Search Results (21,142)

Pulque, an available traditional Mexican fermented beverage, has deep ethnographic and cultural significance. It was originally consumed by pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Teotihuacanos, Mexicas, Otomies, Zapotecas, Mixtecas, and Maya. It was revered as a sacred drink with both ceremonial and medicinal uses, often reserved for elites and priests. Its production is based on the ancestral extraction and fermentation of aguamiel, a sweet sap obtained from agave plants. While advances in food technology have occurred, traditional techniques for obtaining and fermenting aguamiel remain prevalent, especially in rural communities, reflecting the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems. Recent interest in pulque has focused on its nutritional content and potential health benefits when consumed in moderation, though risks related to excessive intake remain a concern. Moreover, cultural initiatives aim to revitalize indigenous heritage through gastronomic promotion, tourism routes, and festive traditions. This study explores pulque’s production processes, its cultural symbolism, and its evolving role within Mexican society, suggesting that its survival reflects both continuity and adaptation in the face of modernity. This paper is also presented as a narrative integrative review to explore the biocultural significance of pulque across the anthropological, historical, biochemical, and public-health domains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) often results in persistent challenges that extend beyond motor impairments, affecting quality of life (QoL), social participation, and engagement in physical activity. Given the complexity and chronicity of these outcomes, there is a pressing need for multidimensional interventions grounded in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Sport-based exercise interventions, when developmentally adapted and tailored to individual interests, may promote intrinsic motivation, peer connection, and sustainable engagement—factors especially relevant in pediatric ABI populations, who often experience reduced physical activity and social isolation. However, standardized, replicable protocols specifically tailored to this population remain scarce. This study presents the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a 16-week sport-based intervention on QoL, social participation, physical activity engagement, and motor functioning tailored for adolescents with pediatric ABI. Methods: Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group receiving usual care. The intervention consists of one weekly 60-minute session, led by trained professionals in adapted physical activity and pediatric neurorehabilitation. It combines sport-based motor skill training, cooperative games, and group activities specifically tailored to each child’s developmental level, motor abilities, and preferences. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and following the 16-week intervention period, focusing on QoL, participation, physical activity engagement, and motor functioning. Discussion: This study introduces a structured, child-centered model that bridges clinical rehabilitation and community-based sport. By integrating motor and psychosocial targets through a group sport-based intervention, it aims to enhance recovery across ICF domains. Findings may inform interdisciplinary practice and support the development of sustainable strategies to promote long-term engagement and well-being in adolescents with ABI. Full article

The bacterial diversity of soils cultivated with avocado (Persea americana M.) is influenced by different factors, perhaps the most decisive being the type of agronomic management used by farmers. In conventional agronomic management (CM), high doses of agrochemicals are applied, in contrast to organic agronomic management (OM), where organic fertilizers are used. This alters the diversity and abundance of soil microorganism populations, which in turn affects crop health. This study aimed to isolate and morphologically characterize rhizospheric bacteria from avocado trees under different agronomic management systems (CM and OM). For the bacterial isolates, their ability to promote plant growth in vitro was determined through biochemical tests for phosphorus and calcium solubilization and nitrogen fixation. In addition, their in vivo effect on tomato (S. lycopersicum) growth was evaluated, and their antagonistic capacity against Fusarium sp. was assessed. The results showed differences in the quantity, diversity, and morphologies of bacterial isolates depending on the type of agronomic management. A higher Shannon diversity index was found in OM (2.44) compared to CM (1.75). A total of 35 bacterial isolates were obtained from both management types. A greater number of isolates from OM soils exhibited in vitro PGP activity; notably, eight isolates from OM plots showed phosphate-solubilizing activity, compared to only one from CM plots. Furthermore, although all isolates demonstrated nitrogen fixing capacity, those from OM orchards produced significantly higher nitrate levels than the control (Azospirillum vinelandii). On the other hand, inoculation of tomato plants with bacterial isolates from OM soils increased plant height, root length, and total fresh and dry biomass compared to isolates from CM soils. Likewise, OM isolates exhibited greater antagonistic activity against Fusarium sp. These findings demonstrate the impact of agronomic management on soil bacterial populations and its effect on plant growth and protection against pathogens. Full article

Mastitis, an inflammatory disease caused by the invasion of various pathogenic microorganisms into mammary gland tissue, is a core health issue plaguing the global dairy industry. The consequences of this disease are manifold. In addition to directly compromising the health and welfare of dairy cows, it also precipitates a substantial decline in lactation function, a precipitous drop in raw milk production, and alterations in milk composition (e.g., increased somatic cell counts and imbalanced ratios of milk protein to fat). These changes result in a marked degradation of milk quality and safety, and in turn, engender significant economic losses for the livestock industry. Therefore, the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive prevention and control system is a key strategy to effectively curb the occurrence of mastitis, reduce its incidence rate, and minimise economic losses. This review systematically explores the complex etiological factors and pathogenic mechanisms of mastitis in dairy cows, and summarises various diagnostic methods, including milk apparent indicators monitoring, pathogen detection, physiological parameter monitoring, omics technologies, and emerging technologies. Furthermore, it undertakes an analysis of treatment protocols for mastitis in dairy cows, with a particular emphasis on the significance of rational antibiotic use and alternative therapies. Moreover, it delineates preventive measures encompassing both environmental and hygiene management, and dairy cow health management. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and scientific theoretical basis and practical guidance for dairy farming practices. This will help to improve the health of dairy cows, ensure a stable supply of high-quality dairy products, and promote the sustainable and healthy development of the dairy farming industry. Full article

The construction of prefabricated concrete houses in Ecuador poses significant challenges in terms of environmental and social sustainability, amid growing housing demand and the urgent need to mitigate adverse impacts associated with the construction processes and materials. In particular, the lack of a comprehensive assessment of these impacts limits the development of effective strategies to improve the sustainability of the sector. In addition, in rural areas, the design of flexible and adapted solutions is required, as evidenced by recent studies in the Andean area. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and sustainability indicators for prefabricated concrete houses, employing international certification systems such as LEED, BREEAM, and VERDE, to validate various relevant environmental and social indicators. The methodology used is the Hierarchical Analytical Process (AHP), which facilitates the prioritization of impacts through paired comparisons, establishing priorities for decision-making. Hydrological, soil, faunal, floral, and socioeconomic aspects are evaluated in a regional context. The results reveal that the most critical environmental impacts in Ecuador are climate change (28.77%), water depletion (13.73%) and loss of human health (19.17%), generation of non-hazardous waste 8.40%, changes in biodiversity 5%, extraction of mineral resources 12.07%, financial risks 5.33%, loss of aquatic life 4.67%, and loss of fertility 3%, as derived from hierarchical and standardization matrices. Despite being grounded in a literature review and being constrained due to the scarcity of previous projects in the country, this research provides a useful framework for the environmental evaluation and planning of prefabricated housing. To conclude, this study enhances existing methodologies of environmental assessment techniques and practices in the construction of precast concrete and promotes the development of sustainable and socially responsible housing in Ecuador. Full article

Sanitary challenges (SCs) may alter the health status, growth performance, and pigs’ welfare. Changes in amino acid (AA) plasma concentrations have been observed in inflammatory-challenged pigs which may be associated with key factors, such as: (1) the synthesis of immune components to support innate and/or adaptive immune responses, (2) the redistribution of nutrients from growth and production functions toward cells and tissues involved in inflammatory and immune responses, and (3) decreased anabolism and/or increased catabolism of skeletal muscle to increase the availability of nutrients, often as a consequence of reduced feed intake. Due to their health-promoting effects, nutritional strategies involving AA may help mitigate the negative impacts of SC. Methionine, tryptophan, and threonine, beyond serving as protein building blocks, are considered functional AA because they support immune system function, enhance intestinal barrier integrity, modulate inflammatory responses, and limit oxidative stress. Additionally, the review highlights the influence of individual variability, such as differences in body weight, on nutritional requirements and responses to AA supplementation for pigs under SC. The integration of nutritional strategies tailored to immune-challenged pigs offers promising avenues to improve productivity and animal welfare in commercial swine production systems with increasing restrictions on antibiotic use. Full article

Background: Latina mothers in the United States report lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity than their non-Hispanic counterparts. Lower rates of breastfeeding in infancy may lead to a higher rate of excess weight in childhood and adverse health conditions. Breastfeeding disparities in Latina women have been previously correlated with socio-cultural factors such as acculturation, education, income, nativity, and marital status. This study examines whether socio-cultural factors are associated with breastfeeding behaviors in Latina mothers in Nevada. Methods: Participants were Latina mothers [n = 214] over 18 years of age, with a child 2–5 years old. A logistic regression was conducted to assess the associations between acculturation, age, marital status, education, and nativity with breastfeeding. Results: Mothers who were married/living with their partner had 2.3 greater odds (95% CI = 1.08, 4.73; p-value < 0.05) of breastfeeding than the mothers who were not in a relationship, and mothers who were born outside the US had 4 times greater odds of breastfeeding than mothers who were born in the US (95% CI = 1.178, 13.514; p-value < 0.05). No significant association was found for acculturation (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.74, 1.7; p-value = > 0.05), maternal age (OR = 1.01; 95%; CI = 0.96, 1.07; p-value = > 0.05) and education (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.37, 1.8; p-value = > 0.5). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a romantic partner may be supportive of breastfeeding, and foreign-born mothers may retain their cultural norm of breastfeeding. These results can be applied to develop a culturally tailored intervention to promote breastfeeding behavior. Full article

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health promotion as the process of enabling individuals to gain control over and improve their health. This shifts the focus from lifestyle choices to broader social determinants of health, requiring involvement from healthcare, authorities, industry, civil society, and the media. Civil society engagement in health initiatives offers benefits such as empowerment, service delivery, flexibility, policy participation, and credibility. However, identifying specific health promotion actions for civil society organizations (CSOs) is challenging. The lack of assessment tools for CSOs hinders evaluation and improvement. Objective: To develop a tool, ‘PromoACTIVA-SC’, to assess CSOs’ health promotion practice by identifying essential actions that constitute the health promotion process. Methods: ‘PromoACTIVA-SC’ was developed through documentary analysis and validated by experts. CSOs’ members participated in cognitive interviews for comprehensibility, and the tool was pilot tested for administration and Likert scale evaluation. Results: The final questionnaire, consisting of 8 phases and 40 items, demonstrated good content validity. Its use can help to map CSOs’ practices and identify areas needing improvement. CSOs can use it for self-assessment and in collaborative health promotion and disease prevention efforts. Conclusions: ‘PromoACTIVA-SC’ is the first tool designed to assess civil society’s role in the health promotion process. Its future use will reveal the extent to which civil society organizations actively participate in health promotion. It can also be used to promote CSOs’ involvement in health policy and administration, enhancing public health outcomes through collaborative, cross-sectoral efforts. Full article

In socio-economically disadvantaged communities, the challenges faced by children with special needs are often overshadowed by more visible issues such as poverty, family instability, and substance abuse. Children, especially those with special needs, are particularly vulnerable in these settings as they are disproportionately impacted by intersecting adversities, including neglect, exploitation, and limited access to education and healthcare. These adversities create a vicious cycle, where disability exacerbates financial hardship, and in turn, economic deprivation negatively impacts early childhood development, further entrenching disability. Conventional models, which require physical presence and focus primarily on diagnosis and treatment within clinical settings, often fail to address the broader social, environmental, and contextual complexities of disability. We propose an Information Technology-based Exit Pathway as an innovative, scalable solution to disrupt this cycle. Anchored in the five pillars of the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) matrix of Health, Education, Livelihood, Social, and Empowerment, the model envisions a multi-level digital platform that facilitates coordinated support across individual, familial, educational, community, regional, and national levels. By improving access to services, fostering inclusive networks, and enabling early intervention, the proposed approach aims to promote equity, social inclusion, and sustainable development for children with special needs in marginalized communities. Full article

Food security among college students is an increasing concern, with potential implications for their health, academic performance, and future well-being. This study investigated food security within a college community in Mexico, focusing on food availability, access (both economic and physical), and consumption patterns. A mixed-methods approach was employed at Ciudad Universitaria, BUAP, Mexico, between 2023 and 2024. Stratified random sampling was used, resulting in a final sample of 606 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, the ELCSA, structured cafeteria observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and three focus groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment confirmed that origin (p = 0.0017), mode of transportation (p = 2.31 × 10⁻⁵) and private vehicles (p = 1.77 × 10⁻⁵) were the key determinants. Although the environment offered a variety of options, processed and ultra-processed products dominated the food choices. A total of 95.9% of students purchased food on campus, yet only 21.8% reported engaging in healthy eating habits. Focus groups revealed that students’ food choices were influenced by availability, access, and perceptions of affordability and convenience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve food security and promote healthier dietary practices within the college setting. Full article

Verticillium wilt, a prevalent soil-borne disease, poses a significant challenge to cotton production in Xinjiang, China. Continuous cotton monoculture has increased disease incidence and affected soil microbial diversity in Xinjiang, while crop rotation is recognized as an effective strategy for soil pathogen control. This study investigates how a one-year maize rotation affects Verticillium wilt incidence and soil microbiome composition in cotton fields across northern and southern Xinjiang. The results demonstrated that short-term rotation significantly reduced Verticillium wilt occurrence in both northern and southern Xinjiang. Using high-throughput sequencing of fungal ITS and bacterial 16S rRNA regions, microbial community analysis revealed minimal changes in alpha-diversity but significant structural reorganization between continuous cropping (CC) and rotation (CR) systems, particularly in fungal and bacterial genera composition, with distinct spatial patterns between northern and southern fields. Crop rotation promoted beneficial taxa such as Sphingomonas and Pseudogymnoascus, while reducing the abundance of pathogens such as Verticillium dahliae. LEfSe study suggested Tepidisphaerales and Lasiosphaeriaceae as biomarkers for CR systems, whereas Hypocreales and Blastocatellia dominated in CC soils. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed more bacterial connectivity and modularity under CR, suggesting better microbial interactions and ecological resilience. The increased structural complexity of bacterial networks under CR indicates their greater contribution to soil health maintenance and ecosystem resilience. Our findings demonstrate that short-term crop rotation not only effectively reduces Verticillium wilt incidence but also restructures soil microbial communities, providing an actionable strategy for sustainable cotton cultivation in Xinjiang. Full article

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii (OPD) fruits are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, which are recognized for their potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on the optimization of pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted solid–liquid green extraction (SLE) from OPD whole fruit, using response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design to obtain green extracts rich in bioactive compounds. The optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions (electric field strength and energy input) were determined based on the cell disintegration index (Zp), followed by optimizing SLE conditions (temperature, time, and ethanol content). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI-Qtof) was used to characterize the individual bioactive compound profile of the obtained OPD green extracts. Results showed that optimal PEF pre-treatment conditions were at 10.5 kJ/kg and 5 kV/cm, followed by SLE at 35 °C for 165 min, using water as the solvent. Conventional optimal SLE conducted at 45 °C, 8% ethanol, and 128 min was applied as the control process. The combined PEF-assisted SLE process enhanced total betalain and phenolic compound yields by 61% and 135%, respectively. Antioxidant activities (DPPH by 145%, FRAP by 28%) and anti-inflammatory potential (hyaluronidase inhibition by 19%) were also significantly improved. This study underscores the potential use of a PEF pre-treatment to improve obtaining green extracts rich in bioactive compounds with high biological activities from OPD whole fruits, using water as a solvent. Full article

Phosphorus (P) stock scarcity is driving the need to develop alternatives to mineral fertilizers. The growing production of insects for high-protein feed results in significant amounts of residues (frass), which can be used as fertilizers. However, its efficiency as such a basic indicator for promoting the recycling of these residues has been rarely assessed. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of frass as a P fertilizer. To this end a study was conducted involving P fractionation of frass from two different species (TM: Tenebrio molitor and BSF: black soldier fly or Hermetia illucens) together with vermicompost and a 48-day pot experiment with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In both frasses, water-soluble P and organic P accounted for more than 30% and 50% of total P, respectively. These P fractions explained the short- and long-term effects of frasses as P fertilizer, which showed a higher P use efficiency than mineral phosphate and vermicompost, with mineral fertilizer replacement values (MFRVs) of 150 and 180% for BSF and TM frass, respectively. Additionally, frass increased P bioavailability in soils more than superphosphate and boosted C and P cycling, thereby enhancing the soil P availability to plants. Therefore, frasses can be effective alternatives to mineral P fertilizers which also contribute to the enhancement of soil health indicators. Full article

High temperature typically decreases feed intake, milk production, and efficiency and increases metabolic disorders and health problems, greatly impacting farm economics. Supplements based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been suggested to benefit cows under heat stress, but effects on dairy cow performance are contradictory. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of heat stress on the effects of live yeast supplementation on the performance of dairy cows. Environmental temperature parameters were compared to two thermal humidity indices (THI1 and THI2) using wet bulb or dew point temperatures, as explanatory variables of dairy cow performance during the hot season. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with 12 Holstein cows blocked by lactation number, days in milk, and milk production (two cows per block) and within each block, each cow was randomly assigned to a maize silage-based TMR with a concentrate mixture containing no yeast culture (Control) or 1 g/kg concentrate dry matter of a live yeast culture based on S. cerevisiae (Yeast) for 35 days. The experiment lasted for 35 d. Dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher for Yeast than it was for Control for all classes of temperature and THIs studied with an average increase of 2 kg DM per day, except for mean THI1 (from 54 to 60), for which the DMI was similar between treatments. Yeast promoted significantly higher milk yield than Control for all classes of daily maximum and mean temperature, averaging an increase of 4 kg of milk per day. Results suggest a more marked effect of temperature and indicate that yeast supplementation improved lactation performance of dairy cows exposed to hot weather. Full article

Background: Kigali, Rwanda’s rapidly growing capital, faces major challenges in household-level Fecal Sludge Management (FSM), with over 89% of households using pit latrines and only 48% accessing unshared sanitation. FSM services are limited, costly, and poorly executed, leading to frequent illegal dumping. Objective: This review analyzes the literature on sanitation in Kigali to identify key gaps, synergies, and recommendations for improvement. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 73 relevant publications were selected from various scientific and governmental sources. Publications were included only if they were published from 2013 to 2024 and had information on sanitation in Kigali. NOS and JBI tools were utilized to assess the quality of included publications. Results: Data were categorized into four themes, (1) access to sanitation, (2) FSM services, (3) public health, and (4) sanitation governance, and analyzed using thematic, narrative, and descriptive methods. Findings reveal a dysfunctional FSM service chain, weak policy enforcement due to overlapping responsibilities, underfunding, and limited private sector participation. These issues contribute to poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, and prevalence of diarrheal diseases and Tropical Neglected Diseases, especially among young children. Conclusions: The review recommends strengthening governance and clarifying roles, enforcing adaptable regulations, promoting public–private partnerships, and managing the full FSM service chain more effectively. Future research should focus on developing context-specific technologies and financing strategies to support sustainable FSM solutions in Kigali. Full article