Search Results (3,235)

Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) is a perennial herb with a long ethnomedicinal history and diverse pharmacological potential. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge on its phytochemistry, extraction technologies, bioactivities, and molecular mechanisms. However, recent reviews have generally addressed these aspects separately, and an integrated assessment linking green extraction technologies and phytochemical profiles to molecular mechanisms and gene expression modulation is still lacking. U. dioica contains abundant polyphenols (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid), sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), vitamins, carotenoids, and the antiviral lectin Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA). Advances in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-based systems, have significantly improved yield, purity, and environmental sustainability compared to conventional maceration and Soxhlet methods. Comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic profiling (HPLC, GC–MS, FTIR, NMR, and LC–MS/MS) has established detailed chemical fingerprints linking bioactive constituents to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Mechanistic studies reveal that U. dioica exerts its therapeutic effects through modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and regulation of apoptotic gene expression. Moreover, NADES–MAE extracts demonstrate potential as sustainable, high-efficacy formulations for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. Despite extensive preclinical evidence, clinical standardization and dosage optimization remain major challenges. This review underscores U. dioica as a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant promise for next-generation phytotherapeutics and molecular nutrition. Full article

Eggs are a widely consumed and nutritionally valuable food, increasingly recognized for their potential to deliver not only essential nutrients but also health-promoting phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. However, the presence and variability of these compounds in eggs remains poorly understood, particularly in pasture-raised systems where hens have access to fresh forage. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding the transfer of phytochemicals from forage to eggs, highlighting the factors that influence their deposition and the implications for egg nutrient quality, hen health, and consumer health. Forage composition, which varies by plant species, season, and management practices, plays an important role in determining phytochemical intake of the hen, and consequently the egg content. While evidence suggests pasture access enhances yolk carotenoid levels and may contribute to polyphenol deposition, little is known about farm-to-farm variation and the degree of nutrient transfer. As pasture-based egg systems continue to gain popularity, understanding and optimizing phytochemical transfer from diet to egg could improve the consistency and nutritional value of eggs while supporting sustainable food production goals. Full article

Background: Nutrition knowledge (NK) may influence dietary behaviours and athlete health; however, limited research has examined the relationship between NK and risk of low energy availability (LEA) in female team sport athletes. Objective: This study aimed to assess NK and LEA risk in female Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) players and to examine the relationship between these variables. Results: Female LGF players (n = 58) aged 18–35 years completed a 75-item online questionnaire comprising the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (ANSKQ) and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). Mean total ANSKQ score was 53.1 ± 7.6%, categorized as “average”, while the mean sport nutrition knowledge (SNK) score was 48.2 ± 8.5%, categorized as “poor”. Lower micronutrient knowledge scores were observed among younger players and those with lower educational attainment (p < 0.05), while players with prior nutrition education demonstrated greater supplement-related knowledge (p < 0.05). Overall, 56.9% of the participants were classified as being at risk of LEA according to LEAF-Q criteria. LEA risk differed according to playing level and nutrition education status (p < 0.05); however, no association between overall NK and LEA risk was identified. Players identified as being at risk of LEA also demonstrated greater menstrual dysfunction and injury-related absence. Conclusions: These findings indicate a high prevalence of LEA risk and suboptimal sport NK among female LGF players and suggest that NK alone may be insufficient to protect against LEA risk in female team sport athletes. Ongoing screening, nutrition education, and broader athlete support strategies are therefore warranted in this population. Full article

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a major cause of lameness in modern broiler chickens. It remains a persistent challenge in the broiler industry, resulting in substantial economic losses and serious animal health concerns. The pathogenesis of BCO involves rapid muscle growth, resulting in disproportionate body weight relative to skeletal maturity, thereby increasing mechanical stress and leading to microfractures and osteochondrotic clefts in the proximal growth plates of the femora and tibiae. Infection progresses via hematogenous dissemination and colonization of the leg bones by opportunistic pathogens, primarily Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli, originating from the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract, leading to chronic inflammation, ischemia, biofilm formation, and progressive bone necrosis. Control strategies, including selective breeding, enhanced management and production practices, nutritional interventions, and the administration of antimicrobial agents, offer partial mitigation but have failed to provide a permanent solution to BCO incidence. Vaccination is one of the most promising and targeted immunological approaches to enhance the host immune responses against bacterial pathogens. Electron beam (eBeam) inactivated vaccines represent a significant advancement among available vaccination strategies. This review leverages current knowledge of the etiology, pathophysiology, control measures, and the use of eBeam technology (EBT) in vaccine development to provide a scientifically grounded and innovative approach to controlling BCO-associated lameness in broiler chickens. This article also provides insights into future directions for integrated, antibiotic-free strategies to mitigate BCO and revenue losses, enhance broiler welfare, ensure consumer safety, and support the long-term sustainability of the global poultry industry. Full article

As obesity, diabetes and other diet-related metabolic disorders continue to rise, non-nutritive artificial sweeteners (NASs) are widely used as sugar substitutes in free-sugar reduction and weight-management strategies, but their effects on the gut microbiota, host metabolism and related health outcomes remain debated. To clarify this evidence landscape, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of major NAS on the gut microbiota and host metabolic and health-related outcome. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to characterize the development, knowledge structure and thematic evolution of this research area. For the eight NAS exposure categories included in this review (saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and mixed NAS), we performed a compound-specific analysis integrating physicochemical characteristics, regulatory status, and research findings from in vitro, ex vivo, animal and human studies on gut microbiota alterations, host metabolic and health-related outcomes. These findings were further compared through four interpretive dimensions: exposure conditions, research model background, outcome assessment and interpretation of discordant results. Current research evidence does not support a class-wide conclusion that NAS are uniformly harmful or safe. To make research findings searchable, we developed the NAS-MAP knowledge graph, an interactive non-nutritive artificial sweetener–microbiota-associated phenotype knowledge graph. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge, clarifies the sources of inconsistent findings, and provides a framework for more mechanistically informative studies, standardized evidence reporting, and more precise sweetener-, exposure- and population-specific dietary and public health guidance. Full article

Sarcopenia is an age-related progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance that increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life among older adults. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves chronic low-grade inflammation, hormonal disturbances, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. The aim of this study was to summarise current knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia, contemporary diagnostic methods, and the effectiveness of modern nutritional and exercise-based strategies, with particular emphasis on technologies supporting patient monitoring. This study is a structured narrative review conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, with the literature search completed on 1 March 2026. Separate searches were performed for thematic sections, including pathophysiology, diagnosis, physical activity, nutritional interventions, plant-derived compounds, and digital health technologies. While the core search focused on publications from 2023–2025, specific time-bound deviations were applied: the search for plant-derived compounds was extended back to 2020, and combined interventions were searched up to March 2026 to ensure the inclusion of the most recent evidence. The review included 53 peer-reviewed primary studies (RCTs and observational) and secondary literature (reviews and meta-analyses) involving individuals aged ≥60 years. The most robust evidence supports multicomponent interventions, particularly the synergy between resistance training and adequate protein intake (1.2–1.5 g/kg/day), often supplemented with leucine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and creatine. Such strategies effectively counteract anabolic resistance by combining mechanical loading with the stimulation of the mTORC1 signalling pathway, leading to significant improvements in muscle mass, strength, and physical function. While isolated protein or micronutrient supplementation shows limited effectiveness in the absence of exercise, their role as supportive elements in multimodal strategies is well-documented. Furthermore, emerging digital health technologies—including wearable sensors and telerehabilitation—are proving essential for clinical practice, enabling precise, continuous monitoring of physical activity and gait parameters under free-living conditions, which enhances both patient adherence and long-term therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Oilseed cakes (OC), generated as by-products of mechanical oil extraction, are increasingly recognized as functional feed ingredients in swine production. Besides providing protein and residual lipids, they contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols that may exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This narrative review is based on a narrative literature search conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2000 to 2026. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of OC in pig nutrition, focusing on redox balance, immune modulation, and production performance. Experimental studies indicate that rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, and other oilseed cakes can influence oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity, contributing to protection against oxidative damage. Evidence also suggests that these by-products may affect immune responses through improvements in intestinal barrier integrity and modulation of cytokine production. Among the reviewed OC, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, and flaxseed cakes showed the most consistent evidence of beneficial effects on antioxidant status, immune function, and production performance, particularly when included at moderate dietary levels. In contrast, the available evidence for camelina, cottonseed, Amarula, and high-fiber oilseed by-products remains limited or inconsistent. Their effects appear to depend largely on dietary inclusion level, processing method, and the presence of antinutritional factors. Excessive dietary inclusion may impair nutrient digestibility and growth performance, highlighting the importance of optimizing inclusion levels according to the specific type of OC. Overall, OC represent a promising component of sustainable pig-feeding strategies, supporting animal health and production efficiency while promoting the use of agro-industrial by-products. Full article

Neuroglobin (NGB), initially identified for its oxygen-binding capacity in neuronal tissues, has emerged as a multifunctional protein involved in neuroprotection, oxidative stress regulation, and mitochondrial homeostasis. Although its functions have been extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS), its potential role in the gut–brain axis (GBA) remains largely unexplored. The GBA integrates neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, and growing evidence from microbiome, neurobiology, endocrinology, and nutrition research suggests that several pathways involved in GBA signaling may also influence NGB expression or activity. However, direct experimental evidence, particularly from in vivo studies, remains limited. This hypothesis-driven review integrates evidence from diverse fields to explore the possibility that NGB may represent a molecular link between gut-derived signals and neuroprotective mechanisms. We summarize current knowledge of NGB biology and discuss indirect evidence indicating that microbial metabolites, dietary phytochemicals, and hormonal mediators, including estradiol, may converge on pathways associated with NGB regulation. Based on these observations, we propose a conceptual framework in which NGB could participate in gut–brain communication while emphasizing that this hypothesis requires experimental validation. By bringing together findings that have not previously been considered within a unified context, this review highlights key knowledge gaps, opens new perspectives on the potential involvement of NGB in the GBA, and provides a foundation for future mechanistic studies in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. Full article

Background: Dysautonomia, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related orthostatic disorders, is frequently associated with debilitating gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in adolescents, including chronic nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and functional dysmotility. Despite the significant disease burden, pharmacological options for GI dysmotility in this population remain poorly studied. To our knowledge, no prior case series has described metoclopramide as a targeted prokinetic bridge therapy specifically in adolescents with dysautonomia-associated GI dysmotility symptoms. Case Series Summary: We describe three adolescent females (ages 13, 16, and 16 years) with specialist-confirmed dysautonomia and refractory GI symptoms who were treated with a standardized short-course, low-dose metoclopramide bridge protocol (5 mg three times daily, tapered over approximately 12 weeks). All patients received concurrent multidisciplinary management including dietary modification, neuromodulators, integrative therapies, and behavioral support. All three demonstrated subjective improvement in nausea and GI symptoms, enabling engagement with broader rehabilitative and nutritional interventions. No extrapyramidal symptoms or serious adverse effects were observed. Cumulative metoclopramide doses across all three cases ranged from approximately 770 to 1050 mg—well below the threshold associated with tardive dyskinesia risk in contemporary real-world data. Conclusions: Short-course, low-dose metoclopramide, administered as part of a structured multidisciplinary protocol with explicit safety counseling and planned taper, may serve as a feasible bridge therapy for adolescents with dysautonomia-associated GI dysmotility symptoms. These observations are hypothesis-generating and should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size, concurrent multidisciplinary interventions, and absence of standardized outcome instruments. They support the need for prospective investigation of short-course, weight-dosed metoclopramide use in this specific population. Full article

Astaxanthin is a high-value xanthophyll carotenoid known for its antioxidant activity and potential health benefits that is becoming increasingly important in food, nutraceutical, and health-related applications. In recent years, growing interest in natural bioactive compounds has driven research on astaxanthin sources, bioactivity, functional properties, and its applications in food, nutraceutical, and health-related subjects. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the natural sources, extraction methods, stability, biological activities, and food applications of astaxanthin, with particular attention to challenges and opportunities relevant to food systems. The review discusses a food science-oriented perspective that connects molecular properties and biological functionality with processing stability, formulation strategies, and regulatory considerations. Special emphasis is given to emerging extraction and encapsulation methods, interactions with complex food matrices, and technological limitations affecting bioavailability and consumer acceptance. The review also highlights recent advances in sustainable production, valorization of marine by-products, and the potential role of astaxanthin in personalized nutrition and precision health frameworks. These approaches contribute to circular food systems by reducing food-processing waste, replacing synthetic antioxidants with natural alternatives, and supporting more resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable food production. Full article

Anemia among adolescent girls remains a persistent public health challenge in Indonesia, driven by limited nutritional knowledge, poor dietary practices, and suboptimal adherence to iron supplementation programs. This study is grounded in the Social–Ecological Model (SEM), which frames health behaviors as shaped by individual, interpersonal, institutional, and community-level factors. This study aimed to explore students’ knowledge and dietary behaviors related to anemia, assess perceptions of existing supplementation programs, and examine teachers’ and students’ perspectives on school-based digital education for anemia prevention in Denpasar, Bali. A qualitative descriptive design was employed across eight public junior high schools. Participants included eight teachers and 40 female students (aged 13–15 years) selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, non-participant observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti version 23, with trustworthiness ensured through triangulation, member checking, peer debriefing, and iterative saturation assessment. Four inter-related themes emerged: (1) students held superficial, menstruation-centric conceptualizations of anemia with limited understanding of iron deficiency as an underlying cause; (2) dietary patterns were dominated by low-iron foods with poor vegetable consumption; (3) adherence to the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) program was inconsistent, hindered by side effects, forgetfulness, and low perceived benefit; and (4) both teachers and students expressed strong interest in digital education tools while identifying infrastructure and training gaps as barriers. Anemia prevention in school settings requires a multi-level approach integrating knowledge improvement, dietary behavior support, and institutional reinforcement. School-based digital education represents a contextually appropriate, youth-aligned innovation with strong potential to bridge the gap between health information and sustained behavioral change. Full article

Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, arising from disruptions in facial development during early embryogenesis. These conditions show significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity and are broadly classified into syndromic and nonsyndromic forms. The objective of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the embryological, genetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying CL/P and to highlight their clinical implications. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on studies in developmental biology, human genetics, and genomics related to CL/P. Emphasis was placed on both syndromic and nonsyndromic forms, including findings from genome-wide association studies, gene mutation analyses, and investigations of gene–environment interactions. Syndromic clefting is frequently associated with pathogenic variants in genes such as IRF6, TP63, and TBX22, which play key roles in epithelial differentiation, transcriptional regulation, and palatal development. In contrast, nonsyndromic CL/P results from complex interactions between multiple genetic variants and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous susceptibility loci, many located in noncoding regulatory regions active during craniofacial development. Environmental influences, including maternal nutrition, smoking, alcohol exposure, and folate metabolism, have been shown to significantly modify risk. CL/P is a multifactorial condition involving intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Advances in genomics and developmental biology have enhanced understanding of its etiology and are contributing to improved risk assessment, diagnosis, and the development of future precision medicine approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies and require careful postoperative care after surgical repair. Mothers, as primary caregivers, are expected to manage feeding, wound care, oral hygiene, and the early recognition of complications; however, gaps in postoperative care knowledge may limit safe home care. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of an artificial intelligence (AI)-supported video-based educational intervention on mothers’ knowledge of postoperative care after cleft lip and/or palate surgery. Methods: This single-group quasi-experimental pre–post pilot study was conducted between April and December 2025 in the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic of a tertiary hospital in Istanbul. Thirty mothers of children aged 0–18 years who underwent cleft lip and/or palate surgery were included. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form and a Nutrition and Care Knowledge Questionnaire. Mothers completed the questionnaire before and immediately after watching a standardized AI-supported educational video developed by the researchers. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores were compared using nonparametric statistical tests. Results: A total of 30 mothers participated in the study. Child-related sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded to describe the children’s profile. Among the children, 56.7% were female, and 56.7% were aged 0–3 years. Post-intervention knowledge scores increased in the total score and in all subdomains, including postoperative care, feeding, and complication monitoring. The greatest improvement was observed in complication monitoring, which had the lowest baseline scores. Knowledge gains were observed across participant subgroups. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that AI-supported video-based education may improve mothers’ short-term knowledge of postoperative care after cleft lip and/or palate surgery. However, because of the single-group design, small sample size, and immediate post-test assessment, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Larger controlled studies with longer follow-up are needed to examine knowledge retention and the potential effects of this approach on caregiving practices. Full article

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increasing public health concern in Thailand, particularly in rural communities where dietary practices and contextual factors may influence glycemic control. This study aimed to assess nutritional knowledge, attitude, and eating behavior using the Knowledge–Attitude–Practice (KAP) framework and to compare nutritional intake profiles between patients with controlled and uncontrolled glycemic status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 patients with T2DM attending a health-promoting hospital in northeastern Thailand. Participants were classified into glycemic-controlled (GC; HbA1c < 7%, n = 36) and glycemic-uncontrolled (UC; HbA1c ≥ 7%, n = 34) groups. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire covering demographics, anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, and KAP domains. Dietary intake was assessed using three-day food records (two weekdays and one weekend day) and analyzed with the INMUCAL Nutrients program. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, logistic regression, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Overall, participants demonstrated high levels of nutritional knowledge (71.4%) and fair attitude (52.9%), but moderate levels of appropriate eating behavior (58.6%). Eating behavior differed significantly between GC and UC groups (p = 0.038). The UC group consumed significantly higher amounts of total energy, carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and protein than the GC group. HbA1c and fasting blood glucose were positively correlated with total energy, carbohydrate, simple carbohydrate, and zinc intake, while protein and phosphorus intake were positively associated with fasting blood glucose only. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant associations between KAP domains and glycemic control. Conclusions: Glycemic control among rural Thai patients with T2DM was more closely related to dietary intake patterns than to nutritional knowledge or attitude alone, highlighting the need for context-specific, community-based dietary interventions. Full article