Search Results (3,349)

Asthma is a persistent ailment that impacts the respiratory system and stands as a formidable public health challenge globally. Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, while effective in asthma management, are accompanied by side effects and high costs. Recently, nutraceuticals have gained significant attention as adjuvant therapy due to their promising outcomes. Given the antioxidant properties, nutrient richness, and an array of health benefits, beetroot and its bioactive compounds have been tested as an adjuvant therapy for asthma management. Although its main bioactive compound, betalains (betanin), has demonstrated promising results in mouse studies, beetroot juice has been found to worsen asthma. This review investigated the full spectrum of active compounds associated with beetroots to understand the underlying factors contributing to the conflicting findings. The finding suggests that individual bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, nitrates, betalains, saponins, vitamins, fiber, and carotenoids, possess asthma-managing properties. However, the consumption of juice may exacerbate the condition. This discrepancy may be attributed to the presence of sugars and oxalates in the juice, which could counteract the beneficial effects of the bioactive compounds. Full article

Carbon fiber (CF) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors due to their high strength, stiffness, and low density. However, significant waste is generated during manufacturing and after the use of CFRPs. Traditional disposal methods like landfilling and incineration are unsustainable. CFRP machining processes, such as drilling and milling, produce fine chips and dust that are difficult to recycle due to their heterogeneity and contamination. This study investigates the oxidation behavior of CFRP drilling waste from two types of materials (tube and plate) under oxidative (non-inert) conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed from 200 °C to 800 °C to assess weight loss related to polymer degradation and carbon fiber integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze morphological changes and fiber damage. The optimal range for removing the polymer matrix without significant fiber degradation has been identified as 500–600 °C. At temperatures above 700 °C, notable surface and internal fiber damage occurred, along with nanostructure formation, which may pose health and environmental risks. The results show that partial fiber recovery is possible under ambient conditions, and this must be considered regarding the harmful risks to the human body if submicron particles are inhaled. This research supports sustainable CFRP recycling and fire hazard mitigation. Full article

Microplastics are pervasive environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health through ingestion and inhalation. This review synthesizes current practices to reduce exposure and toxicity by examining major exposure routes and dietary interventions. More than 130 papers were analyzed to achieve this aim. The findings show that microplastics contaminate a wide range of food products, with particular concern over seafood, drinking water, plastic-packaged foods, paper cups, and tea filter bags. Inhalation exposure is mainly linked to indoor air quality and smoking, while dermal contact poses minimal risk, though the release of additives from plastics onto the skin remains an area of concern. Recommended strategies to reduce dietary exposure include consuming only muscle parts of seafood, moderating intake of high-risk items like anchovies and mollusks, limiting canned seafood liquids, and purging mussels in clean water before consumption. Avoiding plastic containers, especially for hot food or microwaving, using wooden cutting boards, paper tea bags, and opting for tap or filtered water over bottled water are also advised. To mitigate inhalation exposure, the use of air filters with HyperHEPA systems, improved ventilation, regular vacuuming, and the reduction of smoking are recommended. While antioxidant supplementation shows potential in reducing microplastic toxicity, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. This review provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for minimizing daily microplastic exposure. Full article

Background: Treatment compliant with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) can promote more effective disease control. Single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) is one method that is used to optimize therapy in this context, but TRIPLE therapy is still employed by physicians to a limited extent. Objective: This study aimed to describe the factors influencing challenges in optimizing asthma therapy. Methods: A 19-question survey, created via the CATI system, was distributed among pulmonologists, allergologists, general practitioners, and internal medicine specialists in Poland, Greece, Sweden, Slovenia, and Austria. Results: Statistically significant percentage differences in the use of TRIPLE therapy in the context of asthma management were observed among countries as well as between pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists. Overuse of oral corticosteroids (OCSs) to treat nonsevere and severe asthma in the absence of an approach that focuses on optimizing inhalation therapy among asthma patients receiving TRIPLE therapy was observed in different countries as well as among physicians with different specialties. Twenty elements associated with the challenges involved in diagnosing and managing difficult-to-treat and severe asthma were identified. Six clinical categories for the optimization of asthma therapy via SITT were highlighted. The degree of therapeutic underestimation observed among severe asthma patients was assessed by comparing actual treatment with the recommendations of the GINA 2023 guidelines. Conclusions: Physicians of various specialties in Europe are subject to therapeutic inertia in terms of their compliance with the GINA 2023 guidelines. Full article

Cystic fibrosis produces viscous mucus in the lung that increases bacterial invasion, causing persistent infections and subsequent inflammation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common infections in cystic fibrosis patients that are resistant to antibiotics. One antibiotic approved to treat these infections is levofloxacin (LVX), which functions to inhibit bacterial replication but can be further developed into tailorable particles. Nanoparticles are an emerging inhaled therapy due to enhanced targeting and delivery. The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been shown to possess pro-regenerative and non-toxic properties in vitro, making it a promising delivery agent. The combination of LVX and ECM formed into nanoparticles may overcome barriers to lung delivery to effectively treat cystic fibrosis bacterial infections. Our goal is to advance CF care by providing a combined treatment option that has the potential to address both bacterial infections and lung damage. Two hybrid formulations of a 10:1 and 1:1 ratio of LVX to ECM have shown neutral surface charges and an average size of ~525 nm and ~300 nm, respectively. The neutral charge and size of the particles may suggest their ability to attract toward and penetrate through the mucus barrier in order to target the bacteria. The NPs have also been shown to slow the drug dissolution, are non-toxic to human airway epithelial cells, and are effective in inhibiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. LVX-ECM NPs may be an effective treatment for pulmonary CF bacterial treatments. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained significant attention due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential adverse health effects. While ingestion, especially through contaminated drinking water, is considered the primary route of human exposure, recent research suggests that other pathways, such as inhalation and dermal absorption, also play a significant role. This review provides a concise overview of the toxicological impacts of both legacy and emerging PFASs, such as GenX and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), with a particular focus on their effects on the liver, kidneys, and immune and nervous systems, based on findings from recent in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological studies. Despite the transition to PFAS alternatives, much of the existing toxicity data focus on a few legacy compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which have been linked to adverse immune outcomes, particularly in children. However, evidence for carcinogenic risk remains limited to populations with extremely high exposure levels, and data on neurodevelopmental effects remain underexplored. While epidemiological and experimental animal studies supported these findings, significant knowledge gaps persist, especially regarding emerging PFASs. Therefore, this review examines the visceral, neural, and immunotoxicity data for emerging PFASs and mixtures from recent studies. Given the known risks from well-studied PFASs, a precautionary principle should be adopted to mitigate human health risks posed by this large and diverse group of chemicals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mucosal vaccines, delivered intranasally or via inhalation, are being studied for respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. These vaccines aim to provide non-invasive administration and strong immune responses at infection sites, making them a promising area of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed their immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy. Methods: The study design was a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed and Cochrane databases up to 30 May 2025. Inclusion criteria followed the PICOS framework, focusing on mucosal vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, pertussis, and tuberculosis. Results: A total of 65 studies with 229,614 participants were included in the final analysis. Mucosal COVID-19 vaccines elicited higher neutralizing antibodies compared to intramuscular vaccines (SMD = 2.48, 95% CI: 2.17–2.78 for wild-type; SMD = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32–2.58 for Omicron), with varying efficacy by route (inhaled VE = 47%, 95% CI: 22–74%; intranasal vaccine VE = 17%, 95% CI: 0–31%). Mucosal influenza vaccines protected children well (VE = 62%, 95% CI: 30–46%, I² = 17.1%), but seroconversion rates were lower than those of intramuscular vaccines. RSV and pertussis vaccines had high seroconversion rates (73% and 52%, respectively). Tuberculosis vaccines were reviewed systemically, exhibiting robust cellular immunogenicity. Safety was comparable to intramuscular vaccines or placebo, with no publication bias detected. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests mucosal vaccines are immunogenic, safe, and protective, particularly for respiratory diseases. This review provides insights for future research and vaccination strategies, though limitations include varying efficacy by route and study heterogeneity. Full article

In Brazil, Plasmodium infections in non-human primates (NHPs) have been associated with P. simium and P. brasilianum, which are morphologically and genetically similar to the human-infecting species P. vivax and P. malariae, respectively. Surveillance and monitoring of wild NHPs are crucial for understanding the distribution of these parasites and assessing the risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to detect the presence of Plasmodium spp. genetic material in Platyrrhini primates from 47 municipalities in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. The animals were captured using Tomahawk-type live traps baited with fruit or immobilized with tranquilizer darts. Free-ranging individuals were chemically restrained via inhalation anesthesia using VetBag^® or intramuscular anesthesia injection. Blood samples were collected from the femoral vein. A total of 298 blood and tissue samples were collected from 10 primate species across five genera: Alouatta caraya (25), Alouatta guariba clamitans (1), Callicebus melanochir (1), Callithrix geoffroyi (28), Callithrix jacchus (4), Callithrix kuhlii (31), Callithrix penicillata (175), Callithrix spp. hybrids (15), Leontopithecus chrysomelas (16), Sapajus robustus (1), and Sapajus xanthosthernos (1). Molecular diagnosis was performed using a nested PCR targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequencing. Of the 298 samples analyzed, only one (0.3%) from Bahia tested positive for Plasmodium brasilianum/P. malariae. This represents the first detection of this parasite in a free-living C. geoffroyi in Brazil. These findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance of Plasmodium infections in NHPs to identify regions at risk for zoonotic transmission. Full article

Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide despite notable advancements in its management. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, often have limitations in effectively targeting cancer cells, which frequently lead to off-target side effects. In this context, the pulmonary delivery of inhalable nanomaterials offers the advantages of being rapid, efficient, and target-specific, with minimal systemic side effects. This concise review summarizes the basic research and clinical translation of inhalable nanomaterials for the treatment of lung cancer. We also provide insights into the latest advances in pulmonary drug delivery systems, focusing on various types of pulmonary devices and nanomaterials. Furthermore, this paper discusses significant challenges in translating the discoveries of inhalable nanomaterials into clinical care for lung cancer and shares strategies to overcome these issues. Full article

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms known for their health-promoting effects, particularly in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging evidence suggests probiotics may also influence respiratory health, prompting investigation into their potential therapeutic application in lung inflammation. Methods: This study examined the anti-inflammatory effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius (LS01 DSM 22775) and Bifidobacterium breve (B632 DSM 24706) on inflamed pulmonary epithelial cells. Lung carcinoma epithelial cells (A549) and normal bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were stimulated with IL-1β and treated with viable and heat-treated probiotics. Results: CCL-2 levels were significantly reduced by up to 40%, in A549 by viable form (10⁵–10⁷ AFU/g), instead of in 16HBE by heat-treated form (10⁷–10⁹ TFU/g). In A549 cells, TNF-α decreased by 20–80% with all formulations; instead, in 16HBE cells, IL-8 was reduced by viable strains (10⁷ AFU/g) by approximately 50%, while heat-treated strains (10⁹ TFU/g) decreased both IL-6 and IL-8 by 50%. All effective treatments completely inhibited IL-4 and eotaxin and suppressed NF-κB activation in both cell lines, with up to 80% reduction in phospho-p65 levels. In A549 cells, heat-treated strains fully blocked PGE2 production; instead, all four probiotics significantly inhibited COX-2 expression by approximately 50%. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that both viable and heat-treated probiotics can modulate inflammatory responses in pulmonary epithelial cells, suggesting their potential application in inflammatory respiratory diseases. Heat-treated formulations may be particularly suited for local administration via inhalation, offering a promising strategy for targeting airway inflammation directly. Full article

The global prevalence of hypertension continues to rise, affecting an estimated one billion worldwide. Regular exercise is well recognized as a non-pharmacological approach for individuals with hypertension due to its blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect, largely attributed to repeated exposure to post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Recent evidence also indicates that aromatherapy can contribute to BP reduction, indicating that combining aromatherapy with exercise may enhance the overall BP-lowering effects. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on PEH during the recovery phase following exercise. Fourteen healthy young males (22.7 ± 0.7 yrs) participated in this randomized crossover-designed study. All participants completed two exercise sessions per week, each lasting 30 min, at a target heart rate (HR) of 60–65%. The individuals inhaled either aroma oil or water vapor at 5, 35, 65, and 95 min after exercise. The HR, BP, blood lactate level, and arterial stiffness index were measured before and after the exercise. Our findings revealed the following. (1) PEH occurred in both groups. (2) In the aroma group, PEH was augmented compared with the control group, with the maximum reduction in BP being greater in the aroma group. (3) The reduction in arterial stiffness was greater and longer in the aroma group than in the control group. (4) The changes in the lactate levels after exercise did not differ between the groups. Our findings indicate that aromatherapy can amplify PEH, suggesting that its use after exercise may help maximize the positive effects of exercise on BP reduction. Full article

Military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were exposed to emissions from open-air burn pits, where plastics, metals, and medical waste were incinerated. These exposures have been linked to deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRD) and may also impact neurological health via the lung–brain axis. To investigate molecular mechanisms, adult male rats were exposed to filtered air, naphthalene (a representative volatile organic compound), or a combination of naphthalene and carbon black (surrogate for particulate matter; CBN) via whole-body inhalation (six hours/day, three consecutive days). Lung, brain, and plasma samples were collected 24 h after the final exposure. Pro-inflammatory biomarkers were assessed using multiplex electrochemiluminescence and western blot. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA sequencing, and elastic net modeling was used to define exposure-predictive gene signatures. CBN exposure altered inflammatory biomarkers across tissues, with activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. In the lung, gene set enrichment revealed activated pathways related to proliferation and inflammation, while epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oxidative phosphorylation were suppressed. In the brain, EMT, inflammation, and senescence pathways were activated, while ribosomal function and oxidative metabolism were downregulated. Elastic net modeling identified a lung gene signature predictive of CBN exposure, including Kcnq3, Tgfbr1, and Tm4sf19. These findings demonstrate that inhalation of a surrogate burn pit mixture induces inflammatory and metabolic gene expression changes in both lung and brain tissues, supporting the utility of this animal model for understanding systemic effects of airborne military toxicants and for identifying potential biomarkers relevant to DRRD and Veteran health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neonatal pain must be treated due to its potential short- and long-term adverse effects. A frenotomy is a painful procedure where common strategies to relieve pain (oral sucrose solutions and sucking) cannot be used because the technique is performed on the tongue. Lavender essential oil (LEO) is useful in treating pain during blood sampling, heel punctures, vaccination, and frenotomies. We aimed to determine whether smelling colostrum had similar effects as inhaled LEO during frenotomies. Methods: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was carried out with neonates who underwent a frenotomy for ankyloglossia between September 2023 and June 2024. We assessed pain using the NIPS score, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and crying time. After obtaining parental informed consent, we randomized patients into experimental and control groups. In both groups, we performed swaddling, administered 1 mL of oral sucrose, and let the newborn suck for 2 min. In the experimental group, we placed a gauze pad with two drops of colostrum, whereas in the control group, we used one drop of LEO 2 cm under the neonate’s nose prior to and during the frenotomy. Results: We enrolled 142 patients (71 experimental cases and 71 controls). The experimental group showed lower crying times (28.0 vs. 40.2 s, p = 0.03). Both groups showed similar NIPS scores (1.4 vs. 1.5, p = 0.28). We observed no side effects in either of the groups. Conclusions: Inhaled colostrum and LEO help relieve pain in neonates who undergo a frenotomy for ankyloglossia and have no side effects. Aromatherapy with colostrum may decrease crying time during the frenotomy. Full article

Introduction: Radiomics is the extraction of non-invasive and reproducible quantitative imaging features, which may yield mineable information for clinical practice implementation. Quantification of lung function through radiomics could play a role in the management of patients with pulmonary lesions. The aim of this study is to test the capability of radiomic features to predict pulmonary function parameters, focusing on the diffusing capacity of lungs to carbon monoxide (DL_CO). Methods: Retrospective data were retrieved from electronical medical records of patients treated with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) SBRT treatment performed for primary early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) or oligometastatic lung nodules, (2) availability of simulation four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scan, (3) baseline spirometry data availability, (4) availability of baseline clinical data, and (5) written informed consent for the anonymized use of data. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was segmented on 4DCT reconstructed phases representing the moment of maximum inhalation and maximum exhalation (Phase 0 and Phase 50, respectively), and radiomic features were extracted from the lung parenchyma subtracting the lesion/s. An iterative algorithm was clustered based on correlation, while keeping only those most associated with baseline and post-treatment DL_CO. Three models were built to predict DL_CO abnormality: the clinical model—containing clinical information; the radiomic model—containing the radiomic score; the clinical-radiomic model—containing clinical information and the radiomic score. For the models just described, the following were constructed: Model 1 based on the features in Phase 0; Model 2 based on the features in Phase 50; Model 3 based on the difference between the two phases. The AUC was used to compare their performances. Results: A total of 98 patients met the inclusion criteria. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scored as the clinical variable most associated with baseline DL_CO (p = 0.014), while the most associated features were mainly texture features and similar among the two phases. Clinical-radiomic models were the best at predicting both baseline and post-treatment abnormal DL_CO. In particular, the performances for the three clinical-radiomic models at predicting baseline abnormal DL_CO were AUC₁ = 0.72, AUC₂ = 0.72, and AUC₃ = 0.75, for Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3, respectively. Regarding the prediction of post-treatment abnormal DL_CO, the performances of the three clinical-radiomic models were AUC₁ = 0.91, AUC₂ = 0.91, and AUC₃ = 0.95, for Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3, respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that radiomic features extracted from healthy lung parenchyma on a 4DCT scan are associated with baseline pulmonary function parameters, showing that radiomics can add a layer of information in surrogate models for lung function assessment. Preliminary results suggest the potential applicability of these models for predicting post-SBRT lung function, warranting validation in larger, prospective cohorts. Full article

Micro- and Nanoplastic (MNP) pollution is an emerging challenge globally, posing a significant threat to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. This review critically examines the sources, exposure routes, and impact of plastics, with particular focus on implications for the livestock sector. MNPs enter animals’ bodies primarily through ingestion of contaminated feed and water, inhalation, and dermal exposure, subsequently accumulating in various organs, disrupting physiological functions. Notably, MNPs facilitate the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), exacerbating the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In agricultural environments, sources such as organic fertilizers, wastewater irrigation systems, surface runoff, and littering contribute to soil contamination, adversely affecting plant growth and soil health, which in turn compromises feed quality and ultimately animals’ productivity. This review synthesizes current evidence demonstrating how MNP exposure impairs animal production, reproduction, and survival, and highlights the interconnected risks to food safety and ecosystem health. The findings call for the urgent need for comprehensive research under controlled conditions to underscore the fine details regarding mechanisms of MNP toxicity and to inform effective mitigation strategies. Addressing MNP pollution is crucial for safeguarding animal health, ensuring sustainable livestock production, and promoting environmental sustainability and integrity. Full article