Search Results (529)

Substance use during pregnancy is an increasingly important yet under-recognized threat to maternal and child health. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence available on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical management, and policy landscape of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabis, methamphetamines, and other synthetic drugs. All major psychoactive substances readily cross the placenta and can remain detectable in breast milk, leading to a shared cascade of obstetric complications (hypertensive disorders, placental abruption, pre-term labor), fetal consequences (growth restriction, structural malformations), and neonatal morbidities such as neonatal abstinence syndrome and sudden infant death. Mechanistically, trans-placental diffusion, oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and placental vascular dysfunction converge to disrupt critical neuro- and cardiovascular developmental windows. Early identification hinges on the combined use of validated screening questionnaires (4 P’s Plus, CRAFFT, T-ACE, AUDIT-C, TWEAK) and matrix-specific biomarkers (PEth, EtG, FAEE, CDT), while effective treatment requires integrated obstetric, addiction, and mental health services. Medication for opioid use disorders, particularly buprenorphine, alone or with naloxone, confers superior neonatal outcomes compared to methadone and underscores the value of harm-reducing non-punitive care models. Public-health strategies, such as Mexico’s “first 1 000 days” framework, wrap-around clinics, and home-visiting programs, demonstrate the potential of multisectoral interventions, but are hampered by structural inequities and punitive legislation that deter care-seeking. Research gaps persist in polysubstance exposure, culturally tailored therapies, and long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories. Multigenerational, omics-enabled cohorts, and digital longitudinal-care platforms represent promising avenues for closing these gaps and informing truly preventive perinatal health policies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Yersinia enterocolitica is a pathogenic bacterium that forms biofilms, enhancing its persistence and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Biofilm formation in Y. enterocolitica is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, calcium, and the presence of the virulence plasmid pYV. This study aims to explore how temperature, calcium, and pYV modulate biofilm formation in Y. enterocolitica, with a focus on motility and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production as key factors. Methods: Y. enterocolitica strains with and without the pYV plasmid were cultured at two different temperatures (26 °C and 37 °C). The effect of calcium (5 mM) on biofilm formation was tested at both temperatures. Biofilm formation was measured using crystal violet staining, motility was assessed using soft agar plates, and EPS production was quantified to determine its role in biofilm stabilization. Results: At 26 °C, biofilm formation increased in pYV-negative strains, driven primarily by motility and flagellar expression. In contrast, at 37 °C, pYV-positive strains showed strong biofilm formation despite reduced growth, with EPS production as the key stabilizing factor. Calcium modulated biofilm formation in a temperature-dependent manner: at 26 °C, 5 mM calcium modestly reduced biofilm formation in pYV-negative strains, while at 37 °C, it significantly suppressed both EPS production and biofilm formation by approximately 50% in pYV-positive strains. Conclusions: This study reveals a novel regulatory switch where temperature, calcium, and pYV modulate biofilm formation in Y. enterocolitica. These findings suggest that Y. enterocolitica can adapt between motility- and EPS-dominated biofilm strategies depending on environmental conditions. Understanding these mechanisms offers potential targets for controlling biofilm-related persistence in clinical and food safety contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parents of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) often carry significant emotional and relational burdens, yet their voices remain underrepresented in addiction research. This study explores how Greek parents navigate the long-term challenges of caring for adult children with SUDs, with a focus on emotional strain, caregiving identity, and culturally embedded coping strategies within a collectivist context. Methods: Eight Greek parents (six mothers and two fathers, aged 47–60) participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Conversations were conducted either in person or via video call, depending on participant preference and geographical constraints. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore lived experience and the meaning-making processes shaping parental coping over time. Results: Four overarching themes were identified as follows: (1) Living in Vigilance, reflecting constant hyper-alertness, emotional exhaustion, and social withdrawal rooted in trauma; (2) Shifting Parental Identity, capturing the evolution of parents into caregivers, advocates, and informal caseworkers amid systemic neglect; (3) Struggling Within Systems, highlighting exclusion, blame, and fragmentation in institutional care—with moments of empathy holding outsized emotional weight; and (4) Coping as Cultural Duty, showing how caregiving was sustained through values of sacrifice, loyalty, and protective silence, even at great personal cost. Conclusions: Greek parents supporting adult children with SUDs face a complex interplay of trauma, cultural obligation, and institutional strain. Their coping is shaped by deeply held familial values rather than access to effective support. The findings call for culturally attuned, family-inclusive interventions and further research into long-term caregiving across diverse contexts. Full article

Lopezia racemosa Cav., commonly known as “cancer herb” in indigenous communities, has long been used for its medicinal properties. The biotechnological production of its bioactive compounds through genetic transformation represents a valuable approach for obtaining pharmacologically relevant substances. The initial focus of this study was to identify compounds previously reported in the species; however, phytochemical analysis by HPLC and NMR led to the isolation and identification of two pentacyclic triterpene esters not previously described in L. racemosa: 3-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-maslinic acid (1) and 3-O-[(E)-feruloyl]-corosolic acid (2), identified as constituents of fraction 33. The LRTC3.1 callus line was obtained from hairy roots generated by infecting L. racemosa leaf explants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC15834/pTDT. The crude extract, specific fractions, and the mixture of these compounds demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model, where the crude extract achieved 51.02% inhibition of inflammation compared to meloxicam (30.86%). Cytotoxicity was assessed against three human cancer cell lines: breast carcinoma (MCF7), cervical carcinoma (SiHa), and colon carcinoma (HCT-15). Fractions FD (28–29) and 33 exhibited potent cytotoxic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 0.508 and 1.345 µg/mL against SiHa cells, and 0.053 and 2.693 µg/mL against MCF-7 cells, respectively. These findings suggest that transformed L. racemosa cultures represent a promising source of bioactive compounds for potential therapeutic development. Full article

The rise in antimicrobial resistance and strict milk withdrawal regulations drive the search for safe, non-antibiotic intramammary therapies. This pilot field study focused on clinical parameters, including the somatic cell count (SCC) and the assessment of changes, as well as overall safety, which together enabled a prospective evaluation of whether the substance exerted any therapeutic effect. In this study, 48 Holstein–Friesian cows with naturally occurring clinical mastitis (somatic cell count > 400,000 cells/mL; single quarter) were randomized to receive either seven daily infusions of 10% pectin (n = 24) or two standard intramammary doses of a licensed multi-component antibiotic formulation (n = 24). The clinical severity scores (0–3) and SCC were monitored from 72 h before to 168 h after treatment initiation; the bacteriological cultures, milk TNF-α, milk yield, and blood hematology/biochemistry were also assessed. Both groups exhibited comparable and significant reductions in the mastitis scores and log₂-transformed SCC by 48 h post-treatment, with equivalent bacteriological cure rates and pathogen profiles (predominantly Streptococcus uberis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Escherichia coli) and no local irritation, systemic adverse effects, or alterations in the milk yield, TNF-α, or blood parameters. These findings indicate that intramammary pectin at a 10% concentration is safe and well tolerated and that it provides efficacy equivalent to standard antibiotic therapy, supporting its potential as an alternative mastitis treatment that avoids antibiotic residues and contributes to antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effect of exogenous melatonin (MT) on the growth and development of cucumbers subjected to salt stress. Using the XinTaiMiCi material and indoor pot culture method, seven treatments were set up: control group (CK), T0 (salt treatment group, 150 mM S + 0 μM MT), T1 (150 mM S + 25 μM MT), T2 (150 mM S + 50 μM MT), T3 (150 mM S + 100 μM MT), T4 (150 mM S + 150 μM MT), and T5 (150 mM S + 200 μM MT). Changes in plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, relative chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species content, and osmotic adjustment substance content in cucumber seeds and seedlings under different treatments were studied, and a correlation analysis of these indicators was conducted. Meanwhile, the expression of salt stress-related genes was detected in all seven treatment groups. The results showed that, compared to the CK, T0 significantly reduced the hypocotyl length, root length, hypocotyl diameter, root diameter, and fresh and dry weights of cucumber seeds; in the later stage of salt stress treatment, T0 significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the content of soluble protein in seeds. Additionally, T0 significantly increased the plant height, root length, stem diameter, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights of cucumber seedlings per plant; in the later stage of salt stress treatment, T0 significantly increased the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and MDA and the content of soluble protein and chlorophyll in leaves. Compared to T0, the application of 50 μmol·L⁻¹ MT under salt stress significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, root length, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights of cucumber seedlings per plant; significantly increased the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT; decreased the MDA activity; and significantly increased the content of soluble protein and chlorophyll. Under salt stress conditions, the exogenous application of low-concentration melatonin increased the expression levels of salt stress response genes (such as CsSOS, CsNHX, CsHSF, and CsDREB) in cucumber. The germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), germination index (GI), plant height (PH), root length (RL), leaf area index (LAI), fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), soluble protein (SP), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), POD, CAT, and SOD of cucumber seedlings exhibited significant positive correlations, whereas they were negatively correlated with MDA content. In conclusion, the application of 50 μM MT can effectively alleviate the oxidative and osmotic stress caused by a high-salt environment in cucumber, promote cucumber growth, and improve salt tolerance. Full article

Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is particularly prevalent among socially disadvantaged female populations. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence of preterm birth in three segregated Roma communities in Hungary and to identify health behavior and care factors associated with its occurrence. In our study, preterm birth was defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation (i.e., <259 days). Data were collected from 231 Roma women living in three municipalities of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, one of Hungary’s most disadvantaged regions, using a structured interview questionnaire. The participants were women aged 18–65 years. Of these, 209 had been pregnant at least once in their lifetime. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics (age, level of education, employment status, housing conditions, marital status), health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, vitamin supplementation, other substance use), antenatal care attendance, and birth outcomes (preterm birth, gestational age, low birth weight, newborn status). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression with significance set at p < 0.05. Preterm birth was significantly more common among women who smoked, consumed alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, or had vaginal infections. Drug use showed the strongest association with a 22-fold increase in risk, followed by alcohol (nearly fivefold), smoking (over threefold), and infections (threefold). Although non-attendance at antenatal care was associated with increased risk, this relationship was not statistically significant. In the multivariate logistic regression model, alcohol consumption (OR = 1.744, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 2.495, p < 0.01), drug use (OR = 25.500, p < 0.001), and vaginal infections (OR = 4.014, p < 0.01) during pregnancy were independently associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, whereas folic acid supplementation (OR = 0.448, p < 0.05) showed a significant protective effect. These findings highlight that preterm birth is intricately linked to socioeconomic disadvantage and adverse health behaviors. Culture-specific, community-based prevention strategies are essential to reduce perinatal risks in marginalized populations. Full article

Sodium chloride is a chemical compound that has been encountered by people for thousands of years, and plays a significant role in their lives. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of table salt from the perspective of health, food technology, and cultural heritage. The article discusses salt extraction and production, its composition and consumption, and its effects on the human body. The authors draw attention to new trends, such as the use of micronized salt, microencapsulated salt, and salt with colors and shapes that differ from those of typical table salt. Scientific studies on the presence of undesirable substances and the use of salt additives were reviewed. The role of salt in dairy, meat, and bakery technology was illustrated. Gaps in research on salt were highlighted. In the last part, all types of salt with geographical indications are shown. The paper suggests that producers with a long tradition in the salt sector should apply for the European geographical indications to enhance their national and cultural heritage and promote their region. The review highlights the need for further research on all aspects discussed. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles, are natural carriers of proteins and nucleic acids. Microalgae are widely used as a source of bioactive substances in the food and cosmetic industries and definitely have a potential to be used as the producers of EVs for biomedical applications. In this study, the extracellular vesicles isolated from the culture medium of two unicellular microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamy-EVs) and Parachlorella kessleri (Chlore-EVs), were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electronic microscopy (cryo-EM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The biocompatibility with human cells in vitro (HEK-293T, DF-2 and A172) and biodistribution in mouse organs and tissues in vivo were tested for both microalgal EVs. An exogenous therapeutic protein, human heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), was successfully loaded to Chlamy- and Chlore-EVs, and its efficient delivery to human glioma and colon carcinoma cell lines has been confirmed. Additionally, in order to search for potential therapeutic biomolecules within the EVs, their proteomes have been characterized. A total of 105 proteins were identified for Chlamy-EVs and 33 for Chlore-EVs. The presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the Chlamy-EV constituents allows for considering them as antioxidant agents. The effective delivery of exogenous cargo to human cells and the possibility of the particle yield optimization by varying the microalgae growth conditions make them favorable producers of EVs for biotechnology and biomedical application. Full article

This narrative review examines the effects of caffeine on brain health in older adults, with particular attention to its potential for dependence—an often-overlooked issue in geriatric care. Caffeine acts on central adenosine, dopamine, and glutamate systems, producing both stimulating and rewarding effects that can foster tolerance and habitual use. Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes prolong caffeine’s half-life and increase physiological sensitivity in the elderly. While moderate consumption may enhance alertness, attention, and possibly offer neuroprotective effects—especially in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia—excessive or prolonged use may lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive or motor impairment. Chronic exposure induces neuroadaptive changes, such as adenosine receptor down-regulation, resulting in tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, including headache, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms, often mistaken for typical aging complaints, may reflect a substance use disorder yet remain under-recognized due to caffeine’s cultural acceptance. The review explores caffeine’s mixed role in neurological disorders, being beneficial in some and potentially harmful in others, such as restless legs syndrome and frontotemporal dementia. Given the variability in individual responses and the underestimated risk of dependence, personalized caffeine intake guidelines are warranted. Future research should focus on the long-term cognitive effects and the clinical significance of caffeine use disorder in older populations. Full article

New stable three-dimensional hydrogels were obtained in an inert gas atmosphere in light in an aqueous dispersion of the main components: cod collagen, methyl methacrylate, polyethylene glycol, RbTe_1.5W_0.5O₆ complex oxide, and modifying additives. The analysis of the new hydrogels’ cytotoxicity using the MTT assay showed that the cytotoxicity of the sample extracts was observed in a number of examples, but was decreased with increasing dilution of the extracts. The decrease in cell viability at high concentrations of the extract is likely caused by a decrease in the number of specific components of the complete culture medium used to produce extracts. It is related to the well-known adsorption of medium proteins by the gel component, high-molecular compounds included in the matrix. The stimulating effect of the substances included in its composition was observed with a significant dilution of the extract, i.e., the proliferative activity of the cells increased. The extract of the hydrogel hydrolysate sample and all its dilutions did not show cytotoxicity in the MTT assay examples. It determines the prospect of its use on the wound surface, since hydrogel destruction occurs under the action of body enzymes. The new hydrogel is a promising material for creating wound coverings or scaffolds. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus is a mushroom species renowned for its abundant nutritional and medicinal properties. Nevertheless, the yield of its fruiting bodies has long remained at a standstill, making it arduous to achieve substantial improvements. Because the traditional composting approach for enhancing the yield of Pleurotus ostreatus has drawbacks such as a long duration and a high susceptibility to mold contamination, incorporating nutritional supplements into the culture medium of P. ostreatus has emerged as a relatively straightforward yet effective approach to enhancing its yield. This study was predicated on the roles of nucleotides and nucleosides in cellular metabolism and signal transduction. These substances were applied during the cultivation process of P. ostreatus to investigate their impact on the growth and nutritional composition of this mushroom. The findings of this study demonstrate that the supplementation of nucleotides and nucleosides not only improved the yield and biological efficiency of P. ostreatus but also increased its dietary fiber content and amino acids. Furthermore, this research has disclosed that nucleotides and nucleosides exert a notable influence on the lignocellulolytic enzyme system. This investigation provides a scientific foundation for the development of novel yields—enhancing agents for P. ostreatus and offering new insights into cultivation techniques for the progress of P. ostreatus cultivation techniques in both academic and practical arenas. Full article

Although biofloc technology (BFT) currently offers advantages such as improving aquaculture water quality, providing natural bait for cultured animals, and reducing pests and diseases, single BFT systems face technical bottlenecks, including the complex regulation of the carbon–nitrogen ratio, accumulation of suspended substances, and acidification of the bottom sludge. Therefore, constructing a composite system with complementary functions through technology integration, such as with aquaponics, biofilm technology, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs), and recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), has become the key path to breaking through industrialization barriers. This paper systematically reviews the action mechanisms, synergistic effects, and challenges of the four mainstream integration models incorporating BFT, providing theoretical support for the environmental–economic balance of intensive aquaculture. Full article

As potable water becomes limited, alternative water sources, such as reclaimed wastewater, for crop irrigation have gained attention. However, reclaimed wastewater for irrigation may expose edible crops to compounds of emerging concern (CECs), which may include pharmaceutics, hazardous waste, and volatile substances. Of these CECs, carbamazepine (CBZ) is of particular interest because only 7% of CBZ is filtered out during traditional wastewater treatment processing methods. Two trials were designed to evaluate the uptake and partitioning of CBZ in lettuce grown in a deep-water culture system (DWC) at low and high concentrations. The first trial (0 µg L⁻¹, 12.5 µg L⁻¹, 25 µg L⁻¹, and 50 µg L⁻¹) of CBZ had few effects on lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) growth, and low concentrations of accumulated CBZ were found in lettuce tissues. As a result, increased concentrations of CBZ were used in the second trial (0 mg L⁻¹, 21 mg L⁻¹, 41 mg L⁻¹, and 83 mg L⁻¹). Greater amounts of CBZ accumulated in plant tissues and the application of higher rates of CBZ negatively affected the growth and overall health of the lettuce. Further research is needed to determine the impacts of CECs on plant uptake and growth, as well as the environmental conditions. Full article

Nerve tissue damage is an unsolved problem in modern neurology and neurosurgery, which prompts the need to search for approaches to stimulate neuroprotection and regeneration of neural tissue. Earlier we have shown that the secretome of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) stimulates rat survival, reduces the severity of neurological deficits, and decreases the volume of brain damage in a hemorrhagic stroke model. A significant disadvantage of using the MSC secretome is the need to concentrate it (at least 5–10 fold) to achieve appreciable pharmacological activity. This increases the cost of obtaining clinically applicable amounts of secretome and slows down the clinical translation of this technology. Here, we created a number of genetically modified human MSC cultures, including immortalized MSCs and those with hyperexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and with suppressed expression of Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL), and we evaluated the pharmacological activity of their secretomes in a model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. The secretome of MSCs immortalized by hyperexpression of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase (hTERT) revealed neuroprotective activity indistinguishable from that of primary MSC cultures, yet it still required 10-fold concentration to achieve neuroprotective efficacy. The secretome of MSC culture with combined hyperexpression of BDNF and uPA and suppressed expression of Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor even without additional concentration reduced the severity of neurological disorders and decreased brain lesion volume in the ICH model. The secretomes of MSCs with separate overexpression of BDNF and uPA or suppression of VHL had no such effect or, on the contrary, revealed a toxic effect in the ICH model. Presumably, this may be due to an imbalance in the representation of individual growth factors in the secretome of genetically modified MSCs, which individually may lead to undesirable effects in damaged nervous tissue, such as increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier (under the influence of pro-angiogenic factors) or neural cell apoptosis (due to an excess of neurotrophic factors). The obtained data show that genetic modification of MSC cultures can enhance or alter the therapeutic activity of their secretomes, which can be used in the creation of promising sources of biopharmaceutical substances. Full article