Search Results (74)

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antibiotic development. Drug repurposing offers a rapid, cost-effective approach by identifying new antibacterial applications for existing non-antibiotic drugs with established safety profiles. Emerging evidence indicates that diverse classes of non-antibiotic drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), statins, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers and antidepressants, exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, or potentiate antibiotic efficacy. This review critically explores the mechanisms by which drugs that are not recognised as antibiotics exert antibacterial effects, including efflux pump inhibition, membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, and quorum sensing interference. We discuss specific examples that demonstrate reductions in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics when combined with these drugs, underscoring their potential as antibiotic adjuvants. Furthermore, we examine pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicity challenges, and clinical feasibility for repurposing these agents as standalone antibacterials or in combination therapies. Finally, we highlight future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to prioritise drug candidates for repurposing, and the development of targeted delivery systems to enhance bacterial selectivity while minimising host toxicity. By exploring the overlooked potential of non-antibiotic drugs, this review seeks to stimulate translational research aimed at leveraging these agents in combating resistant bacterial infections. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that such drugs may also pose unintended risks, including gut microbiota disruption and facilitation of resistance development. Hence, future research should pursue these opportunities with equal emphasis on efficacy, safety, and resistance mitigation. Full article

Due to the evident increase in tick-borne diseases worldwide, it is necessary to constantly update information on the distribution and zoonotic potential of hard ticks. We studied diversity, population structure, and seasonal dynamics of hard tick fauna, faunal similarity and the climate impact on tick occurrence in natural habitats (NHs) (forest communities) and anthropogenic habitats (AHs) (orchards, grasslands, degraded forests) in eastern and central parts of Continental Croatia. Host-seeking hard ticks were sampled by the flag-dragging method in lowland AHs (Bansko Hill (BH); 2023–2024 yr.) and in mountainous NHs (Medvednica Mountain (MM); 2019–2021, 2024 yr.). Overall, 2726 specimens belonging to eight hard tick species (Ixodes ricinus, I. frontalis, I. hexagonus, I. kaiseri, Haemaphysalis inermis, H. concinna, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus) were identified in AHs, while in NHs 1543 hard ticks, belonging to three species (I. ricinus, I. frontalis, D. reticulatus), were collected. The most abundant species in both habitat types (47.83% in AHs, 99.80% in NHs) was I. ricinus, showing unimodal seasonal activity within studied NHs and bimodal activity at AHs. Comparison of hard tick fauna in different habitats using the Sørenson index on BH and MM showed a high percentage of similarity (50.0–88.8). At AHs, a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation was determined between the abundance (N) and the mean monthly air temperatures (°C) for H. inermis (r = −0.5931; p = 0.0421) and D. reticulatus (r = −0.6289; p = 0.0285), while their numbers positively correlated (r = 0.5551; p = −0.2667; r = 0.4430; p = 0.1492) with air humidity (%). In contrast, the number of sampled host-seeking I. ricinus ticks at natural forest habitats on MM was positively associated with air temperature and negatively with air humidity at elevations from 200 to 1000 m a.s.l. (r = −0.7684; p = 0.0259; at 200 m a.s.l.). Collected specimens of I. frontalis mark the first record for Osijek–Baranja County, while the sampled D. reticulatus on MM represents the first catch at 1000 m a.s.l. in Croatia. This new data on the distribution and seasonality of medically important hard tick species in Continental Croatia contributes to identifying tick-risk foci and high-risk periods. Full article

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a complex pathogen that encodes a diverse array of proteins essential for its survival and replication within host organisms. Among these proteins, a noteworthy group comprises four chemokine-like G protein-coupled receptors (cellular GPCRs), which play pivotal roles in the virus’s evasion of the host immune response and the establishment of persistent infections. Of particular interest is pUS28, recognized as one of the most extensively studied viral GPCRs (vGPCRs). This receptor has attracted significant attention for its potential as a target for innovative antiviral therapies aimed at addressing HCMV-related diseases. In contrast, pUS27 has not been as thoroughly characterized, presenting a potentially promising avenue for antiviral intervention. The relative scarcity of research surrounding pUS27 underscores an exciting opportunity for further exploration, as a deeper understanding of its functions and mechanisms may reveal novel strategies for combating HCMV infections. This review seeks to synthesize recent advancements in our understanding of pUS27, elucidating its biological roles, interactions, and potential implications for therapeutic development. We will also highlight critical gaps in the existing literature that warrant further investigation, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of this understudied receptor. By delving into the complexities of pUS27, we aim to inspire future research initiatives that could lead to the development of novel antiviral treatments, thereby enhancing our overall understanding of HCMV pathogenesis. Importance: The study of vGPCRs is essential for understanding how viruses like HCMV manipulate host cell signaling and evade immune responses. While pUS28 has been extensively studied due to its broad chemokine binding and signaling activity, its lesser-known homolog, pUS27, warrants closer attention. Likely arising from a gene duplication event, pUS27 shares approximately 31% sequence identity with pUS28 and is conserved across HCMV strains, suggesting an important functional role. By focusing on pUS27, we may uncover shared mechanisms that allow therapies to effectively target both pUS28 and pUS27, potentially leading to more potent antiviral treatments. The implications of studying pUS27 are profound, as it could play a pivotal role in improving our approaches to combating HCMV and enhancing our overall understanding of immune evasion strategies. Full article

Large language-model chatbots such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek are quickly gaining traction as an easy, first-stop tool for trip planning because they offer instant, conversational advice that once required sifting through multiple websites or guidebooks. Yet little is known about the biases that shape the destination suggestions these systems provide. This study conducts a controlled, persona-based audit of the two models, generating 6480 recommendations for 216 traveller profiles that vary by origin country, age, gender identity and trip theme. Six observable bias families (popularity, geographic, cultural, stereotype, demographic and reinforcement) are quantified using tourism rankings, Hofstede scores, a 150-term cliché lexicon and information-theoretic distance measures. Findings reveal measurable bias in every bias category. DeepSeek is more likely than ChatGPT to suggest off-list cities and recommends domestic travel more often, while both models still favour mainstream destinations. DeepSeek also points users toward culturally more distant destinations on all six Hofstede dimensions and employs a denser, superlative-heavy cliché register; ChatGPT shows wider lexical variety but remains strongly promotional. Demographic analysis uncovers moderate gender gaps and extreme divergence for non-binary personas, tempered by a “protective” tendency to guide non-binary travellers toward countries with higher LGBTQI acceptance. Reinforcement bias is minimal, with over 90 percent of follow-up suggestions being novel in both systems. These results confirm that unconstrained LLMs are not neutral filters but active amplifiers of structural imbalances. The paper proposes a public-interest re-ranking layer, hosted by a body such as UN Tourism, that balances exposure fairness, seasonality smoothing, low-carbon routing, cultural congruence, safety safeguards and stereotype penalties, transforming conversational AI from an opaque gatekeeper into a sustainability-oriented travel recommendation tool. Full article

Enhancing and developing multicultural education is essential in today’s interconnected world, characterized by significant migration and refugee movements, as it serves as a fundamental element for effectively integrating migrant and refugee students within host nations. In Greece, which has long dealt with the challenge of integrating thousands of individuals fleeing conflict and disasters, there is a pressing need to evolve and modernize this educational approach. This qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews with nine multicultural educators in Greece, seeks to explore how teachers foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in their diverse classrooms. Despite facing systemic challenges, the findings reveal that educators strive to highlight students’ cultural heritages through collaborative group activities that encourage trust, respect, and appreciation for diversity. Additionally, the research delves into how teachers cope with the psychological trauma often experienced by these students. Participants expressed that the inconsistent availability of specialists and monitoring for students dealing with severe psychological issues complicates their teaching efforts. Full article

This study explores how Speech and Elocution Training (SET) activates language potential and fosters career-oriented development among higher vocational students through self-efficacy mechanisms. Through qualitative interviews with four vocational graduates who participated in SET 5 to 10 years ago, the research identifies three key findings. First, SET comprises curriculum content (e.g., workplace communication modules such as hosting, storytelling, and sales pitching) and classroom training using multimodal TED resources and Toastmasters International-simulated practices, which spark language potential through skill-focused, realistic exercises. Second, these pedagogies facilitate a progression where initial language potential evolves from nascent career interests into concrete job-seeking intentions and long-term career plans: completing workplace-related speech tasks boosts confidence in career choices, planning, and job competencies, enabling adaptability to professional challenges. Third, SET aligns with Bandura’s four self-efficacy determinants; these are successful experiences (including personalized and virtual skill acquisition and certified affirmation), vicarious experiences (via observation platforms and constructive peer modeling), verbal persuasion (direct instructional feedback and indirect emotional support), and the arousal of optimistic emotions (the cognitive reframing of challenges and direct desensitization to anxieties). These mechanisms collectively create a positive cycle that enhances self-efficacy, amplifies language potential, and clarifies career intentions. While highlighting SET’s efficacy, this study notes a small sample size limitation, urging future mixed-methods studies with diverse samples to validate these mechanisms across broader vocational contexts and refine understanding of language training’s role in fostering linguistic competence and career readiness. Full article

Recycling plastic waste has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. One of the biggest challenges in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling is the requirement to return bottles in their original, undeformed state. This necessitates storing large volumes of waste and takes up substantial space. Therefore, this paper seeks to address this issue and introduces a novel AIoT-based infrastructure that integrates the PET Bottle Identification Algorithm (PBIA), which can accurately recognize bottles regardless of color or condition and distinguish them from other waste. A detailed study of Azure Custom Vision services for PET bottle identification is conducted, evaluating its object recognition capabilities and overall performance within an intelligent waste management framework. A key contribution of this work is the development of the Algorithm for Citizens’ Trust Level by Recycling (ACTLR), which assigns trust levels to individuals based on their recycling behavior. This paper also details the development of a cost-effective prototype of the AIoT system, demonstrating its low-cost feasibility for real-world implementation, using the Asus Tinker Board as the primary hardware. The software application is designed to monitor the collection process across multiple recycling points, offering Microsoft Azure cloud-hosted data and insights. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating this prototype on a large scale at minimal cost. Moreover, the algorithm integrates the allocation points for proper recycling and penalizes fraudulent activities. This innovation has the potential to streamline the recycling process, reduce logistical burdens, and significantly improve public participation by making it more convenient to store and return used plastic bottles. Full article

Social embeddedness describes the extent to which firms are integrated into a social network in different situations and is an important concept in the entrepreneurship literature. Much of the existing research on embeddedness focuses on how entrepreneurs integrate into their host countries or the business activities of transnational entrepreneurs who operate across both their host and home countries. While a limited number of studies have examined sustainable entrepreneurs, previous studies have not sufficiently examined the nature of entrepreneurs’ social embeddedness and its effect on their sustainable entrepreneurial activities. This study seeks to understand how sustainable entrepreneurs utilize their social embeddedness when navigating business challenges. This study followed a multiple-case study approach based on data collected from in-depth inquiries into eight founders of sustainable startups in Nigeria. The findings show that sustainable entrepreneurs use social embeddedness as a strategy to navigate challenges encountered at different stages of their business. The findings make a theoretical contribution by describing how sustainable entrepreneurs use social embeddedness as a strategy to navigate business challenges in a developing country context. The findings offer implications for policymakers of emerging economies and sustainable entrepreneurship support organizations. Full article

Type I interferons (IFN-Is) play a dual role in the immune response to HIV-1, providing early antiviral defense while driving immune dysfunction in the chronic phase. During acute infection, robust IFN signaling is critical in controlling viral replication, activating innate immunity, and limiting reservoir establishment. However, sustained IFN-I activation during chronic infection fuels systemic inflammation, immune exhaustion, and fibrosis, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Prolonged IFN-I exposure upregulates inhibitory receptors on T cells, impairs metabolic fitness, and fosters an immunosuppressive cytokine milieu that weakens overall immune responses. In contrast to natural SIV (Simian immunodeficiency virus) hosts, IFN-I responses are tightly regulated to prevent chronic immune activation and tissue damage. However, humans and non-natural hosts experience persistent Interferon Stimulated Gene (ISG) expression and IFN-I driven inflammation. Emerging therapeutic strategies seek to harness the antiviral benefits of IFN-I while mitigating its pathogenic effects. Approaches such as the IFNAR blockade, autophagy induction, JAK-STAT inhibition, and combined immune inhibitory blockade therapy show promise in restoring immune balance and enhancing T cell function. This review examines the mechanisms of IFN-I dysregulation in chronic HIV-1 infection and highlights novel interventions aimed at finetuning IFN-I signaling for therapeutic benefit. Full article

Olfaction is crucial for insect activities such as host seeking, foraging, oviposition, and predator avoidance. While olfactory proteins have been identified across several insect species, their specific functions are largely enigmatic. In this study, we investigated the olfactory proteins of the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier. A total of 165 presumptive olfactory genes were identified in the antennal transcriptome of S. cerealella, encompassing 33 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 10 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 58 odorant receptors (ORs), 41 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 21 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). BLASTX and a phylogenetic analysis showed a high similarity of these genes to the orthologs in other model insects. A qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that ScerOBP15 and ScerOBP23 are specifically and highly expressed in antennae, exhibiting male-biased expression patterns. Moreover, molecular docking revealed their strong binding affinity to the wheat volatiles n-heptadecane and geranyl acetone. Also, the potential active sites within ScerOBP15 and ScerOBP23 that engage with these volatiles have been identified, implying a possible role in host localization. Our findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the behavioral responses of S. cerealella to wheat odors, enhance our comprehension of their olfactory processes, and pave the way for the development of highly specific and sustainable pest management strategies. Full article

Volatile plant compounds are essential for host plant selection by herbivores and particularly important for the behaviour of parasitoids seeking larvae in which to lay eggs. Headspace extracts were collected from intact plants of four Brassica oleracea genotypes, as well as from plants damaged by larvae of Mamestra brassicae or Pieris rapae. In total, 52 volatiles present in the headspaces of four genotypes were selected for multivariate analyses. The most abundant groups of volatiles were terpenes and esters, represented by 20 and 14 compounds, respectively. The qualitative and quantitative differences in odour profiles between the four genotypes were sufficient to differentiate between groups using multivariate analysis techniques. The most distinct volatile blends originated from curly kale, followed by cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Multivariate analysis revealed that genotypes affected the composition of the volatile blends to a large extent compared to the herbivore damage by the different species tested. In curly kale, broccoli and cauliflower, the differences in odour bouquets were more expressed between plants with and without active feeding, independent of the herbivore identity, while in cabbage, larger differences were observed between odour profiles with different herbivore feedings, independent of whether the herbivore was present or removed. Full article

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs: Meloidogyne sp.) are among the most devastating plant pathogens. Their chemotaxis-driven host-seeking activity is critical for RKNs’ infection success. Using attractants derived from bacterial volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) to interrupt the host-seeking is promising for the management of RKNs. However, little is known about how BVOCs contribute to the attractiveness of RKNs. Here, we provide a first evaluation of the attractive potential of taxonomically diverse bacteria from different environments and assemble a previously unidentified repertoire of bi-attractive bacteria to M. incognita and Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that the attraction strength of the preferred bacteria to the nematodes was positively correlated with the abundance and amounts of ketones in the BVOC profiles. This suggested that ketones are key for BVOC-mediated attraction. In our behavioral experiments using ketone compounds, we provide evidence that the attractiveness of the nematodes to the preferred bacteria arises specifically from ketone odor cues, a phenomenon not reported previously. This study demonstrates for the first time that a specific ketone blend naturally occurring within the BVOC profiles from the preferred bacteria serves as a key odorant regulating their enhanced attraction toward the nematodes. We used genetic methods to show that the AWC^ON neurons are important for worms to sense the ketones derived from the preferred bacteria and drive attraction to these bacteria. Our study may serve as a platform for a better understanding of the chemical and neuronal basis for ketone-mediated bacteria–nematode interactions and the development of new BVOCs as attractants in RKNs’ management. Full article

Background: Aedes species transmit arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. The diseases cause severe sickness, mortality, and economic losses. This study describes the biting hour and host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus in three towns. Recently, chikungunya and dengue infections were reported in the study sites. Methods: Biting hour and host-seeking behaviors of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were studied from June to September 2023, in Genda-Wuha, Kokit, and Metema-Yohannes towns, Metema district, Northwest Ethiopia. CDC-LT traps were set running indoors and outdoors for 24 h closer to humans sleeping inside unimpregnated mosquito nets. At the same time, CDC-LT traps were set running overnight closer to domestic animals’ shelters located within a 50-m radius of the main residence. Mosquitoes trapped in CDC-LT were collected every hour. The study was conducted four times in each town during the wet season. A chi-square test was employed to examine biting hour and host-seeking behavior. Results: Aedes aegypti was observed to be highly exophilic and active during the daylight hours. Aedes aegypti exhibited a peak biting rate between 07:00 and 08:00 with the biting rate of 4.5/person/hour followed by from 17:00 pm to 18:00 pm with the biting rate of 3.75/person/hour. The hourly biting rate of Ae. aegypti differed significantly. Its peak indoor biting rate was from 19:00 to 20:00 with the rate of 2.00 bites/person/hour followed by from 08:00 to 09:00 with the rate of 1.50 bites/person/hour and the biting rates differed significantly across the hours (F = 240.046; p = 0.001). Aedes vittatus also exhibited a biting rate similar to that of Ae. aegypti. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were abundantly collected from nearby human sleeping arrangements than from the shelters of cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. The highest proportions of Ae. aegypti (91.21%) and Ae. vittatus (89.87%) were unfed. Conclusions: Aedes aegypti and Ae. vittatus exhibited peak biting rates during morning and early night hours that aligned with the active daily routine practices of the local community. This could potentially expose the inhabitants to viral diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus. Full article

Background: Mental health outcomes among female refugees are complex and multifaceted. This study examines the mental health outcomes and coping resources of female Ukrainian refugees in Germany using a mixed methods approach with qualitative focus groups and quantitative assessments. Methods: This study employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Three focus group discussions with fifteen participants were conducted in Hamburg in April 2023. A stepwise qualitative data analysis was done using a deductive coding technique. The quantitative analysis focused on descriptive statistics to summarize the data and provide an overview of participants’ mental health and well-being. Results: Our findings show that 43% of participants reported anxiety symptoms, and 21% showed signs of depression—many experienced isolation and disconnection and were struggling with cultural adaptation and the emotional toll of displacement. Despite challenges, participants utilized various coping strategies, such as staying active, volunteering, and seeking community support. However, significant barriers to accessing mental health services, especially for children, were identified. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for tailored interventions, including language support, accessible mental health resources, and community engagement, to foster resilience and well-being. It highlights the importance of comprehensive support systems for refugee populations in host countries, such as active lifestyles, social support, volunteer work, and successful integration. Full article

This article for the first time examines the activities of transnational information campaigns initiated by young Shiʿa Muslims across European, Russian, and Armenian cities. These campaigns aim to disseminate knowledge about Imam Hussain and his mission to non-Shiʿa audiences. The campaigns serve as vivid examples of the struggles faced by Muslims in relatively hostile contexts as they seek integration and acceptance as law-abiding and peaceful citizens. They also represent new avenues of Islamic activism, focusing on dismantling stereotypes and correcting “misunderstandings” within host societies. Drawing on semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and an analysis of campaign handouts and social media content between 2018 and 2024, this study explores how campaigners adapt the narrative of the Karbala tragedy—widely regarded as the metahistorical cornerstone of Shiʿa identity—to make it accessible and relevant to external audiences. These strategies enable campaigners to engage with out-group communities, testing and refining effective methods for presenting this pivotal historical event. The findings reveal that, through this process, the Karbala narrative undergoes both content-based and linguistic modifications, while the concept of justice—central to the commemoration of this tragedy—is reinterpreted in new contexts. This research contributes to the understanding of transnational Islamic activism and highlights the importance of strategic communication in fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting mutual understanding in diverse societies. Full article