Search Results (3,115)

Adult neurogenesis is well established in canonical niches—the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, where aerobic exercise reliably enhances progenitor proliferation, survival, and synaptic integration via increased cerebral blood flow, neurotrophins (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1), neurotransmitter regulation, and reduced neuroinflammation. Nutraceuticals (e.g., polyphenols, omega-3, creatine, vitamins) further support neuroplasticity and neuronal survival through convergent trophic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. By contrast, the hypothalamus, a metabolically pivotal, non-canonical niche, remains comparatively understudied. Here, we synthesize anatomical and functional features of hypothalamic neural stem cells, primarily tanycytes (α1, α2, β1, β2), which line the third ventricle and differentially contribute to neuronal activity regulation, metabolic signaling, and cerebrospinal fluid–portal vasculature coupling, thereby linking neurogenesis to endocrine control. Notably, tanycytes can form neurospheres in vitro, enabling mechanistic interrogation. Although evidence for adult hypothalamic neurogenesis in humans is debated due to methodological constraints, animal data suggest potential relevance to disorders characterized by neuronal loss, metabolic dysregulation, and impaired neuroendocrine function. We propose that an integrative framework is timely: exercise and diet likely interact in the hypothalamic niche through shared mediators (BDNF, IGF-1, CNTF, GPR40) and exercise-derived signals (e.g., lactate, IL-6) that may be complemented by defined nutraceuticals. Yet critical uncertainties persist, including the extent of bona fide hypothalamic neurogenesis, nucleus-specific responses (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus), and the mechanistic integration of lifestyle signals in this region. To address these gaps, we outline actionable priorities: (i) single-cell and lineage-tracing studies of tanycyte subtypes under distinct training modalities (aerobic, high-intensity interval training, resistance); (ii) combinatorial interventions pairing structured exercise with nutraceuticals to test synergy on progenitor dynamics and inflammation; and (iii) multi-omics and translational studies to identify biomarkers and establish clinical relevance. Clarifying these interactions will determine whether lifestyle and supplementation strategies can synergistically modulate hypothalamic neurogenesis and inform therapies for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The first aim of this manuscript is to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS) in a sample of Spanish physicians. The second aim is to analyze how physicians’ levels of compassion for others, professional quality of life, depression, anxiety, and stress are related to well-being. Methods: The study is part of a randomized controlled trial with a mixed design. The inclusion criteria for participation in the study were: (a) physicians registered in Spain; (b) currently working in Spain; and (c) those who voluntarily agreed to participate. A total of 221 medical doctors were enrolled in one of the three experimental conditions. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit. Cronbach’s alpha (0.83) and McDonald’s omega (0.89) provided evidence of reliability. Finally, when the mediational model predicting physicians’ well-being was tested, the examination of the modification indices indicated an unmodeled relationship. A second model was tested, resulting in a better-fitting model. Physicians’ levels of compassion for others significantly predicted compassion satisfaction. Professional quality of life also predicted physicians’ emotional states. Finally, well-being was predicted by depression and stress, and a direct effect of compassion was also found. Conclusions: The SWEMWBS shows potential to become a standard measure of well-being in the Spanish language. Regarding the prediction of well-being, it seems clear that interventions based on compassion should have a place in physicians’ education and workplace settings. Full article

This study presents the initial validation of the IMPACT model, a psychometric tool developed to evaluate how university faculty adopt ChatGPT in higher education. It specifically addresses the existing gap in validated instruments designed for educators, as most prior research has focused on student-based adoption models. A total of 206 professors completed a 39-item Likert-scale questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation identified the underlying structure of the instrument. Reliability and internal consistency were examined through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. The analysis revealed a five-factor structure comprising functional appropriation, ethical and academic concerns, cost and accessibility, facilitating conditions, and perceived reliability and trustworthiness. Intention to use and performance expectancy merged into a single factor, and social influence did not emerge as a determinant. The model demonstrated strong reliability and internal consistency across all dimensions. The IMPACT model offers a validated framework for understanding faculty adoption of ChatGPT, emphasizing functional, ethical, and infrastructural factors over social influence. These findings provide a foundation for confirmatory analyses and contribute to advancing theoretical and practical insights into AI integration in higher education teaching. Full article

Introduction: Death anxiety is a salient psychological construct across the adult lifespan; however, few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) in university populations spanning diverse age ranges. Objectives: To evaluate the factorial structure, model fit, and reliability of the Spanish DAS in a heterogeneous academic cohort comprising traditional (younger) and non-traditional (older) adult learners. Methods: A total of 928 participants (aged 18–93 years) from a Spanish university completed the DAS. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA; principal axis factoring with oblique rotation) to identify latent dimensions, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate model fit. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega, and associations with sociodemographic variables (age, religious belief) were explored. Results: EFA supported a two-factor solution comprising Fear of Death and Peacefulness/Serenity towards Death. Factor reliability was acceptable (α = 0.818 and 0.734; total α = 0.789; ω_total ≈ 0.81). CFA indicated good fit to the two-factor model (χ²(89) = 401.19, RMSEA = 0.064, 90% CI [0.058–0.071], CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.912, SRMR = 0.063), with information criteria (AIC = 17,018.33; BIC = 17,236.77) supporting model parsimony. Age and religious belief showed small-to-moderate associations with response patterns. Conclusions: The Spanish DAS demonstrates adequate factorial validity and reliability in a university sample spanning a wide age range. The identification of a Peacefulness/Serenity dimension may enrich interpretation, although its distinctiveness should be considered provisional and warrants replication. Future research should examine measurement invariance across age groups and assess applicability in clinical and longitudinal contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perceived ageism has been increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of the health and well-being of older adults. However, the cross-cultural validation of instruments measuring ageism remains limited. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-TR). Methods: Content validity was assessed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Construct validity was examined using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Convergent validity was tested through correlations with the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and AMOS v22 (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 307 older adults (137 men and 170 women) participated in the study. The mean age was 71.19 (6.96) years, and 55.7% of the participants were female. An EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance, which was subsequently verified by a CFA, showing a good model fit. EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance (Kaiser-Meyer–Olkin = 0.82; Bartlett’s χ²(28) = 412.5, p < 0.001). The structure was subsequently verified by CFA, which demonstrated an excellent model fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.97; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.96; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.052; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.041). The Negative subscale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha (α) = 0.84; McDonald’s Omega (ω) = 0.85), whereas the Positive subscale indicated moderate reliability (α = 0.58; ω = 0.60). The test–retest reliability was excellent, reflecting strong temporal stability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0.91). Convergent validity showed that the positive subscale was related to positive aging perceptions and less to negative ones, while the negative subscale showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: The PAQ-TR demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for assessing perceived ageism among older adults in Türkiye. While the Negative subscale showed robust reliability, the positive subscale required refinement. These findings highlight both the cross-cultural validity of the PAQ and the influence of cultural norms on positive aging perception. The PAQ-TR is a valuable tool for research and clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergic diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and represent a significant public health burden. Current therapies mainly alleviate symptoms without addressing underlying immune dysfunction, which has increased interest in nutritional bioactive compounds as preventive or modulatory agents. This review summarizes evidence on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, curcumin, ginger bioactives, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in allergy prevention and management. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2025, including preclinical and clinical studies reporting immunological, mechanistic, and clinical outcomes. Results: Omega-3 fatty acids modulate Th2 responses, promote regulatory T cells, and generate specialized pro-resolving mediators, with modest clinical benefits observed in pregnancy and early life. Vitamin D contributes to immune tolerance and epithelial integrity, although supplementation trials remain heterogeneous. Curcumin inhibits NF-κB/MAPK signaling, enhances barrier function, and improves allergic rhinitis and dermatitis despite limited bioavailability. Ginger constituents ([6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol) modulate Th1/Th2 balance, mast-cell activity, and oxidative stress, with early clinical evidence in rhinitis and asthma. Quercetin stabilizes mast cells, inhibits Lyn/PLCγ pathways, and improves rhinitis symptoms in small randomized trials using bioavailable formulations. EGCG stabilizes mast cells, attenuates FcεRI signaling, and reduces airway inflammation in preclinical models, though clinical data are scarce. Conclusions: Overall, preclinical findings consistently support the immunomodulatory potential of these compounds, while clinical results are promising but heterogeneous. Standardized formulations, long-term trials, and exploration of synergistic effects are required to confirm efficacy and safety, providing future research directions in allergy prevention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition during the reproductive years shapes women’s immediate health, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term offspring well-being. This position paper narratively synthesizes and critically appraises evidence on how dietary patterns, macro-/micronutrients, and supplementation influence women’s health, female fertility, and reproductive outcomes, to inform practical recommendations. Methods: We narratively reviewed recent reviews, cohort studies, clinical trials, and public-health guidance on macronutrients, key micronutrients, dietary patterns (with emphasis on the Mediterranean diet), ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, and targeted supplementation relevant to menstrual, metabolic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and reproductive outcomes. Results: Balanced, diverse diets rich in whole and minimally processed foods support hormonal regulation, ovulatory function, healthy gestation, and chronic-disease risk reduction. Priority nutrients include iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, and long-chain omega-3s (DHA), with supplementation considered when dietary intake or bioavailability is inadequate. Evidence consistently links Mediterranean-style eating to improved metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, IVF success, lower gestational diabetes risk, and favorable neonatal outcomes. High UPF consumption is associated with poorer diet quality, inflammation, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and potential reproductive impairment, warranting a reduction in favor of nutrient-dense foods. Diet also influences cardiovascular and bone health through effects on lipids, glycemia, blood pressure, and mineral/vitamin status, with fiber-rich carbohydrates, unsaturated fats (notably olive oil), and adequate calcium–vitamin D emerging as central levers. Conclusions: For women of childbearing age, a Mediterranean-aligned, minimally processed dietary pattern—tailored to individual needs and complemented by prudent use of folate, iron, vitamin D, calcium, B12, and DHA when indicated—offers robust benefits across reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and skeletal domains. Public-health actions should improve access to healthy foods, curb UPF marketing, and embed personalized nutrition counseling in routine care; further longitudinal research from preconception through postpartum is needed. Full article

The processing of fishery products generates a substantial amount of by-products, which can be utilized to promote a circular economy. The objective of the present study was to extract and characterize native collagen and total lipid extract from the fish skin and bones of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos). Physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties were evaluated for collagens. Chemical composition and functional properties were evaluated for lipid extracts. Native type I collagens were obtained by acid extraction, yielding approximately 2.64–6.16% (d.b.). The elemental chemical analysis showed its purity. The stability of the triple helix of collagen was verified through characteristic bands in the FTIR and UV spectra, the peaks at 2θ, around 7.5° and 19.5° obtained by XRD, and the bands of SDS-PAGE. Collagens show isoelectric points of 4.94 (skin) and 4.90 (bone), thermal stabilities of 53.40 °C (skin) and 46.88 °C (bone), and the percentage surface porosities of 41.28 (skin) and 38.84 (bone), all of which demonstrate their potential as a raw material in the biomedical field. The total lipids obtained were extracted using the Soxhlet and Folch methods. The extracts show EPA (1.26–3.16%) and DHA (3.94–9.78%) contents, with inhibition percentages of 32.7% (ABTS), 19.6% (DPPH), and 70.83% (β-carotene). These results highlight the potential of total lipid extract for nutraceutical and food applications. Full article

The incorporation of bioactive compounds into food products represents a promising approach to enhance their functional and health-promoting properties. However, many bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are highly sensitive to environmental factors, including temperature, oxygen, and light, which limits their direct application in the food industry. Microencapsulation has emerged as an innovative strategy to overcome these challenges by protecting bioactive compounds, improving their stability, controlling their release, and masking undesirable flavors or odors. This article reviews recent advances in microencapsulation techniques, including spray-drying, freeze-drying, coacervation, and innovative methods such as nanoencapsulation and electrospinning. Particular attention is given to the influence of encapsulated bioactive compounds on the physicochemical characteristics, texture, color, and sensory attributes of various food matrices. Furthermore, the paper highlights industrial perspectives, emphasizing the scalability of these techniques, regulatory considerations, and their role in the development of clean-label, functional, and sustainable food products. The findings underline the potential of microencapsulation as a key technology for the next generation of functional foods, bridging consumer expectations with industrial feasibility. Full article

The fatty acid composition of some seed oils from plants of emerging interest was studied. The benefits towards human health were evaluated by taking into account current recommendations regarding dietary intake of essential, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fatty acids and by discussing the pathologies for which such fatty acids exert protective action. Species studied were Hemp (Cannabis sativa), Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Perilla (Perilla frutescens), Borage (Borago officinalis), and Black Cumin (Nigella sativa). Seeds were subjected to cold milling in order to maintain their original nutritional characteristics. Chemical analyses were performed via the dual-detector gas chromatography technique by means of Flame Ionization Detection (FID) and mass spectrometry (MS) and by applying a modified version of the AOAC Official Method 991.39, thanks to which it was possible to obtain the fatty acid composition expressed as mg per gram of oil: such information is not always available in the literature for the species studied here. Comparison with the fatty acid international guidelines about the recommended intakes in g/day was made. This allowed us to evaluate whether such oils are suitable to be used as fatty acid food supplements to rebalance the Western diet, which is shown to be inadequate by numerous studies. Results show that seed oils from Cannabis sativa, Linum usitatissimum, and Perilla frutescens are suitable to be used as food supplements while seed oils from Silybum marianum, Borago officinalis, and Nigella sativa are not. It is important to note that any possible benefits from other parts of the plant (leaves, stems, flowers, and roots) are not studied or questioned by the present research, which focuses solely on fatty acids in the oil extracted from the seeds. Full article

Few studies have prospectively examined the joint effect of mercury (Hg) and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on gestational weight gain (GWG). This exploratory study included 120 women from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study with preconception measurements of hair Hg and serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), followed through pregnancy. Linear regression was used to examine associations between hair Hg and GWG, while logistic regression estimated the odds of inadequate GWG based on National Academy of Medicine recommendations. In unadjusted models, higher hair Hg (≥1 vs. <1 ppm) was associated with lower GWG (β = −1.89; 95% CI: −3.70, −0.08) and increased odds of insufficient GWG (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.00, 5.18). However, after multivariable adjustment including serum EPA + DHA, these associations were attenuated and became non-significant. A negative, though not statistically significant, association between hair Hg and GWG was observed among women in the lowest tertile of serum EPA + DHA (≥1 vs. <1 ppm: β = −3.26; 95% CI: −7.69, 1.17), whereas no such association was observed among those in higher tertiles (β [95% CI] = 0.44 [−4.21, 5.09] and −1.05 [−4.13, 2.02], respectively). Our findings suggest that the association between preconception Hg exposure and insufficient GWG may differ by serum EPA + DHA, but results require confirmation in cohorts with larger sample sizes. Full article

Diet influences brain health through many connected metabolic and molecular pathways, and these effects are stronger in obesity. This review links diet quality with cognitive decline and dementia risk. Ultra-processed, high-fat, high-sugar diets drive weight gain, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. These changes trigger brain oxidative stress, reduce DNA repair, deplete NAD⁺, disturb sirtuin/PARP balance, and alter epigenetic marks. Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut add inflammatory signals, weaken the blood–brain barrier, and disrupt microglia. Mediterranean and MIND diets, rich in plants, fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3 fats, slow cognitive decline and lower dementia risk. Trials show extra benefit when diet improves alongside exercise and vascular risk control. Specific nutrients can help in certain settings. DHA and EPA support brain health in people with low omega-3 status or early disease. B-vitamins slow brain shrinkage in mild cognitive impairment when homocysteine is high. Vitamin D correction is beneficial when levels are low. A practical plan emphasizes healthy eating and good metabolic control. It includes screening for deficiencies and supporting the microbiome with fiber and fermented foods. Mechanism-based add-ons, such as NAD⁺ boosters, deserve testing in lifestyle-focused trials. Together, these measures may reduce diet-related brain risk across the life span. At the same time, artificial intelligence can integrate diet exposures, adiposity, metabolic markers, multi-omics, neuroimaging, and digital phenotyping. This can identify high-risk phenotypes, refine causal links along the diet–obesity–brain axis, and personalize nutrition-plus-lifestyle interventions. It can also highlight safety, equity, and privacy considerations. Translationally, a pattern-first strategy can support early screening and personalized risk reduction by integrating diet quality, adiposity, vascular risk, micronutrient status, and microbiome-responsive behaviors. AI can aid measurement and risk stratification when developed with privacy, equity, and interpretability safeguards, but clinical decisions should remain mechanism-aligned and trial-anchored. Full article

Objective: Fatty acids (FAs) play a pivotal role in brain development and cognitive functions during adolescence. We aimed to investigate the association of red blood cell (RBC) FA patterns and several high order neuropsychological functions in adolescents. Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional design. Principal component analysis was applied to 22 FA species previously measured in RBC membranes (exposure variable) to identify FA principal components (PCs) from two cohorts of adolescents in Catalonia, Spain (mean age = 14.53 years). Multiple linear regression was then used to examine associations between PC FAs and cognitive outcomes—working memory, fluid intelligence, and risky decision-making (gain and loss domains). Regression models were adjusted for child sex, age, body mass index, maternal education, and cohort enrollment. Results: Three FA PCs (eigenvalues > 2.0) were retained for the current study: a very-long chain FAs PC, a long-chain omega-6 FA PC and an omega-3 FA PC. The omega-3 FA PC showed a positive association with scores of fluid intelligence (${\beta }_1$ = 0.14, CI = 0.05, 0.24, p for trend = 0.003) and risky decision-making (loss domain) (${\beta }_1$ = 0.27, CI = 0.03, 0.52, p for trend = 0.030). The very-long chain FAs and long-chain omega-6 FAs patterns showed no significant associations with any cognitive outcome. The PC of omega-3 FA and fluid intelligence associations remained significant after multiple testing corrections. Conclusions: After applying an agnostic approach of multiple FAs in RBC, we found omega-3 FA patterns were positively associated with fluid intelligence among adolescents. Full article

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid essential for human health, is primarily produced at scale using Schizochytrium sp. Mutagenesis-based strain improvement has increased DHA yields, but the genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying high productivity remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted the comparative whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic profiling of a high-DHA-yielding mutant strain (HS01) and its parental strain (GS00). The GS00 genome assembly spans 62.4 Mb and encodes 14,886 predicted genes. Functional annotation highlighted pathways involved in central metabolism, saturated fatty acid (SFA) synthesis, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/DHA biosynthesis. Comparative genomics identified 40 insertions/deletions and 396 single-nucleotide polymorphisms between HS01 and GS00, including mutations in the coding and regulatory regions of key metabolic genes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed extensive metabolic reprogramming in HS01, including the upregulation of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle genes, along with a distinct fatty acid profile and the altered expression of fatty acid metabolism genes compared with GS00. Collectively, the integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses not only pinpointed specific mutations potentially associated with the HS01 high-DHA phenotype but also revealed substantial transcriptional and metabolic remodeling, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive enhanced DHA biosynthesis. Full article

The accumulation of metabolites and the antioxidant response in new strains of Bracteacoccus minor MZ–Ch31 and MZ–Ch39 isolated from various biotopes were studied. It was found that the antioxidant response of B. minor MZ–Ch31 and MZ–Ch39 is different. This may be due to the acclimatization of these strains to specific environmental factors of the natural biotope. Strain B. minor MZ–Ch39 had a higher antioxidant activity compared to B. minor MZ–Ch31. The TBA-reactive substance content in B. minor MZ–Ch39 cells was lower than that of MZ–Ch31. The antioxidant response in B. minor MZ–Ch39 was realized by high catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity and accumulation of retinol. In B. minor MZ–Ch31, the antioxidant response was associated with the accumulation of α-tocopherol and carotenoids. The strains did not differ in terms of superoxide dismutase activity. From a biotechnological point of view, B. minor MZ–Ch31 biomass is a valuable resource of lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids, α-tocopherol, and carotenoids. The B. minor MZ–Ch39 has the potential to generate lipids enriched with essential omega-6 fatty acids. Full article