Search Results (20,159)

Assessing body condition in mammals is essential to understanding their nutritional status and health. Traditionally, fat content in femur bone marrow has been used as an indicator, but this study aims to improve assessment by expanding analysis to multiple long bones of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in the Alps. Marrow samples were collected from 14 animals, with 25 femur samples analyzed for dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), and color, the latter measured objectively using RGB values. The main innovation is the use of objective color quantification of marrow as a non-destructive proxy for fat content, showing strong correlations with DM and EE. Results reveal significant correlations between femur EE and tibia DM, as well as between femur and humerus DM, indicating consistent fat distribution across the analyzed bones. Metacarpus and metatarsus bones showed weaker correlations. This method represents a preliminary validation, especially for wildlife studies where full carcasses are often unavailable. The approach based on objective marrow color analysis improves reproducibility and standardization in body condition assessment, enhancing comparability across ecological and zoological studies worldwide. Full article

Integrating positive welfare indicators into dairy science is gaining attention, yet the biological correlates of affective states in commercial herds remain poorly understood. This study explored associations between dairy cows’ emotional states quantified through the Positive Affect Index (PAI) derived from the Qualitative Behaviour (QBA) Assessment and milk biomarkers, yield, and udder health indicators across 37 commercial farms. Descriptive statistics, housing-adjusted linear regressions, and partial Spearman correlations were used to explore these relationships. Higher PAI values, indicating more positive herd-level emotional states, were significantly associated with lower SCC (22% reduction, p = 0.016) and lower odds of elevated DSCC (OR = 0.69, p = 0.002), reflecting improved udder health. Positive affect was also linked to a higher lactose concentration (p < 0.001) and an increased fat-to-protein ratio (FPR). A tendency for higher milk yield (+1.07 L per milking, p = 0.077) and slightly lower protein content was observed, consistent with a dilution effect. These associations remained robust after sensitivity analyses and were independent of housing type. The results demonstrate that milk composition and udder health biologically reflect positive emotional states, supporting the integration of behavioural assessments and milk biomarkers as a non-invasive framework for advancing welfare-oriented and precision dairy farming. Full article

Contemporary architecture is undergoing a transformation from the modernist techno-functional paradigm towards practices that integrate technology with humanistic, cultural, and environmental values. Biophilia—understood as the innate human need for contact with nature—is becoming an important design category that supports health, well-being, and ecological awareness, yet it can also convey additional narratives. In this context, immersion plays a significant role: it is a process of deep engagement of the user with space, involving the senses, emotions, and imagination, while simultaneously fostering relationships between humans and their surroundings. The concept of immersiveness, originating in art theory and digital media studies, is now applied in architecture as a tool for creating spatial narratives and cultural experiences. Biophilic architecture employs immersive strategies to transform buildings into environments that support sensory, behavioural, and social practices. This article analyses selected examples of such projects (including the Rooftop Garden—Warsaw University Library, Musée du quai Branly, and apartment buildings Bosco Verticale) and proposes a Multi-criteria Method for Assessing Architectural Immersiveness (MMAAI). The findings indicate that the integration of nature, technology, and spatial narrative enables architecture to act as a mediator between humans and the environment, generating new qualities of spatial experience in the Anthropocene epoch. Full article

Background/Objectives: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure (IF) that often requires long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Extended PN results in severe complications and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the QoL utility weights associated with PN duration using vignettes. Methods: We developed detailed scenarios and descriptions to represent eight hypothetical health states, reflecting variations in PN frequency in both pediatric and adult patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 359 Korean adults (aged 19–59 years) from the general population, assigned to evaluate adult (n = 179) or pediatric (n = 180) vignette groups. Health utility was measured using the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D), visual analog scale (VAS), and time trade-off (TTO) methods. Multivariable regression analysis using a mixed-effects model was employed to manage repeated measures and control for sociodemographic variables. Results: Utility scores measured using the EQ-5D, VAS, and TTO were negatively correlated with increasing PN days in both adult and pediatric patients with SBS-IF. The highest mean utility values were “0 days on PN” (adults: EQ-5D 0.808, VAS 0.689, TTO 0.874; pediatric: EQ-5D 0.804, VAS 0.680, TTO 0.883), while the lowest were “7 days on PN” (adults: EQ-5D 0.117, VAS 0.180, TTO 0.272; pediatric: EQ-5D 0.070, VAS 0.178, TTO 0.291). These trends remained significant after covariate adjustment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study revealed a steady decline in utility values with an increasing number of PN days. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing the QoL in patients with SBS-IF by supporting intestinal adaptation and reducing PN dependency. Full article

Background: Poor nutrition drives chronic disease, health disparities, and rising health care costs in the United States. Medically tailored meals (MTMs), designed by registered dietitians, are a Food-as-Medicine intervention with potential to improve outcomes and reduce costs. This review synthesizes evidence on the clinical, economic, and policy implications of MTMs. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, real-world program evaluations, and policy analyses. Sources included PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature from government, nonprofit, and industry organizations. Articles and reports were included if they examined MTMs in Medicare, Medicaid, or other high-risk populations. Results: Evidence demonstrates that MTMs improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and lower total cost of care. Case studies from Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, including those administered by Mom’s Meals^®, report reductions in emergency department visits, hospital readmissions, and total cost of care, alongside sustained high member satisfaction. Despite these findings, gaps in coverage and limited stakeholder awareness hinder broader access and adoption. Conclusions: Federal policy action can expand MTM availability and maximize utilization of existing benefits. Opportunities include establishing a Medicare Fee-for-Service demonstration, expanding and encouraging use in Medicare Advantage, and leveraging MTMs within Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation models. Broader implementation and utilization could reduce the nation’s chronic disease burden, advance health equity, and promote value-based care. Full article

Mistletoe species grow hemiparasitically on a wide spectrum of trees occurring in the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Mistletoe has been associated with fertility, vitality and fatality in humans. In the present review, we examine articles published in English and/or with the option to translate them into English on the distribution mechanism, ecological impact and value. This study aimed to interrogate and outline the phytonutrient profiling, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, toxicology and quality control of mistletoes, particularly the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. There are at least 1400 species of mistletoe belonging to these two families across the world. Humans have used mistletoe for years, and it has a rich history, mainly in traditional medicine. Recent research interests accompanied by investigations on mistletoe have made a major contribution to our understanding of the survival behavior and mechanisms of the species. This has prompted researchers to intensively investigate and justify its potential and applications in traditional medicine systems to further incorporate it into conventional scientific medicine processes. This study thoroughly outlines the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of various mistletoe species, as well as the factors that play a role in the process. The sections in this study dedicated to elaborating on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of mistletoe show that it is a plant species rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially compared to its host. Its survival mechanism makes it possible for this plant species to contain significant quantities of both nutrients (proximate components and mineral elements) and bioactive compounds (viscin, alkaloids, phenolics and polyphenolics, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins). Overall, mistletoe species have potential as medicinal plants, offering a range of health benefits and the ability to treat ailments (both communicable and non-communicable diseases). However, there are insufficient investigations and records of mistletoe’s toxicity, safety and quality control. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the potential applications, mechanisms of action, and optimal uses of mistletoe preparations and/or extracts. Full article

Public perception of traditional villages’ streetscape is a crucial link for unlocking their benefits in promoting physical and mental health and realizing environmental value transformation. Current studies on the influence mechanisms of rural streetscape characteristics on perception largely rely on subjective ratings and mostly depend on linear models. To address this, this study takes a traditional village in eastern China, which is rich in natural and cultural conditions, as an example and constructs an evaluation framework comprising 29 streetscape feature indicators. Based on multimodal data including electroencephalography (EEG), image segmentation, color, and spatial depth computation, XGBoost-SHAP was employed to reveal the nonlinear influence mechanisms of streetscape features on neurophysiological indicators (alpha-band power spectral density, α PSD) in the traditional rural context, which differs from the blue–green spaces and residential, campus, and urban environments in previous studies. The results indicate that (1) the dominant factors affecting α PSD in traditional villages are tree, color consistency, architectural aesthetics, spatial enclosure index, P_EBG, and road, in descending order. (2) Threshold effects and interaction effects that differ from previous studies on campuses, window views, and other contexts were identified. The positive effect of tree view index on α activity peaks at the threshold of 0.09, beyond which diminishing returns occur. Color complexity, including high color difference from the primary village scheme (i.e., low color consistency, color diversity, and visual entropy), inhibits α activity. The effect of spatial enclosure index (SEI) on α activity exhibits an inverted U-shape, peaking at 0.35. Tree–VE_nats, road–SEI, and building–SEI show antagonistic effects. Road–sky and SEI–P_FG display conditional interaction effects. (3) Based on k-means clustering analysis, the “key factor identification—threshold effect management—multi-factor synergy optimization” design can directionally regulate α PSD, promoting relaxed and calm streetscape schemes. This approach can be applied to urban and rural environment assessment and design, providing theoretical and technical support for scientific decision-making. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing prevalence of out-of-home eating is reflected in the contract catering sector, which worldwide generates billions of euros annually. Considering its large economic value and workforce, as well as the meals it offers in institutions, the sector may greatly impact human and planetary health. Thus, this scoping review aimed to analyze the availability of evidence on the nutritional quality (NQ) and environmental impact (EI) of institutional canteen menus/meals. Methods: The search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases and was limited to the period from 2013 to 2025. Quantitative articles that considered the NQ and/or EI of institutional canteen menus/meals were included. Results: Results revealed that most of the 107 articles included were conducted in high-income countries and in early-education centers. Additionally, most studies evaluated NQ in comparison to EI (n = 76 and n = 13, respectively), while only 18 studies evaluated both. It was also noted that interest in EI increased in recent years, with greenhouse gas emission being the most common indicator. Conclusions: This review contributes to identifying an imbalance in the available evidence, with substantially more data on the nutritional quality of institutional canteen menus and meals than on their environmental footprints, which are often assessed through greenhouse gas emissions while other environmental indicators remain largely overlooked. Moreover, the heterogeneity of study settings and the predominance of research conducted in developed countries limit the generalizability of current findings. Future studies should adopt a broader scope to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the nutritional and environmental sustainability of institutional catering systems. Full article

Ethiopia is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in Africa, with agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk management highly exposed to climate variability and change. This study examines the role of climate services in supporting climate change adaptation in Ethiopia by combining analyses of historical climate trends, future projections, national policy frameworks, and survey data from both users and providers of climate information. Results show that rainfall and temperature time-series exhibit significant variability, with increasing frequency of droughts and rising temperatures already threatening livelihoods and food security. Climate projections indicate continued warming and uncertain but increasingly extreme rainfall patterns, underscoring the urgency of adaptation. National strategies—including the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I and II), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH)—highlight the centrality of climate services in guiding adaptation across sectors. Survey findings reveal that climate services provided by the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) are widely valued, particularly seasonal climate predictions, but challenges persist in accessibility, capacity, infrastructure, and alignment with user needs. Despite high satisfaction levels among users and providers, gaps remain in technical expertise, dissemination mechanisms, and service co-production. Strengthening climate services—through improved technical capacity, institutional coordination, and user-driven design—will be critical for enhancing Ethiopia’s resilience. The lessons drawn are also relevant to other African countries where climate services can play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science and climate-resilient development. Full article

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis are multifactorial urological disorders associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and androgenic imbalance. Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants contains flavonoids and phenolic acids with well-recognised antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its potential activity against the molecular targets of these prostatic disorders has not been systematically evaluated. A comparative quantitative analysis was performed using studies published between 2005 and 2025 that reported antioxidant activity (DPPH assay, IC₅₀ in µg/mL) of D. ambrosioides extracts. Metabolites from extracts with IC₅₀ values below the global mean (398.410 ± 81.810 µg/mL; n = 35) were selected for in silico prioritisation using OSIRIS, PASS, and ProTox 3.0, followed by molecular docking (CB-Dock2) against AR, 5AR2, COX-2, NLRP3, and α1A receptors. Luteolin and rosmarinic acid showed favourable binding energies (−9.5 to −7.7 kcal/mol) comparable in magnitude to reference drugs (finasteride −13.4, celecoxib −11.4, tamsulosin −7.3 kcal/mol). These metabolites, exhibited affinity for androgenic, inflammatory, and adrenergic targets, suggesting their potential to modulate key mechanisms underlying both BPH and prostatitis. This study integrates, for the first time, a quantitative assessment of antioxidant activity with a multitarget in silico analysis of D. ambrosioides, prioritising luteolin and rosmarinic acid as natural candidates with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiandrogenic properties relevant to prostatic health. Full article

(1) Background: Research into incorporating plant powders into dairy products is growing because they significantly increase the nutritional value of the finished products, making them a more attractive option for consumers seeking healthier alternatives. The objective of this study is to develop a novel dairy product by incorporating camu-camu powder into fresh cow’s cheese. The material has been identified as a promising candidate due to its multiple health benefits and high antioxidant content, particularly vitamin C; (2) Methods: The stability of the product during storage was therefore evaluated by analysing its acidity, pH, dry matter content, water activity, syneresis and water holding capacity. The impact of camu-camu powder on the antioxidant activity of the cheese samples was determined using the DPPH method. A sensory evaluation was conducted to ascertain the potential functional properties and consumer acceptability of the subject; (3) Results: The bioactive compounds present in the powder have been shown to enhance the antioxidant capacity of fresh cheese, with the 2% sample demonstrating the most effective antioxidant performance. From a sensory perspective, the 1.5% sample received the highest ratings from tasters. The 1% sample is distinguished by its notable colour stability during storage. Physicochemical analysis shows that camu-camu powder is a sustainable ingredient that improves the quality and extends the shelf life of the finished product; (4) Conclusions: This information is indispensable for the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of camu-camu powder in dairy products. Moreover, it may serve as a point of departure for future studies involving the development of other food products with bioactive compounds using unconventional raw materials. Full article

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, caused by Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, are neglected tropical diseases with significant global health burden, particularly in resource-limited regions. Despite their impact, diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to limited diagnostic tools and the toxicity of available therapies. Our objective is to propose the incorporation of markers for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease using ncRNA. This narrative review evaluates studies published between 2010 and 2024 (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) using the SANRA scale to assess the potential of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers for these infections. Both parasites release small RNAs via extracellular vesicles that modulate host–pathogen interactions and gene expression. Although RNA interference machinery is absent in T. cruzi and most Leishmania species, it persists in early-diverging lineages. In leishmaniasis, distinct miRNA expression profiles—including miR-155-5p, miR-5011-5p, miR-6785-5p, and miR-361-3p—demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy for detecting infection (AUC up to 1.0). Serum long ncRNAs such as MALAT1 and NUTM2A-AS1 show potential diagnostic value, though clinical validation remains pending. For Chagas disease, the available evidence on ncRNAs primarily addresses the diagnosis of clinical manifestations rather than initial infection. Host miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-145, miR-146a/b, and miR-19a-3p, correlate with cardiac involvement, immune dysregulation, and inflammation during chronic T. cruzi infection. Circulating miRNAs exhibit modest sensitivity (57–67%) and specificity (57–80%) for diagnosing chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy, indicating their utility in assessing disease progression and organ damage rather than detecting early infection. This review distinguishes between ncRNAs that diagnose infection and those that evaluate disease severity or organ involvement. Altered ncRNA expression profiles represent promising biomarkers for species differentiation, treatment monitoring, and assessing cardiac complications in Chagas disease, with broader diagnostic applications emerging for leishmaniasis. 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

The global demand for compost, produced through the bioconversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, is increasing due to the adverse environmental, health, and economic impacts of synthetic fertilizers. Compost use offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, improving soil fertility and long-term productivity. However, the potential of tobacco waste as a composting substrate remains insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing tobacco waste as a composting feedstock and to develop an optimized composting method. Tobacco waste (scrap leaves and midrib stems) was composted with cow manure in earthen pots to promote decomposition and nutrient mineralization, and its performance was compared with compost produced from cow manure and vegetable waste (vegetable leaves). Vermicomposting, which involves the addition of earthworms to conventional compost treatments, was also implemented to enhance composting efficiency and nutrient release. The final composts, both conventional and vermicompost, were analyzed for organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and the maturity duration. Among the three conventional compost variants, the mixture of cow manure and tobacco leaves had the highest nitrogen concentration at 1.45% and the cow manure and tobacco stems had 1.23% as the second best. Cow manure and tobacco stem compost had the highest K content of 1.13%, followed by tobacco leaves (0.99%). Sulfur levels were also found to be higher in the tobacco stem compost compared to the other compost types, with the highest value of 0.56%, followed by tobacco leaves (0.23%). All three vermicompost variants outperformed their conventional counterparts in terms of nutrient concentrations and achieved maturity in shorter durations. The cow manure with tobacco stem mixed vermicompost was notable for its elevated potassium (1.35%) and sulfur (0.89%) contents. The results indicate that vermicomposting offers a faster and more nutrient-enriched composting approach, particularly with tobacco waste. Incorporating tobacco waste into this process has the potential to produce high-quality compost, presenting a sustainable strategy for waste valorization and enhancing soil fertility. Full article

Medicinal mushrooms are recognised as a source of bioactive polysaccharides and proteins with potential health benefits. This study presents the first comparative evaluation of wheat bread fortified with powdered fruiting bodies of three medicinal mushroom species: Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), and Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps). Wheat flour was partially substituted at levels of 3–12%, and the resulting breads were analysed for (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan content as well as in vitro protein and starch digestibility. Mushroom enrichment significantly increased β-glucan concentration in bread, with the greatest enhancement observed for 12% Reishi substitution (5.67% d.m.). Starch digestibility decreased across all fortified breads, accompanied by a substantial increase in resistant starch, particularly for Reishi bread (+427% relative to control). Protein digestibility was also reduced, most prominently in Cordyceps bread (−32.7 percentage points), although these products still provided up to ~52% more total protein than the control. The results confirm that incorporating medicinal mushrooms into wheat bread effectively increases its content of bioactive components, such as β-glucans, resistant starch and protein, indicating its potential as a nutrient-enriched bakery product with improved functional value. Full article