Search Results (690)

Background/Objectives: In oncology patients, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) prescriptions are complex and depend on individual nutritional and clinical status. Prescriptions for TPN solutions often result in over- or under-dosing of specific nutrients, due to the large number of ingredients and formulation-related constraints. Clinical support decision systems (CDSSs) may assist clinicians in complex decision-making processes. The aim of this study was to quantify discrepancies between CDSS TPN prescriptions and ready-to-use PN formulation compositions administered in routine clinical practice. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 hospitalized adult oncology patients who were prescribed TPN were recruited. CDSS data was used to calculate individual nutritional needs (i.e., fluids, micro-/macronutrients, and electrolytes) and utilized to identify the closest available standardized ready-to-use TPN formula corresponding to those needs. The algorithm created by the use of the CDSS was based on evidence-based equations from ASPEN. We compared the CDSS-calculated nutritional needs with the ready-to-use TPN formula and identified nutrients that had to be added to the TPN solution bag. Results: The daily needs of all macronutrients were fully covered by the ready-to-use TPN, while actual intake of micronutrients, except for phosphorus (P), was insufficient and had to be supplemented in the TPN bag (amino acids: +21.1%, p < 0.001; lipids: +8.4%, p = 0.023; P: +32.5% p = 0.001; Na: −30.5%, p < 0.001; K: −50.6% (p < 0.001); Ca: −51.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of the CDSS tool could facilitate PN prescriptions by indicating the most suitable standardized commercial PN solutions to support patients’ nutritional needs and help physicians assess the patient’s additional needs. Full article

Biodiverse composts obtained through composting are widely used in regenerative agriculture due to their ability to improve soil quality, crop growth, and productivity, primarily by promoting beneficial microorganisms. These composts result from the decomposition of mixtures containing nitrogenous and plant biomass. During plant biomass preparation, litter serves as a source of beneficial microorganisms, which transition from endophytes to decomposers. This study tested the hypothesis that the type of litter influences the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in biodiverse composts, thereby affecting species abundance and diversity. To this end, litter from the tree species Handroanthus impetiginosus (Angiosperm—AC) and Pinus elliottii (Gymnosperm—GC) was evaluated in compost preparation, also investigating the impact of litter type on the concentration of macronutrients, chemical parameters (such as organic carbon, cation exchange capacity—CEC; carbon/nitrogen ratio—C/N; organic matter—OM; pH, and humic substances fractions, including humic and fulvic acids), and microbiological quality (assessed by Microbial Biomass Carbon—MBC). The microbial composition of composts prepared with both AC and GC litter was more influenced by the composting method than by plant origin, with bacterial genera such as Thermobacillus (representing 1.27% and 1.23% of the genera present in AC and GC, respectively) and thermotolerant species, adapted to the high temperatures of the thermophilic phase, being notably present. GC litter favored a higher abundance of bacterial (pi = 0.027) and fungal species (pi = 0.042), despite the antimicrobial properties of P. elliottii. In contrast, AC compost accumulated higher levels of macronutrients and OM (39.5%), reflecting the efficacy of specific fungi in decomposition, particularly species from the phyla Chytridiomycota and Zoopagomycota, identified exclusively in this compost. MBC analysis indicated that composts reach optimal efficiency and nutritional quality between 60 and 90 days of maturation, suggesting that this period is the most suitable for leveraging the resident microbiota and producing high-quality composts for agricultural use. Full article

Rice is a globally indispensable staple food and a major dietary source of phenolic compounds, whose nutritional and functional properties are influenced by their interactions within the rice matrix. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on rice phenolics distribution and their macromolecule interactions, integrating evidence from binary, and ternary systems, to whole-matrix perspectives and examines their structural, functional, and nutritional consequences. Across rice genotypes, 76 polyphenols have been identified and quantified, encompassing phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. Their abundance, chemical structure, and localization significantly dictated by grain anatomy, pigmentation, and processing. Mechanistically, phenolic binding is dominated by non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic forces, CH–π interactions, and π–π stacking, facilitating multiscale structural reorganizations through amylose inclusion complexation, protein conformational rearrangements, lipid-assisted V-type crystallization, and dietary fiber binding. In ternary systems, competitive and synergistic interactions further modulate binding strength and structural organization. Functionally, these matrix-mediated interactions regulate stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic, macronutrient digestibility, glycemic response, and key technofunctional properties. By integrating compositional, mechanistic, and functional evidence, this review establishes a robust framework for understanding rice matrix–phenolic interactions and supports the rational design of phenolic-enriched, low-glycemic rice products with targeted nutritional benefits. Full article

The interaction between chrono-nutrition (dinner intake), glycemic index (GI), and the C358A variant of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), along with its impact on morning fasting insulin and glycemia, has not been previously explored. This study provides new insights into chronometabolic and nutrigenetic interactions. This study aims to analyze the association between the dinner GI and the C385A variant in the FAAH gene with respect to fasting glucose, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR in adults with obesity. It was hypothesized that the dinner GI, probably influenced by the FAAH variant, could be associated with glycemic homeostasis in adults with obesity. This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study focused on 189 adults with obesity (129 women; mean age, 41 ± 12 years; mean BMI, 38.0 ± 5.2 kg/m²). Dietary intake was assessed through two 24 h food records, enabling the calculation of GI and macronutrient composition at each meal, especially dinner. Fasting-parameter setting and genotyping were done during the study. The lineal regression analyses were adjusted by age, sex, BMI, energy intake and dinner protein. Participants with lower fasting glucose levels had higher total GI and dinner GI values than those with higher fasting glucose levels, whereas no differences in dinner GI were observed across groups stratified by insulin or HOMA-IR levels. In fully adjusted regression models, dinner GI values remained inversely associated with fasting glucose levels (β = −0.172, 95%CI −0.298 to −0.045; p = 0.008). The FAAH C385A variant independently predicted lower insulin (β = −2.674, 95%CI −5.185 to −0.164; p = 0.037) and lower HOMA-IR (β = −0.731, 95%CI −1.364 to −0.099; p = 0.024) levels. No statistically significant interaction between dinner GI and the FAAH genotype was detected with respect to glycemia, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Overall, these findings indicate that the dinner GI influences fasting glucose levels in adults with obesity; the FAAH variant predicted lower insulin and HOMA-IR levels, supporting a plausible chrono-nutrigenetic interaction between carbohydrate quality, mealtime intake, and FAAH variation in metabolic regulation, which must be further studied. Full article

Background/Objectives: Contemporary food systems face dual imperatives of ensuring nutritional adequacy while minimizing environmental resource consumption, yet conventional dietary assessment methodologies inadequately integrate these competing objectives. This simulation-based proof-of-concept study developed an artificial intelligence-driven computational framework synthesizing nutritional evaluation, environmental footprint quantification, and economic accessibility assessment. Methods: The analytical architecture integrated random forest classification, dimensionality reduction, and scenario-based optimization across a simulated population cohort of 1500 individuals. Food composition data encompassed 55 representative foods across eight categories linked with greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and price parameters. Four dietary patterns (Mediterranean, Western, Plant-based, Mixed) were characterized across nutrient adequacy, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and economic cost. Results: Random forest classification achieved 39.1% accuracy, with cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption emerging as the most discriminating features. Dietary patterns exhibited convergent macronutrient profiles (protein 108.8–112.8 g per day, 4% variation) despite categorical distinctions, while calcium inadequacy pervaded all patterns (867–927.5 mg per day, 7–13% below requirements). Environmental footprints demonstrated limited differentiation (greenhouse gas 3.73–3.96 kg CO₂e per day, 6% range). Bootstrap resampling (n = 1000) confirmed narrow confidence intervals, with NHANES validation revealing substantial energy intake deviations (38–58% above observed means) attributable to adequacy-prioritized design rather than observed consumption patterns. Scenario modeling identified seasonally flexible dietary configurations maintaining micronutrient and protein adequacy while reducing water use to 87% of baseline at modest cost increases. Conclusions: This framework establishes a validated computational infrastructure for integrated dietary assessment benchmarked against sustainability thresholds and epidemiological reference data, demonstrating the feasibility of AI-driven evaluation of dietary patterns across nutritional, environmental, and economic dimensions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of overweight and obesity among young adults has doubled since 1975, primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Understanding dietary patterns (DPs) in this population is essential for designing effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to characterize the dietary patterns and diet quality of university students and to examine their physical activity and associated health risks. Methods: A convenience sample of 136 participants (77.9% females, 22.1% males) was recruited. Data on clinical history, lifestyle behaviors, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls. Intake was analyzed by food groups, total energy, and macronutrient and fiber composition. Principal component analysis was applied to identify DPs. Results: Three major DPs were identified: Ultra-Processed Foods, Variety Foods, and Traditional Mixed Mexican. Overall, participants showed low consumption of fiber, legumes, and nuts, coupled with high intake of animal-based foods. The mean daily energy intake was 2278 kcal for men and 2008 kcal for women. Although participants demonstrated higher adherence to the Traditional Mixed Mexican pattern, a strong tendency toward the Ultra-Processed Foods pattern was observed, which is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases and poor nutritional outcomes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted dietary interventions among university students. Strategies should emphasize increased intake of fiber-rich plant foods, moderation of protein consumption, and reduction in refined carbohydrates and added sugars to promote healthier dietary habits and prevent chronic disease development. Full article

Matcha tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) is a Japanese powdered green tea characterized by an exceptionally high content of health-promoting compounds. It is produced by shading the tea plants for 21 days prior to harvesting. It can be consumed both as an infusion and as a whole powder form. The present study aimed to analyze the micro- and macronutrient composition of matcha tea infusions (traditional and daily) brewed with water at different temperatures, as well as that of matcha powder. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OS). Two types of matcha infusions were analyzed: daily and traditional, prepared at 25 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C in addition to matcha powders. The results demonstrated that both infusions and matcha powder are sources of the tested elements (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc) and may complement a healthy, balanced diet. The type of tea significantly affected elemental content, while brewing temperature did not significantly influence the mineral composition of infusions. Taken together, these results indicate that matcha represents a nutritionally relevant beverage whose mineral profile may contribute to dietary quality and support physiological functions related to metabolic health. Full article

Climate change necessitates direct measures in horticultural crop production, including the adoption of sustainable agronomic practices, such as the use of biostimulants and the inclusion of alternative species in agroecosystems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two biostimulant formulations, one based on beneficial bacteria and fungi and the other based on seaweed extracts, on the growth, nutritional value, and bioactive properties of three wild edible species, namely, Sonchus oleraceus, Cichorium spinosum, and Scolymus hispanicus, grown in a greenhouse under optimal conditions. Our results indicate that biostimulant application had a variable effect on crop performance depending on the biostimulant formulation and species, with Bactiva showing a clear beneficial effect on the fresh weight, number of leaves, and leaf area of S. oleraceus (increased by 63.2%, 32.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared to the control), while seaweed extracts mostly improved the crop performance of S. hispanicus and the number of leaves and the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index of C. spinosum (increased by 1.1% and 24.8%, respectively, compared to the control). Moreover, Bactiva significantly increased the leaf protein content of all the studied species (increased by 2.1%, 5.2%, and 6.9% for S. oleraceus, C. spinosum, and S. hispanicus, respectively, compared to the control), whereas a varied response was observed for the rest of the macronutrients, depending on the species and biostimulant. Similarly, the macromineral content (N, P, and K) increased for the application of Bactiva and/or seaweed extracts in S. oleraceus (increased by 2.1%, 22.4%, and 14.0% for N, P and K, respectively, compared to the control) and C. spinosum (increased by 5.2%, 19.3%, and 14.7% for N, P, and K, respectively, compared to the control) leaves, while for S. hispanicus leaves, only N and K increased for Bactiva (increase by 7.0% and 17.9% for N and K, respectively, compared to the control). Finally, the use of the studied biostimulants had a varied effect on the polyphenol content of the three species, and the antioxidant activity also varied among the three assays implemented. In conclusion, the use of biostimulants on these underexplored species showed promising results in terms of crop performance and chemical composition/. However, considering that the plants were subjected to optimal conditions, further research is needed to reveal the stress-mitigating effects of these biostimulant formulations for their integration as a sustainable agronomic tool for the commercial exploitation of wild edible greens. Full article

Nanofertilizers have attracted increasing attention as an approach to improve the low nutrient use efficiency of conventional fertilizers, in which only a limited fraction of applied nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ultimately taken up by crops. Beyond their capacity to minimize nutrient losses, nanofertilizers have attracted increasing attention for their possible role in addressing environmental issues, including soil eutrophication and the contamination of groundwater systems. Owing to their nanoscale characteristics, including large specific surface area and enhanced adsorption capacity, these materials enable more precise nutrient delivery to the rhizosphere and sustained release over extended periods, while also influencing soil–plant–microbe interactions. In this review, nanofertilizers are classified into six major categories—macronutrient-based, micronutrient-based, organic, controlled-release, composite, and nano-enhanced formulations—and representative examples and preparation routes are summarized, including green synthesis approaches and conventional chemical methods. The agronomic mechanisms associated with nanofertilizer application are discussed, with emphasis on enhanced nutrient uptake, modification of soil physicochemical properties, and shifts in microbial community composition. Reported studies indicate that nanofertilizers can increase crop yield across different crop species and formulations, while also contributing to improved nutrient cycling. Despite these advantages, several limitations continue to restrict their broader adoption. These include uncertainties regarding long-term environmental behavior, relatively high production costs compared with conventional fertilizers, and the absence of well-defined regulatory and safety assessment frameworks in many regions. Overall, this review highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with nanofertilizer application and points to the need for further development of cost-effective formulations and standardized evaluation systems that account for their distinct environmental interactions. Full article

The foliar application of various biostimulants, such as protein hydrolysates (PHs), has been associated with improved nutrient uptake efficiency and stress tolerance in perennial crops, like olive (Olea europaea L.). In this study, PHs obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis by Alcalase Pure (referred to as treatment H1), Alcalase Pure and Flavourzyme (referred to as treatment H2), or Alcalase Pure and Protana™ Prime (referred to as treatment H3) with proteins from pumpkin seed cake were tested for their potential beneficial growth, performance, and nutrition effects in one-year-old olive seedlings grown under controlled conditions. Amino acid and element compositions were evaluated in the PHs, which were used for foliar application six times at eight-day intervals. Control (C) plants were treated the same way, but without PHs. Shoot and root growth, leaf reflectance indices, and the composition of micro and macronutrients in different organs and leaf tissues were determined. Plants in the H2 treatment grew significantly better than C plants. They had the highest Photochemical Reflectance Index and a Chlorophyll-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index similar to that of C plants, indicating an optimal growth/photosynthesis balance. A decrease in the concentration of several mineral elements in the lower epidermis in H2- and H3-treated plants compared to C and H1-treated plants was accompanied by their increase in the spongy mesophyll, indicating their redistribution to support increased metabolism, resulting in increased shoot growth in these two treatments. Arguably, these observed effects could be attributed to the amino acid profile of the H2 mixture, which had the highest concentration of L-proline, L-arginine, and L-lysine among the three PH mixtures, and a higher L-asparagine concentration than the H1 mixture. Overall, the results highlight the applicative potential of tailored PH formulations for the optimization of growth, mineral element composition, and physiological performance in olive cultivation. Full article

Anaerobic digestate (AD) has the potential to partially replace inorganic fertiliser, containing readily available nitrogen and other macro- and micronutrients. However, these properties vary with the feedstock. The objectives of this study were to analyse the chemical composition of AD materials and measure their effects on plant growth and greenhouse gas emissions. Anaerobic digestate came from a conventional reactor using vegetable waste and maize as feedstock (‘food AD’) and from a biogas system on a smallholder dairy farm using manure feedstock (‘manure AD’). Undigested cattle slurry (‘manure slurry’) and a complete mineral fertiliser were used as controls. These were applied to wheat plants grown in a glasshouse. Wheat grown with the food AD had a higher yield than the complete mineral fertiliser control, even when applied at a lower rate of nitrogen. Wheat grown with both the food AD and manure AD had macronutrient concentrations equal to or higher than the complete mineral fertiliser treatment. Furthermore, the wheat P concentration was significantly greater with the manure AD treatment, which was unrelated to a biomass dilution effect. However, food AD caused high ammonia emissions, and residual methane was emitted with manure AD, indicating incomplete digestion in the latter. Optimal yields and reduced greenhouse emissions were obtained with mixtures of AD and mineral fertiliser in a 1:1 ratio, indicating the potential to greatly reduce the costs and environmental impact of fertiliser application. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of foliar silicon (Si) and sulfur (S) applications under contrasting climatic conditions on macro- and micronutrient accumulation in oat grain. The three-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted in Debrecen, Hungary, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with three replications. Grain samples were analyzed for macroelements (K, P, S, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Na, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu). Environmental conditions markedly influenced nutrient accumulation. Severe drought promoted the highest concentrations of K, S, and Mg, while mild drought significantly increased the accumulation of P, Ca, Si, Fe, and Cu contents. Moderate drought favored Na accumulation. Foliar S application under relatively favorable water supply significantly enhanced the concentration of all measured elements, with the strongest response observed for Cu (+47.4% compared with the control) and the weakest for Mg (8.5%). In contrast, Si application alone had only limited or negative effects, particularly under severe drought, where it reduced K (6.4%), S (2.4%), and Ca (13%) concentrations, despite increased Si accumulation in the grain. During drought stress, however, the combined Si + S treatment significantly increased the grain macro- and micronutrient concentrations. Among the tested genotypes, ‘Mv Pehely’ exhibited the highest macronutrient accumulation, while ‘GK Kormorán’ and ‘Mv Pehely’ showed superior micronutrient accumulation. ‘GK Pillangó’ and ‘Mv Szellő’ showed consistently lower nutrient contents. These results highlight the importance of genotype × environment × nutrient management strategies for improving nutrient composition in oat grain. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digestive problems are common in the general population and may be influenced by lifestyle, emotional status and diet. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of digestive problems in Spanish adults and examined associated factors. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional analysis of anonymized adult microdata from the 2023 Spanish Health Survey was performed. Data were collected using a mixed-mode design (self-administered web questionnaire with interviewer-administered follow-up). Digestive problems were recoded by combining gastric ulcer, constipation, and prescribed use of laxatives, astringent drugs, and stomach medication. Therefore, digestive problems are primarily defined as the presence of gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Variables included sociodemographic, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), World Health Organization Well Being Index (WHO-5), and macronutrient intake estimated from a Food-Frequency Questionnaire using the Spanish Food Composition Database (BEDCA). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were conducted (95% CI; significance level set at p < 0.05). Results: Of 34,148 participants, 13,518 provided information on digestive problems; among these respondents, 3860 (28.6%) reported having digestive issues. Prevalence ranged from 5.2% to 36.5% among national territories. Higher odds (OR) of digestive problems were associated with age (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.023–1.029), female sex (OR 1.168, 1.070–1.276), non-smoking (OR 1.240, 1.005–1.531) and ex-smoking (OR 1.447, 1.272–1.647) compared to current smokers, higher PHQ-8 scores (OR 1.040, 1.029–1.051), greater protein intake (OR 1.016, 1.009–1.023), consumption of sweet pastries (OR 1.058, 1.039–1.077), and dairy products (OR 1.027, 1.002–1.053); in contrast, lower odds were associated with higher WHO-5 scores (OR 0.985, 0.982–0.987), total fiber intake (OR 0.968, 0.949–0.987), and legume consumption (OR 0.894, 0.856–0.933). Conclusions: Digestive problems show considerable variability in prevalence among survey-based Spanish sample. Digestive problems were associated with older age, female sex, depressive symptoms, high-protein intake, and higher consumption of sweet pastries and dairy products, whereas higher well-being scores, higher fiber intake and legume consumption were associated with lower odds of digestive problems. Full article

Almond skin is an abundant by-product of almond processing and is recognized for its rich content of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and unsaturated fatty acids along with potential health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, prebiotic potential, and microbiota modulation properties of dehydrated almond skin, including its use in 3D-printed functional biscuits. Nutritional analysis revealed high dietary fiber (62.6%) and substantial antioxidant capacity linked to polyphenols. Almond skin supplementation with a concentration ranging from 2.5% to 5.0% significantly enhanced the viability of various probiotic strains during storage, extending their shelf life. Two biscuit formulations, with and without almond skin, were produced and subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST protocol) followed by in vitro fermentation using a minimal gut microbiota model (Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bacteroides caccae, Escherichia coli, Segatella copri, and Clostridioides difficile). Results demonstrated that biscuit enriched with almond skin selectively promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria such as B. longum and L. rhamnosus (from 6.9 to 8.5 log cfu/mL and from 7.8 to 9.0 log cfu/mL, respectively) while suppressing pathogens including C. difficile and E. coli. Moreover, enriched biscuits retained higher polyphenol content and exhibited a favorable macronutrient profile. These findings support the valorization of almond skin as a sustainable functional ingredient offering prebiotic effects and probiotic viability protection, with promising applications in personalized nutrition and gut health management. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm these effects and optimize formulations for commercial use. Full article

Delivery by caesarean section (CS) is increasingly common worldwide and has been associated with altered health outcomes in offspring, which can be partially mitigated with breastfeeding. Interestingly, the mode of delivery itself may influence the composition of human milk. The aim of this narrative review was to comprehensively examine current evidence on the impact of CS on breast milk composition and to discuss its potential implications for neonatal and infant health. A literature search of the MEDLINE database was conducted in July 2025. It identified 1212 studies addressing associations between mode of delivery and human milk components, of which 54 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Available evidence suggests that CS is associated with transient, lactation stage-dependent alterations in breast milk composition, most pronounced in colostrum and transitional milk. Reported changes include differences in macronutrients, mineral content, immune-related molecules, hormones, antioxidants, microbiota, microRNA profiles, and other bioactive components. Findings related to mature milk are less consistent and often influenced by confounding factors. While some CS-associated alterations may slightly reduce the beneficial effect of breastfeeding, e.g., reducing certain antimicrobial or nutritional components, other changes seem to be potentially advantageous for the neonate/infant after CS, in particular in immune-related factors. Overall, the clinical significance of these compositional differences remains unclear, as no studies have directly linked CS-related changes in milk composition to long-term infant outcomes. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these associations. Regardless of delivery mode, breastfeeding remains the optimal feeding strategy and a key intervention to support infant health after CS. Full article