Search Results (18,116)

Interest in phytotherapy and phytogenic additives in veterinary medicine and animal production has increased considerably, driven by the search for functional alternatives to extensive antimicrobial use and the growing emphasis on food safety. In this context, Curcuma longa L. and its main bioactive compound, curcumin, have attracted attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. This review synthesizes recent evidence on the use of C. longa and curcumin in veterinary medicine, with emphasis on the botanical and phytochemical basis of the plant, the main biological mechanisms involved, and reported applications in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and companion animals. It further highlights that the interpretation of findings is strongly influenced by botanical identity, phytochemical variability, product type, standardization, dose and route of administration. Available evidence indicates promising effects on antioxidant status, intestinal health, productive performance and hepatic protection in selected experimental models. However, translation into practice remains constrained by the low oral bioavailability of curcumin, formulation heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting. Overall, C. longa represents a promising phytogenic resource, but robust veterinary recommendations require studies in target species, better characterized products and standardized experimental protocols for application. Full article

Background/Objectives:Helicobacter pylori infection is traditionally associated with gastrointestinal diseases; however, increasing evidence suggests that it may have systemic effects involving inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological pathways. Despite this, integrated evaluations of these domains remain limited, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the impact of H. pylori infection on inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological parameters among adults. Methods: A case–control study was conducted including 100 participants (50 H. pylori-positive patients and 50 healthy controls) recruited from Qassim Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and blood samples were analyzed for random blood sugar (RBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, ferritin, and white blood cell count (WBC). Statistical analyses included group comparisons, Spearman correlation, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The infected group showed significantly higher levels of RBS and HbA1c, indicating impaired glycemic control. Inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR) were also significantly elevated compared to controls (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were significantly lower in the infected group (p < 0.001), suggesting disturbed iron metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between inflammatory markers and glycemic indices, and negative associations with hemoglobin and ferritin. Multivariable logistic regression identified CRP (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04–1.71) and ESR (adjusted OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16) as independent predictors of H. pylori infection after adjustment for smoking status and fast-food consumption. The combined model demonstrated acceptable discriminatory performance with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.90). Conclusions:Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with significant inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological alterations, supporting its potential role as a systemic condition beyond the gastrointestinal tract. These associations remained significant after adjustment for major lifestyle-related confounders, including smoking status and fast-food consumption. Although the combined inflammatory model demonstrated acceptable discriminatory performance, it should currently be considered mainly for research or preliminary screening purposes and not as a replacement for established diagnostic methods for active H. pylori infection. Further large-scale longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to clarify causality and evaluate the impact of eradication therapy on systemic outcomes. Full article

Introduction: The work-related quality of life affects employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness, with a direct impact on the quality of healthcare. This study aims to investigate the work-related quality of life (WRQoL) among nurses in tertiary healthcare, as perceived by the nurses themselves, in relation to their demographic and professional characteristics. At the same time, it seeks to highlight the way in which the individual dimensions of WRQoL influence their sexual and mental health. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in a General Hospital in Greece. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing sociodemo-graphic and occupational characteristics, WRQoL, mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—DASS-21), and female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index—FSFI-19). Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. The regression model was adjusted for age, marital status, number of children, and work experience. Results: The results demonstrated a significant negative association between depression and sexual function (β = −0.388, p = 0.029), while stress was positively associated with sexual function (β = 0.371, p = 0.038). The overall regression model was statistically significant (p = 0.001), explaining 18.6% of the variance in sexual function. Conclusions: The findings highlight the close interrelationship between work-related quality of life, mental health, and sexual function among nurses. Poorer psychological well-being was associated with reduced sexual function, emphasizing the impact of occupational and emotional burden on nurses’ overall health. These results underline the importance of supportive workplace environments and targeted interventions to promote mental and sexual well-being among healthcare professionals. Full article

Introduction: Oral health in early childhood is essential. Parents, as the primary caregivers, must possess basic knowledge to achieve optimal oral health status. Objectives: The study aims to assess parents’ knowledge and perspectives on early childhood oral health and to evaluate how nationality and educational attainment influence their preventive habits and dental priorities within a nursery and primary school in the province of Huelva (Spain). Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 129 parents of children aged 3, 4, and 5 years from the aforementioned educational center. A modified questionnaire, validated by experts in the field, was used as the assessment tool. Results: Nationality and education were key determinants of oral health literacy. Spanish-born guardians reported significantly higher dental attendance for their children compared to foreign-born guardians (97.7% vs. 84.2%; p = 0.030). A profound cultural gap was observed in caries etiology: 71.1% of foreign-born respondents attributed caries to “infections or heredity,” while 98.4% of Spanish-born respondents correctly identified behavioral factors (p < 0.001). Regarding educational attainment, 75% of the high-education group prioritized functional health (posterior sector) compared to only 26.3% in the low-education group (p < 0.001). Additionally, a non-linear gap was found in knowledge of primary tooth complications, with the medium-education group showing the lowest awareness (34.8%; p = 0.047). Full article

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pervasive environmental challenges, with microplastics (MPs) widely distributed across marine ecosystems worldwide. This study aimed to assess the uptake of MPs by key fish and invertebrate species from different locations in the coastal zone of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Fish were collected during routine monitoring surveys in September–November 2024, while invertebrates were obtained via scuba diving. The presence of MPs in fish stomachs and invertebrate soft tissues, and their polymer composition, shape and size were analyzed using an Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System. Potential biological effects of ingested MPs were evaluated by an integrated Specific Oxidative Stress (SOS) index. The results revealed MP uptake levels comparable to those reported globally. Small-sized particles (<50 µm) with rounded shapes were most abundant across studied taxa. Polymer composition varied considerably depending on species and sampling region, indicating differences in exposure sources and environmental conditions. Oxidative stress levels in both fish and invertebrates showed substantial interspecific variation, and clear differences between the northern and southern region of the Bulgarian Black Sea. Overall, elevated uptake of MPs appears to contribute to oxidative stress in marine organisms, potentially affecting their health status, resilience, and adaptive capacity, as reflected by increased SOS index values. Full article

How older adults psychologically appraise their health while managing multiple chronic conditions is a behavioral-science question as much as a clinical one. This study estimated the weighted prevalence of favorable mental-health self-appraisal, identified its behavioral, social, and functional correlates, and compared the relative salience of diagnosed-condition burden and functional limitation among U.S. adults aged ≥ 50 years with multimorbidity. This retrospective cross-sectional secondary analysis used the 2023 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Full Year Consolidated Data File (HC-251). Multimorbidity was defined as at least two diagnosed chronic priority conditions. The primary outcome represents favorable mental-health self-appraisal, derived from MNHLTH53 (excellent/very good/good vs. fair/poor). Covariates were organized using Andersen’s Behavioral Model and health-psychology concepts of adaptation, resources, and lived functional burden. Weighted prevalence estimates and survey-weighted logistic regression models were fitted using PERWT23F, VARSTR, and VARPSU. Robustness checks examined a stricter outcome threshold, proxy adjustment/non-proxy restriction, and a physical-health extension model. The analytic sample included 5523 respondents, representing approximately 77.9 million U.S. adults aged ≥ 50 years with multimorbidity. The weighted prevalence of favorable perceived mental-health self-appraisal was 86.6% (95% CI 85.4–87.7). In the fully adjusted core model (complete-case n = 5330), age 65–74 years (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17–1.98) and age ≥ 75 years (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.36–2.36) were associated with higher odds of favorable appraisal. Lower odds were observed for Hispanic respondents, non-Hispanic Asian respondents, lower educational attainment, lower income, non-employment, ≥4 diagnosed conditions, and any functional limitation. The strongest inverse association was limitation status (aOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.27–0.39). Sensitivity analyses were directionally consistent. Favorable mental-health self-appraisal remained common in this medically complex older population, but it was socially and functionally patterned. Functional limitation appeared more behaviorally salient than diagnosis count alone. Because the analysis was cross-sectional and based on household-interview reported measures, these results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Full article

Background and Objectives: This research aimed to compare Type D personality characteristics and self-esteem between individuals with chronic NSLBP and healthy controls, while also exploring their relationships with functional status, psychological symptoms, and quality of life within the patient group. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional investigation, 34 patients with chronic NSLBP were compared with 34 healthy controls with similar age and sex distribution. Pain intensity was quantified via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while functional impairment was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Psychological profiling included the Type D Scale-14 (DS14) for personality traits, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) for self-worth, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for emotional distress. Health-related quality of life was captured through the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: Type D personality was significantly more prevalent in the NSLBP group than in controls (50% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.011). Patients with NSLBP had significantly higher negative affectivity (NA) scores (p < 0.001) and anxiety scores (p = 0.007) and lower SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores (p < 0.001) than controls. Pain intensity and disability were positively correlated with Type D personality traits, particularly NA and the Type D composite score. In exploratory subgroup analyses, patients with Type D personality also had higher pain intensity, disability, anxiety, and depression scores and lower SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores than those without Type D personality. In adjusted regression analyses within the NSLBP group, Type D personality was associated with higher VAS (p = 0.004) and ODI scores (p = 0.007) and lower SF-12 MCS scores (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Type D personality characteristics were more frequent in patients with chronic NSLBP than in healthy controls and were associated with higher pain intensity, greater disability, higher anxiety and depressive symptom scores, and poorer mental quality-of-life scores within the patient group. In contrast, self-esteem did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Due to the inherent constraints of a cross-sectional framework and the potential construct redundancy between NA and emotional distress, the current results signify correlational links rather than definitive causality. Consequently, subsequent prospective research is vital to delineate the temporal dynamics and the long-term predictive value of Type D personality traits in the progression of chronic NSLBP. Full article

Background: The contribution of oral inflammatory conditions to systemic disease burden remains underexplored within multimorbidity frameworks. Emerging evidence suggests that periodontal inflammation may play a role in the clustering of chronic diseases, yet few studies have evaluated this at a population level using robust datasets. The aims of this study were to investigate whether periodontal diseases are associated with Multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) burden and severity in two population-based cohorts and to examine whether systemic inflammatory biomarkers mediate these associations. Materials and Methods: We analyzed two population-based cohorts: the UK Biobank (UKB; n = 500,612) and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; n = 10,714). MLTCs were defined as the coexistence of ≥2 chronic diseases. Associations between periodontal diseases and MLTCs were assessed using multivariable logistic and multinomial logistic regression. Causal mediation analyses examined the contribution of systemic inflammatory markers. Results: Approximately half of all participants had MLTCs. The prevalence of periodontal diseases was 17.8% in UKB (self-reported symptoms), and 42.3% in NHANES (clinically assessed). Periodontal diseases were independently associated with greater odds of MLTCs in both UKB (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.10–1.14) and NHANES (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.09–1.37). Associations were stronger among adults aged ≤ 60 years. A consistent dose-response relationship was observed between periodontal status and the number and severity of chronic conditions, as well as inflammatory-related MLTCs. Mediation analyses suggested partial effects through white blood cell count, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein. Conclusions: Periodontal inflammation is independently associated with greater multimorbidity burden, particularly in younger adults. Systemic inflammation may offer a plausible biological link, and these findings position oral health as an underrecognized and modifiable target in multimorbidity prevention and management frameworks, warranting prospective investigation. Full article

Background: Shift-working healthcare workers (HCWs) are at elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk due to chronic circadian disruption; however, gender-stratified data on CV risk profiles and modifiable risk factor distribution by occupational exposure duration remain scarce in the Italian hospital setting. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterise the 10-year CV risk profile and the distribution of modifiable risk factors in a hospital-based sample of shift-working HCWs. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from routine occupational health surveillance of shift-working HCWs at a large Italian hospital in Salento, Southern Italy (survey year: 2025). The 10-year CV risk was estimated using the CUORE Project algorithm, validated for the Italian population. Risk was stratified by gender, age group, and shift work duration. Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for age, marital status, and presence of children at home, evaluated associations between selected risk factors and CV risk category. The study was reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines. Results: Of 765 HCWs included (320 males, 445 females; mean age 49.3 ± 8.5 years), male workers showed a significantly higher mean 10-year CV risk score (4.98 ± 2.8 vs. 1.34 ± 0.9; p < 0.05). Among male workers, the odds of moderate/high CV risk increased progressively with shift work duration (aOR 6.4 for >30 years). Males also showed significantly higher prevalence of arterial hypertension, overweight, and obesity across all strata. Conclusions: Male shift-working HCWs represent a higher-risk subgroup, characterised by a greater burden of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Integration of validated risk assessment tools into occupational health surveillance may support targeted preventive strategies in hospital settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Propranolol (PROP) is a non-selective β-blocker widely prescribed for cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) are highly variable, and co-administration with omeprazole (OME), a CYP2C19 substrate and inhibitor, may alter systemic exposure. Herein, this study aimed to investigate factors influencing PROP PK variability and evaluate the effect of OME coadministration using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and population PK (popPK) analysis. Methods: PBPK models for PROP and OME were developed and validated against published data. DDI simulations were conducted across clinically relevant dosing regimens. A two-period fixed-sequence virtual trial of 125 subjects was simulated with PROP alone and PROP combined with OME. Population PK (popPK) analysis was performed on simulated plasma concentration data to identify covariates affecting PROP disposition and quantify DDI magnitude. Results: PBPK models were successfully developed and validated. PROP disposition was best described by a two-compartment model with linear elimination. Health status was found to influence clearance, and body surface area (BSA) affected the central volume of distribution. Co-administration with OME increased PROP exposure, with larger effects in patients with renal impairment. Simulated plasma concentrations remained below established toxicity thresholds. Conclusions: Virtual clinical trials integrating PBPK and popPK modeling provide a robust approach to identifying key determinants of PK variability and DDI risk. Although these findings were not directly translated to clinical observations, this helps identify sources of PK variability in PROP treatment settings and factors that may intensify its interaction with OME, thereby supporting model-informed precision dosing to enhance safety and efficacy. Full article

Background: Previous studies have confirmed an association between sarcopenia and depression but were mostly based on single baseline assessments, ignoring dynamic changes in sarcopenia status. This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in sarcopenia status and incident depression risk. Methods: Data were sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Sarcopenia status was classified as non-sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, or sarcopenia according to AWGS 2019 criteria. Changes in status were defined by comparing assessments at baseline (2011) and two years later (2013). Depression was assessed using the CESD-10 (score ≥10). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Participants who progressed from non-sarcopenia to possible sarcopenia or sarcopenia had a higher risk of depression than those who remained non-sarcopenic (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.47). Conversely, participants who recovered from sarcopenia had a lower risk of depression than those with persistently stable sarcopenia (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.94). Conclusions: Changes in sarcopenia status are differentially associated with the risk of incident depression. The progression of sarcopenia status is associated with an increased risk of incident depression, whereas recovery from sarcopenia is linked to a reduced risk. Full article

Background: Menopausal symptoms may adversely affect women’s overall health and well-being. Aim: This study investigated the effects of menopausal symptoms on subjective well-being in women in the 40–65 age group. Methods: The study sample consisted of 510 women, with 318 postmenopausal and 192 perimenopausal participants. Data were gathered using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWBS), all administered as self-report instruments. Menopausal status was determined using the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 criteria. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were used. Results: Three regression models were specified to investigate the relationship between menopausal symptoms and subjective well-being. Model 1 demonstrated that overall menopausal symptoms were significant negative predictors of subjective well-being (B = −0.749, SE = 0.156, β = −0.260, t = −4.788, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−1.06, −0.44], R² = 0.068). Model 2 showed that both urogenital symptoms (B = −1.208, SE = 0.517, β = −0.139, t = −2.336, p = 0.020, 95% CI [−2.22, −0.20]) and somatic symptoms (B = −2.068, SE = 0.731, β = −0.168, t = −2.830, p = 0.005, 95% CI [−3.50, −0.64]) were significant negative predictors. Model 3 indicated that psychological symptoms significantly and negatively predicted subjective well-being (B = −1.114, SE = 0.262, β = −0.233, t = −4.253, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−1.63, −0.60], R² = 0.054). Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive health strategies and demonstrate that psychological symptoms significantly impact overall well-being. Full article

Background: Stunting remains a major public health problem among ethnic minority children in mountainous areas of Vietnam. Picky eating has been suggested as a potential behavioral risk factor for poor child growth, but evidence from vulnerable rural populations remains limited. This study examined the association between picky eating and stunting among ethnic minority children aged 12–35 months in Vietnam. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2025 in two communes of Phu Tho province, formerly part of Lac Son District, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam. A total of 341 children aged 12–35 months and their caregivers were included. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires on feeding practices and child characteristics. Picky eating was assessed based on caregiver-reported behaviors. Anthropometric measurements were performed according to standard procedures, and height-for-age Z-scores were calculated using the WHO Child Growth Standards. Zinc status was assessed in a subsample of children. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with stunting. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were reported. Results: The prevalence of picky eating was 39.6%, while 24.9% of children were stunted. Zinc deficiency was identified in 41.9% of children with available blood samples. In multivariable analysis, picky eating was significantly associated with increased odds of stunting (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.71–7.70). Snacking before main meals was also independently associated with stunting (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.01–3.24). In contrast, zinc deficiency was associated with stunting in crude analysis but was not statistically significant after adjustment. Other factors, including child age, sex, caregiver identity, and timing of complementary feeding, were not independently associated with stunting. Conclusions: Picky eating was common and was independently associated with stunting among ethnic minority children in this mountainous setting. These findings suggest that behavioral feeding practices, particularly picky eating and pre-meal snacking, warrant attention in nutritional programs targeting this population; however, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the direction of this relationship. Full article

This study investigated the effects of different inclusion levels of defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens: BSF) larval meal on growth performance, haematological and biochemical blood parameters, and nutrient digestibility in piglets. Forty-eight male piglets weaned at 28 days of age ((Landrace × Large White) × (Piétrain)) were randomly assigned to three experimental treatments. Each treatment included eight pens with two piglets per pen. Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isoproteic, containing defatted BSF meal as a partial replacement for fishmeal and soybean meal: Control (0% BSF), BSF3% (3% inclusion), and BSF6% (6% inclusion). Over the whole experimental period, dietary treatment did not significantly affect final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, or feed conversion ratio, although feed intake differed during the 7–28-day period. Red and white blood cell parameters were not influenced by diet. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and organic matter increased at the 6% inclusion level, while crude protein and crude fat digestibility were not affected. These results indicate that defatted BSF meal can be used as a sustainable alternative protein source in piglet diets, maintaining growth performance and health status. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding nutrient intake and diet quality in older adults is essential for promoting healthy ageing and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess dietary intake and nutritional status in two age groups of older adults in Croatia (65–74 years and ≥75 years). Methods: A total of 786 participants aged 65 and older were included in this cross-sectional study. Data from the National food consumption survey (OC/EFSA/DATA/2017/01), based on the EU Menu methodology, were used. Data collection included a general questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, two 24-h recalls or food diaries, and anthropometric measurements. The effects of body mass index and physical activity level on dietary intake were analysed using a general linear model. Results: 21.5% of older adults in Croatia had a normal weight, while 78.5% of were classified as overweight or obese. Significant differences were recorded in energy and macronutrient intake between the two age groups. Body mass index was significantly associated with energy (kcal/day), fat intake (g/day), and intake of the meat, poultry, fish and eggs food group in the 65–74 year age group. In the ≥75 year age group, physical activity level showed an effect on energy, carbohydrates, and milk and dairy product intake. Intake of nutrient-dense foods and fluids was below recommendations in both observed groups. Conclusions: The study results, based on a representative sample, provide the first overview of the nutritional status of older adults in Croatia. These findings offer a foundation for public health initiatives and further research on the nutritional status of the older population in Croatia. Full article