Dermal photoaging refers to the skin’s response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of DNMT and HDAC genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations.

Post-harvest fungicides are frequently used on citrus peels to reduce post-harvest fungal contamination during the storage and transport of products. Despite these positive effects, fungicides can pose health risks to consumers. The aim of our study was to perform a genotoxicological risk assessment of imazalil, pyrimethanil, thiabendazole and their mixtures used as post-harvest treatments. A Salmonella mutagenicity Ames test and comet assay were performed to detect reverse mutation and assess DNA damage. Base-pair, frameshift mutations and metabolic activity were analyzed using the Ames test. In the comet assay, lymphocytes were treated with fungicides for 4 and 24 h. Thiabendazole was found to induce both frameshift and base-pair mutations in the Ames test despite the mutagenicity of both imzalil and pyrimethanil (p < 0.05). DNA-strand breaks were observed in lymphocytes, mainly with dimethyl-sulfoxide solvent fungicides (p < 0.05). The long-term exposure and consumption of fruits and vegetables treated with fungicides can increase the risks of developing genotoxic tumors. Our findings raise new questions about the health risks of fungicides and their mixtures to consumers. Further investigations are essential to explore the genotoxicological effects of fungicides on citrus peels.

(1) Background: Foodborne diseases continue to affect millions of people around the world today, posing a huge challenge to public health. Our aim was to focus on the food safety knowledge and food hygiene knowledge of students at the University of Pécs, Hungary. (2) Methods: A quantitative, online, cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 February 2024 and 10 May 2024. Non-probability, convenience sampling was used. The target group consisted of first- and second-year BSc level degree students of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pécs (N = 214). The questions of the self-designed questionnaire include sociodemographic data, questions focusing on food safety knowledge, and questions to assess food hygiene knowledge. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and mathematical statistical analysis (p < 0.05). (3) Results: Participants were aware of foods that pose a food safety risk and were familiar with both the pathogens in food and the groups at risk of food contamination. In terms of knowledge, a higher proportion of second-year students answered correctly (p = 0.021; r = 0.657). A significant relationship was found between hygiene habits and age (p = 0.035) and place of residence, with most of the students living in dormitories not paying attention to food hygiene (r = 0.094; p = 0.046). (4) Conclusions: The level of knowledge of the students was not always satisfactory, so further research and education on this topic is essential to promote safe food consumption.

Background: Medical students are at high risk for depressive symptoms, but few longitudinal studies have examined changes over time, especially among those repeating academic years. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and temporal trends of depressive symptoms and self-rated health among Hungarian medical students, examining the influence of demographic and lifestyle factors and the independent impact of academic repetition on mental health risk. Methods: In a four-year cohort study at the University of Pécs Medical School, students were classified as original-entry cohort (progressing according to the standard curriculum) or repeaters (those who began studies before 2016). Sample size was N = 196 in the first semester of the first year, N = 192 in the second semester of the first year, N = 157 in the second year, N = 147 in the third year, and N = 155 in the fourth year. Data were collected at five time points on lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory and a self-rated health questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression identified risk and protective factors. Results: In the original-entry cohort, depressive symptoms peaked in the first two years (up to 52.6%), then declined to 24.6% by year four. Compared to age-matched peers, students had 3.1-fold higher odds of depressive symptoms at entry (OR = 3.10, CI: 2.007–4.773; p < 0.001), rising to 5.2-fold after the first exam period (OR = 5.20, CI: 3.375–8.000; p < 0.001). Among repeaters, odds of depressive symptoms remained over threefold higher than the general population (OR = 3.64, CI: 1.888–7.022, year IV/1), and self-rated health was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Financial hardship increased risk, while regular physical activity was protective. Conclusions: This study highlights the elevated and persistent mental health risks among repeaters and medical students with financial difficulties. Stratifying by academic progression reveals unique vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for targeted support in medical training.

Hulman Anitadietetikus, PhD hallgató1ORCID: 0009-0007-2579-4459 Tisza Boglárkadietetikus, PhD hallgató1ORCID: 0000-0002-8011-722X Dr. Karácsony Ilona PhDegyetemi adjunktus2ORCID: 0000-0003-3336-9376 Dr. Pakai Annamára PhD, habil.egyetemi docens, tanszékvezető, képzési igazgató1ORCID:…

Célkitűzés: Kutatásunk során összehasonlítottuk az országos táplálkozási és tápláltsági állapot vizsgálatok eredményeivel a magyar nők várandósság előtti testtömegindexét. A vizsgálat módszere: A keresztmetszeti vizsgálatot 2020. január 1. és 2020. augusztus 1. között végeztük. A nem véletlenszerű, célirányos, szakértői mintaválasztás során a célcsoportba várandósok vagy a legalább egy kiskorú gyermeket nevelő édesanyák kerültek be (N=1423). Kizárási kritériumnak számított a kötelező kérdések kihagyása. Felmérésünk online formában, önkitöltős kérdőívvel, anonim módon történt. A kérdőívben szociodemográfiai, antropometriai, várandóssággal és táplálkozással kapcsolatos kérdéseket alkalmaztunk. Az adatokat IBM SPSS 25.0 statisztikai szoftverrel, leíró statisztikával, gyakoriságtáblák készítésével elemeztük. Eredmények: A normális testtömegindex csak a 20 év alatti korosztályra jellemző (21 kg/m2 ). A 20 évnél idősebbek legnagyobb arányban túlsúlyosak voltak (>25 kg/m2 ). Minden negyedik várandós (43,4%) és minden harmadik (33%) anya arról számolt be, hogy egyáltalán nem zavarja a testtömegtöbblet. Következtetések: A testtömegindex alapján a magyar nők már a várandósságot megelőzően túlsúlyosak, ami fokozott egészségi és anyagi teherrel jár.