Search Results (65)

Objectives: Scarce data are available regarding preventive medicine in forcibly displaced populations especially regarding non-communicable diseases like neoplasia, while even more limited data are available on Ukrainian refugees in Romania. To address this research gap, the present analysis was performed to investigate Ukrainian refugee women’s beliefs, attitudes, and opinions towards the Romanian and Ukrainian healthcare system in a comparison model while focusing on the HPV immunization rates and factors influencing the uptake for themselves and their children. Methods: Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling method through their General Practitioner (GP) and a health mediator. Results: In total, 105 women completed the online or physical survey. The mean age was 50 years. In total, 40% of women had not been to a gynecological check-up in 3 or more years, and more than 56% had never been screened. Only four were vaccinated against HPV, and none remembered which type of vaccine was dispensed or how many doses were utilized. The primary hindrances to accessing health services or immunization programs were language barriers, financial burdens, and a lack of information. Respondents’ general distrust of health systems and healthcare workforces were recurrent themes. Relationship status, living arrangements, and previous engagement in screening practices influenced immunization rates. Perceiving the healthcare officials as proactive concerning optional vaccination programs such as HPV immunization and actively receiving recommendations drove respondents to pursue vaccination. Conclusions: This analysis offers a foundational insight into the specific needs of refugee women. It can guide the development of effective public health interventions to improve health outcomes and vaccination rates among Ukrainian refugees in Romania. Tailored preventive campaigns with adequate native language information and prompts from medical experts in designated centers should be deployed to ensure inclusive tactics for vulnerable populations. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable opportunistic pathogen with significant clinical relevance in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its well-documented role in hospital-acquired infections in human healthcare settings, its persistence and transmission within veterinary clinics remain underexplored. This review highlights the overlooked status of veterinary facilities as environmental reservoirs and amplification points for multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, emphasizing their relevance to One Health surveillance. We examine the bacterium’s environmental survival strategies, including biofilm formation, resistance to disinfectants, and tolerance to nutrient-poor conditions that facilitate the long-term colonization of moist surfaces, drains, medical equipment, and plumbing systems. Common transmission vectors are identified, including asymptomatic animal carriers, contaminated instruments, and the hands of veterinary staff. The review synthesizes current data on antimicrobial resistance in environmental isolates, revealing frequent expression of efflux pumps and mobile resistance genes, and documents the potential for zoonotic transmission to staff and pet owners. Key gaps in environmental monitoring, infection control protocols, and genomic surveillance are identified, with a call for standardized approaches tailored to the veterinary context. Control strategies, including mechanical biofilm disruption, disinfectant cycling, effluent monitoring, and staff hygiene training, are evaluated for feasibility and impact. The article concludes with a One Health framework outlining cross-species and environmental transmission pathways. It advocates for harmonized surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and intersectoral collaboration to reduce the risk posed by MDR P. aeruginosa within veterinary clinical environments and beyond. By addressing these blind spots, veterinary facilities can become proactive partners in antimicrobial stewardship and global resistance mitigation. Full article

Infertility is a complex and common problem in reproductive medicine consultations. Three factors must be examined during the preconception phase: breeding management, the fertility of the bitch, and the fertility of the stud dog. Among these factors, improper breeding management remains the main cause of reproductive failure, with accurate recognition of ovulation being crucial for successful mating. Artificial insemination allows for a thorough evaluation of semen quality compared to natural mating. In addition, genetic selection, nutritional factors, and reproductive health management can either impair or improve the fertility of females and males. Idiopathic infertility can occur in bitches, but it is important to rule out other possible causes first. In bitches with irregular estrus cycles, ovarian dysfunction and endocrine imbalances should be investigated. In bitches with regular cycles, uterine disorders such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis or congenital anomalies may be the cause. Both mating-related and chronic endometritis are recognized as contributing factors to infertility. Infectious agents, particularly Brucella spp. and Mycoplasma spp., should also be evaluated, although interpretation of Mycoplasma test results requires caution. In males presenting with poor semen quality, potential causes include infectious diseases (with brucellosis always requiring exclusion), hormonal imbalances, and the impact of exogenous treatments. The article underscores the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic protocols, proactive health surveillance, and data-driven breeding strategies in systematically addressing this multifaceted challenge. Full article

Background and Objectives: The spontaneous reporting (SR) of adverse drug events (ADEs) is a cornerstone of pharmacovigilance and a critical mechanism for safeguarding patient safety. However, underreporting remains a persistent global challenge. In Korea, despite the widespread use of herbal medicines (HMs), adverse event reports from traditional Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) are remarkably scarce. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of KMDs regarding SR, identify key barriers, and suggest strategies to strengthen the safety culture within traditional Korean medicine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was distributed to licensed KMDs registered with the Association of Korean Medicine. The questionnaire collected information on respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and assessed their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to ADE reporting. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the associations between the variables. Results: Of the 1021 KMDs who completed the survey, the vast majority acknowledged the importance of SR and recognized their role in pharmacovigilance. Nevertheless, only 5% had ever submitted an ADE report. A widespread lack of awareness about the national spontaneous reporting system (SRS), particularly its inclusion of licensed HMs, was evident. Although many respondents expressed support for expanding the scope of SR to cover all HMs, significant gaps in pharmacovigilance knowledge and limited access to relevant training were major barriers. KMDs affiliated with academic institutions or specialist groups showed higher levels of awareness, education, and reporting behavior. Conclusions: While KMDs exhibit positive attitudes toward patient safety and understand the importance of SR, their participation in it remains low due to knowledge deficits and insufficient training. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and expanding the national SRS to comprehensively include herbal medicines are essential steps toward enhancing pharmacovigilance and cultivating a proactive safety culture in Korean medicine. Full article

This review paper addresses the design and testing of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, highlighting their critical functions in various industries, particularly foods, medicine, and research. ULT freezers operating at temperatures of −86 °C and lower have come a long way with improvements in freezing technology, for instance, from traditional vapor compression systems to new multi-stage refrigeration technologies. This progress has added operational reliability and energy efficiency, essential for preserving delicate samples and facilitating groundbreaking research. The article deeply explores the contribution of refrigerants to ULT freezer efficiency and sustainability. With the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), previously reliant on them, being prohibited due to environmental concerns, the sector opted for environmentally friendly substitutes like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), natural refrigerants, and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Regulatory compliance is ensured by rigid validation protocols to guarantee ULT freezers are safe and meet quality requirements without compromising the integrity of the stored material. In addition to their wide-ranging advantages, ULT freezers also have disadvantages, such as energy efficiency, incorporating automation, the integration of IoT and AI for proactive maintenance, and the development of environmentally sustainable refrigerants. Adequate management strategies, including regular employee training and advanced monitoring systems, are vital to counteract threats from temperature variations and reduce long-term diminished performance. Finally, subsequent innovations in ULT freezer technology will not only aid in research and medical initiatives but also support sustainable practices, ensuring their core role as beacons of innovation in preserving the quality of precious biological materials and increasing public health gains. Full article

In recent years, functional foods have garnered increasing scientific and public health interest due to their potential to confer physiological benefits beyond basic nutritional value. International bodies such as EFSA, FDA, and WHO define functional foods as those containing bioactive components that may contribute to the prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The evolving paradigm of “food as medicine” reflects a broader shift in nutritional science towards proactive, health-oriented dietary strategies. This article provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary overview of functional foods by examining their biological mechanisms, clinical evidence, public health significance, regulatory frameworks, and future prospects—particularly in the context of advances in personalized nutrition and nutrigenomics. A thorough literature review was conducted, drawing from recent peer-reviewed studies and guidelines from key health authorities. The review highlights the roles of specific compounds such as probiotics and prebiotics in modulating the gut microbiome, flavonoids and polyphenols in anti-inflammatory processes, omega-3 fatty acids in cardiometabolic regulation, and vitamins and minerals in supporting immune function. While an expanding body of clinical trials and meta-analyses supports the health benefits of these compounds—including reductions in LDL cholesterol, improved insulin sensitivity, and mitigation of oxidative stress—the integration of functional foods into everyday diets remains challenging. Socioeconomic disparities and limited health literacy often impede their accessibility and widespread adoption in public health practice. Functional foods represent a promising component of prevention-focused modern healthcare. To maximize their impact, a coordinated, evidence-based approach is essential, involving collaboration among healthcare professionals, nutrition scientists, policymakers, and the food industry. Looking forward, innovations in artificial intelligence, microbiome research, and genomic technologies may unlock novel opportunities for the targeted and effective application of functional foods in population health. Full article

Aging is the primary risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. However, chronological age alone fails to capture individual variability in aging trajectories and disease susceptibility. Recent advances in epigenetic clocks—DNA methylation-based models that estimate biological age—have opened new possibilities for personalized and preventive medicine. This review explores the clinical potential of epigenetic clocks and EpiScores, composite biomarkers that predict health risks and physiological status. We present a comparative evaluation of widely used epigenetic clocks, including Horvath, GrimAge, PhenoAge, and DunedinPACE, and summarize their predictive performance for mortality, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular outcomes. EpiScores linked to inflammation, glycemic control, and immunosenescence are highlighted as tools for stratified risk assessment. When integrated with multi-omics data and electronic health records, these measures enhance the precision of population health management. Special emphasis is placed on applications in longevity clinics and anti-aging clinics, community-based care, and national health checkup systems. We also explore global standardization efforts and ethical considerations, as well as Japan’s unique initiatives—including the “Aging Measurement” project at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. Furthermore, we propose the development of a Global Health and Aging Index that integrates the biological, functional, and subjective dimensions of aging, aligned with the WHO concept of Intrinsic Capacity. In conclusion, epigenetic clocks and EpiScores represent transformative tools for shifting from reactive treatment to proactive health optimization, and from chronological to biological metrics in aging science and public health policy. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat to veterinary medicine and food safety. This study examines Escherichia coli antibiotic resistance patterns in ducks, focusing on multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Understanding resistance patterns and predicting MDR occurrence are critical for effective intervention strategies. Methods: E. coli isolates were collected from duck samples across multiple regions. Descriptive statistics and resistance frequency analyses were conducted. A decision tree classifier and a neural network were trained to predict MDR status. Cross-resistance relationships were visualized using graph-based models, and Monte Carlo simulations estimated MDR prevalence variations. Results: Monte Carlo simulations estimated an average MDR prevalence of 79.6% (95% CI: 73.1–86.1%). Key predictors in MDR classification models were enrofloxacin, neomycin, amoxicillin, and florfenicol. Strong cross-resistance associations were detected between neomycin and spectinomycin, as well as amoxicillin and doxycycline. Conclusions: The high prevalence of MDR strains underscores the urgent need to revise antibiotic usage guidelines in veterinary settings. The effectiveness of predictive models suggests that machine learning tools can aid in the early detection of MDR, contributing to the optimization of treatment strategies and the mitigation of resistance spread. The alarming MDR prevalence in E. coli isolates from ducks reinforces the importance of targeted surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship. Predictive models, including decision trees and neural networks, provide valuable insights into resistance trends, while Monte Carlo simulations further validate these findings, emphasizing the need for proactive antimicrobial management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quality by Design (QbD) has revolutionized pharmaceutical development by transitioning from reactive quality testing to proactive, science-driven methodologies. Rooted in ICH Q8–Q11 guidelines, QbD emphasizes defining Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), establishing design spaces, and integrating risk management to enhance product robustness and regulatory flexibility. This review critically examines QbD’s theoretical frameworks, implementation workflows, and industrial applications, aiming to bridge academic research and commercial practices while addressing emerging challenges in biologics, advanced therapies, and personalized medicine. Methods: The review synthesizes regulatory guidelines, case studies, and multidisciplinary tools, including Design of Experiments (DoE), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Process Analytical Technology (PAT), and multivariate modeling. It evaluates QbD workflows—from Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) definition to control strategies—and explores advanced technologies like AI-driven predictive modeling, digital twins, and continuous manufacturing. Results: QbD implementation reduces batch failures by 40%, optimizes dissolution profiles, and enhances process robustness through real-time monitoring (PAT) and adaptive control. However, technical barriers, such as nonlinear parameter interactions in complex systems, and regulatory disparities between agencies hinder broader adoption. Conclusions: QbD significantly advances pharmaceutical quality and efficiency, yet requires harmonized regulatory standards, lifecycle validation protocols, and cultural shifts toward interdisciplinary collaboration. Emerging trends, including AI-integrated design space exploration and 3D-printed personalized medicines, promise to address scalability and patient-centric needs. By fostering innovation and compliance, QbD remains pivotal in achieving sustainable, patient-focused drug development. Full article

Drug-induced and idiosyncratic cytopenias, including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, present significant challenges in fields like immunohematology and internal medicine. These conditions are often unpredictable, multifactorial, and can arise from a complex interplay of drug reactions, immune abnormalities, and other poorly understood mechanisms. In many cases, the precise triggers and underlying factors remain unclear, making diagnosis and management difficult. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are offering new opportunities to address these challenges. With its ability to process vast amounts of clinical, genomic, and pharmacovigilance data, AI can identify patterns and risk factors that may be missed by traditional methods. Machine learning algorithms can refine predictive models, enabling earlier detection and more accurate risk assessments. Additionally, AI’s role in enhancing patient engagement—through tailored monitoring and personalized treatment strategies—ensures more effective follow-up and improved clinical outcomes for patients at risk of these potentially life-threatening conditions. Through these innovations, AI is paving the way for a more proactive and personalized approach to managing drug-induced cytopenias. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cardiovascular medicine by enabling the analysis of high-dimensional biomedical data with unprecedented precision. Initially employed to automate human tasks such as electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and imaging segmentation, AI’s true potential lies in uncovering hidden disease data patterns, predicting long-term cardiovascular risk, and personalizing treatments. Unlike human cognition, which excels in certain tasks but is limited by memory and processing constraints, AI integrates multimodal data sources—including ECG, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, genomics, and wearable sensor data—to generate novel clinical insights. AI models have demonstrated remarkable success in early dis-ease detection, such as predicting heart failure from standard ECGs before symptom on-set, distinguishing genetic cardiomyopathies, and forecasting arrhythmic events. However, several challenges persist, including AI’s lack of contextual understanding in most of these tasks, its “black-box” nature, and biases in training datasets that may contribute to disparities in healthcare delivery. Ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks are evolving, with governing bodies establishing guidelines for AI-driven medical applications. To fully harness the potential of AI, interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, data scientists, and engineers is essential, alongside open science initiatives to promote data accessibility and reproducibility. Future AI models must go beyond task automation, focusing instead on augmenting human expertise to enable proactive, precision-driven cardiovascular care. By embracing AI’s computational strengths while addressing its limitations, cardiology is poised to enter an era of transformative innovation beyond traditional diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. Full article

The emergence of new Anaplasma strains in the Mediterranean region poses a challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health, as it can lead to more complex diagnostic and treatment strategies. Species related to Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum, two important tick-borne pathogens, have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. However, the data on their presence in Sardinia remain limited. This study aimed to identify theAnaplasmaspecies genetically related to zoonotic agents, such as A. phagocytophilum or A. platys, in Sardinian horses, cattle, and swine. Using various molecular approaches targeting the groEL and gltA genes, the results confirm the presence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma turritanum and reveal the emergence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma cinensis and an A. phagocytophilum-like strain, designated as A. phagocytophilum-like 2, in Sardinian horses and cattle. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in Sardinia and similar Mediterranean regions, as well as the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of these emerging strains, these findings emphasize the need for greater vigilance in both veterinary and human health sectors to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne Anaplasma species transmission. Ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to reduce the public health burden and prevent the spread of these pathogens across animal and human populations. Full article

Genomic applications in beef cattle disease prevention have gained traction in recent years, offering new strategies for improving herd health and reducing economic losses in the livestock industry. Advances in genomics, including identification of genetic markers linked to disease resistance, provide powerful tools for early detection, selection, and management of cattle resistant to infectious diseases. By incorporating genomic technologies such as whole-genome sequencing, genotyping, and transcriptomics, researchers can identify specific genetic variants associated with resistance to pathogens like bovine respiratory disease and Johne’s disease. These genomic insights allow for more accurate breeding programs aimed at enhancing disease resistance and overall herd resilience. Genomic selection, in particular, enables identification of individuals with superior genetic traits for immune function, reducing the need for antibiotic treatments and improving animal welfare. Moreover, precision medicine, powered by genomic data, supports development of tailored health management strategies, including targeted vaccination plans and antimicrobial stewardship. Incorporation of genomic tools in beef cattle management also offers the potential for early disease detection, facilitating proactive interventions that reduce the spread of infections. Despite challenges like cost, data interpretation and integration into current management systems, the potential advantages of genomic applications in disease prevention are substantial. As these technologies advance, they are anticipated to have crucial roles in improving sustainability (by enhancing herd performance), profitability (by improving overall herd longevity), and biosecurity (by decreasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks) of beef cattle production systems worldwide. Full article

Research facilities have established animal adoption programs for laboratory animals. However, adoption to private owners is not an option for non-human primates (NHPs), so their post-research life presents a unique challenge. Here, we describe a collaborative effort between laboratory animal veterinarians and behavioral management staff in retiring NHPs in place to ensure their quality of life after the completion of research projects. The success of our retirement program hinges on our collaborative efforts to manage clinical diseases such as arthritis, amyloidosis, and diarrhea; to surgically ex-plant previous research hardware; and to evaluate the animals’ behavior and temperament to ensure each individual is placed in a new group or living situation in which they are likely to be successful and to have good welfare. Implementation of a quality-of-life assessment tool for all retired animals allows all staff involved in the animals’ care to proactively and periodically assess the quality of life of these animals. The successful retirement of NHPs living in social groups is rewarding for all personnel and promotes a culture of caring. Research animal retirement is an important way for us to give back and honor the contributions these animals have made to advancing medicine. Full article

One of the greatest success stories of modern medicine is the prevention of infectious diseases by vaccination, most notably against smallpox and poliomyelitis. However, recent events, such as the 2009–2010 swine flu and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemics, as well as the continued emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses highlighted the fact that we still need to develop new vaccines, and perhaps we should be proactive, rather than reacting to epidemics and pandemics. However, the development of tools for evaluating novel vaccines has not been able to keep up with the rate of vaccine production. Humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccination have both been suggested to be important in preventing infections or ameliorating their consequences, although there is uncertainty regarding their exact roles and importance. This, together with the rapid development of new vaccines, means that the need for developing immunogenicity parameters, and even more importantly, reliable correlates of protection, is more important than ever. Full article