Resumen Introducción. Los huevos son un alimento fuente de proteínas que se deteriora fácilmente durante su almacenamiento. La suplementación de polvo de pimiento rojo picante rico en compuestos bioactivos en dietas para gallinas ponedoras puede mejorar la calidad del huevo y prevenir su deterioro durante el almacenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la suplementación con pimiento rojo picante en polvo y diferentes tiempos de almacenamiento sobre la calidad física del huevo de gallinas ponedoras. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo de enero a marzo de 2024 en el Granero de Investigación de PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Se asignaron 80 gallinas ponedoras de 56 semanas de edad (1681 ± 64 g) de la cepa Novogen a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos (cuatro réplicas, cinco gallinas por réplica): dieta basal como control (P0); dieta basal + 0,25 % de chile rojo en polvo (P1); dieta basal + 0,5 % de chile rojo en polvo (P2), y dieta basal + 0,75 % de chile rojo en polvo (P3). Al final de la sexta semana, se recogió un huevo por grupo y se analizó su calidad física en tres tratamientos de almacenamiento: fresco (S0), una semana de almacenamiento (S1) y dos semanas de almacenamiento (S2). Los datos de calidad de los huevos se analizaron con un diseño experimental factorial (4 × 3) utilizando el programa SPSS 26 (Chicago, IL, USA). Resultados. La suplementación con un 0,5% de pimiento rojo picante en polvo aumentó significativamente el peso del huevo. La adición de pimiento rojo picante y la duración del tratamiento afectaron significativamente al color de la yema del huevo. El grupo tratado con pimiento picante mostró un pH del albumen y la yema significativamente más bajo. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la suplementación de pimiento rojo picante en polvo en las dietas de gallinas ponedoras mejoró el color de la yema del huevo. La inclusión de 0,5 % en la ración fue capaz de mantener bajo el pH de la yema y el albumen.

Abstract Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chili pepper powder, rich in bioactive compounds, in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (four replications, five hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2), and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepper powder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1) and two weeks storage (S2). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 × 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk color. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens’ diets has been shown to improve egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

ABSTRACT Nutritional management of high-producing dairy cows under heat stress conditions presents a significant challenge due to the increasing issue of global warming. The study aimed to explore the effects of Cr supplementation in the form of chromium propionate (CrP) on feed intake, lactation performance, and selected biochemical serum parameters in mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows under heat stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during July and August and lasted for 8 wk. The average temperature-humidity index (THI) was 76.45 ± 2.80 during the experimental period, indicating that the cows were under heat stress. The added CrP provided 0.34 mg Cr kg-1 DM of used ration. The supplementation of diet with CrP increased DM intake (4.11%, P < 0.01) and the yield of milk (4.48%, P < 0.01), 4% fat-corrected milk (4.08%, P < 0.01), milk fat (4.46%, P < 0.01), protein (4.21%, P < 0.01), lactose (3.79%, P < 0.01), and total solids (3.51%, P < 0.01). Additionally, CrP supplementation increased blood glucose concentrations (8.39%, P < 0.01), while reducing blood urea N (BUN) levels (14.85%, P < 0.05) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels (17.14%, P < 0.05). The use of CrP as additional dietary source of Cr significantly improved productive performances of dairy cows under heat stress conditions. It was indicated that supplemented Cr could have positive effect on glucose and N metabolism, as well as on energy metabolism of lactating cows at moderately high THI values.

BACKGROUND: The personal health behaviours and lifestyle habits of health professionals influence their counselling practices related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is limited evidence on the prevalence of modifiable NCD risk factors among medical students in South Africa (SA OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of modifiable behavioural and metabolic NCD risk factors in first-year medical students at a SA university METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 256 first-year students. Participants completed five online questionnaires regarding lifestyle behaviours (physical activity, dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption and sleep quality). NCD-related metabolic markers including body composition, blood pressure, total cholesterol and random glucose concentrations, were measured. The prevalence of risk factors was calculated using internationally accepted criteria, and sex differences were reported using one-way ANOVA or χ² test (p<0.05 RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 79.7%, followed by low-to-moderate diet quality (66.8%), low levels of physical activity (64.1%), overweight/ obesity (26.2%), current/past smoking (13.3%) and harmful use of alcohol (12.5%). Most (88.3%) participants had two or more NCD-related risk factors. The prevalence of multiple NCD risk factors differed significantly between male and female participants, with more male participants having >2 CONCLUSIONS: This study found that first-year medical students at a South African university have a high prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors, specifically poor sleep quality, low levels of physical activity and low-to-moderate diet quality. Sleep hygiene, regular activity and good nutrition should be promoted, and interventions focusing on nutrition, smoking cessation and alcohol consumption could be targeted by sex

RESUMO No Brasil, o Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar do Sistema Único de Saúde, por meio do Programa Melhor em Casa, vem ampliando sua atuação para o cuidado de crianças e adolescentes, população cuja atenção nutricional é fundamental. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever o panorama da atenção nutricional domiciliar para crianças e adolescentes acompanhados pelo Programa Melhor em Casa, nas diferentes regiões brasileiras. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com nutricionistas do Programa Melhor em Casa, que responderam a um formulário eletrônico com questões relativas ao perfil do profissional, da população pediátrica atendida e das condições oferecidas para o acompanhamento nutricional. Foram analisados 70 questionários de todas as regiões do país, com média de 7,6 pacientes pediátricos em acompanhamento por nutricionista, apresentando condições crônicas de saúde, dependência de tecnologia e alimentação via enteral do tipo artesanal e/ou industrializada, com diferenças regionais significativas quanto a este perfil. Mais de 70% dos profissionais responderam que o município possui programa de fornecimento de dieta enteral, porém nem todos os instrumentos para avaliação nutricional são oferecidos da mesma forma pelo Brasil. Os nutricionistas do Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar ainda encontram desafios e a sistematização do cuidado pediátrico no domicílio facilitaria a atenção nutricional à essa população.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the Home Care Service of the Unified Health System, through the Better at Home Program, has been expanding its activities to care for children and adolescents, a population whose nutritional care is essential. The objective of this article was to describe the panorama of home nutritional care for children and adolescents followed by the Better at Home Program, in different Brazilian regions. This is a cross-sectional study with nutritionists from the Better at Home Program, who answered an electronic form with questions regarding the professional’s profile, the pediatric population served and the conditions offered for nutritional monitoring. Seventy questionnaires were analyzed from all regions of the country, with an average of 7.6 pediatric patients being monitored by each nutritionist, presenting chronic health conditions, dependence on technology and enteral feeding of the home-based and/or industrialized type, with significant regional differences regarding this profile. More than 70% of professionals responded that the city has an enteral diet supply program, but not all equipment for nutritional assessment is offered in the same way in Brazil. Home care nutritionists still face challenges and the systematization of pediatric care at home would facilitate nutritional care for this population.

When Dart recognised the fossilised skull of the Taung Child as a hominin ancestor, he also observed that its "sere environment" produced few foods preferred by African apes in equatorial forests. He thus set in motion an inquiry into the dietary and environmental proclivities of fossil hominins. His observations ultimately led him to suggest a strong reliance on meat-eating, later elaborated into a hunting model. Subsequent investigations into the diets of the South African australopithecines led to the development of new approaches including dental microwear, stable light isotopes, and trace element analyses, which together led to a new focus on the prime importance of plant foods, for which there had been little direct behavioural evidence. Here we review why and how stable and radiogenic isotope approaches to hominin diet and residence patterns were developed in South Africa, the problems that had to be addressed, and the subsequent outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: We outline how a distinctive set of circumstances in South Africa combined to produce world-leading progress in palaeoanthropological and archaeological research based on fossil isotope biogeochemistry. They include a unique natural and fossil heritage, investment in scientific infrastructure and researchers wellversed in cross-disciplinary science. Together they played leading roles in addressing important questions about African fossil heritage. We point to where we believe future progress is required and we suggest that closer attention is paid to the role of plants because, as the basis of all ecosystems, they represent the most important element in the diets of most primates and hominins.

Herein, we developed a sensitive, selective, efficient, and low-cost method for higenamine (HG) detection. This method employs high-performance liquid chromatography with a chemiluminescence detector (HPLC-CL) coupled with an AgIII-luminol system. Lotus plumule and human urine samples were purified using a mixed weak cation exchange column (PWCX) solid-phase extraction cartridge, and a C18 column was employed for chromatographic separation using an aqueous solution of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase. Under optimal conditions, the chemiluminescence (CL) signal decreased linearly with the logarithm of the concentration of HG in the range of 5-800 ng mL-1. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of HG in the urine sample were 0.41 and 1.35 ng mL-1, respectively. The average recovery of HG in the urine and lotus plumule samples at three levels ranged from 80.02 to 110.40% with a relative standard deviation of less than 10%. Furthermore, we proposed a mechanism for CL signal reduction in the system. Finally, the urinary pharmacokinetics of HG in humans were studied to provide valuable information and reference for athletes on medication or diet during events.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de inclusões crescentes de Tribulus terrestris (TT) em dietas para ovinos confinados, sobre parâmetros ruminais e metabólitos sanguíneos. O experimento foi conduzido em duas etapas: in vitro, com inclusões que variaram de 0 até 15,0g/kg de TT na matéria seca da dieta, sendo determinadas as digestibilidades in vitro da matéria seca e dos nutrientes, do pH, da mensuração de nitrogênio amoniacal e dos gases de efeito estufa; e in situ, com inclusões de 0 até 5,0g/kg, no qual cinco ovinos canulados foram distribuídos em um delineamento de quadrado latino 5 × 5. Foram avaliados parâmetros fermentativos, populações de protozoários e perfil metabólico sanguíneo. A inclusão de TT, independentemente da dosagem, proporcionou redução na digestibilidade in vitro, com efeito quadrático sobre matéria seca e nutrientes, diminuições do nitrogênio amoniacal e metano. Em termos de parâmetros fermentativos, as dosagens mais seguras in vitro foram 1,25 e 2,5g/kg. A inclusão de até 5,0 g/kg não afetou os parâmetros fermentativos in situ, não prejudicou o perfil metabólico sanguíneo e reduziu a população de pequenos protozoários. Estudos com inclusões maiores que 5,0g/kg devem ser efetuados para confirmar o efeito sobre os protozoários, com posteriores análises de desempenho produtivo.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of Tribulus terrestris (TT) in diets of sheep in confinement on rumen parameters and blood metabolites. The experiment was conducted in two stages, in vitro, with inclusions ranging from 0 to 15.0 g/kg of TT in dry matter of the diet and the in vitro digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, pH, measurement of ammoniacal nitrogen and greenhouse gases were determined. And in situ, with inclusions of 0 to 5.0g/kg, in which five cannulated sheep were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to evaluate fermentation parameters, protozoan populations and blood metabolic profile. The inclusion of TT, regardless of dosage, resulted in decrease on in vitro digestibility, with quadratic effect on dry matter and nutrients, and reduction in ammoniacal nitrogen and methane. In terms of fermentation parameters, the safest dosages in vitro were 1.25 and 2.5g/kg. Inclusion of up to 5.0g/kg did not affect fermentation parameters in situ, did not harm the blood metabolic profile and reduced the population of small protozoa. Studies with inclusions greater than 5.0g/kg should be carried out to confirm the effect on protozoa, with subsequent analysis of production performance.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de aditivo fitogênico sobre o consumo de nutrientes, digestibilidade da dieta, balanço de nitrogênio e parâmetros ruminais de ovinos. Quatro cordeiros com peso corporal médio de 27,6 ± 2,9 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento quadrado latino 4 × 4 e alimentados com uma dieta basal composta por 600 g MS/dia de silagem de milho e 400 g MS/dia de concentrado. A dieta basal foi suplementada com nenhum aditivo 0,0; 2,0; 4,0 e 6,0 g/kg MS de pimenta. O consumo de MS, proteína bruta (PB), matéria orgânica (MO) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) em g/dia reduziu linearmente (P < 0,05). Não foram observados efeitos (P > 0,05) para a digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, FDN e extrato etéreo. Houve efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) sobre a digestibilidade da PB e do carboidrato não fibroso, estimando-se a digestibilidade máxima de 707,7 e 924,8 (g/kg MS) nos níveis de 2,55 e 0,27 g/kg MS de pimenta, respectivamente. Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) para o nitrogênio urinário e o nitrogênio de retenção. Níveis crescentes de pimenta não alteraram (P > 0,05) o valor de pH e a concentração de N-NH3 do fluido ruminal. Entretanto, houve efeito (P < 0,05) do tempo sobre o valor de pH e N-NH3 ruminal. A inclusão de pimenta na dieta de cordeiros confinados altera negativamente o consumo de matéria seca e FDN, sem prejudicar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, a utilização do nitrogênio e outros parâmetros ruminais.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic additive on nutrient intake, diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of lambs. Four lambs with an average body weight of 27.6 ± 2.9 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design and fed a basal diet composed of 600 g DM/day of corn silage and 400 g DM/day of concentrate. The basal diet was supplemented with no additive 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg DM of pepper. The intake of DM, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in g/day decreased linearly (P < 0.05). No effects (P > 0.05) were observed for the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ether extract. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of CP and non-fibrous carbohydrate, with maximum digestibility estimated at 707.7 and 924.8 (g/kg DM) at levels of 2.55 and 0.27 g/kg DM of pepper, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on urinary nitrogen and retention nitrogen. Increasing levels of pepper did not alter (P > 0.05) the pH value and N-NH3 concentration of the ruminal fluid. However, there was an effect (P < 0.05) of time on the pH and N-NH3 value of the rumen. The inclusion of pepper in the diet of confined lambs negatively alters dry matter and NDF intake without impairing nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and other ruminal parameters.

ABSTRACT TheBrazilian Dietary Guidelines provide crucial recommendations for a healthy diet, aiming at promoting health and preventing non-communicable chronic diseases. The core principle is the preference for natural or minimally processed foods and freshly prepared dishes over ultra-processed foods. Despite their growing recognition, healthcare professionals struggle to integrate these guidelines into clinical practice. This article aims to present two innovative strategies for incorporating the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines into healthcare. The Protocols based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines for Individual Dietary Advice are standardized clinical tools to support healthcare professionals (nutritionists or not) in giving nutritional advice during individual appointments to various life stages. The Protocols operationalize the assessment of individuals’ dietary patterns using the Food Consumption Markers Questionnaire and support the delivery of personalized and priority recommendations through a stepwise flowchart. Conversely, Brazilian Dietary Guidelines-based Meal Plans consist of personalized dietary prescriptions comprising structured daily menus that, unlike conventional plans primarily focusing on nutrient goals, prioritize overall eating patterns guided by the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines. The proposal encourages, in the first place, the selection of a variety of culinary preparations based on natural or minimally processed foods, emphasizing tasteful, accessible, and culturally appropriate choices as the initial step. In a second step, these plans can be customized to individual energy requirements, and adjustments made based on strategic nutrient needs. This article aims to support the enhancement of healthcare professionals’ skills in promoting healthy eating practices, thereby contributing to improved health and a reduced disease burden among the Brazilian population.

RESUMO A soja integral desativada (SID) foi estudada em suínos para determinar o valor energético, por meio de um ensaio de metabolismo, e avaliar o efeito da SID e da protease no desempenho, nas características da carcaça e na viabilidade econômica. Foi realizado um ensaio de metabolismo com suínos (53,80±4,15kg) para determinar os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS), da matéria orgânica (MO) e da proteína bruta (PB), a energia digestível (ED), a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e a EMA corrigida pelo nitrogênio (EMAn). Para o ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados 60 suínos machos imunocastrados e 60 suínos fêmeas (30,09 ± 1,46kg), em arranjo fatorial 2 (sexo) x 2 (com e sem SID) x 2 (protease). Os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da MS, MO e PB do SID foram de 83,77, 84,43 e 89,18%, respectivamente. Os valores de ED, AME, e AMEn foram 4904 ± 117, 4805±273, e 4656±255kcal/kg, respectivamente. Para o desempenho na fase de crescimento I, a enzima proporcionou um aumento no consumo médio diário de ração. Em termos de viabilidade econômica, a dieta com SID e sem a enzima teve o menor custo por quilograma de peso ganho e proporcionou o maior índice de eficiência econômica e receita líquida. A SID possui um alto valor de energia e, quando usada em dietas para suínos em crescimento e terminação, proporciona um desempenho satisfatório e uma melhor eficiência econômica.

ABSTRACT The inactivated whole soy (IWS) was studied in pigs to determine the energy value through a metabolism trial and evaluate the effect of IWS and protease on performance, carcass traits, and economic viability. Metabolism with pigs (53.80±4.15kg) to determine digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE), apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn). For the performance trial, 60 immunocastrated male pigs and 60 female pigs (30.09±1.46kg) were used in a 2 (gender) x 2 (with and without IWS) x 2 (protease) factorial arrangement. The DM, OM, and CP metabolizability coefficients of IWS were 83.77, 84.43, and 89.18%, respectively. The DE, AME, and AMEn values were 4904±117, 4805±273, and 4656±255kcal/kg, respectively. In growth phase I, enzyme provided an increase in average daily feed intake. In the economic viability, diet with IWS and without the enzyme had the lowest cost per kilogram of weight gained and provided the highest economic efficiency index and net revenue. The IWS has a high energy value and when used in diets for growing and finishing pigs provides satisfactory performance and better economic efficiency.

RESUMO Investigamos os efeitos da forma da ração, da superdosagem de fitase e do ácido cítrico sobre o desempenho do crescimento, a digestibilidade do fósforo e a população microbiana intestinal de frangos de corte. Para isso, 1.000 pintinhos de corte Cobb 500 recém-eclodidos e de crescimento direto foram distribuídos em 8 tratamentos experimentais com cinco baias de réplica cada e 25 frangos de corte por réplica em um arranjo fatorial 2x2x2 com duas formas de ração (pellets ou purê), duas concentrações de fitase (0 ou 2.000 FTU por kg) e dois níveis de ácido cítrico (0 ou 0,4% da dieta) por 42 dias. As aves alimentadas com ração peletizada apresentaram maior ganho de peso e consumo de ração do que aquelas alimentadas com a forma de purê (p<0,05). A adição de ácido cítrico e fitase às dietas peletizadas, em comparação com as dietas à base de purê, resultou em maior ganho de peso corporal dos frangos (p<0,05). Em comparação com as dietas de purê, a adição de fitase à dieta peletizada reduziu a população bacteriana aeróbica cecal (p<0,05). A adição de fitase e ácido cítrico às dietas peletizadas aumentou a digestibilidade do fósforo e do cálcio (p<0,05). Em geral, o uso da forma de pellets com uma mistura de ácido cítrico e fitase foi melhor do que outros tratamentos para melhorar o desempenho e a digestibilidade do fósforo e do cálcio.

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of feed form, phytase super dosing, and citric acid on growth performance, phosphorus digestibility, and intestinal microbial population of broiler chickens. For this purpose, 1000 newly hatched, straight-run Cobb 500 broiler chicks were assigned to 8 experimental treatments with five replicate pens each and 25 broiler chickens per replicate in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement with two forms of feed (pellets or mash), two phytase concentrations (0 or 2000 FTU per kg), and two citric acid levels (0 or 0.4% of diet) for 42 days. Birds fed pelleted feed showed higher weight gain and feed intake than those fed mash form (p<0.05). Adding citric acid and phytase to the pelleted diets compared to the mash diets resulted in elevated body weight gain in chickens (p<0.05). Compared to the mash diets, the addition of phytase to the pelleted diet reduced the cecal aerobic bacterial population (p<0.05). The addition of both phytase and citric acid to the pelleted diets enhanced the phosphorus and calcium digestibility (P<0.05). In general, the use of pellet form with a mixture of citric acid and phytase was better than other treatments to improve performance and digestibility of phosphorus and calcium.

Abstract Introduction: Obesity, globally considered a pandemic, is associated with various complications, particularly cardiometabolic ones. However, there is a group of obese individuals who do not exhibit these alterations; they are known as metabolically healthy obese (MHO). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of MHO and assess the variables that influence this prevalence. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 68,884 obese individuals to determine the prevalence of MHO using three different criteria. Additionally, the association of MHO prevalence with certain sociodemographic variables (age, gender, social class, and educational level) and healthy habits (physical activity, Mediterranean diet, and smoking) was analyzed. Results: The prevalence varies depending on the criterion used: having no components of metabolic syndrome (MS), having one, or up to two components of MS, Globally estimated at 21.6%, 56.6%, and 79.3%, respectively. All the analyzed variables influence the prevalence of MHO, particularly age, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusion: The prevalence of MHO varies significantly depending on the criterion applied. The MHO profile is typically a young woman belonging to more favorable socioeconomic levels, a non-smoker, with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and who regularly engages in physical activity.

Resumo Introdução: A obesidade, globalmente considerada uma pandemia, está associada a várias complicações, particularmente cardiometabólicas. No entanto, existe um grupo de indivíduos obesos que não apresentam essas alterações; são conhecidos como obesos metabolicamente saudáveis (OMS). O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência de OMS e avaliar as variáveis que influenciam essa prevalência. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal com 68.884 indivíduos obesos para determinar a prevalência de OMS utilizando três critérios diferentes. Além disso, analisou-se a associação da prevalência de OMS com determinadas variáveis sociodemográficas (idade, gênero, classe social e nível educacional) e hábitos saudáveis (atividade física, dieta mediterrânea e tabagismo). Resultados: A prevalência varia conforme o critério utilizado: não apresentar nenhum componente da síndrome metabólica (SM), apresentar um ou até dois componentes da SM, Estimando-se globalmente em 21,6%, 56,6% e 79,3%, respectivamente. Todas as variáveis analisadas influenciam a prevalência de OMS, particularmente a idade, a atividade física e a adesão à dieta mediterrânea. Conclusão: A prevalência de OMS varia significativamente dependendo do critério aplicado. O perfil de um indivíduo OMS é tipicamente uma mulher jovem, pertencente a níveis socioeconômicos mais favoráveis, não fumante, com alta adesão à dieta mediterrânea e que pratica atividade física regularmente.

Resumen: Introducción: La obesidad considerada globalmente como una pandemia se asocia a diferentes complicaciones especialmente cardiometabólicas. Sin embargo, existen un grupo de personas obesas que no presentan estas alteraciones, son los llamados obesos metabólicamente sanos (OMS). El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la prevalencia de OMS y valorar las variables que afectan a esta prevalencia. Metodología: Se realiza un estudio descriptivo y transversal en 68884 obesos en los que se determina la prevalencia de OMS con tres criterios diferentes. Se determina también como se asocian esta prevalencia de OMS algunas variables sociodemográficas (edad, género, clase social y nivel educativo) y hábitos saludables (ejercicio físico. Dieta mediterránea y tabaco). Resultados: La prevalencia varía según el criterio empleado: no presentar ningún componente de síndrome metabólico (SM), presentar uno o hasta dos componentes de SM, estimándose globalmente en 21,6%, 56,6% y 79,3% respectivamente. Todas las variables analizadas influyen en la prevalencia de OMS, especialmente la edad, la actividad física y la dieta mediterránea. Conclusión: La prevalencia de OMS varía mucho según del criterio que se aplique. El perfil de persona OMS será una mujer joven, perteneciente a los niveles socioeconómicos más favorables, no fumadora, con alta adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y que realice actividad física regularmente.

BACKGROUND: A high-quality meal is essential to patients' food enjoyment and nutritional value. Patients' health and nutritional status depend on the quality of meals provided by the hospital food service providers. Equally, patients are largely inactive and could experience energy imbalances if the 'energy in' exceeds the 'energy out', increasing the chances of the inception of obesity and obesity-related illnesses. AIM: This study assessed the nutrient content of meals served in selected public hospitals in the North West province, South Africa. SETTING: The normal diet meals of four district hospitals and one regional hospital in the North West province were collected for this study. METHODS: Regular adult meals for breakfast, lunch and supper including all snacks for the day were collected from five hospitals. Each edible food item was weighed and recorded on the weighed food records for later nutrient analysis using the South African-based Food Finder 3 software. RESULTS: Meals in one hospital met Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) (6829KJ) requirements for total energy, while in three hospitals, the requirements were exceeded, and in one hospital, meals were below RDI (5734KJ) requirements. CONCLUSION: Strict adherence to nutritionally adequate meals for hospitalised patients could positively influence and encourage patients to sustain healthy eating habits after discharge to prevent malnutrition. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides relevant information that hospital managers can use to improve processes and procedures for dietary planning and ensure that hospital meals are nutritionally adequate.

Over the centuries, history has shown that peasant members of society are drenched with various forms of marginalisation. These often come from the more privileged members of society and even the government. Studies have also shown that the religious sphere that ought to be the hope of the neglected poor has turned out to be like the political milieu in the secular world. Isaiah 10:1-4 spelt out punishment meted out for the violators of the rights of the peasant poor. The text indicates that the poor have been neglected in the past millennium. There have likely been no studies that took into cognisance the neglect of the poor from Isaiah 10:1-4 in the context of Nkanuland. Isaiah 10:1-4 examines the height at which the Jewish rulers exploit the poor at their various dispensations. However, such wicked acts by such leaders would not go unpunished. The poor are highly marginalised using different means by both religious and political leaders. The insufficient welfare provision for the poor has consequently led to ill health, death, vulnerability to danger, psychological stress, social alienation, poor education, poor diet and other related problems in Nigeria in general and Nkanuland in particular. The researcher, therefore, seeks to take a critical look at Isaiah 10:1-4 and applies its exegetical result(s) in Nkanu. It is argued that if the text is practically applied by religious and political leaders in Nkanuland, there would be improved welfare provision for the poor. Rhetoric and sociological approaches common to Old Testament exegesis are employed. CONTRIBUTION: The researcher posits that Isaiah 10:1-4 would be a feasible solution to curb the incessant marginalisation of the peasant poor in Igboland in general and Nkanuland in particular. This would enhance both human and other aspects of development in Nkanuland

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity among students was a global concern even before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Food security comprises having access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times. The COVID-19 containment measures negatively influenced economies, impacting citizens' food security. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the food security of a cohort of South African students during the COVID-19 pandemic SETTING: The sample included Health Science students from a university in Central South Africa. METHODS: A mixed-method study was performed using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The questionnaire and focus group discussions investigated similar areas and were supported by literature. Ethical clearance was obtained. RESULTS: Food insecurity existed among 84% of questionnaire participants. Dietary intake changed, with mainly a decrease in sugary and salty snacks. Focus group participants indicated an increase in the intake of starchy foods and reverted to binge eating. Dietary intake changes were attributed to poor availability and limited resources, for example money and electricity. Few participants were aware of or utilised available support services. CONCLUSION: The isolated, confined and extreme (ICE) environment that resulted from COVID-19 negatively impacted students' dietary intake and food security. Institutions should implement measures to support students' intake of healthy foods during ICE events. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides significant insights into the dietary intake and food security of a cohort of Health Science students during COVID-19. It highlights the need for improved institutional and government food relief interventions during future pandemics. Therefore, this study contributes to the second sustainable development goal namely: zero hunger.