Dietary Preferences Research Articles

Following Through: The Impact of Culinary Medicine on Mediterranean Diet Uptake in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recommended for all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) unless there is a specific contraindication. Culinary medicine has emerged as a method for improving dietary education. Patients and caregivers are often invested in making dietary changes to improve disease control. Here, we examine the dietary preferences of a group of young people with IBD and apply culinary medicine techniques with an in-person MD-focused cooking class. A survey evaluating dietary attitudes was sent to an IBD email listserv at our tertiary care center (n = 779). A validated questionnaire, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents was used to assess MD adherence. IBD dietitians customized 2 in-person MD-focused cooking classes, one for children 6 to 12 years of age (arm 1) and one for adolescents 13 to 17 years of age (arm 2). Baseline, 1-month follow-up, and 3-month follow-up surveys were completed. There were 112 survey responses. Participants were 67.0% male with diagnosis of Crohn's disease (50.0%), ulcerative colitis (42.0%), or IBD unclassified (8.0%). Most were managed on advanced therapies (82.0%). Most reported making decisions about diet (82.0%) in order to help with IBD, had met with a dietitian (69.0%), and were interested in learning more about the MD (55.3%). MD scores were primarily in the average (49.5%) and poor (41.1%) diet categories. Only those eating together as a family 3 or more times per week or those who had met with a dietitian scored in the optimal diet category. The median MD score at baseline was 4.5, increasing to 6.0 at 1 month and 7.0 at 3 months postintervention. Almost all (90%) would recommend cooking classes to others. Common barriers to MD uptake included lack of knowledge about which foods to prepare, concern about taste, and time to prepare food. This study showcases high patient and caregiver interest in dietary management of IBD and demonstrates efficacy of education via application of culinary medicine. Classes were well received by families and MD adherence scores increased postintervention. As patients with IBD and their families are often motivated to incorporate dietary therapy into their care, this work highlights the role of culinary medicine and value of future study.

Sausage Quality during Storage under the Partial Substitution of Meat with Fermented Oyster Mushrooms.

The increasing global demand for meat production, driven by a rapidly expanding population and changing dietary preferences has prompted the search for protein-rich, sustainable, and healthier meat alternatives. In this context, edible mushrooms are viewed as advantageous substitutes for meat, offering a viable solution. This study aimed to investigate the effects of partially replacing (25% and 50%) pork meat in sausage samples with fermented oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), which were subjected to various pretreatments. Six different pretreatments were applied to fresh oyster mushrooms as follows: blanching in water, steaming, oven-cooking, microwave treatment, high hydrostatic pressure treatment, and ultraviolet light treatment. The effects of mushroom replacement on the moisture, pH, lipid oxidation, color, and textural properties of sausages during the 4-week refrigerated storage period were evaluated. The results revealed that replacing pork meat with fermented oyster mushrooms resulted in an increase in moisture content and b* values and a decrease in pH, L*, a*, and shear force values, proportional to the mushroom percentage. The lipid oxidation findings suggest that the antioxidant capabilities of fermented oyster mushrooms were influenced by the pretreatment methods applied to the mushrooms, exhibiting varying levels of effectiveness.

Characteristics of the Diet, Food Preferences, and Perceptions of Healthy Eating in 11–12-Year-Old Schoolchildren

Introduction: The issue of healthy eating of schoolchildren as one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving health of the younger generation, as well as preventing non-communicable diseases in the population as a whole, is recognized as a socially significant problem at the international level and in many countries of the world, including Russia. Objective: To establish characteristics of the diet, food preferences, and awareness about the importance of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren in order to determine teaching content promoting healthy eating practices in this age group. Materials and methods: The questionnaire-based survey was conducted from May to August 2023 involving 150 fifth-year schoolchildren from Cherepovets (mean age: 12.3 ± 0.37 years). The questionnaire contained closed-ended questions grouped into three blocks corresponding to the subject of study and the answers were then analyzed using quantitative, qualitative, and generalization methods. Results: Nutritional imbalance in the 11–12-year-old schoolchildren was established. We noted low daily consumption of potable water in 32.0 % of the respondents, the absence of fermented dairy products, cheese or cottage cheese (17.8 % and 18.7 %, respectively), as well as fish (51.3 %), meat (16.7 %), eggs (23.5 %), and porridge (36.2 %) in the diet. At the same time, we observed a high frequency of daily consumption of sausages (28.7 %), mayonnaise or ketchup (19.3 %) accompanied by low daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (ca. 58.0 %). Preferring sweet carbonated drinks to juices (41.5 %) and fried foods (52.6 %) indicated unhealthy dietary habits. 42.0 % of the teenagers had certain gaps in knowledge about healthy eating. Conclusions: The established dietary habits, food preferences, and perceptions of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren indicate the need for proper nutrition education at school.

Taste sensitivities mediate differential snack choices across BMI groups: a study with New Zealand young male individuals.

This study aimed to: 1) test for the link between snack choices and BMI using a novel sensory-based classification method; and 2) elucidate the role of gustatory sensitivity in orienting snack choices. The study employed a dual approach involving sensory and nutritional assessments. Ninety-eight European male individuals were tested for gustatory sensitivities to sweetness, saltiness, umami, and lipid perception. Participant food intake was measured over 4 days. A separate cohort of 327 participants categorized the recorded snacks based on taste patterns, enabling profiling of snack choices across body-weight groups. Results showed clear differentiations in snack choices across the BMI groups: Individuals with a higher BMI consumed more "Sweet" and "Sweet+Fat" snacks and less "Savory" snacks compared with the lower-BMI group (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses confirmed a significant effect of gustatory sensitivity, showing that the greater choice for "Sweet" and "Sweet+Fat" snacks among those with a higher BMI was mediated by sensitivities to sweetness and lipid perception (p = 0.008-0.044). Our study revealed that gustatory sensitivity can mediate the relationship between BMI and energy consumption from different snacks. These findings highlight the significance of taste perception in shaping snack choice, suggesting potential strategies for interventions aimed at addressing gustatory sensitivityto promote healthier dietary preferences.

Diets of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) inhabiting limestone forests: The effects of habitat fragmentation and implication for conservation.

Information about wildlife diets is crucial for comprehending how species adapt to varying environments in fragmented habitats and for developing effective conservation strategies. White-headed langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) are exclusively found in fragmented limestone forests in southwestern China. To investigate the effects of habitat fragmentation on langurs' diets, we collected published dietary data and relevant environmental factors spanning from 1996 to 2021 at two regions with different degrees of fragmentation (Banli > Bapen), from 10 studies (three of Banli and seven of Bapen). The results demonstrated that the diets of white-headed langurs were significantly influenced by environmental factors, including habitat fragmentation, annual rainfall, and mean annual temperature. Food item diversity index was significantly and positively affected by the fragmentation index, the higher fragmentation the langurs suffered, the more diverse food items they consumed. Besides, fruit consumption was negatively influenced by annual rainfall and the consumption of other items was influenced by mean annual temperature. Notably, although there are no significant differences in the feeding proportions of food items or food item diversity indices were observed between the Banli and Bapen groups, the Banli groups extensively consumed ground-supported kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), a plant rarely recorded in the dietary preferences of the Bapen groups, implying that the large plants likely lacking in the fragmented limestone forests. Our findings provide evidence of the major impact of habitat fragmentation on the dietary composition of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need of considering the possibility that the habitats of the white-headed langurs have all undergone extreme fragmentation, inferring the conservation efforts should prioritize protecting native vegetation and reducing human disturbance.

Intergenerational care and rural childhood obesity in the digital era: Based on screen exposure perspective

BackgroundRural Chinese children are experiencing increasing obesity rates, yet studies often neglect the impact of IT and screen media growth on obesity risks in the context of intergenerational care, leading to incomplete strategies for the digital era. MethodsBy comprehensively utilizing the data on rural children aged 6–17 from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), this study aims to test the logical chain and specific mechanisms regarding “intergenerational care - screen exposure - rural childhood obesity”. We employ the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Generalized Propensity Score Matching (GPSM) methods to respectively address the self-selection biases associated with inter-generational care and children's screen exposure behaviors. Results1) Intergenerational care significantly increases screen exposure among rural children. 2) Gender bias increases the risk of screen exposure for rural boys under intergenerational care. 3) Children with higher screen exposure levels are more affected by intergenerational care, which further undermines parental supervision. 4) Children's screen exposure leads to increased sedentary time and higher probability of purchasing unhealthy foods, thereby exacerbating obesity. This process is facilitated by enhancing preferences for snacks, fast food, and beverages, and weakening preferences for physical activity. 5) GPSM analysis indicates that children's screen exposure has an inverted “U"-shaped impact on unhealthy dietary preferences and a “U"-shaped impact on activity preferences. It results in a nonlinear positive impact of screen exposure on obesity. This study reveals a positive association between screen exposure and obesity, offering new insights into how intergenerational care in the digital era may elevate obesity prevalence through excessive screen time for rural children.

Virtue of courage as modulator in interactions among oral health beliefs, oral hygiene habits and dietary preferences.

The impact of virtue of courage as mediating and moderating variable in interactions of oral health beliefs with oral hygiene habits and dietary preferences is of interest. A total of 100 patients with a complain of periodontal ailments and dental caries were enrolled from dental institute. 40 items belonging to character strengths of psychological virtue of courage in values in action Inventory of Strength (VIA-IS) Questionnaire and 15 Oral Health Belief Questionnaire items were recorded. Oral hygiene habits and dietary preferences congruent with oral health were also recorded. A significant positive correlation was observed in the following variables: barriers/gender (correlation coefficient =.212, P =.034) There was positive correlation between perseverance and nutritional preferences (correlation coefficient = .239, P =.017); courage and nutritional preferences (correlation coefficient = .241, P = .016). Virtue of courage and its character strengths have significant positive impact over dietary preferences congruent with oral health. Inculcation of character strengths belonging to courage as virtue may have the potential to modulate compliance to oral health beliefs and consequently oral health.

Protein from Plants and Algae: Potential Trends of Replacing Animal Protein for Public Health

Meat is considered as a significant source of high-quality protein along with other nutritional benefits and sensory properties. However, meat production and consumption is associated with human health concerns, including increased risk of zoonotic diseases, chronic diseases, and air pollution-related health problems. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the market value of alternative proteins. There is a shift in dietary preferences fromomnivorousto vegetarian or flexitarian diets, and eventuallyto plant-based and algae-based diets. Innovative technologies have been used to produce new products aimed at replacingmeat proteins. These include plant-based options such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, textured soy protein; and alternatives derived from algae such as raw ground pork meat, reduced nitrite turkey meat sausages, and pork meat batter formulations.

Chronic venous disease of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude: A cross-sectional survey.

The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of chronic venous disease (CVD) of lower limbs in young men at high-altitude in Xizang, and to provide prevention measures. The convenient sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among males aged 18 to 40 above an altitude of 3000meters in Xizang in April 2023. The contents of the questionnaire included basic information, symptoms of CVD of lower limbs, protection status and training needs. Multivariate logistic regression model was calculated to evaluate the risk factors for CVD. A total of 350 survey questionnaires were received, and 326 valid samples were collected. The prevalence of CVD of lower limbs (C1-C6) was 37.42% (95%CI: 32.17%-42.68%), the ratio of C0 to C5 were 62.58%, 27.30%, 3.07%, 4.60%, 2.15% and 0.31%, respectively, no one reached C6. The top three symptoms of CVD were lower limb fatigue (18.10%), heaviness (15.34%) and pain (13.19%). 46.01% of respondents were unaware of CVD, and 12.88% of respondents did not have any protective measures of CVD. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR = 1.076, 95%CI: 1.018-1.137, p = .009), preference for spicy food (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 1.083-2.818, p = .022), unbalanced diet (OR = 1.877, 95%CI: 1.049-3.358, p = .034) and physical exercise (OR 0.610, 95%CI: 0.377-0.986, p = .044) were the independent risk factors for CVD. This study provided data on the prevalence of CVD in young men at high-altitude and the risk factors for CVD. The findings of this study may facilitate the development of individualized clinical assessments and targeted prevention programs.

Analysing Trophic Competition in †Otodus megalodon and Carcharodon carcharias through 2D-SEM Dental Microwear

The extinction of the massive apex predator †Otodus megalodon during the Pliocene is a subject of debate, with climate change and emergence of competitors as potential factors, such as Carcharodon carcharias. We explore trophic interactions of †O. megalodon and the C. carcharias by the analysis of dental microwear. For this purpose, high-resolution casts were made from ten megalodon teeth and six white shark teeth. Then, replicas were produced for examination using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Following a previous work on non-occlusal teeth of bony fishes, density and scratch length as well as mean vector were taken into account for the analysis. Our findings revealed that †O. megalodon shows a slight preference for less abrasive diets compared to C. carcharias. However, no significant differences were found in the dental microwear patterns of both species. These results provide additional evidence of a similar trophic spectrum between C. carchariasand †O. megalodon in the Mediterranean Sea basin, contrasting with previous data obtained through texture analysis. However, due to the inability to estimate sizes, we cannot rule out possible ontogenetic dietary differences. Therefore, future studies estimating sizes and incorporating data from other basins could provide more information.

Impact of Ramadan on Halal Food Marketing Strategies in the Chinese Market: A Data Analytics Approach

This study investigates the integration of halal food into Chinese multinational culture amid the Coronavirus epidemic. Applying a thorough data analytics procedure, the research focuses on the evolving e-commerce landscape within China. The adaptation under scrutiny includes a wide range of sociocultural transformations, including linguistic proficiency, social norms, dietary preferences, and e-commerce consumption habits from various cultural domains. A data-driven marketing strategy's analytical structure, supported by an updated Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning (STP) model, carefully examines product differentiation criteria. Furthermore, the investigation includes the implementation of a prediction model that uses complex algorithms to estimate market trends and consumer preferences. The term "halal" comes from Arabic and refers to food that is considered permissible for consumption excluding porcine products, carrion, blood, and alcohol. Halal cuisine, which adheres to Islamic dietary regulations, is critical to Muslims' religious devotion around the globe. Halal dietary habits are integrated into Chinese cuisine through major e-commerce platforms. This study utilizes a data-analytics marketing model to analyze transactional data from Taobao.com and Tmall.com, aiming to understand purchasing patterns of halal food products in China. The analysis highlights significant seasonal fluctuations, particularly during major festivals such as Ramadan, Chinese New Year, and Eid, which heavily influence sales.

Culinary Comfort: Understanding the Connection between Food and Well-Being.

This study investigated the complex interaction between individuals' culinary tastes, at-home dining habits, and their broader impact on general well-being and relationships dynamics. An all-encompassing tool for assessing the impact of dietary choices on emotions related to coziness, social interaction, and general wellness, the multidimensional Culinary Comfort and Connection Index (CCCI) focuses on traditional home-cooked meals, in particular. We used an online-based survey to validate the CCCI. With a Cronbach alpha of 0.844, this scale is reliable and valid. It covers a wide range of aspects including self-care advocacy, traditional values, and a preference for handmade food. We performed descriptive and stratified analyses and tested correlations. The CCCI shows complicated patterns when analyzed with respect to gender, education level, and family income that demonstrate a myriad of factors impacting people's views on food and its relationship to health. While some patterns emerged, the results imply that dietary choices do not necessarily correlate with overall health. The research highlights the complex interaction between cultural, societal, and personal elements in determining perspectives on nutrition and health by drawing on theoretical models like Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Future research should incorporate broader age ranges, longitudinal designs, different populations, objective measurements, and intervention trials to better understand the dynamic link between dietary preferences and health outcomes.

Seasonal variation in fatty acid profiles of Holothuria poli (Delle Chiaje, 1823) from Monastir Bay (Tunisia): implications for trophic markers and lipid nutritional quality assessment

ABSTRACT This study investigated the seasonal variations in the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional quality, and diet composition of Holothuria poli collected from Monastir Bay. Our findings revealed significant seasonal variations in protein, lipids, and ash contents, with the highest protein levels recorded during the summer and peak lipid levels observed in winter. Total monounsaturated fatty acids peaked in both winter and summer, while total saturated fatty acids reached their maximum in autumn. These variations in biochemical compositions were closely linked to the sea cucumber's dietary preferences. Our results demonstrated that H. poli exhibits a diverse diet, consuming bacteria, detritus, diatoms, zooplankton, and algae, with notable seasonal fluctuations. Moreover, the EPA + DHA content and the atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (H/H) indexes align with the ranges characteristic of high-quality seafood, though marked variations are evident among seasons. A principal component analysis illuminated the dynamic seasonal shifts in Holothuria poli's dietary habits and lipid nutritional characteristics, offering valuable insights into its ecological adaptations and potential repercussions for marine food webs. These findings underscore the intriguing interplay between fatty acid composition, lipid nutritional quality, dietary preferences, and environmental factors in sea cucumbers.

Alien introgression to wheat for food security: functional and nutritional quality for novel products under climate change.

Crop yield and quality has increased globally during recent decades due to plant breeding, resulting in improved food security. However, climate change and shifts in human dietary habits and preferences display novel pressure on crop production to deliver enough quantity and quality to secure food for future generations. This review paper describes the current state-of-the-art and presents innovative approaches related to alien introgressions into wheat, focusing on aspects related to quality, functional characteristics, nutritional attributes, and development of novel food products. The benefits and opportunities that the novel and traditional plant breeding methods contribute to using alien germplasm in plant breeding are also discussed. In principle, gene introgressions from rye have been the most widely utilized alien gene source for wheat. Furthermore, the incorporation of novel resistance genes toward diseases and pests have been the most transferred type of genes into the wheat genome. The incorporation of novel resistance genes toward diseases and pests into the wheat genome is important in breeding for increased food security. Alien introgressions to wheat from e.g. rye and Aegilops spp. have also contributed to improved nutritional and functional quality. Recent studies have shown that introgressions to wheat of genes from chromosome 3 in rye have an impact on both yield, nutritional and functional quality, and quality stability during drought treatment, another character of high importance for food security under climate change scenarios. Additionally, the introgression of alien genes into wheat has the potential to improve the nutritional profiles of future food products, by contributing higher minerals levels or lower levels of anti-nutritional compounds into e.g., plant-based products substituting animal-based food alternatives. To conclude, the present review paper highlights great opportunities and shows a few examples of how food security and functional-nutritional quality in traditional and novel wheat products can be improved by the use of genes from alien sources, such as rye and other relatives to wheat. Novel and upcoming plant breeding methods such as genome-wide association studies, gene editing, genomic selection and speed breeding, have the potential to complement traditional technologies to keep pace with climate change and consumer eating habits.

Fecal DNA metabarcoding reveals the winter diet of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Northeast China

As the top predator of freshwater ecosystems, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) plays a vital role in maintaining food web structure and ecosystem stability. Understanding the dietary composition and dynamics of the Eurasian otter is crucial for comprehending its ecosystem function and interspecies interactions, providing vital information for determining conservation and management strategies. Currently, DNA metabarcoding technology has been extensively applied in dietary studies as a more effective and accurate method for identifying prey species. However, there remains an insufficient amount of research on otter diet using this technology, especially in Northeast China. In this study, we analyzed the vertebrate dietary composition and spatial variation of otters during the winter in Northeast China using DNA metabarcoding technology. We confirm 106 fecal samples belonging to Eurasian otter DNA from 118 putative otters fecal samples, and then performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications using vertebrate universal primers with the otter blocking primer (OBS1) and the human blocking primer (HomoB) to the sequence. Subsequently, high-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the dietary composition of Eurasian otter. We identified a total of 34 prey taxa, including 31 fish, 2 frog and 1bird. Our results showed that the winter diet of the Eurasian otter was dominated by fish (60.11 %), (e.g., Cottidae, Cyprinidae), followed by Ranidae (39.88 %). Furthermore, geographical variations in dietary preferences were observed. This study confirms that Eurasian otter is a generalist piscivorous predator, and that its diet could be related to the availability of resources in the habitat. This study enriches the information on the diet of Eurasian otter, and can be used to provide a reference for the development of effective conservation strategies. At the same time, it confirms the reliability of the fecal DNA metabarcoding technique for carnivore predation analysis, and provides a new perspective for the investigation and research of otters and other mammals.

The upper Frontier of Al-Andalus: Dietary practises in Medieval Catalonia (Northeast Iberia)

During the Middle Ages, the Islamic-ruled area of Iberia was known as Al-Andalus. Present day Catalonia (NE Iberia) included one of the stable borders of Al-Andalus, the Upper Frontier, where Christian and Muslim communities lived together, bringing us the perfect opportunity to address lifestyle changes in form of diet modifications during this period. Human skeletons found in Balaguer (n = 13), an urban Islamic necropolis, and Santa Coloma d’Àger (SCA, n = 16), a rural Christian necropolis under Islamic rule (Mozarabs), are studied for isotopic composition of bone collagen together with three animal samples in order to reconstruct diet (δ13Ccol δ15N), and preliminarily address mobility (δ34S). No differences regarding sex or age have been found. δ13Ccol suggests a diet mainly based on C3 plants food chain. Significative differences between both sites regarding δ15N seem to indicate a preferential access to meat, eggs and/or dairy in the studied individuals from Balaguer in contrast to SCA. Despite their geographical proximity, the humans from Balaguer, tend to show slightly higher δ34S values than those from SCA. The homogeneity observed intra-site suggests that the individuals were local, but Balaguer could be more connected to the sea due to consumption of food imported from the coast, or transhumant animals; a fact that is coherent with the higher δ34S in the two analysed caprines found in Balaguer. However, more analyses are needed to address mobility. The comparison of dietary proxies with other Christian and Islamic sites reveals that the rural/urban character of the site was probably more key in dietary preferences than the predominant religion; in this sense urban communities seem to present a higher access to animal protein than rural sites. Despite being under Islamic rule, the Christian community of SCA has similar isotopic values than other Christian rural sites, a fact that does not support any kind of marginalisation on the former.

At an appointment with a patient with diarrhea: the doctor’s algorithm of actions

Diarrhoea is one of the most common gastroenterological complaints made by patients who seek medical attention. It can be a manifestation of the whole range of different diseases, although not exclusively of the digestive tract, which requires a thorough examination of the patient and often is a challenge for the clinician, especially in the limited time settings during an outpatient visit. The cause of diarrhoea should be identified early to begin treatment of the patient in a timely and rational manner. In managing a patient with diarrhoea, a diagnostic search must begin with the following actions: working out complaints in detail, identification of symptoms of anxiety and taking a medical history, including epidemiological, pharmaceutical, hereditary, allergic, as well as analysis of dietary preferences. A physical examination is an integral part of the patient management; it allows to assess the general health condition, identify signs of dehydration and clinical stigmas of the underlying condition, which may manifest itself as diarrhoea. After an initial examination and exclusion of anxiety symptoms, a number of laboratory and instrumental examination methods is prescribed to determine the cause of diarrhoea. Given the polyetiology of diarrhoea syndrome, the range of methods for examining the patient can be quite wide, therefore the choice of area for the diagnostic search and the scope of the necessary diagnostic procedures is carried out on an individual basis, taking into account the features of the clinical picture, history data and physical examination findings. Treatment of a patient with diarrhoea at the pre-examination stage must include rehydration, timely detection and correction of electrolyte disturbances and other possible complications. Once the cause of diarrhoea has been established, the patient is treated due to the identified etiological factor in accordance with the current clinical guidelines. The article presents a step-by-step algorithm for making a differential diagnosis in a patient with diarrhoea, and also presents our own clinical observations.

Invasive vegetation encroachment modulates dual threats faced by island-endemic scaly crickets

The mechanisms by which non-native species impact island-endemic populations are varied and often convoluted. For effective invertebrate conservation where capacity is limited, it is vital to understand both direct and indirect species interactions. Those interactions define specific threats and therefore highlight possible solutions. We quantified several of the non-native species threats faced by an endemic scaly cricket, Discophallus ascension (family: Mogoplistidae), found on Ascension Island’s naturally barren coastlines. We hypothesized that encroaching non-native Mexican thorn Prosopis juliflora (1) directly reduced microclimate suitability, (2) indirectly increased resource competition with non-native species, and (3) indirectly increased non-native predation. Our aim was to assess how rapidly spreading Mexican thorn might reduce endemic cricket populations. Lab trials first confirmed the temperature and diet preferences of D. ascension. Mexican thorn significantly increased ground-level temperature but not above the estimated optimum for D. ascension within key habitat. Observed interspecific resource competition was significantly greater in habitat degraded by Mexican thorn and was driven by non-native ants, house crickets Gryllodes sigillatus and cockroaches Periplaneta americana. Recorded cricket predation was almost entirely by non-native rats Rattus rattus in barren habitat but primarily by ants in Mexican thorn habitat. Threats to D. ascension were therefore modulated by invasive vegetation, but driven by non-native insects and rats at all sites. We conclude that removal of vegetation alone is likely to reduce resource competition but not predation. Managing multiple invasive species is likely necessary for successful species conservation.

Evaluation nutrients of Turkish Snack Bars Based on Labeling and Web Page Information: A Qualitative Research

Background: Snack bars, a globally popular food category, contain a diverse variety of ingredients and appeal to different dietary preferences. Even though snack alternatives are gaining prominence as viable options for promoting healthy dietary patterns, the composition of certain snacks may pose sustainability-related concerns and effects on environment. This study investigates the energy and nutrient composition of fruit-based snack bars, with a focus on sustainable practices, and the significant inclusion of dates and nuts in production. Methods: Between 10 and 25 July 2023, 49 healthy bars from 12 companies, accessible in five supermarkets, underwent a comprehensive analysis. The researchers visited selected supermarkets, identified the products on the shelves, and collected information on the contents from the labels. The label information was then cross-referenced with the brands' websites. The average values of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, and salt contents of 100 g samples of the products were assessed. Group proportions were investigated through the Chi-square test. As comparisons involving numerical variables failed to meet the assumption of normal distribution, independent comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for more than two groups and Mann-Whitney U test for two groups. The significance level was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Dried fruits, particularly date and their derivatives, are the most prominently featured ingredients (87.8%) of the nutritious snacks, followed by other dried fruits containing apple, cherry, and orange. Oily seeds are the most preferred additional ingredient (75.5%), followed by cocoa (57.1%), spices (57.1%), sweeteners, and coconut. Almonds are the most preferred variety among nuts (36.7%). Other ingredients frequently utilized in bars, such as chickpea flour and chicory root fiber. It is noteworthy that, several snack bars were including multiple ingredients simultaneously whereas others lacked certain ingredients entirely. Furthermore, combination of those ingredients were discovered to be prevalent in various snack bars. Conclusion: In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for consumers and industry stakeholders, guiding them towards choices aligned with nutritional preferences and supporting environmental and economic sustainability.

The Intersection of Livestock Production and Public Health: Policy Challenges and Solutions

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore the intersection of livestock production and public health, that is, policy challenges and solutions. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to livestock production and public health. Preliminary empirical review revealed that comprehensive, interdisciplinary policies were necessary to address the multifaceted challenges posed by livestock farming. It emphasized the importance of frameworks like One Health, which recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The study highlighted the significance of stringent regulation and surveillance to manage public health risks, particularly concerning antimicrobial resistance and foodborne illnesses. Additionally, it stressed the need for continuous research and innovation to address evolving challenges, such as climate change and changing dietary preferences. Overall, the study underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to develop sustainable solutions that balance public health protection with economic and environmental considerations. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The One Health Theory, Risk Analysis Framework and Social-Ecological Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the intersection of livestock production and public health, that is, policy challenges and solutions. The study provided several recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field. It emphasized the adoption of theoretical frameworks like One Health to better understand the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health. In practice, the study recommended implementing evidence-based strategies such as sustainable farming practices to mitigate public health risks associated with livestock production. From a policy perspective, it called for the development of comprehensive regulations and surveillance mechanisms to safeguard public health. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of international collaboration, research, and stakeholder engagement in addressing global challenges in this area. Overall, these recommendations aimed to promote sustainable livestock production while protecting public health and the environment. Keywords: Livestock Production, Public Health, Regulation, Surveillance, One Health, Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Health, Zoonotic Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance