Repositório UNIC: Documentos donde el Tema es "Materias

Prickly pear fruits from "Opuntia ficus-indica" varieties as a source of potential bioactive compounds in the Mediterranean diet.

Valorization of Purple Prickly Pear Peel By‐Products: Antiproliferative and Pro‐Apoptotic Effects on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells HCT116.

Human‐based new approach methodologies to accelerate advances in nutrition research.

Liquorice alters adipocyte–breast cancer cell crosstalk by modulating oxidative stress and suppressing aromatase and renin–angiotensin signalling.

Possible role of nutrition in the prevention of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related colorectal cancer: a focus on human studies.

Single-cell omics for nutrition research: an emerging opportunity for human-centric investigations.

Strawberry as a health promoter: an evidence-based review. Where are we 10 years later?

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease driven by persistent inflammation and oxidative stress. Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) contains bioactive compounds—particularly chlorogenic acids, quercetin, and rutin—with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: To systematically review the mechanistic and clinical evidence on Ilex paraguariensis and its main constituents in RA-relevant inflammatory, oxidative, and bone metabolic pathways. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO were searched up to September 2025. Eligible studies included yerba mate preparations (last 10 years) or isolated compounds (last 5 years) assessing RA-relevant clinical, inflammatory, oxidative, or bone metabolic outcomes. Non-original studies were excluded. Owing to heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesized, and risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2, ROBINS-I, OHAT, and SYRCLE. Results: Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria: 11 human (clinical or observational), 7 human-based in vitro, and 5 animal studies. Interventions with yerba mate infusions or standardized extracts suggest reductions in inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) and indicate improvements in glutathione-related oxidative balance. Evidence from isolated compounds, particularly quercetin and rutin, suggests comparable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Preclinical studies appear to indicate modulation of inflammatory and redox pathways relevant to RA. Conclusions: Yerba mate and its constituents show preliminary indications of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects with potential relevance to RA pathophysiology. However, in the absence of clinical trials in RA patients, conclusions remain tentative, constrained by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, species differences, and internal validity concerns. Future research should include rigorously designed randomized trials and mechanistic studies using advanced human-relevant platforms, such as organoids and organ-on-chip systems.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence.

Environmental burden of fish in healthy and sustainable diets.

Background/Objectives: The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots in health professional education offers innovative methods to enhance learning and clinical preparedness. This study aimed to evaluate the educational impact and perceptions in university students of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, regarding the utility, usability, and design of the E+DIEting_Lab chatbot platform when implemented in clinical nutrition training. Methods: The platform was piloted from December 2023 to April 2025 involving 475 students from multiple European universities. While all 475 students completed the initial survey, 305 finished the follow-up evaluation, representing a 36% attrition rate. Participants completed surveys before and after interacting with the chatbots, assessing prior experience, knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention perceptions. Results: A total of 475 university students completed the initial survey and 305 the final evaluation. Most university students were females (75.4%), with representation from six languages and diverse institutions. Students reported clear perceived learning gains: 79.7% reported updated practical skills in clinical dietetics and communication were updated, 90% felt that new digital tools improved classroom practice, and 73.9% reported enhanced interpersonal skills. Self-rated competence in using chatbots as learning tools increased significantly, with mean knowledge scores rising from 2.32 to 2.66 and skills from 2.39 to 2.79 on a 0–5 Likert scale (p < 0.001 for both). Perceived effectiveness and usefulness of chatbots as self-learning tools remained positive but showed a small decline after use (effectiveness from 3.63 to 3.42; usefulness from 3.63 to 3.45), suggesting that hands-on experience refined, but did not diminish, students’ overall favorable views of the platform. Conclusions: The implementation and pilot evaluation of the E+DIEting_Lab self-learning virtual patient chatbot platform demonstrate that structured digital simulation tools can significantly improve perceived clinical nutrition competences. These findings support chatbot adoption in dietetics curricula and inform future digital education innovations.

Innovative Application of Chatbots in Clinical Nutrition Education: The E+DIEting_Lab Experience in University Students.

Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in University Students: The RUNEAT Study.

Systematic Review of Machine Learning applied to the Prediction of Obesity and Overweight.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive status in older Italian adults.

Adherence to the Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern and Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

Chronotype and Cancer: Emerging Relation Between Chrononutrition and Oncology from Human Studies.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with cognitive status in elderly patients.

Diet, Eating Habits, and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Adequate Sleep Duration in Children and Adolescents Living in 5 Mediterranean Countries: The DELICIOUS Project.

Background Age-related structural changes in the human brain, including cortical atrophy, reductions in grey and white matter volumes, and the accumulation of small vessel–related lesions such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds, represent critical biological substrates underlying cognitive decline and dementia. Fish consumption has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia, but a comprehensive evaluation of its relation with brain structures is lacking. Aims The aim of this study was to systematically review current scientific literature providing evidence of relation between fish intake and brain structures in human studies. Methods Studies indexed in two major electronic databases have been screened based on a combination of keywords and MeSH terms. Studies were eligible whether they assessed fish consumption in relation to brain structures in the adult populations. Results A total of 24 studies conducted predominantly on older adults met inclusion criteria. Most brain volume measures were obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed, preservation of certain brain areas volumes (i.e., hippocampus, temporal lobe and periventricle white matter) and cortical thickness of specific areas (i.e., precuneus, parietal, and cingulate grey matter), among others, compared to lower intake. Some analyses found no association and isolated findings suggested possible adverse associations that were not consistently replicated. Studies reporting null findings may underline the possible relevance of the overall diet (i.e., adherence to the Mediterranean diet). Conclusions Inclusion of fish in a healthy and balanced diet is associated with better white matter grades on MRI and slower progression of white matter hyperintensities and reduction of vascular-related lesions of the aging brain, suggesting a potential role in preventing neurocognitive deterioration. Heterogeneity across studies underscores the need for additional studies.

Fish consumption and brain structure: a comprehensive systematic review of observational studies.

Epidemiological studies consistently link higher fish intake with slower rates of cognitive decline and lower dementia incidence. The aim of the present study was to systematically review existing observational studies investigating the association between fish consumption and cognitive function in older adults. A total of 25 studies (8 cross-sectional and 17 prospective including mainly healthy older adults, age range of participants ranging from 18 to 30 years at baseline in prospective studies to 65 to 91 years, representing the upper limit of the age spectrum) were reviewed. Cognitive functions currently investigated in most published studies included various domains, such as global cognition, memory (episodic, working), executive function (planning, inhibition, flexibility), attention and processing speed. Existing studies greatly vary in terms of design (cross-sectional and prospective), geographical area, number of participants involved, and tools used to assess the outcomes of interest. The main findings across studies are not univocal, with some studies reporting stronger evidence of association between fish consumption and various cognitive domains, while others addressed rather null findings. The most consistently responsive domains were processing speed, executive functioning, semantic memory, and global cognitive ability among individuals consuming fish at least weekly, which are highly relevant to both neurodegenerative and vascular forms of cognitive impairment. Positive associations were also observed for verbal memory and general memory, though these were less uniform and often attenuated after multivariable adjustment. In contrast, associations with reaction time, verbal-numerical reasoning, and broad composite scores were inconsistent, and several fully adjusted models showed null results. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that regular fish intake (typically ≥1–2 servings per week) is linked to preserved cognitive performance, although some inconsistent findings require further investigations.

Fish consumption and cognitive function in aging: a systematic review of observational studies.

Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action.

Inflammatory potential of the diet and self-rated quality of life in Italian adults.

Loneliness, Aloneness, and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Southern Italian Individuals.

Mediterranean Diet and Quality of Life in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Mediterranean Diet and Sleep Features: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and beverages, the use of which has been linked to enhanced brain health and cognitive function. These natural molecules are broadly classified into two main groups: flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols, the latter including phenolic acids, stilbenes, and tannins. Flavonoids are primarily known for their potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain, thereby reducing oxidative stress, a key contributor to neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to their antioxidant effects, flavonoids have been shown to modulate inflammation, enhance neuronal survival, and support neurogenesis, all of which are critical for maintaining cognitive function. Phenolic acids possess strong antioxidant properties and are believed to protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Neuroprotective effects of these molecules can also depend on their ability to modulate signaling pathways associated with inflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Among polyphenols, hydroxycinnamic acids such as caffeic acid have been shown to enhance blood-brain barrier permeability, which may increase the delivery of other protective compounds to the brain. Another compound of interest is represented by resveratrol, a stilbene extensively studied for its potential neuroprotective properties related to its ability to activate the sirtuin pathway, a molecular signaling pathway involved in cellular stress response and aging. Lignans, on the other hand, have shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which could help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Polyphenols belonging to different subclasses, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, exert neuroprotective effects by regulating microglial activation, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mitigating oxidative stress. These compounds act through multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2, and they may also influence genetic regulation of inflammation and immune responses at brain level. Despite their potential for brain health and cognitive function, polyphenols are often characterized by low bioavailability, something that deserves attention when considering their therapeutic potential. Future translational studies are needed to better understand the right dosage, the overall diet, the correct target population, as well as ideal formulations allowing to overcome bioavailability limitations.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols: implications for cognitive function.

Nut Consumption Is Associated with Cognitive Status in Southern Italian Adults.

Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food, Diet Quality and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents: The DELICIOUS Project.

Isoflavones Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Outcomes: How Is the Gut Microbiota Involved?

Measurement of chest muscle mass in COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation using tomography.

Mango is one of the most beloved fruits and plays an indispensable role in the agricultural economies of many tropical countries like Pakistan, India, and other Southeast Asian countries. Similar to other fruits, mango cultivation is also threatened by various diseases, including Anthracnose and Red Rust. Although farmers try to mitigate such situations on time, early and accurate detection of mango diseases remains challenging due to multiple factors, such as limited understanding of disease diversity, similarity in symptoms, and frequent misclassification. To avoid such instances, this study proposes a multimodal deep learning framework that leverages both leaf and fruit images to improve classification performance and generalization. Individual CNN-based pre-trained models, including ResNet-50, MobileNetV2, EfficientNet-B0, and ConvNeXt, were trained separately on curated datasets of mango leaf and fruit diseases. A novel Modality Attention Fusion (MAF) mechanism was introduced to dynamically weight and combine predictions from both modalities based on their discriminative strength, as some diseases are more prominent on leaves than on fruits, and vice versa. To address overfitting and improve generalization, a class-aware augmentation pipeline was integrated, which performs augmentation according to the specific characteristics of each class. The proposed attention-based fusion strategy significantly outperformed individual models and static fusion approaches, achieving a test accuracy of 99.08%, an F1 score of 99.03%, and a perfect ROC-AUC of 99.96% using EfficientNet-B0 as the base. To evaluate the model’s real-world applicability, an interactive web application was developed using the Django framework and evaluated through out-of-distribution (OOD) testing on diverse mango samples collected from public sources. These findings underline the importance of combining visual cues from multiple organs of plants and adapting model attention to contextual features for real-world agricultural diagnostics.

Dual-modality fusion for mango disease classification using dynamic attention based ensemble of leaf & fruit images.

Background: Physical activity in children and adolescents represents one of the most important lifestyle factors to determine current and future health. Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the lifestyle and dietary factors linked to physical activity in younger populations across five countries in the Mediterranean region. Design: A total of 2,011 parents of children and adolescents (age range 6–17 years) participating to a preliminary survey of the DELICIOUS project were investigated to determine children's adequate physical activity level (identified using the short form of the international physical activity questionnaire) as well as diet quality parameters [measured as Youth-Healthy Eating Index (Y-HEI)] and eating and lifestyle factors (i.e., meal habits, sleep duration, screen time, etc.). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between variables of interest. Results: Younger children of younger parents currently working had higher rates and probability to have adequate physical activity. Multivariate analysis showed that children and adolescents who had breakfast (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.56) and often ate with their family (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.90, 3.61) were more likely to have an adequate level of physical activity. Children and adolescents who reported a sleep duration (8–10 h) closest to the recommended one were significantly more likely to achieve adequate levels of physical activity (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.56). Conversely, those with more than 4 h of daily screen time were less likely to engage in adequate physical activity (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.10). Furthermore, children and adolescents in the highest tertile of YEHI scores showed a 60% greater likelihood of engaging in adequate physical activity (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.01). Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of promoting healthy diet and lifestyle habits, including structured and high quality shared meals, sufficient sleep, and screen time moderation, as key strategies to support active behaviors in younger populations. Future interventions should focus on reinforcing these behaviors through parental guidance and community-based initiatives to foster lifelong healthy habits.

Children's and adolescents' lifestyle factors associated with physical activity in five Mediterranean countries: the DELICIOUS project.

From by-products to new application opportunities: the enhancement of the leaves deriving from the fruit plants for new potential healthy products.

In Vivo Anti-Alzheimer and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Honey from Southern Spain.

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Children’s and Adolescents’ Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Living in Mediterranean Countries: The DELICIOUS Project.

Molecular Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of Olive Leaf Polyphenols against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Unhealthy Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area: The DELICIOUS Project.

Carotenoids Intake and Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review.

Background and objectives: As microbes are developing resistance to antibiotics, natural, botanical drugs or traditional herbal medicine are presently being studied with an eye of great curiosity and hope. Hence, complementary and alternative treatments for uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (uPID) are explored for their efficacy. Therefore, this study determined the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Sesamum indicum Linn seeds with Rosa damascena Mill Oil in uPID with standard control. Additionally, we analyzed the data with machine learning. Materials and methods: We included 60 participants in a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized standard-controlled study. Participants in the Sesame and Rose oil group (SR group) (n = 30) received 14 days course of black sesame powder (5 gm) mixed with rose oil (10 mL) per vaginum at bedtime once daily plus placebo capsules orally. The standard group (SC), received doxycycline 100 mg twice and metronidazole 400 mg thrice orally plus placebo per vaginum for the same duration. The primary outcome was a clinical cure at post-intervention for visual analogue scale (VAS) for lower abdominal pain (LAP), and McCormack pain scale (McPS) for abdominal-pelvic tenderness. The secondary outcome included white blood cells (WBC) cells in the vaginal wet mount test, safety profile, and health-related quality of life assessed by SF-12. In addition, we used AdaBoost (AB), Naïve Bayes (NB), and Decision Tree (DT) classifiers in this study to analyze the experimental data. Results: The clinical cure for LAP and McPS in the SR vs SC group was 82.85% vs 81.48% and 83.85% vs 81.60% on Day 15 respectively. On Day 15, pus cells less than 10 in the SR vs SC group were 86.6% vs 76.6% respectively. No adverse effects were reported in both groups. The improvement in total SF-12 score on Day 30 for the SR vs SC group was 82.79% vs 80.04% respectively. In addition, our Naive Bayes classifier based on the leave-one-out model achieved the maximum accuracy (68.30%) for the classification of both groups of uPID. Conclusion: We concluded that the SR group is cost-effective, safer, and efficacious for curing uPID. Proposed alternative treatment (test drug) could be a substitute of standard drug used for Female genital tract infections.