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Search Results (241)

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Keywords = culturally safe models

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14 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
The Therapeutic Benefits of Outdoor Experiences in India
by Soumya J. Mitra, Vinathe Sharma-Brymer, Denise Mitten and Janet Ady
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15091144 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Drawing on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explores the therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences through the lived experiences of 24 outdoor practitioners, including educators, environmentalists, therapists, and program leaders. Three core themes emerged: (a) nature as an emotional regulator and reflective [...] Read more.
Drawing on in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this study explores the therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences through the lived experiences of 24 outdoor practitioners, including educators, environmentalists, therapists, and program leaders. Three core themes emerged: (a) nature as an emotional regulator and reflective space; (b) therapeutic benefits of human–nature relationships; and (c) decolonial, bioregional, and cultural healing. Although practitioners facilitated physical challenges and skill-building for their participants, they primarily described outdoor experiences as relational, somatic, and culturally rooted practices that foster emotional regulation, grief processing, identity integration, and social inclusion. Healing emerged through solitude, silence, ancestral connections, sacred landscapes, inclusive dynamics, and the restoration of cultural knowledge. This study’s results challenge Western-centric outdoor education models by foregrounding Indigenous and postcolonial perspectives embedded in Indian ecological traditions. The results contribute to global discussions on decolonizing outdoor fields and offer implications for culturally responsive, emotionally safe, and ecologically grounded practices. Full article
14 pages, 224 KiB  
Article
Health Professionals’ Perceptions of Pacific Co-Designed Resources for Pacific Gout Patients
by Samuela ‘Ofanoa, Malakai ‘Ofanoa, Siobhan Tu’akoi, Melenaite Tohi, Maryann Heather, Hinamaha Lutui, Rose Lamont and Felicity Goodyear-Smith
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172089 - 22 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand experience the highest burden of gout globally, yet there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of the disease. A Pacific community group and Pacific health professional network co-designed Pacific gout resources to improve understanding. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand experience the highest burden of gout globally, yet there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of the disease. A Pacific community group and Pacific health professional network co-designed Pacific gout resources to improve understanding. The aim of this study is to identify and discuss the current state and perceptions of Pacific gout education, and explore health professionals’ views on Pacific co-designed resources and their usefulness in clinical settings. Methods: The Fa’afaletui model was utilised to conduct semi-structured Talanga interviews with 14 health professionals in Auckland, New Zealand who work in primary care clinics. The interview explored their views on providing gout education and on the feasibility of the Pacific co-designed gout resources. Talanga interviews were audio recorded and thematically analysed. Results: Overall, health professionals responded positively to the co-designed resources, identifying the benefits of supporting primary care consultations and improving Pacific patients’ understanding of gout. The key findings were summarised in five main themes: (1) health system barriers to gout education, (2) misleading information, (3) health professionals’ experiences of providing health education, (4) general impressions of Pacific co-designed resources, and (5) the feasibility of Pacific co-designed educational resources in a clinical setting. Conclusions: This study presents the views of health professionals in providing health education related to gout and on the feasibility of Pacific co-designed educational resources. It reinforces the significance of involving communities in the design and implementation of interventions to ensure they are culturally safe, relevant, and have long-term impacts on gout management. Full article
13 pages, 1672 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Assessment of the Bioaccessibility and Hypoglycemic Properties of Essential Amino Acids Blend: Implication for Diabetes Management
by Lorenza d’Adduzio, Melissa Fanzaga, Maria Silvia Musco, Marta Sindaco, Paolo D’Incecco, Giovanna Boschin, Carlotta Bollati and Carmen Lammi
Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162606 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 339
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation is often employed in sportive and clinical nutrition due to EAAs’ role in muscle mass maintenance and growth. EAAs are also involved in insulin and glucagone regulation in diabetes management, but only few reports investigate their possible [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation is often employed in sportive and clinical nutrition due to EAAs’ role in muscle mass maintenance and growth. EAAs are also involved in insulin and glucagone regulation in diabetes management, but only few reports investigate their possible implication as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors and their effect on the stability and secretion of enteroendocrine hormones. A blend of EAAs (called GAF) available as a food supplement, in a specific qualitative and quantitative ratio, was investigated to address its in vitro bioaccessibility, its hypoglycemic properties in vitro and in situ on cellular models, and its safety on intestinal Caco-2 cells. Methods: GAF was subjected to the INFOGEST static digestion protocol, producing the iGAF sample. iGAf DPP-IV inhibitory properties were investigated both in vitro and in situ on Caco-2 cells. Then, STC-1 enteroendocrine cells were employed alone and in co-culture with Caco-2 cells to evaluate iGAF’s impact on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone secretion. Results: The study demonstrates that the present EAAs blend is stable and bioaccessible after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and it is safe at the intestinal cellular level. It inhibits DPP-IV enzyme both in vitro and in situ and promotes GLP-1 secretion by enteroendocrine cells. Conclusions: The sample demonstrated safety at the intestinal level and showed hypoglycemic properties by acting on a dual synergic mechanism that involves DPP-IV enzyme inhibition and GLP-1 hormone stimulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
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21 pages, 5238 KiB  
Article
Monascus Yellow Pigments Ameliorate Hyperuricemia via Dual Mechanisms: Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition and Uric Acid Transporter Modulation (ABCG2, URAT1, and GLUT9)
by Furong Xue, Renqin Zhu, Jiaxing Li, Zheng Liu, Lidan Niu, Wei Chen, Chengtao Wang and Jie Zheng
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162765 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
The increasing global prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), particularly among younger populations, underscores the urgent need for safe and effective dietary interventions. Monascus fungi, long utilized in East Asian food culture, ferment rice to produce red yeast rice (RYR), a functional food rich in [...] Read more.
The increasing global prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA), particularly among younger populations, underscores the urgent need for safe and effective dietary interventions. Monascus fungi, long utilized in East Asian food culture, ferment rice to produce red yeast rice (RYR), a functional food rich in monacolin K and Monascus pigments. Among these, Monascus yellow pigments (MYPs)—natural azaphilone compounds used as food additives and colorants—have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory activities. However, their potential to alleviate hyperuricemia remains unexplored. This study investigates the urate-lowering and organ-protective effects of MYPs through a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and gut microbiota analyses. MYPs exhibited significant xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity, and molecular docking confirmed that monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) competitively bind to the XOD active site. In a murine HUA model, MYPs significantly reduced serum uric acid (SUA) levels without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. Mechanistically, MYPs downregulated renal UA reabsorption transporters (URAT1, GLUT9) and upregulated the excretory transporter ABCG2, enhancing uric acid (UA) excretion. These findings highlight MYPs as promising food-derived bioactives with dual XOD inhibition and uricosuric effects, offering a novel nutraceutical strategy for hyperuricemia prevention and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
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34 pages, 6455 KiB  
Article
IBCar: Potent Orally Bioavailable Methyl N-[5-(3′-Iodobenzoyl)-1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl]Carbamate for Breast Cancer Therapy
by Janina Baranowska-Kortylewicz and Ying Yan
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2526; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152526 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of IBCar’s biological activity in breast cancer models, both in cell culture and in mice, and to compare its effects on cancer versus normal cells. Methods: The cytotoxicity of IBCar was evaluated using [...] Read more.
Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of IBCar’s biological activity in breast cancer models, both in cell culture and in mice, and to compare its effects on cancer versus normal cells. Methods: The cytotoxicity of IBCar was evaluated using the MTS assay to assess metabolic activity and the clonogenic assay to determine reproductive integrity. The impact of IBCar on microtubule integrity, mitochondrial function, and multiple signaling pathways was analyzed using Western blotting, microarray analysis, and live cell imaging. The therapeutic effectiveness of orally administered IBCar was assessed in a transgenic mouse model of Luminal B breast cancer and in mice implanted with subcutaneous triple-negative breast cancer xenografts. Results: IBCar demonstrated potent cytotoxicity across a diverse panel of breast cancer cell lines, including those with mutant or wild-type TP53, and cell lines with short and long doubling times. Comparative analysis revealed distinct responses between normal and cancer cells, including differences in IBCar’s effects on the mitochondrial membrane potential, endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of cell death pathways. In breast cancer cells, IBCar was cytotoxic at nanomolar concentrations, caused irreversible microtubule depolymerization leading to sustained mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and induced apoptosis. In normal cells, protective mechanisms included reversible microtubule depolymerization and activation of pro-survival signaling via the caspase-8 and riptosome pathways. The therapeutic potential of IBCar was confirmed in mouse models of Luminal B and triple negative BC, where it exhibited strong antitumor activity without detectable toxicity. Conclusions: These findings collectively support IBCar as a promising, effective, and safe therapeutic candidate for breast cancer treatment. Full article
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17 pages, 506 KiB  
Article
A Narrative Inquiry into the Cultivation of a Classroom Knowledge Community in a Chinese Normal University
by Libo Zhong and Cheryl J. Craig
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15070911 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
This narrative inquiry explores a vibrant classroom knowledge community in a Chinese normal university. By examining the teacher’s interactions, we analyze the community’s development through three perspectives: (1) the author’s narrative of the course outline, (2) the teacher’s narrative of classroom culture, and [...] Read more.
This narrative inquiry explores a vibrant classroom knowledge community in a Chinese normal university. By examining the teacher’s interactions, we analyze the community’s development through three perspectives: (1) the author’s narrative of the course outline, (2) the teacher’s narrative of classroom culture, and (3) students’ narratives of their growth. The author presents a student-centered model and seven steps for enacting the course, outlining the environment for cultivating the knowledge community. The teacher’s narrative reveals clues to his success, emphasizing his use of storytelling to foster the community and share educational ideas. Students’ narratives reflect their growth, validating the classroom as a safe space for development and language learning. The significance of this research is that the classroom knowledge community consisted of the teacher, his undergraduate students, and his post-graduates. The three layers existed because of this unrestrained character, devoid of conflicts of interest, created a safe place for students’ development. This research study adds to the literature on how knowledge communities form in school contexts. It focuses on a particular space and time and involves multiple layers of participants, which is prerequisite to the conceptualization of classroom knowledge community. This research has important implications for college language education. Full article
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18 pages, 1720 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Preliminary Characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BG112 for Use as a Starter Culture for Industrial Dry-Fermented Meats
by María Inés Palacio, María Julia Ruiz, María Fernanda Vega and Analía Inés Etcheverría
Fermentation 2025, 11(7), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11070403 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 511
Abstract
The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary in vitro characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BG112, assessing its safety and technological features for potential application as a culture starter for an industrial fermented dry meat product. In vitro assays assessed its viability, [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary in vitro characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BG112, assessing its safety and technological features for potential application as a culture starter for an industrial fermented dry meat product. In vitro assays assessed its viability, probiotic properties, and safety for use in food formulations. The strain was characterized through morphological and biochemical tests, carbohydrate fermentation profiling, and various in vitro assays based on FAO/WHO criteria for probiotic selection. These included proteolytic activity, auto-aggregation capacity, tolerance to simulated gastric juice and bile salts, antimicrobial activity, and resistance to sodium chloride, nitrite, and low pH. Safety evaluations were also performed by testing antibiotic susceptibility, hemolytic activity, and DNAse production. The results showed that L. plantarum BG112 exhibited strong tolerance to adverse environmental conditions typically found during sausage fermentation and ripening, along with significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The strain also demonstrated no hemolytic or DNAse activity and presented a favorable antibiotic sensitivity profile, meeting key safety requirements for probiotic use. Further studies using meat matrices and in vivo models are needed to validate these findings. This study contributes to the early-stage selection of safe and technologically suitable strains for use in fermented meat products. These findings support the potential application of L. plantarum BG112 as a safe and effective starter culture in the development of high-value, premium fermented meat products, aligned with current consumer demand for health-enhancing and natural foods. Full article
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19 pages, 702 KiB  
Article
The Critical Role of Cultural Identity and the Use of ‘Safe Cultural Spaces’ as a Model of Care for Ethnic Youth: A Case Example in Youth with African Heritage Living in Aotearoa—New Zealand
by Irene Ayallo
Youth 2025, 5(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth5030073 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
This article discusses the importance of cultural identity for ethnic youth, considering the challenges they face as migrants or from migrant backgrounds. It then develops the idea of using safe cultural spaces as a culturally responsive model of care for these youth. The [...] Read more.
This article discusses the importance of cultural identity for ethnic youth, considering the challenges they face as migrants or from migrant backgrounds. It then develops the idea of using safe cultural spaces as a culturally responsive model of care for these youth. The data used are drawn from a qualitative study with 35 African heritage youth living in Aotearoa–New Zealand as participants. The study was guided by participatory action research (PAR) methodology principles. Data was collected using research workshops (adaption of focus groups) and qualitative survey questionnaires. PAR’s transformative lens, narrative inquiry, and inductive thematic analysis were used to identify and analyse the reported themes. Findings show that ethnic youth value their cultural identities primarily because, in the context of migration, where they constantly navigate multiple levels of social exclusion and marginality, it confers a sense of personhood, uniqueness, and belonging. However, trying to live their multiple cultures authentically presents many challenges. Accordingly, intentional initiatives that are culturally responsive and holistic are critical to support them in navigating this process healthily. Creating safe cultural spaces is proposed as a model of care. The article reports and discusses youth perspectives on what these spaces and the model of care would entail. Full article
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30 pages, 936 KiB  
Systematic Review
Symmetric Therapeutic Frameworks and Ethical Dimensions in AI-Based Mental Health Chatbots (2020–2025): A Systematic Review of Design Patterns, Cultural Balance, and Structural Symmetry
by Ali Algumaei, Noorayisahbe Mohd Yaacob, Mohamed Doheir, Mohammed Nasser Al-Andoli and Mohammed Algumaie
Symmetry 2025, 17(7), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17071082 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 2196
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mental health chatbots have evolved quickly as scalable means for psychological support, bringing novel solutions through natural language processing (NLP), mobile accessibility, and generative AI. This systematic literature review (SLR), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, collates evidence from 25 published, peer-reviewed [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mental health chatbots have evolved quickly as scalable means for psychological support, bringing novel solutions through natural language processing (NLP), mobile accessibility, and generative AI. This systematic literature review (SLR), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, collates evidence from 25 published, peer-reviewed studies between 2020 and 2025 and reviews therapeutic techniques, cultural adaptation, technical design, system assessment, and ethics. Studies were extracted from seven academic databases, screened against specific inclusion criteria, and thematically analyzed. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most common therapeutic model, featured in 15 systems, frequently being used jointly with journaling, mindfulness, and behavioral activation, followed by emotion-based approaches, which were featured in seven systems. Innovative techniques like GPT-based emotional processing, multimodal interaction (e.g., AR/VR), and LSTM-SVM classification models (greater than 94% accuracy) showed increased conversation flexibility but missed long-term clinical validation. Cultural adaptability was varied, and effective localization was seen in systems like XiaoE, okBot, and Luda Lee, while Western-oriented systems had restricted contextual adaptability. Accessibility and inclusivity are still major challenges, especially within low-resource settings, since digital literacy, support for multiple languages, and infrastructure deficits are still challenges. Ethical aspects—data privacy, explainability, and crisis plans—were under-evidenced for most deployments. This review is different from previous ones since it focuses on cultural adaptability, ethics, and hybrid public health incorporation and proposes a comprehensive approach for deploying AI mental health chatbots safely, effectively, and inclusively. Central to this review, symmetry is emphasized as a fundamental idea incorporated into frameworks for cultural adaptation, decision-making processes, and therapeutic structures. In particular, symmetry ensures equal cultural responsiveness, balanced user–chatbot interactions, and ethically aligned AI systems, all of which enhance the efficacy and dependability of mental health services. Recognizing these benefits, the review further underscores the necessity for more rigorous academic research into the development, deployment, and evaluation of mental health chatbots and apps, particularly to address cultural sensitivity, ethical accountability, and long-term clinical outcomes. Full article
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24 pages, 7542 KiB  
Article
Supporting Oral Language Development in Preschool Children Through Instructional Scaffolding During Drawing Activity: A Qualitative Case Study
by Mengyun Xiao, Fadzilah Amzah, Noor Azlina Mohamed Khalid, Weihan Rong and Xiaolong Zhou
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070908 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 815
Abstract
The research on teaching scaffolding for preschool children’s oral language development (OLD) has become an important topic in the academic world. However, there remains a lack of evidence-based research on the integration of scaffolding strategies integrated into creative art contexts to support children’s [...] Read more.
The research on teaching scaffolding for preschool children’s oral language development (OLD) has become an important topic in the academic world. However, there remains a lack of evidence-based research on the integration of scaffolding strategies integrated into creative art contexts to support children’s creative expression and language production. In this study, a qualitative case study was conducted to analyze the non-participatory observation and artwork analysis of five-year-old children’s drawing activities in a kindergarten in China based on socio-cultural and scaffolding theories. Three types of core scaffolding strategies were summarized. The findings reveal that the three strategies work together dynamically within the children’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): (1) the visual prompt strategy enriches the vocabulary diversity of metaphors, adjectives, and ordinal words; (2) dialogic narrative co-construction effectively improves narrative coherence across exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution; and (3) emotional engagement strategies foster a safe expressive environment, promoting the integration of affective vocabulary with intrinsic motivation. Accordingly, a three-dimensional integrated “visual-linguistic-emotional” scaffolding model was constructed, emphasizing the practical guidelines of simultaneous scaffolding and gradual scaffolding withdrawal during the warm-up, creation, and sharing sessions of the drawing activity. This study expands the application of scaffolding theory in unstructured art contexts, and provides a systematic practical framework for the design of cross-contextual language support strategies and teacher training in preschool education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Educational and Health Development of Children and Youths)
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24 pages, 312 KiB  
Article
Social Ecological Influences on HPV Vaccination Among Cape Verdean Immigrants in the U. S.: A Qualitative Study
by Ana Cristina Lindsay, Celestina V. Antunes, Aysha G. Pires, Monica Pereira and Denise L. Nogueira
Vaccines 2025, 13(7), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13070713 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 535
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (U.S.) and a major contributor to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, [...] Read more.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (U.S.) and a major contributor to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, particularly among racial, ethnic, and immigrant minority groups. This study explored multiple factors, such as cultural, social, and structural influences, influencing HPV vaccine decision-making among Cape Verdean immigrant parents in the U.S., a population currently underrepresented in HPV research. Methods: Qualitative study using individual, in-depth interviews with Cape Verdean immigrant parents of children aged 11 to 17 years living in the U.S. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the social ecological model (SEM) to identify barriers and facilitators at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Results: Forty-five Cape Verdean parents (27 mothers, 18 fathers) participated. Fathers were significantly older than mothers (50.0 vs. 41.1 years, p = 0.05). Most were married or partnered (60%), had at least a high school education (84.4%), and reported annual household incomes of US$50,000 or more (66.7%), with no significant gender differences. Nearly all spoke Creole at home (95.6%). Fathers had lower acculturation than mothers (p = 0.05), reflecting less adaptation to U.S. norms and language use. Most parents had limited knowledge of HPV and the vaccine, with gendered beliefs and misconceptions about risk. Only seven mothers (25.9%) reported receiving a provider recommendation; all indicated that their children had initiated vaccination (1 dose or more). Mothers were the primary decision-makers, though joint decision-making was common. Trust in providers was high, but poor communication and the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials limited informed decision-making. Stigma, misinformation, and cultural taboos restricted open dialogue. Trusted sources of information included schools, churches, and Cape Verdean organizations. While parents valued the U.S. healthcare system, they noted gaps in public health messaging and provider engagement. Conclusions: Findings revealed that HPV vaccine uptake and hesitancy among Cape Verdean immigrant parents in the U.S. were influenced by individual beliefs, family dynamics, healthcare provider interactions, cultural norms, and structural barriers. These findings highlight the need for multilevel strategies such as culturally tailored education, community engagement, and improved provider communication to support informed vaccination decisions in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccine Strategies for HPV-Related Cancers: 2nd Edition)
15 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Activity of Compounds Obtained from Streptomyces Against Trypanosoma cruzi
by Jorge Andrés Delgado-Garduño, Lucio Galaviz-Silva, Ma Guadalupe Rojas-Verde, Joel Horacio Elizondo-Luevano, Lidia Baylón-Pacheco, José Luis Rosales-Encina, Guadalupe Gutiérrez-Soto and Zinnia Judith Molina-Garza
Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070638 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Chagas disease (ChD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains a major public health concern, affecting approximately 8 million people worldwide. However, the number of undiagnosed cases is likely much higher. Existing treatments rely on benznidazole and nifurtimox which, despite their efficacy during the acute [...] Read more.
Chagas disease (ChD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains a major public health concern, affecting approximately 8 million people worldwide. However, the number of undiagnosed cases is likely much higher. Existing treatments rely on benznidazole and nifurtimox which, despite their efficacy during the acute phase of infection, are often associated with severe side effects that can be life-threatening. As a promising alternative, actinomycetes—which are renowned for producing pharmacologically and industrially relevant metabolites—have demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties; however, their antiparasitic potential remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the anti-trypanocidal activities of extracellular metabolites produced by Streptomyces thermocarboxydus strain Chi-43 (ST-C43) and Streptomyces sp. strain Chi-104 (S-C104) against epimastigote, trypomastigote, and amastigote forms of T. cruzi. The strains were cultured in ISP2 broth, and their extracellular metabolites were assessed via antiparasitic diffusion assays in microplates. The 50% lethal concentration (LC50) values ranged from 102 to 116 μg/mL against epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. The antiparasitic activity was confirmed through 3-(4,5-dimetiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based spectrophotometric assays and optical microscopy. Toxicity assays revealed that the extracellular metabolites were non-toxic to Artemia salina, non-cytotoxic to Huvecs, and non-hemolytic to human erythrocytes. Dose–response regression analysis showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). LC-MS/MS analysis identified amphomycin and K-252c aglycone staurosporine as the active antiparasitic compounds. These findings highlight the potential of Streptomyces-derived extracellular metabolites as novel, selective, and safe anti-T. cruzi agents. Nevertheless, further studies in murine or preclinical models are needed to validate their efficacy and support future clinical applications for the treatment of ChD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: Cellular and Molecular Basis)
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16 pages, 311 KiB  
Article
The Application Potential of the Raw Goat Milk-Derived Strain Lactococcus lactis MK 1/3 for the Dairy Industry
by Andrea Lauková, Martin Tomáška, Maroš Drončovský, Rastislav Mucha, Emília Dvorožňáková, Miroslav Kološta and Monika Pogány Simonová
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6781; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126781 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Raw goat milk-derived Lactococcus lactis MK1/3 (CCM 9209) was studied to show its potential for use in the dairy industry. Finding an innovative strain indicates having a new safe, original additive for functional food. The strain has been shown to be safe using [...] Read more.
Raw goat milk-derived Lactococcus lactis MK1/3 (CCM 9209) was studied to show its potential for use in the dairy industry. Finding an innovative strain indicates having a new safe, original additive for functional food. The strain has been shown to be safe using a model experiment with Balb/c mice, when no mortality was noted. Its counts were increased continually during 120 days, with the highest value on day 90 (4.38 ± 1.24 colony-forming unit per gram (CFU/g, log 10). In vivo (in the experimental mice), anti-staphylococcal effect was noted with difference 1.82 log cycles. The safety of the strain MK1/3 has been also indicated by the fact that it did not produce damaging enzymes, it has been susceptible to antibiotics, and it has shown low-grade biofilm-forming ability (0.126 ± 0.35). This strain has tolerated bile, and low pH sufficiently. It produced a postbiotic active substance with inhibitory activity against cheese and milk contaminants (Enterococci), reaching antimicrobial activity up to 3200 AU/mL. The count of the strain MK1/3 was higher in yogurts from ewe goat milk (4.66 ± 0.30 CFU/g, log 10), in comparison with its count in yogurts from ewe milk (4.10 ± 0.10 CFU/g, log 10), with no influencing yogurt pH. Its use in 100% starter culture to process fresh cheese based on goat milk was revealed in the standard cheese quality with sufficient amount of lactic acid microbiota. To support the benefit of the strain MK1/3, additional human trials have been reinforced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Microbiology)
29 pages, 4101 KiB  
Article
Developing Novel Sustainable-Based Model to Assess Cities’ Performance Using Enviro-Socio-Economic Impact Indicators: A Case Study in Egypt
by Tasneem Amr, Ehab Elwageeh, Manabu Fujii and Mahmoud Nasr
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5317; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125317 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Essential research is required to assist several developing countries in transforming urban areas into sustainable cities by providing an assessment tool that covers the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability. Hence, this study introduces a novel sustainable-based model by assigning scores to [...] Read more.
Essential research is required to assist several developing countries in transforming urban areas into sustainable cities by providing an assessment tool that covers the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability. Hence, this study introduces a novel sustainable-based model by assigning scores to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for maintaining inclusive, safe, and resilient cities in developing nations. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to describe 50 sustainable indicators of 27 cities, representing Egypt’s diverse urban environments from 2012 to 2022. These indicators and SDG scores were used to classify the cities into “Low”, “Medium”, and “High” based on their progress toward achieving sustainability performance. Most coastal and inland cities depicted a “High” scoring performance regarding the advanced maritime infrastructure, farming market size, and cultural tourism context. Built-up area, population growth, green urban area, and economy were considered the main indicators influencing the SDG#11 “Sustainable cities” annual variation. The SDG-based model was employed to create different scenarios to improve SDG#11 fulfillment, showing the importance of investing in the agribusiness sector to raise the gross domestic product. The study outputs were beneficial in guiding most resource-constrained countries to establish the “Sustainable city” concept under the SDGs umbrella. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Development Goals towards Sustainability)
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29 pages, 6791 KiB  
Article
Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) and Its Impact on Employee Satisfaction and Performance—A New HSMS Model
by Prodromos D. Chatzoglou, Athanasios E. Kotzakolios and Panagiotis K. Marhavilas
Safety 2025, 11(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11020052 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2329
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of an assortment of factors pertaining to the implementation of a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) with firms’ Health and Safety (H&S) level and employees’ satisfaction and performance. The proposed research [...] Read more.
The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of an assortment of factors pertaining to the implementation of a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) with firms’ Health and Safety (H&S) level and employees’ satisfaction and performance. The proposed research model incorporates six independent factors: (i) the development of a safety culture, (ii) the availability of H&S specific procedures/instructions/rules, (iii) the forethought of H&S-focused training, (iv) the availability of the essential resources to improve H&S equipment, (v) the augmentation of employee motivation for safe behavior, and (vi) the top management commitment to upgrade H&S at the workplace. The model was empirically tested using primary data from 230 employees of 10 manufacturing firms operating in Greece. It was found that H&S meliorates employees’ performance, but, on the other hand, firm’s management should be committed towards creating a high-level safety culture. To achieve this, proper resources should be invested, comprehensible procedures/instructions/rules should be established, and focused training should be provided. The acceptance of this policy would result in an enhanced safety culture, an augmented firm H&S level, amplified employee satisfaction and, accordingly, improved employee performance. In addition, this article suggests a new HSMS model, which, by relying on the principles of the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, incorporates the examined six H&S factors, which can upgrade other known standards (like OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001). Full article
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