Search Results (574)

Beta-glucans are immunomodulatory compounds known to act as adjuvants in the beneficial regulation of various allergic conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis, as well as in the modulation of dysbiosis in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. However, certain underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the associated loss of oral tolerance, may alter the expected outcomes of supplementation and lead to dysregulated immune responses. This study reports cases of cutaneous allergic reactions in dogs with IBD following the oral administration of yeast-derived beta-glucan. Two dogs with controlled IBD received 9.13 ± 1.14 mg/kg of beta-glucan in a double-blind study designed to investigate its effects on the intestinal microbiota in IBD. Both animals were withdrawn from the study due to adverse effects, including cutaneous allergic manifestations and intense pruritus. These findings suggest that patients with impaired oral tolerance may develop cutaneous reactions following the ingestion of yeast-derived prebiotics. Full article

“Vomiting disease” in ruminants is one of the most economically significant phytotoxicities in South Africa and is caused by chronic ingestion of sesquiterpene lactone compounds present in plants of the Geigeria genus. Affected livestock demonstrate mortality due to actin and myosin damage in the striated musculature; however, a validated parental-exposure laboratory animal model would be useful for further study of the toxicodynamics. We exposed Sprague–Dawley rats to ivalin in a sequential dosing procedure and evaluated clinical signs, mortality, histopathology and muscle ultrastructure. Three of the five exposed rats died acutely, and a maximum likelihood estimate method was used to calculate a Median Lethality (LD₅₀) of 135.4 mg/kg Body Weight (BW). Striated muscle in exposed rats showed only minimal and inconsistent histopathological and ultrastructural changes. Subcutaneous ivalin exposure causes acute mortality with minimal muscle pathology, contrasting with the more protracted muscular disease seen in ruminants after plant ingestion. This suggests toxicity by parenteral exposure is due to another mechanism, most likely mitochondrial energy pathway disturbances. Whilst subcutaneously exposed rats do not appear to provide a suitable model for oral sesquiterpene lactone exposure in ruminants, this study provides a starting dose for further investigation of plant extracts in both species. Full article

Background: Hemp extracts are used topically as cosmetic products and may be ingested as dietary supplements. Some users report positive carboxy delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (COOH-THC) urinary tests following their use. This study evaluated systemic exposure to natural hemp extract-based cosmetic (NHEC) bioactive molecules following a single dose of oral or topical application and assessed urine THC positivity. Methods: Twenty healthy adults (18–50 years, males and females) of a randomized, open-label, single-dose, crossover study received the NHEC orally or topically with a 15-day washout period. Plasma samples were analyzed for cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and their metabolites using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis (Phoenix^® WinNonlin^® 8.4, Pharsight Inc., Chatham, NJ, USA). Urine samples were tested for COOH-THC using commercial test strips. Results: All analytes, except CBD and 7-hydroxy cannabidiol (7-OH-CBD), were below the limit of quantification. Oral NHEC administration resulted in a faster T_max (3 h vs. 24 h) and a higher AUC_0–24 (281 vs. 19 h·ng/mL) for CBD compared to topical administration. Urine was positive for COOH-THC in 38% of participants receiving an oral dose. Conclusions: A single oral dose resulted in detectable plasma CBD and 7-OH-CBD, whereas topical administration produced low and frequently BLQ CBD concentrations with 7-OH-CBD and THC-related analytes not quantifiable. Urine COOH-THC tests were positive only in participants after oral use of an NHEC but not with topical use. Given the absence of THC in the product and the lack of CBD-to-THC conversion in humans, the cause of urine positivity remains unclear. Full article

Beetroot juice (BRJ), a concentrated dietary source of nitrate alongside betalains and polyphenols, influences physiology through enhanced nitrate–nitrite–NO bioavailability, antioxidant activity, and interactions with oral and gut nitrate-reducing microbiota. The efficiency of these mechanisms depends on dose, timing, and preservation of oral bacteria, with antibacterial mouthwash or thiocyanate-rich foods potentially blunting NO₂⁻ generation. Acute BRJ ingestion consistently elevates circulating nitrate and nitrite, yet its impact on glucose, insulin, and lipid regulation is modest; chronic intake may reinforce nitrate-reduction capacity, improve redox balance, and shift microbial composition, though long-term metabolic outcomes remain variable. Cardiovascular adaptations appear more coherent, with acute reductions in systolic blood pressure and improved endothelial function complemented in some cases by microvascular enhancements during multi-week supplementation. Neuromuscular and cognitive effects are less uniform; BRJ does not reliably increase maximal strength or global cognition but may support electrophysiological recovery after muscle-damaging exercise and improve executive performance under fatigue. In exercise settings, dose and timing are critical, as BRJ most consistently benefits endurance performance by reducing oxygen cost, improving exercise economy, and enhancing time-trial or time-to-exhaustion outcomes, whereas effects on sprint, power, and team-sport tasks are more sensitive to contraction duration, recovery intervals, and athlete training status. Overall, available evidence supports a role for NO-mediated vascular and metabolic pathways in the physiological effects of BRJ, although marked inter-individual variability highlights the need for responder-focused dosing strategies and further mechanistic investigation integrating metabolic, microbial, and performance-related outcomes. Full article

Cyanobacterial blooms are a common water pollution phenomenon worldwide now. Among them, Microcystis blooms occur most frequently internationally, and most of them can produce hepatotoxins—microcystins (MCs). When the bloom occurs in water bodies, common carp, as the top consumers in the aquatic food chain, inevitably ingest a large amount of cyanobacteria. The effects on the intestinal digestion, immunity, and microbiota of the carp remain to be revealed. In the present study, 21-day gavage exposure to Microcystis paste (equivalent to 378.25 μg/kg of MC-LR) was conducted on juvenile carp mainly to investigate the adverse effects of MCs on the fish intestinal digestion, immunity, and microbiota. The results showed that Microcystis exposure caused intestinal barrier damage, intestinal structure destruction, and increased permeability. Analysis of the activities of three main intestinal digestive enzymes showed that Microcystis exposure affected the intestinal digestion of fish. Targeted metabolome analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the abundance of opportunistic pathogens such as Proteobacteria and Aeromonas increased in the exposed fish, and the contents of intestinal metabolites lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) increased. However, the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacillus that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was significantly reduced. These results indicated that Microcystis exposure could imbalance the intestinal flora and increase the abundance of Gram-negative bacteria, thereby activating the inflammatory response in the common carp. In summary, oral Microcystis exposure by the common carp can negatively affect fish digestion, immunity, and flora homeostasis of the fish intestinal tract. This study also provides a theoretical basis for a comprehensive evaluation of the beneficial effects of SCFAs on regulating metabolic disorders, activating lipid catabolism, and nutrient utilization of fish in aquaculture. Full article

Nitrate in groundwater (GW) poses a public-health concern in semi-urban northeastern Saudi Arabia, where households rely on untreated wells. We measured nitrate in 45 wells spanning treated/untreated commercial stations, private domestic wells, and agricultural wells, and linked contamination severity to age-specific risks using the Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), and Hazard Quotient (HQ). Nitrate ranged from 12 to 380 mg·L⁻¹ (35% > 50 mg·L⁻¹ World Health Organization (WHO) guideline), with untreated private and agricultural wells most affected. Based on NPI, 65% of wells were “clean”, while 18% showed significant to very significant pollution. Infants and children had the highest exposure: CDI frequently exceeded the oral reference dose (1.6 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹), and HQ > 1 occurred in 56% (infants) and 51% (children) of samples from untreated sources. Treated stations consistently achieved lower nitrate and HQ < 1. Sensitivity analysis identified nitrate concentration as the dominant risk driver, followed by ingestion rate, with body weight mitigating the dose. The findings suggest that monitoring based solely on compliance may underestimate risks in sensitive age groups, thereby advocating for immediate actions such as fertilizer management, septic system upgrades, extension of treatment to vulnerable households, and community monitoring. The integrated NPI–CDI–HQ framework provides a replicable methodology for associating groundwater contamination with demographic-specific health risks in arid, water-stressed regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The widely recognized potential for biased responses to food frequency questionnaires and non-compliant self-reporting is motivating the search for alternative food intake records. The analysis of fecal DNA has been investigated as a potentially less biased and technically manageable method to replace or complement oral or written dietary surveys. The accuracy of fecal-DNA-based recalls critically depends on the persistence of ingested DNA of dietary origin during digestion. Methods: To inform the implementation of alternative molecular dietary inventories, we quantified the concentration of dietary DNA in the small intestine and in the feces of dogs, and in several sections of the mouse gastro-intestinal tract. Results: Using PCR assays specific for five ingredients used in commercial dog food and in mouse chow, we observed that fish DNA was most sensitive to digestion in the canine GI tract. In both species, DNA from corn and wheat was detectable in intestinal and in fecal samples. Perturbation of the mouse intestinal microbiota with antibiotics delayed the dietary DNA degradation in the GI tract. Conclusions: These results illustrate the limitations of DNA-based dietary recalls, underscoring their potential for generating biased information. Full article

Nitrate pollution in aquatic ecosystems has garnered growing attention globally, with particular severity in typical agricultural regions of North China. A typical agricultural area of southern Baoding, North China, is selected as the study area. To address key research questions, hydrochemical analysis is used to characterize the shallow groundwater’s hydrochemical properties, Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) is utilized to delineate the genetic mechanism of high-nitrate groundwater, and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) is conducted to evaluate potential health risks. Groundwater in the study area is predominantly characterized by the HCO₃-Ca and HCO₃-Mg. Four key factors regulating hydrochemical characteristics are identified via PMF modeling integrated with Pearson correlation analysis. Specifically, Factor 1 (NO₃⁻-dominated) and Factor 4 (SO₄²⁻-dominated) are associated with agricultural and livestock activities. In contrast, Factor 2 (Na⁺- and Mg²⁺-dominated) stems from the dissolution of silicate or carbonate rocks, while Factor 3 (pH- and K⁺-governed) is affected by silicate rock weathering and dissolution. The NO₃⁻ concentrations in groundwater range from 0.2 mg/L to 68.0 mg/L, with 47.54% of samples exceeding 10 mg/L. NO₃⁻ in most groundwater samples originates from mixed sources, including agricultural fertilizers, soil organic nitrogen, and manure-sewage. HHRA results demonstrate that via oral ingestion of groundwater, NO₃⁻ poses non-carcinogenic health risks to 90%, 83%, and 82% of children, adult females, and adult males, respectively. This study provides a hydrogeochemical perspective on nitrogen pollution in groundwater and offers scientific support for sustainable groundwater management in typical agricultural regions worldwide. Full article

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an emerging, relatively newly recognized allergic disorder with clinical manifestations that occur as a result of hypersensitivity reactions to oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), a carbohydrate present in lower-mammalian meat, dairy products, and some biopharmaceutical products. These reactions are delayed with oral ingestion of the antigen but can be immediate with intravascular or other parenteral antigenic exposure. Over the past 15 years, many revelations have occurred in the realm of AGS. However, there is still a huge unmet need related to its pathophysiology, diagnostics, timely recognition, and management. This article is geared towards providing a review of AGS for healthcare providers (HCPs) from all realms of medicine. It is a universal challenge, with cases being recognized from various parts of the world. Hence, it is critically important for HCPs planet-wide to pay heed to the prompt recognition of AGS and educate their patients. This can prevent morbidity as well as potentially fatal complications like severe anaphylaxis. It is a narrative clinical review. The PubMed database was searched from 2009 to 2025. Alpha-gal syndrome and related topics were included in the search engine. Full article

Background: Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a non-immediate, CD8+ T cell–mediated hypersensitivity reaction characterized by well-demarcated erythematous–violaceous plaques that recur at the same site after re-exposure to the causative drug. Although NSAIDs and antibiotics are the most common triggers, various other medications may induce FDE, and genetic susceptibility has been linked to specific HLA alleles. Methods: We conducted a clinical evaluation supported by patch testing, oral drug provocation, and assessment of therapeutic alternatives to identify the causative agent and confirm delayed-type hypersensitivity. Results: We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with essential hypertension, autoimmune thyroiditis, and renal lithiasis who developed well-demarcated erythematous plaques with central vesiculation and moderate pruritus on the dorsal hand and posterior calf approximately 8 h after ingestion of a 60 mg etoricoxib tablet. Patch testing was negative, while oral challenge confirmed etoricoxib-induced FDE; celecoxib was subsequently evaluated as a potential safe alternative. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of an integrated diagnostic approach—including careful history, clinical examination, and confirmatory testing—to accurately diagnose delayed cutaneous drug reactions and to identify safe therapeutic options for patients. Full article

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions in various disease models. Here, we tested whether pre-exposure to ALA can protect the testes from cellular damage caused by scrotal heat shock (HS) in mice. Methods: Thirty-six Swiss albino mice were divided into control (CTRL, n = 6), HS (n = 10), and two ALA dose (HS + ALA 200 mg/kg, n = 10; and HS + ALA 400 mg/kg, n = 10) groups. ALA supplementation was administered orally for 30 days. Subsequently, the animals, except the controls, were subjected to an HS water bath at 43 °C for 20 min. Two days later, they were euthanized, and biometric data from gonads and accessory sexual glands, testicular samples for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses, and sperm from the epididymis cauda were obtained for evaluation. Results: Animals submitted to HS had a lower body weight, decreased relative mass of testes and prostate, reduced seminiferous epithelium height and tubular diameter, and increased degeneration in seminiferous tubules. Additionally, sperm analysis showed a reduced linear progressive velocity (VSL) and straightness (STR), increased midpiece defects, and fewer sperm with functional membranes. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed a reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD1) staining intensity in the testes. Preventive exposure to ALA at 200 mg/kg did not normalize the relative testicular mass, but it reduced the number of giant cells, decreased midpiece defects, normalized the number of sperm with functional membranes, and partially preserved SOD1 expression. Although animals treated with ALA 400 mg/kg showed an improvement in relative testicular mass, this dose was less efficient in other parameters. Conclusions: This study showed that while 30 days of oral ingestion of ALA before the induction of acute degenerative injury did not fully protect male mouse gonads at the tissue level, some parameters related to testicular function and sperm quality showed a partial improvement. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii is the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis in immunocompetent adults. While the parasite is typically acquired through ingestion of undercooked meat or contaminated food and water, unpasteurized goat milk has been identified as a less frequent but plausible source of infection. Coinfections in ocular toxoplasmosis are rare, and the role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in these coinfections remains poorly understood. We report the case of a 70-year-old immunocompetent male presenting with severe, refractory panuveitis in the left eye. Initial serologic testing confirmed acquired Toxoplasma gondii infection, and treatment was initiated with systemic antimicrobials and corticosteroids. Intraocular inflammation persisted despite sequential therapy with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and azithromycin, eventually requiring pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone due to non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage. Vitreous PCR testing revealed intraocular concurrent detection of EBV DNA, prompting combined antimicrobial and antiviral therapy. Epidemiological history revealed recent consumption of unpasteurized goat milk, suggesting a potential oral transmission route for Toxoplasma gondii. Although visual acuity improved following surgical intervention and targeted therapy, it remained markedly compromised due to the severity of the disease. This case illustrates the diagnostic value of multiplex PCR in refractory uveitis, enabling the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and the concurrent detection of EBV DNA in an immunocompetent patient. It highlights the importance of early molecular testing and detailed epidemiological assessment, including atypical transmission routes such as unpasteurized goat milk. Full article

Background: Saliva sampling is increasingly used for respiratory virus diagnostics in dentistry and oral medicine due to patient comfort and reduced exposure risk. How routine behaviors—mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing, and food intake—affect short-term SARS-CoV-2 detectability remains insufficiently characterized for clinical workflows. Methods: In this international two-center pilot study, twelve RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients provided paired mouth-rinse saliva samples and pharyngeal swabs at predefined time points. The study assessed (I) an intensified 3 min mechanical oral hygiene protocol (toothbrushing of teeth, gingiva, tongue, and palate, followed by toothpaste–saliva gargling); (II) repeated short mouth rinses; and (III) postprandial sampling. Viral RNA was quantified by RT-PCR; Ct-trajectories were analyzed intra-individually. Results: Cycle threshold (Ct) values from pharyngeal swabs remained relatively stable over time, whereas mouth-rinse samples exhibited notable fluctuations throughout the 24 h period. An average increase of 3 Ct units was observed three minutes after the final mouth rinse (T24+3). Meal ingestion was associated with increased Ct values, rising by 4–5 units for pharyngeal swabs and 3–11 units for mouth rinses immediately after eating. Conclusions: In clinical dental settings, saliva diagnostics are feasible but acutely modulated by common behaviors. Mechanical oral hygiene, brief rinsing, and food intake can transiently reduce detectable oral SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with potential implications for timing of sampling, chairside triage, and infection-control protocols. This pilot study provides initial evidence supporting the development of standardized pre-analytical instructions (e.g., fasting window, pre-rinse policy, and sampling timing relative to oral hygiene and meals) to enhance the reliability of saliva-based testing in dental care. Full article

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important coenzyme essential for metabolism, energy production, gene regulation, and cellular communication. With aging, NAD+ levels decrease, which may be partly responsible for age-related disease and impaired function. While certain lifestyle practices may help to maintain NAD+, such as intermittent fasting, exercise, and reduced alcohol consumption, these activities do not appear to support optimal NAD+ levels. For this reason, numerous dietary supplements have emerged, with the claim of increasing NAD+ levels and resulting in improved health and, possibly, increased longevity. Such agents include NAD+, as well as the NAD+ precursors niacin, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). This article discusses the scientific rationale and evidence for using such supplements, with a particular emphasis on human oral ingestion and associated health outcomes. The current literature has been reviewed, and practical applications are presented. Full article

The presence of heavy metals plays a significant role in indoor air quality, which poses a serious public health problem since most of the population spends over 90% of their time in indoor environments. This work investigates heavy metals in indoor dust across different occupational settings in Macao. Field sampling was conducted in five representative locations, which included restaurants, student dormitories, auto repair shops, offices, and parking security rooms, with a total of 11 samples collected in this study. Dust in the form of particulate matter was collected from air conditioning filters to quantify 14 heavy metal contents. The PMF model was applied for source apportionments of the heavy metals, while a health exposure model was used to assess health risks and evaluate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in the five representative workplaces. The PMF model identified six major pollution sources: traffic emissions (23.800%), building materials (21.600%), cooking activities (18.500%), chemicals (15.200%), electronic devices (12.300%), and outdoor seaport activities (8.600%). The health risk assessment showed that the overall non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 6.160 × 10⁻⁶ for inhalation, 1.720 × 10⁻³ for oral ingestion, and 2.270 × 10⁻⁵ for dermal contact) and total HI (1.749 × 10⁻³) and carcinogenic risk (6.570 × 10⁻⁹) were below the safety threshold, showing minimal health risk problems. Nevertheless, nickel and chromium were identified as the main contributors to potential long-term risks. Full article