Search Results (58)

Background: Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are associated with the risk of several chronic and acute diseases. However, updated data on vitamin D status in Mediterranean countries, including Italy, remain limited, hindering effective public health strategies. Objective: To assess serum 25(OH)D levels and their seasonal variation in healthy blood donors aged 18–65 years living in Northern Italy and not taking vitamin D supplements. Given the latitude and the high levels of environmental pollution, cutaneous vitamin D synthesis may be impaired in this population. Recent Italian guidelines on supplementation emphasize the need for updated data on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and seasonal variation in endogenous vitamin D synthesis. Methods: In this exploratory retrospective cross-sectional study, 534 blood donors (268 men and 266 women) attending the Transfusion Medicine Unit of the Verona University Hospital were enrolled between April 2016 and May 2018. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analyzed by season. Clinical, lifestyle, pharmacological and dietary characteristics were also collected. Results: Among healthy, normal-weight individuals, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was low and limited to one-two months per year. Overweight and obesity significantly reduced the likelihood of achieving adequate 25(OH)D levels through cutaneous synthesis for several months. Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were higher than those previously reported in the same area, while seasonal variation remained preserved. Conclusions: In a relatively small non-supplemented population of blood donors living in a high polluted urban area of Northern Italy, seasonal vitamin D synthesis seems to be preserved. These updated data show higher 25(OH)D levels compared to past findings. Although these data certainly warrant further validation through a national survey involving other regions of Italy and in not selected population, they appear to be in line with the SIOMMMS recommendations against indiscriminate serum 25(OH)D testing and against routine supplementation for healthy normal-weight individuals under 70 years. Full article

Background/Objectives: The co-occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression increases the symptom burden and risk of long-term complications. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 131 patients with type 1 (age: 58.47 years; duration of diabetes: 35.61 years) and type 2 diabetes (age: 63.60 years; duration of diabetes: 11.49 years). All patients underwent assessment of socioeconomic status and evaluation using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mental Component Score of the Short Form Healthy Survey Questionnaire, neuropathy disability score, nerve conduction studies, corneal confocal microscopy and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) assessment. Results: The prevalence of foot pain (45% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.019), tingling (56.7% vs. 32.9%, p = 0.013), weakness (35% vs. 9.9%, p < 0.001), ataxia (40% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.001), and upper limb symptoms (45% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.001) were statistically significantly higher, while cold perception threshold (22.50 ± 8.47 vs. 26.34 ± 3.08, p = 0.007), corneal nerve fibre density (20.49 ± 7.55 vs. 24.16 ± 5.68, p = 0.002) and length (20.06 ± 6.98 vs. 22.95 ± 6.22, p = 0.014) were statistically significantly lower, but no differences in nerve conduction studies or IENFD were observed in patients with depression compared to patients without depression. Furthermore, patients with depression were from a lower socioeconomic class (51.7% vs. 21.1%, p < 0.001), had lower educational attainment (37.9% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001), had lower income < £37,000 (29.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.010) and lived in areas of high deprivation (62.1% vs. 31.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Comorbid depression in people with diabetes was linked to increased socioeconomic deprivation and a greater prevalence of neuropathic symptoms and small fibre pathology. Full article

Background and Objectives: The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by the coexistence of malnutrition and overweight within the same household, has become a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Tanzania is undergoing a nutritional transition marked by persistent child malnutrition alongside increasing maternal overweight. This study examined socio-demographic, maternal, and child-level factors associated with DBM among children under five years in Tanzania. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey, including a weighted sample of 5744 children under five and their mothers aged 15–49 years. DBM was defined as the presence of child malnutrition, measured using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF), in households where the mother was overweight or obese. Bivariate chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted in STATA 17. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to identify predictors of DBM. Results: DBM was more prevalent in rural areas. Significant predictors included birth order (AOR = 0.611, p = 0.030), child sex (AOR = 0.708, p = 0.011), perceived birth size (AOR = 0.270, p = 0.004), child age (AOR = 0.474, p < 0.001), maternal age (AOR = 0.599, p = 0.045), and maternal education (AOR = 0.604, p = 0.035). Higher maternal education reduced the likelihood of DBM, while firstborn male and small-sized children were at greater risk. Conclusions: DBM in Tanzania is influenced by both biological and socio-demographic factors. Integrated, multi-sectoral interventions targeting maternal education, prenatal care, and optimal maternal nutrition are essential to reduce DBM and achieve global malnutrition reduction targets. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) and microfibres (MFs) are widespread contaminants that are found in natural environments worldwide. Although their presence has been documented in Arctic snow, sea ice and marine systems, data on their occurrence in Greenland glacier surface ice remain limited. Because of their small size, persistence, and mobility, MPs and MFs pose significant risks to both habitats and species, reaching even the most remote areas. Monitoring these environments is crucial for assessing the extent of pollution, while dissemination activities are essential for transferring scientific knowledge to local communities and fostering active engagement in adopting sustainable behaviours. A preliminary survey was conducted on a glacier in Greenland, collecting samples along the routes travelled by the Extreme E staff during the electric off-road racing series expedition in the region. Preliminary results confirmed the presence of MPs and MFs in the study area with high abundances. Fibrous and small-sized microparticles were the most prevalent types detected. The most common synthetic material was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while natural and regenerated MFs were predominantly cellulosic. A deeper understanding of MP and MF contamination in extreme environments was achieved, highlighting the importance of environmental education and public awareness as key tools in mitigating pollution and promoting sustainable strategies. The integration of different sectors can synergistically promote sustainability efforts and address the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental pollution. Full article

Illegal solid waste dumping is a key urban sustainability challenge due to increased urbanisation and human consumption, but its prevalence and impacts across a socially differentiated gradient are seldom considered. We used street and off-street road surveys to examine the extent of illegal solid waste dumping across an income gradient in two medium-sized towns of Makhanda and Knysna in South Africa. We enumerated all dumpsites encountered in low- and high-income areas, recorded their GPS coordinates, and visually estimated size and composition using a standardised typology. We encountered 215 illegal solid waste dumpsites unevenly distributed by town (155 in Makhanda and 60 in Knysna) and income status, with the majority located in low-income areas compared to high-income areas. Most illegal solid waste dumpsites in low-income areas were small and located along roadsides and vacant plots. In both towns, illegal solid waste dumpsites were dominated by household and garden waste. The findings suggest that social differentiation matters in illegal solid waste dumping and should be factored into service provision strategies for ensuring environmental justice. We recommend that (i) municipalities should consider income heterogeneity in designing effective and equitable waste management plans, (ii) the national government should consider additional human and financial support to municipalities for efficient and equitable residential waste management, (iii) waste recycling at source (within households) should be mainstreamed in waste management strategies, and (iv) cleanup campaigns should be considered as a short-term solution to manage existing illegal solid waste dumpsites. Full article

Lassa fever (LF), a severe hemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa, is primarily transmitted by rodents of the genus Mastomys, particularly Mastomys natalensis, which serve as the main reservoirs of Lassa virus (LASV). There have been reports of high prevalence of LF in Nigeria, and outbreaks tend to be recurrent yet geographically restricted, implying that additional ecological or epidemiological factors influence the distribution of the disease beyond the mere presence of M. natalensis. However, national-scale data on LASV prevalence in rodent populations remain scarce. To address this gap, a targeted small mammal survey was conducted over a four-month period (May to August 2024) in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, north-central Nigeria. Rodents and other small mammals were trapped across three purposively selected wards identified as high-risk areas based on prior reports of occurrence of such small mammals in the areas and the informal settlements in which the selected wards were located in in Otukpo LGA. Analysis of the samples revealed no statistically significant variation in LASV prevalence among the study sites, indicating a relatively uniform, low-level exposure risk across the LGA and region. However, a marginally significant difference in LASV detection between plasma and serum samples suggests that sample type and storage conditions may influence serological sensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of refining diagnostic protocols, broadening surveillance to include additional rodent hosts, and integrating ecological data with public health strategies to improve early warning systems and strengthen Lassa fever control efforts. Full article

Despite the importance of Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) as a provider of multiple Ecosystem Services (ESs), some concerns have been raised regarding Ecosystem Disservices (EDs) associated with UGI design and management, namely, the link between Urban Green Spaces’ (UGSs) attributes and invasion spatial patterns. This research takes the UGI of Coimbra, a medium-sized Portuguese city, as a case study to explore the relationships between UGS attributes and the occurrence of invasive plant species. The methodology involved aerial photo-interpretation and full patch survey to collect data about UGSs types, maintenance level and occurrence of invasive plant species, and landscape metrics analysis. Our results showed that the UGI of Coimbra exhibits a large prevalence of small UGSs with regular maintenance and the occurrence of invasive plant species in a low number of patches (17%). Although these patches correspond to 64% of the UGI. The area of recent sprawl (zone 2) registers higher occurrence of invasive plant species across different UGSs types, with higher prevalence in patches with no or low maintenance. Mapping the occurrence of invasive plant species in UGS is of utmost importance to implement appropriate maintenance practices, allowing medium-sized cities like Coimbra to optimize ESs associated with UGI and minimize potential EDs. Full article

The interconnection between biodiversity loss, food system and climate change is a complex issue with profound implications for global sustainability. Small ruminant farming is a crucial part of addressing these challenges as it contributes to environmental, social, and economic resilience. In Italy, sheep and goat farming is most common in marginal areas with a prevalence of pastoral systems and low mechanization levels. In the Apulia region of Southern Italy, autochthonous small ruminant breeds are at high risk of extinction, due to changing agricultural practices and market pressures. Autochthonous breeds represent valuable genetic resources, adapted to the local environment and capable of producing high-quality products. Apulia boasts an ancient dairy tradition, producing a variety of cheeses from small ruminants, such as Canestrato Pugliese, a Protected Designation of Origin, and four cheeses (Cacioricotta, Pecorino Foggiano, Scamorza di Pecora, and Caprino) recognized as Traditional Agri-Food Products by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests. These products represent an essential element for biodiversity conservation, encompassing ecosystems, autochthonous breeds, microbial diversity, traditional farming practices, and production systems. This review surveys the main small ruminant native breeds of Apulia region, highlighting their historical significance, distinctive traits, and traditional productions, to help shape strategies for animal biodiversity conservation. Full article

Rapid industrialization and the influx of human resources have led to the establishment of industrial complexes near urban areas, exposing residents to various air pollutants. This has led to a decline in air quality, impacting neighboring residential areas adversely, which highlights the urgent need to monitor air pollution in these areas. Recent advancements in technology, such as Solar Occultation Flux (SOF) and Sky Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (SkyDOAS) used as remote sensing techniques and mobile extraction Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (MeFTIR) used as an in situ technique, now offer enhanced precision in estimating the pollutant emission flux and identifying primary sources. In a comprehensive study conducted in 2020 in the Sinpyeong Jangrim Industrial Complex in Busan City, South Korea, a mobile laboratory equipped with SOF, SkyDOAS, and MeFTIR technologies was employed to approximate the emission flux of total alkanes, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), formaldehyde (HCHO), and methane (CH₄). Using the HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) diffusion model, pollutant dispersion to residential areas was simulated. The highest average daily emission flux was observed for total alkanes, with values of 69.9 ± 71.6 kg/h and 84.1 ± 85.8 kg/h in zones S₁ and S₂ of the Sinpyeong Jangrim Industrial Complex, respectively. This is primarily due to the prevalence of metal manufacturing and mechanical equipment industries in the area. The HYSPLIT diffusion model confirmed elevated pollution levels in residential areas located southeast of the industrial complex, underscoring the influence of the dominant northwesterly wind direction and wind speed on pollutant dispersion. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address and mitigate air pollution in downwind residential areas. The total annual emission fluxes were estimated at 399,984 kg/yr and 398,944 kg/yr for zones S₁ and S₂, respectively. A comparison with the Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) survey system revealed that the total annual emission fluxes in this study were approximately 24.3 and 4.9 times higher than those reported by PRTRs. This indicates a significant underestimation of the impact of small businesses on local air quality, which was not accounted for in the PRTR survey system. Full article

Chiggers (chigger mites) are a group of tiny arthropods, and they are the exclusive vector of Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot), the causative agent of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease). Dehong Prefecture in Yunnan Province of southwest China is located on the China–Myanmar border and is an important focus of scrub typhus. Based on the field surveys in Dehong between 2008 and 2022, the present paper reports the infestation and ecological distribution of chiggers on the body surface of rodents and other sympatric small mammals (shrews, tree shrews, etc.) in the region for the first time. The constituent ratio (C_r), prevalence (P_M), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were routinely calculated to reflect the infestation of small-mammal hosts with chiggers. Additionally, the species richness (S), Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson dominance index (D), and Pielou’s evenness index (E) were calculated to illustrate the chigger community structure. Preston’s log-normal model was used to fit the theoretical curve of species abundance distribution, and the Chao 1 formula was used to roughly estimate the expected total species. The “corrplot” package in R software (Version 4.3.1) was used to analyze interspecific relationships, and the online drawing software was used to create a chord diagram to visualize the host–chigger associations. From 1760 small-mammal hosts, a total of 9309 chiggers were identified as belonging to 1 family, 16 genera, and 117 species, with high species diversity. The dominant chigger species were Leptotrombidium deliense, Walchia ewingi, and Gahrliepia longipedalis, with a total C_r = 47.65% (4436/9309), among which L. deliense is the most important vector of Ot in China. The overall infestation indexes (P_M, MA, and MI) and community parameters (S, H, and E) of chiggers in the mountainous areas and outdoors were higher than those in the flatland areas and indoors, with an obvious environmental heterogeneity. Leptotrombidium deliense was the dominant species in the flatland and indoors, while G. longipedalis was the prevalent species in the mountainous and outdoor areas. The species abundance distribution of the chigger community conformed to log-normal distribution with the theoretical curve equation: ${S\left(R\right)}^{\prime }=28e^{{-[0.23(R-0)]}^2}$, indicating the existence of many rare species and only a few dominant species in the community. The expected total number of chigger species was roughly estimated to be 147 species, 30 more than the 117 species actually collected, suggesting that some uncommon species may have been missed in the sampling survey. The host–parasite association analysis revealed that one host species can harbor different chigger species, and one chigger species can parasitize different host species with low host specificity. A positive or negative correlation existed among different chigger species, indicating a cooperative or competitive interspecific relationship. The species diversity of chiggers is high in Dehong on the China–Myanmar border, and a large host sample is recommended to find more uncommon species. There is an obvious environmental heterogeneity of the chigger community, with different species diversity and dominant species in different environments. The low host specificity of chiggers and the occurrence of a large number of L. deliense in Dehong, especially in flatland areas and indoors, would increase the risk of persistent transmission of scrub typhus in the region. Full article

Rock avalanche disasters in alpine and gorge regions are frequent and large in scale and cause severe damage. The movement of a rock avalanche is complex and has not been fully studied. The deposits of a rock avalanche can provide valuable insights into its movement process, which is crucial in understanding the rock fragmentation mechanism and predicting disaster-affected areas. Taking the Wangjiapo rock avalanche in Yunnan Province of China as an example, the size, shape and distribution characteristics of the deposit were analyzed based on field surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography and image recognition technology. Initially, 3062 deposited rock blocks were manually measured in the field. Subsequently, the Particles/Pores and Cracks Analysis System (PCAS) was employed to identify 11,357 rock blocks with an area greater than 0.1 m² from UAV orthophotos. By comparing the characteristics of the rock blocks obtained through image recognition and manual measurement, the statistical analysis of UAV aerial imagery combined with PACS proved feasible in studying the Wangjiapo rock avalanche. The results showed that the rock block movement was accompanied by fragmentation and sorting processes; furthermore, the roundness increased with the migration distance. Small blocks were more prevalent at the foot of the slope, while irregularly shaped, large blocks dominated in source areas. The movement of huge blocks was characterized by significant potential energy-driven features and inertia advantages, allowing them to travel farther than smaller blocks, and they tended to be concentrated in the central area of the deposit. Additionally, affected by the cementation degree of breccia and the topography, the blocks in the eastern and western deposit areas exhibited different fragmentation and deposition characteristics. Full article

(1) Background: Information is lacking on small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) status, prevalence, risk factors, and control measures for mastitis in California ewes. The goal of this survey was to outline characteristics of the sheep industry in California related to udder health and mastitis management. (2) Methods: An online survey consisting of 48 questions was completed by respondents between April 2022 and February 2023. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were conducted to evaluate associations between variables. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of general management practices, udder health management, and flock demographics was performed to assess clustering. A subset of respondents (20) participated in SRLV serology testing. (3) Results: Seventy-one completed surveys were submitted. The MCA showed two clusters. Larger flock sizes, the use of breeding ewes for meat or wool production or contract grazing, and extensive management practices were more closely related to >5% udder abnormalities per lactation and ≥5% orphan lambs. The flock-level seroprevalence of SRLV was 75% (15/20), and ewe-level seroprevalence was 14.1% (183/1106). (4) Conclusions: The results of this study highlight areas that need further research, such as exploring differences in mastitis and SRLV incidences among management systems, the efficacy of mastitis treatments, and education on critical timepoints for mastitis diagnosis and control. Full article

The lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccination status and epidemiological distribution remain unknown in some parts of Ethiopia, including the Sidama regional state. In this study, a serological survey of LSD was performed using a specific virus neutralization assay in selected districts of the Sidama regional state representing three agroecological zones from September 2021 to June 2022. Moreover, an assessment of community awareness and LSD vaccine-related problems was conducted using a questionnaire. Our results showed an overall animal and herd level seroprevalence of 40.8% (95%CI = 35.8, 45.8) and 81% (95%CI = 77, 85), respectively. High and low seroprevalence were observed in lowland (48%) and highland (28%) areas, although they were not statistically significant. However, risk factors such as management systems and breeds showed substantial differences in their LSD prevalence. The results obtained through the questionnaire showed that a small portion of respondents (29.2%) know about LSD and vaccinate their cattle (23.3%) against this disease. Only 20.8% of the respondents stated that there was LSD occurrence in their vaccinated cattle. In conclusion, both qualitative and quantitative study results showed the need for intervention in terms of community-based awareness creation about LSD clinical signs and vaccination advantages together with the frequently updated information on LSD prevalence. Full article

The primary population of small ruminants in Spain is concentrated in the southern region, a critical area for the country’s livestock production. Indirect economic losses can occur when this livestock is affected by gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these parasites in small ruminant herds (159 sheep and 39 goats) through coprological analyses and conducted a survey on farmers’ management practices related to gastrointestinal parasite control. The survey results revealed some important aspects: monitoring through coprological analyses is not a common practice; veterinarians are not typically involved in deworming plans; anthelmintic treatment in adults is often applied twice a year in sheep and once a year in goats; and finally, drug rotation was higher in sheep farms. Coprological analyses showed Eimeria spp. as the most common parasitic infection, followed by Strongyles infection. Other parasites like Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp., and D. dendriticum were less important, although their prevalence was higher in sheep than goats. This constitutes the first report on the epidemiological status of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in southern Spain. Based on the survey findings, the introduction of certain management measures on farms could potentially mitigate parasite infections. Full article

Introduction: The prevalence of undernutrition among children below five years of age, in Uganda and the world over, remains very high. About 45% of all global deaths among children below five years of age are attributed to undernutrition. A number of studies using different statistical approaches affirm this effect, yet some factors indicate the influence of other factors within the system. This study, therefore, uses a method that demonstrates how different variables feed into each other. Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the major factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition and the paths showing how these risk factors influence undernutrition. Methods: Data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS, 2016) were used for this study. A sample of 4530 children, whose age, height, and weight measurements were recorded, was considered for this study. Additionally, the study used generalized structural equation models to identify the multifaceted natures and paths of the risk factors that influence undernutrition among children below five years of age. The study relied on the UNICEF 2020 conceptual framework to identify and analyze the direct and indirect effects of these risk factors of undernutrition. Results: From the perspective of a male child, having a perceived small size at birth, a low birth weight, being breastfed for less than 6 months, having no formal education from mothers, limited income-generating opportunities, a low wealth status, and notable episodes of diarrhea were among the key factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition. The identified paths were as follows: (i) Having no education, as this was associated with limited working opportunities and a low income, which increases the likelihood of low household wealth status, hence increasing the chances of undernutrition. (ii) Exposure to a rural setting was associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition through association with poor and or low employment levels within the rural areas. (iii) A shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with children in urban areas, resulting in an increased likelihood of undernutrition. (iv) Children aged between 6 and 47 months had a higher likelihood of undernutrition. Conclusions: An approach that addresses and recognizes all these factors at different levels, along the established paths, should be implemented to effectively reduce undernutrition among children below five years of age. Full article