Search Results (4,234)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a transformative tool in environmental monitoring, enabling non-invasive detection of species and microbial communities across diverse ecosystems. This study systematically reviews the role of bioinformation technology in eDNA analysis, focusing on methodologies and applications across air, soil, groundwater, sediment, and aquatic environments. Advances in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics tools, and field-deployable detection systems have significantly improved eDNA detection sensitivity, allowing for early identification of invasive species, monitoring ecosystem health, and tracking pollutant degradation processes. Airborne eDNA monitoring has demonstrated potential for assessing microbial shifts due to air pollution and tracking pathogen transmission. In terrestrial environments, eDNA facilitates soil and groundwater pollution assessments and enhances understanding of biodegradation processes. In aquatic ecosystems, eDNA serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity assessment, invasive species monitoring, and wastewater-based epidemiology. Despite its growing applicability, challenges remain, including DNA degradation, contamination risks, and standardization of sampling protocols. Future research should focus on integrating eDNA data with remote sensing, machine learning, and ecological modeling to enhance predictive environmental monitoring frameworks. As technological advancements continue, eDNA-based approaches are poised to revolutionize environmental assessment, conservation strategies, and public health surveillance. Full article

Diabetes mellitus, both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D), has become the epidemic of the century and a major public health concern given its rising prevalence and the increasing adoption of a sedentary lifestyle globally. This multifaceted disease is characterized by impaired pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance (IR) in peripheral organs, namely the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Additional insulin target tissues, including cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells, are also affected. The advent of stem cell research has opened new avenues for tackling this disease, particularly through the regeneration of insulin target cells and the establishment of disease models for further investigation. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a valuable resource for generating specialized cell types, such as hepatocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neuronal cells, with diverse applications ranging from drug screening to disease modeling and, importantly, treating IR in T2D. This review aims to elucidate the significant applications of iPSC-derived insulin target cells in studying the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and T2D. Furthermore, recent differentiation strategies, protocols, signaling pathways, growth factors, and advancements in this field of therapeutic research for each specific iPSC-derived cell type are discussed. Full article

Air pollution is linked to childhood mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries globally. There is growing evidence linking air pollution to asthma and other respiratory diseases in children. Studies have shown that children are likely to experience asthma due to their narrow airways and their heightened sensitivity to environmental irritants. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ambient air pollution and respiratory diseases in children under the age of 5. The study will be conducted in the informal township of Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, South Africa. A quantitative approach will be used in this cross-sectional analytical study. Data will be collected using different tools that include a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of asthma and respiratory disease and potential risk factors. While environmental air pollution will be measured using Radiello passive samplers and Gillian pumps. Data will be analyzed using the latest version of the STATANow/MP 19.5 software. Furthermore, health risk assessment will be conducted for lifetime non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk estimation following the USEPA framework. The study will identify environmental triggers that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions in other similar community settings and will contribute to the body of knowledge in public health. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Full article

Cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of long-term health, traditionally assessed through structured exercise protocols that require maximal effort and controlled laboratory conditions. These protocols, while clinically validated, are often inaccessible, physically demanding, and unsuitable for unsupervised monitoring. This study proposes a non-invasive, unsupervised alternative—predicting the heart rate a person would reach after completing the step test, using wearable data collected during natural daily activities. Ground truth post-exercise heart rate was obtained through the Queens College Step Test, which is a submaximal protocol widely used in fitness settings. Separately, wearable sensors recorded heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation, and motion data during a protocol of lifestyle tasks spanning a range of intensities. Two machine learning models were developed—a Human Activity Recognition (HAR) model that classified daily activities from inertial data with 96.93% accuracy, and a regression model that estimated post step test HR using motion features, physiological trends, and demographic context. The regression model achieved an average root mean squared error (RMSE) of 5.13 beats per minute (bpm) and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.37 bpm. These findings demonstrate the potential of test-free methods to estimate standardized test outcomes from daily activity data, offering an accessible pathway to infer cardiorespiratory fitness. Full article

Potentially toxic elements, such as chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), play essential roles in humans and animals. However, the harmful effects of excessive exposure to these elements through food remain unknown. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the anthropogenic contamination of chromium and zinc in aquatic biota and seafood consumers. Based on the PRISMA protocol, 67 articles were selected for this systematic review. The main results point to a wide distribution of these elements, which have familiar emission sources in the aquatic environment, especially in highly industrialized regions. Significant concentrations of both have been reported in different fish species, which sometimes represent a non-carcinogenic risk to consumer health and a carcinogenic risk related to Cr exposure. New studies should be encouraged to fill gaps, such as the characterization of the toxicity of these essential elements through fish consumption, determination of limit concentrations updated by international regulatory institutions, especially for zinc, studies on the influence of abiotic factors on the toxicity and bioavailability of elements in the environment, and those that evaluate the bioaccessibility of these elements in a simulated digestion system when in high concentrations. Full article

Systematic reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based research, providing comprehensive summaries of existing studies to answer specific research questions. This article offers a detailed guide to conducting high-quality systematic reviews in biology, health and social sciences. It outlines key steps, including developing and registering a protocol, designing comprehensive search strategies, and selecting studies through a screening process. The article emphasizes the importance of accurate data extraction and the use of validated tools to assess the risk of bias across different study designs. Both meta-analysis (quantitative approach) and narrative synthesis (qualitative approach) are discussed in detail. The guide also highlights the use of frameworks, such as GRADE, to assess the certainty of evidence and provides recommendations for clear and transparent reporting in line with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. This paper aims to adapt and translate evidence-based review principles, commonly applied in clinical research, into the context of biological sciences. By highlighting domain-specific methodologies, challenges, and resources, we provide tailored guidance for researchers in ecology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and related fields in order to conduct transparent and reproducible evidence syntheses. Full article

As veganism becomes more popular, the number of vegan pregnant women and children is steadily increasing. During vegan pregnancy and early childhood, there is a high risk for nutrient deficiencies that may impair child development. External factors, such as healthcare advice, social networks, and social environments, that affect the diet of vegan pregnant women, parents, and their children, as well as their approach towards dietary supplementation, have not yet been investigated. Various sources of information, combined with a lack of expertise, sparse food and nutritional health literacy, and qualitatively heterogeneous information provision by medical experts, unsettle vegan pregnant women and parents and affect their dietary choices and potentially the health of their children. The VedieS study aims to investigate potential connections between external influences and associated impacts on a vegan diet and the intake of dietary supplements (DS) of pregnant women and children. Two surveys are being conducted within the study: one targeting 1000 vegan pregnant women and parents, and another targeting 60 experts in each of five healthcare groups: gynecologists, pediatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists, and dietitians. This study is the first to examine how socio-economic, social, and further informational factors influence dietary practices during vegan pregnancy and childhood. It highlights the need for reliable, expert-led guidance, as current information sources are often inconsistent and may put these vulnerable groups at risk. Full article

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remains a critical environmental challenge in South Africa due to its severe impact on water quality, ecosystems and public health. Numerous studies on AMD management, treatment and resource recovery have been conducted over the past 20 years. This study presents a comprehensive review of research activities on AMD in South Africa from 1998 to 2025, highlighting key trends, emerging challenges and future directions. The study reveals a significant focus on passive and active treatment methods, environmental remediation and the recovery of valuable resources, such as iron, rare earth elements (REEs) and gypsum. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify the most influential studies and thematic research areas over the years. Bibliometric tools (Biblioshiny and VOSviewer) were used to analyse the data that was extracted from the PubMed database. The findings indicate that research production has increased significantly over time, with substantial contributions from top academics and institutions. Advanced treatment technologies, the use of artificial intelligence and circular economy strategies for resource recovery are among the new research prospects identified in this study. Despite substantial progress, persistent challenges, such as scalability, economic viability and policy implementation, remain. Furthermore, few technologies have moved beyond pilot-scale implementation, underscoring the need for greater investment in field-scale research and technology transfer. This study recommends stronger industry–academic collaboration, the development of standardised treatment protocols and enhanced government policy support to facilitate sustainable AMD management. The study emphasises the necessity of data-driven approaches, sustainable technology and interdisciplinary cooperation to address AMD’s socioeconomic and environmental effects in the ensuing decades. Full article

Introduction: Breakfast has emerged as a critical factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases, driven not only by its nutritional content but also by its alignment with circadian rhythms. However, gaps remain in the literature regarding its clinical impact and thematic evolution. Objective: To characterize the global scientific output on the relationship between breakfast quality and cardiovascular health through a systematic bibliometric analysis. Methodology: The PRISMA 2020 protocol was applied to select 1436 original articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (1957–2025). Bibliometric tools, including R (v4.4.2) and VOSviewer (v1.6.19) were used to map productivity, impact, collaboration networks, and emerging thematic areas. Results: Scientific output has grown exponentially since 2000. The most influential journals are the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Nutrients, and Diabetes Care. The United States, United Kingdom, and Japan lead in publication volume and citations, with increasing participation from Latin American countries. Thematic trends have shifted from traditional clinical markers to innovative approaches such as chrononutrition, digital health, and personalized nutrition. However, methodological gaps persist, including a predominance of observational studies and an underrepresentation of vulnerable populations. Conclusions: Breakfast is a dietary practice with profound implications for cardiometabolic health. This study provides a comprehensive overview of scientific literature, highlighting both advancements and challenges. Strengthening international collaboration networks, standardizing definitions of a healthy breakfast, and promoting evidence-based interventions in school, clinical, and community settings are recommended. Full article

The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant mounds was evaluated in Fenlin Township, Hualien, Taiwan. A DJI Phantom 4 multispectral drone collected reflectance in five bands (blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared), derived indices (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index, SAVI, and photochemical pigment reflectance index, PPR), and textural features. According to analysis of variance F-scores and random forest recursive feature elimination, vegetation indices and spectral features (e.g., NDVI, NIR, SAVI, and PPR) were the most significant predictors of ecological characteristics such as vegetation density and soil visibility. Texture features exhibited moderate importance and the potential to capture intricate spatial patterns in nonlinear models. Despite limitations in the analytics, including trade-offs related to flight height and environmental variability, the study findings suggest that UAVs are an inexpensive, high-precision means of obtaining multispectral data for RIFA monitoring. These findings can be used to develop efficient mass-detection protocols for integrated pest control, with broader implications for invasive species monitoring. Full article

Ongoing interest in the intersection of spirituality and health has prompted a need for integrated research. This report proposes a distinct approach in a model that allows for successful and harmonious cross-fertilization within these latter two areas of interest. Our work is especially pertinent to inquiries around the role of spirituality in mental health, with special attention to chronic pain conditions. The latter have become an open channel for novel avenues to explore the field of spirituality-based interventions within the arena of psychological inquiry. To address this, the authors developed and implemented the Church and Academia Model, a prototype for an innovative collaborative research project, with the aim of exploring the role of devotional practices, and their potential to be used as therapeutic co-adjuvants or tools to enhance the coping skills of patients with chronic pain. Keeping in mind that the church presents a rich landscape for clinical inquiry with broad relevance for clinicians and society at large, we created a unique hybrid research model. This is a new paradigm that focuses on distinct and well-defined studies where the funding, protocol writing, study design, and implementation are shared by experts from both the pastoral and clinical spaces. A team of theologians, researchers, and healthcare providers, including clinical pain psychologists, built a coalition leveraging their respective skill sets. Each expert is housed in their own environs, creating a functional network that has proven academically productive and pastorally effective. Key outputs include the creation and validation of a new psychometric measure, the Pain-related PRAYER Scale (PPRAYERS), an associated bedside prayer tool and a full-scale dissemination strategy through journal publications and specialty society conferences. This collaborative prototype is also an ideal fit for integrated knowledge translation platforms, and it is a promising paradigm for future collaborative projects focused on spirituality and mental health. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anemia and stunting are major public health concerns for young Indonesian children. Limited information is available from studies on multi-micronutrient supplements in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-month multi-micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation on serum hemoglobin levels, anemia, and growth. Methods: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was performed, including 232 eligible children aged 8–10 months old. Children with severe anemia or stunting/those classed as underweight were not included as subjects. The study was performed in a low-socioeconomic-status community in Jakarta. With an active-to-placebo ratio of 60:40, 139 subjects received MNP sachets twice/day, and 93 subjects received placebo sachets, mixed with complementary food. The outcome parameters were hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth indicators. Per-protocol analysis was performed for 179 (intervention: 110; control: 69) subjects. Results: There were no differences at baseline between the groups, except for the weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ). Upon intervention, the serum hemoglobin level and anemia proportion did not change significantly within the group, and no significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). However, subgroup analysis of non-anemic children at baseline showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels in the youngest age group (8.0–8.9 months old) receiving MNP compared to placebo (0.13 vs. −0.79, p = 0.031). Iron deficiency anemia proportion showed a similar upward trend upon intervention in both groups. No significant differences in growth were found between both groups. Conclusions: This study failed to find a significant effect of 12-month MNP supplementation on serum hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth. Full article

Background: Chronic stress in childhood and adolescence leads to excessive cortisol secretion, adipokines production and obesity with all the negative mental and physical effects on the health of individuals and adulthood. Objectives: The aim of the present non-randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a stress management protocol with diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and physiotherapy exercise on stress, body composition, cardiorespiratory and metabolic markers of children and adolescents with morbid obesity. Methods: The study included 31 children and adolescents (5–18 years old) with morbid obesity (22 in the intervention arm and 9 controls). All participants completed anxiety questionnaires and a self-perception scale. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), blood pressure (BP) and SpO₂ were measured. Fasting glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, HbA1c, (AST/SGOT), (ALT/SGPT), HDL, LDL, insulin, ACTH, cortisol, HOMA-IR, 17-OH, S-DHEA, SHBG were assessed, and anthropometric measurements were also performed. Results: In the intervention group, 4 months after the treatment, an improvement was noted in the BMI, BMI z-score, waist-to-height ratio, FEV1, SpO₂, pulse and systolic BP. HDL increased, ALT/SGPT and insulin resistance improved. Positive changes were observed in temporary and permanent stress and self-esteem of children in the intervention group, including anxiety, self-perception, physical appearance, etc. Conclusions: A combined exercise and DB protocol has a positive effect on stress, by improving body composition, reducing insulin resistance, and ameliorating physical and mental health and quality of life of pediatric patients with morbid obesity. Full article

Background and Objectives: Handgrip strength represents a critical indicator of physical fitness and nutritional status in adolescents, yet population-specific reference values remain limited in developing countries. Understanding age- and sex-specific variations is crucial for accurate clinical assessment and effective health monitoring. The objective of this study was to establish comprehensive reference values for handgrip strength in healthy Tunisian adolescents aged 13–19 years and examine sex and age group differences in these measures. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and June 2025, involving a sample of 950 participants (482 males, 468 females) aged 13–19 years from northwest Tunisia. Handgrip strength was measured using standardized dynamometry protocols for both hands. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, and body mass index. Percentile curves were generated using the LMS method, and correlations between handgrip strength and anthropometric variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Males demonstrated significantly higher handgrip strength than females from age 13 onward (13 years: p = 0.021; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001). Effect sizes for sex differences were consistently large across age groups (Cohen’s d range: 0.53–2.09 for the dominant hand). Mean dominant handgrip strength ranged from 25.60 ± 7.73 kg to 47.60 ± 12.45 kg in males and 21.90 ± 6.13 kg to 28.40 ± 4.74 kg in females across age groups. After adjusting for body mass, sex differences remained significant between groups (13 years: p = 0.014; d= 1.5; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001; d: 1.71–3.12). Strong positive correlations emerged between handgrip strength and height (males: r = 0.748, females: r = 0.601), body mass (males: r = 0.659, females: r = 0.601), and body mass index (BMI) (males: r = 0.391, females: r = 0.461). Body mass and height emerged as the strongest predictors of handgrip strength in both sexes, while BMI showed a smaller but still significant contribution. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive age- and sex-specific reference values for handgrip strength in Tunisian adolescents. Healthcare providers can utilize these percentile charts for the clinical assessment and identification of musculoskeletal fitness deficits. The results suggest its use in educational and clinical contexts. Full article

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving cardiometabolic health. In populations with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, or metabolic dysfunction, redox imbalance—characterized by elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense—is a key contributor to disease progression. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of HIIT on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity across diverse cardiometabolic disease cohorts. While findings are heterogeneous, the majority of studies demonstrate that HIIT intervention can reduce levels of oxidative stress markers and enhance antioxidant enzyme expression. These redox adaptations may underpin improvements in vascular endothelial function, inflammation, and metabolic regulation. Importantly, variations in intensity, duration, and health status influence these responses, highlighting the need for individualized exercise prescriptions. Safety considerations are emphasized, including the necessity for medical clearance, gradual progression, and individualized training prescriptions in higher-risk individuals. In conclusion, HIIT shows potential as a targeted strategy to restore redox homeostasis and improve cardiometabolic outcomes, although further research is needed to clarify optimal protocols and the underlying mechanisms. Full article