Search Results (160)

Background/Objectives: Young adults increasingly prefer natural dentifrices; however, the short-term clinical effects and behavioural correlates of these products remain insufficiently documented. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between daily oral-hygiene practices, adjunctive cleaning methods, and plaque and gingival indices, and to compare the short-term effects of three natural toothpaste formulations—sodium bicarbonate, activated charcoal, and lemon-based. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 101 Romanian adults (aged 20–41 years; 69.3% urban) completed a structured questionnaire assessing brushing frequency and the use of dental floss, interdental stimulators, and mouth rinses. Clinical assessments included the Silness–Löe Plaque Index and the Löe–Silness Gingival Index (modified by Lobene), recorded immediately before and after a supervised 2 min brushing session using the Bass technique with soft-bristled brushes and the participant’s self-reported natural toothpaste (baking soda: n = 42; charcoal: n = 27; lemon: n = 32). Results: Before brushing, 78.2% of participants presented with thin adherent plaque, while the gingival status was normal in 72.3%, mildly inflamed in 22.8%, and moderately inflamed in 5.0%. After brushing, the proportion with normal gingiva increased to 77.2%, and the proportion of thin, adherent plaque decreased to 22.8%. Brushing frequency was positively correlated with plaque reduction (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), while the use of adjunctive cleaning methods was inversely correlated with post-brushing gingival inflammation (ρ = −0.36, p = 0.002). Gingival improvement differed significantly among toothpaste types (χ², p < 0.001), with formulations containing baking soda and lemon showing slightly more favourable short-term gingival categories than charcoal; these patterns are descriptive and do not demonstrate comparative product efficacy. Urban–rural differences were observed for brushing frequency (p < 0.001) and periodontal status with fewer lesions among urban participants (p = 0.002). Conclusions: A single supervised Bass-technique brushing session resulted in measurable short-term improvements in plaque and gingival indices among young adults. Sodium bicarbonate and lemon-based dentifrices appeared to be associated with slightly more favourable short-term gingival responses than charcoal, although these findings should be interpreted as preliminary. These findings emphasise the importance of consistent brushing and interdental cleaning behaviours and highlight the need for longitudinal randomised trials to evaluate the durability, safety, and comparative effectiveness of natural versus conventional dentifrices. Given the cross-sectional, single-session design, these findings are exploratory and do not establish causal or comparative product efficacy. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to analyze parents’ perceptions regarding adolescents’ screen use, signs of screen dependency, and its impact on sleep among 10- to 16-year-olds in the district of Leiria, Portugal. A descriptive–correlational, cross–sectional study was conducted in April 2024 using an online questionnaire completed by a non-probabilistic accidental sample of 616 parents or legal guardians. Nearly half of the respondents (48.2%) perceived adolescents as dependent on screens, while 68.7% believed that their screen time was excessive. Several behavioural signs consistent with digital dependence were reported. Increased screen use was significantly associated with shorter sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and difficulties initiating sleep. Although many adolescents still achieved the recommended number of hours of sleep, those perceived as screen-dependent were more likely to experience compromised sleep quality and quantity. These findings reinforce the growing concern about adolescents’ digital habits and underscore the importance of implementing targeted health promotion strategies focused on responsible screen use and sleep hygiene among school-aged youth. Full article

Animal welfare is increasingly recognised as a core component of sustainable dairy production, yet objective assessment at the herd level remains challenging. This study evaluated whether milk biomarkers can serve as non-invasive indicators of cow welfare. Thirty-seven dairy farms were assessed using the Welfare Quality^® protocol and various milk analysis parameters. As a first line of results, Spearman correlations revealed strong associations between milk biomarkers and welfare indicators. For example, a higher fat-to-protein ratio was linked to better feeding, lower prevalence of hunger, and improved human–animal relationships. In contrast, elevated somatic cell count and differential somatic cell count were associated with mastitis, lameness, dirtiness, and reduced emotional well-being. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), three dimensions were identified, health–hygiene, socio-behavioural, and metabolic stress, explaining 44.7% of variance. K-means clustering distinguished three herd profiles: feeding–metabolic balance, behavioural–comfort, and clinical–hygiene risk. These findings demonstrated that routine milk biomarkers provide integrated, non-invasive information on herd health, behaviour and, comfort. Incorporating routine milk analysis into welfare assessments can support the early detection of issues, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and promote sustainable dairy management. Full article

This study investigated the preference behaviour of 24 four-week-old weaned piglets under different lighting conditions (0 lux with 0 Kelvin vs. 80 lux with 3000 Kelvin vs. 6500 Kelvin). Two trials with 12 piglets each were conducted over five weeks in a room with four interconnected pens, allowing free movement between the pens. Pens A and B were nearly dark (~0 lux), while pen C (80 lux, 3000 Kelvin) and pen D (80 lux, 6500 Kelvin) were illuminated. On three days in weeks 1, 3 and 5, behaviour (lying, eating and activity) was recorded using video observations and a 5 min time sampling method. Cleanliness was also monitored daily. In the first week, piglets in the first batch preferred the darkened pens, whereas piglets in the second batch preferred illuminated pens, especially when the colour temperature was 3000 Kelvin. By the third week, piglets in the second batch now preferred darker areas. In the fifth week, the piglets spent more time in the dark in the mornings and evenings but showed no preference for colour temperature. The darkened pens remained mostly clean, whereas pen D, which had a light colour temperature of 6500 Kelvin, was the most soiled. The results show that piglet behaviour changes with age and the time of day, suggesting that lighting concepts can be adapted to improve both animal welfare and pen hygiene. Full article

Background & Objectives: Periodontal disease is a common but preventable condition characterised by chronic inflammation of the periodontium caused by microbial infection. School-based oral health education can promote healthy behaviours and enhance periodontal health. This study was to assess the effects of an interactive oral educational program on periodontal status, oral hygiene, and related behaviours among 9th-grade students in Nablus City. Method: A pre-test/post-test experimental design was conducted from 2023 to 2024 in governmental and private schools. A stratified random sampling procedure selected 536 students for the intervention group and 410 for the control group. Baseline and two-month follow-up data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and clinical examinations using the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN) and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (S-OHI). Statistical analysis (chi-square test; paired and independent t-tests) was performed with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: At follow-up, the intervention group showed significant reductions in CPITN (from 10.99 ± 2.77 to 10.00 ± 2.64; p < 0.001) and S-OHI (from 12.90 ± 3.10 to 10.89 ± 2.78; p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also observed in oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviour scores (all p < 0.001). No significant changes occurred in the control group. Conclusions: The interactive, school-based oral health education program effectively improved periodontal health, oral hygiene status, and related behaviours among adolescents. Full article

Compost barn systems are relevant alternatives to discussing production efficiency, welfare, and sustainability in dairy farming. However, studies evaluating these systems in different climates are still scarce, especially in subtropical climate zones. Here, we assess whether dairy cows’ behaviour, health and hygiene in compost barn systems are influenced by different climatic conditions and calving orders in Argentina’s central and extra-Pampean basins from the perspective of Bayesian inference. We evaluated dairy cows (n = 40) in a compost barn system simultaneously at two locations in Argentina: Rafaela and Salta. The following variables were evaluated: environmental factors, animal behaviour, respiratory rate, udder and hock hygiene, and locomotion degree of milking cows. There was a total of 10 primiparous cows and 10 multiparous cows at each location, randomly selected, which were in the first third of lactation (<90 DIM). Using Bayesian inference, we observed that Rafaela had a temperature-humidity index (THI) above 70, and Salta had a milder environment, with lower average temperature and higher relative humidity. Thus, climatic interference is evident in behaviour, triggering more behavioural and physiological mechanisms for heat abatement in primiparous females in Rafaela. At the same time, the mild conditions in Salta led to better thermal energy transfer by multiparous females compared to primiparous cows. This shows that the microclimate could interfere with the social hierarchy of cows when they are under heat stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering both calving orders and climate when designing management strategies for dairy systems. Full article

The pandemic spared most children and adolescents in Ghana from severe clinical disease, but it exposed long-standing gaps in services and protection methods. Methods: We conducted a desk-based narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, national and international reports, and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2025. The evidence was organised across eight domains of child and adolescent well-being. Across mental health, gambling and other risky behaviours, access to health services, economic hardship and child labour, nutrition, education, early childhood development, and WASH, the pandemic disrupted essential services and social safety nets. Examples include declines in routine care and immunisation, wider digital exclusion during remote learning, a rise in child labour linked to income loss, and persistent hygiene constraints. Preparedness in Ghana should focus on mental health, digital inclusion, early childhood services, and strong social protection. Ghana’s specific empirical data are uneven, so we triangulate peer-reviewed evidence with official reports, appraised the grey literature, and calibrated claims to the strength of sources. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examines the effectiveness of equine-assisted intervention (EAI) in improving adaptive behaviour and motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: To that effect, a self-controlled experimental analytical study has been designed, which is longitudinal and prospective in nature, with pre- and post-intervention measures, using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II (VABS-II) as the assessment instrument. The sample consists of 19 children who participated in weekly therapeutic sessions involving horses for eight months; these sessions included horseback riding, groundwork, hygiene, and preparation of the horse. Results: The results show significant improvements both in the overall score of the VABS-II test ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 65.84 ± 10.38–$\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.47 ± 16.21, p = 0.003) and in the areas of communication ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 64.84 ± 15.50 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 72.26 ± 21.93, p = 0.010), social skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 61.26 ± 8.99 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 66.53 ± 13.79, p = 0.008) and daily living skills (DLS) ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 66.21 ± 11.15 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 69.95 ± 12.32, p = 0.0004), as well as a non-significant slight improvement in motor skills ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$pre: 72.50 ± 8.83 ~ $\overline{\mathrm{x}}$post: 75.17 ± 7.88, p = 0.363). In addition, these gains were greater in those children attending standard classroom settings and receiving early stimulation. Conclusions: This study suggests equine-assisted intervention (EAI) may contribute to improvements in adaptive behaviour, including communication, social skills, and daily living skills, in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Benefits were notably enhanced in children receiving early stimulation within standard classroom settings. Full article

Background: Street food vending provides vital employment and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but poor health and safety compliance pose significant public health and business risks. Despite growing policy recognition, the link between hygiene practices and vendor performance remains underexplored. Objective: This integrative review examines the influence of health and safety practices on the business performance of informal street food vendors, with a particular focus on both global and South African contexts. Methods: A total of 76 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved between June 2024 and May 2025 and analyzed using an integrative review methodology. Sources were identified through five major academic databases and grey literature repositories. Thematic synthesis followed PRISMA logic and was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC) frameworks. Results: There was a marked increase in publications post-2019, peaking in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the majority of studies, with South Africa (28%) and Ghana (14%) most represented. Among the 76 included studies, the most common designs were quantitative (38%), followed by qualitative (20%), case studies (14%), and mixed-methods (11%), reflecting a predominantly empirical and field-based evidence base. Thematic analysis showed that 26% of studies focused on food safety knowledge and practices, 14% focused on infrastructure gaps, and 13% focused on policy and regulatory challenges. Of the 76 studies included, 73% reported a positive relationship between hygiene compliance and improved business performance (such as customer trust, revenue, and operational resilience), based on vote-counting across qualitatively synthesized results and business outcomes. The review identifies a conceptual synergy between the HBM’s cues to action and the BSC’s customer dimension, highlighting how hygiene compliance simultaneously influences vendor behaviour and consumer trust. Conceptual saturation was observed in themes related to hygiene protocols, consumer trust indicators, and regulatory barriers. Conclusions: Health and safety practices function not only as compliance imperatives but also as strategic assets in the informal food economy. However, widespread adoption is impeded by structural barriers including limited infrastructure, education gaps, and uneven regulatory enforcement. The findings call for context-sensitive policy interventions and public health models that align with vendor realities and support sustainable, safe, and competitive informal food systems. Full article

Background: The increasing popularity of fruit juices as part of perceived healthy dietary choices has raised concerns regarding their erosive effects on dental enamel. While prior in vitro studies have largely relied on commercial fruit drinks and non-human enamel samples, this study adopts a more ecologically valid approach by using fresh local fruit juices and extracted human teeth to evaluate enamel erosion. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the consumption patterns, oral hygiene behaviours, and awareness of the erosive potential of fruit juices among Malaysian adults and to evaluate the erosive effects of freshly squeezed local fruit juices on human dental enamel under simulated oral conditions. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey (n = 189) was conducted among dental clinic attendees to assess fruit juice intake habits, oral health practices, and awareness levels. In parallel, an in vitro study was performed using 40 extracted premolar teeth immersed in lime juice, pineapple juice, citric acid (positive control), or distilled water (negative control) over a 10-day period. Enamel volume loss, surface roughness, and microhardness were analysed pre- and post-immersion. Results: Fruit juice consumption was highly prevalent, with lime (57.7%) being the most commonly consumed, followed by watermelon (53.0%), star fruit (15.9%), and pineapple (15.4%). The majority of respondents preferred sweetened juices (75.7%) and demonstrated only moderate oral hygiene, with just 53.4% reporting brushing their teeth twice daily. Awareness of the dental effects of acidic beverages was limited. In vitro results confirmed that both lime and pineapple juices significantly reduced enamel microhardness and increased surface roughness (p < 0.0001), with lime juice causing the greatest enamel volume loss due to its higher acidity. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for public health strategies that raise awareness on the implications of dietary acids and promote protective oral health behaviours. Dental practitioners should incorporate dietary counselling in routine care, particularly for populations at higher risk. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

This study defines evidence-based minimum internal floor areas required to support long-term residential use across different household types. It addresses the following question: what is the smallest viable floor area that supports sustained occupancy without persistent stress, conflict, or turnover? An integrative review method was employed, drawing from behavioural studies in environmental psychology, international regulatory standards, and real-world market data. The analysis focuses on essential domestic functions including sleep, hygiene, food preparation, storage, social interaction, and work. Quantitative findings from tenancy surveys, post-occupancy research, and market performance data indicate that residential units below 30 square metres for single occupants and 45 square metres for couples are consistently associated with reduced satisfaction and shorter tenancies. Regulatory minimums across diverse jurisdictions tend to converge near these same thresholds. The study proposes technical minimums of 30, 45, and 60 square metres for one-, two-, and three-person households, respectively. These values reflect functional lower bounds rather than ideal or aspirational sizes and are intended to inform performance-based housing standards. Full article

This study examines food safety and waste behaviours depicted in the televised cooking competition MasterChef, a globally franchised series that showcases diverse culinary traditions and influences viewers’ practices. The research focuses on the MasterChef editions aired in Turkey and the United Kingdom, two countries with distinctly different social and cultural contexts. Video content analysis, based on predefined criteria, was employed to assess observable behaviours related to food safety and waste. Additionally, content analysis of episode transcripts identified verbal references to these themes. Principal Component Analysis was employed to categorise patterns in the observed behaviours. The findings revealed frequent lapses in food safety, with personal hygiene breaches more commonly observed in MasterChef UK, while cross-contamination issues were more prevalent in MasterChef Turkey. In both versions, the use of disposable materials and the discarding of edible food parts emerged as the most common waste-related practices. These behaviours appeared to be shaped by the cultural and culinary norms specific to each country. The study highlights the importance of cooking shows in promoting improved food safety and waste management practices. It recommends involving relevant experts during production and clearly communicating food safety and sustainability messages to increase viewer awareness and encourage positive behaviour change. Full article

Periodontal disease is a common and serious oral disease among older adults. As the global older population increases, preventing periodontal disease is vital for healthy ageing. Poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, and smoking are key risk factors of periodontal disease. Improving oral hygiene, diabetes management, and quitting smoking are essential health behavioural change interventions to manage periodontal disease. The objective of this study is to review the prevention of periodontal disease among older adults through health behavioural change interventions. Effective strategies to improve oral hygiene include personalised education on proper brushing and interdental cleaning. Educating caregivers is equally important as they supervise care-dependent older adults to maintain oral health. For those with diabetes, physical activity improves glycated haemoglobin levels and clinical periodontal parameters by reducing reactive oxygen species and systemic inflammation. Smoking cessation could be achieved through a multi-faceted approach. Effective smoking cessation combines brief interventions with intensive behavioural/pharmacological support for long-term success, especially in highly dependent individuals. Tailored strategies for older adults, integrated care, and expanded research improve outcomes and health equity in ageing populations. In conclusion, health behavioural change interventions are non-invasive preventive measures that include oral hygiene reinforcement, diabetic management, and smoking cessation. Prioritising these interventions empowers older adults to maintain oral health, reducing disease burden and enhancing overall well-being for healthy ageing. Full article

Steak tartare is a ready-to-eat (RTE) meat product, prepared with finely chopped or ground raw beef, with a rich culinary history and increasing consumption trend in the last years. Yet, its microbiological safety and technological challenges remain largely under-investigated. This review analyses the regulations, the safety, and technological advances in steak tartare manufacturing, focusing on microbiological risks due to potential contamination by pathogens like Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. From this perspective, the outbreaks associated with the consumption of raw meat products have confirmed the importance of good hygiene practice and process control, currently based on the presence of nitrite in the formulation and accurate cold chain management. Recently, the EU regulations have set stricter limits for the use of nitrites and nitrates in meat products, and this evolution has increased the interest in natural alternatives. The scientific literature indicates that plant-based antimicrobials, high-pressure processing (HPP), and novel starter cultures can be promising tools to improve raw meat safety and shelf life. This review analyses the possible options for nitrite replacement, which might involve combined interventions with natural antimicrobials, starter cultures, and packaging solutions. Future studies need to address the microbial behaviour and dynamics in nitrite-free formulations, including safety validation by challenge testing with foodborne pathogens. In this respect, steak tartare could be a model for innovation in the meat industry. However, considering the challenges that must be faced, collaboration across disciplines will be essential to meet regulatory constraints and consumer expectations while ensuring product quality and safety. Full article