Search Results (8,843)

Heavy metal pollution has complex impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, trophic relationships, species health, and the quality of natural resources. This study aims to validate a non-invasive method for detecting heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Cr) in micromammalian prey, which constitute the primary diet of the common genet (Genetta genetta), a mesocarnivore sensitive to habitat degradation. By focusing on prey remains (hair and bones) rather than entire fecal samples, this approach leverages the genet’s selective feeding habits to assess the bioaccumulation of contaminants in its preferred prey. Conducted in the Edough forest massif during the winter of 2021, the study analyzed 39 fecal samples, collected from the following two contrasting environments: a natural habitat and an area impacted by an open landfill. Results revealed significant levels of heavy metals, with higher concentrations in bones compared to hair, and increased accumulation in prey from the anthropized environment. Monitoring these contaminants in selective predators, such as the genet, offers a promising approach to better understanding environmental contamination and implementing measures to protect ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Full article

The possibilities of the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)/Enhanced Living Environments (ELE) concept in the environment of a smart home were investigated to improve accessibility and improve the quality of life of a person with disabilities. This paper focuses on the concept of predictive information for a person with disabilities in a smart home environment concept where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems use data on the user’s preferences, habits, and possible incident situations. A conceptual mathematical model is proposed, the purpose of which is to provide predictive user information from defined data sets. This paper defines the taxonomy of communication technologies, devices, and sensors in the environment of the user’s smart home and shows the interaction of all elements in the environment of the smart home. Through the integration of assistive technologies, it is possible to adapt the home to users with diverse types of disabilities and needs. The smart home environment with diverse types of sensors whose data are part of sets defined by a mathematical model is also evaluated. The significance of establishing data sets as a foundation for future research, the development of ML models, and the utilization of AI is highlighted in this paper. Full article

Chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) impose significant health burdens globally. IBDs, encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are multifactorial disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, IBS is one of the principal gastrointestinal tract functional disorders and is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Although the precise etiopathogenesis of these disorders remains unclear, mounting evidence suggests that non-coding RNA molecules play crucial roles in regulating gene expression associated with inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and tissue permeability, thus influencing disease progression. miRNAs have emerged as possible reliable biomarkers, as they can be analyzed in the biological fluids of patients at a low cost. This review explores the roles of miRNAs in IBDs and IBS, focusing on their involvement in the control of disease hallmarks. By an extensive literature review and employing bioinformatics tools, we identified the miRNAs frequently studied concerning these diseases. Ultimately, specific miRNAs could be proposed as diagnostic biomarkers for IBDs and IBS. Their ability to be secreted into biofluids makes them promising candidates for non-invasive diagnostic tools. Therefore, understanding molecular mechanisms through the ways in which they regulate gastrointestinal inflammation and immune responses could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of IBDs and IBS and open avenues for miRNA-based therapeutic interventions. Full article

Objective: Malocclusion affects oral health and quality of life, emphasizing the critical need to assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare providers in the prevention and treatment of malocclusion. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the knowledge and practice of Croatian pediatricians and family physicians regarding malocclusion, its causes and its impact on children’s health. Methods: An online self-structured questionnaire with 34 closed-ended questions was distributed to pediatricians and general practitioners throughout Croatia. The questionnaire addressed demographic data, knowledge of the causes of malocclusion, impact on children’s health and referral practices. Data were summarized in descriptive statistics, and a generalized linear model (GLM) examined the relationships between knowledge, referral practices and sociodemographic factors (p < 0.05). Results: Of 446 participants, including 364 general practitioners and 82 pediatricians (77.8% women), the mean knowledge score was 12.77 ± 3.41 out of 18, with 54.9% scoring at or above the median (Md = 13.00). Pediatricians had a higher mean score (13.77 ± 1.19) than family physicians (12.54 ± 3.60, p = 0.042). A higher level of knowledge was found among physicians working in community health centers (p ≤ 0.001) and among those recommending orthodontic examinations (p = 0.042). Over 90% of pediatricians and family physicians recognized hereditary factors, pacifier use, thumb and finger sucking, bottle feeding, trauma and accidents as causes of malocclusion. In addition, over 80% of respondents reported informing parents about harmful habits that can lead to misaligned teeth, with 100% of pediatricians giving such advice. Conclusions: Pediatricians have better knowledge about malocclusion compared to family physicians, and physicians in community health centers have the highest level of knowledge. It is recommended to improve the training of general practitioners and to promote early orthodontic examinations to improve preventive care. Full article

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are now essential as the agenda of nutrition research expands its scope to look at the intricate connection between food and health in both an individual and a community context. AI also helps in tracing and offering solutions in dietary assessment, personalized and clinical nutrition, as well as disease prediction and management, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. This review aims to investigate and assess the different applications and roles of AI in nutrition and research and understand its potential future impact. Methods: We used PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases for our search. Results: Our findings indicate that AI is reshaping the field of nutrition in ways that were previously unimaginable. By enhancing how we assess diets, customize nutrition plans, and manage complex health conditions, AI has become an essential tool. Technologies like machine learning models, wearable devices, and chatbot applications are revolutionizing the accuracy of dietary tracking, making it easier than ever to provide tailored solutions for individuals and communities. These innovations are proving invaluable in combating diet-related illnesses and encouraging healthier eating habits. One breakthrough has been in dietary assessment, where AI has significantly reduced errors that are common in traditional methods. Tools that use visual recognition, deep learning, and mobile applications have made it possible to analyze the nutrient content of meals with incredible precision. Conclusions: Moving forward, collaboration between tech developers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers will be essential. By focusing on high-quality data, addressing ethical challenges, and keeping user needs at the forefront, AI can truly revolutionize nutrition science. The potential is enormous. AI is set to make healthcare not only more effective and personalized but also more equitable and accessible for everyone. Full article

Bauhinia s.s. belongs to the Cercidoideae subfamily, located at the base of the Leguminosae family. It displays a variety of growth habits and morphologies, and is widely utilized as both ornamental and medicinal plants globally. The objective of this research is to uncover chloroplast genomes of species from Eastern Asia and Southern Africa, thereby advancing our understanding of the diversity within this genus. This study sequenced Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. microphylla, Bauhinia variegata var. candida, Bauhinia galpinii, and Bauhinia monandra using the Illumina platform and conducted the construction of phylogenetic trees as well as the estimation of divergence times. Compared to Asian species, the IR regions of African species underwent a contraction of approximately 100–400 bp. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Asian and African species clustered into two distinct clades, with high support. The divergence of Bauhinia s.s. species occurred in the late Paleocene, and the rps18 and cemA genes were under positive selection. Six hypervariable regions were screened for evolutionary studies and the super-barcode data were used for species delimitation. The results revealed certain differences between African and Asian species in their chloroplast genomes of Bauhinia species. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is growing interest in neuroscience-informed education, as well as neuroscience-derived strategies that maximise learning. Studies on neuroscience literacy and neuromyths, i.e., understandings or misconceptions about the brain, have primarily focused on their prevalence in educators, and few studies have examined their impact on students’ study habits or academic performance. Methods: To address this gap, we surveyed 576 university students in different academic programmes to investigate the relationship between neuromyths and academic outcomes in university students. In this quantitative, cross-sectional study design, we used a validated neuroscience knowledge survey and the Revised Two-factor Study Process (R-SPQ-2F) Questionnaire. We also inquired about students’ interest in, exposure to, and awareness of neuroscience, as well as their academic grades. Results: Students showed significant awareness of and interest in neuroscience; this was highest among students in health science programmes and lowest among students in computer and engineering programmes. The most common sources of general neuroscience knowledge were internet articles. Higher neuroscience literacy was associated with higher interest in neuroscience and having taken more neuroscience courses. Neuromyth scores were also better among those with higher neuroscience literacy scores. Higher neuroscience literacy scores were significantly associated with higher grades, higher surface strategy scores, and lower surface motive study habits. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the variations in foundational neuroscience literacy among students in different academic programmes. It also provides insight into how this foundation affects academic performance and study habits. This insight may help guide educational policymakers to adopt neuroscience-based strategies that may be beneficial for learning. Full article

Circular economy (CE) is a model that is gaining significance in the context of sustainable development and environmental protection, focusing on minimizing waste generation and maximizing the use of available resources through recycling and extending product life cycles. The implementation of CE in various European Union countries demonstrates diverse approaches to resource management, waste production, and energy efficiency improvement. These differences primarily stem from varying strategies, national policies, levels of social awareness, and technological advancements. The article identifies the key challenges and barriers associated with CE implementation in selected countries—Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania—and highlights specific areas requiring improvement and adaptation. It emphasizes the critical role of aligning national policies with the EU guidelines, promoting ecological education, and investing in innovative technologies and solutions that support sustainable development. Additionally, it points to the need for developing appropriate waste management infrastructure and encouraging businesses and consumers to change habits and engage in pro-environmental actions. Full article

Background: The global rise in obesity has been significantly influenced by shifts in dietary habits that have been exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the trends in Romanian dietary habits from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of socio-economic factors, seasonality, and cultural practices. Methods: For dietary habits, we used nationally representative data from the Romanian Household Budget Survey provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. The survey includes 30,000 households annually. From the same provider, we downloaded data about potential drivers of food consumption, such as income, the consumer price index, and the unemployment rate. The analysis mixes descriptive statistics and panel data analysis. Among the main drivers, the econometric models include seasonality and regional factors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the changes in dietary behavior. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, daily calorie consumption increased to over 3000 calories per person, representing a 20% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. Post-pandemic, food consumption remains elevated, averaging 2500–2600 calories per person daily. The pandemic also led to a shift in dietary composition, with significant changes. Thus, we mark an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01) and a decrease in protein intake (p < 0.001). Beyond the presence of health disruptors, we confirm the significant impact of income (p < 0.001) and seasonality (p < 0.001). Other factors like unemployment, the consumer price index, and hidden regional factors have a minor role. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on Romanian dietary habits, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns that were already prevalent. The sustained increase in calorie consumption, particularly of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods, poses a significant public health challenge. The study also highlights significant seasonal variations, with a marked increase in food intake during the last quarter of the year, driven by cultural and religious traditions. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies that address economic factors and cultural and regional influences to promote healthier dietary behaviors in Romania. Full article

Background: Social media platforms have become integral to daily life and increasingly disseminate health, nutrition, and food information. While these platforms can offer evidence-based nutrition education and meal planning guidance, a significant portion of content promotes unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy weight-loss practices, potentially contributing to disordered eating behaviors. The increasing prevalence of disordered eating, characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and attitudes, has become a global public health concern. This study examines whether social media consumption correlates with disordered eating symptoms in Israeli college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among college students at Ashkelon Academic College in Israel. The questionnaire assessed demographics, social media usage (platforms used, frequency, and content followed), body satisfaction, and disordered eating symptoms, measured via the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Results: The study sample comprised 580 students (73% were female and 27% were male) with a mean age of 27.87 years. Participants predominantly used multiple social media platforms, with a majority following food-, eating-, and health-related content. Despite having a normal BMI, a substantial number of participants reported body dissatisfaction. The results indicated a positive correlation between social media use and disordered eating symptoms. Individuals who frequently engaged with food-related content on social media exhibited higher levels of disordered eating. Moreover, body satisfaction emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between social media use and disordered eating symptoms. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the growing body of evidence linking social media use to disordered eating behaviors among young adults. Developing targeted interventions that promote media literacy and foster body positivity is essential. Additionally, future research should explore the long-term effects of social media on eating behaviors and the effectiveness of different prevention strategies. Full article

Due to climate, resource endowment, planting habits, policy publicity, subsidies, and constraints, there have been many problems in the utilization of straw resources in the cold, main grain-producing areas in northern China. Based on the theory of value perception, an analytical framework was constructed, and the ordered logistic model was used to form an empirical analysis of the questionnaire data of more than 60 townships in 7 cities of Heilongjiang Province, trying to analyze the problems existing in the utilization of straw resources. The results show that the external factors include policy subsidy, policy punishment, and transportation convenience. Among the internal reasons, farmers’ personal characteristics, production habits, and perception of technical effectiveness and convenience have a significant impact on the application of straw resource utilization technology. Therefore, improving the intensity and precision of subsidies, strengthening the intensity of punishment, improving the popularization of technology, strengthening the ideological education of farmers to clarify the ecological value of straw resource utilization, and strengthening the construction of infrastructure to improve the convenience of transportation are effective means to promote straw resource utilization technology and promote the green transformation of agriculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: The goal of childhood obesity treatment is to benefit the physical and mental health of children who suffer from it and to prevent complications, improving their quality of life and ensuring adequate development. Family-based interventions are demonstrating positive results, especially in prepubertal children. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family grocery basket intervention for the treatment of childhood obesity in a Spanish primary care office. Methods: A randomized controlled trial comparing a family grocery basket intervention through the analysis of unhealthy products included in the grocery receipts that families bring to the primary care office, in comparison with the usual interventions. Results: Ninety-one children participated in the study (intervention group: n = 60, control group: n = 31). After one year of follow-up, a relevant weight loss with a decrease of ≥0.5 SDS in the z-IMC was obtained in 60.6% of the total sample. In the intervention group, there was a significant decrease in the number of unhealthy products in the family grocery basket and a lower percentage of hypertension and severe obesity than in the control group. In families in which there was a significant decrease in the consumption of unhealthy products, a higher percentage of weight loss was observed. Conclusions: Intervention in the family grocery basket through receipts is an original, simple and effective tool for family-based treatment in childhood obesity. Full article

As a habitat for waterbirds, wetlands are key to their survival, reproduction and development. Waterbirds usually prefer breeding, wintering and resting in fixed locations. Siberian cranes (Grus leucogeranus), which are highly dependent on wetlands, have long fed on farmland at migratory stopover sites. To explore the reason for this phenomenon, the time budgets of Siberian crane populations stopping over on farmland or in wetland habitats were studied and compared in this study. The results showed that the farmlands visited by the Siberian cranes are rich in food resources and have experienced low levels of disturbance. The temporal distribution of feeding behavior on farmland (53.50%) was greater than that in wetland habitats (31.96%). The variations in warning, flying and walking behavior on farmland were less than those in wetlands. The feeding efficiency on farmland was significantly greater than that in wetlands. Therefore, Siberian cranes transiting the Songnen Plain leave wetland habitats and stop over on farmland, representing a behavior that occurs more than just occasionally. Instead, they change their foraging habitat choices based on the optimal foraging theory. As a transit feeding area for Siberian cranes, farmland poses a significant risk, and the restoration of wetland habitats and food resources is still needed. This study can provide theoretical support for the conservation of rare and endangered species (the Siberian crane) and the management of stopover sites. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of children aged 3–7 years in Wuxi and analyze the correlation between dietary behaviors, lifestyle, and psychological problems. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 3–7-year-old children from 18 kindergartens across Wuxi were selected as the survey subjects. An online survey was conducted to collect demographic information about children and their parents, dietary information, lifestyle data, and family backgrounds. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: A total of 3727 preschool children were included. The average SDQ score was 16.12 ± 4.00, with an abnormal rate of 40.81% (1521/3727). After adjusting for various confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that low dietary diversity (OR = 1.299, 95% CI: 1.131–1.492), daily consumption of ultra-processed foods (OR = 1.202, 95% CI: 1.051–1.376), picky eating behavior or ideas occurring more than twice per week (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.227–1.608), engaging in other activities while eating (such as watching TV or playing with toys) more than twice per week (OR = 1.742, 95% CI: 1.510–2.011), lack of a fixed dining position (OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.012–1.476), daily screen time exceeding 1 h (OR = 1.353, 95% CI: 1.152–1.590), and daily sleep duration of less than 9 h or more than 13 h (OR = 1.535, 95% CI: 1.262–1.866) were risk factors for psychological problems. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing insufficient dietary diversity, distracted eating, excessive screen time, and unhealthy sleep habits to improve the psychological well-being of preschool children. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of tailored health and lifestyle interventions for children and their families to mitigate these risks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal amino acid intake and its biological value may influence glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity, impacting the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to evaluate the association between amino acid intake from maternal diet before and during pregnancy and the risk of GDM. Methods: This study is part of the ongoing BORN2020 epidemiological Greek cohort. A validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used. Amino acid intakes were quantified from the FFQ responses. A multinomial logistic regression model, with adjustments made for maternal characteristics, lifestyle habits, and pregnancy-specific factors, was used. Results: A total of 797 pregnant women were recruited, of which 14.7% developed GDM. Higher cysteine intake during pregnancy was associated with an increase in GDM risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–23.46), corresponding to a 476% increase in risk. Additionally, higher intakes of aspartic acid (aOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.05–1.66), isoleucine (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03–2.14), phenylalanine (aOR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.04–2.45), and threonine (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.0–2.43) during pregnancy were also associated with increased GDM risk. Furthermore, total essential amino acid (EAA) (aOR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.0–1.09) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) (aOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.0–1.1) intakes during pregnancy were also linked to an increased risk of GDM. A secondary dose–response analysis affected by timing of assessment revealed that higher intake levels of specific amino acids showed a more pronounced risk. Conclusions: Optimizing the balance of certain amino acids during pregnancy may guide personalized nutritional interventions to mitigate GDM risk. Full article