Search Results (11,313)

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are effective for maintaining a healthy diet among Mexican-descent populations in the US or if a more culturally tailored policy approach is warranted. Methods: As a first outcome, 20 healthy women of Mexican descent from the Seattle area participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial. They were randomly assigned (10 participants each) to either a group receiving instruction on the standard 2015 DGA or a group receiving an adaptation of the DGA focused on traditional Mexican cuisine and culture. In this 12-week study (with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months), participants’ acceptability of the cultural adaptation of the DGA was compared with that of the standard DGA with end-of-study surveys. Ten blood-based metabolic biomarkers were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Dietary changes at 3 months were assessed with a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) that was translated into Spanish but not culturally adapted. The secondary outcome was dietary change at 6 months. Results: The primary findings at 3 months showed that serum free fatty acids were reduced for the standard DGA arm. Carbohydrate consumption was reduced in the standard DGA arm only. The end-of-study survey results suggested that both interventions were well received by participants. Conclusions: The preliminary findings from this small sample size suggest that depending on a person’s priorities, either intervention could be offered, with each arm showing slightly different dietary and biomarker outcomes. Full article

Oncogenic viruses are well-established contributors to cancer development in both humans and animals. While many animal oncogenic viruses exhibit strong host specificity, concerns remain about their potential to cross species barriers and impact human health. This article examines the classification and molecular mechanisms of oncogenic viruses, including retroviruses, papillomaviruses, herpesviruses, and hepadnaviruses, in animals. It explores historical cases of cross-species transmission, such as the contamination of early polio vaccines with simian virus 40 (SV40), which resulted from the use of rhesus monkey kidney cells and insufficient screening for latent simian viruses, and the hypothesised association between bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) and human breast cancer. To provide a broader comparative perspective, the discussion also includes examples of viruses with a lower economic impact, illustrating that zoonotic and oncogenic potential is not limited to commercially significant species. Biological barriers—including receptor specificity and immune defences—generally limit transmission; however, frequent human–animal interactions, consumption of contaminated food, and viral mutations may increase zoonotic risk. Advances in molecular diagnostics, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and serological testing, play a critical role in identifying emerging threats. Prevention strategies, including veterinary vaccination programs, biosafety protocols, and the One Health approach integrating human and veterinary medicine, are essential for mitigating risks. While current evidence indicates that oncogenic animal viruses do not significantly contribute to human cancers, ongoing surveillance and research remain crucial to detect emerging threats. Understanding viral oncogenesis in animals continues to provide valuable insights into cancer prevention and therapy in humans. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) with an adverse impact on quality of life. The global consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is rapidly increasing, and UPF intake has recently been linked to a wide range of metabolic and chronic diseases. The potential role of UPF consumption in the onset and symptom generation of IBS is emerging but remains unclear. This narrative review synthesizes epidemiological evidence on the association between UPF consumption and IBS, integrates mechanistic insights from experimental and clinical studies and suggests clinical implications based on the current state of knowledge. Observational studies suggest that higher UPF intake may be associated with increased risk of IBS, although the evidence base is limited and subject to methodological challenges. Mechanistic studies indicate that additives including emulsifiers and non-nutritive sweeteners can alter pathways relevant to IBS symptom generation, such as gut microbiota composition, impair intestinal barrier function and trigger low-grade inflammation. Current evidence supports a possible link between UPF consumption and IBS. Increasing overall dietary quality and reducing UPF intake are promising complementary strategies to established dietary interventions. Future intervention trials may provide insights into relevant biological mechanisms, particularly if such changes co-occur with symptom improvement. Full article

This study investigated the occurrence, dissipation, and dietary risks of four pesticides (difenoconazole (DIF), prochloraz (PRO), spinosad (SPI), dinotefuran (DIN)) and their metabolites in pomegranates through nationwide field trials across six Chinese production regions. Results indicated that SPI and DIN dissipated within 7–14 days, while DIF and PRO had longer half-lives (4.91–12.90 days). All pesticide residues remained confined to peels without penetrating arils. Terminal residues were below China’s MRLs. While deterministic and probabilistic risk assessments confirmed acceptable acute and chronic risks from pomegranate consumption alone (%ARfD: 0.09–17.66%; %ADI: 0.21–17.65%), comprehensive multi-crop dietary assessment revealed unacceptable chronic exposure risks for children aged under 11 years (%ADI: 56.1–155%). The non-carcinogenic risk (%HQ) for PRO from pomegranate consumption was 2.1–21.0%, indicating acceptable safety. The study provides data for safe pesticide use while highlighting the urgent need to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from cumulative pesticide exposure across multiple food sources. Full article

This research study addresses the critical contradiction within global food systems: unsustainable consumption patterns and persistent food insecurity coexist and are exacerbated by food waste, which deepens socioeconomic inequalities and generates negative environmental externalities. In this scenario, higher education plays a central role in adopting comprehensive strategic frameworks to develop specialized human capital and influence society. This study analyzes a Service Learning model that integrates the CFS-IRA Principles to promote the SDGs and ensure responsible consumption. Based on a case study of the Food Bank Chair spanning 10 years and 212 projects, the implementation of this model was evaluated using the Working with People (WWP) method, which combines the development of postgraduate students’ skills with community service to address social problems. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the SL-WWP model in strengthening students’ technical, social, and ethical competencies while reducing food waste. The evaluation showed strong alignment with key SDGs, with outstanding performance in governance, although the need to strengthen environmental and social criteria was identified. The originality lies in integrating the CFS-IRA Principles into an SL model that encourages innovative cooperation among universities, civil society, and public–private sectors, offering a replicable proposal for higher education institutions to establish themselves as agents of change towards sustainability. Full article

Equines play a crucial role in global food security, economic development, and recreation, particularly in regions such as Central Asia, parts of Africa, and South America. However, parasitic infections significantly impact their health, productivity, and reproductive performance, leading to economic losses and reduced animal welfare. This review synthesizes the effects of parasitic infections, including protozoan, helminthic, and ectoparasitic species, on equines. These infections cause hematological alterations like anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, compromising overall health and resilience. Protozoan parasites, such as Trypanosoma spp., Theileria equi, and Babesia caballi, directly affect semen quality and fertility by causing testicular lesions, orchitis, and hormonal disruptions. Helminths like Cyathostomins and Strongyles reduce nutrient absorption, impairing productivity, while some protozoan species can cause abortion through transplacental transmission. Zoonotic parasites, including Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, pose a human health risk through contaminated meat and milk consumption. Despite the effectiveness of conventional anthelmintics, emerging biological control methods like Duddingtonia flagrans (BioWorma^® and Bioverm^®) show promise. However, the development of standardized herbal anthelmintics and vaccines is hindered by limited efficacy validation, complex parasite biology, and inadequate funding. The need for better diagnostic tools and sustainable treatments remains critical for the long-term sustainability of the equine industry. Full article

This study proposed a methodology for obtaining a valid database of food retail establishments and characterized the community food environment, understood as the distribution and type of food outlets, in a Brazilian medium-sized municipality after the collapse of a mining tailings dam. An ecological study was conducted with establishments selling food for home consumption (butcher shops, fish markets; fruit and vegetable specialty markets; large- and small-chain supermarkets; bakeries and local markets) and immediate consumption (bars, snack bars, and restaurants). For home-consumption establishments, data were requested from governments and completed with website/app searches, virtual audits (Google Street View), and on-site audits. For immediate-consumption establishments, only on-site audit was used due to the low quality of the secondary databases. Agreement between databases was assessed with the Kappa statistic. Density (d) was calculated by the area (in km²) of the sampling stratum. Public databases presented low validity (23.0%; Kappa −0.388; p = 1.000), even after virtual auditing (31.4%; Kappa 0.37; p < 0.001). 96 establishments for home consumption and 261 for immediate consumption were identified, with predominance of local markets (35.4%), bars (35.2%), and snack bars (29.1%). The region with the highest density of establishments was the “Other Areas” stratum (d = 4.7 for home-consumption establishments and d = 13.2 for immediate-consumption establishments). Audit proved most effective, especially for small establishments. The lack of governmental databases and the identified food environment should inform municipal policies to promote food and nutrition security and reduce inequalities after the disaster. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change highlight the complex health and environmental challenges faced by young adults. These challenges may intensify during the transition to university. As a matter of fact, limited budgets, time constraints, and insufficient culinary skills often lead to unbalanced diets and increased risk of obesity. University cafeterias, serving large numbers of students, represent an ideal setting to promote healthier and more sustainable eating behaviors. The FOOD-HACK Project aimed to design and implement a cafeteria-based intervention using nudging strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable lunch choices among university students. Methods: This pilot study employed a pre–post design with two independent phases in the Polo Cravino cafeteria at the University of Pavia. Food consumption was assessed over 12 non-consecutive days across four weeks. During the intervention, three nudging strategies were implemented: (1) choice architecture, (2) salient labeling, highlighting healthy and sustainable options, and (3) educational prompts. Results: Across both phases, 2400 tray photographs were collected. Post-intervention, the proportion of trays aligned with the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate and EAT-Lancet Planetary Diet models increased, reflecting higher consumption of vegetables and fruit. Legume-based first courses increased; however, legumes did not substantially replace animal proteins as the main protein source, and meat remained predominant in second courses. Reductions in trays containing multiple carbohydrate sources were also observed. Conclusions: The nudging intervention improved overall meal quality, demonstrating that subtle environmental modifications can guide students toward healthier dietary choices, particularly by increasing fruit and vegetable intake. However, the persistent preference for animal proteins highlights the challenge of shifting protein consumption toward more sustainable sources. These findings suggest that nudging can be an effective tool to promote healthier and more balanced eating behaviors in university settings, though complementary strategies may be needed to foster substantial changes in protein choices. Full article

In recent years, the number of diabetes patients worldwide has been increasing daily, and more than 700 million people are in a prediabetic state. Fructus arctii exhibits notable anti-diabetic activity, but its active components remain unclear. In this study, a polysaccharide (FAP-W) was extracted and characterized using UV, FTIR, HPLC, NMR, AFM, the Congo red test, and SEM. FAP-W has a molecular weight of 1.99 × 10⁴ Da and mainly consists of α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-d-fructofuranosyl-(1→2)]₁₀-β-d-furanofructosyl units. Monosaccharide analysis revealed mannose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose in a 3.4:23.59:21.27:47.7 ratio. In insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, FAP-W significantly increased glucose consumption, enhanced glycogen content, and elevated HK and PK activities. It also decreased TG, MDA, and ROS levels while improving SOD activity. These results suggest that FAP-W ameliorates insulin resistance, regulates glucose–lipid metabolism, and alleviates oxidative stress, indicating its potential as a functional food or therapeutic candidate for diabetes. Full article

Biochar has recently been widely used as a soil amendment. However, the interaction effects of biochar with irrigation management on soil water leakage and water use efficiency of paddy black soil remain unclear, which seriously restricts the production potential of black soil. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to explore the response rule of water loss and water use efficiency of black soil under the coupling effects of biochar, irrigation amounts, and irrigation methods through column experiment, field experiment, and HYDRUS-AquaCrop coupling simulation. Biochar application rates, irrigation amounts, and irrigation methods were set at five levels (B = 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 kg·m⁻²), seven levels (I = 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360 mm), and two levels (M, conventional irrigation and drip irrigation), respectively. The results showed that B and M had a significant coupling effect on water leakage loss (p < 0.05). Single factor B promoted water loss, but B and M inhibited water loss, which helps reduce water waste and environmental pollution. Compared with a single effect, the synergistic effect of B, I, and M on water consumption (ET), yield (Y), and water use efficiency (WUE) was better, increasing Y by 18.2%–57.9% and WUE by 17.1%–34.9%. Additionally, ET, Y, and WUE were also correlated with hydrological years, and this correlation works best in dry years. The maximum of Y and WUE in wet and normal years occurred in the ‘BDI6, 0 mm’ treatment (saving water and high yield), while that in dry years occurred in the ‘BDI6, 360 mm’ treatment (a stable yield). Therefore, the interaction effects of biochar and irrigation management should be comprehensively considered in black soil agricultural production to improve the agricultural potential of black soil and ensure food security. Full article

Ultrasound-assisted microextraction (UAME) has emerged as a powerful and sustainable technique for food chemical contaminant analysis, offering a rapid, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the application of UAME for the determination of various food chemical contaminants, including pesticide residues, potentially toxic elements, mycotoxins, veterinary drugs, and other chemical contaminants. The fundamental principles of ultrasound-assisted extraction are discussed, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of acoustic cavitation and mass transfer enhancement that enable improved analyte recovery from complex food matrices. Key factors influencing extraction efficiency (solvent selection, ultrasonic frequency and power, extraction time, and sample characteristics) were critically analyzed. Additionally, the integration of UAME with modern analytical platforms, such as LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS, was explored, highlighting its compatibility with high-throughput and multiresidue detection. Compared with traditional techniques, UAME offers significant benefits, including reduced solvent consumption, shorter extraction times, and improved analytical performance. This review also addresses current limitations and future perspectives, particularly regarding standardization, automation, and application in routine food safety monitoring. Overall, UAME represents a promising direction for more sustainable and efficient food chemical contaminant analysis, aligning with the growing demand for green analytical chemistry approaches. Full article

The Planetary Health Diet (PHD), recognized as a healthy and environmentally sustainable dietary pattern, has been promoted globally; however, its role in supporting weight change among children within structured weight management interventions remains unclear. A four-month randomized multicomponent family-based trial was conducted with 120 dyads of children with obesity (7–12 years) and their guardians. The intervention group (IG) received counseling on the PHD, portion size reduction, and strategies to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, while the control group (CG) received general guidance based on the Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines for the Brazilian Population, emphasizing the avoidance of ultra-processed foods. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken by trained professionals at baseline and during each consultation. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate BMI change in children and guardians. Most guardians were mothers with low-to-middle income. Attrition was around 40% in both groups, but most participants were followed up for four visits. No significant difference in BMI variation was observed between allocation groups; however, both groups of children reduced BMI (IG = −0.2 and CG = −0.4; p = 0.002), with no change among guardians. PHD adherence scores changed minimally overall, but consumption of nuts and fruits increased in both groups. Although the intervention did not outperform the control in reducing BMI, the overall BMI reduction among children in both groups suggests that participation in a lifestyle-focused trial, regardless of specific content, may promote weight management in children with obesity. Full article

The utilization of post-production and post-processing by-products aligns with current trends in sustainable fruit industry practices. Recovering valuable nutrients from such materials holds significant potential for the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Among these, cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) seeds represent a promising source of functional ingredients, particularly due to their oil’s rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. The seeds, accounting for approximately 9–10% of the fruit mass, yield an oil characterized by high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids—mainly linoleic acid (≈67.5%) and oleic acid (≈20%)—alongside palmitic (≈5.8%) and stearic acids (≈2.1%). Linolenic acid content, however, shows notable variability (1.4–14.7%), influencing the oil’s omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which generally remains below 5:1. Cornelian cherry seed oil stands out among other stone fruit oils (e.g., rosehip, apricot, peach, cherry, plum) for its favorable fatty acid composition and absence of cyanogenic glycosides, making it safe for human consumption. Beyond its nutritional value, this oil exhibits biological activity and health-promoting potential, suggesting wide applicability in functional foods and nutraceutical formulations. Despite progress in characterizing seed composition—including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, and tannins—knowledge gaps persist regarding the transfer of these compounds into the oil, particularly under cold-pressing conditions. Future studies should focus on optimizing extraction processes, assessing thermal treatment effects, and clarifying the variability of linolenic acid. Such research will support the sustainable exploitation of cornelian cherry by-products and the industrial-scale development of this high-value oil. Full article

Wild chili peppers from Mexico are a representative product of high cultural and gastronomic importance. The objective of this research was to apply chemometric and sensometric techniques to generate volatile fingerprints, real-time sensory dominance profiles, and cognitive profiles of consumers of Mexican wild chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L. variety glabriusculum). Samples of wild chili peppers, including Chilpaya, Chiltepin, Mirasol, and Tabaquero, were collected for analyses of volatile compounds, sensory dominance, and the association with emotions and memories, all of which were conducted remotely. Volatile fingerprinting via GC-MS revealed that wild chili peppers have a high content of fatty acids associated with oily and waxy notes, as well as terpenes such as longifolene, which contribute herbal notes to these peppers. In the dominance analysis, it was found that the Chiltepín and Chilpaya wild chili peppers were dominant in a burning sensation and chili flavor. In contrast, the Mirasol and Tabaquero wild chili peppers produced greater numbness and heat in the mouth during consumption in real time. The correlation between GC-MS and TDS was greater than 0.70, confirming that the identified volatile compounds are related to the effects generated during the consumption of wild chili peppers in real time. The online cognitive profile showed that images of wild chili peppers evoked more positive emotions and memories (active, adventurous, aggressive, calm, free, good, satisfied, traditional food, party, family, cold weather, and birthplace). Full article

Understanding how digital transformation shapes dietary behavior is essential for evaluating nutritional transitions in developing economies. However, the mechanisms through which the digital economy impacts dietary diversity remain insufficiently explored. This study provides new empirical evidence on how digitalization influences the dietary diversity of Chinese residents. Utilizing unbalanced panel data sourced from the China Nutrition and Health Survey (CHNS), we calculate provincial digital economy indices and estimate its effects through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and mediating effect model. Baseline results state that the digital economy significantly improves dietary diversity. Mediating effects analyses reveal that the digital economy augments dietary diversity by boosting household income, deepening dietary awareness, and facilitating industry transformation and consumption upgrading. Moreover, heterogeneity analyses indicate that the synergistic effect between the digital economy and diet patterns varies significantly across urban–rural areas, education levels, and household living conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for other emerging economies undergoing similar digital and nutritional transitions. Full article