Search Results (21,162)

Scorpion stings are a significant public health concern globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Scorpion venoms contain a diverse array of bioactive peptides, and different scorpion species around the world typically exhibit varying venom profiles, resulting in a wide range of envenomation symptoms. Despite their harmful effects, scorpion venom peptides hold immense potential for drug development due to their unique characteristics. Therefore, the establishment of a comprehensive database that catalogs scorpions along with their known venom peptides and proteins is imperative in furthering research efforts in this research area. We hereby present ScorpDb, a novel database that offers convenient access to data related to different scorpion species, the peptides and proteins found in their venoms, and the symptoms they can cause. To this end, the ScorpDb database has been primarily advanced to accommodate data on the Iranian scorpion fauna. From there, we propose future community efforts to include a larger diversity of scorpions and scorpion venom components. ScorpDb holds the promise to become a valuable resource for different professionals from a variety of research fields, like toxinologists, arachnologists, and pharmacologists. The database is available at https://www.scorpdb.com/. Full article

Foodborne illnesses and mortalities persist as a significant global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that one out of every ten individuals becomes ill following the consumption of contaminated food. However, in the age of digitalization and technological progress, more and more data and data evaluation technologies are available to counteract this problem. A specific challenge in this context is the efficient and beneficial utilization of the continuously increasing volume of data. In pursuit of optimal data utilization, the objective of the present study was to develop a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)-based assessment scheme to be prospectively implemented into an overall artificial intelligence (AI)-supported database for the autonomous risk categorization of food incident reports. Such additional evaluations might help to identify certain novel or emerging risks by allocating a level of risk prioritization. Ideally, such indications are obtained earlier than an official notification, and therefore, this method can be considered preventive, as the risk is already identified. Our results showed that this approach enables the efficient and time-saving preliminary risk categorization of incident reports, allowing for the rapid identification of relevant reports related to predefined subject areas or inquiries that require further examination. The manual test runs demonstrated practicality, enabling the implementation of the evaluation scheme in AI-supported databases for the autonomous assessment of incident reports. Moreover, it has become evident that increasing the amount of information and evaluation criteria provided to AI notably enhances the precision of risk assessments for individual incident notifications. This will remain an ongoing challenge for the utilization and processing of food safety data in the future. Full article

Eye health has become a significant concern in recent years, given the rising prevalence of visual impairment resulting from various eye disorders and related factors. Global surveys suggest that approximately 2.2 billion individuals are visually impaired, with at least 1 billion affected by treatable diseases or ailments. Early detection, treatment, and screening for fundus diseases are crucial in addressing these challenges. In this study, we propose a novel segmentation model for retinal vascular delineation aimed at diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. The model integrates CBAM (Channel-Attention and Spatial-Attention) for enhanced feature representation, JPU (Joint Pyramid Upsampling) for multi-scale feature fusion, and transformer blocks for contextual understanding. Leveraging deep-learning techniques, our proposed model outperforms existing approaches in retinal vascular segmentation, like achieving a Mean IOU of 0.8047, Recall of 0.7254, Precision of 0.8492, F1 Score of 0.7824, and Specificity of 0.9892 for CHASEDB1 dataset. Extensive evaluations on benchmark datasets demonstrate its efficacy, highlighting its potential for automated diabetic retinopathy screening. Full article

Leptospirosis and hantavirus syndrome are two major rodent-borne diseases in Taiwan. Rocahepevirus ratii (RHEV), a virus closely related to hepatitis E virus (HEV, Paslahepevirus balayani), is emerging and has been reported to cause hepatitis in humans. We employed wastewater-based epidemiology to actively monitor rodent-borne pathogens, and the correlations with human cases were evaluated. Wastewater was collected using grab sampling at 11 sites along a sewer system including influents and effluents at a wastewater treatment plant in Tamsui, New Taipei City, Taiwan, monthly during June 2023 to May 2024. The presence of pathogens was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The result showed an overall positivity rate of 38.2% (50/131). Leptospira was detected most often (48/131, 36.6%), and RHEV and hantaviruses were found once each during the study period. Sequencing identified Leptospira interrogans close to isolates from rodents and human cases, while sequences of hantavirus and RHEV were most similar to isolates from rodents. No significant correlation was found with human cases or positive samples for rodent DNA. Here, we present an example of a One Health approach applying wastewater to environmental surveillance for the early detection and prevention of emerging diseases. Full article

Background: Europe’s aging population presents challenges such as a shrinking labor force, pressure on health services, and increased demand for long-term care. This study assesses the functional profile, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of older adults in the Central Alentejo region of Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 868 older adults in Portuguese long-term care facilities across the Évora district. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, elderly nursing core set patient information, a health questionnaire with nine responses, and WHO Quality of Life Assessment (short version) scores. Results: Nearly half of the participants needed assistance with care. Women (OR = 1.46) and those with cognitive impairment (OR = 10.83) had higher impaired functionality, while education (OR = 0.52) and being overweight (OR = 0.52) were inversely related to functional dependence. Quality of life scores ranged from 56.4 (physical) to 66.6 (environmental). Moderate depressive symptoms were found in 17.1% of participants, with 9% having moderately severe to severe symptoms. Higher dependence doubled the likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.18). Discussion and Conclusions: High rates of depression and functional dependence correlate with a low perception of quality of life, highlighting the need for research to promote and protect the health of older adults. Full article

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by an abnormal lipid metabolism, is related to multiple cardiovascular diseases that pose challenges to global public health. Macadamia oil (MO), rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (around 80%), is regarded as a functional oil used to regulate lipid accumulation. Nonetheless, the lipid-lowering mechanism of MO is still unknown. Therefore, the lipid-lowering effects of MO in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic mice were evaluated in this study. The results revealed that MO could effectively reduce body weight and the organ index and improve serum lipid levels by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, MO supplementation could improve abnormal liver function caused by hyperlipemia, characterized by decreased liver enzyme levels, including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Meanwhile, MO also exhibited an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and lipid accumulation caused by an HFD. Moreover, findings from qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses suggest that MO supplementation markedly prevented hyperlipidemia by inhibiting the expression of AMPK pathway-related genes, SREBP-1c, FAS, ACC, and PPAR-γ, as well as upregulating the levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and γ-GCS. These results indicate that MO attenuates lipid accumulation in vivo via AMPK/Nrf2 pathway activation, suggesting that MO could serve as a dietary supplementation or medication for treating hyperlipidemia. Full article

Pandemics of infectious disease and growing anti-microbial resistance (AMR) pose major threats to global health, trade, and security. Conflict and climate change compound and accelerate these threats. The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, but is grounded in the biomedical model, which reduces health to the absence of disease. Biomedical responses are insufficient to meet the challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic is the most recent example of the failure of this biomedical model to address global threats, the limitations of laboratory-based surveillance, and the exclusive focus on vaccination for disease control. This paper examines the current paradigm through the lens of polio and the global campaign to eradicate it, as well as other infectious threats including mpox and drug-resistant tuberculosis, particularly in the context of armed conflict. Decades before vaccines became widely available, public health measures—ventilation, chlorination, nutrition and sanitation— led to longer, healthier, and even taller lives. Chlorine, our primary tool of public health, conquered cholera and transformed infection control in hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO), part of the One Health alliance, focuses mainly on antibiotics and vaccines to reduce deaths due to superbugs and largely ignores the critical role of chlorine to control water-borne diseases (including polio) and other infections. Moreover, the One Health approach ignores armed conflict. Contemporary wars are characterized by indiscriminate bombing of civilians, attacks targeting healthcare, mass displacement and lack of humanitarian access, conditions which drive polio outbreaks and incubate superbugs. We discuss the growing trend of attacks on healthcare and differentiate between types: community-driven attacks targeting vaccinators in regions like Pakistan, and state-sponsored attacks by governments such as those of Syria and Russia that weaponize healthcare to deliberately harm whole populations. Both fuel outbreaks of disease. These distinct motivations necessitate tailored responses, yet the WHO aggregates these attacks in a manner that hampers effective intervention. While antimicrobial resistance is predictable, the escalating pandemic is the consequence of our reliance on antibiotics and commitment to a biomedical model that now borders on pathological. Our analysis reveals the international indenture to the biomedical model as the basis of disease control is the root driver of AMR and vaccine-derived polio. The unique power of vaccines is reduced by vaccination-only strategy, and in fact breeds vaccine-derived polio. The non-specific effects of vaccines must be leveraged, and universal vaccination must be supplement by international investment in water chlorination will reduce health costs and strengthen global health security. While vaccines are an important weapon to combat pandemics and AMR,, they must be accompanied by the entire arsenal of public health interventions. Full article

Entamoeba histolytica causes amebiasis, a significant global health issue, with millions affected annually, especially in developing countries. EhDUF2419, an important protein involved in E. histolytica’s queuine salvage pathway and its interaction network, remains unclear. To explore this, we transfected E. histolytica trophozoites with a plasmid encoding Myc-tagged EhDUF2419 and achieved successful overexpression. Through immunoprecipitation with the Myc antibody followed by mass spectrometry, we identified 335 proteins interacting with Myc-tagged EhDUF2419, including over 100 ribosomal proteins, along with translation initiation and elongation factors, and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Ribosome purification revealed the presence of EhDUF2419 in ribosomal protein-enriched fractions. Treatment with queuosine (Q) significantly reduced the EhDUF2419 protein levels and decreased the Q-modified tRNA in Myc-tagged EhDUF2419 overexpressing trophozoites. This effect, which was Q-dependent, was not observed in strains carrying an empty vector control or overexpressing a truncated form of EhDUF2419 lacking catalytic activity. The reduction in the EhDUF2419 protein levels was regulated by proteasome-mediated degradation, as evidenced by the reduced degradation in the presence of MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Our study uncovers the novel interaction of EhDUF2419 with ribosomal proteins and its regulation by the proteasome machinery, providing new insights into its role in E. histolytica and potential therapeutic strategies. Full article

As the global pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices continues, organic farming is gaining increasing attention. In Pu’er, one of China’s major tea-producing regions, the factors influencing tea farmers’ willingness to adopt organic agriculture have not yet been fully studied. This study integrates the diffusion of innovations theory and the theory of planned behavior, using field surveys to thoroughly analyze the key factors and reasons affecting tea farmers in Pu’er in adopting organic farming practices. The findings indicate that perceptions of the economic benefits of organic farming are the primary drivers of farmers’ willingness to adopt. Experience with organic agriculture training and positive views on environmental and health benefits also significantly enhance the willingness to adopt organic farming. Contrary to common assumptions, education level, age, and household income have minimal influence on adoption willingness. However, low-income families that rely on tea cultivation are more inclined to adopt organic farming. Policymakers should prioritize economic incentives, strengthen training support, and enhance the promotion of the benefits of organic agriculture, while simplifying certification processes and expanding market channels to facilitate the transition of tea farmers to organic agriculture. This study offers insights into the sustainable tea industry and organic farming promotion. Full article

Background: The early exposure of nutrients during pubertal mammary gland development may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Anticancer n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are shown to modulate pubertal mammary gland development; however, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. Prior work focused on effects at the whole tissue level, and little is known at the cellular level, such as at the level of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which are implicated in cancer development. Methods: This pilot study examined the effects of lifelong n-3 PUFA exposure on the transcriptome by RNA-Seq in the isolated MECs of pubertal (6–8-week-old) female fat-1 transgenic mice capable of de novo n-3 PUFA synthesis. edgeR and DESeq2 were used separately for the differential expression analysis of RNA sequencing data followed by the Benjamani–Hochberg procedure for multiple testing correction. Results: Nine genes were found concordant and significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) by both the DESeq2 and edgeR methods. These genes were associated with multiple pathways, suggesting that n-3 PUFA stimulates estrogen-related signaling (Mlltl0, Galr3, and Nrip1) and a glycolytic profile (Soga1, Pdpr, and Uso1) while offering protective effects for immune and DNA damage responses (Glpd1, Garre1, and Rpa1) in MECs during puberty. Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the utility of RNA-Seq to better understanding the mechanistic effects of specific nutrients such as n-3 PUFA in a cell-specific manner. Thus, further studies are warranted to investigate the cell-specific mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA influences pubertal mammary gland development and breast cancer risk later in life. Full article

The population of the United States is rapidly aging due to a number of factors, such as lower fertility rates and increases in life expectancy. Globally, dementia is a leading cause of disability among older adults, affecting approximately 50 million people. Family caregivers, who often have to sacrifice their health and well-being, provide most of the care needed by older adults living with dementia. Further, alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States. Considering the stress and unfavorable health outcomes that are associated with caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to understand the prevalence of alcohol use and abuse among family caregivers. In this study, Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage approach for a scoping review is used to examine the nature and scope of a body of research related to alcohol use and abuse among family caregivers of people living with dementia in the United States. Overall, the results show a paucity of research on the prevalence and implications of alcohol use among family caregivers. The identified studies suggest that family caregivers may be less likely to misuse alcohol than non-caregivers. However, additional population-wide studies are needed. Full article

Global climate change, environmental pollution, and frequent pesticide use severely reduce bee populations, greatly challenging beekeeping. Pesticides such as deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used to control mosquitoes, can kill individual bees and entire colonies, depending on the exposure. Due to mosquito resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, components that enhance their effect are commonly used. This study explores the potential of Agaricus bisporus mushroom extract in mitigating oxidative stress in bees triggered by pesticides and Nosema ceranae infection. Our findings indicate that A. bisporus extract significantly reduced mortality rates of bees and spore counts of N. ceranae. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antioxidant properties that lower enzyme activity related to oxidative stress (CAT, SOD, and GST) and MDA concentration, which is linked to lipid peroxidation. These results indicate that natural extracts like A. bisporus can aid bee health by mitigating the effects of pesticides and pathogens on honey bees, thus improving biodiversity. Full article

Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) is a microalga recognised for its rich nutritional composition and diverse bioactive compounds, making it a valuable functional food, feed, and therapeutic agent. This review examines spirulina’s chemical composition, including its high levels of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, such as the phycocyanin pigment, polysaccharides, and carotenoids, in food, feed, and medicine. These compounds exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic and lipid-lowering effects. Spirulina’s potential to mitigate oxidative stress, enhance immune function, and inhibit tumour growth positions it as a promising candidate for preventing chronic diseases. Additionally, spirulina is gaining interest in the animal feed sector as a promotor of growth performance, improving immune responses and increasing resistance to diseases in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Despite its well-documented health benefits, future research is needed to optimize production/cultivation methods, improve its bioavailability, and validate its efficacy (dose–effect relationship) and safety through clinical trials and large-scale human trials. This review underscores the potential of spirulina to address global health and nutrition challenges, supporting its continued application in food, feed, and medicine. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Recent advancements in high-throughput omics techniques have enhanced our understanding of the human microbiome’s role in the development of CVDs. Although the relationship between the gut microbiome and CVDs has attracted considerable research attention and has been rapidly evolving in recent years, the role of the oral microbiome remains less understood, with most prior studies focusing on periodontitis-related pathogens. In this review, we summarized previously reported associations between the oral microbiome and CVD, highlighting known CVD-associated taxa such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. We also discussed the interactions between the oral and gut microbes. The potential mechanisms by which the oral microbiota can influence CVD development include oral and systemic inflammation, immune responses, cytokine release, translocation of oral bacteria into the bloodstream, and the impact of microbial-related products such as microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], trimethylamine oxide [TMAO], hydrogen sulfide [H₂S], nitric oxide [NO]) and specific toxins (e.g., lipopolysaccharide [LPS], leukotoxin [LtxA]). The processes driven by these mechanisms may contribute to atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and other cardiovascular pathologies. Integrated multi-omics methodologies, along with large-scale longitudinal population studies and intervention studies, will facilitate a deeper understanding of the metabolic and functional roles of the oral microbiome in cardiovascular health. This fundamental knowledge will support the development of targeted interventions and effective therapies to prevent or reduce the progression from cardiovascular risk to clinical CVD events. Full article

Background: Despite the high non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality in Ethiopia, NCD screening in the country remains suboptimal. This study assessed the health communication process and materials designed to promote NCD screening among adult primary healthcare facility attendants in the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A parallel mixed-methods approach was employed. Seven health communication materials were evaluated using the Modified Clear Communication Index Score by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seven key informants who were involved in the production were interviewed to explore the process. Users’ satisfaction with the materials was assessed through a cross-sectional survey (N = 412). We used multivariable logistic regression with SPSS version 27 software to determine the factors associated with users’ satisfaction. Thematic analysis was applied for the qualitative data analysis using Opencode 4.03 software. Results: Qualitative interviews indicated that the production process relied on evidence, involved stakeholders, and included pretesting. The CDC index score revealed that five of the seven materials were considered clear and user-friendly, whereas two required improvement. Overall users’ satisfaction with the material was high with a mean score of 22.10 (SD ± 2.34; min: 14, max: 25). Age and educational status had significant positive association with users’ satisfaction. Conclusions: Developing health communication materials on promoting NCD screening based on evidence, stakeholders’ input, and pretesting can lead to good quality material and user satisfaction. We recommend future research works to measure changes in NCD screening service uptake as a result of using the health communication materials considered in this study. Full article