Search Results (839)

Food security among college students is an increasing concern, with potential implications for their health, academic performance, and future well-being. This study investigated food security within a college community in Mexico, focusing on food availability, access (both economic and physical), and consumption patterns. A mixed-methods approach was employed at Ciudad Universitaria, BUAP, Mexico, between 2023 and 2024. Stratified random sampling was used, resulting in a final sample of 606 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, the ELCSA, structured cafeteria observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and three focus groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment confirmed that origin (p = 0.0017), mode of transportation (p = 2.31 × 10⁻⁵) and private vehicles (p = 1.77 × 10⁻⁵) were the key determinants. Although the environment offered a variety of options, processed and ultra-processed products dominated the food choices. A total of 95.9% of students purchased food on campus, yet only 21.8% reported engaging in healthy eating habits. Focus groups revealed that students’ food choices were influenced by availability, access, and perceptions of affordability and convenience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve food security and promote healthier dietary practices within the college setting. Full article

Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, with its prevalence increasing at an alarming rate globally. While individual factors such as diet and physical inactivity are well-known contributors, the built environment, particularly housing, plays a critical yet understudied role in shaping obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the multilayered relationship between housing and obesity, focusing on built and neighborhood environment, affordability, and the social environment. Poor housing quality, such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, can potentially lead to chronic stress and sedentary behaviors, while housing design influences physical activity through characteristics such as design features and outdoor spaces. Housing location affects access to amenities such as parks and healthy food options, with disparities in access contributing to obesity in low-income areas. Similarly, neighborhood walkability, influenced by infrastructure and land use, encourages active transportation and recreation. Housing affordability also impacts dietary choices and access to recreational facilities, particularly for low-income families. Moreover, the social environment within housing communities can foster or hinder healthy behaviors through social networks and community engagement. This study emphasizes the need for health-conscious urban planning and policies that address these housing-related factors to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating these Obesity–Housing Nexus, policymakers can create environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, as well as overall health and well-being. Full article

Background: Refractory epilepsy refers to a type of epilepsy in which anti-epileptic medications do not yield results, necessitating alternative medical interventions. The ketogenic diet (KD) is utilized as a non-pharmacologic treatment for refractory epilepsy. This study aims to assess details regarding caregivers’ awareness and practices, challenges faced, and other details regarding the KD as a treatment option for children with refractory epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 15 caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy who adhere to the KD. Data were collected using an online, self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics and descriptive aspects of KD on 15 caregivers. Results: Caregivers’ awareness scores varied, over half of the caregivers (53.3%) demonstrated low awareness levels, scoring below the midpoint on the awareness scale, while both caregivers’ adherence (t value = 31.5; p < 0.001) and patients’ adherence levels (t value = 26.1; p < 0.001) significantly exceeded the minimum expected thresholds, indicating effective implementation of the diet protocols. Challenges faced by caregivers were categorized as follow: logistical challenges (e.g., issues related to KD availability, cost, and weighing (15.6%)), behavioral challenges (e.g., avoiding prohibited foods (18.8%), feelings of hunger, the social environment, and never eating without caregivers), and medical challenges (e.g., frequent blood glucose monitoring (25%)). The most common side effects of the KD were gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation (33.3%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Physical symptoms such as dyslipidemia were also reported by 13.3% of participants. In terms of neurological and behavioral improvements, the three most reduced symptoms following KD adoption were hyperactive attention deficit (25%), tremors (20%), and insomnia (20%). Conclusions: This study reveals a significant gap between high adherence and low awareness of the KD among caregivers of children with refractory epilepsy. While adherence is crucial for the success of KD, this discrepancy highlights the need for comprehensive caregiver education that not only focuses on practical implementation but also on the underlying rationale of the diet. This study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary support, by including dietitians, to bridge the knowledge gap. These findings suggest that dietary education programs should aim to improve caregivers’ understanding, ultimately enhancing adherence and long-term outcomes. Future research should explore the psychosocial factors influencing adherence and the role of trust in healthcare professionals in shaping caregiver behaviors. The findings also call for further exploration into the impact of caregiver education on child health outcomes in the long term. The varied knowledge among caregivers indicates a need for further educational interventions or increased visits from dietitians. Strategies need to be framed to overcome the challenges faced and improve adherence. Full article

Background: Super morbid obesity (SMO), defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m², represents a distinct and increasingly prevalent subgroup of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Compared to individuals with lower BMI, patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² often exhibit unique clinical, psychological, and social characteristics that may influence treatment outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to compare demographic, metabolic, and psychiatric profiles of patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² and non-super morbid obesity (NSMO; BMI < 50 kg/m²) who were evaluated prior to bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 319 patients were recruited between December 2022 and December 2023 at a bariatric center in Gdansk, Poland. All participants underwent a comprehensive preoperative assessment, including laboratory testing, psychometric screening (BDI, PHQ-9), and psychiatric interviews. Patients were stratified into class IV obesity and NSMO groups for comparative analysis. Results: Patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² were significantly older and more likely to report a history of lifelong obesity, family history of obesity, and childhood trauma. They had higher rates of obesity-related health problems such as hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic venous insufficiency, as well as worse liver function and lipid profiles. Although the overall psychiatric burden was high in both groups, patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² reported fewer prior diagnoses of depression and eating disorders, despite similar scores on screening tools. Conclusions: Patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² represent a clinically distinct population with elevated metabolic risk, complex psychosocial backgrounds, and possibly underrecognized psychiatric burden. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary preoperative assessment and individualized treatment strategies in this group of patients. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine vegetable consumption and its relationship with lifestyle characteristics among children and adolescents. Data from a health survey administered to a representative sample of 177,091 schoolchildren between the ages of 8 and 17 were employed in this observational, cross-sectional investigation. Physical activity level, screen time, and sleeping patterns were assessed using self-completed questionnaires. Vegetable consumption and dietary habits were analyzed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents. Participants consuming vegetables more than once daily were categorized as consumers vs. non-consumers. Physical education teachers measured anthropometric and physical fitness factors. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted, and the odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was calculated and adjusted for confounders. Vegetables were consumed once or more times a day by more females than males (25.5% vs. 24.0%, p < 0.001). In both sexes, vegetable consumers slept more, ate healthier, spent less time on screens, and had better anthropometric and aerobic fitness measurements than non-consumers. Healthy eating practices, such as regularly consuming fruits, legumes, nuts, and dairy products, were strongly correlated with vegetable intake. For every one-year increase in age, the odds of being a vegetable consumer decreased by 8% and 10% in boys and girls, respectively. Overweight/obese participants had lower odds of being a vegetable consumer by 20%. Increased screen time, inadequate physical activity, and insufficient sleeping hours decreased the odds of being a vegetable consumer by 22%, 30%, and 25%, respectively (all p-values < 0.001). Overall, a healthier lifestyle profile was associated with higher vegetable intake for both sexes among children and adolescents. Full article

Background: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) significantly impacts oral health-related quality of life. While global prevalence estimates range from 10–15%, region-specific data from Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s mental health initiatives, as DH-associated anxiety impacts overall well-being. This study assessed DH prevalence and quality of life impact among Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 748 Saudi adults aged ≥ 18 years between April and May. Data were collected using a validated Arabic Dentinal Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) alongside socio-demographic variables. Participants reporting DH symptoms within 12 months were included in impact analyses. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA examined associations between DHEQ scores and participant characteristics. Results: Self-reported DH prevalence was 54.3% (n = 406), substantially exceeding global estimates. Among affected individuals, mean DHEQ score was 0.56 ± 0.19, indicating moderate-to-substantial quality-of-life impact. Functional limitations were most affected, particularly enjoyment of eating and drinking (0.72 ± 0.21). Significant associations were identified between higher DHEQ scores and age extremes (<18 and >35 years; p < 0.001), higher income levels (p = 0.032), fewer teeth (p = 0.040), and dental pain presence (p = 0.009). Sex, residence, education, and employment showed no significant associations. Conclusions: More than half of Saudi adults reported DH symptoms, representing a significant public health concern with substantial quality of life implications. Prevalence substantially exceeds global estimates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Age, income, tooth count, and pain presence emerged as key factors. These findings support developing population-specific prevention strategies, particularly targeting younger and older adults with tooth loss. Full article

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a significant cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with ocular surface changes representing early manifestations that require prompt recognition and treatment. Conventional examination methods are capable of detecting advanced changes; however, subtle conjunctival abnormalities may be overlooked, potentially delaying the administration of appropriate interventions. We herein present the case of a 5-year-old Japanese boy with severe VAD due to selective eating patterns. This case demonstrates the utility of infrared photography as a novel diagnostic approach for detecting and monitoring conjunctival surface abnormalities. The patient exhibited symptoms including corneal ulcers, night blindness, and reduced visual acuity. Furthermore, blood tests revealed undetectable levels of vitamin A (5 IU/dL), despite relatively normal physical growth parameters. Conventional slit-lamp examination revealed characteristic sandpaper-like conjunctival changes. However, infrared photography (700–900 nm wavelength) revealed distinct abnormal patterns of conjunctival surface folds and keratinization that were not fully appreciated on a routine examination. Following high-dose vitamin A supplementation (4000 IU/day), complete resolution of ocular abnormalities was achieved within 2 months, with infrared imaging objectively documenting treatment response and normalization of conjunctival surface patterns. This case underscores the potential for severe VAD in developed countries, particularly in the context of dietary restrictions, thereby underscoring the significance of a comprehensive dietary history and a meticulous ocular examination. Infrared photography provides a number of advantages, including the capacity for non-invasive assessment, enhanced visualization of subtle changes, objective monitoring of treatment response, and cost-effectiveness due to the use of readily available equipment. This technique represents an underutilized diagnostic modality with particular promise for screening programs and clinical monitoring of VAD-related ocular manifestations, potentially preventing irreversible visual loss through early detection and intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim was to identify patterns of autonomic and neuroendocrine reactivity to an immersive virtual reality (VR) social-emotional stressor and explore their associations with perceived stress and eating behavior. Methods: This one-group pretest–posttest study included 30 children and adolescents with obesity (15 boys and 15 girls), aged 8 to 17 years. The VR protocol consisted of two consecutive phases: a 5 min relaxation phase using the Forest application and a 5 min stimulation phase using a cognitively engaging VR game designed to elicit social-emotional stress. Physiological responses were measured using heart rate variability (HRV) indices and salivary stress biomarkers, including cortisol and alpha amylase. Subjective stress and eating responses were assessed via visual analogue scales (VAS) administered immediately post-exposure. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21C) was used to evaluate cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE). Results: The cortisol reactivity was blunted and may reflect both the attenuated HPA axis responsiveness characteristic of pediatric obesity and the moderate psychological challenge of the VR stressor used in this study. Two distinct autonomic response patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis: (1) parasympathetic reactivity, associated with increased RMSSD and SDNN and decreased LF/HF, and (2) sympathetic activation, associated with increased heart rate and alpha-amylase levels and reduced RR intervals. Parasympathetic reactivity was correlated with lower perceived stress and anxiety, but also paradoxically with higher uncontrolled eating (UE). In contrast, sympathetic activation was associated with greater cognitive restraint (CR) and higher anxiety ratings. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that immersive VR game exposure elicits measurable autonomic and subjective stress responses in children and adolescents with obesity, and that individual differences in physiological reactivity are relevantly associated with eating behavior traits. The findings suggest that parasympathetic and sympathetic profiles may represent distinct behavioral patterns with implications for targeted intervention. Full article

Background: Skipping breakfast, a prevalent issue among children and adolescents, has been reported to be associated with academic performance and long-term health. However, less attention has been given to the types of breakfast foods consumed. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the association between breakfast variety and dietary knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among preadolescents. Methods: The study included 1449 students in grades 4–6 from Zhongshan city, Guangdong province. Data were collected through face-to-face field investigation using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, as well as dietary KAP. Results: Among all participants, 1315 reported consuming breakfast daily. Dietary diversity varied significantly: 8.8% consumed only 1 type of food, 52.9% consumed 2–4 types, and 38.3% consumed ≥5 types. Students who consumed a greater variety of breakfast foods exhibited more favorable dietary and lifestyle patterns. Specifically, those who consumed ≥5 types of food showed statistically significant associations with healthier practices, including reduced intake of sugary beverages and night snacks, stronger adherence to dietary guidelines, more positive attitudes toward improving eating habits, longer sleep durations, increased participation in meal preparation, greater dish variety in meals, and higher engagement in daily physical activity. Conclusions: Breakfast variety was associated with KAP, particularly when breakfast types ≥ 5, providing more sufficient and favorable evidence for breakfast consumption. Full article

The main objective of this study was the development of two semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with Palmaria palmata and Ulva sp. with the aim of developing innovative food products, increasing the concentration of nutrients in these cheeses and familiarizing consumers with seaweed-containing foods. The impact of seaweed addition was evaluated through physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of the semi-hard goat cheeses. Carbohydrate content was relatively low, whereas the total lipid content was relatively high (particularly in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with seaweeds). Crude protein content presented higher values in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. The semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. shows increased levels of Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Instrumental color and the textural parameters of semi-hard goat’s cheese varied significantly with seaweed addition. Most of the microbiological load complies with the Portuguese (INSA) and the United Kingdom’s (HPA) guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market. Additionally, the Flash Profile scores of semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with seaweeds highlighted aroma and flavor complexity. Overall, this study confirms the potential of using seaweeds as a viable alternative to produce semi-hard goat cheeses with less pungency or goat milk flavor, making this product more pleasant and appealing to consumers sensitive to these sensory characteristics. Full article

Tetragonia tetragonioides, or New Zealand spinach, is a widespread halophyte native to eastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and naturalized in some Mediterranean regions. This underutilized vegetable is consumed for its leaves, raw or cooked. For the first time, we investigated the feasibility of using whole baby plants (including stems and leaves) as raw material for ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetable production. Our study assessed Tetragonia’s suitability for hydroponic cultivation over two cycles (autumn–winter and spring). We investigated the impact of increasing nutrient rates (only water, half-strength, and full-strength nutrient solutions) and plant densities (365, 497, and 615 plants m⁻² in the first trial and 615 and 947 plants m⁻² in the second) on baby plant production. We also analyzed the plants’ morphological and biochemical characteristics, and their viability for cold storage (21 days at 4 °C) as a minimally processed product. Tetragonia adapted well to hydroponic cultivation across both growing periods. Nevertheless, climatic conditions, plant density, and nutrient supply significantly influenced plant growth, yield, nutritional quality, and post-harvest storage. The highest plant density combined with the full-strength nutrient solution resulted in the highest yield, especially during spring (1.8 kg m⁻²), and favorable nutritional characteristics (β-carotene, Vitamin C, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn). Furthermore, Tetragonia baby plants proved suitable for minimal processing, maintaining good quality retention for a minimum of 14 days, thus resulting in a viable option for the RTE vegetable market. Full article

Background: Female collegiate runners may be at high risk for disordered eating and poor bone health, which are characteristics of the female athlete triad. Intuitive eating can promote healthy eating behavior and adequate calorie intake, central variables in calculating energy availability, an underlying cause of low bone mass in athletes. Poor bone health can contribute to injury, preventing optimal performance for athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess intuitive eating, energy availability, and bone mineral density in female college runners with comparison to non-athletes. Methods: Female college athletes (n = 13, 19.5 ± 1.4 yrs) and non-athletes (n = 12, 19.9 ± 1.3 yrs) completed the Intuitive Eating Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and menstrual history survey. Bone mineral density and body composition were measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). A 3-day diet record and exercise log were used to assess dietary intake, estimate energy expenditure, and calculate energy availability. Results: Intuitive eating was inversely correlated with disordered eating (r = −0.596, p = 0.002). Intuitive eating scores were not correlated to calorie intake, energy availability, bone mass, or percent body fat. Runners consumed significantly more calories, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein (g/kg) than non-athletes. Energy availability and bone mineral density were not significantly different between runners and non-athletes. Conclusions: Intuitive eating is associated with healthy eating behaviors in college-age females and was not related to energy availability, bone density, or body composition in this population. Future research could explore the use of intuitive eating principles in reducing disordered eating and addressing low energy availability in female runners and non-athletes. Full article

Arugula leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. and Eruca sativa L.) are a must-have ingredient in ready-to-eat salads, as they are prized for their appearance, taste, and flavor. The nutraceutical properties of this leafy vegetable are attributed to the presence of valuable secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and glucosinolates. Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis and ion chromatography, we characterized the content of phenolic acids, glucosinolates, nitrates, and organic acids in organic arugula [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC] and evaluated how the foliar application of three different non-microbial biostimulants (a seaweed extract, a vegetable protein hydrolysate, and a tropical plant extract) modulated the expression of these. Although the application of vegetable protein hydrolysate increased, compared to control plants, the nitrate content, the application of the same biostimulant increased the total content of glucosinolates and phenolic acid derivatives by 5.2 and 17.2%. Specifically, the foliar application of the plant-based biostimulant hydrolyzed protein significantly increased the content of glucoerucin (+22.9%), glucocheirolin (+76.8%), and ferulic acid (+94.1%). The highest values of flavonoid derivatives (173.03 μg g⁻¹ dw) were recorded from plants subjected to the exogenous application of seaweed extract. The results obtained underscore how biostimulants, depending on their origin and composition, can be exploited not only to improve agronomic performance but also to enhance the nutraceutical content of vegetables, guaranteeing end consumers a product with premium quality characteristics. Full article

There is a confirmed and ongoing need to encourage adherence to healthy dietary patterns in the general population in western societies, given their recognized positive impact in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A potentially very effective solution is the use of digital tools such as apps and web apps, which can reach a large number of people quickly. Still, to be effective, it is necessary to better understand how participant engagement in these interventions works, to identify the motivations that may lead them to drop out, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. In our study, an innovative web app designed to encourage adherence to the Mediterranean diet (EATMED) was tested in an intervention study, evaluating adherence to the Mediterranean diet before and after the use of the web app in a cohort of people, compared to a control group, using the MEDI-lite questionnaire. The Health and Taste Attitude Scale questionnaire was also administered to all participants to assess interest in healthy foods and diets, as well as attitudes toward food. The study showed that the score of the Food as Reward subscale of the HTAS had a significant effect on dropout from the intervention study, and that the use of the app among participants who remained resulted in a two-point increase in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, according to the MEDI-lite questionnaire. These results indicate the effectiveness of the EATMED tool and provide useful insights into how to understand and mitigate dropout in digital nutrition interventions. Full article

Data mining-based student consumption behavior analysis is an important part of smart campus construction, which could find students’ eating patterns and consumption levels. Therefore, data mining-based student consumption behavior analysis became a hot topic both in research and industry areas. For an increasing amount of data, traditional data mining algorithms are not suitable. The clustering algorithm is becoming more and more important in the field of data mining, but the traditional clustering algorithm does not take the clustering efficiency and clustering effect into consideration. In this paper, the algorithm based on k-means and clustering by fractional-order firefly algorithm (FFA-k-means), which optimizes the clustering centers algorithm, is proposed. This method is used to cluster students from colleges. The experiment shows that the algorithm proposed in this paper has better clustering results compared with the traditional k-means clustering algorithm. Additionally, through the analysis results, it can be found that the problem of the group of students with too few times of consumption, the problem of a low number of students’ consumption of three meals, and the proportion of living diets is too low. The causes and characteristics of these problems are used as a reference for colleges to take corresponding measures timely. Full article