Search Results (1,046)

Background/Objectives: To identify major dietary patterns among adults aged ≥45 years and examine their associations with metabolic health–obesity phenotypes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 32,091 adults aged ≥45 years from the 2015 China Adults National Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance. Diet was assessed using three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls, with household condiment weighing used to improve estimation of cooking oil and salt intake. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and categorized into quartiles. Multinomial logistic regression adjusted for energy intake and key sociodemographic/lifestyle factors to estimate odds of metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) versus metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO). Results: Four patterns with geographic variation were identified: (1) the Rice–Vegetable–Pork pattern; (2) the Fruit–Egg–Dairy pattern; (3) the Red Meat–Offal–Snack pattern; and (4) the Soybeans–Tubers–Grains pattern. Compared with Q1, Q4 of Pattern 1 was associated with lower odds of MHO (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.38–0.46) and MUO (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.36–0.44). Pattern 2 and Pattern 3 were associated with higher odds of MHO (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.42 and 1.21) and MUO (OR = 1.36 and 1.14, all p < 0.001). Pattern 4 was inversely associated with MHO (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.92) but positively associated with MUNO (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08–1.24). Conclusions: The Rice–Vegetable–Pork pattern was associated with more favorable obesity-related metabolic phenotypes, whereas energy-dense, animal-derived patterns were associated with higher odds of obesity phenotypes; the Soybeans–Tubers–Grains pattern showed mixed associations. Full article

Animal welfare in farmed animals is increasingly being identified as an integral part of ethical meat production; yet in most developing nations, including Ghana, little attention is being paid to this area of interest. The demand for chicken meat and egg products in Ghana has also increased because of rapid urbanisation and development; hence, public perception of poultry welfare is paramount in policy formulation and development in Ghana. This study investigates public perception of poultry welfare in Ghana, particularly laying hen farming. The study used a cross-sectional study and surveyed 1275 respondents aged 17 and older in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale by collecting data in-person, and the questionnaire was administered using tablets or mobile devices. The study found that 69.1% of respondents poorly perceived farmed animal welfare, while 30.9% positively perceived farmed animal welfare in Ghana. There was a significant difference in perception levels among respondents in Accra and Kumasi, and those in Tamale, where respondents in Tamale indicated a slightly positive perception compared to those in Accra and Kumasi. Furthermore, 53.7% of respondents supported state intervention in farmed animal welfare, while 52.0% showed reluctance to pay a premium price for cage-free and free-range egg production in Ghana. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with α-mangostin (α-Ma), a bioactive xanthone derived from mangosteen pericarp, on production performance and egg quality in late-phase laying hens. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. In total, 576 healthy 51-week-old Beinong No. 2 laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 12): a basal diet (CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 80, 120, or 160 mg/kg α-Ma. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks, after which production performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters, inflammatory markers, and uterine gene expression were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with α-mangostin, particularly at 120 mg/kg, significantly improved feed efficiency (p < 0.05), as evidenced by a reduced feed-to-egg ratio from week 2 onward, without affecting average daily feed intake or egg production rate. After 4 weeks, hens receiving 120 mg/kg α-Ma exhibited significantly greater egg weight and eggshell strength (p < 0.05). Serum and hepatic antioxidant capacities were significantly enhanced, with increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, elevated total antioxidant capacity, and decreased malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-Ma at 120 mg/kg specifically lowered the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in both serum and uterine tissue (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, this dosage significantly upregulated uterine genes essential for eggshell formation (p < 0.05), including calcium transporters (TRPV6, ATP2B2), the matrix protein gene OC-116, and other key genes (LYZ, CA2, SLC4A9, and ATP6V0D2). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 120 mg/kg α-Ma effectively enhances feed efficiency, strengthens antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, and upregulates uterine genes involved in biomineralization, thereby improving eggshell quality in aging laying hens. These findings support α-Ma as a promising plant-based feed additive for maintaining productivity and egg quality in antibiotic-free layer production systems. Full article

Growth and egg production are the two most economically important traits in goose production systems. However, negative genetic correlations between these traits make it difficult to achieve balanced genetic improvement through selection. In this study, we analyzed whole-genome resequencing data from 1033 Zhedong White Geese to identify genetic variants related to birth weight (BW), body weight at 90 days (BW90), and egg number at 66 weeks of age (EN66). Single-trait genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified 6, 5, and 5 lead SNPs significantly associated with BW, BW90, and EN66, respectively. By integrating network analysis, PLACO, and multivariate linear mixed models (mvLMMs), we further identified KCNAB2 and KCND3 as potential pleiotropic candidate genes influencing both growth and egg production. Notably, the variant at CHR25: 6006715, located within an intronic region of KCND3, was associated with increased BW (ZscoreBW = 4.44) and decreased EN66 (ZscoreEN66 = −3.55), showing strong pleiotropic significance (P_PLACO = 4.88 × 10⁻⁸). Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture underlying the antagonistic relationship between growth and egg production in geese and offer valuable genetic targets for developing breeding strategies that jointly optimize growth performance and reproductive efficiency. Full article

Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease in sub-Saharan Africa. This study compared the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis among children living in two distinct ecosystems in Mauritania: the Senegal River Basin (Trarza region) and the arid oasis areas (Adrar and Tagant regions). A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2023 and February 2024 involving 856 children across 14 sites. Urine samples were collected from school-aged children and subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examinations. A questionnaire was administered to each child to determine sociodemographic factors. Environmental and geographical factors were documented in the localities. The prevalence rate of urinary schistosomiasis among children in the Senegal River Valley was 32.4%. In the oases zone, prevalences were 6.43% and 3.35% in Tagant and Adrar, respectively. Macroscopic hematuria was 29.1%, 6.04%, and 4.18% in Trarza, Adrar, and Tagant, respectively. The intensities of infection were 48.9, 6.43, and 40 eggs/10 mL in the Trarza, Adrar, and Tagant regions, respectively. Based on sex, prevalence was higher among boys in the Trarza and Tagant regions, while in Adrar, it was higher among girls. Prevalence among children using polluted water sources with dense vegetation in the department of Tékane, in the Trarza region, was significantly higher (35.7%) than among those using cleaner water sources (21%). Urinary schistosomiasis remains highly prevalent among children living along the Senegal River, while considerably lower transmission was observed in oasis settings. These findings highlight the strong influence of environmental and water-related factors on transmission dynamics and underscore the need for targeted, context-specific control strategies. Full article

Ovarian reserve and reproductive life are closely linked concepts in female reproductive biology. The ovarian reserve consists of primordial follicles and refers to the number and quality of oocytes (eggs) remaining in the ovaries at any given time. Follicular dynamics shape a woman’s reproductive lifespan, ultimately leading to menopause. Elucidating the underlying genetic and molecular pathways of follicle maturation and depletion is thus crucial for understanding menopausal onset and progression, both in normal and pathophysiological contexts, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before the age of 40. A key factor in ovarian differentiation and fertility maintenance is FOXL2, a forkhead family transcription factor that plays a crucial role in follicle formation and development, ovarian maintenance, and sex determination. By employing a ChIP-Seq approach in mice, we identified a previously unreported binding of FOXL2 to a Tsc1 regulatory region. Our data, along with a thorough literature review, support the hypothesis that FOXL2-mediated activation of Tsc1 in granulosa cells can help maintain primordial follicles in a dormant state by suppressing mTORC1 signalling. Understanding the mechanisms behind ovarian reserve may lay the foundation for developing novel fertility preservation strategies, improving fertility treatment protocols and promoting in vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue to support folliculogenesis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spotty liver disease (SLD), caused by Campylobacter hepaticus, is an emerging disease that leads to substantial production losses in the egg industry. The shift toward antibiotic-free and cage-free production systems has further intensified the impact of SLD. The current control measures largely rely on autogenous killed vaccines; however, their use is constrained by the slow and fastidious growth of C. hepaticus and inconsistent efficacy. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to identify immunogenic mimotopes as vaccine candidates and express them on the surface of an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) vector. Methods: To identify immunogenic mimotopes, Ph.D.-12 phage display peptide library was screened using the hyperimmune serum raised against killed whole-cell C. hepaticus in specific pathogen-free chickens. Subsequently, the outer membrane protein C (OmpC) of E. coli was used as a scaffold for constructing a surface display library. A single restriction site, PstI, located in the seventh external loop of OmpC, was strategically utilized to insert each 12-amino-acid mimotope with a six-histidine (6xHis) tag sequence at its N-terminus, generating ompC + mimotope fusion constructs. These constructs were cloned into the inducible expression vector pTrc and electroporated into an E. coli DH5α ∆ompC strain, which lacked ompC. The surface expression of the mimotopes was confirmed in vitro. The verified ompC + mimotope constructs were subsequently subcloned into the pYA3422 constitutive expression vector and electroporated into the APEC PSUO78 ∆aroA ∆asd vaccine vector strain. A chicken vaccination–challenge trial was conducted using nine groups of chickens, including an unvaccinated challenged control and an unvaccinated–unchallenged negative control. Each experimental group received a mixture of two recombinant E. coli strains carrying different mimotopes at a dose of 1 × 10⁹ CFU, which were administered orally twice at 16 and 18 weeks of age. Results: Fourteen immunogenic mimotopes corresponding to 13 different C. hepaticus proteins were identified as potential vaccine candidates. The expression of these mimotopes on the surface of the E. coli was successfully demonstrated using the OmpC-mediated surface display system. Of the 14 mimotopes tested, two flagellar-related peptides and one major outer membrane protein (MOMP)-derived peptide elicited significant immune responses and conferred protection against the C. hepaticus challenge. Conclusions: We successfully developed a functional E. coli surface display system that was capable of expressing 12-amino-acid mimotopes of C. hepaticus, providing a robust platform for evaluating vaccine candidates against SLD. Immunogenicity and efficacy studies in chickens demonstrated that three identified mimotopes conferred protection against C. hepaticus colonization of the bile and liver. Future in vivo investigations are necessary to develop and evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a multivalent mimotope vaccine consisting of three identified mimotopes against both C. hepaticus and APEC, utilizing the ΔaroA Δasd APEC PSU078 strain as the vaccine vector. Full article

Background and Objectives: Functional decline and sarcopenia are major aging-related concerns. While protein intake is known to influence muscle health, its longitudinal impact on strength and physical function across age and gender remains underexplored. We assessed whether low protein intake correlate with future onset of low handgrip strength (HGS) and physical impairments in older adults using SHARE data. Methods: We analyzed 38,073 adults aged ≥50 years from 27 European countries using SHARE Waves 8 (2019/20) and 9 (2021/22). A protein intake index was derived from the frequency of consuming dairy, legumes/eggs, and meat/fish/poultry. Low intake was defined as the lowest decile. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age, gender, country, and baseline health, examined associations with low HGS and ten physical difficulties, stratified by age (50–65 vs. ≥66 years) and gender. Results: Low protein intake is associated with higher odds of low HGS in men (OR = 1.39 for 50–65; OR = 1.35 for ≥66) and older women (OR = 1.21). It was also associated with higher odds of mobility-related limitations, including walking 100 m (ORs = 1.25–1.53), stooping/kneeling (ORs = 1.20–1.19 in women), and reaching overhead (ORs = 1.19–1.33). Strength-related tasks, such as pushing/pulling large objects were more affected in men (ORs = 1.44 and 1.21). Notably, women aged 50–65 had over twice the odds of toileting difficulty (OR = 2.27) and significantly higher odds of difficulty shopping (OR = 1.65). These patterns highlight gender- and age-specific vulnerabilities. Conclusions: Low protein intake is associated with modest but consistent increases in the risk of reduced muscle strength and functional difficulties in older adults. Tailored nutritional strategies may mitigate age- and gender-specific risks to physical independence. Full article

The compatibility of insecticides with biological control agents is a critical component of integrated pest management (IPM). In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of acrinactrin, chlorantraniliprole, flupyradifurone, pyriproxyfen, spinosad, and spiromesifen on the egg stage of Orius niger (Wollf) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Egg hatchability, immature survival, reproductive performance, and population parameters were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table. Egg hatchability was lowest in the acrinactrin treatment (51%) and highest in the pyriproxyfen treatment (93%). Nymphal survival varied from 0% to 80%, with acrinactrin causing complete mortality and a significant reduction in spinosad, while the highest nymphal survival and population growth was recorded in spiromesifen treatment. The intrinsic rate of increase (r, day⁻¹) was 0.00, 0.05, 0.05, 0.08, 0.004, and 0.06 for acrinactrin, chlorantraniliprole, flupyradifurone, pyriproxyfen, spinosad, and spiromesifen, respectively, while fecundity (F, eggs female⁻¹) values were 0, 15.20, 15.83, 42.32, 10.37, and 21.85, respectively. According to the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) classification, acrinactrin was harmful, spinosad moderately harmful, and the remaining insecticides slightly harmful to O. niger eggs. Pyriproxyfen and spiromesifen were the most compatible with IPM programs. Caution is warranted for chlorantraniliprole due to its effects on reproductive parameters, whereas spinosad and acrinactrin should be avoided on O. niger eggs. Full article

The bollworm/corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most economically damaging crop pests in North America. Colonies of H. zea are notoriously difficult to maintain and frequently collapse in laboratory rearing. The persistent difficulty in maintaining healthy H. zea colonies has become a major obstacle to performing many research activities on the insect. To optimize colony maintenance, six populations were evaluated across three trials and six tests examining pupal maturity at diet removal, adult emergence synchrony, and cohort size at mating and reproduction. Females emerging from mature pupae produced more eggs than those from mid-aged (5–7 d) or young pupae (0–2 d). Synchronizing male and female emergence within one day yielded higher mating frequency, spermatophore transfer, and progeny, whereas a two-day difference reduced these metrics by 45–67%. Adult cohort size also influenced the outcomes, with ≥10 males and ≥10 females per cage enhancing reproductive success. Most matings occurred on nights 2–3, peaking within 2.5 h after lights off. Positive correlations were observed among mating frequency, spermatophore transfer, and progeny production. Overall, optimal performance was achieved by removing pupae only at maturity, synchronizing adult emergence within one day, and maintaining larger adult cohorts. These findings should establish key conditions to improve the mating success, reproduction, and laboratory rearing of H. zea. Full article

Background: Food allergy (FA) is an increasing public health concern with significant implications for child health and quality of life. Early introduction of allergenic foods has been shown to reduce the risk of food allergy development; however, maternal awareness and adherence to these recommendations remain inconsistent. This study aimed to assess maternal awareness and practices regarding the timing of allergenic food introduction among mothers residing in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024 involving parents of children aged younger than 48 monthsin the Makkah region. Data were collected via a self-administered electronic questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. Results: A total of 391 parents participated. Parent-reported food allergy was identified in 11.3% of children, while 14.6% had eczema. Early introduction (<12 months) was more common for egg (43.3%) and wheat (71.1%) compared to peanut (28.9%), tree nuts (30.9%), sesame (30.9%), and seafood (28.9%). A considerable proportion of children had not been introduced to key allergenic foods even after 36 months, particularly peanuts (45.3%) and sesame (42.2%). Children with eczema were significantly more likely to have early introduction of egg (p = 0.035), tree nuts (p = 0.046), and seafood (p = 0.031). Similarly, children with a family history of food allergy had higher early introduction rates of tree nuts (55.3% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.043) and seafood (62.3% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.019). Only 25.8% of mothers were aware that early introduction might prevent food allergies, and just 22% reported receiving professional advice to introduce allergenic foods early. Conclusions: Maternal awareness regarding the timely introduction of allergenic foods in Makkah remains limited, with delayed introduction persisting beyond 36 months for several high-risk allergens. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and improved counseling by healthcare providers. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of GS in relation to the production performance, eggshell quality, and liver health of aged laying hens. A total of 144 elderly laying hens were randomly divided into a control group, a 0.15% GS group, and a 0.35% GS group and fed for 4 weeks. The experimental results revealed that GS can significantly improve the laying rate, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness of aged laying hens and reduce the feed-to-egg ratio (p < 0.05). Specifically, 0.35% GS can alleviate symptoms of hepatic steatosis; significantly reduce the levels of AST, TG, and MDA in serum; and increase the levels of ALB and GSH-Px (p < 0.05). The sequencing results demonstrated that GS significantly upregulated the expression of fatty acid breakdown and antioxidant genes, such as PPARA, ACOX1, GSTT1, and CAT, in the liver, while downregulating the expression of fatty acid synthesis and inflammatory genes such as PPARG, FASN, TGFBR2, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, GS also increased the expression of uterine eggshell matrix protein genes (p < 0.05). In summary, GS improves liver health by regulating fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant pathways and enhances eggshell quality by promoting eggshell matrix protein synthesis. Full article

Food and nutrition are the foundation for human survival. This study focuses on the strategic goals of a Healthy China and actively responding to population aging, empirically examining the impact effects and mechanisms of population aging on the food consumption quantity of rural residents in China. Based on a sample of 2846 rural households from 10 provinces in the China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), this study employs various methods such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), instrumental variable methods, and mediation effect models for empirical testing. The study found that population aging has a significant positive impact on the consumption of grains, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and eggs among rural residents in China, while showing a significant negative impact on the consumption of beef/lamb and fruits. For every 1 percentage point increase in the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above in a household, the consumption of grains, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and eggs increased by an average of 106.857 g/day, 57.900 g/day, 8.202 g/day, 9.226 g/day, and 7.116 g/day, respectively. The consumption of beef/lamb and fruits decreased by an average of 5.585 g/day and 36.316 g/day, respectively. Although population aging has led to a decrease in the consumption of certain food items among rural residents, the increase in grain consumption has resulted in an enhanced total energy intake per capita for households. Household income levels and the scale of land management play important mediating roles in the impact of population aging on the quantity of food consumed by rural residents. Therefore, corresponding countermeasures are proposed, aiming to promote the construction of a food consumption monitoring system in China, broaden income channels for rural residents, systematically carry out nutrition and health education, and improve the rural social security system in China, thereby optimizing the structure of food consumption. Full article

Background/Objectives: As an escalating global health challenge, food allergies impose substantial burdens on the physical and psychological well-being of pediatric populations, profoundly compromising their quality of life. Given the marked geographical heterogeneity in allergen distribution patterns, this epidemiological investigation systematically characterizes prevalent pediatric food allergens sensitization patterns in Southwest China, yielding critical region-specific data to inform targeted prevention strategies and clinical management protocols. Methods: A cohort of 36,399 pediatric participants (age <18 years) underwent hospital-based testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) reactivity against 10 regionally prevalent food allergens, utilizing a semi-quantitative, immunocapture-based, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of the 36,399 children whose food allergen sensitization profiles were analyzed, 48.12% (n = 17,514) demonstrated elevated sIgE reactivity in response to at least one tested allergen, with milk and eggs emerging as the predominant allergenic triggers. Age-stratified analyses identified preschool age (≤6 years) as the critical window for food sensitization, demonstrating peak IgE reactivity to major allergens, including milk, peanuts, soybeans, shrimp, eggs, wheat, and beef. Male subjects exhibited significantly higher sensitization rates to peanuts, soybeans, crustaceans and wheat compared to females (p < 0.05), underscoring the importance of sex-based considerations in allergy prevention strategies. Conclusions: Milk and eggs emerge as the dominant food allergens that cause sensitization in Chengdu’s pediatric population. Age- and sex-dependent vulnerabilities were identified, with younger children and male participants demonstrating higher sensitization rates than their counterparts. These age-stratified and male-predominant sensitization patterns provide a scientific foundation for public health initiatives. Full article

The sustainability of egg production in the poultry industry is frequently challenged by the progressive decline in ovarian function as laying chickens age. A primary driver of this reproductive transition is the functional deterioration of small white follicles (SWFs), which constitute the vital pre-hierarchical follicular reserve necessary for sustained egg production. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying age-associated SWF atresia remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the protective efficacy of apigenin (AP), a natural bioactive flavonoid, in mitigating follicular senescence by targeting calcium ion (Ca²⁺)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced SWFs and in naturally aged chickens. Our results revealed that AP treatment effectively rebalanced the D-gal-induced disruption of cell proliferation and survival. Molecular analysis of SWFs revealed that AP treatment promoted the coordinated restoration of transcriptional profiles of key Ca²⁺-handling genes, effectively counteracting the age-related disruption of ionic regulation. In addition, AP suppressed the aberrant upregulation of IP₃R and modulated the expression of other key Ca²⁺-regulatory genes, including CACNA1C, CACNA1D, CAMKII, MCU, and ATP2B1. This restoration of intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis was associated with attenuation of the ERS response, as evidenced by the decreased levels of GRP78 and CHOP, and the suppression of Caspase-3-mediated apoptotic signaling. The biological relevance of these findings was further validated in vivo using naturally aged chickens. Dietary supplementation with AP significantly enhanced pre-hierarchical follicle recruitment in aged laying chickens, and improved egg production and eggshell quality in aged laying chickens. Collectively, these findings indicate that AP can modulate ERS signaling in laying chickens by maintaining intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, thereby enhancing laying performance. These results highlight AP as a promising nutritional intervention to enhance reproductive performance and extend productive longevity in poultry. Full article