Search Results (11,044)

To promote sustainable biomass recycling and support food security, Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae can serve as an eco-friendly source of food and feed. This study compared the survival, growth performance, and nutritional composition of TM larvae fed five diets. The control (CON) diet contained distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and wheat bran (WB), while the experimental diets included 10–40% lignocellulose-rich organic products from rewetted peatlands (LPRP) replacing WB, with DDGS adjusted to maintain equivalent protein levels (about 21%). A total of 2500 larvae were divided into five replicates per treatment (100 larvae each). Survival exceeded 90% across all groups. Larvae fed the CON diet had a higher final body weight than those on the 30% and 40% LPRP diets (p < 0.05), with no significant differences among the CON and 10% and 20% LPRP groups. The feed conversion ratio (fresh matter) was significantly lower in the CON and 10% LPRP groups than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Larvae fed the 10% LPRP diet showed slightly higher crude protein content (55.8%) compared to the control group (54.8%) and the other treatment groups, whereas those fed the 30% LPRP diet had the highest numerical total amino acid content. Taken together, these results indicate that incorporating 10% LPRP with DDGS and WB provides the best overall balance between growth performance and nutritional quality for TM larvae, supporting sustainable production and circular economy goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition is essential to outcomes in critically ill children; however, optimal timing, route, and composition of feeding remain uncertain. Prior studies demonstrate considerable variability in study design, patient populations, and outcome measures, limiting comparability. This review synthesizes international pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nutrition studies evaluating timing, route, and content of nutritional interventions and summarizes associated clinical outcomes and nutritional adequacy. Methods: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using the PICOS framework. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025 enrolling critically ill children ≤21 years old admitted to PICUs. Eligible studies assessed timing (early vs. late enteral nutrition), nutritional composition, or feeding route (enteral vs. parenteral). Screening and full-text review were performed independently by two reviewers using Covidence, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Quality assessment used STROBE. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Results: Of 652 identified records, 30 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted primarily in the United States (27%), with additional contributions from Spain and Brazil (10% each) and several other countries. Study designs included randomized controlled trials (27%) and observational studies (73%). Interventions examined feeding route (14%), nutritional content (38%), and timing (48%). Frequently reported outcomes included feeding intolerance or adverse events, duration of mechanical ventilation, time to nutrition goals, PICU length of stay, mortality, and nutritional adequacy. Conclusions: The contemporary PICU nutrition literature demonstrates persistent heterogeneity in practice and outcomes. This review identifies ongoing gaps in timing, delivery, and adequacy of nutritional support. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children and adolescents exposed to criminal victimization are at increased risk for depression; however, the contribution of nutritional status to depressive symptom severity in this vulnerable population remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to examine the associations between depression severity and nutritional parameters in child and adolescent victims of crime. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 children and adolescents (aged 10–16 years) referred to a forensic medicine department in Türkiye. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index [BMI], BMI-Z score, and body fat percentage), three-day dietary records, and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). Depression severity was evaluated using the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS). The associations were analyzed using Pearson’s rho correlation and forward stepwise linear regression. Potential confounding variables, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and trauma-related characteristics, were recorded and considered during the analysis; however, due to the limited sample size and to avoid model overparameterization, they were not fully adjusted for in the final model. Results: Depression severity was positively correlated with the body weight, BMI, BMI-Z score, body fat percentage, and dietary energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the vitamin C and dietary fiber intakes, breastfeeding duration, and KIDMED scores were negatively correlated with the KADS scores (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the lower KIDMED scores, higher body fat percentage, and greater body weight were significantly associated with depression severity, collectively explaining 82.2% of the variance in the KADS scores. Conclusions: Poor diet quality and adverse body composition are strongly associated with depression severity in child and adolescent victims of crime. These findings suggest that nutritional factors may be associated with depression severity in child and adolescent victims of crime; however, the results should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Full article

Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) is one of the most economically important nut crops worldwide, valued for its nutritional properties and adaptability to diverse agroecological environments. This review summarizes current knowledge on almond domestication, genetic diversity, production trends, and improvement strategies, with a focus on drought tolerance under climate change. Archaeobotanical and molecular evidence indicate central Asia and the eastern Mediterranean as key centers of origin, where recurrent introgression from wild Prunus species contributed to the high genetic variability of cultivated almond. Global production trends reveal increasing challenges due to prolonged drought, climate variability, and rising water and energy costs, particularly affecting major producers such as the United States. Mediterranean regions are transitioning from traditional low-density orchards to intensive systems, where cultivar and rootstock choice are crucial for sustainability. Self-fertile and late-blooming cultivars improve yield stability, while interspecific hybrid rootstocks enhance water use efficiency and tolerance to drought and poor soils. Drought stress impacts almond physiology and yield, although moderate deficit irrigation can maintain productivity and improve kernel quality. Future improvement relies on germplasm conservation, marker-assisted selection, and genomic tools to develop climate-resilient cultivars integrated with sustainable water management strategies. Full article

Background: Tirzepatide is a novel therapeutic option for the management of metabolic disorders which has started to be implemented in routine practice. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of tirzepatide use and patient education in the field of healthy eating and weight loss, based on real-life data from the practice of a primary care physician, in metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) patients during a one-year follow-up period. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on real-life data of 118 MetSyn patients who were under the supervision of a general practitioner (GP). Analysis was conducted on 62 patients supported by trizepatide (2.5 mg for 4 weeks, then 5 mg for 4 weeks and 7 mg for 46 weeks) with dietary education and 56 patients that underwent dietary education with motivation only. Lipid profile, glucose level and blood pressure were assessed. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) were calculated. The KomPAN^® questionnaire was used for dietary assessment and WHO Quality of Life-BREF for the quality of life assessment at 52 weeks. Results: Patients from both groups significantly reduced their body weight and WC and the values of the following indices: BMI, WHtR, ABSI, LAP and BRI. A significant increase in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride values was observed in both groups and a significant decrease in glucose level only in the group with tirzepatide combined with dietary modification. Energy value, energy density of food and nutrient intake did not differ between groups, while the intensity of beneficial nutritional features (pHDI-10) was low. Significant differences in patients’ QoL were observed, especially in the domain related to mental health (higher in trizepatide + diet group). Conclusions: Support in primary care by a physician was successful from a long-term perspective in the group using tirzepatide in combination with diet modification as well as in the group based on dietary modification only. The data do not indicate a significant advantage of any one approach for patients, prioritizing an individualized approach to treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer (LC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, despite advances in systemic and targeted therapies. A mechanism of survival of tumor cells is metabolic reprogramming, characterized by increased glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis, and alterations in mitochondrial function. These adaptations seem to support tumor growth, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. In parallel, supportive care and specifically nutritional interventions have become essential components of modern oncology. The interplay between metabolic reprogramming and targeted nutritional strategies represents a promising area of investigation that bridges tumor biology with supportive care, aiming to enhance both therapeutic efficacy and patient quality of life. Methods: This narrative review explores the biological and pathophysiological rationale for the ketogenic diet (KD) as a possible complementary intervention in LC management and summarizes the published preclinical and clinical data supporting this rationale. Results: We discuss key aspects of tumor metabolism, including the Warburg effect, glucose dependency, oxidative stress regulation, fatty acid metabolism, lactate cycling and tumor microenvironment interactions, with particular emphasis on how carbohydrate restriction and ketosis may exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells and modulate inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, we summarize available preclinical and clinical evidence evaluating the KD in oncology and, more specifically, in LC, focusing on feasibility, safety, metabolic effects, and potential synergy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Conclusions: While preclinical models suggest enhanced treatment efficacy, clinical data remain limited and heterogeneous, with patient adherence representing a major challenge. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are required to clarify the therapeutic role of the ketogenic diet in lung cancer. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste transformation within the system. Water quality parameters and microbiological testing confirmed efficient nitrification and system safety, with no Escherichia coli detected. Results showed that aquaponic cultivation yields a high nutritional value of Swiss chard, yielding high crude protein (31.4% DW) and mineral-rich biomass (ash 22.8% DW). Substantial concentrations of essential elements were recorded, including Ca, Mg, Fe (253.7 mg/kg DW), Zn, and Cu, suggesting high ionic bioavailability in the recirculating system. Physiological stability was reflected by a chlorophyll a content of 4.74 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the plants exhibited a robust phytochemical profile, with total phenolics (4.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (5.18 mg QE/g DW) driving strong antioxidant activity (93.1% ABTS inhibition). These findings demonstrate that integrated aquaponic systems function as effective nutrient bioreactors, supporting high plant functional quality while supporting sustainable food production. The results validate aquaponics as a viable, climate-smart strategy for high-quality leafy vegetable cultivation within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

This review addresses the nutritional composition, health benefits, and claim conditions of aquaculture fish, focusing on gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Both species provide high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, and favorable lipid profiles, particularly long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, alongside minerals such as phosphorus and selenium, which meet EU criteria for several authorized nutrition and health claims. Evidence demonstrates that regular consumption supports cardiovascular, cognitive, and visual health, reduces inflammation, and contributes to better pregnancy and early childhood outcomes. Consumer skepticism toward aquaculture persists, often driven by perceptions of reduced nutritional quality, despite evidence that farmed fish provide nutritionally valuable proteins and beneficial lipids. Nevertheless, both species consistently meet the requirements for multiple nutrition and health claims, particularly those related to protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and selected minerals, allowing their effective use in labeling and consumer communication. Clear, evidence-based labeling of such claims is crucial to enhance acceptance and promote farmed fish as safe, sustainable, and health-promoting dietary choices. Full article

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is widely used in the management of prostate cancer (PCa) and remains a cornerstone of treatment across multiple disease settings. Although ADT contributes substantially to disease control, it also induces significant adverse metabolic and body composition changes. These alterations include loss of lean mass, increased fat mass, and deterioration in muscle quality, together contributing to a clinical phenotype consistent with sarcopenic obesity (SO). Importantly, ADT-induced SO is characterized not only by reductions in skeletal muscle mass but also by impaired muscle quality, particularly the fatty infiltration of skeletal muscle, or myosteatosis, an underrecognized but defining feature of this syndrome. Methods: This narrative review examines current evidence regarding interventions aimed at mitigating sarcopenic obesity in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer, identifies key gaps in the literature, and proposes a mechanism-driven path forward for intervention development. Results: Several exercise- and nutrition-based interventions have been evaluated in men receiving ADT and demonstrate improvements in selected outcomes such as muscle strength, body composition, and metabolic parameters. However, most studies have been limited by small sample sizes, short intervention durations, and a focus on isolated intervention components. Importantly, muscle quality and intramuscular fat infiltration (myosteatosis), a central component of sarcopenic obesity, have rarely been incorporated as biomarkers or endpoints in intervention trials targeting men receiving ADT. Conclusions: Future interventions designed to mitigate SO and its associated metabolic abnormalities should evaluate comprehensive, bundled strategies initiated early during ADT and sustained long enough to capture clinically meaningful changes. Outcomes should include biomarkers of muscle mass, strength, and quality, including imaging-based measures of myosteatosis, along with metabolic syndrome markers, inflammatory mediators, functional outcomes, adherence, and quality of life. These changes should evaluate the correlation with underlying biological mechanisms such as NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Such data may inform future phase III trials and ultimately support clinical strategies to mitigate ADT-related sarcopenic obesity and its downstream cardiometabolic and oncologic consequences. Full article

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition associated with frequent hospitalizations and impaired quality of life. Malnutrition is common in HF and is linked to adverse clinical outcomes, while self-care is an important component of HF management. This study aimed to examine the associations between nutritional status, self-care behaviors, and clinical characteristics in patients with chronic HF. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 hospitalized HF patients (mean age 75.9 ± 9.8 years; 63% men). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and self-care using the nine-item European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (9-EHFScBS). Clinical variables included NYHA class, LVEF, comorbidities, BMI, and laboratory parameters. Comparative analyses and multivariate linear regression were performed. Results: Patients who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.004) and higher NYHA class (p = 0.002), whereas well-nourished individuals had significantly higher triglyceride levels (p = 0.032). Nutritional status was negatively associated with NYHA class and NT-proBNP, and positively associated with BMI. Among laboratory parameters, significant positive correlations were observed with hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, and triglyceride levels. In multivariate analysis, the following variables were independently associated with MNA score: self-care score (B = 0.083 per point), BMI (B = 0.368 per kg/m²), comorbidity burden (B = −0.401 per comorbidity), and NYHA class (NYHA III: B = −2.425; NYHA IV: B = −5.966, vs. NYHA II). Conclusions: In patients with chronic heart failure, nutritional status is associated with disease severity, metabolic parameters, comorbidity burden, BMI, and self-care behaviors. These findings support the importance of routine nutritional screening as part of comprehensive HF management. Full article

As essential branches of systems biology, metabolomics and lipidomics systematically reveal the composition, dynamic changes, and biological functions of small-molecule metabolites and lipids using high-throughput analytical techniques. This review examines the application of these omics technologies in evaluating livestock and poultry meat and egg quality, focusing on their roles in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind key traits such as flavor, tenderness, and nutritional value. By identifying key metabolic markers—including glutamic acid, inosine monophosphate, and specific triglycerides—the intrinsic links between these markers and intramuscular fat deposition, flavor precursor formation, and antioxidant capacity are highlighted. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the transformative impact of integrating multi-omics data with artificial intelligence (AI). AI-driven analytical frameworks are overcoming the limitations of traditional high-dimensional data processing, enabling robust biomarker discovery, predictive modeling for product quality, and reverse design for genetic improvement. Ultimately, the synergistic application of metabolomics, lipidomics, and AI will drive the development of modern animal husbandry toward intelligent, predictable, and precision-based production. Full article

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare) is one of the three major cereal crops cultivated worldwide and plays a key role in ensuring food safety. Adequate nitrogen supply is a key factor affecting the yield and functional properties of the grain of common wheat. Improving the efficiency of soil nitrogen use can be achieved through the application of appropriate mineral fertilizers and proper variety selection. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of residual nitrogen (N_res) remaining after maize cultivation on the functional properties of winter and spring wheat grain. The results of the present study clearly indicate that appropriate selection of the maize hybrid (preceding crop) and nitrogen fertilization strategy (residual nitrogen, N_res) can significantly enhance the antioxidant potential of grain in both forms of wheat (winter and spring). At the same time, our results highlight the practical importance of agronomic practices in improving the functional value of grain, both in terms of nutritional quality and health-promoting potential. Total polyphenol content in grain was stable, while antioxidant activity (ABTS⁺, DPPH) depended on genotype × fertilization interaction, particularly in winter wheat. These changes likely result from differences in polyphenol profile and the proportion of other antioxidants. Appropriate cultivar selection and nitrogen fertilization can enhance the antioxidant potential of wheat. No significant effect of either the preceding crop (maize) or its cultivar, or the form of nitrogen fertilizer, was found on the amino acid and total polyphenol content in winter and spring wheat grain. Population growth and the need to ensure adequate food supply highlight the importance of improving nitrogen management efficiency in agriculture by accounting for the amount and quality of residual soil nitrogen after the preceding crop. Full article

The growing global population and increasing pressure on conventional food systems have intensified the search for sustainable and nutrient-rich protein sources. Blue foods derived from marine and freshwater organisms offer significant nutritional advantages and lower environmental footprints compared with many terrestrial animal proteins. However, challenges related to resource sustainability, processing, preservation, and product traceability limit their full potential. This review provides a broad overview of emerging technologies shaping the future of blue food systems, covering innovative production strategies, advanced processing techniques, and omics-based analytical approaches. Key developments in cellular aquaculture and cellular mariculture are discussed as promising alternatives to traditional fisheries and aquaculture, enabling the production of blue food through controlled cell cultivation. Additionally, alternative protein platforms including plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated blue food analogues are assessed for their potential to enhance sustainability and diversify aquatic protein sources. Advanced structuring technologies such as extrusion, electrospinning, wet spinning, and 3D printing are highlighted for their roles in developing blue food analogues with improved texture and sensory attributes. Furthermore, non-thermal preservation techniques, including cold plasma (CP), high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), and ultraviolet-based treatments, are reviewed for their effectiveness in improving microbial safety and extending shelf life while maintaining nutritional quality. The integration of omics technologies (proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics) provides deeper molecular insights into product quality, authenticity, and traceability within blue food supply chains. Collectively, these interdisciplinary advancements demonstrate strong potential to transform blue food production into a more resilient, sustainable, and technology-driven sector. Future progress will depend on overcoming challenges related to scalability, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance to enable the successful commercialization of next-generation blue food products. Full article

Background: Dysphagia and malnutrition are common among head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Evidence and guidelines emphasize treatment and prevention of these conditions before surgery. In this context, multimodal prehabilitation (MP) is an essential part of a holistic treatment approach. However, the specific components and their relative importance remain debated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nutritional, logopedic and psychological MP. Methods: Adult HNSCC patients who completed the German version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaire after undergoing curative resection and reconstructive surgery were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical data on psychological, logopedic and nutritional MP and possible confounders was collected. To evaluate the nutritional status, bodyweight loss, the body mass index (BMI) and the Graz Malnutrition Screening (GMS) score were recorded. We determined the length of stay (LOS), the QOL, the Clavien–Dindo type III and IV complication rate (CR) as the outcome parameters for MP. Results: In total, 102 patients were included. Of those, 68 were male, while the other 34 were female. The mean age was 59.82 ± 12.27 years. The average GMS was 3.11 ± 1.45. Simultaneously, 62.75% of patients were at risk or malnourished. Malnutrition was significantly associated with adverse outcomes in the univariate, but only with decreased QOL in the multivariate model. On the other hand, MP was significantly associated with reduced LOS and improved QOL. These findings remained robust even after adjustment for possible confounders. Neither had a significant effect on the CR. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that malnutrition is a potential risk factor for adverse outcomes in curative HNSCC therapy. The GMS is a sensitive tool for identifying patients at risk of malnutrition in HNSCC surgery prehabilitation. Our multimodal protocol was associated with improved postoperative outcomes following curative surgical resection and free flap reconstruction. The observed associations may reflect potential synergistic interactions within the multimodal framework. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable, prized for its nutritional value and antioxidant content. Given the increasing demand for foods with health-promoting properties and the need for sustainable production practices, this study evaluated the impact of different growth substrates combined with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation on the yield and nutraceutical quality of greenhouse tomatoes grown in a semi-hydroponic system. ‘Nereida’ variety saladette tomato plants were either inoculated with a single PGPR consortium (1 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹) or uninoculated. Three substrates were used: a chemical fertilization control and a sand-vermicompost mixture with two inherent levels of phosphorus (253 and 442 ppm). The chemically fertilized substrate without inoculation served as the control treatment. The results indicated that the chemically fertilized substrate presented a significantly higher yield per square meter (p < 0.05), reaching values of 5.20 ± 0.70 kg m⁻² and 4.83 ± 0.35 kg m⁻² in the control treatment. However, fruits grown in the vermicompost-based substrate with higher phosphorus content (442 ppm) and PGPR inoculation exhibited significantly greater antioxidant capacity (54.16 µmol TE g⁻¹ FW) and higher concentrations of vitamin C (14.03 mg·100 g⁻¹ FW), lycopene (47.68 mg·100 g⁻¹ FW), flavonoids, carotenoids, and glutathione. This represented an increase of 28–45% in bioactive compounds including lycopene, vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and glutathione compared to the chemical control. While the interaction between substrate and inoculation was significant only for soluble solids, both factors independently and additively contributed to the enhancement of nutraceutical parameters. These findings suggest that the use of vermicompost-based substrates, particularly those with higher phosphorus content, in combination with PGPR inoculation, is a promising strategy to enhance the accumulation of health-promoting bioactive compounds in tomato fruits, despite a trade-off in total yield. Full article