Essential Oils Obtained from Sicilian Blanco By-Products: Antibacterial and Allelopathic Activity.

Mandarin, one of the winter fruits commonly used in the preparation of foods and juices, is a fruit native to China and Southeast Asia. In this work, essential oils (EOs) obtained from by-products of the Blanco flavedo of five cultivars present and cultivated within the Botanical Garden of Palermo were chemically and biologically studied: 'Avana' (), 'Tardivo di Ciaculli' (), 'Bombajensis' (), 'Aurantifolia' (), and 'Padre Bernardino' (). The GC and GC-MS analysis performed on all the extracted samples clearly highlighted the notable presence of limonene, a characteristic hydrocarbon monoterpene of EOs of the genus.

Bioconversion of Food and Green Waste into Valuable Compounds Using Solid-State Fermentation in Nonsterile Conditions.

Agro-industrial residues have transitions from being an environmental problem to being a cost-effective source of biopolymers and value-added chemicals. However, the efficient extraction of the desired products from these residues requires pretreatments. Fungal biorefinery is a fascinating approach for the biotransformation of raw materials into multiple products in a single batch.

Natural Diversity in Total Phenol, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Properties, and Essential Oil Composition of Iranian Populations of L.

L. (Myrtaceae), widely valued for its aromatic leaves and essential oil, plays a significant role in traditional medicine and modern phytotherapy. The variability in its essential oil composition and bioactive compounds across different populations underscores its potential for novel therapeutic discoveries and agricultural utilization.

Exposure to Cadmium and Other Trace Elements Among Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: A limited number of studies have investigated the role of environmental chemicals in the etiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a cross-sectional study of the association between exposure to selected trace elements and the biomarkers of cognitive decline.

Methods: During 2019-2021, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed patients with MCI from two Neurology Clinics in Northern Italy, i.

Toxic Effects of Lead Exposure on Freshwater Climbing Perch, , and Bioremediation Using Leaf Powder.

The acute and chronic toxicity of lead to was determined in this study using static replacement bioassay testing. During the chronic toxicity studies, an experiment on the bioremediation of lead toxicity using leaf powder was conducted. The 96 h LC values of lead for was 1.

Multigenerational Consequences of Prenatal Exposure to Benzophenone-3 Demonstrate Sex- and Region-Dependent Neurotoxic and Pro-Apoptotic Effects in Mouse Brain.

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), commonly used as a UV filter in personal care products and as a stabilizer, is an alleged endocrine disruptor with potential neurodevelopmental impacts. Despite its abundance in the environment, the studies on its effect on brain development are scarce, especially in terms of multigenerational impact. In this work, for the first time, we examined neurotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of BP-3 on mouse brain regions (cerebral cortex and hippocampus) in both the first (F) and second (F) generations after maternal exposure to environmentally relevant BP-3 levels.

Editorial for the Special Issue: Geriatric Nursing Nutrition.

Malnutrition, a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity in the elderly, poses a huge threat in the geriatric population, showing a high prevalence, especially in people affected by chronic non-communicable age-related diseases [...

Curcumin Modulates Platelet Activation and ROS Production Induced by Amyloid Peptides: New Perspectives in Attenuating Prothrombotic Risk in Alzheimer's Disease Patients.

Background/objectives: Amyloid peptides, whose accumulation in the brain as senile plaques is associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease, are also found in cerebral vessels and in circulation. In the bloodstream, amyloid peptides promote platelet adhesion, activation, oxidative stress, and thrombosis, contributing to the cardiovascular complications observed in Alzheimer's disease patients. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, are known to modulate platelet activation induced by the hemostatic stimuli thrombin and convulxin.

The Gut Microbiota's Role in Neurological, Psychiatric, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Aim: This article aims to explore the role of the human gut microbiota (GM) in the pathogenesis of neurological, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting its influence on health and disease, and investigating potential therapeutic strategies targeting GM modulation.

Materials And Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota's composition and its interaction with the human body, particularly, its role in neurological and psychiatric conditions, is provided. The review discusses factors influencing GM composition, including birth mode, breastfeeding, diet, medications, and geography.

The Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation Duration on Early Childhood Developmental Milestones: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in early childhood development, influencing skeletal strength, neuromuscular coordination, and neurodevelopment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different durations of Vitamin D supplementation on achieving developmental milestones.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 209 children, divided into two cohorts based on Vitamin D supplementation duration: six months ( = 102) and twelve months ( = 107).

Nutritional Prehabilitation Intervention in Hematological Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Nutritional interventions play a critical role in bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. This review evaluates the effectiveness of nutritional strategies in mitigating post-transplant malnutrition and improving clinical outcomes.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Embase.

The Greater the Number of Altered Eating Behaviors in Obesity, the More Severe the Psychopathology.

: Altered eating behaviors (AEBs) are not only associated with eating disorders but also play a role in obesity. This study assessed AEBs in individuals with obesity and their association with general and eating psychopathology, using the "Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity" (EBA-O). The hypothesis posited that a higher frequency of pathological eating behaviors would correlate with more severe psychopathology.

The Role of Macronutrients and Gut Microbiota in Neuroinflammation Post-Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a multifaceted pathological condition resulting from external forces that disrupt neuronal integrity and function. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between dietary macronutrients, gut microbiota (GM), and neuroinflammation in the TBI. We delineate the dual aspects of TBI: the immediate mechanical damage (primary injury) and the subsequent biological processes (secondary injury) that exacerbate neuronal damage.

Herbal Extracts Mixed with Essential Oils: A Network Approach for Gastric and Intestinal Motility Disorders.

Background: Three herbal extracts ( Willd., Lorentz, and L.) were mixed with three essential oils ( Mill.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants to Assess Nutritional Status: Breakthroughs and Insights.

: To obtain bioelectrical data to assess nutritional status for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants upon reaching term-corrected age. : A descriptive, observational, prospective, and single-center study, which included ELBW preterm infants was performed. The study variables collected were gestational age, sex, and anthropometry at birth and at term-corrected age.

Evaluation of the Nutritional Impact of Baobab Leaves ( L.) as a Dietary Intervention to Combat Nutrient Deficiencies and Poverty-Related Health Problems.

Background/objectives: Baobab ( L.) is an underutilized species and edible parts (fruits, leaves and seeds) contribute to food security and human health in tropical areas. Although the fruits have attracted greater research interest and have recently been approved for consumption in EU countries, the leaves are traditionally consumed but they have yet to be studied from an interventional perspective.

Assessing Lifestyle in a Large Cohort of Undergraduate Students: Significance of Stress, Exercise and Nutrition.

Background/objectives: Lifestyle (in particular, nutrition and exercise) determines present and future youths' health. The goal of the present study was to identify specific student groups who deserve precise lifestyle improvement interventions, tailored to their characteristics.

Methods: An anonymous web-based questionnaire to assess lifestyle was posted on the websites of two main Italian Academic Institutions, and 9423 students voluntarily participated.

Diet and Microbiota Modulation for Chronic Pouchitis: Evidence, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Chronic pouchitis occurs in about 50% of patients undergoing a restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. This affection represents a significant therapeutic challenge, particularly for symptomatic patients who do not respond to antibiotic treatments and biologic therapies. Several dietary approaches, including low FODMAP diets and the Mediterranean diet, have shown promising results in improving symptoms and disease burden.

The Long-Term Treatment of Drug-Resistant Migraine with the Modified Atkins Ketogenic Diet: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study.

Despite advances in pharmacological therapies, migraine patients are often drug resistant. Further therapeutic options in this field are, therefore, desirable. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of ketogenic diet (KD) on improving migraine, but data on their long-term efficacy and safety are lacking.

Erythrocyte Membrane Fluidity and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake: Current Outlook and Perspectives for a Novel, Nutritionally Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides and have several positive effects on different organs and systems. They are also found in the plasma membrane in variable amounts in relation to genetics and diet. However, it is still unclear whether omega-3 supplementation can reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Planetary Health Diet for Childhood Obesity Prevention: Integrating Nutritional Health with Environmental Stewardship.

Background: Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge with a rising prevalence worldwide, contributing to numerous health risks and long-term societal burdens. Concurrently, climate change and environmental degradation demand sustainable approaches to dietary patterns. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD), initially designed for adults, emphasizes plant-based foods and sustainable practices.

Palmitoylethanolamide in Postmenopausal Metabolic Syndrome: Current Evidence and Clinical Perspectives.

Menopause leads to a decline in estrogen levels, resulting in significant metabolic alterations that increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome-a cluster of conditions including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Traditional interventions such as hormone replacement therapy carry potential adverse effects, and lifestyle modifications alone may not suffice for all women. This review explores the potential role of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide, in managing metabolic syndrome during the postmenopausal period.

Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health.

Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk secreted by mammals after birth, is a trending alternative source for supplementing infants and children, offering benefits for gut and immune health. Its rich components, such as proteins, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and glycans, are used to fortify diets and support development. Preterm development is crucial, especially in the maturation of essential systems, and from 2010 to 2020, approximately 15% of all premature births occurred at less than 32 weeks of gestation worldwide.

Analysis of Toxic Element Levels and Health Risks in Different Soybean Species (, , , ).

Soybeans are a widely consumed legume, essential in Western diets and especially prominent in vegan and vegetarian nutrition. However, environmental contamination from anthropogenic sources, such as industrial emissions, wastewater, and pesticide use, has led to the accumulation of non-essential and toxic elements in legumes, potentially impacting human health. This study quantified the levels of 11 potential toxic elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Ni, Pb, Sr, V) in 90 samples of four soybean species (, , , ) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Assessing Quality of Life with the Novel QLQ-CAX24 Questionnaire and Body Composition Parameters in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Prospective Study.

Background: Patients with rectal cancer (RC) are at risk of developing cancer-related cachexia, a complex metabolic syndrome that can negatively impact quality of life (QoL), treatment tolerance, and clinical response.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the possible associations of the novel European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire-Cancer Cachexia (EORTC QLQ-CAX24) scores with body composition parameters and physical performance in patients with locally advanced RC (LARC).

Methods: This prospective observational study involved RC patients evaluated at the dedicated outpatient clinic of Clinical Nutrition at the Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS.