diet, physical activity, and cardiovascular risk factors in the workplace setting. Conclusions: Improving our understanding of the diet–brain health relationship through population-specific longitudinal research is crucial for developing culturally tailored preventive strategies. The Semmelweis Study offers a scalable, evidence-based model for reducing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging across diverse populations. Full article

This article considers the dilemma between advocating for a religion-based environmentalism in the Himalayas and recognising that the different cultural traditions in the region make a uniform religious environmentalism difficult to uphold. Conservationists often attempt to mobilise local communities for environmental protection by building on their religious and cultural beliefs. Yet, such forms of mobilisation tend to homogenise plural traditions by forcing them within a single fold. What is the way out of this dilemma? I offer some reflections, drawing on my empirical work in the Buddhist Himalayas, and focusing on the case studies of the yak and the black-necked crane respectively, two species which hold a special significance in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Examining these multispecies relations in Arunachal Pradesh reveal not only Buddhist values at work, but plural and evolving entanglements. The question, then, is not to see if the value is religious but if the value is more-than-human in its orientation, taking into account the entangled lives of human and non-human habitations. My broad argument is that an ethics of the environment need neither to be removed from religious ethics, nor enclosed by it. Rather than force environmental thought and behaviour into silos of particular religious traditions or conservation science paradigms, how can one see these as the function of plural habitations? Full article

Background/Objectives: Sports tourism, particularly international running events such as half marathons and marathons, has rapidly grown due to rising health consciousness and active lifestyles. Runners competing abroad face unique nutritional challenges that extend beyond physiological needs, including adaptation to local food cultures and psychosocial factors. This study aims to explore the nutritional difficulties encountered by international runners during competitions abroad, using participants of the Poznan Half Marathon 2025 as a case example. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 international runners from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ukraine. Participants had at least two years of experience competing internationally. Results: Four primary categories of nutritional challenges emerged: (1) quality and availability of food, (2) adaptation to local eating habits and physiological impacts, (3) hydration and access to appropriate fluids, and (4) logistical factors and the interactions between psychological stress, physical well-being, and nutritional choices. These factors influenced runners’ preparation, race-day performance, and recovery, highlighting the complexity of managing nutrition in unfamiliar environments. Conclusions: Nutritional challenges for international runners are multidimensional, requiring flexible and culturally sensitive nutritional strategies. Although these findings offer useful insights, they are based on a small, specific sample and should be generalized with caution. Further research is necessary to explore the broader applicability of the findings and their relevance to diverse athletic populations and contexts. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered consumer habits, particularly in relation to food choices. In this context, plant-based diets have gained prominence, driven by health, environmental, and ethical considerations. This study investigates the primary motivational and inhibitory factors influencing the consumption of plant-based foods among residents of the Galicia–Northern Portugal Euroregion. Utilizing the Theory of Reasoned Action, an extended model was proposed and tested through a quantitative survey. A total of 214 valid responses were collected via an online questionnaire distributed in Portuguese and Spanish. Linear regression analysis revealed that health awareness, animal welfare, and environmental concern significantly shape positive attitudes, which subsequently affect the intention to consume plant-based foods. Additionally, perceived barriers—such as lack of taste and insufficient information—were found to negatively influence intention. These findings contribute to the consumer behavior literature and provide strategic insights for stakeholders aiming to promote more sustainable dietary patterns in culturally connected cross-border regions. Full article

While poetry has long relied on musical and visual elements for its communicative power, numerous contemporary poets are drawing so dramatically on the resources of the visual arts and on elements of musical scoring that their poems become inter-arts hybrids. The interdisciplinary character of environmental writing and its attachment to material conditions of planetary life particularly invite the use of visual and/or audio technologies as documentation or as prompts toward multisensory attention that may shift readers’ perceptions of the more-than-human world. This essay examines four recent works of ecopoetry from the US to explore some of the diverse ways in which, by integrating into volumes of poetry their own visual and musical art, poets are expanding the environmental imagination and enhancing their environmental messaging. The visual and musical elements, I argue, offer fresh perceptual lenses that help break down cognitive habits bolstering separations of Western humans from more-than-human realms or dampening awareness of social and cultural norms that foster environmental degradation and violations of environmental justice. The multi-modal works discussed are Jennifer Scappettone’s The Republic of Exit 43, JJJJJerome Ellis’s Aster of Ceremonies, Danielle Vogel’s Edges & Fray, and Jonathan Skinner’s “Blackbird Stanzas.” Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health (OH) in early childhood is a key determinant of long-term well-being, shaped by parenting-related dietary and hygiene habits. While these influences are well-documented, they remain underexplored among Brazilian immigrant families in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this study was designed to examine how Brazilian immigrant parents’ perceptions and practices regarding diet and oral hygiene affect their preschool-aged children’s OH. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of in-depth interviews with Brazilian immigrant parents of preschool-aged children (ages 2–5) living in the U.S. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed in Brazilian Portuguese. Two native Brazilian researchers experienced in qualitative methods conducted a thematic analysis of the transcripts in Brazilian Portuguese using MAXQDA, a qualitative data analysis software. The analysis focused on identifying key perceptions, parenting practices, and barriers related to children’s diet and OH. Results: Parents strongly associated sugary foods with poor OH, identifying sugar as a major contributor to dental issues. Both mothers and fathers reported limiting sugar intake and encouraging good oral hygiene practices. While parents prioritized educating their children on healthy habits, barriers such as time constraints, reliance on external childcare, and economic limitations affected the consistent implementation of strategies. Conclusions: Brazilian immigrant parents understand the importance of diet and oral hygiene in in supporting their children’s early OH but face barriers in broader social contexts, such as daycare, preschools, and communities. Interventions should aim to support parents in their caregiving roles while simultaneously addressing systemic and environmental obstacles. Public health efforts should account for cultural, economic, and contextual factors to more effectively support Brazilian immigrant families in promoting their children’s OH. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant global public health concern, largely driven by poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and rising obesity rates. In recent years, personalised nutrition (PN) emerged as a promising approach to T2DM prevention and management. This narrative review synthesises current evidence on tailored dietary strategies, including the glycaemic index (GI), glycaemic load (GL), food insulin index (FII), and precision nutrition tools. It further explores their impact on glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity, and adherence to dietary interventions. A structured review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted, taking into account behavioural, cultural, and systemic implementation factors. Although evidence supports the efficacy of PN in improving metabolic outcomes, implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited due to infrastructural, financial, and contextual challenges. This review emphasises the need for context-specific, scalable solutions integrated into primary healthcare systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) is a versatile tool used for the assessment of orofacial function. The aim of this study was to introduce the Polish version of the NOT-S along with the results of its cultural adaptation. Methods: The original NOT-S was validated into the Polish language in accordance with the current questionnaire translation standards, including the cultural adaptation, which consisted of an examination of Polish society. The pilot study, as a cultural adaptation, was carried out among fifty people between the ages of 3 and 34 (Mean—15.8, SD—8.9). Results: During the translation, three word discrepancies were noted, and also many linguistic equivalences, such as semantic, empirical, conceptual, and other differences, were reported. The average total NOT-S score during cultural adaptation was 1.62 (SD 1.16; Range 0–5). Abnormalities in section III, i.e., habits (78%), were found most frequently in the subjects. A thorough data analysis showed statistically significant results in section IV of the interview, i.e., chewing and swallowing (p = 0.00073), and also significant results in section 3 of the examination, i.e., facial expression (p = 0.00006). Conclusions: The Polish version of the NOT-S is linguistically comprehensible and culturally equivalent, and can be used for the examination of children, adolescents, and adults. The findings of this study indicate that orofacial function screening is advisable in the healthy population. Full article

This concept-centric review identifies and synthesizes emerging drivers of Generative AI (GenAI) adoption in education, addressing a critical gap by offering the first structured integration of empirically supported predictors. Based on 27 peer-reviewed studies featuring validated research models, the review distils 11 predictors into a Three-Tier Framework. Core predictors—Performance Expectancy and Trust—consistently influence adoption across contexts. Moderate predictors—Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, Social Influence, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Perceived Compatibility—show variable relevance depending on technological and institutional factors. Emerging predictors—Habit, AI Literacy, Anxiety, and Playfulness—capture evolving socio-technical and individual dynamics, reflecting the rapid development of GenAI technologies. While the current literature offers valuable insights, gaps remain in addressing ethical concerns, barriers to adoption, teacher professional development, student engagement, and the influence of cultural and contextual diversity. The findings emphasize the need to iteratively refine the Three-Tier Framework by incorporating these dimensions and adapting to technological advancements. By consolidating empirical evidence and distinguishing between mature and emerging predictors, this review advances theoretical understanding of technology acceptance in education. It provides a structured foundation for guiding future research, informing policy and practice, and supporting responsible, context-sensitive GenAI integration across diverse educational settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents in Latin America are experiencing rising rates of overweight/obesity and non-communicable diseases, while public health nutrition efforts targeting this group remain limited. This study explores adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and its relationship with micronutrient adequacy and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption. Methods: Cross-sectional data from national nutrition surveys of 19,601 adolescents across six Latin American countries were analyzed. Data on sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and dietary habits were collected using standardized questionnaires and 24 h dietary recalls or food records. Nutrient intake was estimated via statistical modeling, and nutrient adequacy ratios were based on age- and sex-specific requirements. UPF intake was classified using the NOVA system, and adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was assessed with the Planetary Health Diet Index. Results: Overall adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was low (mean score: 28.3%). Rural adolescents had higher adherence than urban adolescents, and those aged 10–13 and 17–19 showed better adherence compared to adolescents aged 14–16. Adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds adhered more than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Adherence varied from 20.2% in Argentina to 30.2% in Brazil and Chile. Higher adherence was associated with lower UPF intake. Among urban adolescents, greater adherence was linked to a higher risk of inadequate riboflavin, niacin, and cobalamin intake, a trend not observed in rural adolescents. Conclusions: Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is low among Latin American adolescents, particularly in urban areas. Public health efforts should prioritize reducing UPF consumption, improving access to nutrient-dense, culturally appropriate foods, and supporting fortified staple foods. Full article

Hirsutism, characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas, presents significant medical and psychosocial challenges in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This narrative review explores the epidemiology, endocrine factors, molecular basis of pathophysiology, cultural influences, and management approaches to hirsutism within the GCC. Regional factors such as consanguinity, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle habits contribute to a higher prevalence of hirsutism and related endocrine disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cultural stigmas surrounding body hair further delay diagnosis and treatment, compounding psychological distress. The review examines the role of androgen excess, genetic susceptibility, and emerging molecular insights, including epigenetic dysregulations. Diagnostic limitations and the need for region-specific screening tools are discussed, alongside the current reliance on pharmacological, cosmetic, and traditional therapies. Public health initiatives targeting stigma reduction and early detection are emphasized. Future recommendations include culturally tailored research, enhanced public awareness, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic strategies to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to guide healthcare practices and inform policy development for the better management of hirsutism in the GCC context. Full article

This narrative review examines adolescents’ perceptions of sustainable dietary characteristics, including local eating, plant-based diets, organic food, and food waste, and how these influence their understanding and behavior. Evidence indicates that adolescents often have simplified conceptions of these practices, which leads to misconceptions. Local food is frequently perceived as inherently more sustainable despite complex factors such as seasonality, production methods, and transportation. Although reducing meat consumption is crucial for environmental impact, adolescents may struggle to understand sustainable protein sources and animal-based foods in various contexts. Although viewed positively, the benefits and limitations of organic food remain poorly understood. Food waste is recognized as significant; however, adolescents often focus on individuals rather than on systemic drivers. Schools play a pivotal role in the promotion of food literacy and sustainable dietary habits. Educational interventions that integrate sustainability into curricula, provide hands-on learning, and engage families can help adolescents to develop critical thinking skills and make informed food choices. Strategies such as promoting a plant-based diet, sourcing local produce, incorporating organic options, and implementing waste reduction programs can create environments that support sustainable eating habits. These efforts must be context-sensitive, culturally relevant, and grounded in understanding food systems. By empowering adolescents to question assumptions, recognize complexities, and take action, schools can cultivate a generation capable of leading the transition towards healthier and more sustainable diets. Full article