BackgroundThe dramatic increase in Cesarean Section (CS) deliveries raises significant concerns due to risks such as unnecessary surgery, elevated healthcare costs, antibiotic overuse, and disruption of maternal breast milk microflora, which impacts infant gut microbiota.Objective and methodsThis study evaluates optimal antibiotic regimens for CS to preserve Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria while ensuring aseptic wound conditions, thereby addressing antibiotic misuse and resistance. A cohort of 116 mothers received prophylactic antibiotics (third-generation Cephalosporins, Penicillin/β-lactam, or Linezolid) administered preoperatively and continued orally for 1, 3, or 5 days. Inclusion criteria comprised women with BMI 18–29 kg/m² undergoing elective CS for obstetric indications (malpresentation, placenta previa, recurrent CS). Colostrum samples were microbiologically analyzed using nutrient agar, De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar, and Bile salt L-cysteine MRS (BL-MRS) agar to quantify total bacteria, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria.ResultsCephalosporins caused the most substantial microbial reduction: 60.18% by day 5 and 59.2% by day 3. Linezolid for 5 days followed (48.7% reduction), while Penicillin/β-lactam for 3 and 5 days resulted in 33.93% and 36.9% reductions, respectively. Cephalosporins and Linezolid significantly reduced Bifidobacteria on days 3 and 5 (P < 0.05). Linezolid exhibited the most potent inhibition against Lactobacilli.ConclusionNo significant differences in wound healing outcomes were observed among antibiotic regimens (P = 0.916). Preoperative prophylaxis with Penicillin/β-lactam is recommended, as it minimally disrupts Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria while maintaining aseptic conditions, offering a balanced approach to microbial preservation and infection prevention.

BackgroundThe shift towards increased consumption of food away from home (FAFH) has been recognized as a significant contributor to the global rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite this, dietary assessment in such contexts often relies on traditional methods prone to recall bias. This study, therefore, employed a novel smartphone-based dietary tracking application called “FoodLog” to investigate the factors associated with FAFH consumption and its relationship with NCD risk among young working adults in Pune, India.MethodsA case-control study was conducted with 1,000 participants (330 cases, 670 controls), aged 25–45 years. Dietary intake was recorded over five consecutive days using the ‘FoodLog’ app, designed to minimize recall bias. Sociodemographic data were collected via a semi-structured Google Forms questionnaire. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to assess associations between FAFH consumption, participant characteristics, and NCD risk.ResultsApproximately 35% of participants reported consuming FAFH during the previous week. FAFH consumption was significantly associated with male gender, being married, employment as a consultant, and living alone. Correlations were also found between self-reported chronic conditions and variables such as age (36–45 years), certain professions, marital status, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-vegetarian diets, and FAFH consumption. FAFH consumers had a 1.48 times higher likelihood of having chronic conditions (AOR = 1.48, CI: 1.25–1.87).ConclusionsThe use of a mobile dietary app offers promising avenues for scalable nutrition monitoring. Findings support targeted public health interventions tailored to urban subgroups and encourage multidisciplinary research to address contextual dietary determinants.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-025-01180-5.

BackgroundSubclinical or asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis can contribute to malnutrition in children, especially in environments where the infection is persistent or occurs repeatedly. Despite the absence of symptoms, these infections are associated with impaired growth and nutritional deficiencies, potentially increasing the risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight. This study examined the association between asymptomatic Cryptosporidium infection and nutritional status in children under 2 years old.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from the MAL-ED study which is a longitudinal birth cohort study conducted in eight countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, and Tanzania, a multi-country investigation of enteric infections and malnutrition. We excluded Pakistan due to the lack of available anthropometric data. Nutritional indicators were assessed using the World Health Organization growth chart,[18] including stunting (length-for-age <-2 standard deviations [SD]), underweight (weight-for-age <-2 SD), and wasting (weight-for-length <-2 SD). Poisson regression estimated Cryptosporidium incidence rates, while GEE (generalized estimation equation) with a binomial family and logit link assessed associations with nutritional indicators, calculating odds ratios.ResultFindings indicate an incidence rate of 7.89 per 100 child-months for asymptomatic Cryptosporidium infections, which are significantly associated with stunting (aOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.24–1.41), wasting (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.08–1.49), and underweight (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.08–1.49). Incidence was highest in Tanzania (14.35) and Peru (12.55), indicating a hidden burden, while Brazil (1.34) had the lowest. Stunting was strongly associated with infection in India, Peru, and Tanzania, underweight in Bangladesh and Tanzania, and wasting was notably high in Peru.ConclusionsThis study highlights the significant burden of asymptomatic Cryptosporidium infections and their potential impact on child growth and nutrition. The strong associations with stunting, wasting, and underweight suggest that even in the absence of symptoms, these infections may contribute to long-term developmental challenges. Furthermore, the differential effects on nutritional outcomes across countries emphasize the importance of targeted strategies to mitigate the hidden consequences of Cryptosporidium infections and improve child health globally.

BackgroundIndigenous communities in India are experiencing nutrition transition and facing its health and nutritional consequences. Exploring dietary patterns of one such community, the Munda tribes, can provide crucial information on how diverse food environment is translating into their dietary patterns.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 201 households of the Munda community of Jharkhand, India. Household surveys elicited information on socio-demographic and food access profile while a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake at HH level in monsoon (n = 160 HH) and winter (n = 100 HH). Factor analysis was used to derive dietary patterns and associations were explored between dietary patterns, food environment, and socio-demographic factors.ResultsThree dietary patterns, each for monsoon and winter seasons, were identified in Munda community. These included “natured-procured dietary pattern” (majority of foods procured from nature like farms, forests, and water sources), “market-dominant dietary pattern” (majority of foods from the market) and “mixed-source dietary pattern” comprising indigenous and non-indigenous foods accessed from diverse sources, including natural food environments and markets Upon exploring the associations of dietary pattern scores with sociodemographic and food environment factors, it was seen that households with higher food access diversity scores had 3.93 times the odds of consuming more “mixed-source dietary pattern” (p-value < 0.05) during monsoon season. For the winter season, families living in nuclear family setup had significantly higher odds of consuming more market-dominant and nature-procured dietary patterns (p-value < 0.05), as compared to joint/extended families.ConclusionThe study provides valuable insights regarding the reliance of indigenous communities on natural food sources and their food procurement behaviour from markets. The socio-demographic matrix in terms of resource pooling was associated with market-dominant dietary patterns, whereby households accessing diverse food sources demonstrated higher score of mixed-source dietary patterns. The study can inform current policies and programs to address nutrition transition and mainstream indigenous wisdom and knowledge to improve diets of nutritionally vulnerable indigenous communities.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-025-01159-2.

BackgroundBreastfeeding practices during the first 24 months of child lives are crucial for their health, development and survival. However, several factors influence mothers’ sensitivity to breastfeeding.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers of children aged 6 to 12 months on colostrum, early breastfeeding and ablactation age.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study whose population was selected on the basis of a reasoned choice. For this purpose, a questionnaire was administered to 163 mothers of child aged 6 to 12 months, before and after their participation at least 5 healthy infant consultation sessions coupled with culinary demonstrations in public health facilities in the Sissili province of Burkina Faso. Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank tests were used to analyze the associations of variables and difference between the levels of mothers’ knowledge at the initial and final assessments, respectively.ResultsAmong surveyed mothers, colostrum was considered good for child health by 89.6% and 99.4% of mothers at initial and final assessments respectively. Most mothers (98.2%) gave colostrum and 3 out of 4 them breastfed their children at the first hour after childbirth. Early breastfeeding and colostrum breastfeeding by the mother were associated with their occupations (P < 0.05) and their attitude on the effect of colostrum on infant health (P < 0.05). Awareness significantly increased mother’s knowledge on the benefits of colostrum, ablactation age, time and benefits of early breastfeeding (P < 0.05). It also had a positive impact on mother’s opinion of the effect of colostrum on infant health.ConclusionMothers’ participation in healthy infant consultation sessions combined with culinary demonstrations at health facilities in Sissili province had a positive impact on their knowledge and attitudes on breastfeeding. This could improve their breastfeeding practices in future births.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-025-01162-7.

Dietary β-glucans from diverse sources exhibit varying prebiotic potentials, yet their comparative impacts on gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production remain underexplored. This study investigated the effects of three β-glucans-oat, mushroom (Lentinula edodes), and curdlan-on gut microbiota modulation, and SCFA profiles in mice. Forty C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet supplemented with different β-glucans for 15 weeks. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and SCFAs levels were measured. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that oat β-glucan significantly reduced alpha diversity indices (observed species, ACE, and phylogenetic diversity) while increasing beneficial genera such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Ruminiclostridium_5, Butyricicoccus, Ruminiclostridium_6, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. Oat β-glucan also elevated serum acetate, propionate, and lactate levels, whereas mushroom β-glucan selectively increased butyrate, and curdlan had no impact on SCFAs. Correlation analysis linked these SCFA enhancements to the enrichment of SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae). These findings highlight the source-dependent bioactivity of β-glucans, positioning oat β-glucan as a potent modulator of the gut-brain axis through microbiota-SCFA interactions, with implications for dietary interventions targeting metabolic and cognitive health.

In 2022, over 890 million adults globally were affected by obesity. That year, around 16% of adults aged 18 and above were classified as obese. The global obesity rate more than doubled from 1990 to 2022. By 2035, the World Obesity Atlas predicts that over 1 billion people worldwide will be considered obese, which translates into 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will be affected globally. Sleep quality has declined simultaneously with the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, suggesting a potential link. However, inadequate published articles shows that poor sleep quality is a risk factor for obesity in young and older adults in Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study of Jimma University academic staff was conducted. A total of 427 academic staff members participated in the study. A two-stage cluster sampling procedure was used to select study participants from their departments. Height and weight measurements were taken by trained data collectors. A reliable self-administered questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality. Analysis was performed using Stata version 13.1. Structural equation modeling using the maximum likelihood estimation method was used to analyze the data. A total of 32.3% (95% CI: 28.0, 36.9) of the participants had poor sleep quality. The mean (± SD) BMI of the respondents was 22.7 (± 3.1) kg/m2. The study indicated that 23.1% of the academicians at Jimma University had a BMI greater than 25kg/m2. The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 25.5%, 44.7%, and 16.62%, respectively. Poor sleep quality appeared to have a significant inverse and indirect association with BMI (β = -0.08/P = 0.042), which was mediated through depression and obesogenic dietary behavior. The present study revealed that poor sleep quality is inversely associated with BMI among Jimma University academic staff. It is highlighted in the study that there is a significant interplay between depression, obesogenic eating behavior, and poor sleep quality in influencing healthy weight. By focusing on lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapies, and restyling the working environment, individuals may experience improvements in both their sleep patterns and weight management outcomes. Future research should continue to explore the complex relationships between sleep quality, lifestyle factors, and BMI to refine these interventions further.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in young adulthood leading to disability and early retirement. Ketone-based diets improve the disease course in MS animal models and health outcomes in different pilot studies of neurodegenerative diseases. We enrolled 105 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in an 18-month, randomized, controlled study, and randomized them into (1) standard healthy diet (SD) as recommended by the German Nutrition Society, (2) fasting diet (FD) with 7-day fasts every 6 months with intermittent fasting at 6 of 7 days a week or (3) ketogenic diet (KD) with 20–40 g carbohydrates per day. Primary outcome was the number of new MRI lesions after 18 months in the KD and FD compared to SD and compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included further MRI outcomes, disease biomarkers as well as metabolic, and clinical MS outcomes. Eighty-one participants completed the study. The primary endpoint number of new T2 lesions after 18 months did not change in any of the groups (SD 0 (0-(-1)), FD 0 (2 − 0), KD 0 (2 − 0)). Secondary endpoints were analyzed exploratorily: Compared to baseline, in the FD group, Neurofilament light chain (NfL) -concentrations were lower at 9 months (-1.94 pg/mL, p = 0.042) and depressive symptoms improved slightly at 18 months (p = 0.079). In the KD group, cognition improved at 18 months (symbol digit modalities test + 3.7, p = 0.020). Cardiometabolic risk markers (body mass index, abdominal fat, blood lipids, adipokines, blood pressure) improved in all three groups at 9 months differently and were partially associated with clinical outcomes in the FD and KD group. The results suggest beneficial effects of dietary interventions, underscoring their potential as a complementary strategy in the treatment of RRMS. To further clarify the impact of such interventions on the disease course and patient-centered outcomes — such as cognitive function and depressive symptoms —future studies with larger, more homogeneous study populations are warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03508414. Retrospectively registered on 25 April 2018.

Access to adequate nutritious food is a basic requirement for good & reproductive health as it ensures healthy pregnancy and birth outcomes. The main essence of the present study was to show the association of antepartum and post-partum health care support and practices with dietary intake of the women of reproductive age in India. Data were drawn from the fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted in India during 2019-2021. A total of 112,058 women aged 15-49 years participated in this present study. Descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation along with Pearson's test of association significance test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to accomplish study objectives. Healthcare supports during antepartum and post-partum periods and practices adopted had a significant association with dietary intake practices. Attending antenatal care, breastfeeding practices (fruits-AOR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.15-1.53; milk-AOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.21-1.46; and protein-AOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.13-1.58), availing ASHA services (fruits-AOR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02-1.24; protein-AOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.16-1.27), and financial assistance received from Janani Suraksha Yojana (fruits-AOR:1.23; 95% CI: 1.09-1.37; milk-AOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15-1.46; and protein-AOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.27-1.43) and others scheme provided from Government's end along with different socio-economic factors were found to have significant association with dietary intake practices. Emphasis should be laid on access to maternal healthcare services including adequate ANC follow up and taking extra precaution in providing the services for different Governmental schemes for pregnant women with the aim of promoting of appropriate dietary practices.

BackgroundInternal displacement due to conflict or crises has led to millions, including children under five, residing in precarious internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Malnutrition, predominantly undernutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a significant concern in these contexts. This review aimed to assess the factors and determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in IDP Camps in Africa.MethodThe review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023460266). Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, CABI s, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched methodically. The AXIS Critical Appraisal of Cross-sectional Studies Tool was utilized to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of each included study.ResultAfter screening full-text articles, eight studies meeting eligibility criteria were included in the review. Factors influencing nutritional status of under-five children were summarized into 11 themes: Age, Gender, Caregiver’s Educational Status, Family Planning, Antenatal Care, Displacement Status, Access to Safe Water and Handwashing, Dietary Diversity, Disease History, Caregiver’s Occupation, and Household Income.ConclusionThis review examined the factors contributing to malnutrition among under-five children in IDP camps in Africa, and sheds light on neglected crises. It adds to existing knowledge in this area. The findings underscore the need for future research to explore variations in malnutrition determinants across different IDP contexts and to focus on multi-sector collaboration for effective policy implementation in addressing malnutrition in African IDP camps.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-025-01131-0.