Search Results (103)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older cats, and nutritional management remains the intervention with the strongest clinical evidence. Interest has expanded from conventional control of phosphorus and uremic signs to the gut–kidney axis, in which renal dysfunction may alter the intestinal environment while microbial metabolism generates solutes that accumulate as kidney function declines. This PRISMA-ScR-guided scoping review and critical narrative synthesis evaluates feline evidence on CKD-associated dysbiosis, gut-derived uremic solutes, bile acid metabolism, and microbiome-directed nutrition. The original search covered January 2021 to April 2026, with inclusion of earlier studies and targeted source verification through July 2026. Eligibility was organized into two evidence strata: core feline evidence and contextual evidence. The final revised evidence map comprised 49 unique sources (28 empirical feline sources and 21 contextual sources spanning comparative, methodological, guideline, regulatory, or safety evidence); non-feline evidence was used only for mechanistic, methodological, safety, or translational interpretation and was not pooled with feline clinical outcomes. Cats with CKD have shown lower fecal microbial richness and diversity and higher circulating indoxyl sulfate in small cross-sectional cohorts, but causality remains unproven. Recent work also identified altered secondary bile acids and lower fecal ursodeoxycholic acid; however, Peptacetobacter hiranonis is principally linked to bai-mediated 7α-dehydroxylation, whereas ursodeoxycholic acid formation requires distinct hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reactions. Complete therapeutic renal diets improve clinical outcomes, but their benefits reflect multiple simultaneous modifications and cannot yet be decomposed into a microbiome-specific effect. Evidence for isolated prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and precision nutrition algorithms is preliminary or absent in feline CKD. The field is constrained by small cohorts, confounding, reliance on 16S rRNA sequencing, compositional data, and limited interlaboratory reproducibility. Current clinical practice should therefore prioritize a palatable complete renal diet, adequate energy and protein intake, muscle condition monitoring, hydration, and constipation management, while microbiome-directed products remain adjunctive or investigational. Full article

Background: Tooth auto-transplantation (TAT) is a surgical procedure in which a person’s own tooth is extracted and repositioned in the recipient site. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes, treatment strategies, and methodological characteristics, and to propose a preliminary management algorithm of TAT in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). Methods: A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases until 21 June 2026. The systematic review was written according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk-of -bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. Results: Five case series and three case reports were included, with four “low” and four “moderate” JBI reporting-quality ratings (reflecting reporting completeness, not low risk of bias). They presented data about 23 patients and 27 TAT cases. The majority of patients (n = 16) received secondary alveolar bone graft with iliac bone. The most common donor teeth were mandibular premolars (n = 20). The most frequent recipient sites were the maxillary 2nd premolar (n = 9) and maxillary incisors (n = 15). Twenty-six teeth (96.3%) survived, and one tooth (3.7%) was extracted. Conclusions: TAT appears to be a promising treatment option in carefully selected CLP patients; however, further high-quality studies are needed with the application of our proposed algorithm. Full article

Impacted maxillary canines occur in 1–3% of the population, and adequate anchorage control during orthodontic traction is essential to prevent incisor root resorption and molar mesialisation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare skeletal anchorage (TADs) with conventional palatal anchorage for orthodontic traction of impacted maxillary canines, evaluating anchorage loss, traction duration, root resorption, eruption success, and patient-reported outcomes. Four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane) were searched from January 2016 to March 2026 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. RCTs and controlled clinical studies were included; risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2 and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale; evidence certainty was rated using GRADE. Nine studies (n = 481 patients; 241 TADs, 240 conventional anchorage) met the inclusion criteria. Skeletal anchorage was associated with significantly less anchorage loss (WMD −1.24 mm; 95% CI [−1.56, −0.92]; p < 0.001; I² = 62%), shorter traction duration (WMD −1.89 months; 95% CI [−2.71, −1.07]; p < 0.001), and reduced odds of incisor root resorption (OR 0.41; 95% CI [0.22, 0.77]; p = 0.006); eruption success and patient discomfort were comparable between groups. GRADE certainty was moderate for anchorage loss and low-to-very-low for secondary outcomes. TADs provide clinically meaningful advantages over conventional palatal anchorage, particularly in complex palatal impactions; well-designed multicentre RCTs remain warranted. Full article

Transitioning to sustainable, plant-forward diets, such as the Planetary Health Diet is a global priority; however, the palatability gap remains a formidable barrier, as consumers often perceive low-sodium, plant-centric diets as sensory-deficient. While aromatic herbs could bridge this gap, the current literature rarely integrates their sensory, ecological, phytochemical, and cultural dimensions. This narrative review explores how Mediterranean aromatic plants indigenous to the Maltese Islands function as sensory and molecular catalysts to bridge this gap. Through a thematic synthesis (2005–2026) integrating ethnobotanical evidence with molecular nutrition and sensory science, the Maltese archipelago is examined as a small-island ecological model. Chronic abiotic stressors, including high salinity and intense solar exposure, induce phytochemical priming, significantly enhancing secondary metabolites like polyphenols and terpenoids. These compounds establish a folk–medicine bridge, where traditional culinary practices align with modern biochemical validation. These bioactives demonstrate a capacity to modulate the NF-κB inflammatory axis, mitigate systemic inflammaging, and support the gut–microbiome–brain axis. Furthermore, these aromatics serve as translational tools for EAT-Lancet 2025 targets by facilitating cross-modal sensory compensation for sodium reduction and improving nutrient bioaccessibility via the culinary entourage effect. The TASTE-MED framework positions culinary nutrition as a vital translational bridge, asserting that flavour is a prerequisite for dietary sustainability and aligning individual molecular resilience with broader planetary health goals. Full article

Background: Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) is a common congenital anomaly requiring a multidisciplinary team approach from birth into adulthood. Many patients undergo multiple secondary procedures on the lip, nose, and alveolus, representing a substantial long-term “burden of care” for families and health systems. The relationship between preoperative cleft severity and the cumulative number of surgical interventions into late adolescence remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 166 patients with cleft lip ± cleft palate treated at a single tertiary cleft center. All patients underwent primary cheiloplasty, with or without concomitant gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP), and had follow-up extending to a mean age of 18 years. Preoperative nasolabial deformity was graded into four categories (mild, moderate, severe, and very severe) using standardized photographic assessment. The primary outcome was the total number of cleft-related surgical interventions on the lip, nose, and alveolus, including the primary operation and all subsequent corrective procedures. Associations between preoperative severity and surgery counts were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons. Results: All 166 patients underwent a primary procedure, either cheiloplasty alone (n = 86; 51.8%) or cheiloplasty combined with GPP (n = 80; 48.2%). A second surgical intervention was performed in 111 patients (66.8%), yielding 138 procedures, most commonly GPP with bone grafting (n = 54), corrective cheiloplasty (n = 48), GPP without graft (n = 23), and rhinoplasty (n = 12). A third intervention was performed in 48 patients (28.9%; 70 procedures), predominantly rhinoplasty and additional cheiloplasties, and a fourth intervention in 13 patients (7.8%; 17 procedures), mostly staged rhinoplasty and lip revisions. Overall, 56 patients (33.7%) had only one (primary) operation, 50 (30.1%) had two, 27 (16.3%) had three, 18 (10.8%) had four, 13 (7.8%) had five, and one patient (0.6%) had six surgical interventions. The total number of operations differed significantly across severity grades (Kruskal–Wallis p < 0.001). Patients with mild and moderate severity had significantly fewer surgeries than those with severe or very severe deformities (all p ≤ 0.023), whereas differences between mild vs. moderate and severe vs. very severe were not significant. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with cleft lip followed to a mean age of 18 years, two-thirds required at least one secondary procedure, and nearly one-fifth underwent four or more surgeries. Higher preoperative severity was strongly associated with greater surgical burden, particularly when comparing mild or moderate deformities to severe and very severe clefts. These findings underline the importance of preoperative severity assessment for family counseling, expectation management, and the design of treatment protocols aimed at minimizing the long-term burden of care while preserving functional and esthetic outcomes. Full article

This study added two types of resistant dextrin (RD), i.e., Bailong (BL) and Luo Gaite (LGT)) to a Japonica (cv. RXY) and an early indica (cv. IP44) rice during cooking and analysed the functional and structural properties of the cooked rice. Compared with no RD addition, 3–10% RD addition induced a declinein cooking time and an incrementin gruel solid loss. Further, 3–10% RD addition increased the hardness, chewiness, and springiness of cooked rice but decreased the cohesiveness. With increases in the added RD amount, the smell, structural appearance, palatability, taste, cool rice texture, and total score of the cooked rice all increased; the peak time and pasting temperature increased, but the peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities all significantly decreased. The enthalpy, conclusion temperature of gelatinisation, and gelatinisation peak width and height all decreased with increasing RD amount, but the peak temperature of gelatinisation increased. The addition of 3–7% RD did not change amylopectin ageing, but 10% RD significantly increased amylopectin ageing. RD addition reduced the protein weakness degree and starch breakdown torque of rice doughbut appeared to increase the amorphous and crystalline regions of cooked rice. The addition of 10% BL or LGT induced the formation of α-helix and random coil secondary protein structures in cooked rice, with optimal cooking properties and total sensory score. Microstructure analysis further showed that low-viscous RD induced the formation of new gel-like structures. In conclusion, 3–10% RD addition in cooking rice decreases amylose recrystallisation, weakens the protein structure, and induces new gel-like structures, enhancing the hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness, springiness, and sensory score of cooked rice. This study is useful for developing functionalcooked rice. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of two wound closure methods—polypropylene sutures and a butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive—on the rate of soft tissue regeneration following palatal donor site harvesting. A bovine collagen sponge, used as a secondary-intention dressing, was evaluated descriptively. Materials and Methods: Data from 300 patients (n = 100/group) with palatal donor sites were analyzed. Primary analysis compared suture vs. adhesive using Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) at days 7 and 14. Secondary outcomes were granulation tissue (day 7) and complications. Statistical methods: Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparison (suture vs. adhesive); Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn’s post hoc for granulation across all three groups; Spearman’s correlation and logistic regression for the relationship between granulation tissue and EHS within primary healing groups. Results: At day 7, median EHS was similar between suture and adhesive groups (7.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 5.0–9.0] vs. 7.0 [IQR 7.0–9.0]; p = 0.31). By day 14, both groups achieved excellent healing (median 10.0, IQR 9.0–10.0 in both; p = 0.82). The collagen sponge group showed slower healing (median EHS day 7 = 4.0 [IQR 3.0–5.0], day 14 = 6.0 [IQR 5.0–7.0]), reported descriptively as expected for secondary intention. Granulation tissue on day 7 was highest in the adhesive group (p < 0.001 vs. collagen; p = 0.024 vs. suture). A strong positive correlation between day-7 granulation tissue and day-14 EHS was found in the primary-healing groups (ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis established a granulation score ≥ 2 as the optimal cut-off for predicting successful healing (EHS ≥ 9) by day 14 (sensitivity 89.4%, specificity 76.0%, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.80), pending external validation. Conclusions: Surgical adhesive may be considered a viable alternative to sutures for palatal donor sites closed by primary intention, offering comparable healing by day 14. Collagen sponges result in slower healing and should be considered only when secondary intention is specifically desired. Early assessment of granulation tissue may serve as a simple prognostic indicator, but external validation is needed before clinical application. Full article

The common vole (Microtus arvalis) is a major rodent pest in European agroecosystems, causing periodic outbreaks that result in substantial crop losses and pose potential public health risks. Rodenticides remain the most widely used method for population control; however, current phosphide-based formulations present challenges related to environmental safety and non-target species exposure. This study evaluated the palatability and efficacy of novel alpha-chloralose bait variations for common voles. Laboratory trials were conducted in three phases: (i) screening of non-toxic cereal carriers to identify highly palatable formulations, (ii) comparison of alpha-chloralose from two manufacturers to select the optimal active ingredient, and (iii) enhancement of palatability and attractiveness through incorporation of several attractants. Choice and no-choice feeding tests revealed that alpha-chloralose efficacy is strongly influenced by bait formulation and pellet size, with small pellets (3 mm) ensuring that a single pellet provides a lethal dose for an individual vole. In laboratory conditions, the highest mortality rate, 50% (n = 12), was observed in the bait containing the milkvetch attractant. Subsequent small-scale field trials demonstrated that this bait achieved efficacy (85%) comparable to commercial zinc phosphide bait (90%). The study confirms that alpha-chloralose, when incorporated into optimized bait matrices, could be a viable rodenticide that combines rapid, humane action with a reduced risk of secondary poisoning, making it a promising tool for integrated pest management strategies. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of three tooth wear indices—BEWE, simplified TWI (sTWI), and TWES 2.0—based on the visual assessment of digital intraoral scans. A secondary exploratory objective was to examine unadjusted sex-stratified score distributions. Methods: This retrospective study included 246 anonymized intraoral scans obtained using Medit i700 and iTero Element 2 systems. All scans were independently evaluated by two calibrated examiners using the BEWE, simplified TWI (sTWI), and TWES 2.0 indices. Scoring was performed through visual assessment of the digital models, without applying automated measurements or software-assisted analysis tools. Unadjusted sex-stratified patterns were explored using mixed-effects linear models, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Estimated marginal means were calculated, and graphical approaches, including heatmaps, were used to present score distributions and inter-examiner variability. Results: The indices exhibited different scoring characteristics. BEWE produced the most consistent sextant-based patterns, with low variability between examiners. TWES 2.0 showed generally stable scoring, although with slightly greater dispersion, particularly in posterior sextants. In contrast, sTWI demonstrated the highest variability and more pronounced surface-specific differences, especially on occlusal and palatal surfaces. Sex-stratified analyses indicated minor and inconsistent variations. Although isolated statistically significant findings were observed (BEWE Sextant 6; TWES 2.0 Sextant 5), they did not form a consistent or interpretable pattern. Conclusions: Assessment based on digital intraoral scans highlighted differences in scoring behavior depending on the index used. BEWE demonstrated the most stable scoring patterns, TWES 2.0 showed moderate consistency, while sTWI was associated with the greatest variability. Differences observed in sex-stratified analyses were minor and lacked consistency. Clinical significance: BEWE enables consistent scoring when applied to digital scans and may be appropriate for monitoring purposes. TWES 2.0 provides a structured approach to screening. The higher variability observed with sTWI indicates that caution is warranted when it is used exclusively on digital models. Overall, the choice of index has a substantial impact on the assessment of tooth wear in digital workflows. Full article

Background and Objectives: Severe alveolar atrophy may pose significant challenges for dental rehabilitation. Recent advances in digital planning and CAD/CAM technology have renewed the interest in patient-specific subperiosteal implants as a treatment option for anatomically challenging cases. This cohort study evaluated changes in oral health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction following rehabilitation with customized subperiosteal implants in severe alveolar atrophy. Materials and Methods: This cohort study included all consecutive adult patients with severe alveolar atrophy who underwent reconstruction with patient-specific subperiosteal implants at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of “Evangelismos” General Hospital, Athens, Greece, in 2025. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using the validated OHIP-14 questionnaire preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, implant exposure, implant stability, and need for reoperation. Comparisons between baseline and 12-month scores were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Nine patients who had completed 12-month follow-up were included. Five were male, and all implants were placed in the maxilla. Significant improvement was observed in oral health-related quality of life, with the median OHIP-14 total score decreasing from 41 preoperatively to 1 at the 12-month follow-up. Patient satisfaction also improved significantly, with the median NRS total score increasing from 17 to 58. Improvements were consistent across all OHIP-14 domains and all NRS items. No major complications were recorded. One patient developed early wound dehiscence, and one patient presented with implant exposure at the anterior palate. At the final follow-up twelve months postoperatively, all implants remained clinically and radiographically stable. Conclusions: These preliminary short-term findings suggest that customized subperiosteal implants may be a promising option for selected patients with severe alveolar atrophy in whom placement of conventional endosseous implants is not feasible; however, the results should be interpreted cautiously given the very small sample size and observational design. Full article

Background: The clinical value of lateral cephalograms for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk assessment remains controversial, largely because previous case–control studies often lacked objective exclusion of OSA in control subjects and insufficiently controlled for confounding. This age-matched case–control study evaluated whether craniofacial characteristics differ between individuals with and without OSA and whether these craniofacial measurements independently predict OSA-related outcomes after adjustment for relevant confounders. Methods: A total of 54 adults were included (27 with OSA and 27 without OSA). OSA was defined by poly(somno)graphy (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 5). Control subjects were prospectively recruited, and OSA was excluded through polygraphy (AHI < 5). Lateral cephalograms were used to assess six PAS levels (P1–P6), 16 hyoid- and soft palate-related parameters, and sagittal/vertical skeletal characteristics. Potential confounders were controlled for by adjustment for BMI and craniofacial skeletal pattern. The PAS measurements were defined as the primary endpoint; soft palate and hyoid-related variables were considered secondary exploratory endpoints. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, multiple linear regression models, and sensitivity analyses adjusted for sex. Results: Craniofacial skeletal characteristics did not differ between groups. PAS dimensions showed no significant intergroup differences and were not independently associated with AHI after adjustment, whereas BMI consistently emerged as the strongest predictor. Uvula length and thickness were significantly greater in the OSA group; however, neither parameter independently predicted AHI in regression models. In contrast, subjects with OSA exhibited a significantly more inferior/anterior hyoid position across multiple models. In the primary regression models, several hyoid-related variables were associated with AHI. However, these associations were attenuated in additional sensitivity analyses after adjustment for sex and were no longer consistently statistically significant. Sex was a relevant covariate in several models. Conclusions: Static PAS measurements derived from lateral cephalograms provide no clinically meaningful information for OSA screening or risk stratification. Although several hyoid-related variables were associated with AHI in primary models, these associations were attenuated after adjustment for sex and should therefore be interpreted as exploratory. When lateral cephalograms are already clinically indicated, hyoid position may provide complementary anatomical information, but its independent predictive value remains uncertain. Full article

Background: Oro-nasal fistula formation remains one of the most common complications following primary palatoplasty, while the influence of surgical technique on fistula incidence and characteristics remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the occurrence and features of oro-nasal fistulas after two primary palatal repair techniques. Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted in patients undergoing one-stage primary palatoplasty using either closed intravelar palatoplasty or a modified Veau–Wardill–Kilner pushback technique. Oro-nasal fistulas were evaluated according to presence, size, anatomical location, and functional impact. Secondary corrective procedures, including fistula repair and pharyngoplasty, were also analyzed. Results: Oro-nasal fistula formation was significantly associated with the surgical technique. Closed intravelar palatoplasty demonstrated a significantly lower fistula rate compared with the modified Veau–Wardill–Kilner technique. Cleft type and syndromic status were not independently associated with fistula development. Rates of secondary corrective procedures and pharyngoplasty were significantly lower in the intravelar group. Conclusions: Surgical technique plays a decisive role in oro-nasal fistula development after primary palatoplasty. Muscle-oriented repair with limited incisions is associated with reduced fistula formation and a lower need for secondary surgical interventions. Full article

Background and Objectives: Tooth impaction is a common developmental dental anomaly characterized by the failure of eruption within the expected physiological timeframe. Permanent canines represent the second most frequently impacted teeth after third molars and may lead to functional, esthetic, and orthodontic complications. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the incidence, anatomical distribution, etiological determinants, and diagnostic evaluation of permanent canine impaction. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PubMed Central, and ScienceDirect for studies published between December 2009 and December 2025. Studies reporting prevalence data, anatomical positioning, etiological factors, or imaging characteristics of permanent canine impaction were included. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and 31 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Results: Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The reported prevalence of maxillary canine impaction ranged from 0.97% to 7.10%, while mandibular impaction occurred less frequently. Palatal displacement represented the most common positional pattern. Major etiological factors included retained deciduous canines, dental arch constriction, supernumerary teeth, odontomas, and genetic anomalies such as lateral incisor agenesis. Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy compared with panoramic radiography. Conclusions: Permanent canine impaction is a multifactorial condition predominantly influenced by local anatomical and environmental factors, with genetic predisposition acting as a secondary contributor. Early diagnosis and appropriate imaging assessment are essential to prevent complications such as root resorption and to optimize treatment outcomes. Full article

Craniofacial development is orchestrated by a finely regulated interplay of numerous genes and signaling pathways. Palatogenesis proceeds through a complex, stepwise process, in which endogenous mechanical stresses within tissues have been implicated. However, the impact of exogenous fluidic flow mechanical stress derived from maternal movement on palatal development remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous fluidic flow mechanical stress on palatal morphogenesis, focusing on the horizontal outgrowth of palatal shelves after elevation. Palatal tissues dissected from mouse embryos were subjected to organ culture with or without mechanical loading (loaded and unloaded groups, respectively). Stress magnitude was quantified by calculating wave energy, and morphometric and molecular analyses were performed. Compared with the unloaded group, palatal shelves in the loaded group showed significant increases in thickness and volume, accompanied by enhanced cell proliferation, nuclear translocation of YAP and β-catenin, and upregulation of the osteogenic markers Osterix and Osteocalcin. No significant difference in apoptosis was observed. These findings indicate that exogenous mechanical stress promotes cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation through the Hippo and WNT/β-catenin pathways in palate explants. Our results suggest that moderate maternal movement-induced mechanical stress contributes to normal palatogenesis, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying cleft palate. Full article

Fargesia rufa, one of the main food bamboo species for giant pandas, exhibits significant changes in nutritional composition with altitudinal gradient. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptation and its impact on the foraging behavior of giant pandas remain unclear. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were integrated to compare gene expression and metabolite profiles in leaves and rhizomes of F. rufa collected from 1000 m and 2000 m altitudes. With increasing altitude, 710 metabolites were up-regulated and 1032 were down-regulated in the leaves of F. rufa, whereas 684 metabolites were up-regulated and 1342 were down-regulated in the rhizomes; only 629 differential metabolites were shared between the two organs. Further analyses revealed that F. rufa responds to altitudinal changes through organ-specific metabolic reprogramming: leaves adopt a “metabolic conservation” strategy, downregulating the majority of flavonoid and phenylpropanoid metabolites, while rhizomes take an “active storage” strategy, significantly enhancing secondary metabolite synthesis and starch accumulation. This functional differentiation is consistent with the biological roles of the organs: the metabolic simplification of leaves may enhance the palatability of high-altitude leaves, while the nutritional reserves in rhizomes support bamboo shoot emergence. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms of bamboo’s altitudinal adaptation at the organ level, clarifies the intrinsic link between plant metabolism and animal diet, and provides a theoretical basis for giant panda habitat conservation. Full article