We aim to examine how happiness modifies and mediates the impact of physical activity and nu-trition on cognitive function among 699 seniors aged 60 and above in Shanghai, China. Linear regression models were used to validate the effects of nutrition and exercise on cognitive function, and to test their interaction effects with happiness. When the interactions were significant, strati-fied analyses in sub-groups were conducted. Mediation effects of happiness were examined using two-step causal mediation models. We confirmed that better nutrition (p < 0.001) and exercise (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with less cognitive decline. Furthermore, the effects of nu-trition and exercise on cognitive decline were significant in the unhappy (happiness < 20) (p <0.001) and younger (age < 74) sub-groups (p = 0.015). Happiness partially mediated 11.5% of the negative association of cognitive decline with nutrition (p = 0.015) and 23.0% of that with exercise (p = 0.017). This study suggests that happiness moderates and also partially mediates the effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive status. The beneficial effects of exercise and nutrition were stronger in less happy or younger seniors. Future intervention studies are required to confirm this path relationship.

Keywords: Addis Ababa; dietary factors; nutritional status; school-age children

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on hemodialysis. Recently, our group described that a new oral nutritional supplement (ONS) for malnourished (or at-risk) hemodialysis patients with a "similar to the Mediterranean diet" model, improved caloric and protein intake, nutritional status and inflammation and oxidation biomarkers. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the new ONS, including probiotics, may produce changes in miRNAs expression and its target genes in malnourished hemodialysis patients, compared to individualized diet recommendations. We conducted a randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study in malnourished hemodialysis patients divided in 3 groups (1: Control -C- individualized diet 2: Oral nutritional supplement -ONS- + placebo -ONS-PL- and 3: ONS + probiotics -ONS-PR). Study registration: NCT03924089. The trial was open to the ONS diet or individual dietary advice, but double-blind for the intake of probiotics supplements. MiRNAs and gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. We observed that the expression of miR-29a and miR-29b increased significantly in patients with ONS-PR at 3 months in comparison with baseline, stabilizing at the sixth month. Moreover, we observed differences between studied groups, where miR-29b expression levels were elevated in patients receiving ONS-PR compared to the control group in the third month. Regarding the gene expression levels, we observed a decrease in the ONS-PR group compared to the control group in the third month for RUNX2 and TNFα. TGFB1 expression was decreased in the ONS-PR group compared to baseline in the third month. PTEN gene expression was significantly elevated in the ONS-PR group at 3-months in comparison with baseline. LEPTIN expression was significantly increased in ONS-PL group at 3-month intervention compared to baseline. The new Oral Nutritional Supplement associated with probiotics; increases the expression levels of miR-29a and miR-29b after 3 months of intervention, modifying the expression of target genes with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. This study highlights the potential benefit of this Oral Nutritional Supplement, especially associated with probiotics, in malnourished patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.

Supply chain disruptions, a pandemic, and war in Ukraine have exposed faultlines in a globalised food system that depends on a few staple crops grown in a few exporting regions and transported to consumers around the world. In the UK, just three crops, (wheat, barley, and oilseed rape), account for 75 per cent of the UK’s 4.5 million hectares of arable land whilst the country imports around half its food - nearly 40 per cent from just four EU countries (the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and France). Poor diets contribute to one in seven deaths in the UK, 63 per cent of the population is overweight or obese and health inequality is increasing between the poorest and most affluent regions. The food security and health of the UK population is therefore dependent on a small number of locally grown crops, vulnerable supply chains, and an unhealthy, obesogenic diet. The UK food system must diversify if it is to become food and nutritionally secure, meet its climate and biodiversity goals and have a healthy and active population. Climate resilient and nutritious underutilised crops can help diversify the UK agrifood system but, research and investment in them is sporadic, piecemeal, and unfocused. In this paper we compare two approaches to identifying potentially suitable underutilised crops for the UK. The first, based on Defra Project CH0224 was delivered through literature and database searches and expertise of growers, advisers, breeders, seed suppliers, processors, traders, and researchers. The second, used the CropBASE digital knowledge base for underutilised crops described in Jahanshiri et. al. (2023). The two approaches produced no single crop that was common to both shortlists. We propose that the analytical and predictive tools derived from CropBASE could be combined with local knowledge and expertise from the Defra project to provide a common framework for the identification of underutilised crops that are best suited to local UK circumstances now and in climates of the future.

As yin and yang, cancer and diabetes are metabolic disorders characterized by deregulated, yet opposing, metabolic alterations. These metabolic shifts reflect a complex network of defective underlying signaling pathways, which ultimately orchestrate both disease pathogenesis and progression. The Warburg effect portrays the chief metabolic phenotype in cancer and is reflected by the dominance of aerobic glycolysis over minimal-to-no viable oxidative phosphorylation in cancer. Conversely, during the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D), oxidative phosphorylation is constantly heightened. In advanced insulin resistance and T2D, the metabolic landscape becomes more complex, with exacerbating metabolic alterations affecting oxidative phosphorylation in a tissue-specific manner. Promising nutritional adjuvants, such as alpha-lipoic acid and flavonoids, can reprogram metabolism and exert antitumor and antidiabetic effects. Other pharmacological agents, such as metformin, have therapeutic effects on cancer and T2D. Herein, we discuss the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the metabolic shifts in cancer and T2D, and explore the therapeutic strategies under investigation that aim to reverse the metabolic shift in both disease scenarios.

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is recommended for patients with nutritional requirements who can stay in the familiar environment. HEN guidelines recommend assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to evaluate the effect of the treatment. NutriQoL® is a specific questionnaire developed to assess HRQoL in patients receiving HEN and validated in Spanish population. An observational, descriptive, and prospective study was carried out in two Spanish hospitals to describe the evolution of HRQoL, nutritional and health status in patients receiving HEN in routine clinical practice. Fifty-seven patients participated in the study, of whom 36 were followed-up after their inclusion. Most of them were at risk or moderate malnutrition (61.1%) or showed severe malnutrition (27.8%) at baseline. Patients with HEN showed an overall good HRQoL with a mean basal NutriQoL® score of 69.4, which increased to 74.3 after 12 months of follow-up; fifteen patients showed a clinically significant difference (≥4 points) after three months. The proportion of at-risk or severely malnourished patients decreased at the end of the follow-up period and, according to the physicians, their health status improved. Additionally, physicians considered useful the HRQoL evaluation in clinical practice. In conclusion, HRQoL is probably related to nutritional status improvement and, thus, should be considered for nutritional evaluation in clinical practice.

This study investigates the impact of the economic downturn induced by the COVID-19 pandemic on nutritional health disparities among women. The research aimed to understand how economic challenges have influenced dietary choices, access to nutritious food, and overall nutritional well-being in different socioeconomic groups of women.Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative data from national health and economic databases with qualitative insights from interviews conducted with a diverse group of women. The quantitative analysis focused on trends in nutritional health indicators and economic variables pre- and post-pandemic. Simultaneously, the qualitative component explored personal experiences and perceptions related to nutrition and economic hardships during the pandemic.The findings revealed a significant correlation between the economic downturn and worsening nutritional health among women, especially in low-income and marginalized communities. Women in these groups reported reduced access to healthy food options, increased reliance on less nutritious food due to budget constraints, and a general decline in dietary quality. This decline was less pronounced in higher-income groups, highlighting a clear disparity.Moreover, the study observed that the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing nutritional inequalities, with vulnerable groups experiencing a more pronounced impact. The research also noted that community support systems and public health interventions played a crucial role in mitigating some of these effects.In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed a direct health challenge but has also indirectly affected women's nutritional health through economic strain. The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional support and economic policies that prioritize the health of women, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is an annual herb that belongs to family Fabaceae, it is one of the most ancient food crops that has been grown in the world, and originated from southwestern Asia as early as 7000 BC. In Spain lentil acreage raised 42,200 ha in 2022, two authonomous regions Castilla-León and Castilla-La Mancha are traditionally the large producers. Lentils have the capacity to fix atmospheric N2 in symbiosis with rhizobia and, additionally it is considered moderately tolerant to drought which in turn makes this pulse a low water and carbon fingerprint crop. The aim of this study was to assess the symbiotic responsiveness to rhizobia strains of several lentil accessions from the Spanish germplasm bank, to determine the nutritional value and mineral seed composition and, to evaluate the agronomic performance of six selected accessions in two regions under rainfed conditions and different management systems. The protein content of all genotypes was higher than 25%, with two outstanding seeds from accessions: BGE025596 and BGE026702 which account for >30% of protein and <2% of fat. Accessions BGE016362 and, BGE026702 had an exceptional Fe content, > 1 g/100 g of seed flour. The agronomic performance varied depending upon the cropping región.

Zebrafish is a popular vertebrate model with limited knowledge of nutritional requirements and no established standard diets for scientific purposes. The aim of this study was to determine the inclusion range of lipids in semi-purified diets for zebrafish. Five isonitrogenous casein-gelatin based diets were formulated to contain 0.55%, 4.87%, 7.65%, 10.65%, and 13.94% of crude lipid (CL). Zebrafish (initial weight ± 232 mg) were distributed in 3 L aquaria in a recirculating water system in a completely randomized design (n=3). Fish were hand-fed twice daily to apparent satiety for 40 days. Weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein productive value of zebrafish increased signifi-cantly (P < 0.05) as CL increased up to 6.5, 8.3, and 8.6%, respectively, and decreased after this point. Survival of fish fed diets containing 0.55% CL was lower (P<0.05) than that of fish fed diets con-taining 4.87% to 13.94% CL. Body fat and adipocytes diameter of fish increased (P<0.05) increasing dietary CL levels. In conclusion, the ideal lipid level in semi-purified diets for zebrafish is between 6.5% and 8.6% of the diet.

Dementia is a rising public health concern. Feeding and nutritional problems increase as the disease progresses, affecting clinical course and caregiver burden. While some guidelines advise against percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and tube feeding in advanced dementia, conflicting evidence exists. This study aims evaluating nutritional status and the influence of PEG-feeding on outcome and evolution of nutritional/progonosis markers of patients with severe dementia (PWSD) who underwent gastrostomy for nutritional support. We conducted a 16-year rectrospective study on 100 PEG-fed PWSD with strong familiar support. We evaluated survival PEG-feeding period, safety, and objective nutritional/progonosis data at the gastrostomy day and after 3 months: Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Tricipital Skinfold, Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference, albumin, transferrin, total cholesterol and hemoglobin. Most patients presented low values in these nutritional/progonosis parameters. No major life-threatening PEG complications were reported. The mean survival time after gastrostomy was 27.9 months (median of 17 months). Female sex, BMI recovery at 3 months, and higher baseline hemoglobin levels were associated with a reduced risk of death and increased survival time. The study concluded that, in carefully selected PWSD with strong familiar support, PEG feeding can improve nutritional status and have a positive impact on survival.

Background: Although lower extremity revascularization is commonly performed in hemodialysis patients, poor prognosis remains a major problem. Protein-energy wasting is reportedly associated with chronic inflammation and advanced atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. We investigated the association between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) as a surrogate marker of protein-energy wasting, C-reactive protein (CRP), and their joint roles in the prediction of amputation and/or mortality. Methods: We enrolled 800 patients successfully underwent lower extremity revascularization. Patients were divided into low, middle and high tertile (T1, T2 and T3) according to GNRI and CRP levels, respectively. Results: Amputation-free survival rates for 8 years were 47.0%, 56.9%, and 69.5% in T1, T2, and T3 of the GNRI, and 65.8%, 58.7%, and 33.2% for T1, T2, and T3 of CRP, respectively (p<0.0001 for both). Declined GNRI [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-2.59, p=0.0016 for T1 vs. T3] and elevated CRP (aHR 1.86, 95%CI 1.30-2.70, p=0.0007 for T3 vs. T1) were independent predictors of amputation and/or mortality. In the combined setting of both variables, the risk was 3.77-fold higher (95% CI 1.97-7.69, p<0.0001) in the T1 of GNRI with T3 of CRP than in the T3 of GNRI with T1 of CRP. Conclusions: Patients with pre-procedural decreased GNRI and elevated CRP levels frequently experienced amputation and/or mortality, and a combination of both variables could more accurately stratify the risk.

Many countries are facing the advent of super-aging societies, where sarcopenia and frailty will become emerging problems. Elderly people suffer from various diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. The prevalence of comorbidities is a major problem in countries with aged populations. Underlying diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and also dementia are associated with sarcopenia and frailty, and they are frequent causes of falls, fractures, and a decline in ADL. Fractures in the elderly people are associated with bone fragility. Diabetes and chronic kidney disease are associated with bone fragility. Nutritional support for chronic disease patients and sarcopenic individuals with adequate energy and protein intake, vitamin D supplementation, blood-glucose-level management for individuals with diabetes, obesity prevention, nutritional education for healthy individuals, and the enlightenment of society could be crucial to solving the problems in super-aging societies.

Many countries are facing the advent of super-aging societies, where sarcopenia and frailty will become emerging problems. Elderly people suffer from various diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. The prevalence of comorbidities is a major problem in countries with aged populations. Underlying diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and also dementia are associated with sarcopenia and frailty, and they are frequent causes of falls, fractures, and a decline in activities of daily living. Fractures in the elderly people are associated with bone fragility, which is influenced by diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Nutritional support for chronic disease patients and sarcopenic individuals with adequate energy and protein intake, vitamin D supplementation, blood-glucose-level management for individuals with diabetes, obesity prevention, nutritional education for healthy individuals, and the enlightenment of society could be crucial to solving the problems in super-aging societies.

This general review assesses the impact of physical exercise on oxidative and nitrosative stress and the counteractive role of antioxidants, drawing from a systematic literature search up to March 2024 in databases like PubMed and Web of Science. The review highlights studies on the effect of exercise on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and antioxidant responses in both human and animal models based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Due to the variety of exercise types and participants' characteristics, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. The findings indicate that moderate exercise boosts antioxidant defenses, known as hormesis, whereas excessive physical activity may increase oxidative and nitrosative damage. The review also explores the complex effects of antioxidant supplementation, revealing that while natural dietary antioxidants support health, high-dose supplements could potentially hinder positive adaptations to exercise. Recommendations for athletes and the general active population highlight the importance of balancing exercise and dietary intake to optimize health benefits. The review concludes with a call for more detailed research on tailored exercise and nutrition plans to dissect these intricate relationships further.

Abstract: The search for alternative protein sources to soy-bean meal (SBM) in animal feeding is a strategic objective to reduce production costs and contribute to a sustainable animal produc-tion. Spirulina, due to the high protein content, has emerged as a potential cost-effective, sus-tainable, viable and high nutritional value food resource for many animal species. Insect larvae (Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens) are also considered potential alternatives to SBM, given their high edible percentage of almost 100%, as well as a protein value higher than that of vegetable proteins. Rapeseed meal and grain legumes, such as faba beans, peas, lupins and chickpea can also be used as locally producible protein ingredients. This study reviews the nutritional value of these potential alternatives to SBM in pig diets, effects on animal perfor-mance, digestion, immune system, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of meat, in-cluding processed meat products of pork. Limits on their use in pig feeding are also reviewed to indicate gaps to be filled in future research on the supplementation level of these potential al-ternative protein sources into pig diets.

Background: Nutritional status and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis and persistence of long COVID, but data in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the association between pre-infection nutritional status, oxidative stress, and one-year long COVID persistence in HD patients. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 115 HD patients with confirmed COVID-19. Nutritional status was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score twice: before infection and three months post-infection. Oxidative markers included malondialdehyde (MDAs), ceruloplasmin, transferrin, and sulfhydryl groups. The endpoint was one-year long COVID persistence. Results: Moderate pre-infection CONUT scores were associated with heightened severe undernutrition risk (p &lt; 0.0001), elevated MDAs (p &lt; 0.0001), and reduced ceruloplasmin levels (p = 0.0009) at three months post-COVID-19 compared to light CONUT scores. Pre-infection CONUT score independently predicted post-COVID oxidative damage [OR 2.3 (95%CI 1.2; 4.6), p &lt; 0.0001] and one-year long COVID persistence [HR 4.6 (95%CI 1.4; 9.9), p &lt; 0.0001], even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion: Moderate pre-infection undernutrition in patients undergoing HD associated with increased post-COVID oxidative stress intensity and heightened risk of one-year long COVID persistence.

The anthropometric features offer an overall image of the nutritional status. The investigated groups were aged 19 and 21. The anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded following standard procedures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the harmonious body development, the nutrition status and the body composition. The evolution of the stature increases until 20 years after which stagnation follows. The body mass index of subjects was found to be normal. The body fat may vary over time in subjects depending on age and gender. Body water and body muscle mass content increased with age. The harmony of body development was assessed by means of the Amar index. Regarding the constitutional index, the women subjects belong to the leptosome type and the male subjects belong to the picnic type. The status of the investigated subjects is within the average stature.

Mothers of children with a specific clinical condition such as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may experience higher levels of stress predisposing them to a poorer perception of quality of life and alterations in nutritional status. The aim of this research was to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life perception of mothers caring for children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. This research was conducted from July to September 2022, with mothers of children aged 5 to 10 years with diabetes. Data were collected through an online questionnaire including soci-oeconomic information, anthropometric data, clinical data of the children, and the WHO-QOL-abbreviated quality of life questionnaire. For statistical analysis, Statistical Package for Social Science 24 was used. Fifty-five mothers of children with diabetes were evaluated. Over 33% of the mothers were overweight and reported a regular perception of quality of life. Higher BMI was associated with poorer perception of quality of life in the psychological and self-assessment domains, and longer diagnosis time was associated with better perception of quality of life in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains. Therefore, it is understood that actions aimed at improving the quality of life of these mothers are necessary.

Pressure Ulcers (PU) are a debilitating and often painful condition. They are localized lesions on the skin and/or underlying tissues and are common in the elderly, immobile people, diabetics and vascular disease or malnutrition, as well as in those requiring intensive or palliative care. Prevention and treatment of PU involve strategies to optimize hydration, circulation and nutrition. Nutrition plays a key role in pressure ulcer care because wounds require macronutrients and micronutrients to heal. Reports relating to the effectiveness of "Complementary Enzyme Therapy" also in the vulnological field led us to this study, the aim of which was to test the activity of a biodynamic nutritional supplement (Citozym®), characterized by a marked antioxidant activity, administered topically and/or systemically, in patients suffering from PU. The treatment showed a marked reduction in bedsores and in many cases their complete healing. Furthermore, it was possible to observe a lower incidence of side effects compared to conventional therapies. The results obtained, confirmed by various tests, and recognized by the scientific community, allow us to conclude that treatment with Citozym® could represent a new and effective strategy for the treatment of PU.

Background: Modulator therapies improve weight and body mass index (BMI) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We aimed to compare the nutritional risk index (NRI) in adult CF patients receiving modulator (MT) or only non-modulator (conventional) therapies (non-MT). Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted between June-December 2023. The NRI based on weight gain and albumin was calculated at beginning and end of a 12 weeks period in both groups. This design was pragmatic, since based on individual patient access to MT for 12 weeks. Results: 107 patients were included [mean (SD) age: 23.85 (4.98) years, 54.7% male, 46.7% MT]. In the MT group, mean (SD) weight (kg) and albumin (g/dL) increased significantly [changes: +3.09 (2.74) and +0.17 (0.37); p

To investigate the effects of organic fertilizer combined with reduced chemical fertilizer on radish yield, quality, and soil environment in high mountainous areas (elevation: 1800 m), and to mitigate the environmental pollution caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The field trial was conducted to study the effects of different fertilizer treatments. (Control:local fertilizer application rate: 375 kg·hm² reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·hm² organic fertilizer; T1:12% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·hm² organic fertilizer; T2:20% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·hm² of organic fertilizer; T3:28% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·hm² organic fertilizer). Four different fertilizer ratios were studied to assess their impacts on radish quality, yield, and soil environment. The findings showed that T2 significantly increased radish yield by 12.92%. Moreover, it led to significant improvements in the content of vitamin C, soluble sugars, soluble solids, soluble proteins, titratable acidity, and glucosinolates, which increased by 10.62%, 2.15%, 50.00%, 26.90%, 43.90%, and 44.57%, respectively. Treatment T2 also significantly increased soil nutrient content, with a 7.69% and 14.29% increase in total nitrogen and total phosphorus content compared to the control (Control) treatment, and a significant reduction of 21.64% in soil bulk density . T2 treatment significantly enhanced soil urease activity, sucrase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and catalase activity, showing an improvement of 28.97%, 55.92%, 52.08%, and 17.47% compared to the control, respectively (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, treatment T2 resulted in a relative abundance increase of 12.25% and 10.43% in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria respectively. Thus, the combined application of T2:20% reduction in chemical fertilizer + 4500 kg·hm² of organic fertilizer improved the quality and yield of radish while optimizing the soil environment. T2 effectively promoted radish growth, enhanced radish yield and quality, and improved the soil environment.