Search Results (1,674)

Weaning is one of the most challenging stages in a piglet’s life, with multiple stressors contributing to poor gut health. For several years, zinc oxide (ZnO) was the preferred means of promoting a healthy gut and preventing post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). However, with the banning of its use at medicinal levels in the EU since 2022, alternatives are needed. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea and has pharmacological properties that could make this molecule an attractive alternative to ZnO. The aim of this study was to investigate how berberine is metabolized in the intestinal tract and liver of weaned piglets; determine which metabolites are detected in intestinal contents and plasma; and whether a low dose can alter histomorphological parameters, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut microbiota composition. A total of 60 piglets weaned at 4 weeks were divided into two groups (Control and BBR), each consisting of six pens of five animals. After two weeks of feeding with a normal diet or a berberine-supplemented diet (30 mg berberine/kg feed), berberine and its metabolites were quantified in intestinal contents and plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) on 12 animals per group (2 male piglets per pen). Moreover, villus length and crypt depth were measured in small-intestinal tissue, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to examine jejunal, cecal, and colonic gut microbiota composition. Our findings show that piglets metabolize berberine into phase I and II metabolites; however, a low dose does not affect their histomorphology, microbiota composition, or SCFA production. Full article

The construction of cascade reservoir systems (CRSs) is increasing globally, providing reliable energy and water resources for human social development, while also having significant impacts on the watershed water environment, particularly in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus distribution in the rivers and lakes of these areas. Watershed management authorities urgently need model tools that can comprehensively analyze the sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in CRSs and the nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in lakes and reservoirs. Therefore, this study establishes a model framework that includes a watershed nutrient load model and a hierarchical reservoir nutrient cycling model, validating and analyzing this framework in the Water Diversion Basin from the Luanhe River to Tianjin (WDBLT) in North China, which yields nitrogen and phosphorus substance flows over different time scales. The conclusions show that banning cage culture and curbing point sources improved reservoir water quality, and the internal TP flux serves as a key environmental indicator. This model framework is scientifically sound, easy to operate, and does not require high data demands, demonstrating high practical value for similar water environmental management in CRS. Full article

Harmful algae are transported in various compartments of maritime vessels, making ports with heavy maritime traffic potential hotspots for their introduction and spread. In this study, we investigate the port of Papeete (Tahiti, French Polynesia), a key hub for numerous South Pacific shipping routes. Using metabarcoding on DNA extracted from water samples (environmental DNA, eDNA) we identified 21 species of harmful algae comprising to Bacillariophyceae (4), Dinophyceae (14), and Haptophyta (3 species). Three of those species are directly associated with fish mortality events without recognized toxigenic capacity. The remaining harmful algae species are known to produce a wide range of toxins, like the ciguatoxin produced by endemic Gambierdiscus sp., domoic acid, haemolysins, yessotoxins, and others. Health risks such as ciguatera and paralytic shellfish poisoning were identified. An increase in Gambierdiscus frequency in Papeete port waters was parallel to an increase in ciguatera fish poisoning events in Tahiti, which suggests the value of eDNA analysis for early warning of harmful algae presence. Management measures, including banning fishing near the ports, could prevent public health risks associated with harmful algae blooms. Full article

Macroinvertebrates are a crucial part of aquatic ecosystems and significantly contribute to the maintenance of their health and stability. Our aims were to explore spatio-temporal patterns in macroinvertebrate communities and evaluate the ecological health of various parts of the Poyang Lake Basin during the early stage of a fishing ban. We collected samples using a Peterson grab sampler and conducted ecological evaluations using the B-IBI index. A total of 107 species of macroinvertebrates were identified, and most species were arthropods. The density and biomass of macroinvertebrates significantly differed among seasons and water bodies. No significant differences in diversity among seasons were observed; however, diversity significantly varied among water bodies. Environmental parameters such as water depth, pH, turbidity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a played a crucial role in shaping the community structure of macroinvertebrates. Most of the sampling sites were classified as healthy or sub-healthy, indicating that the fishing ban policy has started to have a positive effect. The effects of this ban are achieved through a cascading sequence of processes, including the elimination of fishing disturbance, the restoration of habitat structure, and the reallocation of trophic energy, in addition to increases in microhabitat diversity associated with habitat heterogeneity. Together, these processes drive the multidimensional recovery of macroinvertebrate communities, manifested as increased species richness, higher density and biomass, and elevated B-IBI scores. Full article

Background: In Poland, the consumption of energy drinks among young people has changed significantly following the introduction of a ban on sales to minors. This regulatory measure was intended to address growing concerns about the health effects of high caffeine consumption among teenagers. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency, preferences, and determinants of energy drink consumption among Polish adolescents aged 15–17 years, following the introduction of the legal ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors. Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2024, following the introduction of a law prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to minors. The study group consisted of 999 high school students aged 15–17 who completed an anonymous, author-designed survey. Data were then collected and analyzed for descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, Mann–Whitney U tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests for group comparisons, and Spearman’s rank correlation for ordinal data. Results: In total, 52% of respondents declared that they consume energy drinks, and 68% reported a reduced intake after the introduction of the regulations prohibiting sales to minors. These drinks are more frequently consumed by males. Additionally, age and frequency of consumption were positively correlated. The factors most often influencing the choice of energy drinks were price, taste, package size, caffeine content, composition, and recommendations from friends. Conclusions: Although a large percentage of minors still consume energy drinks, the new regulations have had an impact on reducing their intake. Full article

This study investigates the concentrations and patterns of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (TEQ Diox+PCB-DL) and non-dioxin-like PCBs (PCB-NDL) in eels from Lake Garda, assessing their relationship with biometric and lipid parameters. TEQ Diox+PCB-DL levels ranged from 1.70 to 77.1 pg/g (median: 9.90 pg/g), while PCB-NDL levels spanned from 14.0 to 1620 ng/g (median: 65.5 ng/g). Significant, albeit low, correlations were found: length and weight were negatively correlated, and lipid content was positively correlated, with both contaminants. Multivariable regression confirmed length and lipid percentage as significant predictors, although the models explained a limited proportion of variance (R²: 0.23 and 0.17). Classification-based analyses showed that irregularly contaminated eels were shorter and had a higher lipid content. Multinomial logistic regression supported these findings, but showed limited predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.63). Notably, 28 out of 90 samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit for TEQ Diox+PCB-DL, and several surpassed the threshold for PCB-NDL, highlighting potential public health risks. Given the lipophilic nature and toxicity of these compounds, continued monitoring is warranted. The findings underscore the need for broader environmental assessments to better understand pollutant dynamics and support regulatory actions, including the extended ban on eel fishing in the region. Full article

Chemical hazards in food present a significant health risk. The objective of our review is to understand health risks associated with chemical contaminants in products of animal origin (POAO) in Cambodia, where there is no known published study. We followed the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 23 reports were included for review. The findings are presented according to the PRISMA guidelines. The studies mostly focused on fishery products, with arsenic and mercury being the most frequently studied hazards. The evidence of banned substances such as chloramphenicol and certain organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including chlordane and Mirex, was reported in fish and meat. Additionally, mercury levels were measured in beef, pork, viscera, and eggs, but the average concentration remained significantly below the hazard index. The average concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in smoked fish exceeded the EU limits, ranging from 0.034 to 17.2 mg/kg, with an average mean concentration of 1.92 mg/kg. The pooled geometric means of arsenic and mercury in fish were 0.40 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.25–0.66) and ~0.14 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.087 to 0.223), respectively. The health risk of mercury contamination in fishery products needs the attention of the risk managers. However, industrial contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and butyl tin in marine fishes were lower than those reported elsewhere, such as Japan. We discuss the implications of the findings for human health and national food control systems (NFCS), the capacity of different agencies to undertake chemical risk assessment, the utility of systematic literature reviews (SLRs) for risk assessment and communication in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the need for further research. Full article

Unregulated herbal products marketed via digital platforms present escalating risks to consumer safety and regulatory effectiveness worldwide. This study positions the case of Jindamanee herbal powder—a banned substance under Thai law—as a lens through which to examine broader challenges in digital health governance. Drawing on a dataset of 1546 product listings across major platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada), we applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify prevailing promotional themes and compliance gaps. Despite explicit platform policies, 87.6% of listings appeared on Facebook. Medical claims, particularly for pain relief, featured in 77.6% of posts, while only 18.4% included any risk disclosure. These findings suggest a systematic exploitation of regulatory blind spots and consumer health anxieties, facilitated by templated cross-platform messaging. Anchored in Information Manipulation Theory and the Health Belief Model, the analysis offers theoretical insight into how misinformation is structured and sustained within digital commerce ecosystems. The Thai case highlights urgent implications for platform accountability, policy harmonization, and the design of algorithmic surveillance systems in global health product regulation. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances capable of interfering with hormonal systems, potentially leading to adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. Various experimental models are currently available to assess the endocrine-disrupting potential of substances. However, in the context of cosmetic ingredients, the ban on animal testing for safety and efficacy evaluations in Europe and other regions necessitates the use of in vitro or in silico approaches. Concerns have been raised regarding the possible endocrine-disrupting properties of certain cosmetic compounds, prompting the development of a priority substance list that includes several ultraviolet (UV) filters. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main methodologies employed to evaluate endocrine-disrupting effects, with a particular focus on different endocrine organs. It also compiles and analyzes literature data related to commonly used UV filters such as benzophenones, avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. A major limitation identified is the lack of validated in vitro methods for assessing disruptions in specific endocrine organs, such as the thyroid and pancreas. This gap hinders accurate interpretation of experimental results and highlights the urgent need for further research to clarify the safety profiles of UV filters and other cosmetic ingredients. Full article

With sub-millimeter deformation capture capability, InSAR technology has become an important tool for surface deformation monitoring. However, it is still limited by interferences like land subsidence and bridge deformation in long-term linear engineering monitoring, failing to accurately identify track deformation. Based on RadarSAT-2 and Sentinel-1A satellite data from 2013 to 2023, this study uses time-series InSAR technology (PS-InSAR) to accurately invert the track deformation information of the Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Railway (Beijing section) in the past decade. Key findings demonstrate (1) rigorous groundwater policies (extraction bans and artificial recharge) drove up to 48% regional subsidence mitigation in Chaoyang–Tongzhou, with synchronous track deformation exhibiting 0.6‰ spatial gradient; (2) critical differential subsidence identified at DK11–DK23, where maximum annual settlement decreased from 110 to 49.7 mm; (3) XGBoost-SHAP modeling revealed dynamic driver shifts: confined aquifer depletion dominated in 2015 (>60%), transitioned to delayed consolidation in 2018 (45%), and culminated in phreatic recovery–compressible layer coupling by 2022 (55%). External factors (tectonic/urban loads) played secondary roles. The rise in groundwater levels induces soil dilatancy, while the residual deformation in cohesive soils—exhibiting hysteresis relative to groundwater fluctuations—manifests as surface subsidence deceleration rather than rebound. This study provides a scientific basis for in-depth understanding of the differential subsidence mechanism along high-speed railways and disaster prevention and control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity among young adults globally, but only limited research exists on usage patterns in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with e-cigarette use initiation and transition to cigarette smoking among university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 537 university students in Al-Madinah city during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire assessing e-cigarette use patterns, motivations, susceptibility to future cigarette smoking, and demographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with e-cigarette use. Results: E-cigarette prevalence was substantial: 11.7% of participants were current users, 5.4% were former users, and 27.9% were ever-users, compared with 5.8% current cigarette smokers. Males had significantly higher use rates than females (20.9% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001). Senior students showed the highest current use (21.1%). Among ever-users, the primary motivations were enjoyment (29.3%), the possibility of use where smoking is banned (26.1%), and social acceptability (21.7%). Most users (73.0%) used high-nicotine liquids (≥20 mg/mL), and 55.4% vaped daily. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that e-cigarette use was independently associated with male gender (adjusted OR = 4.0), higher academic year (OR = 1.24), current smoking (adjusted OR = 3.45; 95 CI: 1.54–7.82), and lower harm perception (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95 CI: 1.16–2.51). Susceptibility to future cigarette smoking was 18.9% overall but much higher among current e-cigarette smokers (59.5%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: E-cigarette use was prevalent among Saudi university students, particularly males and senior students, with patterns suggestive of nicotine dependence. Strong associations with cigarette smoking and high-concentration nicotine use raise concerns about dual use and addiction potential. Full article

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used as a plasticizer to enhance flexibility in several household products, cosmetics, and food-contact materials. Due to its harmful effects, DBP is restricted or banned in children’s products and food items, particularly in Europe. Due to its endocrine disruptor properties and considering its ability to cross the placental barrier, it is imperative to study DBP’s vascular effects in pregnancy, given the vulnerability of this period. Thus, this study investigated the potential effects of DBP on the cardiovascular system using umbilical arteries from healthy pregnant women. Specifically, the impact of DBP on the vascular reactivity after both rapid and 24 h DBP exposure was analyzed, as well as the contractility and the cell viability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). DBP did not exhibit overt cytotoxic effects on VSMCs, possibly due to its adsorption onto polystyrene surfaces, potentially limiting bioavailability. Interestingly, DBP induced vasorelaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. Although mechanistic insights remain to be fully elucidated, the results suggest the involvement of pathways associated with nitric oxide signaling and calcium handling. Overall, DBP exposure appears to modulate arterial tone regulation, which may have implications for vascular function during pregnancy. Full article

The ten-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River aims to restore aquatic biodiversity and rebuild fishery resources. Megalobrama skolkovii, a key species in the basin, was investigated using 2024 data to provide a preliminary assessment of its population structure, stock dynamics, and early recovery. Age analysis (n = 243) showed that 1–6-year-olds were dominated by fish aged 3 (35%), with few older than 4, indicating moderate structural truncation. Growth parameters modeled by the von Bertalanffy Growth Function yielded L_∞ = 61.89 cm and k = 0.25 year⁻¹, with a weight–growth inflection age of 4.4 years. Natural mortality (M = 0.48 year⁻¹) was estimated using Pauly’s empirical formula, and total mortality (Z = 0.55 year⁻¹) was estimated from the catch curve analysis. While fishing mortality (F) was statistically indistinguishable from zero, a plausible low-intensity fishing scenario was explored to assess potential impacts of residual activities. Length-based indicators (LBIs) showed P_mat = 46.05%, P_opt = 9.51%, and P_mega = 6.88%, suggesting reproductive recovery but incomplete structural restoration. These preliminary findings reveal an asymmetrical recovery trajectory, whereby physiological improvements and enhanced recruitment have occurred, yet full structural restoration remains incomplete. This underscores the need for continued, long-term conservation and monitoring to support population resilience. Full article

A virome survey of banana plantations and their surrounding plants was carried out at nation-wide level in Malawi using virion associated nucleic acids (VANA) high throughput sequencing (HTS) on pooled samples and appropriate alien controls. In total, 366 plants were sequenced, and 23 plant virus species were detected, three species on banana (275 plants) and 20 species in surrounding plants (91 plants). Two putative novel virus species; ginger tymo-like virus and pepper derived totivirus were detected and confirmed by RT-PCR on ginger and pepper. Nine known virus species and detected a host plant was identified for two of them. No viral exchange between banana and surrounding plants was observed. Results from the VANA protocol, applied to pooled banana samples, were compared with previous targeted PCR results obtained from individual banana samples. HTS test detected better BanMMV than IC-(RT)-PCR on individual samples (better inclusivity) but detected with much lower sensitivity BBTV and BSV species, often with less than 10 reads per sample. Detection of novel and known viruses and new host plants calls for strengthened sanitory and phytosanitory measures within and beyond banana production systems. Our research confirms that HTS sensitivity depends on sampling, pooling protocol and targeted virus species. Full article

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) is a vital crop, contributing to nearly a quarter of global sugar production, but faces significant challenges from biotic stressors, particularly aphids, which transmit damaging yellowing viruses such as Beet Yellow Virus (BYV) and Beet Mild Yellowing Virus (BMYV). Following the partial ban of neonicotinoids in Europe, viral infections in sugar beet have surged, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of aphid-mediated virus transmission mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the transmission efficiency of BYV and BMYV through different clones of the aphid vector Myzus persicae from sugar beet seed companies across Europe, and to analyze the feeding behaviors of efficient clones to identify factors influencing virus transmission. The transmission rates of yellowing viruses by M. persicae clones ranged from 52% to 79% for BMYV (mean 65%) and 7% to 96% for BYV (mean 47%). While no significant differences in BMYV transmission efficiency were observed among clones, a significant difference was detected between two BYV-carrying clones. Moreover, the BYV-carrying clone exhibited prolonged penetration activities during its feeding phase compared to the BMYV-carrying clone, suggesting a potential behavioral influence on transmission efficiency. This study highlights the importance of considering aphid clone influence in the development of sugar beet resistance. Full article