Search Results (886)

This literature review provides an overview of the food safety and toxicological characteristics of various heavy metals and metalloids and the public health significance of their occurrence in food. Metals also occur as natural components of the environment, but they can enter food of animal origin and the human body primarily due to anthropogenic (industrial, agricultural, transport-related) activities. The persistent heavy metals (e.g., Hg, Pb, Cd) found in the environment are not biodegradable, can accumulate, and can enter the bodies of higher animals and subsequently, humans, where they are metabolized into various compounds with differing toxicity. Thus, due to their environmental contamination, they can accumulate in living organisms and their presence in the food chain is of great concern for human health. Regulations of the European Community in force lay down maximum levels for a limited number of metals, and the types of regulated foodstuffs of animal origin are also narrower than in the past, e.g., wild game animals and eggs are not included. The regulation of game meat (including offal) deserves consideration, given that it is in close interaction with the environmental condition of a given area and serves as indicator of it. Full article

The investigations examined a potential reduction in discrepancies between the values of the unperturbed radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) and values of the EMF measured by wearable equipment (personal exposure meters) impacted by the proximity of the human body. This was done by modelling distributed wearable (multi-location, with up to seven simultaneously locations) measurements. The performed numerical simulations mimicked distributed measurements in 24 environmental exposure scenarios (recognized as virtual measurements) covered: the horizontal or vertical propagation of the EMF and electric field vector polarization corresponding to typical conditions of far-field exposure from wireless communication systems (at a frequency of 100–3600 MHz). Physical tests using three EMF probes for simultaneous measurements have been also performed. Studies showed that the discrepancy in assessing EMF exposure by an on-body equipment and the parameters of the unperturbed EMF in the location under inspection (mimicking the contribution to measurement uncertainty from the human body proximity) may be significantly reduced by the appropriate use of a distributed measurement system. The use of averaged values, from at least three simultaneous measurements at relevant locations on the body, may reduce the uncertainty approximately threefold. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an FDA-approved treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), with promising potential in patients with IBD. This manuscript aimed to provide a comprehensive and updated review of the available literature on fecal microbiota transplantation, its clinical use in IBD in general, as well as in patients with IBD and CDI. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed from October 2024 to March 2025. All publications available within PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were reviewed. All original articles, case reports, review articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Qualitative and quantitative data were both extracted. Discussion: Intestinal microbiota is an integral part of the human body, and dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut’s microbial community) has been linked with several pathologies. Dysbiosis in IBD is marked by reduced beneficial bacteria and increased pro-inflammatory pathogens, contributing to mucosal damage and immune dysregulation. FMT has emerged as a solution to dysbiosis, with the first case recorded in 1917. FMT has been successful in treating patients with CDI. The diagnostic value of the gut microbiome is currently being explored as a possible therapeutic approach to IBD. Several studies have assessed FMT in patients with IBD and CDI with promising results in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) but varying efficacy based on administration routes, donor selection, and processing methods. In the context of recurrent CDI in patients with IBD, FMT demonstrates a high cure rate and potential benefit in concurrently improving IBD activity. However, risks such as IBD flare-ups post-FMT remain a concern. Conclusions: FMT holds promising potential in the management of CDI in patients with IBD. By restoring microbial diversity and correcting dysbiosis, FMT offers a novel, microbiota-targeted alternative to conventional therapies. While data support its efficacy in improving disease remission, variability in outcomes underscores the need for standardized protocols and additional large-scale, controlled studies. Continued research efforts into donor selection, treatment regimens, and long-term safety will be critical to optimizing FMT’s role in IBD and CDI care as well as improving patient outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are xenobiotic chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling and homeostasis within the human body. Accumulative evidence proposes that EDs could affect systemic hormone balance and local microbial communities, including the female genital tract (FGT) microbiome. The FGT microbiome, and especially the vaginal microbiota, contributes significantly to reproductive health maintenance, defense against infection, and favorable pregnancy outcomes. Disruption of the delicate microbial environment is associated with conditions like bacterial vaginosis, infertility, and preterm birth. Methods: The present narrative review summarizes the existing literature on EDs’ potential for changing the FGT microbiome. We discuss EDs like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens and their potential for disrupting the FGT microbiome through ED-induced hormone perturbations, immune modulation, and epithelial barrier breach, which could lead to microbial dysbiosis. Results: Preliminary evidence suggests that ED exposure–microbial composition changes relationships; however, robust human evidence for EDs’ changes on the FGT microbiome remains scarce. Conclusions: Our review addresses major research gaps and suggests future directions for investigation, such as the necessity for longitudinal and mechanistic studies that combine microbiome, exposome, and endocrine parameters. The relationship between EDs and the FGT microbiome could be critical for enhancing women’s reproductive health and for steering regulatory policies on exposure to environmental chemicals. Full article

This paper presents a wideband low-power/low-voltage 60-GHz low-noise amplifier (LNA) in a 28-nm bulk CMOS technology. The LNA has been designed for high-speed millimeter-wave (mm-wave) communications. It consists of two pseudo-differential amplifying stages and a buffer stage included for 50-Ohm on-wafer measurements. Two integrated input/output baluns guarantee both simultaneous 50-ohm input–noise/output matching at input/output radio frequency (RF) pads. A power-efficient design strategy is adopted to make the LNA suitable for low-power applications, while minimizing the noise figure (NF). Thanks to the adopted design strategy, the post-layout simulation results show an excellent trade-off between power gain and 3-dB bandwidth (BW_3dB) with 13.5 dB and 7 GHz centered at 60 GHz, respectively. The proposed LNA consumes only 11.6 mA from a 0.9-V supply voltage with an NF of 8.4 dB at 60 GHz, including the input transformer loss. The input 1 dB compression point (IP_1dB) of −15 dBm at 60 GHz confirms the first-rate linearity of the proposed amplifier. Human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is guaranteed up to 2 kV at the RF input/output pads thanks to the input/output integrated transformers. Full article

This paper presents an enhanced circularly polarized (CP) all-textile antenna using a metasurface (MS) and slot-patterned ground (SPG) for 5.8 GHz industry, scientific, and medical (ISM)-band applications in off-body communications. The 3 × 3 MS, capable of converting the incident wave into an orthogonal direction with equal magnitude and a 90° phase difference, converts the linearly polarized (LP) wave, radiated from the fundamental radiator with a corner-truncated slot square-patch configuration, into being CP. The SPG, consisting of periodic slots with two different sizes of corner-truncated slots, redistributes the surface current on the ground plane, enhancing the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of the proposed antenna. The novel combination of MS and SPG not only enables the generation and enhancement of CP characteristics but also significantly improves the impedance bandwidth (IBW), gain, and radiation efficiency by introducing additional surface wave resonances. The proposed antenna is composed of a conductive textile and a felt substrate, offering comfort and flexibility for applications where the antenna is placed in close proximity to the human body. The proposed antenna is simulated under bending in various directions, showing exceptionally similar characteristics to a flat condition. The proposed antenna is fabricated and is then verified by measurements in both free space and a human body environment. The measured IBW is 36.3%, while the ARBW is 18%. The measured gain and radiation efficiency are 6.39 dBic and 64.7%, respectively. The specific absorption rate (SAR) is simulated, and the results satisfy both US and EU safety standards. Full article

The review compares the principles of organization of the brain and immune system, two important organs developed over 500 million years in multicellular organisms, including humans. It summarizes the latest results from research in neurosciences and immunology concerning intercellular communication. While in the brain, intercellular communication is primarily based on exchange of electrical signals, this is not the case in the immune system. The question, therefore, arises as to whether nature developed two entirely different systems of organization. It will be demonstrated that a few basic principles of brain and immune responses are organized in a different way. A majority of intercellular communications, however, such as the formation of synapses, are shown to have many similarities. Both systems are intimately interconnected to protect the body from the1 dangers of the outside and the inside world. During homeostasis, all systems are in regulatory balance. A new hypothesis states that the central systems surrounded by bone, namely the central nervous system (CNS) and the central immune system (CIS), are based on three types of stem cells and function in an open but autonomous way. T cell immune responses to antigens from blood and cerebrospinal fluid protect the system and maintain neuroimmune homeostasis. The newly discovered tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles are postulated to play an important role in crosstalk with already known homeostasis regulators and help in cellular repair and the recycling of biologic material. Three examples are selected to illustrate dysfunctions of homeostasis, namely migraine, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer. The focus on these different conditions provides deep insights into such neurological and/or immunological malfunctions. Technological advances in neurosciences and immunology can enable neuroimmunomodulation and the development of new treatment possibilities. Full article

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are a growing environmental concern due to their adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems, human health, and economic activities. These blooms are driven by a combination of factors, including nutrient enrichment, environmental factors, and hydrological conditions, leading to the excessive growth of algae. HABs produce toxins that threaten aquatic biodiversity, contaminate drinking water, and cause economic losses in fisheries and tourism. The causes of HABs are multifaceted, involving interactions between environmental factors such as temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels. Agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution introduce excessive nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies, fueling bloom formation. Climate change further exacerbates the problem by altering precipitation patterns, increasing water temperatures, and intensifying coastal upwelling events, all of which create favorable conditions for HAB proliferation. This review explores the causes, ecological consequences, and potential mitigation strategies for HABs. Effective monitoring and detection methods, including satellite remote sensing, molecular biotechnology, and artificial intelligence-driven predictive models, offer promising avenues for early intervention. Sustainable management strategies such as nutrient load reductions, bioremediation, and regulatory policies can help mitigate the adverse effects of HABs. Public awareness and community involvement also play a crucial role in preventing and managing HAB events by promoting responsible agricultural practices, reducing waste discharge, and supporting conservation efforts. By examining existing literature and case studies, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches to regulate HABs. Full article

Background/Objectives: High sodium consumption increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Although food remains the primary source of intake, elevated sodium levels in drinking water can further contribute to excessive intake, particularly in populations already exceeding recommendations. This review examines the extent to which national drinking water standards account for sodium-related health risks and aims to inform discussion on the need for enforceable, health-based sodium limits. Methods: National standards for unbottled drinking water in 197 countries were searched for using the WHO 2021 review of drinking water guidelines, the FAOLEX database, and targeted internet and AI searches. For each country, data were extracted for the document name, year, regulatory body, regulation type, sodium limit (if stated), and rationale. Socio-geographic data were sourced from World Bank Open Data. A descriptive analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. Results: Standards were identified for 164 countries. Of these, 20% (n = 32), representing 30% of the global population, had no sodium limit. Among the 132 countries with a sodium limit, 92% (n = 121) adopted the WHO’s palatability-based guideline of 200 mg/L. Upper limits ranged from 50 to 400 mg/L. Only twelve countries (9%) cited health as a rationale. Three countries—Australia, Canada, and the United States—provided a separate recommendation for at-risk populations to consume water with sodium levels below 20 mg/L. Conclusions: Globally, drinking water standards give inadequate attention to sodium’s health risks. Most either lack sodium limits or rely on palatability thresholds that are too high to protect health. Updating national and international standards to reflect current evidence is essential to support sodium reduction efforts. Health-based sodium limits would empower communities to better advocate for safe water. Amid rising water salinity, such reforms must be part of a broader global strategy to ensure universal and equitable access to safe, affordable drinking water as a basic human right. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing attention in recent years as a valuable focus of scientific investigation, owing to their potential therapeutic properties and wide-ranging uses in medicine. EVs are a heterogeneous population of membrane-enclosed vesicles with lipid bilayers, released by cells from both animal and plant origins. These widespread vesicles play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and serve as carriers for a variety of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The most common method of classifying EVs is based on their biogenesis pathway, distinguishing exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies as the major types. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in PDEs, as they offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to exosomes sourced from mammals. Mounting data from both laboratory-based and animal model experiments indicate that PDEs have natural therapeutic properties that modulate biological activities within cells, demonstrating properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects that may aid in treating diseases and enhancing human well-being. Moreover, PDEs hold promise as reliable and biologically compatible carriers for drug delivery. Although studies conducted before clinical trials have yielded encouraging results, numerous unresolved issues and gaps in understanding remain, which must be resolved to facilitate the effective advancement of PDEs toward medical use in human patients. A key concern is the absence of unified procedures for processing materials and for obtaining PDEs from different botanical sources. This article provides a comprehensive summary of existing findings on PDEs, critically examining the hurdles they face, and highlighting their substantial promise as a novel class of therapeutic tools for a range of illnesses. Full article

Plastics pollution is a critical global environmental issue, with growing concern over the increasing presence of nanoplastic particles. Plastics are major environmental pollutants that adversely affect human health, particularly when plastics from food sources enter the body and pose potential risks to reproductive health. Echinacea purpurea is an immunologically active medicinal plant containing phenolic acids and alkylamides. Nanoparticles present a promising approach to enhance the effectiveness, stability, and bioavailability of Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EE) active components. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of chitosan-silica-Echinacea purpurea nanoparticles (CSE) against reproductive injury induced by polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in male rats. The results showed that CSE dose-dependently reduced oxidative damage and protected intestinal and reproductive health. Furthermore, CSE improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, preserved barrier integrity, and attenuated PS-NPs-induced inflammation in the colon, brain, and gonads. Inflammatory factors released from the gut can enter the bloodstream, cross the blood–brain barrier, and potentially modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. CSE has also been shown to elevate neurotransmitter levels in the colon and brain, thereby repairing HPG axis dysregulation caused by PS-NPs through gut–brain communication and improving reproductive dysfunction. This study enhances our understanding of CSE in modulating the gut–brain and HPG axes under PS-NPs-induced damage. CSE demonstrates the capacity to provide protection and facilitate recovery by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, restoring gut microbiota balance, and preserving hormone levels in the context of PS-NPs-induced injury. Full article

Human milk (HM) is a complex biological fluid that plays a significant role in infant health, influenced by maternal dietary habits and body composition. This study aimed to explore how maternal diet and nutritional status affect the microbial composition of HM. In this pilot study, 15 mothers were recruited from a maternity ward and assessed for dietary habits through a semi-structured food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day dietary record. Maternal body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. HM samples were collected for microbiota analysis, focusing on the diversity and composition of bacterial communities via 16S rRNA sequencing. The study identified that maternal nutrient intake significantly correlated with the composition of HM microbiota. Specifically, Firmicutes abundance showed positive correlations with animal protein (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043), total carbohydrates (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043), and vitamin A (τ = 0.429; p = 0.026). Bacteroidota was positively correlated with retinol (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043). Higher consumption of dietary fiber (>24 g/day) did not yield significant differences in bacterial composition compared to lower intake (<24 g/day) (p = 0.8977). Additionally, no significant differences were found in overall bacterial abundance across different maternal characteristics such as age, mode of delivery, or breastfeeding type. This study underscores the importance of maternal diet in shaping the HM microbiota, which may have implications for infant health. Dietary modifications during lactation could be a strategic approach to promote beneficial microbial colonization in HM. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background: The increasing use of technologies operating between 10 and 200 kHz, such as RFID, wireless power transfer systems, and induction cooktops, raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The mechanisms of interaction within this frequency range have been only partially addressed by both the scientific and regulatory communities. Methods: A physical twin of a pacemaker/implantable defibrillator (PM/ICD) was developed to experimentally assess voltages induced at the input stage by low-to-mid-frequency magnetic fields. The setup simulates the two sensing modalities programmable in PMs/ICDs and allows for the analysis of different implant configurations, lead geometries, and positions within a human body phantom. Results: Characterization of the physical twin demonstrated its capability to reliably measure induced voltages in the range of 5 mV to 1.5 V. Its application enabled the identification of factors beyond the implant’s induction area that contribute to the induced voltage, such as the electrode-tissue interface and body-induced currents. Conclusions: This physical twin represents a valuable tool for experimentally validating the mechanisms of EMI in CIEDs, providing insights beyond current standards. The data obtained can serve as a reference for the validation of numerical models and patient-specific digital twins. Moreover, it offers valuable information to guide future updates and revisions of international electromagnetic compatibility standards for CIEDs. Full article

The global obese population accounts for approximately 30% of the total population and continues to increase. White adipocytes, which accumulate in the body for energy storage, are associated with obesity. Mechanisms that activate browning of white adipocytes are an attractive therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic disorders. Exosomes are nano-sized biovesicles that play a role in cell-to-cell communication though the transfer of cargos such as microRNAs. Although milk exosomes contain many endogenous microRNA molecules, the role of microRNAs in milk exosomes is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of milk exosomes on the browning of white adipocyte. Mouse pre-adipocytes (3T3-L1) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) were differentiated and exposed to milk exosomes. Compared to control, milk exosomes promoted the expression of thermogenic genes and cellular mitochondrial energy metabolism in both 3T3-L1 cells and hADSCs. Additionally, milk exosomes were orally administered to mice fed a high-fat diet. As the intake of milk exosomes increased, the mice’s body weight decreased. Milk exosomes also increased the protein levels of thermogenic genes and mitochondrial-related genes in mouse adipose tissue. The overexpression of miR-11987, which is abundant in milk exosomes, in both 3T3-L1 cells and hADSCs led to the increased expression of thermogenic genes and mitochondrial activity. Our results support that bovine-specific miR-11987 in milk exosomes promotes the browning of white adipocytes. Therefore, milk exosome and milk exosomal miR-11987 could have significant clinical implications for obesity and metabolic syndrome. Full article

Introduction: Nonbinary individuals who do not identify as exclusively male or female often face unique emotional challenges due to societal cisheteronormativity and limited recognition of their identities. While existing research has primarily focused on anxiety, depression, and pathways to parenthood among nonbinary people, little attention has been paid to their comprehensive emotional experiences as parents. This study aims to explore the emotional universe of two nonbinary parents from Spain and the United States. Design: Hermeneutic study. Materials and Methods: We implemented purposive sampling, conducted semi-structured virtual interviews, and followed Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation for data analysis. We used the Universe of Emotions affective taxonomy as a starting category in this analysis. Our sample consisted of a 32-year-old white Spanish nurse (she/they/them), assigned female at birth and parent of two one-year-old toddlers, and a 34-year-old white North American physiotherapist (he/they/them) assigned female at birth and parent of a ten-year-old child. Results: Through its four themes (A story of misunderstanding: “What are you, a combat helicopter?”; Clearly, you don’t fit, so…; But (a new) family is there; No monster here: I’m, at the core, a human being), this study reveals the complex emotional journey experienced by two nonbinary parents. Conclusions: Central to this journey are three key emotions: strangeness, belonging, and acceptance. The participants describe an initial stage marked by body and social dysphoria, confusion, and rejection, followed by a transformative process in which parenthood becomes a catalyst for emotional and identity integration. This transition—from alienation to connection—reflects a broader movement from dehumanization to humanization, where the experience of parenting fosters emotional resilience, social recognition, and a renewed sense of self. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Analyzing their emotions (both negative and positive ones), we obtained robust insights into these parents’ personal and social contexts. Therefore, we can facilitate understanding of the emotional complexity of nonbinary parents by the trans and cisgender communities. Through this understanding, nurses and the organizations they work for can improve their competence in their holistic care. Acceptance from nonbinary parents’ social contexts, of which nursing is a part, is a critical factor in their health and emotional wellbeing. Full article