Search Results (2,328)

T cells play an important role in the development and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Checkpoint receptors regulate T cell activity, and their expression may be linked to the cells’ metabolic state. This study aims to investigate the association between T regulatory (Treg) and T conventional (Tconv) cells expressing various checkpoint inhibitors and glucose metabolism in type 1 diabetes patients and healthy controls (HCs). The study included 28 participants, with 16 of them diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, while 12 constituted a healthy control group. Multicolor flow cytometry, spectrophotometric analysis, and bead-based multiplex assays were utilized for the analyses. The study revealed that the most significant difference in T cell subsets in peripheral blood concerned TIGIT. Compared to healthy subjects, the percentages of TIGIT+ Tregs and TIGIT+ Tconvs were lower in T1D patients. Interestingly, hyperglycemia in in vitro cultures reduced percentages of TIGIT+ Tregs and TIGIT+ Tconvs, and to some extent also CTLA-4+ Tregs. A decreased percentage of these subsets was, in turn, associated with reduced glucose uptake and lower activity of the enzymes responsible for various stages of glucose metabolism. The described associations suggest a negative influence of hyperglycemia in T1D on immune regulation via a TIGIT-dependent mechanism. Hyperglycemia seems to reduce the percentage of highly regulatory TIGIT+ Tregs both in vivo and in vitro, and it is associated with reduced glucose consumption by these cells. At the same time, a reduction in the percentage of TIGIT+ Tconvs under such conditions may facilitate higher activity of Tconvs, including aberrant autoimmune reactions. Full article

The fish liver, as the main detoxification organ, is highly susceptible to xenobiotic exposure, often resulting in various hepatopathies. The cytochrome P450 system plays a central role in xenobiotic metabolism, with cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) supplying the electrons required for CYP enzyme activity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ecological state of a reservoir and fish health, including CYPOR levels, through hematological, bacteriological, and histological analyses. Samples of water and fish were collected from 12 littoral sites of Lake Ladoga. A total of 1360 specimens of fish from carp (Cyprinidae) and perch (Percidae) families were examined. For histological examination and CYPOR level determination, we selected 40 specimens using a blind randomization method. This sample size was sufficient for statistical analyses. Hematological smears were stained with azure eosin; bacteriological cultures were grown on multiple media; liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sudan III. CYPOR levels in liver homogenates were measured by ELISA-test. Physical and hydrochemical analyses indicated a high pollution level in the littoral zones. Isolated bacterial species were non-pathogenic but exhibited broad antibiotic resistance. Hematological evaluation revealed erythrocyte vacuolization and anisocytosis. Histological analysis showed marked fatty degeneration in hepatocytes, indicating toxic damage. CYPOR concentrations ranged from 0.3–0.4 ng/mL in healthy fish to 5–6 ng/mL in exposed specimens, showing strong correlation between environmental influence and enzyme activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of CYPOR as a sensitive biomarker for biomonitoring programs. The integrated methodological approach provides a model for assessing aquatic ecosystem health and identifying zones requiring priority remediation. Full article

Biofilm formation represents a key survival strategy employed by Vibrio cholerae to adapt to the complex intestinal environment of the host. While most previous studies on V. cholerae biofilms have focused on genetic regulation and monospecies cultures, its ability to form dual-species biofilms with other intestinal pathogens is still poorly understood. In this study, using samples from both cholera patients and healthy individuals, Fusobacterium nucleatum was identified as a bacterium capable of co-aggregating with V. cholerae. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that F. nucleatum-derived metabolites, specifically 6-hypoxanthine, enhance biofilm formation in V. cholerae. Further validation confirmed that these F. nucleatum-derived metabolites upregulate the biofilm-associated regulatory gene vpsT. In an adult mouse model, co-infection with F. nucleatum and V. cholerae significantly enhanced the intestinal adaptability of V. cholerae compared to infection with V. cholerae alone. Together, these findings elucidate the mechanism enabling the co-infection of F. nucleatum and V. cholerae in the host intestine, thereby shedding new light on how other pathogenic bacteria can assist in V. cholerae infection. Full article

Natural compounds, as honey-derived flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are increasingly investigated for their potential to mitigate skin aging and prevent oxidative stress-induced cellular damages. In this context, a dynamic cell culture model was employed to assess the protective influence of honey pre-treatment on stem cell–associated genes and the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway following ultraviolet (UV)-induced aging. Using a bioreactor, skin stem cells (SSCs) derived from healthy skin biopsies and human skin fibroblasts (HFF1) were pre-treated with 1% honey for 48 h and then exposed to UV. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed on Wnt signaling and anti-aging molecular responses. Honey pre-treatment enhanced the expression of pluripotency markers (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4); SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2)) and reduced senescence-related cell cycle regulators (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16); cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21); tumor protein 53 (p53)) in SSCs. In UV-damaged SSCs, honey also significantly increased Wnt3a expression. In fibroblasts, honey pre-treatment upregulated Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) expression, while downregulating caspase-8 (CASP8), indicating a protective role against UV-mediated cellular stress. We also analyzed nitric oxide release and the total antioxidant capacity of cells after treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that honey may safeguard skin stem cells from UV-induced aging by modulating pluripotency and senescence-associated genes and regulating differentiation through alterations in Wnt signaling. Furthermore, Hsp70 upregulation in fibroblasts appears to strengthen cellular stress responses and support homeostatic stability. Full article

Background: Gut barrier dysfunction and altered gut microbial metabolism are emerging signatures of chronic gut disorders. Considering growing interest in combining structurally and mechanistically distinct bioactives, we investigated the individual and combined effects of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) on the gut microbiome and barrier integrity. Methods: The validated ex vivo SIFR^® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology, using microbiota from healthy adults (n = 6), was combined with a co-culture of epithelial/immune (Caco-2/THP-1) cells. Results: While SBI and NAG already significantly improved gut barrier integrity (TEER, transepithelial electrical resistance, +21% and +29%, respectively), the strongest effect was observed for SBI_NAG (+36%). This potent combined effect related to the observation that SBI and NAG each induced distinct, complementary shifts in microbial composition and metabolite output. SBI most selectively increased propionate (~Bacteroidota families) and health-associated indole derivatives (e.g., indole-3-propionic acid), while NAG most specifically boosted acetate and butyrate (~Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae). The combination of SBI_NAG displayed effects of the individual ingredients, thus, for instance, enhancing all three short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and elevating microbial diversity (CMS, community modulation score). Conclusions: Overall, SBI and NAG exert complementary, metabolically balanced effects on the gut microbiota, supporting combined use, particularly in individuals with gut barrier impairment or dysbiosis linked to lifestyle or early-stage gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

Ficus carica L. is a fruit crop of notable nutritional and economic value. The ‘Xinjiang Zaohuang’ cultivar, rich in flavonoids, also holds considerable medicinal potential. To address the constraints of conventional propagation for mass production, this study developed an efficient and genetically stable generation protocol using healthy sprouted branches. MS medium was identified as the most effective basal medium for shoot growth. The highest adventitious bud induction rate (89.67%) and the greatest mean bud number (6.29) were achieved when explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L IBA. In the organogenesis process, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) promoted direct shoot formation with minimal callus intervention compared to naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The optimal combination for shoot elongation was 0.1 mg/L 6-BA and 0.01 mg/L IBA, which produced morphologically uniform shoots. For rooting, an IBA concentration of 1 mg/L was optimal, achieving a 96.7% success rate. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis confirmed the genetic stability of all regenerated plants. These findings establish a reliable technical framework for the large-scale propagation of this valuable fig cultivar. Full article

Net form net blotch disease, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), is one of the most destructive barley diseases, resulting in severe yield and grain quality losses worldwide. The increasing prevalence of fungicide-resistant Ptt strains, driven by the pathogen’s high genetic variability, highlights the urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly disease management strategies. The present study provides novel insights into the use of native seed-borne endophytic bacteria naturally associated with barley as biological control agents against Ptt. Two endophytic bacterial strains isolated from healthy barley seeds were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus subtilis PX491551 and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila PX494419. Their biocontrol potential against Ptt was evaluated through in vitro, greenhouse, and field experiments. In the dual-culture assay, B. subtilis and S. rhizophila inhibited the mycelial growth of Pyrenophora teres f. teres by 64.34% and 50.14%, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions, B. subtilis and S. rhizophila significantly reduced disease severity at the seedling stage, with scores of 2.00 and 4.00, respectively, compared to 9.33 in the untreated control. Beyond disease suppression, both endophytic bacteria markedly enhanced the host’s defense system. S. rhizophila induced the highest accumulation of total soluble phenolics, while B. subtilis significantly increased flavonoid content and boosted higher activities of superoxide dismutase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. In contrast, S. rhizophila showed the strongest induction of ascorbate peroxidase activity. Notably, field application of both bacteria consistently reduced net blotch severity over two consecutive growing seasons (2023–2024 and 2024–2025) and considerably improved chlorophyll content, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. Overall, this study demonstrates that native seed-derived endophytic bacteria not only suppress barley net blotch but also enhance host antioxidant and defense responses, highlighting their potential as effective and sustainable biological control agents for barley disease management. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Pelvic inflammatory disease represents a multifaceted sexually transmitted disease affecting women of reproductive age, beginning in adolescence. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic patients to acute abdominal pain in the setting of tubo-ovarian abscesses; however, presentation as primary peritonitis with seemingly intact fallopian tubes is exceptional. Primary peritonitis in the absence of other comorbid conditions (e.g., liver cirrhosis and nephrotic syndrome) in healthy, immunocompetent women is rare and typically occurs without an identifiable intra-abdominal source. The diagnosis can be challenging due to its mild-to-moderate, nonspecific symptoms. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 21-year-old immunocompetent woman who presented with lower abdominal and left iliac fossa pain with hyperleukocytosis. Laparoscopic exploration confirmed the diagnosis of primary peritonitis. Following diagnosis, she underwent peritoneal lavage and was started on empiric broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy. Cervico-vaginal cultures established the diagnosis of PID following identification of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma parvum. The clinical course was favorable. Conclusions: An early multidisciplinary approach, including consultation with an infectious disease specialist and clinical pharmacologist, is recommended in cases of peritonitis with an unclear source. PID may present as primary peritonitis and this clinical scenario should be considered in sexually active young women with unexplained peritoneal infection when no gastrointestinal or gynecologic source is evident intraoperatively. Full article

Adequate nutrition and healthy behaviours during pregnancy are essential to maternal and neonatal health. Evidence from Greece on maternal dietary and lifestyle practices remains limited, despite global guidelines promoting supplementation, physical activity (PA) and abstinence from harmful substances. This review evaluates micronutrient intake, supplementation practices, PA and substance exposure among pregnant women in Greece, based on studies from 2010 to 2025. The results reveal widespread use of supplements, but frequent deviations from clinical guidelines. Suboptimal intake of key micronutrients remains common, and unsupervised supplementation raises concerns about excessive intake. Caffeine and tobacco use persist during pregnancy and lactation, while alcohol consumption shows a declining trend. PA is generally below international recommendations, with most pregnant women engaging in sedentary or low-intensity activities. These findings underscore systemic gaps in antenatal care in Greece, including inconsistent counselling, lack of structured screening and the absence of coordinated national strategies. Culturally tailored public health interventions, with a focus on equitable access and behaviour change support, are urgently needed to enhance nutritional adequacy, reduce behavioural risks and promote evidence-based care across the perinatal period. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interactions between colorectal tumours and their immune microenvironment critically influence disease progression and response to immunotherapy. However, most organoid systems fail to preserve the complex architecture and immune composition of the original tissue. Here, we applied the air–liquid interface (ALI) organoid model to paired tumour and perilesional colon tissues from colorectal cancer patients to evaluate its ability to retain immune and genetic features and to reproduce responses to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade. Methods: Fresh human tumour and matched healthy colon tissues were processed to generate ALI organoids. Their histological organization, immune cell composition (including CD45⁺ subsets), and genomic profiles were compared with those of the parental tissues and with conventional Matrigel organoids, either alone or co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Organoids were exposed to 5-FU and nivolumab (anti–PD-1) to assess local immune modulation. Results: ALI organoids faithfully preserved the three-dimensional architecture, native immune infiltrates, and somatic mutational landscape of the source tissues. Importantly, upon PD-1 blockade with nivolumab, ALI organoids consistently exhibited a local expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), a phenomenon that could contribute to adaptive immune resistance. This response was not reproduced in PBMC–Matrigel co-culture systems, highlighting the importance of preserving endogenous tumour–immune interactions. Conclusions: Patient-derived ALI organoids represent a physiologically relevant platform that conserves key structural, immunological, and genomic hallmarks of colorectal cancer. By capturing clinically relevant immune remodeling events, such as Treg expansion following PD-1 blockade, this model provides a powerful tool for dissecting tumour–immune interactions. Full article

Ancient walnut trees (Juglans regia L.), revered as “cultural heritage in motion,” have coexisted harmoniously with dense clusters of Tibetan traditional villages for centuries. However, accelerating climate change and expanding human activities along the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River have increasingly threatened their survival. To quantitatively evaluate the health of these ancient trees and identify the underlying driving mechanisms, this study developed a remote sensing-enhanced Structural Equation Model (SEM) that integrated satellite-derived ecological indices, land-use intensity, and field-measured morphological and physiological indicators. A total of 135 ancient walnut trees from villages such as Gamai in Jiacha County, Tibet, were examined. Key findings: (1) The SEM demonstrated an excellent model–data fit (Minimum Discrepancy Divided by Degrees of Freedom (CMIN/DF) = 1.372, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.956, and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.962), confirming its robustness. (2) Among the latent variables, overall condition exerted the strongest influence (weight = 0.360), whereas foliage condition contributed least (0.289). (3) Approximately 35.56% of trees were healthy or sub-healthy, while 61.48% showed varying levels of decline. (4) Tree health was jointly shaped by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with intrinsic drivers exhibiting stronger explanatory power. Externally, human disturbance negatively affected health, whereas ecological quality was positively associated. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing and SEM for ancient tree assessment and underscore the urgent need for long-term monitoring and adaptive conservation strategies to enhance ecological resilience. Full article

Secular trees have an important contribution to today’s communities, not only due to cultural or historical reasons but also to recreational aspects. Management of such species can be done after a thorough analysis is done related to their health status. In most cases, a visual inspection to determine the health status can lead to unsatisfactory results. Modern technology, such as computer tomography, has results that are accurate and valid. A total of 17 secular oak trees (Quercus robur) were sampled and analyzed with Arbotom 2D (Arbotom 2D, Rinn Tech, Heidelberg, Germany) by using sensors on the tree trunks. Besides this, it is imperative to compare the results in the field with the view of the community related to their local symbol. Results revealed severe internal decay (75%–80% damaged wood) in eight oaks, while in the core of the trunk (10%–50% damaged wood), it was seen in seven oaks. Only two oaks have good health status. Survey results indicated the oaks as moderate healthy; only 18.8% respondents from the community consider the oaks unhealthy or in visible decline. This can lead to serious injuries to bystanders. The results have demonstrated a great link between technical and social research so decision-making stakeholders can apply a tailored management for their area. Full article

The contribution of members of the agri-food system to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is a key element in the global transition to sustainable development. The use of sustainable management systems supports the development of an integrated approach with a spirit of continuous improvement. Such organization is based on risk-management tools that are applied to multiple stakeholders, e.g., those responsible for product quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental impact, thus enabling better global performance. In this review, the term “ethical food systems” is used in our discussion of the concrete methods that can be used to endorse fairness and concern across the food chain. This comprises safeguarding equitable access to nutritious foods, defending animal welfare, assisting ecologically accountable production, and addressing social and labor justice within supply chains. Ethical factors also include transparency, cultural respect, and intergenerational responsibility. Consequently, the objective of this review is to address how these ethical values can be implemented within a One Health framework, predominantly by assimilating plant-based diets, developing governance tools, and resolving nutritional insecurity. Within the One Health framework, decoding ethical principles into practice necessitates a set of concrete interventions: (i) raising awareness of animal rights; (ii) distributing nutritional and environmental knowledge; (iii) endorsing plant-based food research, commercialization, and consumption; (iv) development of social inclusion and positive recognition of vegan/vegetarian identity. At the same time, it should be noted that this perspective represents only one side of the coin, as many populations continue to consume meat and rely on animal proteins for their nutritional value; thus, the role and benefits of meat and other animal-derived foods must also be recognized and discussed. This operational definition provides a foundation for asking how ethical perspectives can be applied. A case study from Africa shows the implementation of a sustainable and healthy future through the One Health approach. Full article

The accelerated expansion of telework, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed global work dynamics. Despite this, limited research exists on the implications of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) on home workspaces. Factors like thermal comfort, lighting, air quality, and noise significantly influence the well-being, productivity, and health of teleworkers. Home spaces are often not designed to meet the environmental quality standards of traditional offices, altering indoor conditions. This scoping review investigates the IEQ–telework relationship, analyzing 41 studies from 18 countries. Findings show that elevated noise levels and insufficient lighting increase stress and fatigue, while inadequate air quality reduces cognitive performance and creativity. Conversely, access to natural light, pleasant views, and thermal comfort improves overall satisfaction and productivity. The study identifies a fragmented and poorly connected research network, with few active global groups studying IEQ in home workspaces. These results underscore the need for interdisciplinary research to address the societal and environmental challenges of teleworking and develop equitable, healthy remote environments. Future studies must consider cultural diversity and underrepresented regions to bridge existing knowledge gaps. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prolonged fasting—defined as voluntary abstinence from caloric intake for periods exceeding 24 h—is increasingly recognized not only as a metabolic intervention but also as a psycho-behavioral modulator. According to the 2024 international consensus, intermittent fasting encompasses diverse temporal patterns including time-restricted feeding, alternate-day fasting, and periodic fasting of multi-day duration. While metabolic benefits are well documented, the psychoneurobiological and psychiatric consequences remain incompletely characterized. This review critically appraises current evidence on the psychological and psychiatric effects of prolonged and intermittent fasting, including both secular and religious practices. Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted on clinical trials, observational studies, and translational research published between January 2010 and June 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Search terms included combinations of “prolonged fasting,” “intermittent fasting,” “psychological,” “psychiatric,” “religious fasting,” “Ramadan,” and “Orthodox Church.” Eligible studies required explicit evaluation of mood, cognition, stress physiology, or psychiatric symptoms. Data were analyzed qualitatively, with particular attention to study quality, fasting regimen characteristics, and participant vulnerability. This is a non-registered narrative synthesis drawing on clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical evidence published between January 2010 and June 2025. Results: Eighty-seven studies met inclusion criteria (39 human; 48 preclinical). In metabolically healthy adults, short-term time-restricted eating and supervised prolonged fasting were associated with modest reductions in depressive symptoms and perceived stress, with small improvements in executive functioning—typically observed in small samples and with limited follow-up. Religious fasting during Ramadan and the Orthodox Christian fasting periods demonstrated similar neuropsychological effects, including greater perceived spiritual meaning and affective modulation, though cultural context played a moderating role. Potential adverse mental-health impacts included mood destabilization, anxiety exacerbation, and rare psychotic or manic decompensations in vulnerable individuals. Randomized trials reported few adverse events and no signal for severe psychiatric harm, whereas observational studies more often noted symptom exacerbations in at-risk groups. Patients with eating disorder phenotypes exhibited increased cognitive preoccupation with food and a heightened risk of behavioral relapse. Methodological heterogeneity across studies—including variation in fasting protocols, psychological assessments, and follow-up duration—limited cross-study comparability. Conclusions: Evidence indicates a bidirectional relationship wherein fasting may foster psychological resilience in select populations while posing significant psychiatric risks in others. Inclusion of religious fasting traditions enriches understanding of culturally mediated outcomes. To enhance rigor and safety, future studies should incorporate clinician-rated outcomes (e.g., HDRS-17, CGI-S/CGI-I), standardized adverse-event tracking using validated psychiatric terminology, and prospective safety monitoring protocols, with ≥6–12-month follow-up. Full article