Search Results (11,106)

Seed priming is recognized as an environmentally friendly technique to enhance the physiological and biochemical performance of crops. However, its effectiveness varies depending on factors such as crop type, priming agents and climatic conditions. Based on this hypothesis, this comparative, climate- and soil-dependent meta-synthesis study therefore aimed to evaluate how these factors shape plant responses in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.), while providing insights into sustainable strategies for improving crop performance, food security, and progress toward sustainable development goals. A cross-study synthesis of 31 peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar evaluated the influence of these factors on key physiological traits, chlorophyll content (CC) and net photosynthesis rate (Pn), and biochemical traits, proline (Pro), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The findings indicated greater priming-induced enhancements in common bean than soybean for most traits: chlorophyll content (36.6% in common bean and 25.6% in soybean), net photosynthesis rate (33.2% in common bean and 19.8% in soybean), proline content (45.2% in common bean and 40.9% in soybean), and SOD activity (37.1% in common bean and 30.5% in soybean). Soybean only showed superior enhancement in CAT activity (40.1% in soybean and 19.5% in common bean). The climatic conditions impacted the outcomes, with physiological traits (CC and Pn) responding more prominently under semi-arid and arid climates, and biochemical traits (Pro, CAT and SOD) showing higher responsiveness in continental and Mediterranean climates. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between CAT activity and priming agents (r = 0.54); SOD and crop type (r = 0.52); and Pn and crop type (0.90). Multivariate analysis revealed that soybean was positively associated with silt, clay, pH, tropical climate and CAT activity, while common bean was linked to nitrogen, arid conditions, SOD activity and proline. These differences could be due to the molecular and genetic variations in the two crops. Unlike previous reviews, this study provides the first quantitative synthesis integrating crop type, priming agents, and climatic variables, aiming to evaluate how these factors influence the responses of two major legume crops to seed priming. Overall, the findings highlight the need for crop- and environment-specific priming protocols to optimize the benefits of seed priming as a cost-effective approach to enhance crop performance and productivity. Full article

As food demand increases, agricultural practices have evolved, prompting increased exploration of sustainable ecological techniques and utilization of plant-associated microorganisms. In this context, plant fitness has been enhanced by plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), which stimulate growth through direct mechanisms, such as improved nutrient availability and phytohormone production, as well as indirect mechanisms, including protection against phytopathogens and suppression of soil-borne diseases. However, these innate capabilities of PGPM can be further improved through genomic modification or editing. This article reviews advances in the genomic engineering of plant-beneficial microorganisms as tools to enhance their positive effects on crop performance and environmental remediation. The genetic modification strategies analyzed here include random mutagenesis, targeted genome editing (such as CRISPR-Cas), gene over-expression, genome shuffling, RNA interference, metabolic pathway engineering, and synthetic biology approaches. These tools have enabled the optimization of functions, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, secondary metabolite production, biocontrol, stress tolerance, and bioremediation. However, we propose expanding the discussion of their regulation and use in various countries. Additionally, these modifications must be efficient and safe for the beneficial microbiota associated with the target crop, as well as for humans, animals, and the environment, all of which depend on sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Background: Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity significantly impact on the risk of obesity in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). However, in the absence of national nutritional guidelines in individuals with DS, further work is needed to understand their dietary and physical activity patterns. In this work we retrieved caregivers’ responses on those aspects. Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey of caregivers of individuals with DS conducted as part of the GO-DS21 project and reported in the accompanying paper (nutrients-4216283) (n = 764). We explored physical activity patterns, dietary habits, beliefs around weight-loss interventions and caregiver confidence that family members with DS would engage in a healthier lifestyle. Associations were examined using correlation analysis, and cumulative and binary logistic regression models. Results: Caregivers reported that most individuals with DS exercised 1–3 times per week, with frequency declining with age. Males were more likely to exercise daily than females. Caregiver exercise frequency was positively correlated with that of their DS family member (ρ = 0.521, p < 0.001), suggesting clustering of shared health behaviors within households. In adjusted models, caregivers who exercised regularly had up to thirteen-fold higher odds of having a physically active family member with DS (aOR = 13.02, 95% CI: 7.40–24.06, p < 0.001). Fried food consumption and higher snack frequency were independently associated with perceived obesity status, while sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was not. Caregivers favored exercise as a weight-loss strategy, while anti-obesity drugs were endorsed by only 11% of caregivers primarily and were more likely to be endorsed when obesity was perceived (aOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.44–7.39, p < 0.001). Finally, caregiver confidence that their family member with DS would engage in healthier behaviors was associated with perceived obesity status and strongly associated with higher physical activity levels (aOR 14.68, 95% CI: 6.59–33.40, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this large European caregiver survey, reported consumption of selected energy-dense foods was generally low, although fried food intake and higher snack frequency were associated with perceived obesity. Physical activity patterns were closely aligned between caregivers and individuals with DS, suggesting shared household health behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of involving caregivers and family environments in lifestyle interventions aimed at supporting physical activity and weight management in individuals with DS. Full article

This case study aimed to benchmark the healthiness, equity, and environmental sustainability of a large, urban Australian university food environment through two audits conducted in 2022 and 2025. Two cross-sectional audits were completed at a large urban university campus using the Uni-Food tool, which assesses 68 best practice indicators across three components: policy, campus facilities, and food retail outlets. Four assessors independently conducted the audits with excellent inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.89). Final scores out of 100 were calculated using weighted domains. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to compare changes over time. In 2025, the university achieved a score of 52%, up from 48% in 2022, indicating medium compliance with best practice standards. Findings highlight that scores differed modestly but there were persistent gaps in university food policy and practice. Specifically, the policy component remained low (48%), demonstrating strong overall planning but a lack in food retail policy and monitoring systems. The campus component scored moderately (63%), with various nutrition knowledge-building opportunities and environmental sustainability initiatives available but heavy promotion of unhealthy foods at campus events. The food retail component scored lowest overall (36%), especially as there was a lack of adequate nutrition information provided at food outlets. Continued investment in policy development, campus-wide strategies, and food retail innovation is essential to create healthier, more equitable, and environmentally sustainable food environments in tertiary settings. Full article

Introduction: The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), an endangered scavenger, plays an important role in ecosystem health and corpse decomposition processes. However, populations have been declining throughout the Indian subcontinent, mainly due to anthropogenic influences. The present study explores how human activities affect the scavenging ecology and feeding behavior of Egyptian vultures in Gonda District, Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: The observations were conducted from January to June 2025. Systematic field observations were conducted at certain dumping locations. Point count sampling techniques were used to capture information on interspecific interactions, food type, feeding duration, and frequency of foraging. Results: The findings showed that vultures relied extensively on manmade food sources, mainly animal carcasses (57%), poultry waste (25%), and market rubbish (10%). Feeding activity peaked in the morning (08:00–11:00 h), coinciding with carcass disposal times at dump sites. Feral dogs, cattle egrets, and crows frequently engaged in interspecific conflict, limiting feeding time and food availability. Dependence on human-mediated food sources demonstrates both adaptation and susceptibility—adaptability in exploiting alternative resources, but vulnerability due to potential exposure to toxins, diminished food supply, and habitat disruption. Conclusions: The study underlines the critical need for better waste management techniques, construction of vulture feeding zones, and public awareness campaigns to support the long-term conservation of Egyptian Vultures in human-modified environments. Full article

Accurate mapping of winter rapeseed cultivation areas is crucial for food security assessment and agricultural resource management, yet remains a persistent challenge in mountainous regions characterized by complex topography and highly fragmented field parcels. To address these challenges, this study develops a progressive deep learning framework using single growing-season data from the Hanzhong Basin. We conducted a structured comparison of remote sensing indices, machine learning, and deep learning approaches for rapeseed identification in heterogeneous landscapes. First, sensitivity analysis of the Flowering Index for Rapeseed was performed to identify the optimal parameterization, yielding high inter-class separability (ND = 0.959) during peak flowering and a threshold-based overall accuracy (OA) of 94.41%. Second, a multidimensional feature space was constructed by integrating Sentinel-2 spectral bands, image texture metrics, and topographic variables; Random Forest-based feature importance selection subsequently enhanced Support Vector Machine classification performance to an OA of 90.70%. Third, we proposed an innovative three-stage progressive UNet++ architecture: Stage1 focuses on binary rapeseed/non-rapeseed classification to establish spatial priors; Stage2 refines discrimination among spectrally similar vegetation classes (rapeseed and other vegetation); and Stage3 achieves comprehensive seven-class semantic segmentation. A weighted focal loss function combined with a weight inheritance mechanism was employed to mitigate class imbalance and facilitate inter-stage knowledge transfer. The final model attained an OA of 98.65% and a mean intersection over union of 95.29%, while effectively suppressing salt-and-pepper noise artifacts in geometrically fragmented parcels. Our findings demonstrate the substantial advantages of progressive deep learning strategies for crop monitoring in topographically constrained environments. Full article

Oxidative stress, caused by the excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, contributes to cellular damage and chronic diseases. Fermented foods are increasingly recognized for their antioxidant properties, which are strongly influenced by microbial metabolism during fermentation. This review examines three major microbial mechanisms involved in antioxidant enhancement in fermented foods: exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, release of matrix-bound bioactive compounds, and microbial modulation of redox conditions. Microbial EPS contribute through radical scavenging and metal chelation, while microbial enzymes increase the bioavailability of phenolic compounds, peptides, and other antioxidant molecules. In addition, microbial metabolic activity influences the redox environment of fermented systems through electron-transfer processes and reducing metabolites. By integrating these complementary mechanisms, this review provides a comprehensive framework linking microbial biotransformation and redox modulation to the antioxidant properties of fermented foods, and highlights their potential for the development of functional fermented products. Full article

The poultry industry is undergoing a major transition to reduce the use of antibiotics, as a result of the growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic residue in meat and increasingly stringent regulatory policies. This trend has led to an increased interest in functional feed additives as potential alternatives that may support bird health, growth performance and meat quality. There are functional additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, enzymes, essential oils, vitamins, minerals and postbiotics, that have shown potential effectiveness in enhancing gut health, nutrient utilization, immunity and disease resistance in poultry. The advantages that are frequently noticed are increased feed conversion ratio, body weight gain, carcass yield and improved meat quality characteristics, such as water-holding capacity, color stability, tenderness, oxidative stability and shelf life. Furthermore, the decrease in the use of antibiotics decreases the risk of residues and also the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes through the food chain and the environment. Consumer interest in antibiotic-free and naturally raised poultry meat has also led to the emergence of premium market opportunities, where trust, transparency in poultry labelling and perceived safety are key drivers of consumer acceptance. But there are issues yet to be addressed regarding additive efficacy variability, dosage standardization, cost-effectiveness and implementation on farms under different production systems. This review critically evaluates the scientific evidence related to the use of functional feed additives as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition, focusing on their effects on meat quality, food safety, economic viability, sustainability and consumer perception. Precision nutrition, combinations of synergistic additives, and data-driven feed strategies will be key to future progress to enable profitable and sustainable poultry production. Full article

The roles of proline in stress tolerance, energy metabolism, immune function, and ecology across organisms suggest a broader relevance in orchard agroecosystems than is often recognized. In fruit trees, stress-induced proline accumulation reflects a complex regulatory network, while evidence also indicates that inter-organ transport contributes to protective responses under abiotic stress. In insects, proline functions as an oxidative substrate priming the rest-to-flight metabolic transition in pollinators and pests, a cryoprotective osmolyte and a structural element of conserved classes of antimicrobial peptides against microbial threats. These roles create paradoxical orchard-scale feedbacks while a stress-protective molecule both intensifies herbivore pressure and enhances pollination and biocontrol services. The orchard environment represents a meeting point of plant, environmental, animal and human health, reflecting the integrative logic of the One Health framework, where proline emerges as a highly water-soluble and bioactive compound. The functional homology between insect and human proline catabolism emerges governance-critical issues across tree physiology, insect immunity and human dietary exposure. The targeted application offers a unifying framework for farmers, scientists and policymakers to advance Sustainable Development Goal commitments across food security, human health, climate resilience and biodiversity. We conclude that proline supplementation in orchards requires regulatory monitoring across ecophysiological and pharmaceutical dimensions. Full article

Single-use polypropylene (PP) food containers represent a rapidly growing waste stream characterized by compositional heterogeneity and microstructural defects. Conventional reactive compatibilization using isotactic maleic anhydride-grafted PP (iPP-g-MA) provides rigid crystalline anchoring but lacks the interfacial flexibility to accommodate complex micro-defects. Herein, we propose a defect-tolerant compatibilization strategy by developing a binary iPP-g-MA/aPP-g-MA masterbatch for real post-consumer rPP derived from food-service containers. The amorphous aPP-g-MA component is proposed to provide a compliant interfacial environment that accommodates stress concentrations associated with microscale defects, whereas the iPP-g-MA component contributes crystalline anchoring with the recycled PP matrix. This soft/hard interfacial architecture is supported by grafting-degree analysis, GPC, XRD, DSC crystallization behavior, and SEM fracture morphology. The 1:1 mass-ratio binary formulation shows a marked improvement in elongation at break to 200%, representing a 203% increase relative to the single-component iMA system. The notched Charpy impact strength is enhanced to 8.98 kJ m⁻², while tensile strength is retained at 20.9 MPa within the typical strength–ductility trade-off of polymer toughening. TGA shows no premature degradation within the melt-processing window, indicating adequate thermal stability for melt reprocessing. This study provides a compositionally tunable, data-supported route for high-value upcycling of heterogeneous post-consumer polyolefins. From an application viewpoint, the improved ductility-impact balance makes the material relevant to injection-moulded semi-structural products such as storage crates, appliance housings, and automotive interior panels. Full article

Inflation, recognized as a social determinant of health (SDOH), significantly affects the daily lives of individuals through the rising costs of food, housing, and other basic needs, all of which are public health concerns. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has become a prominent concern in the U.S. and has been linked to increased stress and poor mental health among adults. While data on inflation is tracked routinely, how it is discussed publicly is understudied. Social media platforms provide insights into how inflation is framed and experienced by the public, and these assessments may be used to determine public health needs and policy advocacy. In this study, we conducted a time-bound, platform-specific case study of inflation-related discourse on X (formerly Twitter). Analysis revealed a predominance of negative sentiments (68.5%) including frustration and distrust. Posts primarily concerned monetary policy/government spending (31.6%), Federal Reserve interest rates/financial markets (24.5%), and U.S. presidential politics (12.9%). The users did not explicitly discuss personal-level hardships, and the discussions largely focused on macro-level issues framed in polarized political perspectives. These patterns matter for public health because institutional trust shapes support for social and health policies. Our study findings suggest a fragmented social environment that may exacerbate community-wide anxiety and challenge health promotion efforts and the need for public health surveillance through surveys or personal interviews to identify and address the psychological burden of inflation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical life stage characterized by rapid growth, increased nutrient requirements, and the establishment of long-term healthy behaviors. Growing evidence suggests that nutritional inadequacies may persist even when conventional indicators such as body mass index (BMI) appear normal, reflecting hidden malnutrition, a condition characterized by micronutrient inadequacy despite adequate energy intake. This issue may be particularly relevant in structurally constrained environments. This study aimed to compare dietary intake and nutrient adequacy between adolescents residing in residential care institutions (RCIs) and those in the general population in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 248 adolescents were included in the analysis. Institutional data were collected in 2018 and compared with nationally representative data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT 2010–2012). To improve comparability, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was applied based on age, sex, and geographic region. Nutrient intakes were evaluated according to the Taiwan Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Results: Adolescents in RCIs demonstrated significantly lower energy and protein adequacy than their counterparts in the general population. Among boys aged 13–15 years, the proportion meeting protein adequacy was substantially lower in RCIs than in the general population (34.0% vs. 84.0%). Similarly, among girls aged 13–15 years, energy adequacy was markedly lower in RCIs (25.0% vs. 63.9%). In addition, inadequate intake of multiple micronutrients, particularly B vitamins and essential minerals, was observed. Despite these differences, BMI remained largely comparable between groups, indicating a mismatch between anthropometric status and underlying nutritional quality. Conclusions: These findings suggest that hidden nutritional vulnerability may persist even within structured institutional environments designed to ensure stable food provision. The results highlight the limitations of relying solely on anthropometric indicators to assess nutritional status and underscore the need for targeted nutritional strategies to improve dietary quality and reduce health inequalities in residential care settings. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly transmissible viral infection of livestock that threatens food security and causes substantial economic losses in endemic regions. Despite its economic impact, the role of environmental viral load and wildlife reservoirs in sustaining FMD transmission remains poorly quantified. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which community viral load sustains FMD persistence and to identify key transmission drivers in a coupled livestock–wildlife–environment system. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infected (SEI) model with a free-living virus compartment was analyzed via the basic reproduction number ($R_0$) and solved numerically using a Nonstandard Finite Difference Method. Sensitivity analysis identified wild host population size, transmission rates, host recruitment, environmental viral decay, and viral load thresholds as major determinants of $R_0$. Results indicate that higher transmission rates accelerate susceptible depletion and increase exposed and infected classes, with wildlife dominating environmental viral contributions. Community viral load is central to sustaining outbreaks and informs targeted control strategies. Full article

Essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids are key nutritional indicators. The human body preferentially absorbs these compounds, which have beneficial effects on health. In aquatic ecosystems, plankton communities serve as the primary food source for aquatic organisms, playing a crucial role in shaping their nutritional composition. In this study, we collected populations of Macrobrachium nipponense and corresponding water samples from ten distinct geographical locations across China. These sites included five freshwater resources and five saline–alkaline water resources. This study measured the ionic composition and plankton community structure of water samples, and analyzed the nutritional components of M. nipponense, aiming to identify indicator taxa linked to the nutritional value in this species. The results show significant differences in both nutritional components and plankton community structures between freshwater and saline–alkaline environments. This suggests a correlation between specific plankton taxa and the nutritional value of M. nipponense. Using relative sequence abundance data from metabarcoding, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified six plankton indicator taxa at the genus level. Their abundance differed significantly between the two habitat types. The saline–alkaline region had three associated taxa: Cyclotella, Brachionus, and Chaetoceros. In contrast, Arctodiaptomus, Cryptomonas, and Limnoithona were identified as indicator taxa for freshwater regions. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Pearson correlation analysis revealed that, with the exception of the SY site, the abundance of Chaetoceros and Brachionus in saline–alkaline waters tracked with levels of K⁺, Ca²⁺, and HCO₃⁻. Meanwhile, at the SZ site, plankton community richness rose with CO₃²⁻. Furthermore, the potential correlations between plankton indicator taxa and the formation of specific nutritional components in M. nipponense were explored. These findings highlight the complex interactions among ionic composition, plankton indicator taxa, and nutritional value in M. nipponense. Ultimately, this study can support the development of artificial techniques to regulate the nutritional components of this commercially important species. Full article

Aflatoxins are widespread hepatotoxic food contaminants, yet age-specific cumulative exposure to multiple aflatoxins and associated health risks remain poorly characterized. This study assessed cumulative dietary exposure to aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), B₂, G₁, and G₂, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk across five age groups, evaluating the influence of packaging and retail sources on contamination. Contamination data of 1179 food samples and consumption data were integrated to calculate the margin of exposure (MoE) and annual HCC incidence. AFB₁ was most frequently detected and often co-occurred with other aflatoxins; bulk vegetable oils showed the highest total aflatoxin detection rate. Roasted peanuts contributed most to aflatoxin exposure, particularly among children aged 3–6 (MoE 900–1206). Rice, rice products, and coarse grains were primary contributors to aflatoxin-attributable HCC risk (0.008 cases per 100,000 person-years). Overall contamination was significantly higher in bulk products than in pre-packaged foods (p < 0.05) and in samples from farmers’ markets and grocery stores than in other sites (p < 0.05). These findings reveal non-negligible aflatoxin-related health risks for Guangzhou residents, especially young children and frequent consumers of staple grains and nuts. Targeted monitoring of high-risk foods and retail environments and age-specific dietary guidance are recommended to reduce population-level aflatoxin exposure and HCC risk. Full article