Food Availability Research Articles

Attitudes towards healthy eating and its determinants among older adults in a deprived region of Hungary: implications for the National Healthy Aging Program.

A healthy diet is a key determinant of successful aging. However, the psychological, social, and physiological changes associated with ageing often disrupt dietary behaviours. Hungary has one of the highest rates of chronic age-related diseases in the European Union, exacerbated by unhealthy dietary patterns and rapid population aging. This study evaluates attitudes and barriers to healthy eating among older adults in a socioeconomically disadvantaged region of Hungary, identifying determinants of these attitudes across different age groups. A cross-sectional survey sampled 678 adults aged 18 and older from Northeast Hungary, assessing their beliefs on healthy eating through an attitude score (range: 9-45). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between mental health, self-perceived health, and attitudes toward healthy eating. The mean attitude score was 31.47 (± 5.14), with older adults (≥ 65years) showing significantly greater uncertainty about dietary choices. The cost of healthy food was the most frequently reported barrier, regardless of age. Regression results revealed that older adults with higher well-being (B = 0.03, p = 0.026), life satisfaction (B = 0.40, p = 0.005), and self-perceived health (fair: B = 2.20, p = 0.003; good/very good: B = 1.96, p = 0.031) were more likely to have positive attitudes toward healthy eating. These results emphasize the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in educational interventions to promote healthier diets. Tailored approaches addressing affordability and accessibility of healthy foods are critical to advancing Hungary's National Healthy Aging Program and mitigating dietary risk factors among vulnerable populations.

How do extreme fluctuations in water level affect fish condition in Amazonian Floodplain Lakes?

The annual flood pulse is a defining feature of Amazonian floodplain lakes, creating a highly variable environment that influences resource availability, such as food and habitat. These cyclical changes necessitate a high degree of adaptability among fish species, many of which have evolved specialized strategies to cope with the fluctuating conditions. In 2023, the Amazon basin experienced a record-breaking drought event, leading to mass mortality of Amazonian fish and other wildlife. This study examines the effect of this extreme event on fish condition in white-water (Rio Solimões basin) and black-water (Rio Negro basin) floodplain lakes. These contrasting environments provide a unique opportunity to study how different water qualities and extreme water-level fluctuations impact fish condition. Research was conducted during the normal low-water period in November 2019 and the drastically decreased water levels in November 2023. The main objective was to understand how extreme water-level fluctuations affect fish health and nutritional status. A total of 585 fishes were analyzed, with 294 from white-water and 291 from black-water, representing different feeding types to provide a comprehensive picture of changes in fish condition. Water-level changes had a statistically significant impact on fish condition in both areas. Comparing low-water and extreme low-water levels, fish condition was consistently higher during the normal low-water period. The linear mixed-effects model revealed that the intensity of the low-water season had a significant effect on fish length-adjusted mass, suggesting that the decrease in water level is associated with an overall decrease in fish length-adjusted mass. When comparing the mean water-level effect (Glass's Δ) between low-water and extreme low-water levels, we found a bigger effect in the black-water system than in the white-water system. This difference may be attributed to the lower nutrient content and higher levels of humic acids and refractory dissolved organic matter in black-water, which can further limit primary productivity and food availability for fishes.

Analyzing Land Conversion Rate and Conversion Farmer Household Food Security in Bakalan Village, Pasuruan Regency

The conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses presents significant challenges to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic progress in Bakalan Village. Food security categories for Bakalan Village conversion farmer families are assessed in this study using System Dynamic and Land Conversion Rate Analysis. A causal loop diagram illustrates the complex relationships between land conversion, food availability, affordability, and needs, crucial for understanding food security dynamics. Higher land conversion rates negatively impact food availability, risking local food security. System Dynamic integrates agricultural and non-agricultural income sources to model food affordability, a key food security determinant. Annual iterations capture fluctuations in land use, income, and food indicators, revealing the evolving impact on food security. This research emphasizes the need for sustainable land use practices, incentivizing land preservation, and promoting diversified incomes to ensure food security, environmental resilience, and socio-economic stability in Bakalan Village and similar agricultural communities globally. Adaptive policies informed by such models are essential for addressing these multifaceted challenges effectively.

Assessing a Community Partnership Addressing Food Security Among Older Adults During COVID-19

For many vulnerable older adults, food access was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Hawai‘i, the Kūpuna (the Hawaiian word for elders) Food Security Coalition (KFSC) was formed in March 2020 to address this challenge, leveraging local and federal funding support. This case study presents information on coalition formation and success in addressing this emergency, as well as evaluation data on coalition functioning as assessed by the Collective Impact (CI) framework. Coalition functioning was assessed across the five CI conditions: common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support. Case study data were available from interview and learning circle transcripts, survey findings, and other program documents. Between March and December 2020, the KFSC coordinated efforts of 46 organizations to serve approximately 1.2 million meals to 8300 vulnerable seniors in Honolulu County. Within the first 9 months of existence, the coalition’s measurement system and the common agenda conditions showed advanced maturity, while the other conditions demonstrated moderate maturity levels. Despite challenging leadership transitions, the coalition was successful in helping increase food access and then pivoting in 2021 to promote kūpuna vaccinations, and the coalition continues to meet regularly to address issues of concern to vulnerable older adults. This study provides evidence-based guidance for communities seeking to establish public/non-profit partnerships for emergency food response for older adults, demonstrating how structured coalition approaches can effectively mobilize and coordinate multi-stakeholder efforts during and beyond crises.

Mother’s food neophobia and eating disorder: Are they associated with child’s eating behavior? A study of mother-child pairs

ABSTRACT There may be links between maternal food neophobia (MFN), eating disorders, and children’s food preference. To define whether MFN and eating disorders affect their children’s eating behaviors. The survey included of socio-demographic characteristics, Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), Eating Attitude Test 26 (EAT26) and Children Eating Behaviour Scale. Children’s energy and nutrient intakes were assessed through interviews with their mothers (24-hour dietary recall method). Anthropometric measurements of children were measured and of mothers were recorded. Linear regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships between maternal characteristics and children’s food approach and avoidant behaviors. Mothers (n = 360) and children (n = 360; aged 3–5 years) were enrolled. Of the mothers, 166 were neophobic, 194 neophilic. MFN score inversely correlated with children’s energy and several vitamins and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn) intake (all p < .05). The results of the regression analysis indicated that the Children’s Food Approach score was influenced by the mother’s age, BMI, FNS, and EAT-26 score. Conversely, the Children’s Food Avoidant score was found to be affected by the mother’s FNS and EAT-26 score. MFN and maternal eating attitudes have a significant impact on children’s food access and avoidance.

Spatial Dynamics of Macrobenthos Assemblages in Different Breakwater Systems in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

The Sultan Mahmud Airport runway extension in 2008 resulted in coastal erosion along the Kuala Nerus shorelines. In response, different breakwater systems were constructed to mitigate erosion. Despite previous reports highlighting the effects of breakwaters on marine organisms, the local impact remains uncertain. Therefore, this study investigates the spatial impact of different breakwater systems on macrobenthos composition in the Kuala Nerus coastal area. Samplings were conducted at 12 substations across five main stations, covering sheltered and exposed areas. Results revealed 27,137 macrobenthos individuals, with groyne exhibiting the highest macrobenthos composition (8448.79 ± 2813.73 ind./m2). Gastropoda dominated (4971.01–41608.70 ind./m2), followed by Bivalvia (2927.54–12391.20 ind./m2) and Polychaeta (1000.00–4956.52 ind./m2). Macrobenthos compositions in the sheltered and exposed stations differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05). The coastal area is predominantly sandy (30.68%–77.32%) with relatively stable total organic matter (TOM) and heavy metal concentrations. Current speed and significant wave height (Hs) are lower in sheltered stations, while bathymetry is deeper in exposed stations (up to 8 m). The macrobenthos assemblages are influenced by soft-bottom characteristics and food availability, with the hydrodynamic stress from the breakwater system governing these two primary factors.

Community-Engaged Approach to Improve Food Access and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Appalachian Community

Background/Objectives: Community–academic partnerships offer unique opportunities to leverage expertise and resources to modify structural factors that address community priorities. However, few in-depth examples of successful partnerships in rural communities to improve food security are available. This manuscript describes the process of building a partnership to reduce food insecurity in a rural Kentucky community. Methods: The research team worked with Cooperative Extension to form a community advisory board (CAB) representative of diverse sectors of the community who had interest in food security, agriculture, and/or nutrition. The CAB convened regularly, in-person or virtually, to review community assessment information and identify, select, and adapt relevant multi-level interventions. CAB members were invited to complete two surveys and participate in a listening session to provide feedback on working with academic partners. Results: Over the first two years of the project, 17 people served on the CAB. Early in the project, the CAB prioritized interventions for working families, relatives raising children, and lower income households. Some ideas were able to come to fruition (e.g., family cooking social classes, raised garden beds), while others were explored but were unable to gain momentum (e.g., mobile market) due to challenges with feasibility, organizational capacity, and/or interest. CAB members reported high engagement and strong communication between community and academic partners. Conclusions: Full exploration of potential solutions suggested by CABs may build trust between community and academic partners and could provide a strategic selection process for multi-level, evidence-based interventions deemed feasible for addressing complex issues such as food insecurity and nutritional health outcomes.

The Impact of Rural Alimentation on the Motivation and Retention of Indigenous Community Health Workers in India: A Qualitative Study.

Rural health care delivery remains a global challenge and India is no exception, particularly in regions with Indigenous populations such as the state of Jharkhand. The Community Health Centres in Jharkhand, India, are staffed by Indigenous workers who play a crucial role in bridging the health care gap. However, their motivation and retention in these challenging areas are often influenced by a complex mix of sociocultural and environmental factors. One such significant but understudied influencing factor is alimentation, or nutrition, in rural settings. Previous studies have identified several motivators, including community ties, cultural alignment, job satisfaction, and financial incentives. However, the role of alimentation in their motivation and retention in rural areas has not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to explore how the strong bond with locally produced food products impacts the retention of Indigenous community health workers (CHWs) in Jharkhand, India, and shed light on a crucial aspect of rural health care workforce sustainability. This study adopted a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of Indigenous CHWs in Jharkhand. A purposive sampling method was used to select CHWs who had worked in rural areas for at least five years. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, focusing on the participants' experiences of rural alimentation and how it influences their motivation and retention for rural health care. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in their experiences related to nutrition and retention. The study revealed that rural alimentation plays a significant role in both the motivation and retention of CHWs in Jharkhand. CHWs who experienced consistent access to local food reported higher job satisfaction, better physical well-being, and a stronger commitment to their roles. It has also been perceived that consuming nutrient-dense food products decreases the risk of chronic illness among rural populations. Additionally, community support systems related to alimentation were found to be crucial in maintaining motivation, with many CHWs emphasizing the importance of local food availability and cultural ties. The findings suggest that improving access to organic nutrition can positively influence the retention of CHWs in rural areas. Indigenous communities have unique food habits and preferences deeply rooted in agriculture and arboriculture. Their traditional eating practices are integral to their rich cultural heritage, with significant social, symbolic, and spiritual importance. This study highlights the critical role of rural alimentation in motivating and retaining CHWs in rural Community Health Centres in Jharkhand. Therefore, addressing organic versus conventional food in rural health care policies plays a vital role in improving the retention rates of CHWs. By recognizing the interconnectedness of nutrition and workforce sustainability, health care systems can better support Indigenous CHWs and continue delivering health care services.

U.S. State-Level Containment Policies Not Associated with Food Insecurity Changes During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-level Analysis.

To investigate the relationship between United States (US) containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and household food insecurity. To investigate these relationships, we developed a framework linking COVID-related containment policies with different domains of food security, then used multilevel random effects models to examine associations between state-level containment policies and household food security. Our framework depicts theorized linkages between stringency policies and five domains of food security (availability, physical access, economic access, acceptability in meeting preferences, and agency, which includes both self-efficacy and infrastructure). We used US national data from a representative survey data from the National Food Access and COVID research Team (NFACT) that was fielded in July-August 2020 and April 2021. Containment policy measures came from the Oxford Stringency Index and included policies such as stay at home orders, closing of public transit, and workplace closures. United States. 3,071 adult individuals from the NFACT survey. We found no significant associations between state-level containment policies and overall food insecurity at the state-level, or any of the individual domains of food insecurity. Conclusion: This research suggests that while food insecurity across all domains was a significant problem during the studied phases of the pandemic, it was not associated with these containment measures. Therefore, impacts may have been successfully mitigated, likely through a suite of policies aimed at maintaining food security, including the declaration of food workers as essential and expansion of federal nutrition programs.

Abundance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) is determined by diet rather than biosynthesis.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) exhibits a remarkable phenotypic plasticity by occupying both marine and freshwater habitats and transitional areas in between. Because these habitats are characterized by different food sources with different fatty acid compositions, it remains unclear how eels from different habitats obtain essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) to integrate in their lipids. We studied whether the fatty acid composition of eels in three different habitats, that is, a marine lagoon, an estuary, and a river, could be related to the expression levels of genes involved in the LC-PUFA pathways. In general, there were no significant differences in gene expression between eels from marine and freshwater habitats; gene expression in marine and freshwater specimens significantly differed from eels caught in the estuary. However, levels of essential LC-PUFAs and fatty acid ratio markers differed significantly between eels from the river and the marine lagoon. Therefore, we conclude that the LC-PUFA composition of the European eel is likely defined by their food intake from the local environment they are living in and potentially affected by the prevailing conditions, such as food availability, temperature, and salinity.

Implications Due to Challenges to Food Security in Malaysia

The issue of food security encompasses challenges related to production, distribution, and accessibility of nutritious food. In Malaysia, food security is increasingly threatened due to reliance on imports, declining agricultural productivity, and income inequality. In 2023, food imports reached RM78.7 billion, indicating heavy dependence on global markets. Population growth, expected to reach 42 million by 2050, exacerbates the demand for food, creating further stress on the nation's food systems. This study employed a qualitative methodology to analyze factors impacting Malaysia's food security, focusing on secondary data from academic and institutional sources. Document analysis was used to examine existing policies and data on food security and its implications. Key findings highlight that food insecurity in Malaysia leads to hunger, malnutrition, and related health issues, such as childhood stunting and obesity. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened these conditions, with 30% of the population estimated to experience food insecurity. Environmental factors, including climate change, deforestation, and resource overuse, further challenge food production. Additionally, global disruptions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have escalated costs and strained supply chains. The study concludes that addressing Malaysia's food security requires a holistic approach, integrating sustainable agricultural practices, reducing dependency on imports, and strengthening local food systems. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and international organizations are essential to ensure an equitable and sustainable food future. This research underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and strategic planning to safeguard Malaysia's food security amidst growing global and local challenges.

Associations Between Coparenting Quality, the Home Food Environment, and Child's Body Mass Index.

Background: Although positive coparenting, or how parents relate during childrearing, is known to support children's socioemotional development, the role of coparenting in supporting children's healthy eating and growth is poorly understood. This study examined associations between coparenting quality, the home food environment, and young children's body mass index (BMI). Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 290 mothers and their 3-year-old children who participated in the Sprout study. Mothers who indicated they had a coparent in their household completed surveys to assess coparenting quality, food parenting practices, family mealtime routines and structure, and home food availability. Mothers also reported the foods served at two typical meals, and a healthy meal index (HMI) score was calculated to assess the nutritional quality of meals. Children's height and weight were measured and used to calculate BMI z-scores (BMIz). Results: Mothers who reported more positive coparenting also reported providing children more guidance for healthy eating (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), less use of food to control children's emotions (β = -0.15, p < 0.01), less use of food as a reward (β = -0.27, p < 0.01), more structured mealtimes (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), and more household availability of fruits and vegetables (β = 0.11, p < 0.01). Mothers who reported greater coparent agreement on childrearing also had children with lower BMIz (β = -0.11, p = 0.03). Mothers who reported greater endorsement of their partner's childrearing competency had a higher mean HMI score (β = 1.82, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Among dual-parent, highly resourced families with young children, stronger coparenting practices were associated with several food-related parenting practices that support healthy eating and weight among young children.

Exploring Nexus between food security and the loss of agro-biodiversity: a study in Madhya Nepal, Lamjung

Nepal has made significant strides in enhancing food security, achieving a moderate hunger index of 15.0 in 2023. However, the relationship between food security and reduced agro-biodiversity remains underexplored. This study investigates this interplay in Madhya Nepal Municipality, Lamjung District, Gandaki Province. Using Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Reduced Coping Strategies Index (rCSI), the study assesses food availability, nutrition sources, and coping mechanisms. The methodology includes field surveys, interviews, and analysis of 30 years of climate data. Ward-wise investigations reveal challenges and opportunities through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Motivated by the complex dynamics affecting food security and agricultural practices amid evolving environmental conditions, this research highlights community struggles and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for a balance between traditional and hybrid agriculture, calling for adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts. Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovations is crucial for sustainable food production. Results show higher food stock in some wards due to drought-resistant crops, while others face challenges with traditional farming reliance. Climate data analysis indicates significant temperature increases, affecting rice adaptation and traditional practices. Increased adoption of hybrid crops, supported by irrigation and improved technical knowledge, boosts cereal productivity. The study concludes a positive correlation between agro-biodiversity and food security, highlighting diverse agricultural systems' importance in mitigating climate change challenges.

Food access and the severity of newly diagnosed pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from genetic susceptibility, gut microbiome, and environmental factors. Diet, one modifiable environmental factor, has been linked to the increased prevalence of IBD. This study aimed to evaluate a potential association between food deserts and disease severity at diagnosis. This retrospective study included newly diagnosed IBD patients (ages of 2 and 21 years of age; diagnosed between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA's) Food Access Research Atlas was used to determine if patients resided in a food desert. The Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) determined the ratio of healthy to unhealthy food options. The primary endpoint was disease severity at diagnosis based on endoscopy scores. Statistical analyses were applied as appropriate. Ninety-eight patients were enrolled (75 [77%] Crohn' disease; 23 [23%] ulcerative colitis), 59 (60%) identified as Non-Hispanic White. Fifteen (15%) patients lived in a food desert. Food deserts consisted of more Black patients than White (67%; p = 0.05), more public insurance (12; 80%), and lower median vitamin D (17.6 [interquartile range (IQR): 10.8-24.]). In an adjusted (sex, age, insurance, race) multivariable model mRFEI was associated with reduced odds of a living in a food desert (0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-0.98]). There was no difference between the severity of disease and living in a food desert or food swamp. Fifteen IBD patients lived in a food desert. Food deserts have less access to healthy food retailers and higher rates of unhealthy food retailers. Further work is needed to better understand spatial disparities related to food accessibility and IBD.

Population-level shape variation and otolith asymmetry in Diplodus annularis

Sound detection in fishes relies on the inner ear and peripheral structures, such as calcareous otoliths, which play a crucial role in perceiving movement, orientation, and balance. Otoliths, in particular, respond to various environmental factors including temperature, salinity, and food availability, making them valuable indicators of ecological conditions. This study applies geometric morphometrics (GMM) to analyze the otolith shape of Diplodus annularis (Linnaeus, 1758) from two distinct populations located in the Gulf of Asinara (Porto Torres, Sardinia) and the northern Adriatic Sea (Le Tegnue). By using GMM techniques, precise and quantifiable differences in otolith morphology were revealed between the two populations, demonstrating significant shape variation. In addition, fluctuating asymmetry (FA), which serves as a marker for developmental stability and environmental stress, was assessed. The results show marked disparities in FA between the populations: samples from Porto Torres exhibited posterior asymmetry, while samples from Le Tegnue showed asymmetry in the anterior region of the otoliths. These findings underscore the sensitivity of GMM in detecting even subtle morphological differences, making it a powerful tool for studying environmental and genetic influences on marine species.

Occurrence and Characterization of Residues and Contaminants in Shrimp and Fish Samples from Aquaculture and Wild Capture in Brazil

The consumption of fish is a regular dietary habit among Brazilians, as it represents a significant protein source for the population. However, the emerging presence of residues and contaminants in fish meat has proven to be a substantial public health risk, contributing to cases of human intoxication and resulting in irreversible damage, including gastrointestinal, neurological, and endocrine disorders. This study aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis based on data retrieved from reports published on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) over the past 14 years. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and characterization of contaminants in shrimp and fish from aquaculture and wild capture in Brazil. The analyzed documents comprised results from the National Residues and Contaminants Plan (PNCRC/Animal) between 2010 and 2023. Residues were monitored according to criteria such as toxicity levels and population exposure potential. Over the 13 years of monitoring under the PNCRC, more than 12,000 samples were analyzed. Non-compliance was identified in 189 samples, distributed among the following classes of substances: inorganic contaminants, antibiotics, dyes, and insecticides. The class of inorganic contaminants accounted for the highest percentage of violations among non-compliant samples, representing approximately 90% of the cases. These findings underscore the importance of the PNCRC/Animal in ensuring the availability of safe food for the Brazilian population while mitigating the harmful impacts on human health.

Nutritional Vulnerability of Displaced Persons: A Study of Food Security and Access in Kumba Municipality, Cameroon

Nutritional Vulnerability of Displaced Persons: A Study of Food Security and Access in Kumba Municipality, Cameroon

Key environmental predictors as drivers of avifauna assemblages in Ghana’s coastal ecosystems

Avian assemblages are not only influenced by spatial factors but also by temporal variations in environmental conditions, creating dynamic patterns of bird presence in a given area. This study examined environmental elements affecting bird assemblages in Ghana's coastal ecosystems. We conducted point transect sampling along a 15-km coastal stretch, analyzing bird abundance, richness, and diversity in relation to microclimate and urbanization. Humidity and wind speed had a significant negative relationship with bird abundance as well as time of day (morning) having a negative relationship. Mean bird richness, diversity, were significantly higher in natural shoreline areas compared to urbanized ones. Bird abundance and seasonality were positive related where wet season was characterized by higher bird numbers which can be attributed to the favorability of the wet season in terms of food availability and habitat suitability. Indicator Species Analysis identified nineteen species significantly associated specific habitat characterization, with eleven species linked to lagoon adjacent shorelines. These results show the relationship between environmental factors and avian assemblages in coastal ecosystems, highlighting impacts of human disturbance and climate-related factors and the importance of pristine ecosystems in biodiversity conservation.

Long term study on blood glucose levels in wintering great tits Parus major in sites differing in artificial food availability

Blood glucose concentration is one of the fundamental biochemical indices in the physiology of birds and other vertebrates. Since glucose serves as the main fuel for metabolic energy, its proper level in the blood serum is crucial to the individual in terms of physiological health, which leads to applying it as an ecophysiological indicator. Such an indicator may be especially useful during energetically demanding periods, such as winter at northern latitudes. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to examine the variation in blood glucose in wintering the great tits (Parus major) in nine consecutive winters at two sites that differed with respect to the amount of human-provided food. We assumed that trophic conditions resulting from the use of artificial feeders that vary between sites across the years would affect the metabolic performance of birds and their physiological condition, which should be reflected in the blood glucose levels of wintering individuals. We showed that both females and males were characterised by significantly higher glucose levels at the study site, which was characterised by the high accessibility to human-provided food sources (forest clearing) than at the site with low and irregular artificial feeding. The difference remained distinct throughout most of the winter seasons of the study. We also revealed a substantial variation between seasons in blood glucose concentration in the case of male great tits. In general, we show that avian blood glucose can be used as an ecophysiological indicator of the trophic conditions of the environment in which individuals from small passerine species winter.

The impact of FDA-cleared molecular solutions for BK polyomavirus quantitation.

Accurate detection and monitoring of BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection is of critical importance in the post-transplant period, guiding treatment decisions that balance the anti-rejection effects of immune suppression with host-protective effects of immune defense. Historically, test methods for BKV have been independently developed by laboratories to address this unmet need. However, these assays can suffer from inconsistencies in analytical variability, which in turn have hindered the establishment of commutable and clinically actionable viral load thresholds for clinical management. As a result, the interpretation of viral load quantitation has not been standardized across transplant centers for the purpose of monitoring patients at highest risk for infection-related complications. In this review, we describe challenges that have historically limited widespread adoption of BKV quantitative testing. We then detail how developments in the field, including optimized amplicon selection, the introduction of an international standard, and the availability of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared methods, have played a role in harmonization of quantitative BKV measurements in the clinical management of transplant recipients.