Search Results (372)

The low intake of fruit and vegetables among the Polish population prompts a search for factors that can be addressed in dietary interventions, such as the family food environment. Background/Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore the link between maternal feeding practices applied to children aged 4–10 years and fruit and vegetable intake among children and their mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview technique took place in 2020–2021 among 260 Polish women who were mothers of children aged 4–10. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear and logistic regression. Results: The mother’s intake of fruit was strongly correlated with the children’s intake of fruit (β = 0.309; p < 0.001), and a similar correlation was found for vegetable intake (β = 0.428; p < 0.001). Apart from the mother’s fruit and vegetable intake, the Food as a Reward practice correlated negatively (β = −0.164; p = 0.015), while Monitoring (β = 0.158; p = 0.017) and Modeling (β = 0.170; p = 0.028) correlated positively with vegetable intake in children. The Monitoring practice correlated positively (β = 0.221; p < 0.001) with children’s fruit intake. After adjusting for the mother’s age, child’s gender, and mother’s recommended intake of fruit and vegetables, the Monitoring practice (OR = 1.971; p = 0.025) positively correlated with meeting the daily recommendations of fruit and vegetables in children. However, the Food as a Reward (OR = 0.484; p = 0.018) and Emotion Regulation (OR = 0.345; p = 0.008) practices negatively correlated with meeting the daily recommendations of fruit and vegetables in children aged 4–6, while the Monitoring practice (OR = 4.141; p = 0.017) correlated positively with meeting the daily recommendations of fruit and vegetables in children aged 7–10. Conclusions: The findings have shown that the mother’s fruit intake strongly correlates with the child’s fruit intake. Moreover, some maternal feeding practices, i.e., the Food as a Reward and Emotion Regulation practices, were negatively associated with meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations in younger children, while the Monitoring practice was positively related to meeting them in older children. Full article

Feed additives are crucial in livestock production, enhancing performance, health, and reproductive efficiency. Recently, there has been a shift toward natural biomolecules as feed additives, specifically targeting improved reproductive outcomes and sperm quality. This transition arises from concerns about antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, along with the superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and reduced environmental impact of natural biomolecules compared to synthetic alternatives. Collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and regulators is essential to ensure safe and effective livestock management. The review explores advancements in using vital biomolecules in reproductive processes, including plant-derived bioactives such as phytochemicals and antioxidants. It investigates not only the mechanisms but also the intricate interactions of these compounds with animals’ hormonal and physiological systems. Additionally, the review critically assesses challenges and prospects related to incorporating natural biomolecules into livestock practices. The potential benefits include enhanced reproductive efficiency and improved sperm quality. However, successful implementation requires understanding factors like precise dosing, potential interactions, and long-term health impacts. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights recent research, technological strides, and the future potential of integrating natural biomolecules into animal diets. Full article

Objectives: Early environmental factors have a significant impact on the development of atopic conditions in children. Breastfeeding has been highlighted for its role in enhancing both immune support and cognitive development. Early allergic conditions and maternal behaviors are linked to cognitive and neurodevelopmental challenges. Our study aims to compare children from atopic families focusing on early nutrition and the neuropsychological development of children, especially in the presence of an allergic predisposition. Materials and methods: The study included 120 children with a family history of allergies (55% boys). Children were divided into group A, children breastfed for at least two months, and group B, children breastfed for less than two months or fed with formula. The study measurements and outcomes included demographic and social data, medical data, the smoking status of the parents, breastfeeding and early feeding practices, and anthropometric measurements. The assessment of the neurological development was carried out with a validated Developmental Profile-3 questionnaire. Diagnosis of allergic conditions was carried out with the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) questionnaire for assessing atopic dermatitis; the CoMiSS (Cow’s Milk-Related Allergy Symptom Score) questionnaire for potential cow’s milk protein allergy and Prick testing and elimination-provocation protocol were used to confirm allergic status in children with atopic conditions. Data were analyzed using Jamovi 2.2.2 software, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The age of the examined children was 13 ÷ 31 months, the age of the mothers was 21 ÷ 42 years, and that of the fathers was 22 ÷ 44 years. Educational levels among mothers were 68.35% (n = 54) with higher education in group A and 61.5% (n = 24) in group B, compared to fathers with rates of higher education of, respectively, 54.3% (n = 44) and 38.5% (n = 15). The average gestational age of the children was 38.8 ± 1.08 weeks, and the relative share of cesarean delivery—50.8% (n = 61)—was slightly higher than vaginal delivery. Anthropometric results (HAZ, WAZ, BMIAZ) did not show a statistically significant influence of the type of feeding (breastfeeding, standard formula, or hydrolyzed formula) on growth during the first two months after birth (p > 0.05). During the study period, a significant number of the children developed allergic conditions, which were more common in children from group A—43.2% (n = 35)—compared to group B—38.5% (n = 15). In the families included in the study, mothers smoked more often (53.3%; n = 64) than fathers (43.3%; n = 52), and 13.3% (n = 16) of the women smoked during pregnancy. Children’s neuropsychological development, assessed with the DP-3 questionnaire, according to the duration of breastfeeding, does not show statistically significant differences for the five functional areas (“Physical development”, “Adaptive behavior”, “Social-emotional” Development”, “Cognitive development “, and “Communication”) or the overall development of children from both groups. The neuropsychological development (DP-3) of the group A children showed correlations with the presence of atopic dermatitis, parents’ age, father’s level of education, mother’s smoking during pregnancy, number of cigarettes smoked by the mother per day, and cesarean delivery. Maternal smoking (number of cigarettes per day) had significant negative correlations with all areas of children’s neuropsychological development, which were most pronounced with physical (rho = −0.352; p = 0.001) and overall development (rho = −0.329; p= 0.003). Cesarean delivery moderately correlated with physical development (rho = 0.292; p = 0.008) and adaptive behavior (rho = −0.294; p = 0.008). In group B, neuropsychological development (DP-3) correlates most clearly with allergic conditions (allergy at two years of age and atopic dermatitis), as well as with maternal smoking during pregnancy, with a strong negative correlation with physical development (rho = −0.510; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study reinforces the link between early feeding practices, neuropsychological development, and allergic conditions, emphasizing the lasting effects they have on children’s neurological health. However, limitations such as the relatively small sample size and reliance on parental reporting may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future studies with larger cohorts and objective biomarkers for allergic conditions are needed to further validate these results. Full article

Enteral nutrition (EN) has been reported to have some physiological importance for critically ill patients. However, the advantage of EN over parenteral nutrition remains controversial in recent paradigms. To maximize the benefits and efficiency of EN, implementing measures based on comprehensive evidence is essential. Here, we systematically reviewed EN-related studies and integrated them into the best and most up-to-date EN practices. We extracted studies from 13 systematic reviews during the development of Japanese Critical Care Nutrition Guidelines, summarizing findings on the assessment of enteral feeding intolerance (EFI), the timing of EN, formula composition and nutrients, and method of administration in critically ill adult patients. Multifaceted EFI assessment may be needed in patients for high-risk patients. Early EN may reduce infectious complications, and initiating EN even earlier may offer an additional advantage. High protein intake (≥1.2 g/kg/day) could maintain muscle mass and physical function without increasing gastrointestinal complications. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may serve as beneficial options for preventing infection and gastrointestinal complications, although their efficacy depends on the strains, types, and combinations used. For patients with EFI, post-pyloric feeding could be an effective approach, while intermittent feeding may be a safer approach. Both methods should be utilized to achieve nutritional targets. Integrating these nutritional interventions into EN strategies may help maximize their effectiveness and minimize complications. However, careful consideration regarding timing, dosage, nutrient selection, administration methods, and patient selection is required. Full article

The sturgeon population has experienced strict threats due to inordinate human activities in the last decade and has been classified into the Red List of Threatened Species in recent years. Stock enhancement is one effective practice for the conservation of wild sturgeons. However, the survival conditions for sturgeon were not satisfactory after they were directly restocked into their natural habitat. Huso dauricus is an important protected sturgeon species, and finding an appropriate conservation strategy for the wild population is urgent. To clarify the dynamic adaptability of Huso dauricus to its wild environment, 1000 individuals were released into a natural river. On the 0th, 7th, 14th, and 30th days, five recaptured individuals were used to evaluate the dynamic trends in biochemical biomarkers, intestinal histomorphology, gut microbe taxon composition, and transcription profile over 30 days of stock enhancement. Our results indicated that Huso dauricus individuals still had a physiological stress status on the seventh day and then gradually adapted to the wild habitat 14 days after reintroduction based on the serum cortisol level. Meanwhile, the feeding habitat, organ function indicators, and growth performance showed similar dynamic changes within 30 days. Interestingly, their gut bacterial diversity and taxon structure also fluctuated over the 30 days after restocking, and they were accompanied by dynamic changes in intestinal pathological injury and tight junction protein expression in this period. The transcriptome analysis revealed the dynamic adaptability of Huso dauricus to wild habitats associated with the expression modes of genes related to the FoxO family, immune system, cytochrome family, and ATP metabolism. Taken together, the findings of the present research demonstrated that artificial reintroduction had dynamic impacts on the health condition of Huso dauricus and that 14 days of wilderness training might be essential for sturgeon restocking practices. Our study revealed the adaption mechanism of Huso dauricus at the molecular level during the restocking period and shed light on the theoretical guidelines for wild sturgeon conservation. Full article

Passiflora edulis Sims peel (Chinese name Baixiangguo, BXG) is a by-product with a high nutritional and economic value of Passiflora edulis Sims. In this study, corn was partly replaced with BXG to make feed for finishing pigs and the effects on the carcass traits, meat quality, muscle amino acid profile, and gene expression of finishing pigs were evaluated. A total of 20 healthy finishing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large) were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (CON) was fed the basal diet, and the experimental group (BXG) was fed a basal diet with BXG instead of 10% corn for a period of 43 d. Compared to the CON group, the carcass weight, intramuscular fat content, and marbling score were significantly increased, while the drip loss, b^* value, and shear force of the BXG group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis showed that the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis and oxidative-type fiber related genes was significantly increased in the BXG group (p < 0.05). Proteomic research revealed that the metabolic pathways of the BXG and CON groups differed significantly. A total of 36 differentially expressed proteins were identified, mainly related to energy metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and endocrine regulation pathways. However, the contents of glutamine, glutamate, proline, and other amino acids in the BXG group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Overall, this study has a positive effect on improving meat quality, but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored, which offers practical guidance for the application of BXG in producing higher-quality pork and further promotes its commercial application. Full article

Climate change has a great impact on wildlife, which needs to be considered when designing conservation and management practices in habitats rich in biodiversity, such as wetlands and forests. Varied responses to climate change of species with different environmental preferences can be used to monitor different aspects of the environment. Since 2000, we have observed contrasting changes in the numbers of two related forest bird species, Goldcrest and Firecrest, monitored during autumn migration (14 August–1 November) over 1976–2024 by mist netting at 2 bird ringing stations on the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. At both stations of the Operation Baltic project (Bukowo-Kopań and Mierzeja Wiślana), located ca 200 km apart, we observed a long-term decline in the number of Goldcrest since the 1980s but an increase in the number of Firecrest since the year 2000. These two species with ranges overlapping in Europe slightly differ in their preferences for breeding habitat and migration strategies. We found that in both species, the changes in migrating bird abundance in autumn at both stations were correlated with the Pan-European breeding population trends from the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS) over 1982–2022. These correlations suggest that some Europe-wide factors underly these changes. Thus, we analyzed the effects of seven climate factors: the European Temperature Anomaly and the North Atlantic Oscillation Index in spring (March–April), summer (May–July) and autumn (October), and the Eurasian Snow Cover in October, on bird abundance indexes during breeding and autumn migration, using multiple regression models. Both species were more abundant during breeding and migration after warm springs, which conduce their early breeding and two broods per season, thus improving their breeding success. But with warm summers, Goldcrest were less abundant during breeding in Europe and on migration at Bukowo-Kopań. We attribute that pattern to Goldcrest’s tendency to overwinter in Scandinavia after warm summers. We suggest that this strategy became an ecological trap, as the climate change in Europe involves the increase of summer temperatures by 2 °C over the last 42 years but also earlier snow in October, which impedes Goldcrest’s feeding. These factors, combined with the decreasing proportion of coniferous forests in Scandinavia, which are Goldcrest’s main breeding habitat, assumably caused the species’ decline, which we expect to continue. Firecrest showed a weaker response to snow in October, but their autumn migration at both stations shifted earlier since the late 1980s, alleviating any effect of early winters. Warm spring and summers favor Firecrest abundance during breeding and migration. Firecrest also benefit from more broadleaf trees in Fennoscandia, thus we expect this species to expand its breeding range farther northeast and to continue the population increase. The change in forest management policy in Scandinavia by planting more broadleaf trees aims at increasing biodiversity and might considerably influence the forest environment. Thus, it is imperative to identify the methods suited for early detection of such changes. We showed that monitoring the numbers of migrating birds provides good indicators of the effects of short- and long-term environmental changes on bird populations. Full article

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication among preterm infants, and nutrition plays a crucial role in its prevention and management. While the nutritional superiority of human milk over preterm formula is well documented, comparisons of the protective benefits of mother’s own milk (MOM) versus donor human milk (DHM) in preterm infants are lacking. We aim to investigate if and how the use of MOM or DHM at the initiation of enteral feeding influences the development of BPD and other respiratory outcomes. Methods: This study evaluated the incidence of BPD and other prematurity outcomes in a cohort of 159 very preterm infants (≤32 weeks GA) who commenced enteral feeding with either MOM or DHM. Results: Enteral feeding was initiated with MOM in 75.5% of the infants and DHM in 24.5%. The incidence of BPD was 24.8% (39 infants), and 10.4% (16 infants) developed moderate-to-severe BPD. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed no significant differences between the MOM and DHM groups in the rates of BPD, other respiratory outcomes, or key prematurity-related morbidities. Conclusions: Despite the unique bioactive properties of MOM, these findings suggest that DHM is a valid alternative that does not significantly increase the incidence of BPD or other clinical outcomes. Further studies are required to determine the relative contributions of milk volumes and feeding practices to the observed findings. Full article

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between rumination time and various parameters related to eating and locomotion, including other chews, eating chews, eating time, drinking gulps, bolus counts, chews per minute, activity, and activity change, utilizing RumiWatch technology. The RumiWatch noseband sensor (RWS; ITIN + HOCH GmbH, Feeding Technology, Liestal, Switzerland) was utilized to record time and frequency related to rumination, eating, and movement behaviors. The RumiWatch system (RWS) was put into operation from 1 June 2023 to 30 June 2023. The first two weeks, from 1 June to 14 June 2023 at 7 a.m., served as a period for the cows to acclimate to the RWS, acting as an adjustment phase. Monitoring activities with the RWS commenced on 7 a.m. and lasted until the end of the month, 30 June 2023, with data being recorded daily on an hourly basis. Our findings indicate a significant negative correlation between rumination time and other activity time (r = −0.50), which represents the duration cows allocate to behaviors outside of eating, chewing cud, or distinct movement activities. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between rumination time and eating time (r = −0.54). Furthermore, we observed strong positive correlations with rumination chews (r = 0.84) and bolus (r = 0.75). A weaker positive correlation was found with chews per minute (r = 0.29), while no significant correlation was detected with drinking gulps (r = 0.10). Based on our findings, we recommend the implementation of the RumiWatch System for monitoring rumination and feeding behaviors in lactating dairy cattle. This technology provides valuable insights into cow health and welfare, enabling early detection of potential health issues and improving herd management practices. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEA) is one of the common mycotoxins in feeds. ZEA and its metabolites have estrogen-like activity and can competitively bind to estrogen receptors, causing reproductive dysfunction and damage to reproductive organs. The toxicity mechanism of ZEA mainly inhibits the antioxidant pathway and antioxidant enzyme activity, induces cell cycle arrest and DNA damage, and blocks the process of cellular autophagy to produce toxic effects. In animal husbandry practice, when animals ingest ZEA-contaminated feed, it is likely to lead to abortion in females, abnormal sperm viability in males with inflammatory reactions in various organs, and cancerous changes in the reproductive organs of humans when they ingest contaminated animal products. In this paper, we reviewed in detail how ZEA induces oxidative damage by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the expression of genes related to oxidative pathways, induces germ cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways, and activates the expression of genes related to autophagy in order to induce cellular autophagy. In addition, the molecular detoxification mechanism of ZEA is also explored in this paper, aiming to provide a new direction and theoretical basis for the development of new ZEA detoxification methods to better reduce the global pollution and harm caused by ZEA. Full article

Agroecology is increasingly used to study the evolution of farms and food systems, in which livestock plays a significant part. While large-scale specialized livestock farms are sometimes criticized for their contribution to climate change and nutrient cycle disruption, interest in alternative practices such as raising multiple species, integrating crop and livestock, relying on pasture, and marketing through short supply chains is growing. Through a narrative review, we aimed to determine if the scientific literature allowed for an evaluation of the agroecological contribution of alternative livestock farming practices. Taking advantage of ruminants’ capacity to digest human-inedible plant material such as hay and pasture on marginal land reduces the competition between livestock feed and human food for arable land. Taking advantage of monogastric animals’ capacity to digest food waste or byproducts limits the need for grain feed. Pasturing spreads manure directly on the field and allows for the expression of natural animal behavior. Animals raised on alternative livestock farms, however, grow slower and live longer than those raised on large specialized farms. This causes them to consume more feed and to emit more greenhouse gases per unit of meat produced. Direct or short supply chain marketing fosters geographical and relational proximity, but alternative livestock farms’ contribution to the social equity and responsibility principles of agroecology are not well documented. Policy aimed at promoting practices currently in place on alternative livestock farms is compatible with agroecology but has to be envisioned in parallel with a reduction in animal consumption in order to balance nutrient and carbon cycles. Full article

Background: The prevalence of sexual dysfunctions varies from 35.5% to over 80% among postpartum women. Controversy exists regarding the risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the postpartum period. It remains unclear whether breastfeeding types contribute to the development of FSDs differently. Aims: The primary goal of this meta-analysis was to explore the role of baby feeding practices in developing sexual dysfunctions in women. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search using the biomedical databases Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, the Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline. We looked for peer-reviewed, original studies written in English, Polish, and Arabic and published between January 2000 and June 2023. We included publications that reported scores in sexuality domains assessed with the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI) and any sexuality-related issues during postpartum. The FSFI scores were combined in a meta-analysis using the random-effects inverse-variance model. Other findings were synthesized with a narrative review. Results: Eighteen articles met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Sexual dysfunctions were detected in all the women, irrespective of the feeding type. Better overall sexual functioning was reported among women using complementary feeding than among those who breastfed exclusively or used baby bottles: 22.16, 95% CI [21.68; 22.65]; 21.61, 95% CI [20.27; 22.95]; and 20.18, 95% CI: [20.93; 61.30], respectively. Slightly lower scores were reported in all the FSFI subscales in exclusively breastfeeding women compared to those using the complementary method. Conclusions: Breastfeeding females experience difficulties in sexual life during the postpartum period, irrespective of the feeding type. These findings can help in designing preventive measures for tackling postpartum sexual dysfunctions in women. Full article

Background: Household food insecurity (HFI) is a serious public health concern in Lebanon. Adverse mental health issues have been reported among food insecure households in addition to physical and nutritional complications. Caregivers in food insecure families tend to adopt different coping mechanisms to mitigate the effects of food insecurity (FI) on their children. Objective: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to explore the relationship between FI, maternal depression, child malnutrition, and differential coping mechanisms adopted by mothers. Methods: A total of 219 women were enrolled in this study; FI was assessed using the household food insecurity assessment (HFIAS), maternal depression using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and their children’s nutritional status through recall of anthropometric measurements. Pearson’s correlations and logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the associations between HFI, maternal depression, and children’s nutritional status. Results: A strong positive correlation between HFI and maternal depression (p = 0.001) and children’s nutritional status (p = 0.008) was shown. Logistic regressions revealed that being food secure decreased the risk of maternal depression (OR = 0.328, 95% CI 0.125–0.863, p = 0.024), while it did not predict children’s nutritional status. Eight main themes related to coping mechanisms were identified. Conclusions: This study highlights the understudied relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression, showing an increased prevalence of HFI among residents in Lebanon with a positive correlation with increased maternal depression. Further investigation is warranted to better explore how to mitigate the negative impact of food insecurity on mental health, maternal nutritional needs, and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon. Full article

Chemosensation and mechanosensation are vital to insects’ survival and behavior, shaping critical physiological processes such as feeding, metabolism, mating, and reproduction. During feeding, insects rely on diverse chemosensory and mechanosensory receptors to distinguish between nutritious and harmful substances, enabling them to select suitable food sources while avoiding toxins. These receptors are distributed across various body parts, allowing insects to detect environmental cues about food quality and adjust their behaviors accordingly. A deeper understanding of insect sensory physiology, especially during feeding, not only enhances our knowledge of insect biology but also offers significant opportunities for practical applications. This review highlights recent advancements in research on feeding-related sensory receptors, covering a wide range of insect species, from the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to agricultural and human pests. Additionally, this review examines the potential of targeting insect sensory receptors for precision pest control. Disrupting behaviors such as feeding and reproduction emerges as a promising strategy for pest management. By interfering with these essential behaviors, we can effectively control pest populations while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting ecological balance. Full article

Background: Breastfeeding in Syria is a common practice supported by social norms, family traditions, and cultural values. In Hungary, recent statistics show that exclusive breastfeeding is significantly lower than the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Understanding the perspectives of educated young ladies is crucial for discovering the difficulties of breastfeeding practices within Syrian–Hungarian societies. This study explores the sociocultural factors and their impact on breastfeeding behaviours among female students in Syria and Hungary. Methods: A comprehensive, multi-section questionnaire was administered to 317 students from Damascus University and 303 students from Hungarian universities, designed to assess breastfeeding behaviours evaluated through The Breastfeeding Behaviour Questionnaire (BBQ). Results: The results in both societies showed remarkable awareness and understanding among participants regarding breastfeeding. Traditions and culture affect Syrian society more than Hungarian society; the two societies have restricted responses toward breastfeeding in public and different reactions to breastfeeding in front of males or females. Most students disagree with preferring formula feeding to breastfeeding when it is related to the family or the husband’s desire only. At the same time, agreement with choosing the bottle when the mother returns to work instead of exclusively breastfeeding is valued differently in the two societies. Conclusions: This study elucidates the essential the sociocultural factors influencing breastfeeding attitudes among Syrian and Hungarian female students, highlighting the need for culturally suitable strategies to improve breastfeeding practices in both countries. Full article