Search Results (1,656)

This study examines the relationship between dietary patterns, specifically the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the Western diet (WD), and sensory perception among nursing students at the University of Valladolid, Spain. The study aims to understand how these dietary patterns affect taste sensitivity and preferences, contributing to the fields of nutrition and sensory science. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 students participated in this study, following ethical guidelines. Food-grade materials such as refined salt, sucrose, monosodium glutamate, water, and breadsticks were used in sensory assessments. The study involved structured sensory evaluations along with dietary habit questionnaires. Sensory tests were conducted to measure taste perception, and statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0, with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: The findings revealed significant differences in taste perception across diet adherence levels. Specifically, higher adherence to the MD was associated with a higher perceived intensity and enjoyment of saltiness and umami, while a higher adherence to the WD showed a preference for sweetness. Significant correlations were found between diet adherence and taste enjoyment, with stronger positive associations for saltiness and umami under the MD. Conclusions: This study emphasized the impact of dietary habits on taste perception. Adherence to the MD enhanced sensitivity to moderate taste intensities, while adherence to the WD resulted in decreased perception at lower concentrations and heightened sensory responses at higher intensities. These results suggest that long-term dietary patterns influence taste receptor adaptation, potentially affecting food choices and overall health. Full article

Background: Hispanic college students face high stress, which may increase their risk for chronic stress-related health issues. Effective and accessible stress management strategies for this population remain limited. Objective: This pilot study filled a gap by studying the effects of psychological stress on diet and physical activity habits and evaluating the impact of moderate-intensity physical exercise (MIPE) and yoga interventions on chronic psychological stress and acute stress responses among Hispanic college students. Methods: A total of 18 Hispanic college students participated in a 6-week intervention consisting of either MIPE or yoga, conducted twice weekly. Anthropometric measurements and lifestyle data were collected at both pre- and post-intervention timepoints. Psychological stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), morning salivary cortisol concentrations, and the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Results: Before the intervention, both perceived stress scores and morning salivary cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with the frequency of sweetened beverage intake and negatively correlated with attitudes toward exercise. Psychological stress was not significantly reduced after MIPE or yoga interventions. The salivary cortisol response to TSST was significantly improved after the yoga intervention. Conclusions: Although this pilot exploratory study suggests that short-term yoga may have beneficial effects in managing acute stress response in Hispanic college students, the efficacy of the interventions needs to be tested and replicated in a fully powered trial. Full article

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress experienced during childhood may contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. The existing literature indicates that disordered eating habits are positively associated with symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and low self-esteem. However, most research focuses on the concurrent relationships among these variables rather than examining whether low self-esteem and poor mental health in childhood can influence the emergence of disordered eating behaviors later in life. An online quantitative survey was conducted using questionnaires completed by 135 participants aged between 30 and 70 years. The results revealed that low self-esteem and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during childhood were associated with increased disordered eating behaviors in adulthood. These findings suggest that negative self-perceptions and poor mental health in childhood have lasting effects that extend into adulthood. This knowledge can be valuable for psychologists, mental health professionals, parents, and schools in designing intervention programs aimed at enhancing children’s and adolescents’ self-esteem, promoting good mental health, and fostering healthy eating habits. Full article

In the age of digital transformation, where students increasingly rely on technology for learning and communication, concerns arise regarding its potential association with academic outcomes. This study quantifies the relationship between Digital Behaviour (DB) and Academic Behaviour (AB) among engineering undergraduates at Misurata, Al-Asmarya Islamic, and Al-Marqab universities in Libya. DB is conceptualised as a spectrum ranging from excessive, compulsive device use (addictive behaviour) to purposeful academic technology use (digital immersion). Using a descriptive-analytical design, a convenience sample of 300 undergraduate engineering students completed a validated 20-item questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.711–0.899 for subscales). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, simple regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v23. The analysis identified a weak but statistically significant positive correlation between students’ DB and their AB (r = +0.19, p = 0.002). Notably, AB scores increased in the senior study years, while digital engagement remained consistently high across all years, suggesting an evolving capacity among students to regulate their digital habits. ANOVA results revealed significant differences in AB by year of study, while gender showed no significant overall association. These findings contradict the conventional assumption that heavy digital use uniformly diminishes academic outcomes; instead, in digitally immersed learning environments, strategic DB may coexist with or support academic performance. The study concludes that DB is not inherently detrimental to AB and may provide benefits when managed effectively, especially among more advanced engineering students. It recommends early educational interventions that promote digital self-regulation and the strategic use of technology for academic purposes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence-based lifestyle coaching programs have been developed to support people with disabilities in adopting healthy behaviors, and to ultimately contribute to enhancing their overall well-being. However, when implementing such programs in new settings, adaptations may be needed to ensure a successful implementation process. This study aimed to explore professionals’ perceptions on an adapted evidence-informed lifestyle coaching program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities to inform the implementation of the program in Dutch rehabilitation and/or community settings. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. The study was performed from a pragmatic perspective using an integrated knowledge translation approach. Ten professionals who had experience with offering, delivering, and/or implementing lifestyle coaching programs were enrolled. Interview questions focused on participants’ perceptions on implementing the Healthy Habits Coaching in Dutch settings. A directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Participants highlighted the importance of implementing lifestyle coaching tailored to people with physical disabilities. While participants were generally positive about the implementation of Healthy Habits Coaching, they had mixed opinions on its added value alongside existing lifestyle programs and on the core components, particularly the free coaching model and the use of volunteer coaches with lived experience. Participants underlined that for a successful adoption and implementation, the added value, (scientific) foundation, financial basis, and organizational structure of the program should be clearly communicated. Conclusions: The findings provide directions for how, where, and by whom an adapted lifestyle program (Healthy Habits Coaching) for people with physical disabilities could be implemented in Dutch rehabilitation and community settings. This study demonstrates an example of how an evidence-based lifestyle program can be prepared for implementation in a new setting, presenting an efficient and promising strategy to enhance overall well-being among people with disabilities. Full article

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is becoming increasingly common in contemporary society, is recognized for its considerable psychosocial impact on pregnant women throughout the perinatal phase. The purpose of this research was to explore the possible links between mental health status and dietary habits among pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, alongside examining how these factors correlate with clinical indicators like HbA1c measurements and the necessity for insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 82 pregnant participants, 37 with gestational diabetes mellitus and 45 without. Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c levels, which can be clinical indicators for the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and the need for insulin treatment was recorded. Then, participants completed a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic and clinical data as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (SEES), and REZZY Eating Disorders Scale (REZZY). Data were statistically analyzed. Results: A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes was more frequent in the case group (18.9%) than in the control group (2.2%) (p = 0.020). OGTT positivity was detected in 56.8% of the case group, whereas all control participants had negative results (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in psychological symptom scores or eating behavior assessments (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were observed to score higher on measures of anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, particularly in response to negative emotions. These findings may indicate a potential association between gestational diabetes and psychological or behavioral factors related to metabolic regulation during pregnancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), representing the most common extra-articular manifestation (with a prevalence of about 10–60%) and the second cause of mortality. Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) are chronic arthritides that share with RA both a similar disease burden and similar therapeutical approaches. The evaluation of ILD is challenging, given the low sensitivity of X-ray and pulmonary function tests, and the radiation exposure linked to repetitive HRCT. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has shown potential in the evaluation of ILD in autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of ILD in a cohort of SpA patients (pts) using LUS in comparison with healthy subjects (HSs). The secondary aim is to evaluate potential correlations between ILD and clinical features within the SpA cohort using LUS. Methods: Consecutive SpA out-patients were examined by LUS, applying the definition for pleural line irregularity (PLI) recently provided by the OMERACT taskforce for LUS in systemic sclerosis. Seventy-one intercostal spaces were studied (14 in the anterior chest, 27 lateral and 30 posterior) in all the pts/HS using an Esaote MyLab25 Gold US machine with a linear 7.5–10 MHz probe. A total pleural score was calculated. Each patient answered to Italian-validated PROs on respiratory function (Leicester and Saint-George), global health (SF-36) and dyspnea (mMRC scale). Clinical data on disease duration, disease onset, disease activity (at the moment of the examination) and methotrexate (MTX) or biologics treatment were collected from the medical records. Results: Seventy-three SpA pts (46 psoriatic arthritis -PsA- and 27 ankylosing spondylitis -AS-) and 56 HS were studied. No significant differences were demonstrated between groups (SpA vs. HS and PsA vs. AS) for age, sex, BMI and smoking habits. The total PLI score was significantly higher in SpA pts than in HS (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between the total PLI score and the PLI score from anterior, posterior and lateral chest. The posterior region of the chest showed a higher PLI score than the anterior and lateral regions. No statistically significant differences were found between PsA and AS. MTX use was not a risk factor for PLI (no differences were found between SpA MTX+ and SpA MTX- patients). PROs (Leicester, Saint-George and SF-36) were not related to the PLI total score. A significant correlation was found only between the SF36 score and the presence of PLI in the anterior chest. PROs were instead correlated with each other, showing a good concordance for absence/presence of symptoms. Disease activity, disease duration and age at disease-onset were not related to PLI total score. Smoking habit was found to be predictive of a significantly higher PLI score both in SpA patients and HSs. Conclusions: LUS examination shows a higher amount of PLI in SpA patients with respect to HSs. Smoking habit was the only clinical feature correlated to PLI on LUS examination in our population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital interventions can have a positive effect on the health-related behaviors of adolescents. However, it is unclear if social network-based interventions using Facebook can help to optimize medical treatment as usual (TAU) for adolescent obesity in public health care centers. We examined the feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of APOLO-Teens, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Facebook-based intervention as a supplement to TAU on changing eating habits/behaviors, physical activity levels, and psychological functioning of adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods: This was a Randomized Controlled Trial (Trial registration number: NCT04642222). One-hundred and thirty-five adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (67.5% females) were randomly assigned to the TAU control group (n = 66) and the APOLO-Teens intervention group (n = 69). Intervention outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of the intervention (6 months later). Using per-protocol analysis, the sample size retained for final analysis included 77 participants (Control group = 39; Intervention group = 38). Two-way mixed ANOVAs were used to test within-and between-group changes. Results: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible (adherence rate: 85.5%) and the intervention group had a significant increase in fruit consumption (F (1,35) = 6.99, p = 0.012; significant group-by-time interaction). Both groups increased vegetables on the plate consumption and decreased pastries/cakes intake, depressive symptomatology, grazing eating pattern, and BMI z-score (p < 0.05; significant time interaction). Conclusions: The APOLO-Teens social network-based intervention was feasible, and the effectiveness results suggest that it can be a beneficial supplementary intervention to TAU in adolescent obesity. Full article

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

The purpose of the present research is to analyse the negative outcomes associated with the excessive Instagram dependency of those users that access the application through their smartphones. An empirical study was conducted through online interviews using structured questionnaires, resulting in 342 valid responses, with the target population being young users over 18 years old who access Instagram daily. Research shows that dependency on Instagram is primarily driven by individuals’ need for orientation and understanding, with entertainment being a secondary motivation. The results indicate that dependency on the social network is positively associated with excessive use, addiction, and Instastress. Furthermore, excessive use contributes to personal and social problems and increases both stress levels and mindfulness related to the platform. In turn, this excessive use intensifies addiction, which functions as a mediating variable between overuse and Instastress, mindfulness, and emotional exhaustion. This study offers valuable insights for academics, mental health professionals, and marketers by emphasizing the importance of fostering healthier digital habits and developing targeted interventions. Full article

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acrylamide is a probably carcinogenic to humans that naturally forms during the thermal processing of foods. An individual’s lifestyle—especially dietary habits and physical activity—may influence the severity of acrylamide’s adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary and exercise behaviors and their dietary acrylamide exposure and associated health risks. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 370 high school students in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and a retrospective 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Acrylamide exposure was calculated based on food intake to estimate carcinogenic (CR) and non-corcinogenic (target hazard quotient: THQ) health risks and analyzed in relation to NEBS scores. Results: Findings indicated that while adolescents are beginning to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits, these behaviors are not yet consistent. Emotional eating and unhealthy food choices still occur. Higher acrylamide exposure and risk values were observed in boys and underweight individuals. This can be explained mainly by the fact that boys consume more of certain foods—especially bread, which contains relatively higher levels of acrylamide—than girls do, and that underweight individuals have lower body weights despite consuming similar amounts of food as other groups. Bread products emerged as the primary source of daily acrylamide intake. Positive correlations were found between NEBS total and subscale scores and acrylamide exposure and health risk values. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between adolescents’ health behaviors and acrylamide exposure. These results underscore potential public health concerns regarding acrylamide intake during adolescence and emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions to reduce risk and promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Self-medication is a subject of global importance. If practiced responsibly, self-medication represents a part of self-care or positive care of an individual or a community in promoting their own health. However, today’s practices of self-medication are often inappropriate and irresponsible, and as such appear all over the world. Inappropriate self-medication can be connected with possible serious health risks and consequences. Therefore, it represents a global health issue. It can even generate additional health problems, which will eventually become a burden to healthcare systems and can induce significant costs, which also raises socioeconomic concerns. Hence, self-medication attracts the attention of researchers and practitioners globally in efforts to clarify the current status and define feasible measures that should be implemented to address this issue. This narrative review aims to give an overview of the situation in the field of self-medication globally, including current practices and attitudes, as well as implications for actions needed to improve this problem. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted for articles published in the period from 1995 up to March 2025 using keywords “self-medication” or “selfmedication” alone or in combinations with terms related to specific subthemes related to self-medication, such as COVID-19, antimicrobials, healthcare professionals, and storing habits of medicines at home. Studies were included if self-medication was their main focus. Publications that only mentioned self-medication in different contexts, but not as their main focus, were excluded. Considering the outcomes of research on self-medication in various contexts, increasing awareness of responsible self-medication through education and informing, together with surveillance of particular medicines and populations, could lead to more appropriate and beneficial self-medication in the future. Full article

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a pervasive pest of humans throughout the world. Insecticide resistance, cryptic habits, and proclivity for harborage on human belongings have contributed to its global status as a difficult pest to control. Leaves from common bean plants, Phaseolus vulgaris L., which include numerous trichomes, have traditionally been used to capture wandering bed bugs in southeastern Europe. However, fresh leaves rapidly desiccate once removed from plants, losing their trapping ability. A leaf-derived trapping material was developed that does not desiccate as rapidly as fresh leaves and retains the potential to trap bed bugs. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the leaf-derived material in capturing bed bugs. We tested the leaf-derived material in both horizontal and vertical orientations, using fresh bean leaves as positive controls. When deployed horizontally, the leaf-derived material captured bed bugs of all life stages and both sexes (adults). Leaf-derived material was also found to capture bed bugs in a vertical orientation (only evaluated for adult male bed bugs). Because this experimental leaf-derived material was effective in both horizontal and vertical orientations and against all life stages, it may have great potential for development into bed bug monitoring or exclusion devices. Full article

At the Politecnica Salesiana University (UPS) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, urban mobility challenges were addressed with the aim of improving students’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. This study evaluated the technical, economic, and social feasibility of implementing a shared transportation (carpooling) system using a quantitative-descriptive approach. Surveys were applied to a stratified sample of 256 students to analyze transportation habits. Route planning was performed using ArcGIS software, and costs were calculated with Microsoft Excel. Social impact assessment involved focus groups and analysis of variables such as changes in mobility patterns, system acceptance, and perceived safety, comfort, and accessibility. Key indicators included the percentage of students willing to participate in the pilot (82.7%), satisfaction with travel time savings (85.7% fully satisfied), and positive perceptions of safety and comfort. The results suggest that the proposed system is not only economically viable but also widely accepted by students, contributing to reduced stress, travel time, and single-occupancy vehicle use. This study demonstrates the feasibility of shared transport in urban universities and provides a replicable model to guide sustainable mobility policies that improve safety, comfort, and efficiency in student commuting. Full article