Search Results (10,372)

Trace metal pollution in tropical freshwater ecosystems poses growing public health concerns, particularly in regions where fisheries are central to food security; however, little is known about metal exposure risks in the Western Amazon. This study presents the first assessment of trace metal concentrations in fish sold at the main market in El Coca, a rapidly growing city in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We analyzed 11 trace metals in 17 commercially important species and estimated seven health risk indices based on two fish consumption scenarios and international reference dose standards. Our results show that all species exceeded recommended thresholds for arsenic, mercury, and lead, while one species surpassed guidelines for aluminum. Metal concentrations varied by species and river of origin: small catfish from the Payamino River had elevated cadmium, chromium, copper, and manganese levels, potentially linked to upstream gold mining, whereas larger catfish showed higher mercury and arsenic accumulation. Monte Carlo simulations of risk indices suggested overall low disease risk, but the lack of local demographic data limits accurate assessments for vulnerable groups. Despite sampling limitations, our findings offer the first baseline for monitoring trace metal exposure in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon and underscore the need for targeted public health strategies in this understudied region. Full article

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is an important nuclear receptor that regulates diverse physiological functions, including drug metabolism. Although PXR activation is potentially involved in adverse events, the full scope of its impact has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we developed a machine learning model to predict the activity of PXR agonists and applied the model to drugs listed in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database. Analysis of the predicted agonist–active drug interactions and adverse event reports revealed statistically significant risks (lnROR > 1 and −logp > 1.3) for multiple cardiac disorders. These findings suggest that PXR activity is involved in cardiovascular adverse effects and may contribute to drug safety through the early identification of risks. Full article

Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was conducted to improve bacterial inactivation in complex municipal wastewater and enhance the fouling resistance and filtration performance. The synthesis and fabrication of porphyrin nanofillers and the resultant membrane characteristics were studied. The incorporation of porphyrin-based nanofillers improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, morphology, and flux (247 Lm⁻² h⁻¹), with the membrane contact angle (CA) decreasing from 90° to ranging between 58° and 50°. The membrane performance was monitored for its flux, antifouling properties, reusability potential, municipal wastewater, and humic acid. The modified membranes demonstrated an effective application in wastewater treatment, achieving notable antibacterial activity, particularly under light exposure. The In-BP@SW/PES membrane demonstrated effective antimicrobial photodynamic effects against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. It achieved at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial viability, meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for efficient antimicrobial materials. Among the variants tested, membranes modified with In-PB@SW nanofillers exhibited superior antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios (FRRs) of 78.9% for the humic acid (HA) solution and 85% for the municipal wastewater (MWW), suggesting a strong potential for long-term filtration use. These results highlight the promise of porphyrin-functionalized membranes as multifunctional tools in advanced water treatment technologies. Full article

Determining the transmission routes of pathogens in indoor environments is challenging, with most studies limited to specific case analyses and pilot experiments. When pathogens are instantaneously released by a patient in an indoor environment, the peak infection risk may not occur immediately but may instead appear at a specific moment during the pathogen’s spread. We developed a concise model to describe the temporal crest of infection risk. The model incorporates the transmission and degradation characteristics of aerosols and surface particles to predict infection risks via air and surface routes. Only four real-world outbreaks met the criteria for validating this phenomenon. Based on the available data, norovirus is likely to transmit primarily via surface touch (i.e., the fomite route). In contrast, crests of infection risk were not observed in outbreaks of respiratory diseases (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), suggesting a minimal probability of surface transmission in such cases. The new model can serve as a preliminary indicator for identifying different indoor pathogen transmission routes (e.g., food, air, or fomite). Further analyses of pathogens’ transmission routes require additional evidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline health measurements among transitional housing residents (n = 29) participating in an 8-week pilot wellness intervention. Methods: Researchers measured anthropometrics, body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular indicators, physical activity, diet quality, and health-related perceptions. Researchers analyzed data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Most participants were male, White, and food insecure. Mean BMI (31.8 ± 8.6 kg/m²), waist-to-hip ratio (1.0 ± 0.1 males, 0.9 ± 0.1 females), body fat percentage (25.8 ± 6.1% males, 40.5 ± 9.4% females), blood pressure (131.8 ± 17.9/85.2 ± 13.3 mmHg), and daily step counts exceeded recommended levels. Absolute grip strength (77.1 ± 19.4 kg males, 53.0 ± 15.7 kg females) and perceived general health were below reference standards. The Healthy Eating Index-2020 score (39.7/100) indicated low diet quality. Common barriers to healthy eating were financial constraints (29.6%) and limited cooking/storage facilities (29.6%), as well as to exercise, physical impediments (14.8%). Conclusions: Residents living in transitional housing have less favorable body composition, diet, and grip strength measures, putting them at risk for negative health outcomes. Wellness interventions aimed at promoting improved health-related outcomes while addressing common barriers to proper diet and exercise among transitional housing residents are warranted. Full article

The windowpane oyster (Placuna placenta) is common in coastal areas of the Philippines, thriving in brackish waters. Its shells underpin the local craft industries. While its meat is edible, only small amounts are consumed locally, most going to waste. Utilization of this potential nutrient source is hindered by the lack of information concerning its organic and mineral content, the possible presence of heavy metal ions, and the risk of microbial pathogens. We report extensive analysis of the meat from Placuna placenta, harvested during three different seasons to account for potential variations. This comprises proximate analysis, mineral, antioxidant, and microbial analyses. While considerable seasonal variation was observed, the windowpane oyster was found to be a rich source of protein, fats, minerals, and carbohydrates, comparing well with the meats of other shellfish and land animals. Following pre-cooking (~90 °C, 25–30 min), the standard local method for food preparation, no viable E. coli or Salmonella sp. were detected. Mineral content was broadly similar to that reported in fish, although iron, zinc, and copper were more highly represented, nevertheless, heavy metals were below internationally acceptable levels, with the exception of one of three samples, which was slightly above the only current standard, FSANZ. Whether the arsenic was in the safer organic form, which is commonly the case for shellfish, or the more toxic inorganic form remains to be established. This and the variation of arsenic over time will need to be considered when developing food products. Overall, the meat of the windowpane oyster is a valuable food resource and its current (albeit low-level) use should lower any barriers to its acceptance, making it suitable for commercialization. The present data support its development for high-value food products in urban markets. Full article

This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange and waste removal. Exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA create a protective matrix. Persister cells within the biofilm contribute to antibiotic resistance and survival. The heterogeneous architecture of the E. faecalis biofilm contains both dense clusters and loosely packed regions that vary in thickness, ranging from 10 to 100 µm, depending on the environmental conditions. The pathogenicity of the E. faecalis biofilm is mediated through complex interactions between genes and virulence factors such as DNA release, cytolysin, pili, secreted antigen A, and microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules, often involving a key protein called enterococcal surface protein (Esp). Clinically, it is implicated in a range of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and surgical wound infections. The biofilm serves as a nidus for bacterial dissemination and as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance. The effectiveness of first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides) is diminished due to reduced penetration, altered metabolism, increased tolerance, and intrinsic and acquired resistance. Alternative strategies for biofilm disruption, such as combination therapy (ampicillin with aminoglycosides), as well as newer approaches, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and biofilm-disrupting agents (DNase or dispersin B), are also being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Environmentally, E. faecalis biofilms contribute to contamination in water systems, food production facilities, and healthcare environments. They persist in harsh conditions, facilitating the spread of multidrug-resistant strains and increasing the risk of transmission to humans and animals. Therefore, understanding the biofilm architecture and drug resistance is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their clinical and environmental impact. Full article

Fumonisins, primarily produced by Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus section nigri, are common contaminants in maize, cereal grains, and other processed and derived products, representing a significant risk to food safety and public health. This study presents the development and optimisation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) for the quantification of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) in various food matrices. In contrast with conventional protocols employing potassium phosphate buffers as the mobile phase, the proposed method utilises formic acid, offering enhanced compatibility with liquid chromatography systems. An automated online precolumn derivatisation with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was optimised through experimental design and response surface methodology, enabling baseline separation of FB1 and FB2 derivatives in less than 20 min. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.006 µg mL⁻¹ for FB1 and 0.012 µg mL⁻¹ for FB2, and excellent repeatability (intraday RSD values of 0.85% and 0.83%, respectively). Several solid-phase extraction (SPE) strategies were evaluated to enhance sample clean-up using a variety of food samples, including dried figs, raisins, dates, corn, cornmeal, wheat flour, and rice. FumoniStar Inmunoaffinity columns were the only clean-up method that provided optimal recoveries (70–120%) across all tested food matrices. However, the MultiSep™ 211 column yielded good recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and raisins. Additionally, the C18 cartridge achieved acceptable recoveries for both fumonisins in dried figs and wheat flour. Full article

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) and self-harm (SH) are both associated with distress, poor psychosocial functioning, and increased risk of mortality. Much of the literature discusses the complex interplay between SH and ED behaviours where co-occurrence is common. The onset of both is typically seen during teenage years into early adulthood. A better understanding of the functions of these behaviours is needed to guide effective prevention and treatment, particularly during the crucial developmental years. An earlier review has explored the functions of self-harm, but an equivalent review for eating disorder behaviours does not appear to have been completed. Objectives: This evidence synthesis had two objectives. First, to identify and synthesise published first-hand accounts of the reasons why people engage in eating disorder behaviours with the view to develop a broad theoretical framework of functions. Second, to draw comparisons between the functions of eating disorder behaviours and self-harm. Methods: A qualitative evidence synthesis reporting first-hand accounts of the reasons for engaging in eating disorder behaviours. A ‘best fit’ framework synthesis, using the a priori framework from the review of self-harm functions, was undertaken with thematic analysis to categorise responses. Results: Following a systematic search and rigorous screening process, 144 studies were included in the final review. The most commonly reported functions of eating disorder behaviours were distress management (affect regulation) and interpersonal influence. This review identified significant overlap in functions between self-harm and eating disorder behaviours. Gender identity, responding to food insecurity, to delay growing up and responding to weight, shape, and body ideals were identified as functions more salient to eating disorder behaviours. Similarly, some self-harm functions were not identified in the eating disorder literature. These were experimenting, averting suicide, personal language, and exploring/maintaining boundaries. Conclusions: This evidence synthesis identified a prominent overlap between psychological functions of eating disorder behaviours and self-harm, specifically in relation to distress management (affect regulation). Despite clear overlap in certain areas, some functions were found to be distinct to each behaviour. The implications for delivering and adapting targeted interventions are discussed. Full article

In the face of growing demand for food and climate change, ensuring the stability and height of crop yields is becoming a key challenge for modern agriculture. One of the solutions supporting the sustainable development of crop production is the use of certified seed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using certified seed on the level and stability of yields of three cereal species: winter wheat, winter triticale and spring barley, in temperate climate conditions. Data came from surveys conducted on over 8000 farms in six agroecoregions of Poland in 2021–2023. The analysis showed significantly higher yields on farms using certified seed for all species studied. Additionally, greater yield stability (lower values of Shukla variance and Wricke ecovalence) was noted in the case of using certified seeds, especially in region IV. This indicates the positive impact of certified seeds (e.g., genetic purity, health, and vigor) on the efficiency and resilience of agricultural systems. This phenomenon is of particular importance in the context of climate change and may be an important element of risk management strategies in agriculture. Full article

In the past three decades, localized research has highlighted shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature trends in central Ethiopia, a region vital for agriculture and economic activities and heavily dependent on climate conditions to sustain livelihoods and ensure food security. However, comprehensive analyses of long-term climate data remain limited for this area. Understanding local climate trends is essential for enhancing agricultural resilience in the study area, a region heavily dependent on rainfall for crop production. This study analyzes historical rainfall and temperature patterns over the past 30 years and projects future climate conditions using downscaled CMIP6 models under SSP4.5 and SSP8.5 scenarios. Results indicate spatial variability in rainfall trends, with certain areas showing increasing rainfall while others experience declines. Temperature has shown a consistent upward trend across all seasons, with more pronounced warming during the short rainy season (Belg). Climate projections suggest continued warming and moderate increases in annual rainfall, particularly under SSP8.5 by the end of the 21st century. It is concluded that both temperature and rainfall are projected to increase in magnitude by 2080, with higher Sen’s slope values compared to earlier periods, indicating a continued upward trend. These findings highlight potential breaks in agricultural calendars, such as shifts in rainfall onset and cessation, shortened or extended growing seasons, and increased risk of temperature-induced stress. This study highlights the need for localized adaptation strategies to safeguard agriculture production and enhance resilience in the face of future climate variability. Full article

Objectives: Norovirus outbreaks occur in densely populated environments, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and schools. On 22 October 2022, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was reported at a kindergarten in Korea. An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to identify the source of the infection and prevent further spread. Methods: Rectal swab and environmental samples were collected for bacterial and viral testing. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 114 kindergarteners at the kindergarten. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess associations of contact with the primary case, as well as food and water consumption. Results: Of the kindergarteners, 28 out of 114 (24.6%) met the case definition. The primary case occurred on 19 October, and subsequent cases began on 21 October. Sharing the same four-year-old class as the primary case (RR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.35–4.87), being in the same regular class (RR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.27–4.41), being on the same floor during after-school class (RR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.74–7.00), and attending the same English class (RR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.05–3.72) were statistically significant. Consumption of drinking water on the third floor and fourth floor on 20 October had significantly higher and lower RRs, respectively. Norovirus was detected in 9 out of 18 rectal swab samples (50.0%). Conclusions: This norovirus outbreak at the kindergarten was presumed to have been caused by person-to-person transmission from the primary case. Isolation and restriction of symptomatic children in kindergartens should be thoroughly implemented. Additionally, enhanced surveillance among family members of affected individuals is necessary to prevent further outbreaks. Full article

In many developing African countries, milk safety is often managed through traditional methods such as fermentation or boiling over firewood. While these approaches reduce some microbial risks, they present critical limitations. Firewood dependency contributes to deforestation, depletion of agricultural residues, and loss of soil fertility, which, in turn, compromise environmental health and food security. Solar pasteurization provides a reliable and sustainable method for thermally inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in milk and other perishable foods at sub-boiling temperatures, preserving its nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal and microbial performance of a low-cost solar milk pasteurization system, hypothesized to effectively reduce microbial contaminants and retain milk quality under natural sunlight. The system was constructed using locally available materials and tailored to the climatic conditions of the Savanna ecological zone in West Africa. A flat-plate glass solar collector was integrated with a 0.15 cm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat, featuring a 2.2 cm hot water jacket and 0.5 cm thick aluminum foil insulation. The system was tested in Navrongo, Ghana, under ambient temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 43 °C. The pasteurizer successfully processed up to 8 L of milk per batch, achieving a maximum milk temperature of 74 °C by 14:00 GMT. Microbial analysis revealed a significant reduction in bacterial load, from 6.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL to 1.0 × 10² CFU/mL, with complete elimination of coliforms. These results confirmed the device’s effectiveness in achieving safe pasteurization levels. The findings demonstrate that this locally built solar pasteurization system is a viable and cost-effective solution for improving milk safety in arid, electricity-limited regions. Its potential scalability also opens avenues for rural entrepreneurship in solar-powered food and water treatment technologies. Full article

Produce supply chains play a critical role in ensuring fruits and vegetables reach consumers efficiently, affordably, and at optimal freshness. In recent decades, hub-and-spoke network models have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing sustainable cold food supply chains. Traditional optimization efforts typically focus on removing inefficiencies, minimizing lead times, refining inventory management, strengthening supplier relationships, and leveraging technological advancements for better visibility and control. However, the majority of models rely on deterministic approaches that overlook the inherent uncertainties of crop yields, which are further intensified by climate variability. Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, along with shifting temperature patterns and extreme weather events, have a substantial effect on crop productivity and availability. Such uncertainties can prompt distributors to seek alternative sources, increasing costs due to supply chain reconfiguration. This research introduces a stochastic hub-and-spoke network optimization model specifically designed to minimize transportation expenses by determining optimal distribution routes that explicitly account for climate variability effects on crop yields. A use case involving a cold food supply chain (CFSC) was carried out using several weather scenarios based on climate models and real soil data for California. Strawberries were selected as a representative crop, given California’s leading role in strawberry production. Simulation results show that scenarios characterized by increased rainfall during growing seasons result in increased yields, allowing distributors to reduce transportation costs by sourcing from nearby farms. Conversely, scenarios with reduced rainfall and lower yields require sourcing from more distant locations, thereby increasing transportation costs. Nonetheless, supply chain configurations may vary depending on the choice of climate models or weather prediction sources, highlighting the importance of regularly updating scenario inputs to ensure robust planning. This tool aids decision-making by planning climate-resilient supply chains, enhancing preparedness and responsiveness to future climate-related disruptions. Full article

Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article