Search Results (541)

Background: Periodontal dysbiosis contributes to liver injury through systemic inflammation, oral–gut microbial translocation, and endotoxemia. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and virulence factors derived from periodontal pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) activate Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, trigger NF-κB-mediated cytokine release (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and promote oxidative stress and Kupffer cell activation within the liver. The present systematic review summarized clinical evidence supporting these mechanistic links between periodontal pathogens and hepatic outcomes, highlighting the role of microbial crosstalk in liver pathophysiology. Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane library, as well as gray literature. Eligible study designs were observational studies and trials evaluating P. gingivalis and other periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Tannerella forsythia) for liver phenotypes (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease [NAFLD]/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease [MASLD], fibrosis/cirrhosis, acute alcoholic hepatitis [AAH], and Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]). Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies (NOS-CS) for observational designs and the RoB 2 scale for single randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Due to the heterogeneity of exposures/outcomes, results were summarized narratively. Results: In total, twenty studies (2012–2025; ~34,000 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Population-level evidence was conflicting (no clear association between anti-P. gingivalis serology and NAFLD), while clinical cohorts more frequently linked periodontal exposure, particularly to P. gingivalis, to more advanced liver phenotypes, including fibrosis. Microbiome studies suggested stage-related changes in oral communities rather than the effect of a single pathogen, and direct translocation into ascitic fluid was not observed in decompensated cirrhosis. Signals from interventional and behavioral research (periodontal therapy; toothbrushing frequency) indicate a potential modifiability of liver indices. The overall methodological quality was moderate with substantial heterogeneity, precluding meta-analysis. Conclusions: Current evidence supports a biologically plausible oral–liver axis in which periodontal inflammation, often involving P. gingivalis, is associated with liver damage. Causality has not yet been proven; however, periodontal evaluation and treatment may represent a low-risk option in periodontitis-associated NAFLD. Well-designed, multicenter prospective studies and randomized trials with standardized periodontal and liver measurements are needed. Full article

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that contaminate agricultural commodities, posing risks to food safety, animal productivity, and human health. The gastrointestinal tract is the first and most critical site of exposure, where the intestinal epithelium functions as both a physical and immunological barrier against luminal toxins and pathogens. While extensive research has demonstrated that mycotoxins disrupt epithelial integrity through tight junction impairment, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, their effects on the intestinal stem cell (ISC) compartment and epithelial regeneration remain insufficiently understood. This review integrates recent findings from in vivo, cell culture, and advanced 3D intestinal organoid and gut-on-chip models to elucidate how mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol and zearalenone impair ISC proliferation, alter Wnt/Notch signaling, and compromise mucosal repair. We also discuss dose relevance, species differences, and the modulatory roles of the microbiome and short-chain fatty acids, as well as emerging evidence of additive or synergistic toxicity under co-exposure conditions. By bridging well-established mechanisms of barrier disruption with the emerging concept of ISC-driven regenerative failure, this review identifies a critical knowledge gap in mycotoxin toxicology and highlights the need for integrative models that link epithelial damage to impaired regeneration. Collectively, these insights advance understanding of mycotoxin-induced intestinal dysfunction and provide a foundation for developing nutritional, microbial, and pharmacological strategies to preserve gut integrity and repair. Full article

Background: The maintenance of an aseptic barrier between the surgical team and patient aids in the prevention of exposure of the patient to pathogens. Variations in gloving practice may have safety implications due to glove failure. An important relationship exists between optimum glove fit and manual dexterity, tactile sensitivity, and fatigue. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the presence and quality of the available literature that investigates the critical association between glove fit and provider performance in the operating theatre and to ascertain whether there is an established standard to determine appropriate glove size. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA statement using one distinct research question regarding glove fit (INPLASY2025100008). Searches on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Collaboration of Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses and Google Scholar were performed between 1 May 2022 and 24 January 2023. Studies were assessed for eligibility against pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk of bias was determined using multiple assessment tools. Results: This systematic review included 18 studies, nine of which were high-quality Level I or II trials, and multiple observational analyses. Poor glove fit was consistently associated with reduced manual dexterity, impaired tactile sensitivity, and decreased comfort, while oversized or undersized gloves increased the risk of glove perforation and fatigue. These findings underscore the clinical importance of appropriate glove sizing to optimize surgical performance and safety. Conclusions: There is a scarcity of high-quality studies investigating the relationship of glove fit and performance. Furthermore, there does not appear to be a standard method to determine the optimal glove fit for members of the surgical team, nor are there practical examples of how glove size is determined. Further research in this area is required. Full article

Chemical disinfection of removable acrylic dental prostheses minimizes the risk of denture stomatitis caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We previously reported that neutral-pH electrolysed oxidising water (EOW), a hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-based biocide, is effective at inhibiting C. albicans biofilm formation on denture resins. Knowledge about the mechanism of action of EOW on C. albicans is lacking. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of action of neutral-pH EOW against C. albicans cells that were incubated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of EOW-HOCl (treatment with 0.125× MIC₉₀ EOW-HOCl (15 µM; T0.125) or treatment with 0.5× MIC₉₀ EOW-HOCl (59 µM; T0.5)). RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which were validated by qRT-PCR. Ninety-five DEGs were identified between the treated and untreated cells after a 60 min exposure. A moderate sub-inhibitory EOW-HOCl concentration (T0.125) caused significant upregulation (log₂ fold change > +2) of genes responsive to oxidative stress (EBP1, GAP6, PRN1, HSP21), weak organic acid stress (PRN1), and heat-shock (HSP21). A higher sub-inhibitory concentration (T0.5) caused a significant downregulation of most DEGs (notably, −1.9 to −3 log₂ fold reduction in SUT1, HNM3, STP4 expression), cessation of growth, and an upregulation of genes involved in ammonia transport, carbohydrate metabolism, and the unfolded protein and apoptotic response pathways (ATO2, IRE1). Our findings reveal HSP21 and PRN1 to be possible key players in protecting C. albicans cells against HOCl, a natural biocide of the innate immune system. Full article

Oz virus (OZV), an emerging negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus classified under the family Orthomyxoviridae and genus Thogotovirus, was first isolated from Amblyomma testudinarium ticks in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, in 2013. Moreover, a single fatal case in an elderly individual, suspected to be associated with OZV infection, was reported in Ibaraki Prefecture in 2023. Given these circumstances, this study was conducted to investigate the molecular epidemiology and seroepidemiology of OZV in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. From April to November 2023, a total of 2430 ticks were collected at 19 sites. The OZV RNA was detected in one A. testudinarium nymph. Additionally, among 934 wild boar serum samples collected between 2019 and 2023, one sample tested positive for OZV RNA. Neutralizing antibody assays revealed that 243 samples (26.0%) obtained from wild boars were seropositive, indicating widespread exposure among wild boars. Antibody prevalence and titers were highest in the central–western mountainous region, suggesting an active transmission hotspot. Sequence analysis of the OZV viral RNA detected from one tick sample and one wild boar serum revealed that a 212 bp fragment of segment 4 and a 261 bp fragment of segment 5 were 100% identical to a human-derived strain isolated in the same prefecture, suggesting the circulation of a single viral lineage within the local environment. These findings represent the first report demonstrating the circulation of OZV in the natural environment in Ibaraki Prefecture, implicating A. testudinarium as the principal vector and wild boars as a potential source of OZV infection These results suggest that OZV should be considered a potential emerging zoonotic pathogen. Further seroepidemiological studies among residents are warranted to assess the risk of human infection in the region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although significant advances in duodenoscope reprocessing have been introduced since mid-2010s—including enhanced cleaning protocols, disposable distal endcaps, and the introduction of fully single-use duodenoscopes—residual contamination and infection risks remain unresolved. Moreover, repeated reprocessing may cause cumulative damage to the polymer surfaces, elevator mechanisms, and internal channels of the duodenoscopes, making them more susceptible to residual contamination. To minimize the duodenoscope polymer degradation caused by intensive use and reprocessing, new alternatives are urgently needed. In this context, calcium peroxide nanoparticles coated with sodium alginate (CaO₂–Alg NPs), synthesized by our group, were tested for the first time as a disinfectant capable of combating nosocomial pathogens while reducing device deterioration associated with repeated investigations and reprocessing. Methods: The disinfectant properties of the CaO₂–Alg NPs were evaluated under biomimetic conditions using reference bacterial strains commonly associated with nosocomial infections. In addition, the compatibility of the nanoparticles with the polymeric duodenoscope coatings was assessed after simulated intensive use. The external polymer coating was structurally and morphologically characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: The nanoparticles exhibited important antimicrobial activity against the reference bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae after only 20 min of incubation. Intensive exposure to the CaO₂–Alg NPs did not cause additional structural or morphological damage to the duodenoscope’s external polymers and did not alter their anti-adhesive properties. Conclusions: The CaO₂–Alg NPs appear to be a safe and effective disinfectant for the duodenoscope reprocessing, offering both antimicrobial efficacy and material compatibility. Full article

The Goose/Guandong lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus [A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996(H5N1)] is the progenitor of the currently circulating Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b and has been the most consequential highly pathogenic avian influenza lineage globally. Despite increased reports of infections, the extent of exposure and role of wild mammals in the ecology and transmission dynamics of the virus remains poorly understood. We surveyed wild mammals in Ohio, United States to investigate the potential spillover of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b. While no active infections—defined as positive results indicative of viral replication and potential propagation—were detected by swab-based molecular tests, serological assays revealed antibodies against multiple avian influenza virus antigens in raccoons and opossums. Specifically, antibodies to avian influenza virus nucleoprotein were detected in 54.9% (n = 61) of samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; antibodies to Eurasian-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 clade 2.3.4.4b and North American low pathogenic avian influenza H5 were detected in 43.2% (n = 48) and 22.5% (n = 25) of samples, respectively, using virus neutralization assays; and antibodies to avian influenza virus neuraminidase were detected in 44.1% (n = 49) of samples using enzyme-linked lectin assay. All seropositive animals were sampled at Ohio marshes with previously confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 detections in waterfowl. These findings suggest prior exposure of wild mammals to these viruses without mortality events. Wild mammals may play an intermediary role in the mammalian adaptation of avian influenza A viruses. Therefore, ongoing surveillance of wild mammals is crucial for assessing the risk to public health. Full article

Pharyngitis is a leading cause of outpatient antibiotic use, despite its typically viral or self-limiting nature. Such unnecessary antibiotic therapies are not only the cause of increasing antibiotic resistance, but also significant changes in the human microbiota in the intestines and other locations, which translate into immune disorders and an increased risk of developing several chronic diseases. Orally administered octenidine-containing lozenges provide a topical alternative; however, their effects on the host microbiota of the oral cavity, throat, and intestine remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm in vitro activity of octenidine lozenges against 106 microbial strains, including pathogens and commensals from the oral cavity, pharynx, and large intestine. Minimal biocidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimal biofilm eradication concentrations (MBECs) were determined under physiologically relevant exposure times: 23 min for oral contact and 24 h for intestinal transit. ADME in silico analysis confirmed the lack of absorption of octenidine through the blood–brain barrier and the gastric intestinal mucosa. At concentrations achievable in saliva and the intestinal lumen, octenidine effectively eradicated in vitro all oropharyngeal pathogens while leaving intestinal commensals unaffected. Its impact on oral commensals resembled that of routine mechanical cleaning. These in vitro findings are of high translative value because they support the use of octenidine lozenges as a safe topical treatment for pharyngeal infections, “sore throat”, without adverse effects on the gut microbiota. Full article

Avian influenza A viruses pose ongoing threats to human and animal health, with H7 subtypes causing outbreaks globally. In Mexico, highly pathogenic H7N3 viruses have circulated in poultry since 2012, causing sporadic human infections. Here we analyzed genetic markers in hemagglutinin sequences from Mexican H7N3 isolates and conducted serological assays on human populations with poultry exposure. Our results show conserved avian-like receptor binding sites, thus limiting human adaptation, alongside antigenic drift and acquisition of glycosylation sites likely driven by vaccination. Serological testing of 1103 individuals revealed no detectable antibodies against H7N3, indicating a naïve population. Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple virus clades circulating regionally. These findings suggest that while current H7N3 viruses have limited capacity for sustained human transmission, the lack of population immunity underscores the importance of continued surveillance and risk assessment to mitigate potential pandemic threats. Full article

In a hospital ward, transmission of airborne pathogens can occur in any area where people breathe the same air. These areas include patient rooms and specialised treatment rooms, as well as corridors and common areas. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the risk of airborne transmission within hospital rooms where patient care activities take place; however, studies assessing the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens in common areas such as nurse stations and corridors, in which healthcare workers spend up to 63% of their time, are very rare. In this study, we addressed this gap by simulating aerosol transport in the common area of a real inpatient ward encompassing different types of patient rooms and equipped with a mixing ventilation system. The risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 in the ward was evaluated using a spatially resolved risk model, coupled with the clinical and pathological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that the central-return ventilation system causes directional air flows in the corridors, which enhanced long-distance aerosol transport and were conducive to infection transmission between different rooms. An improved ventilation system was proposed that aimed to reduce air mixing and minimise directional air flows. The improvement involved only rearrangement of air supply and exhaust vents, but led to significant reductions in both particle residence time and travelling distance within the ward, contributing to a nearly two-fold increase and 60% decrease in the areas of low-risk and high-risk zones, respectively, resulting in a 34% reduction in the overall infection probability in the studied area. This study demonstrated the potential of preventing hospital-acquired infection (HAI) via engineering controls and provided recommendations for future studies to assess novel ventilation configurations to reduce transmission risk. Full article

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira, prevalent in tropical/sub-tropical regions. This study aimed to clarify the prevailing leptospiral species, clinical features, and risk factors of leptospirosis in north-central Bangladesh in 2024. Venous blood and urine samples were collected from 117 patients with clinically suspected leptospirosis. Among these cases, 75 (64%) tested positive for Leptospira infection by IgM ELISA test and/or PCR. By phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, all the samples tested were classified into L. wolffii (pathogenic group P2), showing high sequence identity to those of the type strain Khorat-H2 (97–99%) and L. wolffii reported in Bangladesh previously. Confirmed leptospirosis patients were mostly male (93%), aged 15–60 years (93%), living in rural areas in low socioeconomic conditions. Variable symptoms were presented by patients, with jaundice (84%), nausea/vomiting (84%), and myalgia (67%) being common. Some patients showed severe symptoms involving the nervous system (disorientation and neck stiffness) and the respiratory tract (cough, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis). Major risk factors for leptospirosis were exposures to mud/wet soil, sanding water, heavy rain, working in a paddy field, and cattle. In conclusion, L. wolffii was revealed to be circulating endemically in north-central Bangladesh, since its first detection in 2018, associated with variable and severe clinical symptoms in humans. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects women more frequently than men. This sex gap has widened over the past century, and appears to be shaped by lifestyle factors more than biological factors. This narrative review examines the evidence for sex-specific differences in lifestyle risk factors and their impact on both MS susceptibility and disease progression, with implications for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and Epstein–Barr virus infection all interact with sex-related biological pathways to influence MS risk. Women appear to be more vulnerable to the pathogenic effects of smoking and obesity, both independently and in synergy with genetic risk alleles, while vitamin D and UV exposure confer stronger protective effects in females than in males. EBV infection also exhibits sex-dependent immune responses, shaped by hormonal regulation and host–virus genetic interactions. Sex-related lifestyle factors also modulate MS progression. Women experience more inflammatory activity and relapses, whereas men more often develop a progressive phenotype with greater neurodegeneration. Hormonal changes during female reproductive phases, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and hormone-based therapies, critically influence disease activity and progression in MS. Obesity, smoking, vitamin D status, diet, and gut microbiota further interact with sex hormones and genetic background, contributing to variable disease trajectories, also modulated by social determinants such as education level. These findings underscore the need to integrate into clinical practice the evaluation of lifestyle factors in a sex-specific way for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of MS. Full article

Background and Objectives: Avian influenza poses a continuous public health threat, particularly to individuals with occupational exposure to poultry such as farm workers, live animal market employees, and processing plant staff. This study aimed to investigate the systemic metabolic effects of such exposure and to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and health risk assessment. Materials and Methods: An untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze serum samples from occupationally exposed individuals and healthy controls. Multivariate statistical analysis, pathway enrichment, and topology analysis were performed to identify significantly altered metabolites and metabolic pathways. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was employed to select key metabolites. Results: Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation between the exposure group and control, suggesting distinct metabolic profiles between the two populations. Pathway analysis indicated significant alterations in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism, which are closely linked to immune regulation, energy metabolism, and host–pathogen interactions. LASSO feature selection and subsequent manual verification identified 17 key metabolites with strong discriminative power. Furthermore, lipidomic profiling revealed a pronounced increase in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and a concurrent decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) species in exposed individuals. Conclusions: This study reveals metabolic disruptions associated with occupational avian influenza exposure and identifies potential serum biomarkers related to immune and lipid metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into host responses to avian influenza exposure and may support early detection and health risk assessment in high-risk occupational populations. Full article

UV-C radiation has emerged as a germicidal agent against pathogens, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While UV-C effectively reduces cross-contamination in hospitals, it induces photodegradation in polymer devices, potentially damaging and posing risks to patient safety. Therefore, it is crucial to detect the effects of UV-C photodegradation on early stages, as well as the effects of prolonged UV-C exposure. In this study, we investigated the UV-C photodegradation (254 nm, 471 kJ/mol) of isotactic polypropylene homopolymer (PP), commonly used in medication packaging. The impact of UV-C on PP was evaluated through rheology and infrared spectroscopy. Surface energy was measured by the contact angles formed by drops of water and diiodomethane. The effects of photodegradation on the polymer’s morphology were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the melting temperature and crystallinity by differential scanning calorimetry. Lastly, the effect of UV-C on molecular mobility was studied using ¹H Time Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H TD-NMR). These techniques proved to be valuable tools for identifying the early stages of UV-C photodegradation, and ¹H TD-NMR was a sensitive method to identify the chain branching as a photodegradation product. This study highlights the impact of UV-C on PP photodegradation and hence the importance of understanding UV-C-induced degradation. Full article

At many recreational beaches, the health of visitors is protected through water quality monitoring programmes. However, visitors may also be exposed to microbiological pathogens in sand via ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. Microbiological pathogens that can cause human illness may be naturally found in beach sands, or introduced with people, animals or water entering the beach. The World Health Organization has recommended that recreational water safety plans consider microbial pathogens in beach sand. This review shows that a range of faecal and non-faecal pathogens can be detected in beach sand, but difficulty in determining whether exposure occurred via the sand or water means that there is insufficient evidence to link their presence with adverse human health effects. Proactively integrating beach sand testing into recreational water safety programmes will generate data to assess the impact of risk management activities. The use of faecal indicator bacteria to indicate elevated risk from faeces should be a priority where there are potential sources of contamination. This should be complemented with sanitary surveys and analyses that elucidate faecal contamination sources. The inclusion of non-faecal pathogens into monitoring programmes needs further, locally relevant justification through evidence from epidemiological studies and human health risk assessment. Full article