Search Results (20,537)

Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in dogs and is closely associated with the composition and functional characteristics of the oral microbiome. However, clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of targeted canine probiotics in preventing post-procedural plaque accumulation remains critically limited, representing a significant knowledge gap in veterinary dentistry. In this randomized pilot study, the aim was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in reducing dental calculus accumulation and alleviating clinical signs of oral inflammation in dogs. Statistically significant differences were observed between the study and control groups for all evaluated oral health parameters. The Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) was considerably lower in the probiotic-treated group than in the control group (p = 0.008). Similarly, significant differences were found for the Dental Plaque Index (p = 0.020) and the Dental Calculus Index (p = 0.018). These results indicate that, after 56 days of probiotic administration, the dogs receiving the probiotic preparation exhibited noticeably better oral health than those in the control group. These observed clinical effects may be consistent with mechanisms proposed in the previous probiotic literature, such as competitive inhibition of biofilm-forming bacteria; however, direct microbiome modulation was not experimentally assessed in this study. The results suggest that probiotic supplementation may represent a promising adjunctive strategy in canine dental prophylaxis by limiting dental calculus accumulation and reducing clinical signs of oral inflammation. These findings provide preliminary clinical evidence of a potential adjunctive benefit, suggesting that post-procedural probiotic administration may support plaque control and help alleviate early signs of oral inflammation in dogs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schistosomiasis affects about 250 million people globally, including an estimated 40 million women of reproductive age and over 10 million pregnant women each year. Praziquantel is a key component of schistosomiasis control and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use during pregnancy; nevertheless, its use is uneven due to ongoing safety concerns. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (with the strongest evidence for the second and third trimesters), observational studies (including limited first-trimester exposures), pharmacokinetic analyses, case series, and WHO policy documents published between 1980 and March 2026. Results: Across all major Schistosoma species, praziquantel demonstrates high efficacy in pregnancy, with cure rates comparable to those in non-pregnant populations. No increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital anomalies, preterm birth, or low birth weight has been observed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies. Treatment of S. haematobium improves maternal anemia and may confer benefits on neonatal iron status and immune development; evidence gaps remain regarding first-trimester exposures and long-term offspring outcomes. Conclusions: Aligning national policies with WHO guidance and integrating praziquantel into antenatal care could substantially reduce maternal morbidity and improve neonatal health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital inequalities are increasingly recognized as a health-equity issue, yet self-reported practical digital competence and psychosocial well-being among adults with severe disabilities remain understudied. This study examined their cross-sectional association and indirect associations through perceived self-determination in daily life and subjective social isolation in a parallel model. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 1519 adults in a 2023 Seoul survey were analyzed. Self-reported practical digital competence was assessed with six task-ability items, perceived self-determination in daily life with one item, and subjective social isolation with two items. Adjusted product-of-coefficients models used 2000 bootstrap replications to calculate bias-corrected confidence intervals. Results: Self-reported practical digital competence was positively associated with psychosocial well-being (b = 0.085, p < 0.001). The indirect association through perceived self-determination in daily life was significant in the main analysis (estimate = 0.076, BC 95% CI [0.050, 0.106]) and remained significant across all sensitivity analyses. Self-reported practical digital competence was not significantly associated with subjective social isolation (b = −0.026, p = 0.203), and the corresponding indirect association was nonsignificant (estimate = 0.006, BC 95% CI [−0.003, 0.016]) and inconsistent across specifications. The direct association was near zero and nonsignificant after both psychosocial variables were included. Conclusions: The indirect association through perceived self-determination in daily life was consistent across analyses, but this single-item measure should be interpreted as a narrow indicator of perceived autonomy or control rather than the broader multidimensional construct of self-determination. Evidence for subjective social isolation was limited and specification-sensitive, and simultaneous measurement precludes temporal or causal interpretation. Digital inclusion efforts may benefit from combining practical digital skills with opportunities to support meaningful goals and everyday choices. Broader relational and environmental supports may also be needed for subjective social disconnection, and longitudinal and intervention research is warranted. Full article

Background: Demographic change, worsening of general health risk profiles and lack of resources cause growing challenges in healthcare, especially in acute and emergency care. To explore the potential of digitally facilitated personalized patient flow management tools in acute care at Austrian emergency departments, we developed and validated a model to predict the individual probability of readmission after an initial acute treatment. Methods: For this exploratory study, a retrospective data analysis on 50,849 cases of acute treatment was conducted, which were retrievable from the routine dataset of the emergency department of the Medical University of Vienna at the tertiary care central hospital. The prediction model was developed based on cases documented between January 2013 and August 2018 and temporally validated using cases registered between August 2018 and April 2022. The prediction model was developed using multivariable Firth’s logistic regression and confirmed by temporal validation. Quality and usefulness were evaluated using calibration plots, Kaplan–Meier curves, C-statistics and decision curve analyses. Results: A total of 25,423 cases were analyzed in the development dataset (median age 59 years, IQR 41–73; 48.15% female), and 25,426 cases in the validation dataset (median age 51 years, IQR 32–70; 50.88% female). The incidence rates of readmission were 3.34 per 100 patient-years in the development dataset and 7.49 per 100 patient-years in the validation dataset. The final score included seven predictors: age > 50 years (“Yes”, 6 points), sex (“male”, 2 points), country of birth (“Austria”, 1 point), married/partnered (“Yes”, 2 points), place of residence Vienna (“Yes”, 5 points), internal medical reason for admission (“Yes”, 1 point), and clear diagnosis possible (“Yes”, 2 points). The final score showed good calibration (R² = 0.952 and R² = 0.891) and modest discrimination (C-indices: 0.60 and 0.62) in both the development and validation datasets. The decision curve analyses suggested clinical net benefit. The results of the sensitivity analyses indicated a robust model. Conclusions: A substantial rise in incidence rates indicates an urgent need for action. The present model showed good calibration but modest discrimination in predicting readmission after initial acute treatment at an emergency department. These findings support further refinement and external validation of the model before its potential use in digitally facilitated personalized patient flow management. Full article

Background: Depression is a major health issue among older adults and is frequently accompanied by chronic physical conditions. Conventional care of depression in older adults is delivered through primary care settings and often fails to address the complex interactions between mental health, physical illness, and social determinants of health in this population. Integrated care models, characterized by coordinated, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered approaches, have emerged as a promising strategy for improving depression outcomes in late life. Objective: This scoping review aimed to characterize integrated care models for managing depression in older adults. The review examined the structure and implementation of these models and evaluated depression-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies published in English between 2006 and February 2026 were considered. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, and quasi-RCTs that evaluated integrated care interventions targeting depression in adults aged 65 years or older or mixed adult populations that included older adults. One reviewer conducted the search and initial screening, and four additional reviewers evaluated the eligibility of full-text reports and extracted data using a structured template. Results were synthesized descriptively. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Integrated care interventions were implemented across primary care clinics, community health centers, and home healthcare programs in several countries. Participants commonly had depression alongside chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Integrated care models varied in staffing, therapeutic components, specialist involvement, delivery intensity, and comparator conditions. Most interventions incorporated multidisciplinary care teams; structured symptom monitoring; care coordination; behavioral or psychological interventions; and, in some studies, chronic disease management, social support, or technology-supported follow-up. Thirteen studies reported a favorable depression-related finding at one or more assessment points; however, benefits were not always sustained, and some studies reported null- or comparator-favoring findings. Conclusions: Integrated care for depression in older adults encompasses heterogeneous models implemented across diverse healthcare contexts. Common themes included multidisciplinary collaboration, coordinated follow-up, structured psychological or behavioral treatment, symptom monitoring, and integration of mental and physical health management. Favorable outcomes were reported in most studies, but findings varied by population, setting, comparator, intervention intensity, and follow-up duration. These findings may inform future program design, although the effectiveness of the integrated care models and the independent contribution of individual components remain uncertain. Full article

Liver and intestinal health govern the production performance of broilers. Baicalin (BA) is a flavonoid extracted from the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and possesses a wide range of biological activity. In this study, 66 one-day-old white-feathered broilers were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Broilers in the control group were fed a basal diet, whereas the BA group received the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg BA. The results showed that BA supplementation markedly elevated the antioxidant capacity of the serum and liver (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the villus height/crypt depth ratio and the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes were significantly higher in the BA group (p < 0.01). Transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assays revealed that BA-mediated effects were associated with the hepatic PPARα signaling pathway and the regulation of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, a combined analysis encompassing intestinal microbiota 16S rRNA sequencing and plasma metabolomics revealed that the BA-induced enrichment of multiple bacterial taxa, such as Lachnospiraceae, may modulate butyrate metabolism and circulating metabolites including isoleucyl-glutamate in broilers. In conclusion, dietary BA supplementation improved the hepatic and intestinal health of white-feathered broilers, reshaped the intestinal microbiota composition, and altered the plasma metabolite profile, with these benefits linked to the PPARα signaling pathway. Full article

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MD) has well-established health benefits, yet modern food systems are driving a nutrition transition. Quantifying how Mediterranean countries have shifted relative to global trends is essential for evidence-based public health. Aim: Dietary changes between 1990 and 2018 were examined in Mediterranean coastline countries (MED) in comparison with high-income non-Mediterranean countries (HIC non-MED) and middle-/low-income non-Mediterranean countries (MLIC non-MED). Methods: Using the Global Dietary Database, within-country changes (1990 vs. 2018) for 13 food categories were analysed across 185 nations in three groups: MED countries (n = 21), HIC non-MED (n = 18), and MLIC non-MED (n = 146). MED countries were further grouped into Southern Europe (SE), Western Asia (WA), and North Africa (NA). Paired unweighted country-level analyses were the primary analyses; population-weighted analyses were sensitivity checks. Benjamini–Hochberg’s false-discovery-rate correction and centred log-ratio compositional analysis were applied. Results: MED seafood intake rose from 20.5 to 33.8 g/day (Δ = +13.3 g/day; 95% CI: +6.2 to +18.4; q = 0.003), and non-starchy vegetables increased from 135.5 to 173.6 g/day (Δ = +38.0 g/day; q = 0.626). Refined/starchy carbohydrate intake rose by 63.3 g/day in MED countries while declining by 33.6 g/day in HIC non-MED countries (between-group divergence +96.9 g/day; q = 0.006). Nuts and seeds rose across all groups; legumes declined modestly in MED countries. Saturated fatty acids + omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (% kcal) rose by +0.6 percentage points in MED countries but fell in HIC non-MED countries. Monounsaturated fatty acids were stable. MED-WA showed the greatest overall divergence from the SE 1990 pattern. Conclusions: These findings highlight a public health paradox: the MD is globally promoted as a model of healthy eating, yet adherence within its region of origin is declining. Targeted, region-specific strategies are urgently needed to preserve beneficial MD elements while addressing emerging diet-related risks. Full article

Background and Objectives: Although herbal medicine-based obesity treatment programs are used in obesity management, empirical research on patient acceptability remains limited. This study examined acceptability of a Korean medicine-based obesity treatment program (KM-OBP) among patients who achieved predefined weight-loss targets in routine clinical care. Materials and Methods: Medical records and satisfaction survey data routinely collected during clinical practice at a single Korean medicine clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Patients had baseline body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² and achieved both ≥10% weight loss and BMI ≤ 23 kg/m² during follow-up. BMI trajectories and adverse-event occurrence were summarized descriptively. Satisfaction ratings were reported on a 5-point Likert scale, and free-text responses were retrospectively analyzed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results: Of 3798 patients with a baseline BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and at least two BMI measurements, 37 (0.97%) met the predefined targets; 16 completed the satisfaction survey. Mean BMI change from the first to last measurement was −8.9 kg/m², and median change was −8.8 kg/m² (interquartile range, −9.6 to −7.7). Common documented adverse events were constipation, nausea, and dizziness. Satisfaction ratings were descriptively high for the overall program, perceived helpfulness for obesity treatment, and herbal medicine. Among the 16 survey respondents, perceived weight-loss benefits, program structure, safety, and health improvement were described as facilitators of acceptability, whereas post-treatment weight regain, dietary burden, and financial concerns were described as barriers. Conclusions: The findings characterize satisfaction and reported acceptability experiences among survey respondents within a highly selected target-achieving cohort. Interpretation is limited by outcome-based selection, potential non-response bias, the small survey sample, and the single-center design. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, yet the majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when a cure is rarely achievable. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in high-risk populations reduces lung cancer mortality by 20–24% in randomised trials, but fewer than 20% of eligible adults in the United States undergo annual screening. We conducted a structured narrative review of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2002 and March 2026, supplemented by review of current clinical guidelines from the USPSTF, NCCN, ACS, CHEST, and ERS. Evidence from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) and the NELSON trial establishes the mortality benefit of LDCT screening, though both trials have important methodological limitations that affect generalisability. The NLST predominantly detected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while small cell lung cancer (SCLC) was infrequently screen detected and showed no survival benefit from early detection. Guideline eligibility criteria have progressively broadened, and multivariable risk model-based selection using the PLCOm2012 now demonstrates superiority over categorical smoking thresholds in prospective validation cohorts, with the added benefit of reducing racial and ethnic eligibility disparities. Overdiagnosis estimates have declined substantially with extended follow-up, reaching 7% when observation exceeds five years. Implementation remains critically deficient: patient stigma, provider knowledge gaps, structural barriers, and inadequate electronic health record infrastructure collectively account for screening uptake below 20%. Integrating smoking cessation into screening encounters is evidence-based and cost-effective. Artificial intelligence tools show promising performance in nodule detection and risk prediction, but lack the prospective external validation required for routine clinical deployment. The field has established efficacy; the urgent challenge is now effectiveness at scale. Transitioning to risk model-based eligibility, expanding access to underserved populations, and mandating cessation integration represent the three highest-priority actions. A research agenda addressing never-smoker screening, personalised intervals, and robust AI validation must proceed in parallel. Full article

Genetic modification and genome editing have become important tools in agriculture, animal production, biotechnology, and human medicine, but their safety and societal acceptance remain subjects of debate. This review examines genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited organisms, distinguishing transgenesis from precision genome editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, base editing, and prime editing. Representative applications in crops, livestock, pharmaceutical production, and xenotransplantation are discussed, together with their regulatory framework and public perception. Current scientific assessments indicate that approved GM foods are not inherently more hazardous to human health than their conventional counterparts when evaluated case by case. Potential benefits include improved nutritional quality, biofortification, disease resistance, increased agricultural efficiency, production of therapeutic proteins, and applications in animal health and medicine. Possible concerns include allergenicity, toxicity, unintended genetic or phenotypic effects, altered nutritional composition, environmental consequences, animal welfare issues, and uncertainties associated with long-term or large-scale deployment. Public acceptance varies substantially according to geographical region, application, cultural and ethical considerations, regulatory environment, scientific literacy, and institutional trust. Overall, GM and gene-edited organisms should not be considered a homogeneous category. Their benefits, risks, and societal acceptability depend on the specific organism, genetic modification, intended trait, and context of use, supporting a balanced, evidence-based, and case-specific approach. Full article

Rising feed costs and the shift towards circular bioeconomy systems have generated interest in agro-industrial by-products as livestock feeds, but the evidence on fruit pomaces is fragmented across single pomaces, single species and single processing methods. This review compares apple, citrus and grape pomaces against a common set of nutritional, processing, functional and environmental criteria, and grades the strength of the evidence supporting each comparison. Under particular species-, processing- and dose-specific conditions, properly prepared pomaces have been reported to improve ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, milk composition and oxidative status in ruminants, and gut health, antioxidant status and product quality in non-ruminants. Responses are heterogeneous, and null or adverse effects on intake, digestibility and performance also occur, particularly at high inclusion levels and with lignin- and tannin-rich material. Reductions in enteric methane have been measured in vivo for grape by-products in dairy cattle, whereas the evidence for citrus flavonoids remains in vitro; whole-system environmental and economic benefits are unquantified. Research priorities include standardised processing and compositional reporting, routine control of mycotoxins, pesticide residues and heavy metals, species-specific dose–response trials, and whole-chain techno-economic and life-cycle assessment. Full article

Philanthropic hospitals are key providers within Brazil’s public healthcare system and benefit from the Certification of Beneficent Social Assistance Entities in Health (CEBAS-Saúde), a tax relief program designed to incentivize service provision in underserved areas. We analyze a balanced panel of 1641 philanthropic general hospitals from 2005 to 2019, employing a conditional Difference-in-Differences (DiD) model with heterogeneous treatment exposure and entropy balancing to ensure comparability between certified and non-certified hospitals. The results show that certification significantly improved geographic access, mainly by reducing macro-regional patient evasion—the outflow of patients seeking care outside their designated health regions. This effect, most pronounced after ten years of certification, translated into an average annual reduction of approximately 8700 avoided hospitalizations between 2015 and 2019. The reduction was particularly concentrated in small hospitals and in the Northeast region, where access barriers are historically greater. These findings suggest that CEBAS-Saúde is an effective policy instrument for strengthening the regionalization of healthcare provision, reducing geographic inequities, and addressing service gaps in areas with limited healthcare supply. Full article

This study explores how One Health, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, can be integrated into Austrian secondary education through interdisciplinary lessons combining biology and English. Three lessons on microbes, infections, and antibiotic resistance were developed and implemented in five classes. Using action research, materials were adapted based on student feedback, with scaffolding and digital tools supporting comprehension and engagement. Results suggest that both younger and older students benefited, highlighting the potential of interdisciplinary teaching to foster scientific literacy and awareness of global issues. The study also emphasizes the importance of embedding One Health in teacher education to support sustainable, transdisciplinary learning. Full article

Background: Chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia have been associated with worsening health-related quality of life and increased incidence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Transcutaneous spinal direct-current stimulation (tsDCS) and exercise therapy (ET) have been identified as promising non-pharmacological tools due to their capacity to inhibit pain transmission. However, empirical evidence regarding a combined efficacy remains limited. The aim of this work was, therefore, to test the effects of a multimodal treatment protocol on pain and psychological symptoms. Methods: Forty-five patients with fibromyalgia were recruited and randomly assigned to the tsDCS, ET, or combined tsDCS + ET group for a three-week period. Participants were assessed at baseline, one week after the start of treatment, at the end of the treatment (T2), and at 3-month follow-up (T3) using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Analysis of variance applied to linear mixed-effect models showed significant group-by-time interaction effects on both HADS domains (anxiety: p = 0.004; depression: p = 0.028). Post hoc pairwise comparisons highlighted that tsDCS + ET decreased subjects’ anxiety at both T2 (p = 0.002) and T3 (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Yet, significant comparisons were not found for depression. No significant interactions were detected on VAS, BPI, and SF-12 scores. Conclusions: Although between-group differences were not observed, the integration of neuromodulation with physical activity resulted in a significant improvement in patients’ anxiety-related symptoms severity, suggesting a potential added benefit. Full article

Cornhusks are widely employed as reinforcing fillers in biocomposite fabrication, where conventional manufacturing processes rely on petroleum-derived resins or adhesives. This reliance not only poses substantial risks to human health and ecological environments, but also leads to the unsatisfactory mechanical performance of the final products. Developing a feasible strategy to eliminate petroleum-based binders while simultaneously enhancing the mechanical strength of the biocomposites remains a challenge. In this paper, we present an adhesive-free approach to produce high-performance, sustainable biomass structural materials directly from raw cornhusks, without prior pulverization, via a combined alkaline retting and hot-pressing treatment. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of highly aligned cellulose fibers and a densely compacted multi-layer structure, the resulting structural material exhibits a tensile strength of 136 MPa and a flexural strength of 127 MPa. These values are higher than those of conventional density fiberboards (approximately 20 MPa and 40 MPa). After 72 h of water immersion, the material shows a water absorption rate of 38% and a thickness swelling rate of 16%, both of which are lower than the corresponding parameters of traditional density fiberboards (around 60% and 20%). Its initial thermal degradation temperature reaches 251 °C, showing good thermal stability. Furthermore, the as-fabricated cornhusk-based structural material, which combines high mechanical strength, water resistance, and thermal resistance, exhibits zero formaldehyde emissions. It can serve as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-bonded biomass density boards, for applications in furniture manufacturing and interior decoration. Full article