Alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca: proceso diagnóstico. Consenso interdisciplinario de expertos / Cow's milk allergy: diagnostic process. Expert consensus

Las proteínas de la leche de vaca pueden causar alergia alimentaria. Los distintos mecanismos de acción involucrados y la variabilidad clínica según la etapa de la vida pediátrica en la que se manifieste ocasionan dificultades en su abordaje, con riesgo de sub- o sobrediagnóstico. En este proceso, intervienen profesionales de diversas áreas y es recomendable su interacción. Es por ello que el objetivo de este consenso ha sido reflejar el conocimiento actualizado desde la interdisciplina, generando recomendaciones para su correcto diagnóstico. Hemos trabajado con el método de Delphi para sumarle a la evidencia científica, la experiencia proveniente de neonatólogos, pediatras, especialistas en alergia, nutrición y gastroenterología. Pensamos que este enfoque interdisciplinario de trabajo va a resultar de utilidad práctica y promoverá una atención más integral de estos pacientes.

Cow's milk protein can cause food allergy. The different mechanisms of action involved, the clinical variability depending on the stage of pediatric life in which it manifests, leads to difficulties in its approach, with the risk of under- or over-diagnosis. Professionals from various areas intervene in this process and their interaction is recommended. That is why the objective of this consensus has been to reflect the updated knowledge in an interdisciplinary mode, generating recommendations for its correct diagnosis. We have worked with the Delphi method to add to the scientific evidence, the experience from neonatologists, pediatricians, experts in allergy, nutrition and gastroenterology. We think that this interdisciplinary approach will be of practical use and will promote more comprehensive care for these patients.

Ethnobotanical knowledge on non-conventional food plants and medicinal plants in Extractivist Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon / Conocimiento etnobotánico sobre plantas alimenticias no convencionales y plantas medicinales en una Reserva Extractivista en la Amazonía Brasileña

Information on the knowledge and ways of using food and medicinal plants by traditional populations, family farmers and Brazilian native population in the Amazon is essential to guarantee the food sovereignty of these groups. This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews applied to local respondents. A total of 269 species of both non-conventional food plants and medicinal plants were identified, distributed in 83 botanical families and 198 genera. The Arecaceae and Lamiaceae families had the highest species richness (11 and 7, respectively). The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J') diversity indices were considered high (5.02 and 0.9, respectively) when compared to other ethnobotanical works. In the environment in which these families are found, these species become the only food and medicinal resources available.

La información sobre los saberes y formas de uso de las plantas alimenticias y medicinales por parte de las poblaciones tradicionales, agricultores familiares e indígenas brasileños en la Amazonía es fundamental para garantizar la soberanía alimentaria de estos grupos. Este estudio se realizó utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas a encuestados locales. Se identificaron un total de 269 especies tanto de plantas alimenticiasno convencionales como de plantas medicinales, distribuidas en 83 familias botánicas y 198 géneros. Las familias Arecaceae y Lamiaceae tuvieron la mayor riqueza de especies (11 y 7, respectivamente). Los índices de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (H') y Pielou (J') fueron considerados altos (5,02 y 0,9, respectivamente) en comparación con otros trabajos etnobotánicos. En el ambiente en que se encuentran estas familias, estas especies se convierten en los únicos recursos alimenticios y medicinales disponibles.

A oferta do café de rua nas capitais São Paulo e Vitória / The offer of coffee on the streets of the state capitals São Paulo and Vitória / La oferta de café en las calles de las capitales estatales São Paulo y Vitória

A pandemia gerou impactos sociais e econômicos, como o trabalho informal dos que se ocupam do serviço de café de rua, ampliado na retomada pós-isolamento. O artigo analisa as significações construídas pelas instalações do serviço nas ruas de São Paulo (SP) e Vitória (ES), enquanto manifestações do empreendedo-rismo por necessidade. O corpus foi coletado em dias úteis, no início das manhãs, em diversos pontos das capitais. A semiótica discursiva sustentou a análise, e o seu método permitiu traçar isotopias conectoras de figuras e temas. Os resultados apontam para comunicação dos sentidos da informalidade, casualidade e familiaridade, marcados pela presença feminina, pela autonomia imposta aos sujeitos produtor/vendedor e consumidor e pela conexão entre a energia proporcionada pela bebida e o trabalho. Esses significadosvêm embebidos no risco vivido por esses sujeitos, aconchegados entre si e alijados da proteção de políticas públicas de trabalho, condições sanitárias, serviços de transporte e saúde.

The pandemic has generated social and economic impacts, such as the informal work of those who sell coffee on the streets, expanded in the post-isolation resumption. The article analyzes the meanings constructed by the service facilities in São Paulo (SP) and Vitória (ES), as demonstrations of the entrepreneurship by necessity. The corpus was collected on weekdays, in places of the state capitals. Discursive semiotics underpins the analysis, suggesting connective isotopies of figures and themes. The results point to the communication of the senses of informality, casualness and familiarity, marked by the female presence, by the autonomy imposed on the subjects producer/seller and consumer and by the connection between the energy given by the drink and the work. These meanings are embedded in the risk experienced by these subjects, snuggled among themselves and excluded from the protection of public policies of work, sanitary conditions, transportation and health services.

La pandemia generó impactos sociales y económicos, como el trabajo informal de quienes se ocupan del servicio de café en las calles, ampliado en la reanudación post-aislamiento. El artículo analiza los signifi-cados construidos por las instalaciones de servicios en las calles de São Paulo (SP) y Vitória (ES), como manifestaciones de emprendimiento por necesidad. El corpus fue recolectado entresemana, en puntos de las capitales. La semiótica discursiva sustenta el análisis y permitió trazar isotopías conectoras de figuras y temas. Los resultados apuntan para la comunicación de los significados de informalidad, marcados por la presencia femenina, por la autonomía impuesta a los sujetos productor/vendedor y consumidor, y por la conexión entre la energía dada por la bebida y el trabajo. Estos significados están incrustados en el riesgo vivido por estos sujetos, y excluidos de la protección de las políticas públicas laborales, las condiciones sanitarias, los servicios de transporte y salud.

Zearalenone Decreases Food Intake by Disrupting the Gut-Liver-Hypothalamus Axis Signaling via Bile Acids.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin that is harmful to humans and animals. In this study, female and male rats were exposed to ZEN, and the results showed that ZEN reduced the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expression levels in the liver and disrupted the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids (BAs). A decrease in food intake induced by ZEN was negatively correlated with an increase in the level of total BAs. BA-targeted metabolomics revealed that ZEN increased glycochenodeoxycholic acid levels and decreased the ratio of conjugated BAs to unconjugated BAs, which further increased the hypothalamic FXR expression levels. Preventing the increase in total BA levels induced by ZEN via Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention restored the appetite. In conclusion, ZEN disrupted the enterohepatic circulation of BAs to decrease the level of food intake. This study reveals a possible mechanism by which ZEN affects food intake and provides a new approach to decrease the toxic effects of ZEN.

Antidiabetic Property Optimization from Green Leafy Vegetables Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to Improve Cracker Production.

Here we test a method of incorporating of plant extracts into popular snack foods to help control diabetes. Since some fresh vegetables contain antidiabetic compounds, ultrasound-assisted extraction was used to optimize their extraction of from spring onions, bunching onions, and celery for later incorporation into crackers. We compared various concentrations of ethanol used during extraction, after which they were exposed to an ultrasound processor whose amplitude and sonication time were also varied. The optimal extraction conditions were found to be an ethanol concentration of 44.08%, an amplitude of 80%, and a sonication time of 30 min. This resulted in the highest level of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (i.e., 1,449.73 mmol ACE/g) and the highest extraction yield (i.e., 24.16%). The extract produced from these optimum conditions was then used as a constituent component of crackers at 0.625%, 1.25%, or 2.5% w/w. These biscuits were then produced at baking temperatures of 140°C, 150°C, or 160°C. We then measured the physical characteristics and bioactivities of sample biscuits from each treatment. We found that biscuits containing 2.5% vegetable combination extract and baked at 140°C had the highest total phenolic content, the strongest antioxidant performance, and showed the most substantial antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. Here we establish conditions for the effective extraction of antidiabetic functional ingredients via ultrasound from green leafy vegetables. We also provide a method of using these ingredients to prepare crackers with the aim of developing a functional antidiabetic snack food.

Therapeutic Effects of Amaranth: Analysis of the Antidiabetic Potential of the Plant.

Amaranth is a pseudocereal rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, with about 60 species cultivated worldwide. It is a high nutritional value food because of its many essential amino acids. Recent investigations demonstrate that the phytochemicals and extracts of amaranth have beneficial effects on health, including antidiabetic potential, a decrease in plasmatic cholesterol and blood pressure, and protection from oxidative stress and inflammation. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes has increased worldwide, becoming a problem of public health that makes it necessary to look for alternative strategies for its prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the antidiabetic potential of diverse species of the Amaranth genus. A bibliographical review was updated on the plant's therapeutic potential, including stem, leaves, and seeds, to know the benefits and potential as an adjuvant in treating and managing diabetes and associated pathologies (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and heart disease). This analysis contributes to the generation of knowledge about the therapeutic effects of amaranth, promoting the creation of new products, and the opportunity to conduct clinical trials to assess their safety and efficacy.

Levels of lipid-derived gut microbial metabolites differ among plant matrices in an in vitro model of colon fermentation.

This study explored differences in microbial lipid metabolites among sunflower seeds, soybeans, and walnuts. The matrices were subjected to in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation. Defatted digested materials and fiber/phenolics extracted therefrom were added to sunflower oil (SO) and also fermented. Targeted and untargeted lipidomics were employed to monitor and tentatively identify linoleic acid (LA) metabolites. Walnut fermentation produced the highest free fatty acids (FFAs), LA, and conjugated LAs (CLAs). Defatted digested walnuts added to SO boosted FFAs and CLAs production; the addition of fibre boosted CLAs, whereas the addition of phenolics only increased 9e,11z-CLA and 10e,12z-CLA. Several di-/tri-hydroxy-C18-FAs, reported as microbial LA metabolites for the first time, were annotated. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated significant impacts of food matrix presence and type on lipidomics and C18-FAs. Our findings highlight how the food matrices affect CLA production from dietary lipids, emphasizing the role of food context in microbial lipid metabolism.

Application of Plant Oils as Functional Additives in Edible Films and Coatings for Food Packaging: A Review.

Increasing environmental concerns over using petroleum-based packaging materials in the food industry have encouraged researchers to produce edible food packaging materials from renewable sources. Biopolymer-based edible films and coatings can be implemented as bio-based packaging materials for prolonging the shelf life of food products. However, poor mechanical characteristics and high permeability for water vapor limit their practical applications. In this regard, plant oils (POs) as natural additives have a high potential to overcome certain shortcomings related to the functionality of edible packaging materials. In this paper, a summary of the effects of Pos as natural additives on different properties of edible films and coatings is presented. Moreover, the application of edible films and coatings containing POs for the preservation of different food products is also discussed. It has been found that incorporation of POs could result in improvements in packaging's barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of POs could significantly improve the performance of edible packaging materials in preserving the quality attributes of various food products. Overall, the current review highlights the potential of POs as natural additives for application in edible food packaging materials.

Exploring the Untapped Potential of Pine Nut Skin By-Products: A Holistic Characterization and Recycling Approach.

The increasing population, food demand, waste management concerns, and the search for sustainable alternatives to plastic polymers have led researchers to explore the potential of waste materials. This study focused on a waste of pine nut processing referred to in this paper as pine nut skin. For the first time, its nutritional profile, potential bioactive peptide, contaminants, and morphological structure were assessed. Pine nut skin was composed mainly of carbohydrates (56.2%) and fiber (27.5%). The fat (9.8%) was about 45%, 35%, and 20% saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid, respectively, and Omega-9,-6, and -3 were detected. Notably, oleic acid, known for its health benefits, was found in significant quantities, resembling its presence in pine nut oil. The presence of bioactive compounds such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and phytosterols further adds to its nutritional value. Some essential elements were reported, whereas most of the contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, rare earth elements, and pesticides were below the limit of quantification. Furthermore, the in silico analysis showed the occurrence of potential precursor peptides of bioactive compounds, indicating health-promoting attributes. Lastly, the morphological structural characterization of the pine nut skin was followed by Fourier Transform Infrared and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to identify the major components, such as lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The thermostability of the pine nut skin was monitored via thermogravimetric analysis, and the surface of the integument was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and volumetric nitrogen adsorption. This information provides a more comprehensive view of the potential uses of pine nut skin as a filler material for biocomposite materials. A full characterization of the by-products of the food chain is essential for their more appropriate reuse.

Online Questionnaire with Fibromyalgia Patients Shows Negative Correlations between Disease Severity and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multidimensional disorder in which intense chronic pain is accompanied by a variety of psychophysical symptoms that impose a burden on the patients' quality of life. Despite the efforts and the recent advancement in research, FM pathogenesis and effective treatment remain unknown. Recently, the possible role of dietary patterns and/or components has been gaining attention. The current study aimed to investigate a potential correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and FM severity in a sample of Italian FM patients. An online survey was designed, composed of customized questions and validated questionnaires with the aim of investigating the intensity and type of pain, the presence of other psychophysical symptoms, the overall impact of FM, general food and lifestyle habits, and adherence to the MedDiet. The collected responses were analyzed for descriptive statistics, linear regression, and propensity score analyses. The results show that, despite considerable use of pharmaceuticals and supplements, FM participants suffered from a high-severity grade disease. However, those with good adherence to the MedDiet experienced a lower pain intensity and overall FM impact. A propensity score analysis indicates a positive influence of the MedDiet against FM severity, thus unveiling the need for well-designed intervention studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different dietary patterns.

Wild Foods Are Positively Associated with Diet Diversity and Child Growth in a Protected Forest Area of Madagascar.

Background: Concurrent losses in biodiversity and human dietary diversity are evident in Madagascar and across many food systems globally. Wild food harvest can mitigate nutrition insecurities but may also pose species conservation concerns. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of wild plant and animal species consumption during hunger season with diet diversity and child growth near the Alandraza-Agnalavelo protected forest in Southwestern Madagascar. Second, we studied the conservation status of the consumed wild plants. Methods: Methods from public health nutrition (24-h recall dietary intake, anthropometry using World Health Organization [WHO] Growth Standards), ethnobotany, and forest ecology (ecologic studies of abundance, habitat preference, associated species, food chemistry assays, and species richness) were applied. Results: Malnutrition in children (n = 305) was highly prevalent: stunting (32.3%); wasting (18.8%); and low-dietary diversity (4% meeting WHO minimum dietary diversity threshold). Animal foods were consumed in small quantities, providing <10% of Dietary Reference Intakes for all limiting nutrients. Twenty-two wild plant species were consumed during hunger season, prominently tubers (Dioscoreaceae), and leafy greens (Asteraceae, Blechnaceae, Portulacaceae, and Solanaceae). Eight of the 9 target species were identified as abundant and "Least Concern," whereas Amorphophollus taurostigma was abundant and "Vulnerable." Regression modeling showed wild food consumption was associated with an increased household dietary diversity score [ß = 0.29 (0.06 standard error); P < 0.001], and total wild animal foods positively correlated with height-for-age Z score [ß = 0.14 (0.07 standard error); P = 0.04]. Conclusions: Wild plant and animal foods may be an important element of food systems to support human nutrition while maintaining ecosystem viability.

Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity.

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while D-carvone (62.09%) and D-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, ß-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

Phytochemicals analysis and aflatoxin B1 detoxification potential of leaves extract of Moringa oleifera and Calotropis procera.

The present study aimed to identify the presence of certain classes of phytochemicals in the leaf extract of medicinal herbs viz. Moringa oleifera and Calotropis procera, using qualitative detection tests and explored the potential of aqueous and ethanolic extract to inhibit aflatoxin production by thin layer chromatography at 25 °C and pH (7) of different incubation times i.e. 0-, 1-, 3-, 6- and 24-h. Qualitative phytochemical analysis reported that the aqueous leave extracts of M. oleifera and C. procera contained tannins, phlobatannins, quinones, steroids, sugar, betacyanins, fatty acids, phenols, and volatile oils. Aflatoxin analysis reported that the ethanolic extract of M. oleifera was found more effective than detoxifying 100% of AFB1 after 24 h of incubation. In the case of C. procera, the aqueous extract reduced 96.5% of AFB1 and ethanolic extract reduced 96% of AFB1 after 24-h of incubation. The results revealed that natural plant products have a high potential to reduce AFB1 and could contribute to mitigation plans for AFB1. There is a need for further characterisation using techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, or NMR which would provide valuable information on the chemical composition of the extracts.

Assessment of Dietary Acid Load in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: An Observational Study.

Introduction: Dietary acid load (DAL), which reflects the balance between acid- and alkaline-forming foods, is a modifiable risk factor for metabolic acidosis in CKD. Owing to the paucity of data in the Indian context, we undertook this cross-sectional study to estimate DAL and assess acid and alkaline food consumption in children with CKD2-5D (Chronic kidney disease stage 2 to 5 and 5D-those on hemodialysis). Methods: Clinical profile, dietary assessment of energy, protein intake/deficits, and macronutrients were noted and computed using software created by the division of nutrition, St John's research institute based on Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines in clinically stable children with CKD2-5D. DAL was estimated using potential renal acid load (PRAL in mEq/day) = (0.49 × protein intake in g/day) + (0.037 × phosphorus-intake in mg/day) - (0.02 × potassium intake in mg/day) - (0.013 × calcium intake in mg/day) - (0.027 × magnesium intake in mg/day). A positive dietary PRAL (>0) favors acidic content and negative (<0) favors alkaline content. PRAL was stratified into quartiles for analysis. The association of various clinical and dietary parameters were analysed across these quartiles. Results: Eighty-one children [of mean age 122 ± 47 months; 56 (69%) boys, 29 (36%) on dialysis, 62 (77%) non-vegetarians] were studied. Twenty-eight (34%) were on bicarbonate supplements. A positive PRAL (9.97 ± 7.7 mEq/day) was observed in 74/81 (91%) children with comparable proportions in those with CKD2-5 and 5D [47/52 (90%) vs. 27/29 (93%) respectively, P > 0.05]. Protein intake was significantly higher in the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile of PRAL in CKD2-5 (55 ± 16 g/day vs. 40 ± 14 g/day, P < 0.001) and 5D groups (47 ± 15 g/day vs. 25 ± 11 g/day, P = 0.002). A majority of the participants 60/81 (74%) consumed highly acidic and minimal alkali foods. Conclusion: In children with CKD2-5D, PRAL estimation revealed high DAL in the majority with a high consumption of acidic foods. These findings provide implications for appropriate dietary counseling in children with CKD.

AUDISTIM® Day/Night Alleviates Tinnitus-Related Handicap in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of taking a daily supplement based on active compounds (AUDISTIM® Day Night: A D/N) in alleviating tinnitus-related disability, as suggested by previous real-life studies. This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in adults with mild to severe tinnitus receiving a 3-month supplementation with A D/N (magnesium, vitamins, phytochemicals) or placebo (excipients without active ingredients). Tinnitus-related handicap (THI), psychological stress (MSP-9), and sleep quality (PSQI) were assessed at baseline and during intervention, perceived impression of tinnitus improvement at the end of the follow-up. The full set analysis included 114 patients (59 A D/N, 55 placebo) aged 53.8 ± 11.4 years, 58% women, with fluctuating (45%) or permanent (55%) tinnitus from 9.3 ± 9.4 years. A D/N supplementation led to greater changes in THI (-13.2 ± 16.0 vs. -6.2 ± 14.4, p = 0.0158,Cohen's d =0.44) at 3 months (primary outcome), especially with continuous tinnitus (-15.0 ± 16.3 vs. -4.6 ± 12.8, p = 0.0065), and, to a lesser extent, at 1 month (-9.8 ± 13.1 for A vs. -4.3 ± 12.1, p = 0.0213). PSQI significantly improved over time in both groups, but MSP-9 only with A D/N. In lines with previous observational studies, both clinical (THI score > 7 pts) and statistical (vs. placebo) improvement, more pronounced in permanent tinnitus, demonstrate the effectiveness of the combination of active compounds and support its use in the management of mild to severe tinnitus.

Expression of mRNAs Encoding Hypothalamic Small Proteins, Neurosecretory Protein GL and Neurosecretory Protein GM, in the Japanese Quail, Coturnix japonica.

Neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL) and neurosecretory protein GM (NPGM) are novel neuropeptides that have been discovered in the hypothalamic infundibulum of chickens. NPGL and NPGM play important roles in lipid metabolism in juvenile chickens. The physiological functions of NPGL and NPGM in sexually mature birds remain unknown. The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) seems to be an appropriate model for analyzing NPGL and NPGM during sexual maturity. However, studies on NPGL or NPGM have yet to be reported in the Japanese quail. In the present study, we identified cDNAs encoding precursor proteins of NPGL and NPGM in the quail hypothalamus. In situ hybridization revealed that NPGL mRNA-expressing cells in the hypothalamus were localized in the infundibular nucleus and median eminence, and NPGM mRNA-expressing cells were only found in the mammillary nucleus. Immunohistochemistry revealed that NPGM-like immunoreactive cells were distributed in the mammillary nucleus, whereas NPGL-like immunoreactive cells were not detected in the hypothalamus. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that the expression of NPGL mRNA was higher in the hypothalamus of females than in that of males, and NPGM mRNA expression showed no sex differences. NPGL and NPGM mRNA expression in males was upregulated after 24 h of food deprivation. In females, only NPGM mRNA expression was increased by fasting. These results suggest that the physiological functions of NPGL and NPGM are different in quail, and these factors are involved in sex differences in energy metabolism.

Knowledge and eating habits regarding functional food among adults.

Background: Functional food is a key element in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. The ingredients it contains, such as phytosterols that lower cholesterol, also have a preventive effect on type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Phenolic compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Xylo-oligosaccharides control insulin levels, and fibre lowers blood pressure, potentially reducing insulin resistance. These beneficial properties mean that there is an increasing interest in this kind of food. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the state of knowledge and behaviour regarding functional food among adults and to answer the question whether there are differences between the state of knowledge and behaviour of women and men. Material and methods: The survey was conducted among 301 people, including 181 women and 120 men. The research tool was an original survey questionnaire. Results: The definition of functional food is known to 42.5% of people (47.5% of women and 35% of men), while the definition of prebiotic is known to 41.9% of people (43.1% of women and 40.0% of men). For 56.2% of respondents, the factor encouraging the consumption of functional food was a healthy lifestyle, and for 54.7% of them, the product composition was the main purchase criterion. Among functional products, cereals or muesli were most often consumed for breakfast by 35% of men and 55.8% of women, 42.5% of men and 33.7% of women were eaten oils for lunch. For dinner they most often consumed fruit teas, herbal teas, herbal mixtures, this answer was given by 25.8% of men and 29.8% of women. Conclusions: Knowledge of functional foods is unsatisfactory, and no differences in the knowledge of women and men have been observed. Consumption of functional food is generally low, and no differences in consumption have been observed between women and men.

Bridging Food Systems and One Health: A key to preventing future pandemics?

Food Systems and One Health are two approaches increasingly known for the holistic perspective they bring when addressing the issues that concern them: food and health. This systematic literature review aims to explore the evidence for using these approaches in a concerted manner to better manage zoonoses. By zoonoses management, we refer to improving the ability to address current zoonoses as well as preventing future ones. A total of 98 scientific articles were screened, of which 29 were considered eligible due to their focus on operationalizing each approach to help address zoonoses, as well as a combination of the two. Most articles implement One Health to prevent zoonoses by guiding stakeholders in concerted and participatory decision-making processes. However, the One Health approach can also be adopted via data modelling. Several articles refer to the monitoring and evaluation process of One Health initiatives to prevent zoonoses and discuss best practices to successfully implement the approach. Contrastingly, only three studies adopt a Food System approach to manage zoonoses, despite the profound connections existing between our food systems and the emergence of zoonotic risks. We conclude that there is a lack of integration between the One Health and Food System approaches to manage zoonoses. We also show that experts call for integration, so that not only human, animal, plant, and environmental health are considered, but also the socio-economic trade-offs when monitoring and developing strategies to manage zoonoses. This can be reversed, enabling zoonotic risks to be addressed when planning for our food systems of tomorrow.

Cultural vs. State Borders: Plant Foraging by Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurds in Western Iran.

Plant foraging is a millennia-old activity still practiced by many people in the Middle East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent region, where several socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural factors shape this practice. This study seeks to understand the drivers of plant foraging in this complex region characterized by highly diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural groups. Our study aims to document the wild plants used by Kurds in Western Iran, identify similarities and differences among Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurdish groups in Iran, and compare our findings with a previous study on the Hawramani in Iraq. Forty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in Kurdish villages of Western Iran. The results revealed the use of 44 wild food plant taxa, their preparation, and culinary uses. Among the reported taxa, 28 plant taxa were used by Mukriyani, and 33 by Hawramani. The study revealed a significant difference between the Hawraman and Mukriyan regions in Iran, whereas there is a high similarity between Hawramani Kurds in Iran and Iraq. We found that the invisible cultural border carries more weight than political divisions, and this calls for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and map the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge.

The Role and Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Tumor Therapy.

Tumors have a huge impact on human life and are now the main cause of disease-related deaths. The main means of treatment are surgery and radiotherapy, but they are more damaging to the organism and have a poor postoperative prognosis. Therefore, we urgently need safe and effective drugs to treat tumors. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in tumor therapy as complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal and edible herbs are popular and have become a hot topic of research, which not only have excellent pharmacological effects and activities, but also have almost no side effects. Therefore, as a typical medicine and food homology, some components of Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA, called Baishao in China) have been shown to have good efficacy and safety against cancer. Numerous studies have also shown that Paeoniae Radix Alba and its active ingredients treat cancer through various pathways and are also one of the important components of many antitumor herbal compound formulas. In this paper, we reviewed the literature on the intervention of Paeoniae Radix Alba in tumors and its mechanism of action in recent years and found that there is a large amount of literature on its effect on total glucosides of paeony (TGP) and paeoniflorin (PF), as well as an in-depth discussion of the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Alba and its main constituents, with a view to promote the clinical development and application of Paeoniae Radix Alba in the field of antitumor management.