Search Results (24,259)

Local governance has been found to be an important determinant of individuals’ subjective well-being (SWB) in cross-municipality studies in Europe and Asia. In addition, previous literature suggests that increasing access to determinants of SWB provides lesser SWB benefit to racial minorities compared to white people in the United States (U.S.). Given this context, we ask the following: (1) does good local governance improve SWB in the U.S.? and (2) does good local governance improve SWB for Black and Hispanic people equally compared to white people? To answer these questions, we examine Chicago, Illinois, the third-largest city in the U.S. with substantial Black and Hispanic populations. We model local governance, our independent variable, as the number of weeks for the municipality to respond to pothole service requests reported to the city’s non-emergency services system. Our dependent variable was life satisfaction, measured by the Cantril Ladder. Covariates included self-reported health problems, lack of money for food, sex, age, age-squared, and marital status. Neighborhood race/ethnicity was tested as a moderator of the primary relationships. We estimated linear regression models with and without race × governance interactions. Our findings demonstrate that local governance is an important determinant of SWB, but that it benefits SWB in white neighborhoods more than in Black/Hispanic neighborhoods. Full article

A recent report on the future of agriculture by the European Commission emphasizes the need for sustainable development on a farm level to be characterized by measuring ecosystem services with indicators and corresponding thresholds. This case study raises the question whether or not operational methods are currently available to allow such measurements under practical field conditions. To broaden the scope of this case study to the international policy arena, the measurement of ecosystem services was linked to selected UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The case study showed that operational methods are currently available to measure and judge ecosystem services related to the following: the production of healthy food, water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, and soil health. This conclusion was, however, only possible when applying innovative sensing and laboratory techniques to measure pesticide and heavy metal contents and soil microbiology. Soil health is not only important as an ecosystem service, as such, but also plays a major role in realizing the other ecosystem services. Once all ecosystem services are satisfied on a particular farm, a farmer is free to follow his own unique management practices free from top-down governmental rules and regulations that focus now on required management measures. Each farmer can pursue the goals in a way that best aligns with his own vision, context, and creativity. Full article

Pregnancy represents a period of heightened oxidative demand in which maternal metabolic adaptations are tightly regulated by redox-sensitive molecular pathways. Imbalances in these systems have been associated with gestational complications, impaired placental function, and long-term effects on offspring health. This review examines the molecular mechanisms through which adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) influences oxidative balance during pregnancy. We summarize evidence on how MD-derived bioactives regulate oxidative stress pathways and affect oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. At the same time, certain MD foods containing environmental contaminants may potentially attenuate its protective effects. In addition, the review explores molecular insights into how the MD may counteract oxidative stress induced by environmental pollutants through modulation of redox signaling and detoxification pathways. By integrating biochemical, molecular, and environmental perspectives, this review highlights the MD as a potential nutrigenomic intervention to optimize oxidative balance, support healthy pregnancy outcomes linked to environmental pollution. Full article

Sustainability in the agri-food sector has become a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change, ensure food security through climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen economic resilience. Sustainability reporting within agri-food systems has gained increasing regulatory significance with the introduction of mandatory frameworks such as the Turkish Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRSs). This article searches for the sustainability reports of agri-business firms listed in BIST in Turkey. Although TSRS reporting is not yet mandatory for the agribusiness sector, this study examines the first TSRS-aligned sustainability reports published by eight agri-food companies, excluding the retail sector. The analysis assesses how effectively these reports address sector-specific environmental and social challenges defined in the GRI 13 Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing Sector Standard and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using a structured content analysis approach, disclosure patterns were examined at both thematic and company levels. The findings indicate that TSRS-aligned reports place strong emphasis on environmental and climate-related disclosures, particularly emissions, climate adaptation and resilience, water management, and waste. In contrast, agro-ecological and land-based impacts—such as soil health, pesticide use, and ecosystem conversion—are weakly addressed. Economic disclosures are predominantly framed around climate-related financial risks and supply chain traceability, while social reporting focuses mainly on occupational health and safety, employment practices, and food safety, with limited attention to labor and equity issues across the broader value chain. Company-level results reveal marked heterogeneity, with internationally active firms demonstrating deeper alignment with GRI 13 requirements. From an SDG alignment perspective, high levels of coverage are observed across all companies for SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By contrast, SDGs critical to agro-ecological integrity and social equity—namely SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)—are weakly represented or entirely absent. Overall, the results suggest that while TSRS-aligned reporting enhances transparency in climate-related domains, it achieves only selective alignment with the SDG agenda. This underscores the need for a stronger integration of sector-specific sustainability priorities into mandatory sustainability reporting frameworks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy lifestyles lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Few studies in East Asia have examined the association between the dietary inflammation potential and colorectal cancer incidence. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this association further in the Japanese population. Methods: This study included 38,807 men aged 45–74 years who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study (JPHC Study). The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Differences in risk due to a combination of E-DII and lifestyle were examined using interaction term. Results: During 14 years of follow-up, 1415 colorectal cancer cases occurred. A tendency to increased colorectal cancer risk was observed with consumption of pro-inflammatory diets among Japanese men (adjusted HR [95% CI] for the highest quintile: 1.20 [0.99–1.46], p trend = 0.08), with a significantly increased risk of colon cancer (HR: 1.28 [1.01–1.63], p trend = 0.03). A possible interaction was observed with alcohol consumption (p = 0.07), which was statistically significant for proximal colon cancer (HR: 1.14 [1.05–1.25] in drinkers; p interaction = 0.01). No significant interactions with other lifestyle factors were found. Conclusions: Consumption of pro-inflammatory diets increases colorectal cancer risk among Japanese men; alcohol consumption further increases this risk for drinkers. These findings suggest that colorectal cancer may be prevented through dietary modification. Full article

Arsenic occurs in food in both inorganic (iAs) and organic (oAs) forms. Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic and classified as carcinogenic to humans, whereas oAs species, such as arsenobetaine (AB), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), generally exhibit lower toxicity. Rice and rice-based products represent major contributors to dietary iAs exposure. Within this context, the present study provides an updated assessment of the occurrence of iAs and oAs in rice-based beverages available on the Italian market. A method for the simultaneous determination of iAs, AB, DMA, and MMA was developed and validated, and it exhibits adequate sensitivity to ensure robust occurrence data, eliminating left-censoring for iAs. A comprehensive analysis of twenty-five representative rice-based beverages was conducted, revealing that the contamination profiles exhibited a high degree of homogeneity, with iAs as the predominant species. All samples complied with the European maximum level for iAs in non-alcoholic rice-based beverages. When combined with recent Italian consumption data, these results enabled age-specific dietary exposure assessment. Although rice drinks contribute marginally to overall population exposure, estimated intakes for regular consumers in early childhood are associated with a small margin of exposure, raising potential concern for vulnerable subgroups. The increasing diversification of dietary habits and the rising consumption of plant-based beverages point to the necessity of continuous monitoring of iAs. Ongoing efforts in monitoring studies, updated food consumption surveys, and effective risk communication are essential to refine exposure assessment and thereby enhance public health protection. Full article

Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in animal production, offering novel strategies to enhance productivity, health, and product quality. Among trace elements, selenium (Se) plays an essential role in antioxidant defence, immune regulation, and redox balance through its incorporation into selenoproteins. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), synthesized via chemical, physical, or biological methods, have shown superior bioavailability, stability, and lower toxicity compared to traditional organic and inorganic selenium forms. This review explores the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and metabolic fate of SeNPs, emphasizing their advantages in poultry production systems. In poultry, SeNPs exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-stress effects by enhancing the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and thioredoxin reductase, thereby mitigating lipid peroxidation and oxidative tissue damage. Their immunomodulatory effects are linked to improved lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine regulation, and increased immunoglobulin levels under normal and stress conditions. SeNP supplementation has been associated with enhanced growth performance, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and reproductive outcomes in broilers, layers, and quails. Furthermore, selenium nanoparticles have demonstrated therapeutic potential in preventing or alleviating chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disorders. SeNPs also serve as biofortification agents, increasing selenium deposition in poultry meat and eggs, thus improving their nutritional value for human consumption. However, selenium’s narrow safety margin requires careful dose optimization to avoid potential toxicity. This review highlights the multifaceted benefits of selenium nanoparticles in poultry nutrition and health, while underscoring the need for further studies on grey SeNPs, long-term safety, and regulatory frameworks. Integrating SeNPs into poultry production represents a promising strategy to bridge animal health, food security, and public nutrition. Full article

In recent years, harmful algal blooms have led to frequent occurrences of shellfish toxin contamination, posing a significant threat to the safety of aquatic products and public health. As a potent neurotoxin, domoic acid (DA) can accumulate in shellfish, highlighting the urgent need for rapid and highly sensitive detection methods. In this study, we developed a fluorescent aptasensor based on a dual-signal amplification system by combining G-quadruplex (G4) dimers with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The sensor is designed with a hairpin-structured aptamer as the recognition probe, where short multi-walled CNTs serve as both a fluorescence quencher and platform, and G4 dimers are incorporated into the sensing interface to enhance signal output. In the absence of the target, the hairpin-structured aptamer remains closed, keeping the fluorescence signal “off”. Upon binding to DA, the aptamer undergoes a specific conformational change that exposes the G4-dimer sequence. The exposed sequence then binds to thioflavin T (ThT), which in turn generates a greatly enhanced fluorescence signal, leading to a substantial fluorescence enhancement and completing the second stage of the cascade amplification. Under optimal conditions, the constructed sensor achieves rapid detection of DA within 5 min, with a low detection limit of 1.1 ng/mL. This work presents a valuable tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of DA in shellfish, with promising applications in marine environmental monitoring and food safety regulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) face unique challenges in balancing dietary choices, physical health outcomes, and social–emotional well-being in school settings. This cross-sectional exploratory pilot study examined the associations of diet with physical health and teacher-reported social–emotional functioning in students with T1DM. Methods: Students with T1DM (mean age = 13.42; 47 female, 50 male; 50% White, Non-Hispanic, 50% minority) self-reported their nutritional habits using the KBlock Dietary Screener for Children when school was in session. Teacher-rated school-related behaviors were assessed through the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children-2nd Edition (BASC-2). Canonical correlation analysis was conducted to determine whether the variable sets (diet with physical health and school-related behavioral health) shared a significant multivariate relationship. Results: Youth with lower glycemic loads and consuming more sugar, dairy, and meat/poultry/fish but fewer legumes, fruit, and less saturated fat exhibited fewer externalizing symptoms and higher BMI. Diet uniquely accounted for modest variance in combined social–emotional and physical health, controlling for demographics and T1DM duration. Findings support increasing the availability of whole, nutrient-rich foods, integrating comprehensive nutrition education into curricula, and ensuring access for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Comprehensive dietary assessments and school-based randomized control trials are needed to enact more evidence-based dietary recommendations or interventions for youth, aiming for a balanced approach that addresses both mental and physical health outcomes. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive long-term assessment of dithiocarbamate (DTC) fungicide residues in foods consumed in Brazil, analyzing nearly two decades of official monitoring data from the Pesticide Residue Analysis Program (PARA/ANVISA) from 2001 to 2023. By integrating fragmented annual reports into a single temporal framework, this study offers a novel evaluation of detection frequencies, residue levels, and regulatory compliance over time. Of the 21,274 samples analyzed, 23.90% contained residues of these fungicides. Papaya showed the highest detection frequency (92.59%) in 2005, while apple showed the highest average percentage of detections (51.68%). Lettuce showed the highest residual levels (10.05 mg kg⁻¹) in samples from the 2017–2018 cycle, despite the lack of authorization for the use of these products in this crop. Strawberries and carrots showed concentrations above the maximum residue limit (MRL), with excesses. Residues of unauthorized pesticides were also detected in crops such as guava, pineapple, and sweet potato. Temporal correlations between detections and residues indicated significant variations among the foods evaluated, with potatoes, strawberries, and lettuce showing the highest residual levels. An overall declining trend in detections and residue concentrations was observed throughout the analyzed period, potentially reflecting improvements in regulatory oversight, agricultural practices, and analytical sensitivity over time. From a public health perspective, the persistence of elevated residues and unauthorized uses highlights the need for continuous surveillance, strengthened enforcement, and risk communication strategies to ensure food safety and consumer protection. Full article

Sweetener consumption has increased considerably in recent decades, driven by the growing demand from consumers of low-calorie products for weight control and, especially, from diabetic patients who require safe sweetener alternatives without affecting their glucose levels. However, the latest scientific evidence seems to indicate that the continued consumption of various sweeteners could significantly alter the gut microbiota, triggering consequences that go beyond metabolic health and could affect sleep quality. Among the most used non-caloric sweeteners in the food industry are sucralose and saccharin. Several studies have shown that prolonged consumption of these sweeteners can significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota. In particular, its consumption might lead to a decrease in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, along with an increase in potentially pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium difficile and Escherichia coli. This dysbiosis creates a chronic low-grade inflammatory environment and contributes to the deterioration of glucose metabolism, factors that negatively impact the regulation of the gut–brain axis. Consequently, these alterations could interfere with the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in sleep, promoting the development of disorders such as insomnia, sleep fragmentation, and decreased subjective sleep quality. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize the current scientific evidence on the impact of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiota and their potential involvement in sleep disorders. The underlying biological mechanisms will be analyzed and the clinical relevance of these interactions discussed, laying the groundwork for future research that will contribute to the development of dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota to improve sleep health. Full article

This review explores the innovative approaches in the development of next-generation biopesticides, focusing on molecular and microbial strategies for effective control of fungal plant pathogens. As agricultural practices increasingly seek sustainable solutions to combat plant diseases, biopesticides have emerged as a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, offering reduced environmental impact and enhanced safety for non-target organisms. The review begins by outlining the critical role of fungal pathogens in global agriculture, emphasizing the need for novel control methods that can mitigate their detrimental effects on crop yields. Key molecular strategies discussed include the use of genetic engineering to enhance the efficacy of biopesticides, the application of RNA interference (RNAi) techniques to target specific fungal genes, and the development of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Additionally, this review highlights the potential of microbial agents, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, in establishing biocontrol mechanisms that promote plant health and resilience. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies and advancements in the field, this manuscript illustrates how integrating molecular and microbial strategies can lead to the development of effective biopesticides tailored to combat specific fungal threats. The implications of these strategies for sustainable agriculture are discussed, alongside the challenges and future directions for research and implementation. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the transformative potential of next-generation biopesticides in the fight against fungal plant pathogens, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable food production. Full article

Interest in plant-based diets has grown expressively in different regions of the world. However, the missing regulation for meat analogs may mislead consumers by suggesting that these products are the same as the meat they are replacing. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the current global scenario of meat analogs, discuss consumption changes and their regulation, as well as pointing out future perspectives for the sector. A narrative literature review was performed using scientific papers from the Virtual Health Library (BVS), LILACS, PubMed (NIH), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and official documents. Included studies were aligned with the research theme, concentrating on countries with regulations for plant-based analog products and those lacking or pursuing such regulations. Additionally, studies were selected based on the following criteria: original or review studies from different countries, papers discussing meat analogs in terms of consumption, sensory attributes, market dynamics, sustainability, regulation, food safety; availability of full text; and publication dates ranging from 2015 to 2025. The data reveals that most of the assessed nations still lack specific regulations for meat analog products, adopting general labeling and naming standards that range from flexible approaches to strict restrictions. To conclude, the article highlights that meat substitutes are emerging as promising and sustainable options; however, their true consolidation is conditioned on the existence of more defined regulatory frameworks, increased consumer confidence, and market conditions that favor their large-scale adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Following the cessation of breastfeeding, cereal-based complementary foods are commonly introduced into the diet of infants. Among these products, dairy-free infant porridges constitute an important component of early complementary feeding. This study aimed to evaluate dietary exposure to selected essential (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) and potentially toxic (Pb, Cd, and Hg) trace elements resulting from the consumption of dairy-free infant porridges by children aged six months and older. Products with different cereal compositions available on the Polish market were analyzed. Methods: Trace element concentrations were determined after microwave-assisted digestion using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and atomic absorption spectrometry for mercury (Hg-AAS). Results: A single recommended serving of dairy-free infant porridge contributed to the intake of essential trace elements, providing approximately 50% of the RDA for copper, 21% for zinc, 15% of the AI for manganese, and 5.7% of the RDA for iron. The concentrations of potentially harmful elements were low (Pb: 0.002–0.004 mg/kg; Cd: <0.001–0.003 mg/kg; Hg: <0.001–0.001 mg/kg). The estimated daily intake of these elements did not exceed 0.01 µg/kg body weight per day. Conclusions: Dairy-free infant porridges may contribute to the intake of essential trace elements in infants, while exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury appears to remain low when products are consumed according to recommended serving sizes. Full article