Search Results (36,837)

Digestive pathologies are commonly encountered in both human and veterinary medicine, frequently requiring antibiotic intervention. However, their extensive use has contributed to the global increase in antimicrobial resistance, posing a major public health challenge. With the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, alternative antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed. This study assessed the total polyphenolic content and in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from Origanum majorana, Salvia officinalis, and Ribes nigrum fruits against six digestive bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Enterobacter cloacae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The total polyphenolic content of the extracts was 8509.457 μg/g for Salvia officinalis, 8140.996 μg/g for Origanum majorana, and 5776.616 μg/g for Ribes nigrum. R. nigrum showed the strongest antimicrobial effect (MIC 0.002 μg/μL; MBC 0.001 μg/μL) against Y. enterocolitica. S. officinalis had the highest efficacy against E. faecalis, while O. majorana was effective against both Y. enterocolitica and E. faecalis. All extracts showed bactericidal activity with MIC index values between 0.5 and 4. These findings suggest that these polyphenol-rich plant extracts may serve as promising natural antimicrobials or as adjuvants to conventional antibiotics. Full article

Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral infectious disease primarily affecting ruminants, transmitted by biting midges of the Culicoides species. The first bluetongue virus 3 (BTV-3) cases occurred in Hesse, Germany, in July 2024. From December 2024 onwards, field veterinarians observed calves born with neurological symptoms. A convenience sample of affected calves were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany. A total of 13 calves from unvaccinated dams with pronounced neurological symptoms and positive PCR results for BTV-3 were studied. General and neurological examinations were performed and a blood sample was obtained for hematologic, blood biochemical and blood gas analysis. In 11 calves, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Due to the severe neurological lesions, all calves were euthanized and postmortem examinations were performed. The neurological examination of the calves revealed neurological indications consistent with diffuse forebrain disease. MRI revealed that all calves exhibited various stages of cortical parenchyma cell loss and secondary enlargement of the lateral ventricles. Postmortem examination revealed moderate to severe hydrocephalus internus or hydranencephaly. The results of clinical and neurological examinations, MRI, and postmortem examination, indicate severe impairment of brain development presumably associated with transplacental BTV-3 infection. Epidemiologic data and health records from the originating farms suggest that neurologic malformations developed after BTV-3 infection between 95 and 227 of the gestation period. Full article

Background: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major pathogen responsible for causing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Whole-genome sequencing can better identify transmission events and outbreaks. In this study, we aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genetic diversity of HMPV in SARI cases in Ningxia, China. Methods: We collected respiratory tract samples from hospitalized patients with SARI from October 2023 to September 2024 in Ningxia, China. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for respiratory viruses with qRT-PCR. Whole-genome sequences were determined for samples with high viral loads using an amplicon-based method. Results: We enrolled 2873 SARI patients from October 2023 to September 2024, and found an HMPV-positive proportion of 3.06% (88/2873). Children aged 4 years were particularly susceptible to HMPV infection, with a positive proportion of 10.92% (13/119). HMPV exhibits distinct seasonal characteristics, consistent with its established epidemiological pattern, with a peak incidence occurring during winter months. Sixteen complete HMPV genome sequences were obtained. Among these, 81.25% (13/16) were identified as genotype A (A2.2.2: 92.31%, 12/13; A2.2.1: 7.69%, 1/13) and 18.75% (3/16) as genotype B1. Notably, the dominant strain was 111nt-dup in genotype A2.2.2. Sequence analysis of HMPV genes revealed divergent G-gene sequence identities between different genotypes. Additionally, the potential glycosylation sites of the G protein varied across genotypes. Conclusions: In this study, we found that the 111nt-dup strain was the dominant one in genotype A, and multiple genotypes co-circulated in Ningxia from October 2023 to September 2024. The HMPV G protein exhibited the highest level of inter-strain diversity between genotypes. These findings provide valuable insights into the prevention and control of HMPV infections in China. Full article

The issue of effective treatments for individuals with a history of sexual offending has legal, social, economic, political, and clinical impacts. Studies conducted on the topic of evaluating treatment outcomes for sex offenders have examined both biological and psychological interventions. The etiology of the phenomenon appears to be multifactorial, as the sexual harasser learns from the social and family context the norms that will constitute our framework of rules, in addition to the characteristics of temperament, character, and personality. Therefore, there is a need for a definite social–health policy at the government level to be able to address the legal-judicial, socio-political, and health problem of Italian sex offenders to reeducate and reintegrate them into society by drastically reducing or nullifying the risk of recidivism. This study proposes the “Trident State Program” (TSP), which could reduce or solve the problem of recidivism of Italian sexual offenders and promote a better process of re-education and reintegration of these individuals. The operational protocol of the program is being drafted. Full article

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a key pathogenic mechanism underlying numerous cardiometabolic disorders. While sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of IR are well-established, their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains understudied. This study explores the relationship between IR risk, as measured by TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices, and HRQoL in a large cohort of Spanish workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100,014 Spanish workers aged 18–69 years evaluated between January 2021 and December 2023. Exclusion criteria included incomplete clinical, laboratory, or questionnaire data. IR was assessed using TyG, METS-IR, and SPISE-IR indices. HRQoL was measured using the SF-12 questionnaire. Sociodemographic factors, physical activity (IPAQ), dietary habits (MEDAS-14), and social class (based on CNAE-11 and Spanish Society of Epidemiology criteria) were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v29.0. Results: Higher IR risk was consistently associated with older age, male sex, lower social class, current smoking, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical inactivity. Lower HRQoL scores (both physical and mental components) were significantly associated with higher IR indices, particularly with METS-IR and SPISE-IR. These associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a robust association between insulin resistance risk and diminished health-related quality of life. The integration of validated IR indices and subjective health perception tools such as the SF-12 may enhance early identification of at-risk individuals in occupational health settings. Full article

In Brazil, molecular surveillance expanded after Rotarix™ vaccine introduction, alongside G2P[4] dominance. The G2P[6] genotype, despite sharing the same DS-1-like constellation as G2P[4] strains, remains rare. This retrospective study analyzed eight Brazilian G2P[6] strains (2012–2014) through RT-PCR and 11-segments sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Two distinct groups were identified: 2012–2013 strains (six) carried a DS-1-like backbone with the rare NSP4 E6 genotype, while 2014 strains (two) exhibited the classical DS-1-like constellation with E2. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the two main clusters: 2012–2013 strains related to classical G2P[4] and uncommon global genotypes, and 2014 strains resembling emerging DS-1-like G1/G3/G8P[8] reassortants. The 2012–2013 strains clustered within G2-VP7 Lineage IVa, while the 2014 strains belonged to Lineage V, reflecting the global distribution of these variants. All VP4 genes were classified within the P[6]-Ia lineage, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting separate introductions from Asia and Africa. The E6 NSP4 gene segment identified in these strains has an undetermined origin and was not previously associated with G2P[6] strains in Brazil. Despite similarities to G2P[4], G2P[6] strains remain rare, with no genomic features explaining their limited spread. Phylogenetic data indicate multiple reassortment events and international viral exchange, highlighting Brazil’s role in RVA diversity. Ongoing full-genome surveillance is crucial to track rare variants and assess their public health relevance. Full article

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), therefore early treatment of mild infections is crucial to prevent increased morbidity and mortality. The effectiveness of early treatment in SOTRs has yet to be fully characterized due to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and to COVID-19 vaccination implementation. The aim of this single-center retrospective study is to evaluate the outcomes, safety and impact on SARS-CoV-2 viral load kinetics of COVID-19 early treatment in SOTRs. The study includes 80 SOTRs with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection enrolled between January and October 2022 and treated with either monoclonal antibodies or antivirals. All patients received COVID-19 vaccination and 68.8% of them showed detectable levels of anti-spike (S) antibodies. The occurrence of clinical events (hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or death) was assessed within 30 days after treatment initiation. The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 viral load were performed at baseline and at day-7. The rate of hospitalization was 2.5% [0.3–9%] and no deaths occurred. All patients completed treatment with no serious adverse events. Median viral load decrease was 0.48 [0.26–0.69] log₂ cycle threshold (ct) values, with no significant differences between SOTRs treated with monoclonal antibodies and those treated with antivirals. Viral load decrease was significantly associated with positive anti-s serology at baseline ($\beta$ = 0.196, p = 0.01), number of days between symptom onset and treatment ($\beta$ = 0.05, p = 0.03) and the number of comorbidities ($\beta$ = −0.05, p = 0.03). We provide evidence of real-world effectiveness of early therapy in SOTRs infected with SARS-CoV-2 and demonstrate the relevant role of humoral response to vaccination in enhancing early viral load decay during treatment. Full article

Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic, relapsing, and multifactorial disease requiring individualized care. This narrative review synthesizes recent developments in the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity, highlighting key shifts in diagnostic frameworks (e.g., ICD-11), advances in pharmacotherapy, and the psychosocial dimensions shaping care engagement. Limitations of BMI, the impact of stigma, and structural inequities are discussed as barriers to effective management. By integrating clinical, psychological, and societal perspectives, this review advocates for a multidimensional, stigma-informed, and equity-oriented approach to obesity care. Full article

Research is required to determine whether the coinfections by Fasciola spp. and other parasite species result from poor rural hygiene or reflect underlying epidemiological patterns and causes. Therefore, the role of fascioliasis is analyzed concerning coinfection complexity, risk of multiparasitism, parasite associations, pathogenic implications and their multifactorial causes. Helminth and protozoan coinfections are studied in 2575 previously untreated individuals from four rural hyperendemic areas (Northern Bolivian Altiplano, Peruvian Altiplano and Cajamarca valley, and the Egyptian Nile Delta). This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2023. Coinfections were coprologically assessed by the merthiolate–iodine–formalin and formol–ether concentration techniques. Infection intensity was measured as eggs/gram of feces (epg) with the Kato–Katz technique. Parasite and coinfection prevalences were stratified by age, sex and geographical location. High mixed infections, fascioliasis prevalences and very low non-coinfected Fasciola-infected subjects were associated with the following regions: Bolivian Altiplano, 96.5%, 16.8% and 3.5%; Peruvian Altiplano, 100%, 24.6% and 0%; Cajamarca valley, 98.7%, 21.4% and 1.8%; Nile Delta, 84.1%, 13.0% and 15.9%. Transmission routes and human infection sources underlie fascioliasis associations with protozoan and other helminth infections. Prevalence pattern of protozoan–helminth coinfections differed between Fasciola-infected individuals and individuals not infected with Fasciola, presenting higher prevalences in individuals with fascioliasis. Multiparasitism diagnosed in Fasciola-infected subjects included coinfections by up to nine parasite species, eight protozoan species, and five helminth species. The most prevalent pathogenic protozoan was Giardia intestinalis. The most prevalent helminth species differ according to environmental conditions. Several parasites indicate fecal environmental contamination. When the fascioliasis burden increases, the total number of parasite species also increases. The fascioliasis risk increases when the total helminth species number/host increases. Fasciola-infected subjects may present a modification in the clinical phenotypes of coinfecting parasitic diseases. Fascioliasis coinfection factors include transmission ways and immunological, environmental and social aspects. Coinfections must be considered when assessing the health impact of fascioliasis, including the analysis of the fascioliasis effects on malnutrition and physical/intellectual child development. Fascioliasis-control schemes should, therefore, integrate control measures mainly against other helminthiases. Full article

Objectives: To investigate the demographic, epidemiological, and medical profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received dental care, and to identify their main oral health needs. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive cohort study analyzed medical and dental records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at a private tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2020 to March 2022. The data collected included demographic variables, comorbidities, length of hospitalization, need for respiratory support, clinical outcomes, dental diagnoses, and procedures performed. Results: A total of 129 medical records were reviewed. The sample included 93 males (72%) and 36 females (28%), with a mean age of 72 years. Comorbidities were present in 92% of cases, most frequently a prior COVID-19 infection (59%), diabetes (36%), and depression (31%). The mean hospital stay was 51 days, with a median of 33 days. Most patients (91%) required ICU care; among these, 87% received invasive mechanical ventilation. Dental consultations were most commonly requested for oral assessments (88%), lesions (58%), and opportunistic infections (8%). The most frequent diagnoses were trauma-related lesions from orotracheal intubation (63%), opportunistic infections (45%), and odontogenic or periodontal infections (15%). Primary treatments included oral hygiene procedures (89%), photobiomodulation therapy (67%), and tooth extractions (6%). Patients received an average of eight dental consultations. The overall mortality rate was 26%. Conclusions: Older male patients with COVID-19 frequently required intensive dental care during hospitalization. Oral trauma and opportunistic infections were common, highlighting the need for specialized dental management in critically ill populations. Full article

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a major human pathogen capable of causing infections ranging from mild pharyngitis and impetigo to severe invasive diseases such as bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Historically, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the early antibiotic era but began rising again from the early 2000s, driven partly by the emergence of hyper-virulent strains such as emm1 and emm12. From 2005 onward, significant increases in GAS infections were reported globally, accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to macrolides and tetracyclines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread public health measures led to a sharp decline in GAS infections, including invasive cases, but this trend reversed dramatically in late 2022 and 2023, with surges exceeding pre-pandemic levels, notably in children. Recent data implicate factors such as “immunity debt,” viral co-infections, and the spread of virulent clones like M1UK. Looking forward, continued surveillance of GAS epidemiology, virulence factors, and resistance patterns is critical. Moreover, the emergence of GAS isolates with reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams underscores the need for vigilance despite the absence of fully resistant strains. The development of an effective vaccine remains an urgent priority to reduce GAS disease burden and prevent severe outcomes. Future research should focus on vaccine development, molecular mechanisms of virulence, and strategies to curb antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Interpersonal violence (IPV) has overtaken road traffic collisions as a leading cause of facial fractures, yet regional data from Southern Europe are limited. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all adults (≥18 y) treated between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2022 for radiologically confirmed IPV-related facial fractures. Recorded variables were demographics, AO-CMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen—Craniomaxillofacial) fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Score (FISS), presence of facial soft-tissue wounds, treatment modality, and length of stay; associations between variables were explored. Results: A total of 224 victims were identified; 94% were men (median age 26 y, IQR 22–34). The mandible was the most frequently involved bone (42%), followed by the orbit (25%); 14% sustained fractures at multiple sites. Facial soft-tissue wounds occurred in 9% of cases, three-quarters of which were associated with mandibular injury (p = 0.005). The median FISS was 2 and was higher in males, patients > 34 y, those with multiple fractures, and those with wounds (all p < 0.05). FISS showed a weak positive correlation with hospital stay (r = 0.23), which averaged 4.1 ± 1.6 days. Open reduction and internal fixation were required in 78% of patients, most often 24–72 h after admission. Annual IPV-related admissions remained stable throughout the 12-year period. Conclusions: IPV in this region consistently injures young men, with the mandible and orbit most at risk. FISS is a practical bedside indicator of resource use. The unchanging incidence—likely underestimated because isolated nasal fractures and minor injuries are often managed outside maxillofacial services or never reported—highlights the urgency of targeted prevention programs, routine screening, and streamlined multidisciplinary pathways. Full article

Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a neurological disease in horses caused by Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). It is a serious condition, often resulting in severe neurological deficits, and can be fatal. In this report, we discuss the first outbreak of EHM in Chile (clinical signs, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control measures). A total of 567 polo horses were kept at the facility: 58.4% mares, 41.6% geldings, and stallions. Mean age was 9.7 ± 0.132 years. Thirteen horses showed clinical signs of EHV-1, eight had fevers (1.4%), and eleven developed EHM (1.9%). Only six of the eleven EHM cases had high fevers (>39.5 °C). Mortality was 0.35% (index case and one additional case) and morbidity reached 3.35% (19/567). PCR testing was performed on 214 horses (37.7%); 13 tested positive (6.1%) and 201 negative (93.9%). Of PCR-positive horses, 53.8% showed clinical signs. Notably, 2.9% of PCR-negative horses also presented signs compatible with EHV-1. CT values among positive cases ranged from 30 to 39. This first EHM outbreak in Chile showed low morbidity and mortality. Rapid implementation of strict quarantine and biosecurity effectively limited spread. Further data on viral prevalence and types are needed to improve preparedness. Full article

The growing demand for health-promoting and eco-friendly foods has driven interest in biofunctional dairy products. Goat milk yogurt, though nutritionally beneficial, faces sensory challenges, while antioxidant-rich spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a coffee by-product, offer sustainable enhancement potential. This study assessed the consumer acceptance of goat milk yogurt enriched with 2% and 3% SCG extract. A total of 137 untrained consumers evaluated six sensory attributes—appearance, aroma, taste, texture, coffee–yogurt balance, and aftertaste—on a five-point hedonic scale. Due to non-normal data, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Spearman correlations were applied. No significant differences emerged between formulations (p > 0.05). Taste, aftertaste, and aroma were strongly correlated (r > 0.65). All attributes significantly predicted purchase intent (p < 0.01), with taste as the strongest driver (OR = 2.24). Consumers aged 26–35, usually presenting health or environmental concerns, showed greater acceptance. The addition of SCG extract did not compromise sensory quality, supporting its viability as a sustainable functional ingredient. These findings present high acceptance of a newly developed eco-friendly and nutritionally beneficial product, responding to consumers’ current qualitative demands related to the food they consume. Full article

Background: The Amazon biome exhibits complex arboviral transmission dynamics influenced by accelerating deforestation, climate change, and socioeconomic inequities. Objectives/Methods: This study integrates official epidemiological records with socioeconomic, environmental, and climate variables by applying advanced geostatistical methods (Moran’s I, SaTScan, kernel density estimation) combined with principal component analysis and negative binomial regression to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue incidence and its association with socio-environmental determinants across municipalities in Pará state (eastern Brazilian Amazon) from 2010 to 2024. Results: Dengue incidence showed an overall decline but with marked epidemic peaks in 2010–2012, 2016, and 2024. The spatial analysis revealed significant clustering (Moran’s I = 0.221, p < 0.01), with persistent high-risk hotspots across most of Pará. Of 144 municipalities, 104 exhibited significant dengue risk, while 58 maintained sustained transmission. Negative binomial regression model identified key determinants: illiteracy, low urbanization, reduced GDP, and climate variables. Conclusions: Dengue transmission in the Amazon is driven by synergistic socio-environmental disruptions, necessitating intersectoral policies that bridge public health surveillance, sustainable land-use governance, and poverty alleviation. Priority actions include targeted vector control in high-risk clusters, coupled with integrated deforestation and climate monitoring to predict outbreak risks. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing multisectoral interventions tailored to the territorial and socio-environmental complexities of vulnerable Amazonian regions for effective dengue control. Full article