Search Results (10,149)

Shelf-life prediction is crucial for the industrial development and quality preservation of ready-to-eat (RTE) Tremella fuciformis cold dishes. In this study, we investigated the quality deterioration kinetics of T. fuciformis RTE dishes during storage at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C to establish an Arrhenius-based shelf-life prediction model. Throughout the storage period, the total bacterial count (TBC), viscosity, b* value, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content continuously increased, whereas firmness and sensory scores exhibited a negative correlation with storage time. The interpolated microbiological shelf-life endpoints, determined as the time required for TBC to reach 5.0 log CFU/g, were 19.01, 5.53, and 1.58 days at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis identified TBC and MDA as the primary predictive indicators, with both parameters strictly conforming to zero-order reaction kinetics. Validation of the Arrhenius-based models revealed that the TBC-based model showed lower internal prediction error within the tested temperature range (average relative error of 8.92%), significantly outperforming the MDA model, which exhibited poor reliability (30.41% average relative error). These findings provide a practical reference for cold-chain management and shelf-life estimation of RTE T. fuciformis products for optimizing cold-chain management and ensuring the microbiological safety of RTE T. fuciformis products. Full article

Background/Objective: Parental feeding practices play an important role in shaping children’s dietary intake, eating behaviours, and long-term health outcomes. Although several questionnaires assess feeding practices, few have been validated among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, despite these groups being disproportionately affected by food insecurity and diet-related health inequities. This study assessed the structural validity and internal consistency of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire—Solid Feeding version (FPSQ-S)—among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of young children. Methods: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 178 mothers and 94 fathers of children aged 5–35 months living in disadvantaged households. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the structural validity of the FPSQ-S. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Hancock’s H coefficients. Results: The original six-factor FPSQ-S structure was retained and demonstrated acceptable overall model fit in this disadvantaged sample (CFI = 0.846, TLI = 0.821, RMSEA = 0.070). Internal consistency ranged from acceptable to excellent across subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.63–0.93; Hancock’s H = 0.64–0.93). Most items loaded satisfactorily onto their intended constructs; however, two items within the Feeding on Demand construct demonstrated weak factor loadings, and this construct showed lower reliability than the remaining subscales Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the FPSQ-S among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of children aged 5–35 months. The FPSQ-S demonstrated acceptable structural validity and reliability. While the six-factor structure was largely supported, further refinement of the Feeding on Demand construct and additional psychometric evaluation are warranted. Full article

Buffalo meat is widely consumed in Egypt; however, it may pose serious food safety risks due to microbial contamination during handling, preparation, and processing. This study investigated the prevalence and characterization of multidrug-resistant (MDR) enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in raw ground buffalo meat and ready-to-eat (RTE) kofta and liver sandwiches marketed in Mansoura, Egypt. S. aureus was detected in 62% (62/100) of raw buffalo ground meat, 41% (41/100) of RTE kofta, and 60% (60/100) of RTE liver samples, with an overall prevalence of 54.3% (163/300). All 660 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus via nuc gene detection, among which 46.8% (309/660) were mecA-positive and verified as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), and 21.8% (144/660) were vanA-positive and verified as vancomycin-resistant (VRSA). Enterotoxigenic strains were identified in 42.7% (282/660) of isolates, with the sea gene being most prevalent (67.7%; 191/282), followed by seb (58.2%; 164/282) and sec (39.7%; 112/282). The highest frequency of enterotoxigenic strains occurred in raw ground meat (47.2%), followed by kofta (45.1%) and liver (36%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 15 antibiotics revealed that 7.6% (50/660) of isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) with a MAR index of 0.9, while 82.9% (547/660) were MDR with MAR values between 0.3 and 0.7, indicating exposure to environments of intensive antibiotic use. The present findings highlight a high contamination level of buffalo meat products with MDR enterotoxigenic MRSA and VRSA, representing a significant public health hazard. Implementation of strict hygiene measures, wise antibiotic usage, and continuous surveillance is essential to control their dissemination through the food chain. Full article

Neuroblastoma is characterized by frequent involvement of bone marrow (BM) as a site of cell dissemination and spread. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to analyze the cellular heterogeneity of a subset of metastatic BM samples collected at initial diagnosis. Comparison of the single-cell data with bulk RNA sequencing further refined the analysis. An enrichment of regulatory T cells relative to a healthy control and activation of the CD24, CD47, and CD200 “don’t eat me” signals were documented. Computational analyses highlighted communication between neuroblastoma and myeloid cells via the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and midkine (MK) signaling networks. Within neuroblastoma cells, mutually exclusive adrenergic and transitory cell states were identified, and ten sub-clusters were denoted. In addition, common and unique tumor cell antigens were investigated. CNTFR and CHRNA3, as high-ranking candidates, were validated, confirming their strong selectivity for neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, these findings support the existence of a significant tumor-dependent modulation of the BM ecosystem, which should be considered when introducing immunotherapy. Furthermore, they highlight the potential to investigate new antigens at the single-cell resolution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly recognized as dietary exposures associated with cardiometabolic, hepatic, and neurocognitive outcomes. However, UPFs are often treated mainly as nutrient-poor foods, whereas their processing-related features may perturb gut–liver–brain communication. This review examines whether metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can be conceptualized as a hepatic metabolic amplifier linking UPF exposure to cognitive aging. Methods: We conducted a structured narrative search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus from January 2010 to 11 May 2026 across four evidence modules: UPFs and MASLD/NAFLD; UPFs and cognitive aging or dementia; UPFs and gut–liver–brain mechanisms; and MASLD/NAFLD and cognitive aging. Representative studies were prioritized according to direct relevance to the proposed axis, study design, exposure and outcome validity, mechanistic specificity, and contribution to major evidence gaps. Results: Observational and mechanistic evidence links higher UPF consumption with liver steatosis, MASLD/NAFLD-related outcomes, cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, stroke, and dementia-related outcomes, although causality remains incompletely established and residual confounding is important. Candidate pathways include food-matrix disruption, rapid eating, displacement of microbial substrates, selected additives and processing-derived compounds, intestinal barrier dysfunction, metabolic endotoxemia, bile acid signaling, hepatic lipotoxicity, systemic inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neuroimmune activation. Many pathways overlap with general cardiometabolic dysfunction; the processing-centered contribution lies in positioning industrial formulation as an upstream exposure and MASLD as a hepatic node that may amplify gut-derived and metabolic signals relevant to brain aging. Conclusions: A processing-centered gut–liver–brain framework integrates UPFs, MASLD, and cognitive aging as linked metabolic-aging phenomena. Future studies should test UPF substitution using liver imaging, microbiome profiling, metabolomics, bile acid and inflammatory biomarkers, neuroimaging, and cognitive assessment. Full article

Sustainable food consumption is a key domain of sustainability education, yet lower secondary students’ dietary choices are shaped by evaluations, perceived feasibility, social expectations, family routines, and human–nature relationships. This study examined sustainable dietary intentions among 197 Austrian students aged 12 to 15 using an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour framework, including attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, nature relatedness, and environmental concern. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and path analysis were used. Students reported moderately high sustainable dietary intentions, favourable attitudes, and relatively high perceived behavioural control, whereas subjective norm was weaker and centred mainly on family expectations. Nature-relatedness showed coherent positive associations with intention, attitude, and perceived behavioural control. Environmental concern was positively associated with the TPB components but showed a more selective pattern. The extended path model explained 41.3% of the variance in intention to eat sustainably. Perceived behavioural control and attitude were the strongest correlates of intention. Nature relatedness was associated with the TPB components and retained a small direct association with intention, whereas environmental concern was not directly associated with intention. The findings suggest that perceived feasibility and nature relatedness are relevant correlates of sustainable dietary intentions in lower secondary education. Full article

Data on menstrual health, energy availability, and injury risk in women undertaking extreme ultra-endurance expeditions remain limited. We conducted a prospective cohort study of the first all-female UK military team competing in a 3000-mile transatlantic rowing race, aiming to characterize menstrual function, low energy availability (LEA) risk, eating disorder (ED) risk, and injury profiles. Four female British Army personnel completed the 46-day race. Menstrual symptoms, injuries, and illnesses were recorded daily, while reproductive, inflammatory, biochemical, and hematological markers were assessed before and after the race. LEA and ED risk were evaluated using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and Brief Eating Disorder in Athletes Questionnaire, respectively. Analyses were primarily descriptive. Three athletes experienced amenorrhea during the expedition, including one with previously regular cycles. The fourth reported intermittent abnormal bleeding associated with injury and illness and screened positive for LEA risk before and after the race. Another athlete screened positive for ED risk at both time points. Most biomarkers remained stable post-race, whereas reproductive hormones showed consistent reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in all four participants, alongside increased oestradiol. These findings, based on a sample of four athletes, suggest that menstrual function may be sensitive to sustained physiological stress in extreme ultra-endurance settings, and support prospective monitoring in female ultra-endurance, military, and expeditionary populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the limited evidence internationally, this qualitative study employed discovery interviews to explore the lived experience of patients who developed Hospital-Acquired Malnutrition (HAM) and that of their carers. Methods: Seven (two patients [(n = 1 female] and five carers [n = 3 female]) completed discovery interviews with an experienced independent interviewer. Carers were either spouses or parents. Responses were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Results: A key theme was ‘It’s not about the food, it’s the hospital system’ with the needs of the system dominating, including when patients were feeling at their worst. Subthemes were ‘integration of care’ and ‘patient acuity’, including symptoms that impacted food intake. Another theme was ‘Who is looking out for the patient?’, exploring ‘reliance on carer advocacy’, and ‘variation in staff involvement’. One carer said, “… the girl that delivered the meal tray was the only one in our hospital stay who actually said to [the patient], ‘I’m so glad you’re sitting up. I was worried about you because you hadn’t eaten for so long?” A persistent but comparatively less strong theme was ‘When it is about the food’ which explored ‘the quality of the food’ and ‘receiving information on eating and drinking’. Conclusions: The three key themes identified from carers and patients were hospital system impacts, care co-ordination and, less strongly, experiences with food quality and information. The key opportunities to prevent, or better support the nutritional care of patients with, HAM may be through improving systems and care co-ordination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet and sleep are both important modifiable factors in healthy aging, yet little is known about whether attention to healthy eating behaviors is associated with objectively measured sleep. This study examined the association between self-reported attention to fruit and vegetable intake and actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency among women aged 45 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 143 women aged 45 years and older recruited from community centers. Participants wore a wrist-worn actigraphy device continuously for 7 days and completed daily sleep logs. Attention to fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using a single-item, four-category self-report measure. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to examine its independent association with sleep efficiency after adjustment for sociodemographic, health-related, and psychological covariates. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.34 ± 7.67 years, and the mean sleep efficiency was 82.69 ± 8.60%. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported “often” paying attention to fruit and vegetable intake had significantly higher sleep efficiency than those who reported doing so “almost every day” (β = 0.24, p = 0.013). Older age was independently associated with lower sleep efficiency (β = −0.31, p = 0.001). Conclusions: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, a single-item measure of self-reported attentiveness to fruit and vegetable intake showed a category-specific association with actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency. Longitudinal studies using more detailed dietary and behavioral measures are needed to clarify the direction and meaning of this association. Full article

Background: Population ageing increases the burden of chronic diseases, multimorbidity, and functional limitations, making nutrition and lifestyle important modifiable determinants of healthy ageing. Universities of the Third Age (U3A) provide an educational and social environment for older adults, but multidimensional relationships between nutrition knowledge, diet quality, lifestyle, and health status in this population remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to assess these associations among older adults attending U3A in Poland. Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between January and April 2026 among community-dwelling older adults participating in U3A programs. Of 700 distributed invitations and 520 returned questionnaires, 450 complete and eligible responses were included. The questionnaire was based on the KomPAN^® framework and expanded with items on health, lifestyle, psychosocial resources, barriers to healthy eating, and sources of health information. Diet quality was assessed using the pro-Healthy Diet Index, non-Healthy Diet Index, and overall Diet Quality Index (DQI). Nutrition knowledge was measured using a 24-item scale. Analyses included distributional diagnostics, non-parametric group comparisons, FDR-corrected Spearman correlations, psychometric assessment, principal component analysis, multivariable regression with model diagnostics, and profile segmentation. Results: The mean age was 73.63 ± 5.73 years, and most participants were women. The median DQI was 15.59 [3.93–24.86], with a predominance of neutral diet quality. Nutrition knowledge was moderate, with a median score of 12.00 [9.00–15.00], and the scale showed very good internal consistency. PCA identified three dietary patterns: convenience/ultra-processed, prudent/health-promoting, and traditional meat-and-fat. Higher DQI was associated with better nutrition knowledge, greater physical activity, a more favorable sleep profile, regular meal timing, and lower disease burden. Participants with multimorbidity had significantly lower DQI. Segmentation distinguished a health-engaged/higher-resource profile and a lower-resource/nutritionally vulnerable profile. Conclusions: U3A participants in Poland are educationally and socially active but nutritionally heterogeneous. The predominance of neutral diet quality, moderate nutrition knowledge, and identifiable knowledge gaps indicates the need for targeted, practical, and behavior-oriented nutrition education supporting healthy ageing. Full article

Animals with knockout of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT-KO) display hyperdopaminergic phenotypes, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity-like behaviors. A previous behavioral analysis of heterozygous rats with partial knockout (DAT-HET) suggested increased susceptibility to addictive behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate elements of addictive behaviors and the mechanisms underlying dopamine release in DAT-HET rats. Offspring derived from DAT-knockout breeding underwent genotyping and behavioral assessment using the marble burying test, a manipulative behavior test using nesting material, and a modified version of the Iowa Gambling Task. Feeding behavior was studied using a binge-eating model. Reinforcing properties were investigated using intracranial self-stimulation under fixed-ratio (FR) and variable-ratio (VR) schedules. Dopamine (DA) release and clearance dynamics were assessed using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). DAT-HET rats exhibited moderate hyperactivity, increased impulsive choice, and compulsive responses. Male DAT-HET rats also showed increased compulsive overeating compared with wild-type (WT) rats of both sexes and female DAT-HET rats. In addition, DAT-HET rats demonstrated a preference for VR self-stimulation, which resembles risk- and thrill-seeking behavior in humans. In DAT-KO rats, impaired DA clearance resulted from complete loss of dopamine transporter function. In DAT-HET rats, increased DA release amplitude was observed, and dopamine persisted longer in the extracellular space than in WT rats. These findings underscore the importance of the DAT-HET model for studying impulsivity, compulsivity, and factors underlying the predisposition to addictive behavior. Full article

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) aims to ‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages’. Therefore, in today’s world, shaping children’s sustainable and healthy eating choices is crucial in terms of directly impacting their long-term health, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening social and economic development. In this manner, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether greenhouse-based education improves students’ sustainable and healthy eating choices. An educational design-based research model was followed in the current study. The research was conducted with 20 third-grade students from a private school in Istanbul, Türkiye. Greenhouse-based education that includes activities focused on sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition was implemented for 6 weeks. The data were collected with semi-structured interviews before and after instruction. In the data analysis, the content analysis was used. The findings revealed that greenhouse-based instruction developed students’ sustainable and healthy eating choices. After greenhouse-based education, the majority of students have started to adopt healthier eating habits like consuming environmentally friendly foods, such as more fresh/seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, local organic foods, nutrient-dense foods, foods that are good for their health, reusing food waste, etc. Therefore, the results showed that greenhouse-based instruction can have the potential to transform eating choices, instill lifelong healthy habits, and cultivate a generation that is both nutritionally conscious and environmentally responsible. Full article

Eating behavior and eating habits are shaped from the earliest stages of life through interactions among biological, familial, social, and environmental factors. The aim of this narrative review is to integrate evidence on the early-life determinants of eating behavior and their influence on dietary intake from infancy to adolescence. A narrative review was conducted with a structured search approach prioritized on longitudinal studies, intervention trials, and policy evaluations when available, and using cross-sectional evidence mainly to describe patterns and sociodemographic factors. Synthesizing the current evidence, our framework proposes that breastfeeding, responsive complementary feeding, and self-regulatory parenting are associated with higher responsiveness to internal hunger, satiety cues, and preference for nutrient-dense foods. Conversely, coercive practices, early exposure to highly palatable foods, and the influence of food marketing are linked to dominant hedonic responses and impulsive consumption patterns. Furthermore, family environments characterized by stress or food insecurity, together with high access to low-nutrient foods, may increase vulnerability to poor eating habits and emotional eating during adolescence. Overall, the evidence highlights the need for preventive interventions that integrate parenting support, school food education, digital marketing regulation policies, and the promotion of healthy food environments across multiple sectors. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors linking early determinants to dietary intake and eating behaviors across development is essential for promoting a balanced relationship with food and preventing chronic diseases from an early age. Full article

The present integrative umbrella review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence and practices related to mental health and career transitions in elite sport toward the implementation of service provision through digital interventions. Following PRIO guidelines, an extensive search across five databases (2015–2025) identified 52 eligible manuscripts (e.g., conceptual, review, and position studies). Data extraction focused on mental health, dual-career pathways, career transition challenges and needs, and identity-related issues among high-performance athletes. The findings revealed a strong consensus that athlete well-being is shaped by the dynamic interaction of mental health symptoms, sport-specific stressors, identity processes, and structural conditions across the athletic lifespan. Mental health vulnerabilities (e.g., anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and distress) were consistently reported, particularly during injury, deselection, and retirement. Dual-career engagement, diversified identities, and proactive career planning emerged as key protective factors, while stigma, limited literacy, and uneven access to psychological services remained persistent barriers. Five main thematic areas (Matrix 1) operationalized in ten higher-order intervention domains (e.g., Matrix 2, screening, monitoring, literacy, and others) and 14 potential online implementation strategies (Matrix 3) were identified. However, the evidence highlights fragmented implementation and a lack of scalable, cross-national tools to support athletes during and beyond their competitive careers. Therefore, a harmonized, evidence-based, multidimensional framework for the development and implementation of digital support resources has been proposed. This integrative review underscores the need for integrated, culturally sensitive, and digitally enabled support systems to promote sustainable transitions and long-term athlete well-being. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, dysregulated adipogenesis, and alterations in the gut microbiota, which collectively contribute to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications. In this context, dietary patterns rich in bioactive compounds have gained relevance as potential strategies to modulate these interconnected pathways. Objective: To assess the potential of the Milpa Diet (a sustainable, plant-dominant Mesoamerican eating pattern centered on the ancient three sisters’ polyculture of maize, beans, and squash, along with chili) as a culturally relevant, multi-axis functional dietary pattern, and to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-associated with metabolic dysfunction. Methods: A scoping review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted using Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The ChEMBL database was also used to identify chemical structures. The search focused on evidence related to inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota modulation in the context of the main foods of the Milpa Diet, including maize, legumes, chili peppers, nopal, and quelites. Studies were selected based on peer-review status and their relevance to molecular, metabolic, and functional outcomes. Results: The current evidence shows that the core components of the Milpa Diet provide dietary fiber and a broad range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, phenolic acids, pigments, and vitamins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds have been associated with modulation of adipogenesis and lipotoxicity, preservation of mitochondrial function, and favorable regulation of gut microbiota composition and activity, collectively influencing metabolic pathways relevant to obesity. Conclusions: Overall, mechanistic and emerging clinical evidence suggests that the Milpa Diet represents a multi-axis nutritional strategy with potential to mitigate obesity-related metabolic dysfunction through coordinated effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota regulation. Although comprehensive clinical trials evaluating this dietary pattern as an integrated intervention remain limited, current evidence supports its relevance for future translational research, public health strategies, and the development of sustainable dietary models aimed at improving metabolic health. Full article