Search Results (1,513)

Background/Objectives:Helicobacter pylori infection is traditionally associated with gastrointestinal diseases; however, increasing evidence suggests that it may have systemic effects involving inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological pathways. Despite this, integrated evaluations of these domains remain limited, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the impact of H. pylori infection on inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological parameters among adults. Methods: A case–control study was conducted including 100 participants (50 H. pylori-positive patients and 50 healthy controls) recruited from Qassim Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and blood samples were analyzed for random blood sugar (RBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, ferritin, and white blood cell count (WBC). Statistical analyses included group comparisons, Spearman correlation, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The infected group showed significantly higher levels of RBS and HbA1c, indicating impaired glycemic control. Inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR) were also significantly elevated compared to controls (p < 0.001). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were significantly lower in the infected group (p < 0.001), suggesting disturbed iron metabolism. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between inflammatory markers and glycemic indices, and negative associations with hemoglobin and ferritin. Multivariable logistic regression identified CRP (adjusted OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04–1.71) and ESR (adjusted OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16) as independent predictors of H. pylori infection after adjustment for smoking status and fast-food consumption. The combined model demonstrated acceptable discriminatory performance with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74–0.90). Conclusions:Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with significant inflammatory, metabolic, and hematological alterations, supporting its potential role as a systemic condition beyond the gastrointestinal tract. These associations remained significant after adjustment for major lifestyle-related confounders, including smoking status and fast-food consumption. Although the combined inflammatory model demonstrated acceptable discriminatory performance, it should currently be considered mainly for research or preliminary screening purposes and not as a replacement for established diagnostic methods for active H. pylori infection. Further large-scale longitudinal and interventional studies are warranted to clarify causality and evaluate the impact of eradication therapy on systemic outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is an emergent condition managed by surgical intervention. No conclusive evidence has been produced regarding the need for drain placement after primary repair. Our meta-analysis aimed to provide insight into the short-term outcomes by comparing the two strategies of drain omission or intra-operative placement of at least one drain. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were utilized to identify articles of interest. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan Version 5.4. Eligible studies were comparative studies (RCTs and observational studies) enrolling adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing emergency primary repair for PPU, with or without prophylactic intra-abdominal drain placement; case reports and series of fewer than 10 patients were excluded. The literature search covered January 2010 to 22 February 2026. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for RCTs, and the ROBINS-I V2 tool for observational studies; certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE framework. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using a random-effects model and expressed as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI); statistical heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic. Results: Five studies were considered for comparison, for a total of 1354 patients (744 and 610 in the drain and no-drain groups, respectively). Three were randomized controlled trials, and two were retrospective cohort studies, conducted across four countries (India, the USA, Egypt, and Japan). Meta-analysis of the pooled results showed that drain omission was associated with a shorter length of stay (LOS) (MD −2.13, 95% CI [−3.91–−0.35], p < 00001) and a lower rate of superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) (16.7% vs. 52.7%, OR 0.24, 95%CI [0.11–0.55], p = 0.0007). No difference was observed regarding the rate of leaks, reoperation, or deep SSIs. Low-certainty evidence suggested higher postoperative mortality in the no-drain group (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.48; p = 0.02; I² = 0%), largely driven by retrospective studies with a high risk of bias. This mortality finding is of very low certainty and is most likely attributable to confounding in the observational studies rather than a true causal effect of drain omission. Several outcomes were based on data from only two to three studies, and the overall certainty of evidence was low to very low. Conclusions: Drain omission after primary repair for PPU may be associated with better outcomes in terms of LOS and superficial SSIs, primarily in lower-acuity patients, as reflected by the inclusion criteria of the contributing RCTs. Pooled analysis showed a higher postoperative mortality in the no-drain group; however, given the significant biases among included studies, our results should be interpreted as non-causal and thus require careful interpretation. Further research encompassing the full clinical spectrum of PPU is needed to confirm our results. Evidence certainty was low to very low across all outcomes, primarily due to a risk of bias, high heterogeneity (I² up to 95% for LOS), indirectness, and imprecision. Full article

Background/Objectives: This intervention study compared the impact of the PA-100 AST System (PA-100) with the standard of care on antibiotic-prescribing behaviour for community-acquired urinary tract infections in a Spanish primary care setting. Methods: Women seeking care for symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infections were recruited based on the last digit of their regional personal identification number in a control (no PA-100 result available) or intervention (PA-100 result available) arm. Differences in antibiotic-prescribing behaviour were analysed using Fisher’s exact test, with the sample size powered to detect a change in prescription in ≥6% of patients. Results: Availability of the PA-100 revealed resistance to fosfomycin in 21.5% of confirmed infections. This significantly shifted prescription away from fosfomycin towards nitrofurantoin and amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (p < 0.001). In accordance with local guidelines, fosfomycin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic in the control arm (65.9%), whereas a significantly lower rate (37.7%) was observed in the intervention arm. Conclusions: The PA-100 shows potential to support antimicrobial stewardship by enabling targeted antibiotic treatment at the first visit and improving care in primary care settings. Full article

Periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic inflammatory disorders that impose substantial individual and societal burdens worldwide. PD is characterized by progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to tooth loss, impaired oral function, and sustained systemic inflammatory burden. RA, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of the population, is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by persistent synovial inflammation, progressive joint destruction, disability, and reduced quality of life. Increasing evidence indicates that these conditions are biologically and clinically interconnected. Both diseases share key pathogenic pathways, including microbial dysbiosis, immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, genetic susceptibility, and aberrant autoantibody responses. Particular attention has focused on keystone periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, which may promote protein citrullination and the formation of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), thereby providing a plausible mechanistic bridge between periodontal infection and systemic autoimmunity. Shared genetic risk factors, including HLA-DRB1 susceptibility alleles, further support a common host predisposition. Clinical, epidemiological, and translational studies increasingly support a bidirectional association. Individuals with PD appear to have a higher risk of RA development, whereas patients with RA demonstrate greater prevalence, severity, and progression of periodontal disease. Interventional studies suggest that nonsurgical periodontal therapy may reduce local periodontal inflammation, circulating inflammatory biomarkers, and RA disease activity indices, while effective pharmacological control of RA may also improve periodontal outcomes. This narrative review critically evaluates the PD–RA relationship across four interconnected domains: (i) epidemiological and clinical associations between PD and RA, (ii) key mechanisms underlying RA pathogenesis, (iii) shared biological pathways linking both diseases, and (iv) the extent to which treatment of one condition influences the other. Particular emphasis is placed on major sources of heterogeneity and confounding—including smoking, metabolic comorbidities, disease stage, therapeutic exposure, and variable diagnostic definitions—that may explain inconsistencies across the literature. By integrating current mechanistic and clinical evidence, this review provides a structured synthesis that extends beyond a descriptive overview of association studies. A clearer understanding of the periodontal–rheumatologic axis may facilitate risk stratification, identify novel therapeutic targets, and support integrated multidisciplinary care. Targeting both oral and systemic inflammation may improve outcomes in patients with coexisting PD and RA and may potentially reduce the risk or severity of one condition in individuals already affected by the other. Full article

Background/Objectives: Term and preterm premature ruptures of membranes (PROM and PPROM) are serious pregnancy complications associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although widely studied in the global literature, data on the risk factors and outcomes of PROM and PPROM in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain limited. This mapping review aimed to identify and assess existing evidence and highlight gaps in knowledge regarding risk factors for PROM, including preterm PROM, and related maternal and neonatal outcomes among women in the region. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive and systematic search of articles published in English and Arabic between January 2000 and June 2025 across Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed/Medline. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies conducted in MENA countries. Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic mapping. Results: Out of 5359 retrieved records, 136 met the inclusion criteria. The main study design was cross-sectional (51 studies), followed by case–control (41), cohort (26), and 15 randomised controlled trials. The geographic distribution of the evidence varied significantly. Research has mainly focused on PROM and its biological risk factors, such as infections and chronic medical conditions. Psychological and environmental factors have been the least reported. Neonatal and gestational outcomes have frequently been addressed, whereas maternal outcomes have received less attention. Conclusions: The findings reveal significant geographic, thematic, and methodological disparities in research throughout the MENA region. The results underscore the need for further studies on the prevention and identification of women at higher risk of PROM. Full article

Background: The impact of climate change on birds’ migration and ticks’ reservoir habits is contributing to the spread of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV), to new continents and countries. CCHF is endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including Iraq, and is witnessing a substantial surge in confirmed cases with considerable disparity and gaps in managing CCHF cases. The increasing CCHF spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Spain and Turkey, highlights the danger of its expansion. Developing high-confidence diagnostic criteria, identifying risk factors, and accurate predictors of CCHF outcomes are critical to managing suspected and confirmed cases of CCHF and to reducing the current case fatality rate of CCHF, which is the goal of this study. Methods: We completed a retrospective evaluation of 61 confirmed cases of CCHF in Basrah (Iraq). The cases were screened according to the clinical presentation, and CCHF cases were identified by ELISA and validated by PCR. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. T-tests, chi-square/Fisher exact tests, and Pearson’s correlation were used, with significance set at p < 0.05 and high significance at p < 0.01. Results: We found that repeated exposure to animals during animal slaughtering was a significant risk factor. In addition, 5% of the patients with confirmed CCHF, mainly from rural areas, reported exposure to rats. Clinical presentations included fever, headache, gastrointestinal problems, eye and orbital symptoms, and hemorrhagic complications. Predictors of death included advanced age, decreased platelet counts, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as delusions and confusion. Conclusions: Our findings identify clinical and laboratory features of CCHF cases in Iraq, which will help to implement the most effective interventions to manage CCHF cases and protect the public in all Iraqi governorates. In summary, this study highlights a recent and significant rise in CCHF cases in Basrah Governorate, Iraq. Notably, 5% of confirmed cases reported contact with rats. The paper also proposes diagnostic criteria and identifies key predictors of mortality to support improved clinical management of CCHF. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened public health interventions, including enhanced infection prevention and control measures, increased awareness, and improved surveillance systems. The findings have important implications for improving control procedures, guiding therapeutic development, informing vaccine strategies, and supporting evidence-based policy alongside future research efforts. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion animals is an escalating concern at the interface of veterinary medicine and public health. Dogs and cats, the most commonly treated companion species, are frequently prescribed antimicrobials for dermatological, otic, urinary, and respiratory infections—often involving drug classes that are critically important in human medicine. This overlap underscores the need for judicious use and integrated stewardship within a One Health framework. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on AMR in companion animals and its implications for One Health. Studies were included if they reported AMR in dogs and cats and addressed zoonotic aspects. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus sp. are examples of clinically significant organisms that are becoming more resistant to several antibiotic classes, which can result in treatment failures and extended illness. Horizontal gene transfer facilitates the spread of resistance determinants across bacterial populations. Improved surveillance systems, prudent antibiotic use, regular culture and susceptibility testing, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary practice are just a few of the many strategies needed to address AMR in companion animals. The integration of companion animals into AMR surveillance, stewardship programs, and infection control strategies is essential. Coordinated One Health interventions are urgently required to mitigate the spread of AMR. Full article

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are increasingly reaching older ages due to the success of antiretroviral therapy. However, aging with HIV is associated with increased risk of multimorbidity, neurocognitive impairment, frailty, psychosocial stress, and functional decline. Multidomain geriatric screening framed within an Age-Friendly 4Ms Framework (Mentation, Medication, Mobility, What Matters Most) and consideration of multi-complexity may help identify aging-related vulnerabilities and guide multidisciplinary care with greater impact on patient outcomes. However, real-world implementation of such programs within HIV clinical settings remains limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults aged ≥50 years enrolled in a multidisciplinary Healthy Aging Program within a large, integrated HIV care system. Multidomain screening assessments included cognitive evaluation (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), mental health screening (PHQ-2, GAD-2), functional assessment (Katz ADL, Lawton IADL), frailty screening (Edmonton Frail Scale), and intrinsic capacity domains using the WHO Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework. Screening results, referrals, clinical interventions, and cardiometabolic risk management measures were extracted from clinical program databases and electronic medical records. Results: A total of 317 adults aged ≥50 years completed multidomain screening. Participants had well-controlled HIV infection, with viral suppression in 96.2% and a median CD4 count of 660 cells/mm³. Despite this, aging-related vulnerabilities were common. Overall, 78.4% of participants had at least one abnormal screening domain. Cognitive impairment was identified in nearly half of individuals screened, including mild impairment in 39.8% and moderate impairment in 8.7%. Functional limitations were identified in 10.1% of participants, while anxiety symptoms were present in 9.5%. Sensory impairments were common, including vision impairment in 36.5% of participants. Polypharmacy was prevalent, with 33.2% of participants prescribed five or more chronic medications. Screening frequently generated multidisciplinary referrals, including behavioral health services (42.3%), social work support (42.9%), and pharmacist-led cardiometabolic risk review (56.8%). Age-stratified analyses demonstrated similar prevalence of screening abnormalities across age groups, including individuals aged 50–59 years. Modest improvements in cardiometabolic preventive care were observed during follow-up. Statin utilization increased from 65.6% at baseline to 70.0% at 12 months, and LDL cholesterol declined modestly during the observation period. Conclusions: Multidomain screening integrated into routine HIV care identified a high prevalence of aging-related vulnerabilities among PLWH aged ≥50 years despite excellent virologic control. These findings suggest that aging-related risk in HIV is not adequately captured by chronological age alone and support early, universal implementation of multidomain screening within HIV care models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of infection prevention, yet the extent to which multimodal institutional hand hygiene interventions translate into measurable reductions in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between hospital-wide or multi-ward multimodal hand hygiene interventions and clinical HAI outcomes in acute care hospitals. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms related to hand hygiene, healthcare-associated infections, hospital settings, and intervention strategies. Eligible studies were quasi-experimental designs, including before–after, controlled before–after, and interrupted time-series studies, evaluating multimodal hand hygiene interventions implemented at hospital-wide or multi-ward level and reporting clinical HAI outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool, and certainty of evidence across major outcome categories was summarized using GRADE. Results: twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, multimodal hand hygiene interventions were generally associated with favorable directional trends in clinical outcomes. Reductions were most consistent for broader institutional HAI measures and some device-associated infections, particularly central line-associated bloodstream infections. In contrast, organism-specific outcomes, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Clostridioides difficile, were more heterogeneous across studies and settings. All included studies were judged to be at serious or critical overall risk of bias, primarily because of confounding, lack of contemporaneous controls, co-interventions, and phased implementation. Conclusions: Multimodal hand hygiene programs in acute care hospitals may be associated with improvement in selected clinically relevant HAI outcomes, particularly at the institutional level. However, the overall certainty of evidence remains low to very low, and the strength of inference is limited by the non-randomized nature of the available studies and the difficulty of isolating the independent effect of hand hygiene within complex infection-prevention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) remains a major healthcare-associated infection in intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated changes in CLABSI incidence following the implementation of a multimodal infection control intervention in the ICU. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in the adult ICUs of a referral hospital from January 2023 to December 2025. The interventions included staff education, performance feedback, infection control-led rounds, optimization of catheter practices, and reinforcement of environmental hygiene. The primary outcome was CLABSI incidence per 1000 central line-days. An interrupted time-series analysis using segmented Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to assess temporal trends. Results: A total of 17 CLABSI cases occurred during the pre-intervention period, and 25 during the post-intervention period. There was no significant difference in CLABSI incidence between the two periods (incidence rate ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–1.98). However, interrupted time-series analysis demonstrated a significant decreasing trend in CLABSI incidence following the intervention (rate ratio, 0.89 per month; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.97; p = 0.01). This trend was observed despite the higher patient severity and increased use of advanced supportive therapies in the post-intervention period. The device utilization ratio and monthly blood culture rate remained unchanged. Avoidance of femoral venous access increased, and adherence to catheter-handling protocols significantly improved. Conclusions: A staged, multimodal intervention was associated with a significant decreasing trend in CLABSI incidence over time, suggesting a potential benefit of comprehensive infection prevention strategies in ICU settings. Full article

Viral comorbidities elicit complex host responses by activating redox-sensitive signaling pathways, prominently those regulated by NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes. Nox are critical components of host defense, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modulate key cellular signaling cascades. Under normal physiological conditions, Nox activity is tightly controlled; however, viral infections frequently disrupt this regulation, leading to aberrant upregulation of specific Nox isoforms. Elevated expression of individual Nox enzymes has been observed in infections such as influenza A and hepatitis C virus, while simultaneous activation of multiple Nox isoforms occurs in HIV and SARS-CoV infections. Similar patterns of dual or multi-isoform Nox activation are also reported in complex disease states, including diabetes, thrombosis, and fibrosis. MicroRNAs play a crucial role in this process by selectively regulating Nox isoform expression during viral infection, thereby remodeling the host redox environment. Nox-derived ROS influence multiple downstream signaling pathways, including SMAD, MAPK, CXCR-mediated signaling, and the JNK/ERK axis, promoting inflammation and fibrosis that worsen viral disease outcomes. Additionally, several FDA-approved drugs, investigational agents, and microRNA-based therapeutics show promise in modulating Nox activity. Therefore, this article substantiates how viral infections reprogram host transcriptomic and redox signaling networks, contributing to viral pathogenesis and offering potential therapeutic intervention strategies. Full article

Bovine mastitis is a major infectious disease in dairy cattle, causing significant economic losses and compromising animal health and milk quality worldwide. Among its etiological agents, Staphylococcus aureus is a key contagious pathogen due to its ability to establish persistent intramammary infections and evade host immune responses and antimicrobial therapy. This review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and control of S. aureus in bovine mastitis. Particular emphasis is placed on virulence mechanisms, including adhesion, intracellular persistence, biofilm formation, and immune evasion, which contribute to chronic and recurrent infections. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, including methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains, is highlighted as a major challenge limiting treatment efficacy and posing risks within a One Health context. The review also discusses emerging alternative therapies and innovative control strategies, such as anti-biofilm approaches, immunomodulation, and improved diagnostics, aimed at reducing antimicrobial use. Advances in molecular and point-of-care diagnostic tools are considered for their role in early detection and targeted interventions. Overall, effective control of S. aureus mastitis requires integrated strategies combining prudent antimicrobial use, alternative therapies, improved hygiene, and a multidisciplinary One Health approach. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) complex. The disease is globally distributed, with particularly high prevalence in Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan. Despite its significant impact on public health and livestock production, data on CE in sheep in Kazakhstan remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) in sheep across Kazakhstan, addressing an important zoonotic disease affecting both livestock and human health. Over the course of one year, a total of 31,389 sheep were examined, and cystic echinococcosis cysts were collected from the livers and lungs of 550 infected sheep across 14 regions of Kazakhstan. Molecular analyses targeting mitochondrial genes (nad1, cox1) were performed to determine genetic diversity. The results revealed a higher occurrence of CE in the southern regions of the country. Among the genotyped isolates (57), genotype G1 was dominant, accounting for 84.2% (48) of the samples, whereas genotype G3 (9) was detected at a lower frequency in three regions. A total of 11 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating considerable genetic diversity among the isolates. Haplotype network analysis suggested gene flow among populations and revealed the widespread presence of the most common haplotype (EgKZ-2) across multiple regions. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and targeted control strategies for cystic echinococcosis, emphasizing the importance of understanding parasite genetic diversity for public health interventions and livestock management in endemic areas. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of E. granulosus s.s. in Central Asia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutritional strategies targeting redox and immune pathways may help to stabilize redox hemodynamics and support immune competence. Controlled physiological stress models allow examination of how nutrients influence dynamic antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT), 39 healthy, moderately active men (supplement group: n = 20; placebo group: n = 19) received a yeast cell-derived formulation containing β-glucans and micronutrients or placebo for 8 weeks. Two standardized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions (PRE/POST) transiently induced oxidative and inflammatory stress. Outcomes included reactive oxygen species (ROS; whole-blood EPR), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence and duration. Results: Prior to the intervention period, acute supplement intake resulted in a more pronounced reduction in ROS from 0′ to 60′ compared with placebo (−6.2%; p ≈ 0.14). After eight weeks, fasting FRAP increased only in the supplemented group (p < 0.01). Mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated significant time × group interactions for FRAP in both PRE and POST assessments, indicating differential temporal trajectories. The chronic FRAP increase correlated with the acute ROS reduction (p < 0.05; r² = 0.21). SOD activity was higher in the supplemented group at 60′ in the POST assessment (p < 0.05), and a significant time × group interaction was observed for SOD in POST. TNF-α decreased across the intervention in participants with elevated baseline values, whereas individuals with low initial concentrations showed no change. The supplemented group reported shorter URTI duration (−1.4 days; d = 0.34) and fewer prolonged episodes (>10 days: 5% vs. 15.8%), although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Eight weeks of supplementation with a yeast cell-derived formulation containing β-glucans and micronutrients was associated with differences in selected redox-related markers, including FRAP and SOD, without altering exercise-induced ROS dynamics. The observed patterns suggest subtle modifications in antioxidant-related response characteristics under standardized physiological stress. These findings warrant further investigation in larger and more heterogeneous cohorts, particularly in populations exposed to higher oxidative or inflammatory burden. Full article

Nipah virus (NiV) is an animal-borne RNA virus of the genus Henipavirus that poses a significant global health threat. This threat is driven by the virus’s high mortality rate, its capacity to cause epidemics, and the lack of licensed therapeutic interventions or vaccines. Since its initial identification during the 1998–1999 outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, recurrent episodes have occurred primarily in Bangladesh and India, with mortality rates frequently exceeding 70%. Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus serve as the biological host for the virus. Transmission to humans occurs via contact with infected wildlife, consumption of contaminated products, such as freshly harvested date palm sap, or direct person-to-person exposure. Other modes of transmission, such as transplacentally or via breast milk, are still under investigation. The clinical presentation of NiV infection varies widely, from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening respiratory disease and acute encephalitis. It frequently attacks the nervous system, which can lead to coma, permanent neurological damage, or relapsing encephalitis. The virus enters host cells via ephrin-B2/B3 receptors, enabling systemic dissemination and infiltration of the central nervous system. Diagnosis relies primarily on RT-PCR and serological assays, and virus isolation requires high-containment laboratories. Management remains largely supportive, as no approved antiviral therapy exists. Experimental agents, such as remdesivir, favipiravir, and monoclonal antibodies such as m102.4, have shown promise in preclinical studies. Multiple vaccine platforms—including subunit, viral vector, mRNA, and nanoparticle-based approaches—are under development, though none is yet licensed for human use. Strengthened surveillance, infection control measures, and continued research are essential to mitigate the threat posed by this emerging pathogen. This review summarizes current knowledge on NiV, including its virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission, and recent progress in therapeutic and vaccine development. Full article