Search Results (1,136)

Anthropogenic climate change represents a critical and complex threat to the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This review aims to critically synthesise and evaluate the synergetic and antagonistic mechanisms through which rising water temperature, the most prominent climatic factor, modulates the host–parasite relationship. The systematic literature review was conducted across a high-impact database (Web of Science), focusing on the extraction and qualitative analysis of data concerning infection dynamics and both host and parasite interactions. The findings demonstrate that thermal stress imposes a dual penalty on host–parasite systems: (1) it confers a critical thermal advantage to direct-life cycle parasites, significantly accelerating their virulence, reproduction, and infective capacity; (2) simultaneously, it severely compromises the immunocompetence and physiological resilience of piscine hosts, often through immunometabolic trade-offs and inflammatory dysfunction. This toxic synergy is the root cause of the exponential disease prevalence/intensity of parasites and fish mass mortality events, directly impacting biodiversity and global aquaculture sustainability. In contrast, it may also cause the disruption of the transmission chains to threaten complex life cycle parasites with localised extinction. We conclude that climate mitigation must be urgently recognised and implemented as a primary strategy for biological risk management to secure aquatic health and global food safety. Full article

Neonatal seizures are common complications in neonatal intensive care units. They have been noticed to be more common in preterm infants, but they can also affect term infants. Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug that has been studied to manage seizures, yet limited data are available on its use in neonatal seizures. Objectives: Study the effect of levetiracetam on neonatal seizures in terms of maintaining seizure freedom after the initiation of levetiracetam and investigating its safety profile in the neonate population. Method: Retrospective cohort study comparing two groups of patients identified through accessing their medical profiles after searching the following keywords: phenobarbital, levetiracetam, and neonatal seizures amongst all NICU admissions in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, from the period between December 2016 and January 2020. Forty-eight patients were included based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The selected sample was further subclassified into 28 neonates who received phenobarbital and 20 who received levetiracetam. Results: Seizure control was significantly observed in neonates with onset <24 h and those born at <37 weeks GA. In the first arm, 22 out of 28 neonates achieved seizure freedom while using phenobarbital; in the second arm, 11 out of 20 neonates achieved seizure control on levetiracetam after failing with phenobarbital. While seizure control was better achieved by phenobarbital, it was found that almost 57% of the first arm developed side effects on phenobarbital; however, only 10% of the neonates on levetiracetam developed side effects. While PB remains effective for acute suppression, LEV demonstrated a superior safety profile with no serious adverse events and a high rate of successful seizure management as an add-on therapy (83% control in combined cohorts). Conclusions: The study concluded that using levetiracetam could result in improved outcomes. LEV is a safe and effective alternative or adjunct to PB. Its use may mitigate the neurotoxic risks associated with GABAergic drugs, though continuous EEG monitoring is essential to ensure electrical seizure cessation and avoid electroclinical dissociation. The number of patients who received levetiracetam initially is not considered a representative sample to reach a conclusion on the use of levetiracetam as an effective monotherapy. Full article

Background: The global dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella poses a persistent and serious threat to food safety systems. As a leading poultry-exporting country, Thailand requires a comprehensive understanding of how resistance plasmids spread among Salmonella populations within its chicken production chain. Methods: Between March 2023 and February 2024, 223 Salmonella isolates were collected from chicken slaughterhouses and markets in northeastern Thailand. From these, 19 representative MDR Salmonella enterica isolates, selected based on distinct spatiotemporal distributions, underwent whole-genome sequencing. Genomic analyses included sequence typing, core-genome phylogenetics, and screening for antimicrobial resistance genes. Plasmid replicons were identified, and functional annotation was performed using the COG database. Results: Phylogenetic analysis revealed 11 distinct sequence types within the population. Among these, ST1541 and ST50 showed clear evidence of clonal transmission across different production stages, with a notable clustering pattern observed during the winter season. All sequenced isolates exhibited an MDR phenotype. Plasmids were detected in 78.9% of isolates, with conjugative plasmids being the most frequent type (57.9%). The β-lactamase gene bla_TEM-60 was the most prevalent (78.9%) and showed a strong correlation (r ≥ 0.7) with resistance to both ampicillin and cefotaxime. Functional annotation further revealed an abundance of genes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism across all isolates. Conclusions: These findings indicate that MDR Salmonella dissemination is driven by two synergistic mechanisms: the clonal expansion of fit lineages and the horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmids harboring β-lactamase genes. We identified IncI-gamma-K1 and Col-related plasmids as key vectors in this process. This study advocates for targeted interventions, guided by a One Health approach, that specifically aim to disrupt plasmid transmission at critical control points, such as slaughterhouses, to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent occupational health challenges in the U.S. construction industry, where physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, kneeling, and working in awkward postures contribute to elevated injury rates. This study aims to identify significant job-related determinants of MSDs in construction-sector occupations. By integrating publicly available datasets from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) datasets, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted on 344 occupation-condition observations representing 86 construction occupations, yielding a final model that explained 49% of the variance. Ten significant predictors of MSD events were identified and classified as either risk amplifiers or mitigators. Amplifiers included factors such as exposure to noise, disease, hazardous conditions, and time pressure, all of which heightened MSD risk, while mitigators—such as reduced cramped-space exposure and regulated work environments—were associated with lower risk. MSDs resulting from sprains, strains, or tears accounted for 62.8% of all cases, frequently leading to days away from work (36.3%) or job restrictions (26.5%). The findings underscore that ergonomic risk in construction extends beyond physical strain to include scheduling, equipment design, and work organization. These results provide actionable insights for employers and safety professionals to redesign tools, optimize task rotation, and implement realistic work pacing strategies, ultimately reducing MSD incidence and improving productivity in this high-risk sector. Full article

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) is a medicinal and nutritional plant widely recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and diverse health-promoting properties. The fruit, leaves, and flowers contain significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and dye compounds with antioxidant properties that contribute to its strong antioxidant capacity. Numerous studies have demonstrated hawthorn’s beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including regulation of blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and cardiac function. Additionally, hawthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, supporting its role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Its potential as a functional food ingredient and natural health supplement is increasingly recognized. However, further clinical trials and standardization of bioactive components are needed to confirm its efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage. Overall, hawthorn represents a valuable natural resource for promoting human health and well-being through diet and phytotherapy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present—based on the scientific literature—the antioxidant properties of hawthorn and to assess the possibility of using this plant as a functional ingredient. Full article

Composting represents a sustainable and effective strategy for converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, providing a safer alternative to raw manure, which poses significant risks of soil, crop, and water contamination through pathogenic microorganisms. This study, conducted under semi-arid Moroccan conditions, investigated the efficiency of co-composting green garden waste with sheep manure in an open window system, with the objective of assessing pathogen inactivation and evaluating compost quality. The process, conducted over 120 days, maintained thermophilic temperatures exceeding 55 °C, effectively reducing key pathogens including Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and sulfite-reducing Clostridia (SRC), while Salmonella was not detected throughout the composting period. Pathogen reductions exceeded 3.52-log despite moderate temperature fluctuations, indicating that additional sanitization mechanisms beyond heat contributed to inactivation. Compost quality, assessed using the CQI, classified Heap 2 (fallen leaves + sheep manure) as good quality (4.06) and Heap 1 (green waste + sheep manure) as moderate quality (2.47), corresponding to differences in microbial dynamics and compost stability. These findings demonstrate that open windrow co-composting is a practical, low-cost, and effective method for safe organic waste management. It supports sustainable agriculture by improving soil health, minimizing environmental and public health risks, and providing guidance for optimizing composting protocols to meet regulatory safety standards. Full article

Exposure to chemical irritants in laboratory and medical environments poses significant health risks to workers, particularly in relation to asthma-like symptoms. Routine cleaning practices, which often involve the use of strong chemical agents to maintain hygienic settings, have been shown to contribute to respiratory issues. Laboratories, where chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and ammonia are frequently used, represent an underexplored context in the study of occupational asthma. While much of the research on chemical exposure has focused on industrial and high-risk occupations or large cohort populations, less attention has been given to the risks in laboratory and medical environments, particularly for professional cleaning staff. Given the growing reliance on cleaning agents to maintain sterile and safe workspaces in scientific research and healthcare facilities, this gap is concerning. This study developed an exploratory simulation tool, using a simulated cohort based on key demographic and exposure patterns from foundational research, to assess the impact of chemical exposure from cleaning products in laboratory environments. Four supervised machine learning models were applied to evaluate the relationship between chemical exposures and asthma-like symptoms: (1) Decision Trees, (2) Random Forest, (3) Gradient Boosting, and (4) XGBoost. High exposures to hydrochloric acid and ammonia were found to be significantly associated with asthma-like symptoms, and workplace type also played a critical role in determining asthma risk. This research provides a data-driven framework for assessing and predicting asthma-like symptoms in professional cleaning workers exposed to cleaning agents and highlights the potential for integrating predictive modeling into occupational health and safety monitoring. Future work should explore dose–response relationships and the temporal dynamics of chemical exposure to further refine these models and improve understanding of long-term health risks. Full article

The human gut microbiota plays a key role in health and disease across the lifespan and is shaped by complex intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a contributor to a wide range of clinical conditions, with diarrhoea—particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhoea—representing an early clinical marker of microbiota disruption. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and its clinical applications in both paediatric and adult populations. Available clinical data support its safety and efficacy in the prevention and management of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly diarrhoeal conditions, and suggest a potential role in promoting microbiota resilience. Key mechanisms of action, safety considerations, and findings from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses are discussed. However, current data remains limited by heterogeneity among studies and a lack of long-term, mechanistic data, highlighting the need for further well-designed studies to clarify its role across different clinical settings. Full article

Radon exposure poses a significant health risk in underground cultural heritage sites, where limited ventilation and prolonged visitor presence can lead to high radon exposures. While previous studies have concentrated on monitoring and mitigation strategies, few have developed a comprehensive approach that ensures both safe and sustainable site use. This research introduces an innovative methodology that integrates periodic/seasonal radon risk assessment with risk-informed access management based on periodic monitoring and time tracking. This approach is based on: (i) periodic monitoring to obtain representative concentrations; (ii) the calculation of permissible stay durations using a dose-based framework; (iii) implementation via access registration (badges) and procedural measures; and (iv) the application of mitigation measures when concentrations exceed limits (otherwise, the dose is evaluated in accordance with the applicable reference levels). This strategy was implemented and validated at the Roman Theatre in Herculaneum, a unique case study characterised by complex architectural constraints (as the theatre is completely underground) and high cultural significance. Results from years of monitoring, along with ongoing campaigns, demonstrate that this methodology not only reduces radon-related health risks but also enhances visitor experience. This integrated framework provides a replicable model for balancing conservation, safety, and accessibility in underground heritage sites. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination in agricultural products poses a serious challenge to food safety, severely threatening human and animal health and causing significant economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the degradation and detoxification capabilities of Trichoderma reesei GG-T40 against two representative mycotoxins—aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and zearalenone (ZEN). The results showed that the degradation rates of AFB₁ and ZEN by this strain reached 98.6% and 88.4%, respectively. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF MS), the degradation products were systematically characterized, leading to the identification of six AFB₁ degradation products (C₁₇H₁₄O₇, AFD₁: C₁₆H₁₄O₅, C₁₁H₁₀O₄, C₁₄H₁₆O₄, C₁₅H₁₀O₄, and C₁₇H₁₄O₅) and two ZEN degradation products (α-ZOL and β-ZOL). Toxicity evaluation revealed that the key toxic structures of AFB₁ were disrupted, significantly reducing or even eliminating the toxicity of its degradation products; ZEN was mainly converted into β-ZOL (accounting for 91.5%), which has lower estrogenic activity. Further toxicological experiments in mice confirmed that the degradation products were non-toxic and non-pathogenic under actual testing conditions, demonstrating systematic verification of their safety. In conclusion, T. reesei GG-T40 can efficiently and safely degrade AFB₁ and ZEN, showing great potential for developing green control technologies for mycotoxin contamination in food and feed raw materials, with important application value for ensuring food safety. Full article

Bridge health monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of infrastructure. In traditional methods, physics-based models have high interpretability but are difficult to handle complex nonlinear problems, while purely data-driven machine learning methods are limited by data scarcity and physical inconsistency. Physics-informed machine learning, as an emerging “gray box” paradigm, effectively integrates the advantages of both by embedding physical laws (such as control equations) into machine learning models in the form of constraints, priors, or residuals. This article systematically elaborates on the core fusion mechanism of physics-informed machine learning (PIML) in bridge engineering, innovative applications throughout the entire lifecycle of design, construction, operation, and maintenance, as well as its unique data augmentation strategy. Research has shown that PIML can significantly improve the accuracy and robustness of damage identification, load inversion, and performance prediction, and is the core engine for constructing dynamic and predictive digital twin systems. Despite facing challenges in complex physical modeling, loss function balancing, and engineering interpretability, PIML represents a fundamental shift in bridge health monitoring towards intelligent and predictive maintenance by combining advanced strategies such as active learning and meta learning with IoT technology. Full article

Aquatic environments have been a critical source of nutrition for millennia, with wild fisheries supplying protein and nutrients to populations worldwide. A notable shift has occurred in recent decades with the expansion of aquaculture, now representing a fast-growing sector in food production. Aquaculture plays a key role in mitigating the depletion of wild fish stocks and addressing issues related to overfishing. Despite its potential benefits, the sustainability of both wild and farmed aquatic food systems is challenged by anthropogenic pollution. Contaminants from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and domestic effluents enter freshwater systems and eventually reach marine environments, where they may be transported globally through ocean currents. Maintaining water quality is paramount to food safety, environmental integrity, and long-term food security. In addition to conventional seafood products such as fish and shellfish, foods such as those derived from microalgae are gaining attention in Western markets for their high nutritional value and potential functional properties. These organisms have been consumed in Asia for generations and are now being explored as sustainable foods and ingredients as an alternative source of protein. Contaminants in aquatic food products include residues of agrochemicals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as well as brominated flame retardants and heavy metals. Public and scientific attention has intensified around plastic pollution, particularly microplastics and nanoplastics, which are increasingly detected in aquatic organisms and are the subject of ongoing toxicological and ecological risk assessments. While the presence of these hazards necessitates robust risk assessment and regulatory oversight, it is important to balance these concerns against the health benefits of aquatic foods, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and trace elements. Furthermore, beyond direct human health implications, the environmental impact of pollutant sources must be addressed through integrated management approaches to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the food systems they support. This review covers regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and management issues relating to aquatic environments, including the impact of climate change. It aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, food businesses who harvest food from aquatic systems and other stakeholders. Full article

The performance of a building drainage system, “BDS”, is determined by the complexity of internal airflow and pressure dynamics, governed by unsteady wastewater flows from randomly discharging appliances such as WCs, sinks, and baths. Designers attempt to optimise system safety by equalising pressure and incorporating ventilation pipes and active devices such as AAVs and positive pressure reduction devices (PPRDs). However, failures within these systems can lead to foul gases and potentially hazardous microbes entering habitable spaces and posing a risk to public health. This study, for the first time, develops a novel model that simulates the effect of air from the sewer on BDS performance, which describes the correlation between system airflow and air pressure under the influence of air from the sewer. A combination of full-scale laboratory experiments representing a 3-storey building and real-world data from a 32-storey test rig configured as a building demonstrated that sewer air significantly modifies airflow and air pressure within a BDS. These findings are crucial for modern urban environments, where the prevalence of tall buildings amplifies the risks associated with air pressure transients. This work paves the way for updating codes to more effectively address real-world challenges. Full article

Biocontainment laboratories often have limited access to a range of instruments required for conducting standard assays on infected materials. Consequently, some of the protocols involving infected samples are conducted outside a biocontainment facility. To be compliant with regulatory requirements and minimize health and safety risks for scientific personnel, it is imperative to test procedures rigorously for safely removing infected samples from biocontainment areas. This study validated the chemical inactivation of Nipah virus (NiV), a representative member of the Henipavirus genus, in animal tissues and serum. Importantly, this work demonstrated successful NiV-spiking of non-human primate (NHP) tissues and their subsequent inactivation. This is important because NHP tissues contain unpredictable amounts of infectious virus. The primary objective was to establish standardized protocols that are compliant with regulations to permit safe retrieval of infected biological samples with high NiV infectious virus content from ABSL-4 laboratories for subsequent downstream processing under lower biocontainment conditions. Full article

Metformin, the most widely prescribed oral antihyperglycemic agent, is established as the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) owing to its efficacy, affordability, and safety. Increasing evidence indicates that its benefits extend beyond glycemic control, encompassing cardiovascular protection and diabetes prevention in individuals at elevated cardiometabolic risk. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that metformin exerts pleiotropic effects through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, modulation of the gut microbiota, inhibition of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, and improvements in endothelial function, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. These actions address core drivers of atherosclerosis and metabolic dysfunction, many of which occur independently of glucose lowering. In patients with T2DM, the cardiovascular benefits of metformin are well recognized, including reductions in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. In individuals without diabetes but at high cardiovascular risk—such as those with prediabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome—evidence is more limited, as most data are derived from subgroup analyses or trials with surrogate endpoints. Nonetheless, consistent signals suggest that metformin may delay the progression from prediabetes to overt diabetes and potentially confer vascular protection, particularly in carefully selected high-risk populations. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that metformin reduces incident diabetes by approximately one quarter in high-risk adults, with stronger effects observed in younger, overweight individuals, women with prior gestational diabetes, and those treated for longer durations. However, uncertainties remain regarding its long-term cost-effectiveness, optimal dosing strategies, and cardiovascular benefits in non-diabetic populations. The ongoing VA-IMPACT trial (NCT02915198) is expected to clarify whether metformin reduces major cardiovascular events in prediabetic patients with atherosclerotic disease. Taken together, metformin represents more than an antidiabetic drug. Its pleiotropic mechanisms, favorable safety profile, and low cost support its potential integration into broader cardiometabolic prevention strategies, including primary prevention. Expanding its role beyond diabetes management may offer a cost-effective, widely accessible intervention with significant public health impact. Full article