Search Results (51,159)

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent infections with overlapping distribution, particularly in resource-poor regions. STH/HSV-2 co-infections may impact female reproductive health. However, many aspects of STH/HSV-2 co-infections, including the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating female genital tract (FGT) immunity and their potential contribution to pathologies such as chronic inflammation, impaired mucosal defense, and reproductive tract cancers remain unclear. In this study we investigated the miRNA expression profiles in murine FGT tissues following single or co-infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) and HSV-2 and explored predicted miRNA-mRNA targets and pathways. An analysis of miRNA sequencing data was conducted to determine differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs between infected FGT tissues and uninfected controls. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was conducted to predict the immune-related target genes of the DE miRNAs and reveal enriched canonical pathways, top diseases, and biological functions. Selected representative DE miRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Our results showed a total of eight DE miRNAs (mmu-miR-218-5p, mmu-miR-449a-5p, mmu-miR-497a-3p, mmu-miR-144-3p, mmu-miR-33-5p, mmu-miR-451a, mmu-miR-194-5p, and mmu-miR-192-5p) in the comparison of Nb-infected versus uninfected controls; nine DE miRNAs (mmu-miR-451a, mmu-miR-449a-5p, mmu-miR-144-3p, mmu-miR-376a-3p, mmu-miR-192-5p, mmu-miR-218-5p, mmu-miR-205-3p, mmu-miR-103-3p, and mmu-miR-200b-3p) in the comparison of HSV-2-infected versus uninfected controls; and one DE miRNA (mmu-miR-199a-5p) in the comparison of Nb/HSV-2 co-infected versus uninfected controls (p-value < 0.05, |logFC| ≥ 1). Core expression analysis showed that, among other canonical pathways, the DE miRNAs and their predicted mRNA targets were involved in neutrophil degranulation, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signaling, natural killer cell signaling, interferon alpha/beta signaling, and ISGylation. Additionally, cancer was predicted as one of the significantly enriched diseases, particularly in the co-infected group. This is the first study to provide insights into the FGT miRNA profiles following Nb and HSV-2 single and co-infection, as well as the predicted genes and pathways they regulate, which may influence host immunity and pathology. This study highlights the role of miRNAs in regulating FGT immunity and pathology in the context of STH/HSV-2 co-infection. Full article

Background: Skipping breakfast, a prevalent issue among children and adolescents, has been reported to be associated with academic performance and long-term health. However, less attention has been given to the types of breakfast foods consumed. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the association between breakfast variety and dietary knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among preadolescents. Methods: The study included 1449 students in grades 4–6 from Zhongshan city, Guangdong province. Data were collected through face-to-face field investigation using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, as well as dietary KAP. Results: Among all participants, 1315 reported consuming breakfast daily. Dietary diversity varied significantly: 8.8% consumed only 1 type of food, 52.9% consumed 2–4 types, and 38.3% consumed ≥ 5 types. Students who consumed a greater variety of breakfast foods exhibited more favorable dietary and lifestyle patterns. Specifically, those who consumed ≥ 5 types of food showed statistically significant associations with healthier practices, including reduced intake of sugary beverages and night snacks, stronger adherence to dietary guidelines, more positive attitudes toward improving eating habits, longer sleep durations, increased participation in meal preparation, greater dish variety in meals, and higher engagement in daily physical activity. Conclusions: Breakfast variety was associated with KAP, particularly when breakfast types ≥ 5, providing more sufficient and favorable evidence for breakfast consumption. Full article

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and radiation therapy is a central component of its management. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to radiation significantly compromises therapeutic efficacy. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate molecular mechanisms and interventions that influence radiation sensitivity in breast cancer models. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the terms “breast cancer” and “radiation resistance” for studies published between 2002 and 2024. Seventy-nine eligible studies were included. The most frequently investigated mechanisms included the dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways, enhanced DNA damage repair via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and the overexpression of cancer stem cell markers such as CD44⁺/CD24⁻/low and ALDH1. Several studies highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly the lncRNA DUXAP8 and microRNAs such as miR-21, miR-144, miR-33a, and miR-634, in modulating radiation response. Components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune regulators, also contributed to radiation resistance. By synthesizing current evidence, this review provides a consolidated resource to guide future mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. This review highlights promising molecular targets and emerging strategies to enhance radiosensitivity and offers a foundation for translational research aimed at improving outcomes in radiation-refractory breast cancer. Full article

With the acceleration of modernization, villages in Southwest China are experiencing spatial fragmentation and homogenization, leading to the loss of traditional identity. Addressing how to balance scientific planning with cultural and spatial continuity has become a key challenge in rural governance. This study takes Xuyong County in Luzhou City as a case and develops a three-tier analytical framework—“genome–spatial factors–specific indicators”—based on the space gene theory to identify, classify, and map spatial patterns in marginal villages of southern Sichuan. Through cluster analysis, common and distinctive spatial genes are extracted. Common genes—such as medium surface roughness (GeneN-2-b), medium building dispersion (GeneA-3-b), and low intelligibility (GeneT-2-b)—are prevalent across multiple village types, reflecting shared adaptive strategies to complex terrains, ecological constraints, and historical development. In contrast, distinctive genes—such as high building dispersion (GeneA-3-a) and linear boundaries (GeneB-1-c)—highlight unique spatial responses that are shaped by local cultural and environmental conditions. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of spatial morphology and adaptive mechanisms in rural settlements. This research offers a theoretical and methodological basis for village classification, conservation zoning, and spatial optimization, providing practical guidance for rural revitalization efforts focusing on both development and heritage protection. Full article

Background: Gum chewing is a common habit among young adults, often promoted for its oral health and psychological benefits. However, as a repetitive and non-functional activity, it is also considered a potential risk factor for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), particularly when practiced chronically. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether excessive gum chewing is associated with a higher prevalence of TMD among young adults presumed to be under elevated academic stress based on their demographic characteristics. Methods: Participants were examined in Krakow, Poland, using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing gum-chewing frequency, duration, and chronicity. Associations between chewing behaviors and TMD presence were analyzed using univariate logistic regression (α = 0.05). Results: This study included young adults 66 participants aged 19–30. TMD was diagnosed in 55 participants (83.3%), including muscular disorders (n = 9; 16.4%), articular disorders (n = 10; 18.2%), and combined muscular–articular disorders (n = 38; 57.6%). More than 70% of participants reported chewing gum for over five years. No statistically significant associations were found between TMD occurrence and the frequency, duration, or chronicity of gum chewing (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that, in the absence of other contributing factors, gum chewing may not independently contribute to TMD development. The elevated TMD prevalence may reflect confounding variables such as high academic stress, narrow age distribution, or female predominance. However, the limited sample size limits statistical power, particularly for detecting subtle effects potentially distorted by other variables. Additionally, the cross-sectional nature of this study precludes causal interpretation. Further studies in larger and more heterogeneous populations are recommended. Full article

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a multifactorial condition associated with significant systemic complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic disorders, muscle wasting, and sarcopenia. While Body Mass Index (BMI) is a well-established indicator of obesity and has prognostic value in COPD, its role in predicting disease outcomes is complex. Muscle wasting is prevalent in COPD patients and exacerbates disease severity, contributing to poor physical performance, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Additionally, COPD is linked to metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia and diabetes, which contribute to systemic inflammation and worse prognosis and, therefore, should be treated. The systemic inflammatory response plays a central role in the development of sarcopenia. In this review, we highlight the mixed efficacy of statins in managing dyslipidemia in COPD, considering side effects, including muscle toxicity in such a frail population. Alternative lipid-lowering therapies and nutraceuticals, in addition to standard treatment, have the potential to target hypercholesterolemia, which is a coexisting condition present in more than 50% of all COPD patients, without worsening muscle wasting. The interference between adipose tissue and lung, and particularly the potential protective role of adiponectin, an adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory properties, is also reviewed. Respiratory, metabolic and muscular health in COPD is comprehensively assessed. Identifying and managing dyslipidemia and paying attention to other relevant COPD comorbidities, such as sarcopenia and muscle wasting, is important to improve the quality of life and to reduce the clinical burden of COPD patients. Future research should focus on understanding the relationships between these intimate mechanisms to facilitate specific treatment for systemic involvement of COPD. Full article

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. In Louisiana (LA), Black men are disproportionately diagnosed at later stages compared to White men. This study explores environmental risk factors as potential intermediate variables linking race to cancer diagnosis stage. The Louisiana Tumor Registry data included 24,647 male patients diagnosed with PCa in LA between 2010 and 2018. Among them, 15,875 (64.40%) were Caucasian American (CA) and 8772 (35.59%) African American (AA). Mediation analysis using multiple additive regression trees (MART) identified possible intermediate variables that potentially explain the observed disparity. The study found that individual characteristics and environmental factors jointly explained 84% (95% CI: 44.1%, 94.6%) and 18.6% (95% CI: 7.3%, 53.7%) of the observed racial disparity in PCa stage at diagnosis, respectively. Individual factors included BMI (35.9%), marital status (28.5%), CDI (8.2%), female-headed households (2.3%), comorbidity (3.9%), and insurance status (6.3%). Environmental contributors included cancer risk due to air toxicity exposure (7.2%), asthma prevalence (6.6%), acetaldehyde levels (2.1%), railroad proximity (2.1%), walkability (0.3%), and ozone level (−0.1%). Environmental factors jointly played a significant role in the observed racial disparity. The factors such as air toxicity, acetaldehyde levels, and asthma prevalence highlight the need to address industrial pollutants to reduce the differences. Full article

Background/Objectives: This paper presents a medical image analysis application designed to facilitate advanced edge detection and fuzzy processing techniques within an intuitive, modular graphical user interface. Methods: Key functionalities include classical edge detection, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)-based edge extraction, and fuzzy edge generation, which offer improved boundary representation in images where uncertainty and soft transitions are prevalent. Results: One of the main novelties in contrast to the initial innovative Medical Image Analyzer, iMIA, is the fact that the system includes fuzzy C-means clustering to support tissue classification and unsupervised segmentation based on pixel intensity distribution. The application also features an interactive zooming and panning module with the option to overlay edge detection results. As another novelty, fuzzy performance metrics were added, including fuzzy false negatives, fuzzy false positives, fuzzy true positives, and the fuzzy index, offering a more comprehensive and uncertainty-aware evaluation of edge detection accuracy. Conclusions: The application executable file is provided at no cost for the purposes of evaluation and testing. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a critical aspect of treatment for many patients, offering both physical and psychological benefits. Traditional methods include autologous tissue flaps and implants, with implant-based techniques being the most prevalent in the Western world. However, complications such as capsular contracture remain a concern. Acellular dermal matrices (ADM) have emerged as a valuable alternative, improving outcomes by reducing capsular contracture rates and enhancing tissue integration. Case Presentation: This case report presents the first use of a novel ADM, biocade^® (biotrics bioimplants AG, Berlin, Germany) in breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. A 55-year-old female patient underwent a left-sided nipple-sparing mastectomy, followed by prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction using an ADM-wrapped implant. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with no immediate complications observed. Postoperative monitoring focused on wound healing and assessing for signs of complications related to the implant. The use of the ADM resulted into satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusions: The successful outcome of this case highlights the potential benefits of using collagen matrices in breast reconstruction, particularly in preserving mastectomy scenarios. The immediate results and improved aesthetics offered by prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction with ADM align well with patient expectations for a more natural appearance and faster recovery. However, this case report also highlights the need for ongoing research to fully explore the potential of these biomaterials and address associated challenges. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statistics show that the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Chinese adults is as high as 35.6%, and it has shown a trend of younger onset in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia carry significant social significance. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is complex and diverse, and currently used medications are often accompanied by side effects during treatment, making the research and development of new therapeutic approaches a current focus. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, which are abundant in most medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, exert effects on regulating lipid homeostasis and treating hyperlipidemia through a multi-target mechanism. These compounds have demonstrated significant effects in inhibiting lipid synthesis, blocking lipid absorption, promoting cholesterol uptake, enhancing reverse cholesterol transport, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota disorders. This article reviews the latest progress in the mechanisms of flavonoids in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, providing a theoretical basis for future research on drugs for hyperlipidemia. Full article

The spoilage of dairy products and foodborne diseases caused by Bacillus spp. are important public concerns. The objective of this study was to estimate the global prevalence of Bacillus spp. in a range of milk and dairy products by using a meta-analysis of literature data published between 2001 and 2023. A total of 3624 publications were collected from Web of Science and PubMed databases. Following the principles of systematic review, 417 sets of prevalence data were extracted from 142 eligible publications. Estimated by the random-effects model, the overall prevalence of Bacillus spp. in milk and dairy products was 11.8% (95% CI: 10.1–13.7%), with highly severe heterogeneity (94.8%). Subgroup analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity in Bacillus spp. prevalence according to geographical continents, sources of sampling, types of dairy products, microbial species, and detection methods. The prevalence of Bacillus spp. was highest in Asia (15.4%, 95% CI: 12.3–19.1%), lowest in Oceania (3.5%, 95% CI: 3.3–3.7%) and generally higher in developing versus developed countries. The prevalence of Bacillus spp. isolated from retail markets (16.1%, 95% CI: 13.0–19.7%) was higher than from farms (10.3%, 95% CI: 6.9–15.0%) or dairy plants (9.2%, 95% CI: 7.1–12.0%). This finding is likely attributable to its inherent characteristic of the resistant endospores and ubiquitous presence in the environment—Bacillus spp. can potentially cyclically contaminate farms, dairy products and human markets. Regarding the species distribution, Bacillus cereus presented a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents. The epidemic patterns of different Bacillus species vary depending on the sample sources. In addition, the detection method utilized also affected the reported prevalence of Bacillus spp. It is recommended to use molecular-based rapid detection methods to obtain a more accurate prevalence of Bacillus contamination. Therefore, a better understanding of variations in Bacillus spp. prevalence across different factors will enable competent authorities, industries, and other relevant stakeholders to tailor their interventions for effectively controlling Bacillus spp. in milk and dairy products. Full article

As distant hybridization has profound implications for evolutionary biology, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation, this study aims to elucidate patterns of maternal inheritance, genetic divergence, and phylogenetic relationships by synthesizing mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data from 74 distant hybrid fish species. These hybrids span diverse taxa, including 48 freshwater and 26 marine species, with a focus on Cyprinidae (n = 35) and Epinephelus (n = 14), representing the most frequently hybridized groups in freshwater and marine systems, respectively. Mitogenome lengths were highly conserved (15,973 to 17,114 bp); however, the genetic distances between hybrids and maternal species varied from 0.001 to 0.17, with 19 hybrids (25.7%) showing distances >0.02. Variable sites in these hybrids were randomly distributed but enriched in hypervariable regions, such as the D-loop and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1, 3 and 6 (ND2, ND3, and ND6) genes, likely reflecting maternal inheritance (reported in Cyprinus carpio × Carassius auratus). Moreover, these genes were under purifying selection pressure, revealing their conserved nature. Phylogenetic reconstruction using complete mitogenomes revealed three distinct clades in hybrids: (1) Acipenseriformes, (2) a freshwater cluster dominated by Cypriniformes and Siluriformes, and (3) a marine cluster comprising Centrarchiformes, Pleuronectiformes, Scombriformes, Cichliformes, Anabantiformes, Tetraodontiformes, Perciformes, and Salmoniformes. The prevalence of Cyprinidae hybrids underscores their importance in aquaculture for hybridization, where traits such as rapid growth and disease resistance are enhanced. In contrast, marine hybrids are valued for their market value and adaptability. While mitogenome data robustly support maternal inheritance in most cases, exceptions suggest complex mechanisms, such as doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI), in distantly related crosses. Moreover, AT-skew of genes in hybrids revealed a paternal leakage of traits in mitogenomes. This study also highlights ecological risks, such as genetic swamping in native populations, emphasizing the need for responsible hybridization practices. These findings advance our understanding of the role of hybridization in fish evolution and aquaculture, providing a genomic framework and policy recommendations for optimizing breeding programs, hybrid introduction, and mitigating conservation challenges. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and heterogeneous sleep disorder associated with significant health and societal burdens. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the gold standard treatment, its limitations in adherence and patient tolerance have highlighted the need for alternative therapies. Positional therapy (PT), which targets apneas that occur predominantly in the supine position, has emerged as a promising option for individuals with positional OSA (POSA). This narrative review synthesizes the current literature on PT, examining its clinical indications, typologies, comparative efficacy with CPAP, oral appliances, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation, as well as data on adherence and barriers to long-term use. Traditional methods such as the tennis ball technique have largely been replaced by modern vibrotactile devices, which demonstrate improved comfort, adherence, and comparable short-term outcomes in selected POSA subjects. While PT remains inferior to CPAP in reducing overall AHI and oxygen desaturation, it performs favorably in terms of mean disease alleviation (MDA) and sleep continuity. Importantly, treatment effectiveness is influenced by both anatomical and non-anatomical traits, underscoring the need for accurate phenotyping and individualized care. PT should be considered within a broader patient-centered model that incorporates preferences, lifestyle, and motivational factors. Further research is needed to validate long-term efficacy, optimize selection criteria, and integrate PT into personalized OSA management strategies. Full article

Enteric diseases represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in poultry production, especially in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), significantly affecting the profitability of the sector. Turkey enteric complex (PEC) is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by diarrhea, stunting, poor feed conversion, and increased mortality in young turkeys. Its aetiologia includes multiple avian enteric viruses, including astrovirus, rotavirus, reovirus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus, which can act singly or in co-infection, increasing clinical severity. This study performs a systematic review of the literature on these viruses and a meta-analysis of their prevalence in different regions of the world. Phylogenetic analyses were used to assess the genetic diversity of the main viruses and their geographical distribution. The results show a wide regional and genetic variability, which underlines the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance. Health and production implications are discussed, proposing control strategies based on biosecurity, targeted vaccination, and optimized nutrition. These findings highlight the importance of integrated management to mitigate the impact of CSF in poultry. Full article

Background/Objectives: With the rising trend of out-of-home dining in China, the use of iodized salt (IS) in eating-out venues plays a key role in preventing iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). However, the coverage rate of iodized salt (CRIS) and the utilization rate of adequately iodized salt (URAIS) in these venues in China remain underexplored, potentially undermining IDD prevention strategies. This study aims to assess the CRIS and URAIS in such venues across China and identify the factors influencing their prevalence. Methods: From 2021 to 2024, a nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in China, involving 19,346 venues. A 50 g sample of cooking salt was collected from each venue, and the iodine content was measured. The CRIS and URAIS were calculated, and associations with various factors were assessed using Chi-square tests, the Cochran–Armitage trend test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 19,346 samples, 18,519 tested positive for IS, and 17,588 contained adequately iodized salt (AIS), resulting in a CRIS of 95.7% and a URAIS of 90.9%. Significant regional differences were found, with coastal areas showing a lower CRIS and URAIS than inland areas (87.0% vs. 97.8%; 81.0% vs. 93.2%) and urbanized areas having lower rates compared to less urbanized areas (94.1% vs. 97.3%; 88.9% vs. 92.9%). Higher per capita income was associated with a lower CRIS and URAIS (Z = −19.72, p < 0.0001; Z = −13.85, p < 0.0001). Lower per capita income (OR = 3.24, OR = 1.36, p < 0.0001), inland areas (OR = 4.14, OR = 2.68, p < 0.0001), and mountainous areas (OR = 2.48, OR = 1.27, p < 0.0001) were associated with a higher likelihood of IS and AIS use. Conclusions: While the CRIS and URAIS in dining venues meet national standards, regional disparities persist, particularly in coastal, plain, and economically advanced areas. Strengthening regulatory oversight and public education on iodized salt’s health benefits is essential. Full article