Positive Health Effects Research Articles

Pleurotus spp: A cosmopolitan fungi of biotechnological importance

The genus Pleurotus presents a multivariate species diversity due to its ability to grow in different substrates and environments. Whether wild or cultivated, they are edible mushrooms, as they present a high nutritional value and are medicinal due to their bioactive compounds with positive health effects. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the genus Pleurotus, since it is a cosmopolitan mushroom, and its properties can be used in different industrial applications and be a functional alternative for our future. Due to their saprophytic nature, they produce enzymes that act on the substrate in which they grow, degrading lignocellulosic material such as wood, forest and agricultural residues, hardwoods, wood by-products, cereal straw, bagasse, etc., and thanks to this degradative capacity, their enzymes are used in a wide range of biotechnological and environmental applications. In order to increase their production and consumption not only for their nutritional qualities, but also for their nutraceutical and biotechnological qualities, ease of cultivation, low investment cost, etc., new ways are being sought to increase their performance in cultivation. Recently, research has expanded the search for alternative uses of the Pleurotus genus, which has led to an increase in its cultivation, as well as its application in different fields of biotechnology. The cultivation of Pleurotus mushrooms represents an opportunity to generate a sustainable process and incorporate the process into a circular economy, generating environmental, social and economic benefits. The use of agro-industrial substrates and the subsequent reuse of the spent substrate as compost or organic fertilizer reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and minimizes methane production. This allows for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly production model. Therefore, it is necessary to develop strategies for the promotion, marketing and sustainable production of products derived from these fungi.

Invited review: Social housing of dairy calves: management factors affecting calf behavior, performance, and health - A systematic review.

Given increasing adoption of social housing for pre-weaned dairy calves, we conducted a systematic review to summarize existing literature describing effects of social housing management factors on behavior, performance, and health of dairy calves. Included articles addressed interventions applied to pre-weaned, socially housed dairy calves, encompassing age at introduction to social housing, group composition (size, stocking density, within-group age range, stability), and housing environment (space allowance, enrichment provision). Outcome measures addressed behavior, including social behavior, locomotor behavior, feeding behavior, abnormal oral behavior, and behavioral responses during tests; performance, including body measurements and weight gain; and health, including clinical health scores and mortality rate. We conducted searches initially targeting any study where dairy calves were housed socially, using Web of Science and PubMed, and subsequently identified a total of 46 relevant studies. Studies investigating age at introduction to pairs or small social groups of 3 to 7 calves (8 experimental studies) suggested possible behavioral and performance benefits, with no negative effects, of earlier introduction to small groups. Earlier introduction to larger groups (assessed in 6 experimental studies and 4 cross-sectional studies) appeared to increase latency to use an automated milk feeder with short-term negative effects on milk intake, yet no evidence of growth effects and variable health effects. Studies investigating effects of group size (assessed in 8 experimental studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) suggested that small social groups may facilitate increased feeding time, with neutral or positive effects on growth and health. Other aspects of group composition, including within-group age range, group stability, and feeder stocking density, were assessed in few experimental studies (7 total), with some results suggesting behavioral benefits of reducing competition for feed and maintaining stable groups. Experimental and cross-sectional studies yielded conflicting findings with respect to health effects of group composition, but results generally suggested possible health risks associated with larger group sizes and within-group age ranges, management factors consistent with the use of dynamic groups. Increasing space allowance (assessed in 6 experimental studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) increased locomotor activity/play behavior and had neutral or positive health effects. Provision of enrichment items (e.g., brushes, combinations of items for oral manipulation; assessed in 5 studies) was found to reduce cross-sucking. Overall, this review describes varied dairy calf social housing management practices which have implications for behavior, performance, and health. Further work is needed to address gaps in knowledge, including long-term effects and variability at the individual and group level, and to establish the external validity of these findings in commercial settings.

On the move: understanding home care workers’ experiences of using various modes of transportation at work in an occupational health perspective

BackgroundThe demand for home care workers (HCWs) is increasing, but home care services face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, partly due to hazards in the work environment. Transportation to client visits is an important part of HCWs' working conditions, with various modes (e.g., walking, cycling, driving) being utilized. However, these modes are often implemented without considering HCWs' perceptions of their use. Therefore, our study aimed to understand HCWs’ perceptions and experiences of using different transportation modes at work, and how they may influence health.MethodsFourteen HCWs from a home care unit in Trondheim (Norway) participated in focus group interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach including reflexive journaling. The analytical process was guided by a biopsychosocial understanding of health.ResultsThe analysis showed that when different transportation modes were assigned, predictability of the assignment was important for the HCWs. Both walking and driving were regarded to have both positive and negative health impacts. When walking, informants thought that getting fresh air outdoors and doing physical activity was health-promoting, while bad weather conditions and too much walking could be negative for their health. When driving a car, informants talked about privacy and getting physical rest as positive for their health, while traffic and parking conditions could be stressful. Individual factors such as age, physical health, and strong preferences were highlighted as important to consider when planning HCWs’ transportation modes in an occupational health perspective.ConclusionsWalking now and then between client visits was generally believed by the HCWs to lead to positive health effects compared to only driving a car. Introducing planning of various transportation modes in advance, so that they are predictable, seems important to reduce stress among HCWs. In addition, some individual factors should be considered in the planning, and it should be realized that the planning likely represents a trade-off between promoting the psychosocial work environment when driving a car and potentially enhancing long-term physical health when using active transportation. Thus, biopsychosocial aspects of health should be considered when planning the mode of transport between client visits for HCWs.

Population Studies and Molecular Mechanisms of Human Radioadaptive Capabilities: Is It Time to Rethink Radiation Safety Standards?

The evolution of man on Earth took place under conditions of constant exposure to background ionizing radiation (IR). From this point of view, it would be reasonable to hypothesize the existence of adaptive mechanisms that enable the human organism to safely interact with IR at levels approximating long-term natural background levels. In some situations, the successful operation of molecular mechanisms of protection against IR is observed at values significantly exceeding the natural background level, for example, in cancer cells. In 15-25% of cancer patients, cancer cells develop a phenotype that is resistant to high doses of IR. While further investigations are warranted, the current evidence suggests a strong probability of observing positive health effects, including an increased lifespan, a reduced cancer risk, and a decreased incidence of congenital pathologies, precisely at low doses of ionizing radiation. This review offers arguments primarily based on a phenomenological approach and critically reconsidering existing methodologies for assessing the biological risks of IR to human health. Currently, in the most economically developed countries, there are radiation safety rules that interpret low-dose radiation as a clearly negative environmental factor. Nowadays, this approach may pose significant challenges to the advancement of radiomedicine and introduce complexities in the regulation of IR sources. The review also examines molecular mechanisms that may play a key role in the formation of the positive effects of low-dose IR on human radioadaptive capabilities.

Toxicological Safety Assessment of Heat-Treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 as a Food Ingredient.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a Gram-positive, bacilli-shaped bacterium commonly found in fermented foods and the human gastrointestinal tract. Heat-treatment of L. plantarum OLL2712 prior to consumption has been found to have positive health effects. However, a full toxicological evaluation of heat-treated L. plantarum OLL2712 cells (heat-treated OLL2712) has not been conducted. In this regard, heat-treated OLL2712 was evaluated for use as an ingredient in food and dietary supplements using a panel of toxicological tests including genotoxic and subchronic studies. Heat-treated OLL2712 did not show any genotoxicity based on an invitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test and invivo mouse micronucleus assay up to 8.0 × 109 cells/mL and 6.4 × 1012 cells/kg, respectively. In the acute oral toxicity study, no toxic effects were observed at 5 × 1011 cells/kg body weight. In the 13-week subchronic toxicity study, rats were administered (via gavage) heat-treated OLL2712 at concentrations of 0.5 × 1011, 1.5 × 1011, and 5 × 1011 cells/kg body weight. Administration did not significantly impact mortality, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, hematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, urinalysis, and macroscopic or microscopic findings. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of heat-treated OLL2712 in both sexes was 5 × 1011 cells/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Application of <i>Carissa carandas</i> L. Fruit on the Peril of Diseases

Carissa carandas L. (Karonda) fruits remain neglected in India, despite their effectiveness in achieving nutritional requirements. The majority of the underutilized fruits are widely accessible and native to the locality. The article intends to demonstrate the many positive health effects of Karonda fruits, which are composed of a number of anti-oxidant, bioactive and phytochemical components. Thus, the fruit has an abundance of nutrients and can help alleviate a variety of ailments. It is currently regarded as an essential source for multiple distinctive products for the production of several commercial products as well as medicines for different illnesses. The intention of this review paper is to analyse the pharmacologic and therapeutic findings that will assist in discovering the medicinal value of Karonda fruits while unlocking the way for more investigation into the detection of health effects in in vivo human studies.

Applying a systems perspective to understand the health effects of holistic housing renovation in a deprived neighbourhood in the Netherlands: Development of a causal loop diagram

Whereas ‘systems thinking’ rapidly becomes popular in public health, and whereas many housing interventions have been evaluated in ‘traditional ways’, we aim at moving the field further by describing the application of a Causal Loop Diagram for the purpose of the evaluation of a complex public health intervention: holistic housing renovation. Holistic housing renovations have the potential to reduce health inequalities by addressing physical housing issues and socioeconomic problems of residents in social housing in deprived neighbourhoods. We developed a Causal Loop Diagram, combining perspectives from stakeholders and scientific literature, visualizing the complex dynamics via which holistic housing renovations can impact health of residents in social housing. We identified six interconnected mechanisms which potentially generate health effects in different time frames, with negative effects primarily occurring in the short term, while positive health effects may take longer to manifest. Our paper shows how constructing a CLD can help to assess effectiveness of housing interventions by formulating hypotheses about their impact.

HTA372 Real Value of Patient-Centred Positive Health Effects of Digital Medical Devices: Lessons From the German DiGA

HTA372 Real Value of Patient-Centred Positive Health Effects of Digital Medical Devices: Lessons From the German DiGA

Possibilities, usage and needs of an app-based health prevention among seafarers.

The present study analyses the technical requirements as well as the user behaviour of seafarers for an app-based health prevention, including apps for wellness, prevention, fitness, medical care and mental well-being. In a maritime field study 976 seafarers on 65 merchant ships participated in the survey carried out with a questionnaire. The vast majority (98.4%) of the respondents had a mobile device on board. 52.5% stated to already have downloaded a health app, with a higher proportion among the officers (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.67; 95% CI (1.13-2.50)). The most common reasons for downloading this kind of app were activity tracking (74.8%), weight loss (41.8%) and exercise (41.0%). Officers downloaded apps significantly more often for activity tracking (p< 0.001) and sleep tracking (p = 0.001). 51.1% of downloaders stopped the use of a health app. Frequent reasons for not downloading or stopping the use of a health app were loss/absence of interest and that the desired health apps could not be used offline. Frequency and duration of use were highest at home, followed by the use at sea and then in port. No correlation between the WHO Well-being Index and the use of health apps could be found. Overall, two kinds of obstacles to implementing app-based health intervention could be identified: maritime-specific obstacles and general obstacles (obstacles not exclusively assignable to the naval environment); the maritime-specific obstacles primarily consisted of being offline for long periods of time and limited recreational time. Among the most important general problems were economic and social problems as well as a significant loss/absence of interest. Nevertheless, the basic requirements for an app-based health prevention for seafarers seem to be in place. Measures taken by the shipping company could consist of providing internet access for app usage and educating seafarers on the benefits of health apps. Providing preselected options and guidance on app selection and licenses for paid apps could further encourage usage among seafarers and strengthen success of an app-based health intervention eventually leading to improved physical and mental health in their employees. Additionally, if follow-up maritime studies can objectively demonstrate benefits and positive health effects, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) could officially recommend the use of health apps as a health management measure and play an important political role by recommending and supporting the development of health apps specifically designed for maritime conditions with key features like offline availability.

Biodiversity of urban green spaces and human health: a systematic review of recent research

Although recent studies have explored links between landscape biodiversity and human health, the exact effects of specific types of biodiversity—such as the variety of species or genera—on health outcomes are still uncertain. In this review, we evaluate our current knowledge of how landscape biodiversity influences human health in different cultural contexts. We systematically assessed peer-reviewed literature to: 1) summarize the links between biodiversity variability and human health outcomes; 2) describe the pathways used to examine these links; 3) compare subjective perceptions of biodiversity with objective measures; and 4) describe any known connections between perceived biodiversity and health outcomes. We analyzed 41 studies published between 2018 and 2023, covering research from 15 countries on five continents. A key finding was the lack of significant links between biodiversity variability, like species richness, and health outcomes; only one-third of studies reported positive health effects. We identified two main pathways: restoring health capacities (mental health) and building health capacities (physical health). The public could identify different biodiversity levels, with perceived biodiversity correlating with health. Future research should explore varied mechanisms, physical health outcomes, causal relationships, and effects across diverse populations and regions.

The association between non- and pro-healthy diet indices and the risk of colorectal cancer: a case-control study

BackgroundThe Non-Healthy Diet Index (NHDI) and the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (PHDI) are two novel indices that evaluate the healthiness of a diet based on the consumption of several food groups. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to the PHDI and NHDI and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the Iranian population.MethodsThe current study was conducted as a hospital-based research using a case (n = 71)- matched-controls (n = 142) design in Tehran, Iran. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was utilized to determine participants’ dietary intake after confirming the diagnosis of CRC and at the time of the interview. The PHDI-10 was employed to assess the consumption of foods with positive health effects, which is linked to the frequency of consuming 10 food groups, and the NHDI-14 was used to assess the consumption of foods that have detrimental effects on health, based on the frequency of 14 food groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between continuous PHDI and NHDI scores and their tertiles with CRC.ResultsThe results indicated that individuals in the highest tertile of the PHDI showed a lower CRC risk compared to those in the lowest tertile (adjusted model- odds ratio (OR) = 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.61; P = 0.002). Also, lower odds of CRC risk were seen with each unit change in the total score of PHDI in the adjusted model (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.96; P = 0.009). In contrast, individuals in the highest tertile of the NHDI showed a higher risk of CRC compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.09–6.27; P = 0.030) in the adjusted model. Also, higher odds of CRC risk were observed with each unit increase in the total score of NHDI in the adjusted model (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25; P = 0.008).ConclusionsThe present study showed that higher adherence to PHDI and NHDI is associated with lower and higher CRC risk, respectively. These results provide valuable insights into the roles of healthy and unhealthy diets in CRC prevention.

Impact of microwave pretreatment on yield, quality and lipid composition of Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil

This study is to optimize microwave pretreatment of Acer truncatum seeds to enhance quality and production of Acer truncatum seed oil (ATSO). The optimum microwave power, microwave-treatment time, as well as microwave-treatment temperature were determined through single-factor and orthogonal experiments, and they were 600 W, 5 min, and 50℃, respectively, resulting in an ATSO yield of 35.2 %. The lipid components of ATSO extracted from non-microwave-treated as well as microwave-treated A. truncatum seeds were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by lipidomic analysis. Through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, 2005 lipid molecules belonging to 42 lipid subclasses were specified. The outcomes of lipidomic analysis demonstrated the microwave pretreatment of A. truncatum seeds not only increased levels of beneficial lipids in ATSO but also changed lipid composition of the oil, potentially enhancing the positive health effects of the oil. This research brings a scientific basis for improving the yield as well as quality of ATSO and helps in understanding lipid composition and health benefits of the oil, promoting the utilization of this valuable natural resource.

Dragon, The Wonder Fruit – A Review on its Phytochemistry and Nutritional Benefits

Hylocereus spp. (often referred to as "dragon fruit") is an exotic fruit species that has become widely popular because of its striking appearance, novel phytochemical composition, and numerous health benefits. This abstract explores dragon fruit's phytochemical make-up and health benefits. Antioxidants, vitamins, and other bioactive components abound in dragon fruit, making it famous for its phytochemical richness. It includes polyphenols, flavonoids, and betacyanins, all of which demonstrate significant antioxidant effects, and is a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function. The chance of developing a chronic illness is lowered thanks to the oxidative stress and inflammation fighting abilities of these phytochemicals. Several health advantages have been linked to eating dragon fruit. The high fibre content aids digestion and may help one control their weight. Blood sugar-lowering effects of dragon fruit have also been studied, making it a potentially useful food for diabetics. Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, this fruit may also help lower the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the minerals and vitamins it contains are beneficial to health in general. To sum up, dragon fruit is an extraordinary fruit that has a fantastic phytochemical composition and many positive health effects. Its eye-catching colour and flavour set it apart from other crops, making it a prime candidate for patents covering methods of cultivation and uses. Research into the health benefits of dragon fruit is still in its infancy, but the fruit has already garnered a great deal of interest from both consumers and agricultural developers.

Spiritual Health and Psychological Distress Among Hong Kong Community Lay Leaders.

Community lay leaders are critical in connecting professional services and general populations in communities. However, limited studies have explored the potential protective factors for psychological health among this group of people. In addition, based on the complex nature of spiritual health, the inconsistent findings of previous studies also suggested that different domains of spiritual health may shape psychological health differently in different contexts and among different socio-demographic groups. Therefore, we assessed the psychological health of Hong Kong community lay leaders after COVID-19 and examined the effects of different domains of spiritual health on psychological distress after controlling for age and gender. Cross-sectional data from 234 Hong Kong community lay leaders aged 18 to 84 were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that most Hong Kong community lay leaders reported moderate anxiety. In addition, personal and communal (one domain) and transcendental domains of spiritual health were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, and the environmental domain of spiritual health was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings imply the importance of considering both the positive and negative effects of spiritual health on psychological distress.

Introducing the Outdoor Environment as an Arena for Person-Centered Care and Rehabilitation at Residential Care Facilities for Older Adults—A Care Worker’s Perspective

Despite research on positive health effects of outdoor stays, outdoor environments at residential care facilities for older adults seem to be rarely used for person-centered care and rehabilitation. The aim was to explore care workers’ reflections on the outdoor environment as an arena for care and rehabilitation. The method used was focus groups, such as walking interviews. The results are summarized in three themes: potential for health, potential for enriched everyday life, and challenges for operational development. The findings indicate that outdoor environments have the potential to support person-centered care and rehabilitation and could be included in the operating concepts.

Fasting in Judo—Between Healthy Weight Control and Health Hazard: A Narrative Review

Rapid weight loss strategies and weight cycling (losing and gaining weight repeatedly) are acknowledged problems in sports with weight categories, including judo. Extreme fasting, especially if combined with dehydration and intense physical exercise, may harm health and development, particularly those of children and teenagers engaging in judo competitions. However, there is substantial evidence for positive health effects of other forms of fasting. Here, we aim to provide an updated overview of the potential health risks associated with extreme dietary strategies in judo and contrast them with health-promoting fasting approaches. We conclude that the literature on the long-term health consequences of fasting in judo is scarce. This applies specifically to its potential association with eating disorders. Although many reports have highlighted the short-term risks of rapid weight loss, vulnerability and protection factors remain poorly understood. Rigorous scientific studies are needed to disentangle the factors that render fasting in judo healthy or unhealthy, considering both physical and mental health. We argue that a better understanding of weight management in judo is crucial to preventing health risks and designing healthy weight loss strategies, especially for young athletes.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Perspectives on Inhaled Nutrients and Bacteria to Improve Human Health

We propose that the human respiratory system and olfactory pathways sequester airborne nutrients (vitamins, fatty acids, and trace minerals) that are beneficial for health, which we term “aeronutrients.” In addition, airborne bacteria, termed “aeromicrobes,” have the potential for positive health effects by improving species diversity in the microbiotas of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. These concepts have implications for people living in urban areas or those who have limited access to nature, such as astronauts exposed for long periods to highly filtered air that may be depleted of aeronutrients and aeromicrobes. The possibility that fresh air contributes to human nutrition and health may stimulate a re-evaluation of guidelines pertaining to nutrition and access to natural environments, and will open new avenues of scientific enquiry.

Is greener always healthier? Examining the nonlinear relationships between urban green spaces and mental health in Wuhan, China

Though much evidence demonstrates the benefits of urban green spaces (UGS) for mental health, it remains uncertain if a greener living environment necessarily leads to better mental health. This study makes up this gap by exploring the potential non-linear effects of UGS provision (availability, accessibility, visibility, quality) and utilization (frequency, duration) on mental health, focusing on their nonlinear patterns and thresholds. Using geospatial and social survey data from Wuhan, China, and controlling for socioeconomic, built, and social environmental factors, we find that: (1) Both UGS provision and utilization have significant nonlinear effects on mental health. (2) Inverted-U-shaped relationships exist between mental health and both UGS availability (measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) and accessibility (distance to nearest park), with peak benefits observed at an NDVI of 0.25 or a distance of 0.24 km. A similar L-shaped relationship is observed for UGS visibility, suggesting that higher visibility does not necessarily translate to improved mental health. The positive health effects of UGS quality exist, yet offer marginal benefits. (3) UGS utilization plays a crucial mediating role, explaining up to 47 % of the relationship between visibility and mental health. This highlights the importance of active engagement with UGS for realizing mental health benefits, supporting the ‘environmental provision→individual behavior→mental health’ pathway. These findings provide urban planners with valuable dosage references for UGS allocation, emphasizing the need to consider both provision and factors promoting utilization to maximize mental health benefits within urban environments.

Effectiveness of surfing on psychological health in military members: a systematic review

IntroductionSurfing, a leisure activity known for its positive physical and mental health effects, has emerged as a potential therapeutic intervention. This study aims to systematically review the available evidence on...

Alginate's ability to prevent metabolic illnesses, the degradation of the gut's protective layer, and alginate-based encapsulation methods.

The gut serves as the body's main immunological and digestive system. Furthermore, host immunity is mostly managed there. Nutrients are further broken down and absorbed here. Numerous research investigations have shown evidence that inflammation, oxidative stress, impairment of the intestinal barrier, and imbalance in the gut microbiota can all contribute to a variety of intestinal illnesses and other issues, underscoring the growing significance of intestinal health concerns. Because of their high biological activity and lack of negative side effects, the organic food-derived chemicals known as brown algal polysaccharides-mainly fucoidan, laminaran, and alginate-have attracted a lot of attention from academics. Because of its many benefits, sodium alginate is one of the biopolymers that has garnered the greatest attention, research, and application. Carotenoids, which are found in our food, have several positive health effects. Their low solubility in water, oxidation susceptibility, chemical instability, accessibility, and restricted solubility in water, however, restrict their use in food and medicine. In this review and in overcoming these constraints, encapsulation might be helpful. Furthermore, the primary goal of our study is to provide a fresh perspective into the control and avoidance of intestinal diseases. It provides more potent alternatives to this system, clarifies the function of alginates in enhancing the encapsulation of carotenoids, and functions as a model for the synthesis of the intestinal protective agent fucoidan.