Search Results (326)

Background: Frailty is a public health concern in older adults. However, associations between food intake patterns and frailty dimensions remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to construct a network linking food intake patterns with frailty dimensions, identify nodes with high centrality and bridge nodes, and provide evidence for frailty identification and factors that may be associated with frailty in older adults. Methods: We included 14,140 older adults from the 2017–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and patterns were extracted by exploratory factor analysis. Frailty was assessed using a frailty index based on 35 health-related deficits and classified into three dimensions: basic status (BS), basic ability (BA), and medical history (MH). Network analysis with a Gaussian graphical model was used to construct a partial correlation network and identify central and bridge nodes. Results: Four food intake patterns were identified: FD-1 (legumes–eggs–milk pattern), FD-2 (fruits–vegetables pattern), FD-3 (garlic–nuts–salt-preserved vegetables pattern), and FD-4 (meat–fish pattern). FD-1 and FD-2 showed high strength centrality, indicating strong connections within the network. The strongest cross-network association was negative between FD-2 and BS. FD-3 was negatively associated with BA, whereas FD-4 was weakly positively associated with MH. BA had the highest bridge strength, while FD-1 showed high bridge closeness and betweenness. Conclusions: Food intake patterns showed complex associations with frailty dimensions. FD-1, FD-2, and BA emerged as potential nodes of interest. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether dietary strategies centered on FD-1 and FD-2 are associated with preserved function and reduced frailty risk in older adults. Full article

Folate is an essential vitamin associated with protein and DNA synthesis in the body. Compared with synthetic folic acid, 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium salt crystal form C (MTHF CAC) is safer and has a higher bioavailability. In this study, a nanofiber membrane (MT-GE) was prepared from fish gelatin and MTHF CAC in the aqueous system via electrospinning. Differential scanning calorimetry showed higher transition temperatures for MT-GE than for GE. The weight loss curve of MT-GE detected by thermogravimetric analysis was higher than that of GE. The results corresponded to those of X-ray diffraction, which indicated the slightly higher crystalline strength of MT-GE than GE. Therefore, the inclusion of MTHF CAC improved the physical characteristics of GE nanofibers. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the retention of MTHF CAC in MT-GE reached 85.57%, which suggested that electrospinning caused no effect on the properties of MTHF CAC. The MT-GE membrane supported cell proliferation, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 results indicated that the cell proliferation rate exceeded 100%, with the MT-GE solution demonstrating more than double the proliferation rate of the control group. Therefore, MT-GE has great potential for use as a medical biomaterial. Full article

Transitional waters—such as estuaries, lagoons, deltas, and coastal wetlands—are dynamic environments where freshwater and seawater interact, forming highly productive and biologically diverse ecosystems. Shaped by temperature and salinity gradients, tidal influence, sediment transport, and nutrient-rich conditions, these habitats support diverse ecological functions. Their structural complexity—including seagrass beds, salt marshes, mudflats, and mangroves—provides essential habitats for many fish species. These areas are crucial for fish life cycles, serving as nurseries, spawning grounds, feeding zones, and refuges from predators. Many commercially important species depend on them during early life stages before moving offshore, making them vital for both commercial and recreational fisheries. Beyond food provision, they deliver key ecosystem services, including water purification, coastal protection, and carbon storage. Research on the fish community of the Ria Formosa lagoon in Portugal since the 1980s highlights long-term changes in the fish community and the dominant role of habitat structure and temporal dynamics. Subtidal seagrass beds support higher fish abundance and diversity than unvegetated areas, acting as key nursery habitats and provide important fish provisioning services. Seasonal variation is also central, driven by recruitment pulses of marine migrants in late winter–spring. Recent pressures on this system have been driven by human activity and environmental change. Seagrass loss reduces nursery and feeding areas, while pollution degrades water quality. Overfishing (including illegal fishing), recreational activities, and aquaculture expansion add stress. Climate warming and invasive species such as Caulerpa prolifera, further disrupt ecosystem balance and threaten biodiversity. Sustainable management—such as habitat restoration, protected areas, and integrated policies—is essential to preserve the ecological and economic value of this unique lagoon. Ongoing research, monitoring, habitat restoration, and stakeholder engagement remain critical for ensuring resilience. Full article

Introduction: The Iberian killifish (Apricaphanius iberus), an endemic cyprinodontid of the Spanish Mediterranean coast, is a key conservation species due to its restricted distribution, high sensitivity to habitat alteration and invasive fish, and ecological role in saline wetlands. Classified as Endangered by national administration and listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, its populations have undergone severe declines across its native range. Coastal salt pans have become critical refuges for the persistence of this species, often supporting some of the highest population densities recorded. However, the conservation value of these anthropogenic systems strongly depends on hydrological management, which directly influences habitat stability and suitability. Objectives: This study aims to assess the long-term population responses of A. iberus under contrasting hydrological management regimes in coastal salt pans. Methodology: We analysed ten years of monitoring data across five salt pan circuits in the perimeter area of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain), covering a salinity gradient and three management regimes: economic exploitation (EE), preventive management (PM), and non-management (NM). Population metrics (occurrence, abundance and breeder proportion) were evaluated. Results: Population performance differed markedly among management regimes. EE circuits showed consistently high occurrence and abundance, including in hypersaline ponds, high breeder proportions, low interannual variability, and weak dependence on meteorological conditions and ephemeral prey. PM circuits displayed intermediate patterns. In contrast, NM circuits exhibited low occurrence and abundance, low breeder proportions, high temporal fluctuations, and strong dependence on meteorological variability. Conclusions: Hydrological management is a key determinant of A. iberus population stability in coastal salt pans. Maintaining or restoring traditional management practices enhances habitat suitability, buffers environmental variability, and supports conservation actions such as reintroduction. These findings highlight the critical role of managed anthropogenic wetlands as refuges for endangered fishes and provide a transferable framework for conservation under global change. Full article

The Peruvian anchoveta fishmeal industry generates wastewater (pumping water) during the transport of fish from boats to production plants. This study represents the first evaluation in Peru of Moringa oleifera (MOD) and chitosan as bio-coagulants specifically applied to the coagulation–flocculation treatment of pumping water, providing a direct comparative analysis against traditional ferric sulfate under identical experimental conditions. The effluent is characterized by an extreme turbidity of 5,683 NTU, total suspended solids (TSS) at 3359.3 mg/L, and oils and fats at 451.3 mg/L, and it was treated using optimized doses: 4.0 g/L for MOD and 0.2 g/L for chitosan. The results demonstrate that natural alternatives achieve turbidity removal exceeding 97.5%, matching the efficiency of inorganic salts. Notably, chitosan achieved 88.59% TSS removal with no significant statistical difference (p > 0.05 according to the Kruskal–Wallis test) from ferric sulfate, while MOD excelled in oil reduction (37.84%) compared with chitosan. Beyond treatment efficiency, this research fills a gap in circular economy data by identifying that the resulting sludge, containing >4% non-toxic nitrogen, is suitable for composting. These findings establish a new renewable benchmark for the Peruvian fishing industry’s transition toward sustainable, zero-waste water management. Full article

To improve the fish quality of air-drying topmouth culter, this study was carried out to add 0.2 wt% of antioxidants (tebutylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and tea polyphenol (TP)) in combination with salt to salinate topmouth culter and to investigate the effect of antioxidants on the quality as well as structural characteristics of topmouth culter during air-drying at 25 °C for 24 h. The water content of the fish ranged from 63.45% to 66.01% when air-dried for 24 h. During air-drying, the water content decreased by 10%, water activity decreased, and the proportion of bound water increased slightly. The loss of water in the fish led to a dense structure and a significant increase in firmness and chewiness. The air-dried fish had reduced brightness and increased redness and yellowness. In addition, the results showed that the addition of 0.2 wt% of TP and/or TBHQ reduced the chemical spoilage of salted air-dried fish, as reflected in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and total viable count (TVC) and biogenic amine content, thus maintaining the quality of the fish meat. This study can provide a theoretical basis and value for the practical use of antioxidants in salted air-dried topmouth culter. Full article

Salt-bearing foreland fold–thrust belts represent a critical tectonic system for ultra-deep hydrocarbon exploration. In the Kalasu structural belt of the Kuqa Depression—characterized by the “four extremes” of ultra-high temperature, pressure, salinity, and stress—conventional single-detachment models fail to adequately resolve the complex subsalt structures. To address this challenge, this study integrates high-resolution 3D seismic data, field outcrop observations, well logs, balanced cross-sections, and particle image velocimetry (PIV)-monitored physical modeling to propose a ramp–flat multi-detachment model. Our results demonstrate that deformation is governed by four regional detachment horizons: gypsum-salt layers, thick mudstones, coal-bearing strata, and the basement, which vertically partition the basin into six tectonic units: supra-salt, salt, subsalt, supra-coal, coal, and sub-coal basement. The structural architecture is controlled by five key factors: (1) paleo-uplift geometry, (2) distance from the South Tianshan orogenic front, (3) orientation of basin-bounding faults, (4) regional stress regime (pure compression versus transpression), and (5) rheological contrasts among detachment layers. The kinematic evolution follows a progressive sequence: basement-involved thrusting → multi-level ramp–flat detachment folding → cover detachment. Three primary trap levels are identified—subsalt, supra-coal, and sub-coal—hosting six distinct trap styles: pop-up anticlines, imbricate faulted anticlines, structural triangle zones, fault-bend fold anticlines, supra-coal anticlines, and inter-coal/sub-coal anticlines. Notably, under transpressional stress, oblique paleo-uplifts control the formation of enigmatic “fish-scale” arcuate trap belts composed of fault-bend fold anticlines. Full article

The rising global demand for functional, “clean-label” fermented foods has driven intense interest in versatile microbial starter cultures. Levilactobacillus brevis is an obligately heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium that is highly valued for its robust environmental adaptability and exceptional capacity to synthesize bioactive metabolites, notably γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS). This review comprehensively evaluates the recent progress in L. brevis applications across major food fermentations. In dairy systems, L. brevis is most effective in co-cultures, where partner starters compensate for limited proteolysis and acidification, enabling improved texture, aroma profiles, and GABA enrichment. In fermented meats, selected strains contribute to nitrite reduction, flavor formation, and bioprotection, supporting nitrite-reduced strategies while maintaining sensory quality. In fish and seafood fermentations, L. brevis shows promise for controlling spoilage indicators and biogenic amines (notably histamine) in high-salt environments, although strain compatibility in mixed cultures is product-dependent. In plant-based matrices, outcomes are strongly constrained by acidity and nitrogen limitation; however, optimized fermentation can enhance phenolic bioaccessibility, generate high GABA levels, and enable emerging precision-biofortification approaches. Despite these functional advantages, its industrial application is frequently constrained by strain-specific technological limitations, and its use often necessitates synergistic co-culture systems, particularly in challenging matrices. Ultimately, this review highlights current research gaps and proposes future directions, including multi-omics integration and targeted strain evolution, to overcome sensory trade-offs and fully harness the biotechnological potential of L. brevis in next-generation functional foods and agricultural byproduct valorization. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune background and unknown etiology. The importance of genetic factors in RA development is well-established. Environmental factors have also been extensively researched in relation to risk of RA and managing its symptoms. Smoking, physical activity, diet, and gut microbiota are considered to be the most essential modifiable factors in RA. Among dietary interventions, the most researched is Mediterranean diet, monounsaturated fatty acids, fish consumption, and fish oil (EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA, that is, docosahexaenoic acid). Others concerned gluten-free and vegan or vegetarian diet, salt intake, supplementation with vitamin D, antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics. Diet modifications can alter the gut environment, and the association between RA development or severity and the composition of gut bacteria has already been shown. This review focuses on effectiveness and usefulness of various dietary approaches and supplements in RA prevention and management, including the influence on disease activity and inflammatory status. The composition of gut microbiota and its changes in response to dietary factors are also considered. There is a great need for further research into mutual dependencies of diet, microbiome, and RA activity. The current state of knowledge provides promising evidence for future nutrition and microbial therapies. Full article

Reducing and managing emissions of mine waters and the minerals dissolved in them, and above all, using these wastes as resources, is an important element of sustainable development in regions undergoing a gradual phase-out of fossil fuel extraction. This article examines selected aspects of mine water management and the mineral substances contained therein, using the Polish hard coal mining industry as a case study, providing valuable insights for both Poland and other mining regions reducing raw material extraction regarding the sustainability of social water demand, mining sector restructuring, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Poland, underground hard coal mining remains a significant source of mine water and mineral salt emissions. Mine waters, discharged into the catchments of major rivers (approximately 200 million m³ per year) along with their dissolved mineral compounds (approximately 1.5 million Mg per year), have repeatedly contributed to serious environmental disruptions, e.g., the phenomena of so-called “fish kill”. This study analyzes both the scale of emissions and the economic utilization of mineralized mine waters discharged to the surface by underground hard coal mining in Poland. Key processes and potential causes for the observed increase in environmental burdens are discussed. Furthermore, the paper presents a current statistical assessment of the trends and scale of emission changes, which can serve as a basis for environmental management decision-making amidst the decarbonization of the economy. Utilizing potential water resources and mineral compounds from mine waters for internal use or within circular economy applications can reduce environmental pressure, support compliance with sustainable development policies, and mitigate long-term impacts on post-mining regions. Full article

The adoption of cost-effective feeding regimes is essential to maintain the growth and physiological status of lambs after weaning. The economic benefits of an alternative concentrate diet for Omani lambs were also assessed. Twenty male Omani lambs (12.31 ± 3.22 kg; 5 months old) were allocated to a commercial concentrate (control) or formulated concentrate group (n = 10/treatment) for 63 days. The formulated concentrate consisted of date palm fronds (29%), barley (20%), fish meal (12%), date syrup (10%), Moringa oleifera (28%), and salt (1%), with all ingredient proportions expressed on a dry matter (DM) basis. Growth performance, feed efficiency, hematological indices, serum biochemical parameters, and cost analyses were evaluated using individual lambs as the experimental unit. Growth performance, feed efficiency, hematological and serum biochemical parameters, and cost analyses were performed. Final body weight (BW), total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The average daily feed intake was similar between groups (p = 0.321). However, the feed cost per kg of gain and feeding cost were lower (p < 0.001) by 63 and 58%, respectively, for the formulated concentrate group. Time × group interactions were observed for red blood cell parameters, with higher platelet counts (p < 0.001) and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (p = 0.018) in the formulated concentrate group. The serum biochemical parameters changed over time, with similar responses between the groups. Appropriate substitution of ingredients in lamb concentrate diets with agricultural by-products positively influenced economic efficiency. Full article

The use of one-step products and their applications in sensory applications has gained much importance. Herein, Schiff’s base fluorescent turn-on sensor, namely FBTS, was synthesised via a condensation reaction between 6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazol-2-amine and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The probe FBTS exhibits an intense “turn-on” blue fluorescence upon binding to Al³⁺ ions in a dimethyl sulfoxide–water (DMSO–H₂O (8:2, v/v)) medium. From photoluminescence (PL) titrations, the detection limit (LOD) for Al³⁺ is estimated to be 0.14 microM, and the Benesi–Hildebrand plot-based association constant (K_a) of 5.4 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ confirm a strong association between FBTS and Al³⁺. Negligible interference is observed in the presence of other metal ions. From the pH effect studies, the optimal pH range for Al³⁺ detection is 7–9. The recyclable reversibility of FBTS + Al³⁺ complex has been demonstrated via the sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂-EDTA) chelation. A Job’s plot and interrogations, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration, and density functional theory (DFT), verified the 1:1 stoichiometry of binding between FBTS and Al³⁺. Based on multiple analyses, the binding mode and mechanism have been detailed. In addition, the practical application of FBTS for detecting Al³⁺ is demonstrated using the strip paper method, fish analysis, spiked real sample analysis, and cellular imaging. Full article

Background: Hospital nutrition is an essential component of patient care; however, the nutritional quality of meals in Polish hospitals has raised concerns for many years. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health implemented a nationwide pilot program, “Good Meal in the Hospital,” to improve nutritional quality by developing and implementing a model tailored to patients’ needs. This study aimed to assess the compliance of hospital-standard diets with the program’s assumptions. Methods: Ten-day menus from ten hospitals across different regions of Poland (a total of 100 menus) were analyzed. A quantitative assessment of energy and nutritional values was conducted by calculating the average daily intake of energy and selected nutrients (protein, carbohydrates including sugars (mono- and disaccharides), fat, saturated fatty acids, fiber, and salt) and comparing these with national recommendations for hospital diets for adults. In parallel, a qualitative assessment of ten menu structure criteria was performed using a binary scoring system (0/1). Results: None of the analyzed hospitals met all quantitative and qualitative criteria simultaneously. All hospitals complied with recommendations for protein and carbohydrate content, whereas the most frequent deviations concerned excessive intake of fat, saturated fatty acids, and salt. Qualitative scores ranged from 6 to 10 points, with the most significant shortcomings related to the frequency of legumes and fish. A particularly noteworthy finding was the discrepancy between qualitative and quantitative compliance of the menus. Conclusions: The fact that none of the analyzed hospitals met all program criteria simultaneously indicates the limited effectiveness of its implementation in its current form. Full article

Marine fish are a good dietary source of important macro- and micronutrients. In addition to fresh fish, fish with varying degrees of industrial processing—frozen, marinated, smoked, canned, etc.—is used extensively in the food market. This study comprehensively characterizes the protein content, fat content, and fatty acid composition of various commercially available canned marine fish species. All canned fish muscle and cod liver were in salted brine, to eliminate the influence of other ingredients. All samples obtained from muscle had a relatively high protein content, mostly between 15 and 21 g/100 g. The fat content was highly variable, ranging from a few tenths to 15 g/100 g. Of the fatty acids, PUFAs predominated in almost all samples. The fatty acid composition of canned fish was very similar to the fatty acid composition of fresh fish. The fact that the content of highly oxylabile PUFAs practically did not differ compared to fresh fish indicates that the preservation process does not lead to significant oxidative damage to this type of product. A significant benefit of eating marine fish is the intake of highly unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA of the omega-3 fatty acid series. Mainly mackerel and sardines are an excellent source of these two acids. Atlantic salmon and sockeye salmon are also very good sources. As a result, consuming an average of 3 g of cod liver, 10 g of mackerel, 15 g of sardines, or 30 g of Atlantic and sockeye salmon is sufficient to ensure the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently co-occurs with malnutrition and gut dysbiosis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, this cross-sectional study first profiles dietary intake differences using dietary records from 210,874 participants (ASD = 232; non-ASD = 210,642; median age = 56.18) from the UK Biobank (UKB). Second, a bi-directional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach serves to dissect relationships between ASD genetic susceptibility and dietary preferences by leveraging genome-wide association metadata from the iPSYCH-PGC (ASD) and UKB (dietary intake/food-liking traits). The same strategy is implemented to identify ASD-associated gut microbial species. Mediation analyses further assess the role of gut microbiota in the association between ASD and dietary preferences. Subjects with ASD exhibit higher consumption of cheese, processed meat, and oily fish, alongside lower intake of fruits, and demonstrate a preference for high-fat/salt and energy-dense foods. Additionally, the depletion of Turicibacter, Streptococcus, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 was causally related with ASD (all false discovery rate < 0.05; β = −0.15, β = −0.10, β = −0.093, respectively), which significantly mediates the ASD-associated elevated preference for high-fat/salt foods. In conclusion, ASD is associated with specific dietary preferences, likely mediated via gut microbiota, highlighting the future potential of gut microbiome-based therapeutics to modify eating disorders for ASD. Full article