Search Results (136)

In recent decades, Blanket Dry Cow Therapy (BDCT) has been regarded as a cornerstone strategy for the control of mastitis in dairy cows during the dry period. However, concerns regarding the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance and the associated zoonotic risks have prompted a paradigm shift, leading to intensified research into alternative management approaches. In response, many countries have adopted a more targeted approach, known as Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT), which focuses on the therapeutic use of antibiotics, administered only to cows or quarters that are either infected or at high risk of infection during the dry period. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature regarding the main methods for selecting animals for SDCT, the impact of this strategy on udder health, milk production, farm economics, and antibiotic consumption, as well as the factors that may influence its effectiveness. Over time, a range of methods have been developed to identify infected animals, including bacteriological culture, somatic cell count (SCC), differential somatic cell count (DSCC), and the California Mastitis Test (CMT), which are often used alone or in combination with clinical mastitis history and/or parity. Among these methods, SCC has proven to be the most economically viable and best suited for practical use, while its combination with DSCC has been shown to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. According to the studies reviewed, SDCT is a safe and effective strategy for maintaining udder health and farm profitability, as long as infected cows are accurately identified, and internal teat sealants are used in quarters not treated with antibiotics during the dry period. However, since udder health is influenced by herd characteristics, management practices, and regional pathogens, the findings cannot be universally applied and must be adapted to each herd’s specific conditions. Full article

Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, experience wide-ranging inequities compared with non-Māori. This survey aimed to explore the holistic health, wellbeing, and disability experiences of New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori population from a Māori worldview, addressing gaps in culturally relevant data often overlooked by standard health surveys. A robust cross-sectional survey was conducted with 7359 participants of Māori descent using Kaupapa Māori Research principles. Data were analysed using the Te Pae Māhutonga framework, a Māori health promotion model. Participants demonstrated strong cultural identity, with 32.3% understanding spoken Māori fairly well and 97.3% defining a broad non-nuclear concept of whānau (family). While over half reported high life satisfaction, 58.4% experienced discrimination, mainly based on ethnicity and appearance. Access to healthcare revealed that 32.6% were unable to contact a general practitioner due to cost. Socioeconomic challenges were prevalent; nearly a quarter borrowed from family or friends to meet daily living costs, and over a third economized on fresh produce to save money. This study reveals significant gaps in mainstream health data and demonstrates that a culturally aligned, methodological approach is feasible and crucial for informing policies that address the needs and rights of Māori, as guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These results could inform global, indigenous research addressing culturally relevant health, wellbeing and disability inequities. Full article

The architectural legacy of the French colonial period forms a key part of Vietnam’s urban identity, especially in Hue. Yet, this heritage is rapidly declining: from over 240 structures in 2000, fewer than 100 remain today. This study introduces a heritage-based evaluation framework to assess and preserve French colonial buildings using Le Loi Street, Hue’s historic “Western quarter” as a pilot site. Fourteen colonial-era buildings were systematically assessed through field surveys and expert consultation. A total of 40 specialists participated in the criteria development process, and eight selected experts conducted detailed building evaluations. The final framework includes three main categories and nine specific criteria, based on a 100-point scale, incorporating architectural integrity, historical and cultural significance, contextual fit, and adaptive reuse potential. The results show that all the surveyed buildings qualify as Group A or B, warranting strict conservation or minimal renovation. The study emphasizes the value of localized, expert-informed approaches to heritage planning. The research provides a practical foundation for integrating historic architecture into context-sensitive urban conservation strategies in Hue and comparable Southeast Asian contexts. Full article

This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of a Bacillus subtilis spore-based probiotic cocktail to reduce foodborne pathogens in both nutrient-rich laboratory media and a complex food matrix (hummus). Three common foodborne pathogens—Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium—were cultured individually in full-strength, half-strength, and quarter-strength tryptic soy broth (TSB) with or without the probiotic spores (~7 log CFU/mL). Additionally, a commercial hummus formulation was inoculated with L. monocytogenes (~3 log CFU/g) and B. subtilis spores (~7 log CFU/g) and stored at 30 °C to simulate temperature abuse. In TSB, E. coli and Salmonella grew to ~8.2 log CFU/mL in full-strength media, with no significant inhibition by the probiotics. However, L. monocytogenes showed substantial suppression: in nutrient-limited TSB, viable counts dropped below the detection limit of 1.48 log CFU/mL by 24 h in the presence of probiotics. In hummus, L. monocytogenes grew to an average of 8.22 log CFU/g in the absence of probiotics but remained significantly lower at an average of 5.03 log CFU/g when co-inoculated with B. subtilis (p < 0.05). Germination of probiotic spores was confirmed within 6 h under all conditions. These findings suggest that B. subtilis spores selectively inhibit Listeria, particularly under nutrient stress or abuse conditions. While the probiotic had limited impact on Gram-negative pathogens, its application may serve as a clean-label strategy for suppressing L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. This dual-model approach provides insights into both mechanistic activity and practical limitations of spore probiotics in complex food matrices. Full article

This study aimed to identify bioclimatic variables that favour the occurrence of three fungal species of the genus Arthrobotrys. For this purpose, 122 samples were collected from agricultural soils, 41 of which were positive for nematophagous fungi. In total, 13 pure Arthrobotrys spp. cultures tested positive for pathogenicity to entomopathogenic nematodes and were identified at the species level based on their morphology and morphometry. The environmental and bioclimatic characteristics of positive sampling sites were evaluated using the maximum entropy algorithm, with 22 bioclimatic variables as predictors; among them, the main variables that promoted the occurrence of Arthrobotrys spp. were moisture regime (35.1%), precipitation of warmest quarter (21.3%), and altitude (20.5%). The total surface area with these conditions was 109,568 ha. In Guanajuato, Mexico, conditions favour the occurrence of nematophagous fungi. The bioclimatic variables that increased the incidence of the genus Arthrobotrys were moisture regime, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and altitude. The municipalities in Guanajuato of Abasolo (001), Irapuato (017), Jaral del progreso (018), León (020), Pueblo Nuevo (024), Salamanca (027), and Valle de Santiago (042) encompass regions conducive to finding nematophagous fungi. Full article

Suicidal behaviors among different age groups show epidemiological differences between countries. Specifically, suicide rates for the younger populations appear to be lower in Latin-origin countries (such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal) in comparison to other Western countries (especially Anglo-Saxon countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia). The opposite seems to be true for the older population, suggesting a cross-cultural pattern for suicidal behavior in different ages. The current study replicates a study published in 1999 and compares suicide data between 1990 and 1994 with more recent data from the years 2016 and 2020 to investigate the persistence of previously observed trends. Basically, the recent years’ data confirm the patterns evidenced a quarter of a century ago, and substantially confirm the existence of suicide trends embedded with countries’ cultural factors and traditions. This investigation underlines the importance of incorporating anthropology, sociology, ethnography, and geography while studying culture-related patterns in suicide. Full article

Background/objectives: Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination vary globally, influenced by political and cultural factors. This research aimed to assess the views of people without a healthcare qualification in Europe on COVID-19 vaccination safety, effectiveness, and necessity as well as how well informed they felt. The secondary outcomes focused on how respondents’ views were affected by demographic and context factors and included a comparison by country of the level of feeling well informed. Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional online survey in eight European countries, using convenience sampling. Results: A total of 1008 adults completed the survey, 60% of whom were female. While only 44.1% considered the vaccines safe, 43.5% effective, and 44.9% necessary, 80.0% had been vaccinated. Four in ten adults strongly agreed that they were well informed, while over a quarter did not answer the question. Younger respondents, well-informed individuals, and German respondents were more inclined to perceive COVID-19 vaccination as both effective and necessary. Conclusions: Motivations for vaccination included perceived health and social benefits, while concerns included a preference for “natural immunity”, the rapid development of the vaccine, and potential unknown long-term effects. A correlation existed between respondents feeling well informed about the different COVID-19 vaccines in their country and the likelihood of having been vaccinated. Full article

Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism through which microorganisms can sense their population density and adjust their physiology by producing and detecting small signaling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). QS influences various aspects of microbial physiology, including virulence and pathogenesis by bacterial pathogens, biofilm formation, sporulation, antimicrobial resistance, etc. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been used for centuries in food fermentation to improve sensory and nutritional profiles and preserve against spoilage and pathogenic microflora. This study investigated the potential of foodborne LAB of various genera, including Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus, to interfere with the QS system of bacterial pathogens. For this, cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of 89 LAB foodborne isolates were collected by centrifugation following a 20 h culture (at 30 °C) in quarter-strength Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. The pH of all CFSs was adjusted to 6.5 and sterilized by filtration. The anti-QS activity of the sterilized and neutralized CFSs was initially screened using the biosensor strains Chromobacterium violaceum 026 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens NTL4 (pZLR4) through an agar well diffusion assay that can detect the inhibition of the QS system that is based on acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are used as AIs by Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, all the CFSs were also screened for interference with the autoinducer 2 (AI-2) QS system that is mostly used for interspecies communication by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This was assessed using a luminescence bioassay with the Vibrio harveyi BAA-1117 biosensor strain. The results indicate that none of the LAB CFSs could inhibit AHL-based QS. However, 61.8% (55/89) of the CFSs induced luminescence in V. harveyi BAA-1117, while the remaining 38.2% (34/89) of the samples were capable of inhibiting AI-2-based QS. In the next steps, the most representative of these latter AI-2 interfering LAB isolates will be investigated for possible inhibition of biofilm formation by some important foodborne bacterial pathogens. Full article

In the adaptive re-use of buildings, the physicality of buildings—the way they are designed, planned, constructed and maintained—has fallen out of fashion in favour of socio-economic conceptualisations and critical urban interpretations of the redevelopment process. However, the materiality of buildings plays a key part in how locations are re-produced in response to socio-economic circumstances—in this case, the creation and sustaining of cultural and creative clusters. In response, this paper adopts a forensic approach to the characteristics of physical buildings in order to develop an original taxonomy of lo-fi adaptive features and interventions that enable the authors to infer which types and aspects of industrial buildings lend themselves to sustaining cultural and creative clusters. The focus on lo-fi interventions is an original contribution to the adaptive re-use literature where attention tends to focus on more formal and traditional design-based interactions with existing buildings. In doing so, the research utilises a comparative case study approach of several former industrial buildings associated with the contemporary independent food and drink industry in the Ouseburn Valley cultural and creative quarter of Newcastle upon-Tyne in England. The research finds that it is the functional tolerance and malleability of the case study buildings—their inherent adaptive capacity, that in part helps to sustain the cultural and creative cluster in this location. Full article

Up to one-quarter of the United States population is affected by tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). Tinea pedis of the web space (interdigital tinea pedis) is a common clinical presentation causing skin macerations and fissures. A “dermatophytosis complex” (i.e., concomitant bacterial colonization) further complicates treatment. Here, we examined records of 14,429 skin specimens taken from the feet of dermatology and podiatry outpatients over a 4.6-year period; all specimens were subjected to multiplex qPCR diagnosis for the detection of dermatophytes, Candida, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus. A literature search was conducted to review the reported prevalence of fungal and bacterial agents. In both interdigital and plantar foot specimens, dermatophytes (33.3–33.8%) and S. aureus (24.3–25%) were found to be the predominate pathogens. In the interdigital space, a higher prevalence of C. minutissimum (15.7% vs. 7.9%) and Pseudomonas (23.5% vs. 9.6%) was found. The detection of Pseudomonas was more likely to be observed in the presence of Candida, reflecting a higher risk of mixed infection. In dermatophyte-positive specimens, the “dermatophytosis complex” variant was observed at 45.5% (SD: 2.3). An analysis of patient characteristics showed male patients exhibiting higher likelihoods for dermatophyte, C. minutissimum, Pseudomonas and S. aureus detections. The elderly were disproportionately infected with Candida. In children, an S. aureus detection was more common, which could be attributed to impetigo. The recent literature lacks reporting on concomitant bacterial colonization in tinea pedis patients, likely due to the reliance on fungal culture supplemented with antibiotics. Geographical variation has been identified in the detection of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. In conclusion, PCR diagnosis serves as a valuable tool for the management of tinea pedis. An accurate and timely detection of fungal pathogens and concomitant bacterial colonization can better inform healthcare providers of appropriate treatment selection. Full article

Background: The global rise in obesity has been significantly influenced by shifts in dietary habits that have been exacerbated by external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to analyze the trends in Romanian dietary habits from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of socio-economic factors, seasonality, and cultural practices. Methods: For dietary habits, we used nationally representative data from the Romanian Household Budget Survey provided by the Romanian National Institute of Statistics. The survey includes 30,000 households annually. From the same provider, we downloaded data about potential drivers of food consumption, such as income, the consumer price index, and the unemployment rate. The analysis mixes descriptive statistics and panel data analysis. Among the main drivers, the econometric models include seasonality and regional factors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the changes in dietary behavior. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, daily calorie consumption increased to over 3000 calories per person, representing a 20% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. Post-pandemic, food consumption remains elevated, averaging 2500–2600 calories per person daily. The pandemic also led to a shift in dietary composition, with significant changes. Thus, we mark an increase in fat (p < 0.001) and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.01) and a decrease in protein intake (p < 0.001). Beyond the presence of health disruptors, we confirm the significant impact of income (p < 0.001) and seasonality (p < 0.001). Other factors like unemployment, the consumer price index, and hidden regional factors have a minor role. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on Romanian dietary habits, reinforcing unhealthy eating patterns that were already prevalent. The sustained increase in calorie consumption, particularly of nutrient-poor, energy-dense foods, poses a significant public health challenge. The study also highlights significant seasonal variations, with a marked increase in food intake during the last quarter of the year, driven by cultural and religious traditions. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and policies that address economic factors and cultural and regional influences to promote healthier dietary behaviors in Romania. Full article

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (SA), including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSAs), is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in military populations. This study investigated SSTI incidence and SA carriage in a military training site over 16 weeks using a prospective observational cohort design. Methods: Two training cohorts provided pre- and post-training self-collected swabs for bacterial carriage, and environmental swabs from accommodations, personal items, and training facilities. Hygiene awareness and practices were assessed through questionnaires. Bacteria were identified using culture, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), and genomic sequencing. Results: Nasal carriage of SA increased from 19% to 49% by the end of training. SSTIs requiring treatment occurred in 16% of participants. Steam cleaning reduced but did not eliminate SA on personal bed linen. Additionally, 40% of participants had poor knowledge of antibacterial cleaning practices and wound management. Conclusions: Increased SA carriage was linked to human-to-human transmission in close-quarter military training environments. Implications for Public Health: Improved personal hygiene training, wound management education, and monitored cleaning protocols are essential to mitigate SSTI risks in communal military training environments. Full article

A two-eyed seeing approach considered Indigenous knowledge and Western science towards eco–health, reconciliation and land back with Fort William First Nation (FWFN) in Ontario, Canada. To map traditional land use, occupancy, and ecological knowledge, we interviewed 49 FWFN members about their hunting, fishing, trapping, plant harvesting, cultural sites, and sacred gatherings on their ancestral land. Their traditional land use and occupancy includes more than 7.5 million ha of their ancestral land. The FWFN members reported many industrial impacts on their reserve and ancestral land. We analyzed the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) change over time on FWFN’s ancestral land and the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill (TBPP)’s National Pollutant Release Inventory data to investigate the FWFN members’ ecohealth concerns. The NDVI analysis revealed large tracts of degraded FWFN’s ancestral land due to logging areas, mining claims, settlements, and paper mills. Mining claims and greenstone belts occupy a quarter of the FWFN members’ ancestral land. The TBPP mill dumped pollution into the Kaministiquia River upstream and upwind of the FWFN community, exposing FWFN members to kilotons of cancerous and other toxic chemicals each year for over a century. Resource extraction and pollution in Northwestern Ontario negatively impacted the human health and ecosystem integrity of FWFN, requiring reconciliation by restoring damaged land and preventing pollution as the starting point for land back. The first step to land back is ending the environmental racism of the TBPP’s pollution directed downstream and downwind of FWFN and protecting ancestral land against logging, mining, and other extractive industries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify the most common bacterial pathogens and their resistance profiles from 2179 positive clinical cultures from inpatients at “Victor Babes” Hospital of Infectious Disease and Pneumoftiziology Timisoara in 2023. Methods: Samples were collected from sputum, bronchial aspiration, hemoculture, urine, wound secretions, catheter samples, and other clinical specimens. Results: Key pathogens identified included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, with notable resistance patterns, observed K. pneumoniae exhibited high resistance rates, notably 41.41% in Quarter 1, while E. coli showed 35.93% resistance in the same period. S. aureus, particularly MRSA, remained a persistent challenge, with 169 cases recorded over the year. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa displayed alarming levels of multi-drug resistance, especially in Quarter 3 (88.24% and 22.02%, respectively). Although there was a general decline in resistance rates by Quarter 4, critical pathogens such as S. aureus and K. pneumoniae continued to exhibit significant resistance (81.25% and 21.74%, respectively). Conclusions: The study’s findings align with the broader antimicrobial resistance trends observed in Romania, where high resistance rates in K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas species have been widely reported, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggle with multi-drug-resistant infections. Despite some reductions in resistance rates across quarters, the persistent presence of these resistant strains underscores the critical need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, infection control measures, and continuous surveillance to combat the growing threat of AMR in Romania and similar healthcare settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous infections of fungal and bacterial origins are common. An accurate diagnosis—especially concerning pathogens that are difficult to isolate on culture—can be achieved using molecular methods (PCR) with a short turnaround time. Methods: We reviewed records of skin specimens (superficial scrapings) submitted by dermatologists across the United States with a clinically suspected dermatitis. As per physician’s order, specimens were tested for infections either fungal (N = 4262) or bacterial (N = 1707) in origin. All unique specimens (one per patient) were subjected to real-time PCR assays where cases suspected of a fungal etiology were tested for dermatophytes, Malassezia and Candida, and cases suspected of a bacterial etiology were tested for Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and the mecA gene potentially conferring β-lactam resistance. Results: Fungal agents were detected in 32.8% (SD: 4.5) of the submitted specimens, with most attributed to dermatophytes (19.3% (SD: 4.9)), followed by Malassezia (8.7% (SD: 2.8)) and Candida (2.9% (SD: 1.0)). Dermatophyte detection was more common in the elderly (≥65 years) compared to young adults (18–44 years) (OR: 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2)), whereas Malassezia was more commonly detected in younger age groups (12.1–13.6%) than the elderly (5.6%). Candida was more frequently observed in females while dermatophytes and Malassezia were more frequently observed in males. Approximately one quarter of the submitted skin specimens tested positive for S. aureus (23.6% (SD: 3.4)), of which 34.4% (SD: 9.8) exhibited concurrent detection of the mecA gene. An S. aureus detection was more frequently observed in males (OR: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.9)) and in children (OR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.5)). Streptococcus pyogenes was rarely detected. Among specimens positive for dermatophytes, 12.0% (20/166) showed co-detection of S. aureus and mecA, which is in contrast to 6.8% (70/1023) detected in samples without a fungal co-detection and 6.2% (8/130) in samples positive for Malassezia. Conclusions: PCR testing, when available, can be valuable as a part of routine care for diagnosing patients with clinically suspected skin infections. Further studies are warranted to survey the prevalence of resistant S. aureus isolates in dermatology outpatients, in particular with regard to the association with dermatophyte infections. Full article