Search Results (11,060)

Objective: To determine the publication bias of the reported prevalence of malocclusions in Mexican children and adolescents. Background: Publication bias determination is crucial in a systematic review, helping to ensure the conclusions’ validity and reliability. Nevertheless, without accurate knowledge of disease prevalence and patterns, the health system risks inefficiency, inequity, and failure to meet the population’s needs. On the other hand, malocclusions can impair proper chewing efficiency, contributing to digestive alterations, and nutritional deficiencies among other functional, psychological, and social problems. The data of the prevalence of malocclusion is imperative to implement early interventions in health services that prevent more severe skeletal discrepancies and reduce the need for invasive treatments in adolescence or adulthood. Methods: Studies were collected from five databases, following the PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria were full-text research in which the prevalence of malocclusions was reported. The risk of bias (Hoy tool), publication bias (the Doi plot and the Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index), and quality assessments (GRADE tool) were performed. The data were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: The result of the meta-analysis suggests a high prevalence of malocclusions in mixed dentition was 50.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.9–61.5%). However, the studies showed a risk of bias and publication bias. Conclusions: In Mexico, there is a high prevalence of malocclusions among children and adolescents. However, these results are not robust enough to draw solid conclusions, due to the low certainty of the evidence. Full article

Palm kernel oil is commonly incorporated into plant-based cheeses to mimic the textural and structural properties of animal fats owing to its high saturated fat content. Nevertheless, growing concerns regarding saturated fat consumption have stimulated research into alternative lipid sources for plant-based products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting palm kernel oil with rice bran oil shortening (SRBO) on some selected physical, textural, functional, chemical, fatty acid and microstructural properties of plant-based mozzarella cheese analogs. Five formulations with SRBO levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were prepared and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. Increasing SRBO significantly affected color due to natural pigments in rice bran oil. The pH value declined with higher SRBO, likely due to oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Texture profile analysis showed increases in hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness when SRBO was increased from 0% to 100%. Meltability slightly decreased at 25–75% but remained unchanged at 100% SRBO, while stretchability decreased significantly, attributed to β-type fat crystals disrupting protein networks. The work of shear decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), indicating improved spreadability attributed to the softer, less-crystalline nature of unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats. Proximate analysis revealed reduced fat content and a shift from saturated to unsaturated fats, notably oleic and linoleic acids, offering potential cardiovascular benefits. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed denser fat crystal networks and smaller fat droplets at higher SRBO levels, enhancing oil retention and stability. Protein, fiber, moisture, and ash content remained stable across samples. These findings suggested that SRBO could be a functional and health-conscious alternative to palm kernel oil in plant-based mozzarella cheese, improving nutritional quality without compromising texture or functionality. Full article

The Horn of Africa (Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan) faces the highest rates of hunger and malnutrition in the world, exacerbated by conflict and adverse weather conditions. These factors have serious health, educational, social, and economic consequences, especially for children under five and pregnant women. In this context, we analyze each country’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are closely linked to the eradication of hunger, improved health, and access to quality education. Using comparable data from the United Nations 2030 Agenda up to 2019, the achievement of the SDGs is assessed through a multidimensional approach based on Pena’s P₂ distance method, constructing a composite indicator that allows for robust cross-country comparisons. This method helps identify the key measures needed to prevent future humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa, including providing urgent assistance to these countries in vital areas such as water, nutrition, education, sanitation, and child and maternal immunization. Factors related to the work of qualified healthcare personnel in treating diseases and improving maternal and neonatal health, as well as facilitating access to basic services such as clean drinking water and sanitation and ensuring girls’ access to primary education, top the rankings in terms of their correlation with greater progress by these countries in achieving these four SDGs, which are crucial for improving the well-being of their populations. Full article

Plantago lanceolata L. is increasingly incorporated in temperate pasture systems for its agronomic resilience and potential to reduce the environmental footprint of ruminant production through its specific secondary metabolites (SMs). However, how light intensity per se regulates P. lanceolata L. physiology, nutritive value and SM accumulation remains poorly understood due to confounding factors in field studies. This controlled-environment study evaluated the effects of three light intensities (200, 300, and 400 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) on morphophysiological traits, forage quality, and SM concentrations in P. lanceolata L. cv. “Ceres Tonic”. Plants were grown in controlled-environment chambers under similar temperature, humidity and nutrient conditions. Morphological traits, biomass allocation, chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange, chemical composition, and root architecture were measured. Additionally, the most important secondary metabolites, aucubin, catalpol and acteoside, were also evaluated. Under the different light intensity treatments plants maintained stablephysiological parameters, total biomass production, leaf dimensions or root architecture. However, moderate light intensity (300 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) optimized nutritive value by minimizing fiber concentrations and maximizing metabolizable energy. Acteoside concentration, as well as the iridoid glycosides aucubin and catalpol, were not affected by the different light intensities. These findings demonstrate that P. lanceolata L. maintains morphophysiological stability across the tested light intensity range studied, while selectively modulating forage quality. Full article

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder with a substantial impact on quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors are associated with the occurrence and severity of GERD symptoms; however, integrated data from Romania remain limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between pro- and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, lifestyle-related behavioral factors, and the presence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in an adult Romanian population. Methods: A national cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. All participants included in the study reported a prior diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and participant classification was based exclusively on current symptomatology assessed using the GERD-Q score. Therefore, comparisons were not performed between patients and a healthy population, but rather between individuals at different stages of clinical expression of the same condition, characterized by a fluctuating course. The instrument included standardized GERD-Q items for symptom assessment, together with questions regarding dietary intake and lifestyle behaviors. Pro-inflammatory (PRO), anti-inflammatory (ANTI), and combined (PRO–ANTI) dietary scores were established. Statistical analyses included comparative and correlational tests as well as multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among the 340 participants included in the study, 72.4% reported symptoms consistent with GERD according to the GERD-Q score. A higher pro-inflammatory dietary score was significantly associated with GERD, with participants in the highest PRO category showing more than a fourfold higher likelihood of GERD in multivariable analyses. Consumption of spicy foods and carbonated beverages was associated with an increased risk of GERD in univariate analyses; however, these associations did not remain significant in multivariable models. Late meals (defined as consumption of one’s last meal of the day less than two hours before bedtime) were independently associated with GERD. Combined analyses indicated a higher risk among participants who reported eating late meals, particularly when combined with large evening meals. Most foods considered protective, along with classical lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleeping position), were not independently associated with GERD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that overall dietary patterns with pro-inflammatory potential and meal timing in relation to the sleep–wake cycle may be more consistently associated with GERD symptoms in this sample than isolated food items or traditional lifestyle risk factors. Nutritional and behavioral interventions focused on improving overall dietary patterns and avoiding late meals may represent potential strategies for GERD management. Full article

Excessive nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables presents significant health risks, requiring sustainable strategies to optimize yield while minimizing nitrogen-related anti-nutritional factors in controlled environments. This study investigated the effects of varying LED light intensities 236.9 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ (high), 189.8 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ (medium), and 117.6 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ (low) on nitrates (NO₃⁻) dynamics, growth, and biochemical composition in two Lollo Rossa lettuce cultivars, Carmesi and Carnelian, grown in NFT hydroponic systems. Conducted under constant temperature (20/18 °C day/night) and CO₂ (625 µmol·mol⁻¹) to isolate light’s influence, the experiment used a replicated design with three replicates per treatment, each including two cultivars. Morphological traits (plant height, rosette diameter, leaf number, biomass, root development) and biochemical parameters (nitrate and sugar contents) were assessed via mean comparisons, trends, and correlations. Results demonstrated that higher light intensity significantly suppressed nitrate accumulation in lettuce through enhanced assimilation and dilution effects linked to increased growth. Nitrate levels dropped to 2091.67 mg kg⁻¹ from 2443.33 mg kg⁻¹ in Carmesi and 2013.33 mg kg⁻¹ from 2515.00 mg kg⁻¹ in Carnelian. Negative correlations were observed between nitrate content and growth parameters: nitrates vs. fresh biomass (r = −0.89); nitrates vs. plant height (r = −0.79). Concurrently, it boosted carbohydrate content (Carmesi: 3.03 °Brix; Carnelian: 3.08 °Brix) and promoted vigorous growth, with Carmesi achieving superior metrics under high light (height: 22.12 cm, rosette diameter: 29.87 cm, fresh biomass: 206.88 g, root biomass: 19.58 g) compared to low light (17.45 cm height, 183.42 g biomass). Carnelian exhibited similar trends but prioritized root elongation. These findings underscore light’s role in regulating nitrate transporters and assimilation enzymes (e.g., nitrate reductase), offering a low-cost approach to reduce nitrate risks, enhance nutritional quality, and improve yield in controlled horticultural systems (CHS). Full article

The transition from starch-dominated to protein-enriched gluten-free systems represents a critical step in improving the functional and nutritional quality of composite flours. This study investigated the effects of progressive substitution of Amaranthus caudatus (amaranth) with Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) on the physicochemical, rheological, and antioxidant properties of gluten-free flour blends. A multimodal dataset comprising 33 variables across six measurement domains (proximal composition, hydration properties, thermomechanical behavior, pasting profiles, particle size, and antioxidant activity) was analyzed using an integrated framework combining univariate inference (FDR-adjusted p-values), PCA, Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), and sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (sPLS-DA). Results revealed that increasing lupin content (10–40%) significantly increased protein and fiber levels while decreasing starch content, leading to higher water absorption capacity and reduced peak viscosity and setback. Multivariate models showed that the protein/fiber–starch trade-off was the principal axis of compositional differentiation (PC1, ~41% variance), while PC2 captured rheological and antioxidant variability, with formulations containing higher proportions of amaranth exhibiting greater antioxidant activity. The sPLS-DA model achieved 72% separation accuracy with moisture, protein, water absorption, and torque parameters as top discriminants. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for gluten-free flour optimization using Andean crops and highlight how statistical modeling can inform targeted formulation decisions. The approach is transferable to other compositional transitions in food systems, underscoring the utility of multivariate analytics in applied food research. The multivariate framework further suggests that intermediate substitution levels may offer an optimal balance between nutritional enrichment and rheological functionality. Full article

This study focuses on the selection of hybrid combinations of Hu sheep and meat quality analysis. A comparative analysis of meat quality and volatile flavor compounds was conducted using three hybrid groups—Australian White–Hu (AH), White Suffolk–Hu (SH), and Southdown–Hu (NH)—and a pure Hu sheep group (HH) as research subjects. The results show that in terms of basic nutritional quality, the moisture content in the NH group was significantly higher than that in the HH group (p < 0.05), and the crude protein content in the NH group was significantly higher than that in the HH group (p < 0.05). Regarding physicochemical properties, the NH group had significantly higher meat color scores, L*, a*, and b* values, than the other groups (p < 0.05), along with the best tenderness and cooking yield. An analysis of amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile flavor compounds in lambs from different hybrid combinations revealed significant differences in the contents of lys, thr, asp, and his (p < 0.01). Although no significant differences were found in the fatty acid composition scores among the AH, SH, NH, and HH groups, all groups met the FAO/WHO recommended values. The NH group not only had the highest MUFA and total fatty acid content but also the highest levels of trans-petroselinic acid and trans-vaccenic acid, the two most abundant trans fatty acids. A total of 43 volatile organic compounds were detected in the four groups, among which 10 were identified as differential compounds. This study provides a scientific basis for the hybrid utilization of Hu sheep and offers technical support for the transformation and upgrading of the regional meat sheep industry. Full article

Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids for human nutrition, which is also known to be gluten-free. In this research, black, red, white, and gray quinoa were germinated to ferment beers. The effects of germination as a bioprocess on the nutritional profile, anti-nutrients, and flavor development in quinoa beers were systematically investigated, and a comprehensive comparison was made with two commercially popular beers. The results indicated that the optimal germination time for quinoa in beer production was 48 h. Germination significantly increased the contents of polyphenols (255.9 mg/L in white quinoa beer) and flavonoids (404.34 mg/L in red quinoa beer), which enhanced the antioxidant activity of the beers. Furthermore, the levels of protein and γ-aminobutyric acid were elevated through germination. Notably, germination markedly improved the potential nutritional accessibility of the beers through reducing the anti-nutritional factors, including phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitor. In terms of flavor, quinoa beers developed a unique and pleasant aromatic profile, characterized by compounds such as ethyl octanoate, ethyl 9-decenoate, and ethyl pentadecanoate, which distinguished them from commercial beers. In conclusion, germinated quinoa can serve as a high-quality brewing material for producing beer with enhanced nutritional value, reduced anti-nutrients, and improved flavor characteristics. Full article

The application of biostimulants is a promising tool for enhancing plant growth and crop quality in the context of sustainable and resilient agricultural production. This study evaluated four microbial biostimulants (IMB1–4) on Sonchus oleraceus L. under field and pot cultivation. Our results indicate that the growing system was a more dominant factor than biostimulants in influencing plant performance. For morphological and growth traits, biostimulants generally had a neutral or negative impact compared with untreated plants, with IMB3 consistently showing the lowest performance. Field-grown plants, especially the untreated ones, excelled in plant weight and leaf count, while pot-grown plants treated with IMB2 and IMB4 achieved higher leaf weight per plant, leaf area, and chlorophyll index (SPAD). Specifically, untreated field plants recorded the highest biomass, whereas IMB2 and IMB4 optimized leaf traits in pots. Biostimulant applications enhanced fat content and energetic value, with IMB1 and IMB2 yielding the highest protein levels. Pot cultivation favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium, while IMB2-treated pot plants proved most effective for maximizing overall nutrient content. The phytochemical profile also varied by system: pot-grown plants yielded higher total phenols, particularly with IMB3, while field-grown plants recorded higher flavonoids, especially with IMB4. Furthermore, untreated or IMB3-treated pot plants exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, significantly outperforming field-grown counterparts. In conclusion, while biostimulants did not improve morphological and growth traits, they significantly enhanced the nutritional and phytochemical quality of S. oleraceus L., particularly in the pot cultivation system, where specific biostimulants (IMB2 and IMB3) resulted in nutrient-dense crops with high antioxidant value. Full article

Dwarf bananas are an important tropical fruit crop. They are particularly susceptible to cold stress, which often leads to quality deterioration. Although previous studies have examined the effects of cold stress on dwarf bananas, research on effective regulatory strategies and underlying mechanisms remains limited. This study investigates the mechanistic regulatory effects of chitosan (CTS) on cold stress in postharvest dwarf bananas, revealing that CTS mitigates cold-induced injury and improves fruit quality. Using an integrated approach of metabolomics, lipidomics, and enzyme activity assays, this study explored the potential mechanisms by which CTS alleviates chilling injury. Lipidomic results showed that CTS enhances cold tolerance by regulating the metabolism of glycerides, glycerophospholipids, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. Metabolomics data further indicated that CTS increases the levels of amino acids, carbohydrates, and key substrates and intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in cold-stressed dwarf bananas. Collectively, these effects enhance respiration, energy homeostasis, and antioxidant capacity, enabling dwarf bananas to better tolerate low-temperature stress. Full article

Agriculture in the Pacific is driven primarily by small-scale private farmers, many of whom do not have access to soil testing services or advice, nor the means to interpret analytical results into soil management and agronomic recommendations. Soil degradation through the process of acidification poses a significant risk to food and income security as it directly threatens crop productivity. The nutritional quality of food crops may also be affected through sub-optimal nutrient uptake by plants and nutrient imbalances. The dataset reported here provides a useful platform for the development of a decision-support tool (DST) that will assist Fiji farmers in understanding and managing soil pH and soil acidity. The DST will enable making informed decisions about liming to help correct soil pH. To support this development, historical soil pH data available from the Pacific Soils Portal were combined with updated analyses of agricultural soils from 17 locations in Viti Levu Island (Fiji) collected during a field campaign undertaken in August 2025. The soils were sampled at two depth intervals (0–15 and 15–30 cm) and analyzed for pH using a variety of methods. These methods included direct field measurements using a portable pH-meter as well as traditional laboratory determinations. Of the soils sampled, it was found that most soils exhibited pH levels below 7, which were observed for both depth intervals. Across all samples taken in 2025, it was found that 54.3% of them had soil pH < 5, 38.6% had soil pH between 5 and 6, and 7.1% had pH > 6 (based on soil pH_1:5 soil-to-water method). Depending upon specific land uses, climate and cropping intensity, it was recommended that routine liming be built into soil fertility management programs to help farmers overcome soil acidity-related constraints to production. Liming frequency, timing of application and application rate will need to be determined for specific soil and cropping situations; however, it was suggested that soil pH was not changed by more than 1 unit each time lime was applied. Such an approach should reduce the risk of soil organic matter loss through accelerated mineralization, which would be challenging to restore in that environment if soils remained under continuous cropping. The analytical information contained in this article expanded and updated the datasets available in the Pacific Soils Portal. Furthermore, this work provided an opportunity to build analytical expertise in aspects of soil chemistry at local organizations to support academic and extension activities as well as the ongoing development of the Pacific Soils Portal. Full article

Surimi-based products are widely popular in the market owing to their unique texture and nutritional properties; however, traditional processing methods often result in reduced lipid content, despite lipids playing a crucial role in health. This study evaluated the effects of adding glycosylated fish gelatin emulsifying gel (prepared by glycosylating fish gelatin (FG) with D(+)-glucose (Glu) or β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for 2 h) at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) to hairtail surimi on its gel properties. The results indicated that both emulsified gels significantly enhanced gel strength, texture, and visual whiteness of hairtail surimi gel, with FG-βCD showing more pronounced improvements. FG-βCD also substantially reduced exudation and improved moisture distribution, resulting in a 69.81% decrease in juice loss. Furthermore, the addition of gelatin emulsifying gels shifted protein secondary structures toward more ordered forms, increasing α-helix and β-sheet content while reducing disordered components. Chemical interaction analysis revealed that hydrophobic interactions and nonspecific binding contributed to the reinforcement of gel formation. In conclusion, these findings highlighted that glycosylated emulsifying gels, as functional exogenous additives for surimi, offer a viable strategy for developing lipid-enriched, high-quality surimi products that meet emerging nutritional demands. Full article

Background/Objectives: Survival after pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission has improved, yet many children experience post-intensive care syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p), including persistent feeding difficulties that impair growth and quality of life. An intensive feeding program (IFP), also known as intensive interdisciplinary behavioral treatment (IIBT), reduces tube dependence and improves oral intake; however, outcomes in PICU survivors remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate feeding outcomes in children with prior PICU admission who completed IIBT. Methods: This study was a retrospective case series of children (0–18 years) admitted to the HDVCH, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, who subsequently completed IIBT (from 2007 to 2024). Variables included demographics, PICU course (admission indication, complications, length of stay, ventilation, and nutrition status) and IIBT outcomes (feeding modality, oral skills, and malnutrition status). Feeding outcomes were compared pre- and post-IIBT. Results: Sixteen patients were included (62.5% female; mean age 1.44 ± 1.21 years). Primary PICU admission causes were post-operative recovery (68.8%) and acute respiratory failure (25%). PICU complications included acute respiratory failure (43.8%) and the need for respiratory support beyond baseline (62.5%). At PICU discharge, 75% remained tube-fed and 18.8% were malnourished. The mean time from PICU discharge to IIBT initiation was 641 ± 385 days. At IIBT baseline, 75% were tube-fed and all were non-self-feeders. Following IIBT completion (mean length of stay 4.8 ± 0.9 weeks), 58% of tube-fed patients achieved tube removal eligibility; 44% transitioned to partial or full self-feeding; problematic mealtime behaviors decreased (45.7% → 9.9%); oral acceptance improved (62% → 95%); and mouth clearance improved (59% → 96%). Malnutrition prevalence decreased (20% → 12%). Conclusions: Children with prior PICU admission demonstrated substantial feeding and behavioral improvement during IIBT participation, with over half achieving tube-weaning eligibility. The time from referral to program start reflects barriers that delay intervention. Full article

Growing concerns over food waste and the increasing demand for gluten-free products highlight the need for sustainable food innovations. This study investigated the valorization of tomato processing by-products as functional ingredients in gluten-free crackers. Tomato by-products were dehydrated, milled into powder, and incorporated into cracker formulations at 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/w). The crackers were evaluated for bioactive compound content (lycopene, total carotenoids, and total phenolics), antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging), and sensory acceptability using a 5-point hedonic test with 50 consumers. Increasing the level of tomato by-product incorporation significantly enhanced the nutritional profile of the crackers. Lycopene content increased from 0.65 mg/100 g in the control to 9.43 mg/100 g at 30% enrichment, while total phenolic content increased from 52.60 to 154.76 mg GAE/100 g. Sensory evaluation indicated that the 10% enrichment achieved the highest overall acceptability score, whereas higher enrichment levels resulted in slightly reduced taste preference. These findings demonstrate that tomato by-products can be effectively used to improve the nutritional quality of gluten-free crackers while maintaining acceptable sensory properties at moderate enrichment levels, supporting the sustainable valorization of tomato processing residues. Full article