Search Results (6,214)

Invasive candidiasis (IC), characterized by the most common clinical manifestation of candidemia, is a fungal infection with a high mortality rate and a significant impact on global public health. It is estimated that each year there are between 227,000 and 250,000 hospitalizations related to IC, with more than 100,000 associated deaths. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C), the absence of a standardized surveillance system has led to multicenter studies documenting incidences ranging from 0.74 to 6.0 cases per 1000 hospital admissions, equivalent to 50,000–60,000 hospitalizations annually, with mortality rates of up to 60% in certain high-risk groups. Armed conflicts and structural violence in LA&C cause forced displacement, the collapse of health systems, and poor living conditions—such as overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of sanitation—which increase vulnerability to opportunistic infections, such as IC. Insufficient specialized laboratories, diagnostic technology, and trained personnel impede pathogen identification and delay timely initiation of antifungal therapy. Furthermore, the empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the limited availability of echinocandins and lipid formulations of amphotericin B have promoted the emergence of resistant non-albicans strains, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and, in recent outbreaks, Candidozyma auris. Full article

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that significantly impairs quality of life. While pharmacological agents such as loperamide are widely used to induce constipation in experimental models, there is increasing interest in natural alternatives for alleviating intestinal dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the laxative effects of soybean powder fermented by Bacillus subtilis DKU_09 in a loperamide-induced rat model of constipation. The probiotic strain was isolated from cheonggukjang, a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste, and its identity was confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. Fermented soybean powder was characterized morphologically via scanning electron microscopy and chemically via HPLC to assess its isoflavone content. Rats were administered loperamide (5 mg/kg) for four days to induce constipation and were then treated with fermented soybean powder at doses of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg. No pharmacological laxatives (e.g., PEG) were used as a positive control; instead, values from the treatment groups were compared with those from the loperamide-only constipation group. Key outcomes of fecal output, water content, colonic fecal retention, and gastrointestinal transit ratio were measured. The fermented product significantly improved stool frequency and moisture content, reduced colonic fecal retention, and restored gastrointestinal transit in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the 300 mg/kg group demonstrated nearly complete recovery of fecal parameters without affecting body weight. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. These findings suggest that Bacillus subtilis-fermented soybean powder exerts synergistic laxative effects through the combined action of probiotic viability and fermentation-enhanced bioactive compounds such as aglycone isoflavones. This study supports the potential use of fermented soybean-based nutraceuticals as a natural and safe intervention for constipation and gastrointestinal dysregulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia often face considerable psychological and physical strain due to the complexity of caregiving. Although psychoeducation has demonstrated benefits in alleviating this burden, its provision via telenursing remains underexplored in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluated the effect of a psychoeducational program delivered via telenursing on reducing caregiver burden. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with 60 caregivers from a tertiary mental health hospital in northern Saudi Arabia, who were divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in a structured four-week psychoeducational program via Zoom, while the control group received routine care. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), a validated tool designed to measure the objective and subjective burden experienced by family members caring for individuals with mental illness. The FBIS was administered before and three months after the intervention. The statistical analysis included independent and paired t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The pre-intervention scores showed no significant differences, confirming baseline equivalence. The post-intervention scores showed a significant reduction in burden among the intervention group (p < 0.001), while no meaningful change occurred in the control group. Additionally, a lower burden was associated with higher education, sufficient income (i.e., the caregiver’s perception of being able to meet essential household expenses without financial strain), strong family support, and absence of caregiver illness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that psychoeducation through telenursing is an effective strategy for reducing caregiver burden and improving support accessibility, particularly for those in remote areas. Full article

Biotechnological research increasingly focuses on developing new drugs to counter the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains in hospitals. This study aimed to create bacterial lysates from antibiotic-resistant pathogens isolated from patients and medical instruments across hospital departments. Identification was performed based on morphological, cultural, and biochemical characteristics, as well as 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the BLAST algorithm. Strain viability was assessed using the Miles and Misra method, while sensitivity to eight antibacterial drug groups and biosafety between cultures were evaluated using agar diffusion. From 15 clinical sources, 25 pure isolates were obtained, and their phenotypic and genotypic properties were studied. Carbohydrate fermentation testing confirmed that the isolates belonged to the genera Escherichia, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, and Streptococcus. The cultures exhibited good viability (10⁹–10¹⁰ CFU/mL) and compatibility with each other. Based on prevalence and clinical significance, three predominant hospital pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae 12 BL, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 BL, and Acinetobacter baumannii 24 BL) were selected to develop a bacterial lysate consortium. Lysates were prepared with physical disruption using a French press homogenizer. The resulting product holds industrial value and may stimulate the immune system to combat respiratory pathogens prevalent in Kazakhstan’s healthcare settings. Full article

Genu valgum (GV) is a common lower limb deformity that may increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study used OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling and kinematic analysis to investigate the mechanical responses of the ACL under fatigue in females with GV. Eight females with GV and eight healthy controls completed a running-induced fatigue protocol. Lower limb kinematic and kinetic data were collected and used to simulate stress and strain in the anteromedial ACL (A–ACL) and posterolateral ACL (P–ACL) bundles, as well as peak joint angles and knee joint stiffness. The results showed a significant interaction effect between group and fatigue condition on A–ACL stress. In the GV group, A–ACL stress was significantly higher than in the healthy group both before and after fatigue (p < 0.001) and further increased following fatigue (p < 0.001). In the pre-fatigued state, A–ACL strain was significantly higher during the late stance phase in the GV group (p = 0.036), while P–ACL strain significantly decreased post-fatigue (p = 0.005). Additionally, post-fatigue peak hip extension and knee flexion angles, as well as pre-fatigue knee abduction angles, showed significant differences between groups. Fatigue also led to substantial changes in knee flexion, adduction, abduction, and hip/knee external rotation angles within the GV group. Notably, knee joint stiffness in this group was significantly lower than in controls and decreased further post-fatigue. These findings suggest that the structural characteristics of GV, combined with exercise-induced fatigue, exacerbate A–ACL loading and compromise knee joint stability, indicating a higher risk of ACL injury in fatigued females with GV. Full article

Granite formations provide suitable geological conditions for building gravity dams. However, the presence of intruding granite creates a fractured zone. The interaction of this fractured zone with structural planes and faults can create geological conditions that are unfavorable for the anti-sliding stability of gravity dams. This paper identifies the dominant structural planes that affect the anti-sliding stability of dams by studying the three-dimensional intersection relationships between groups of structural planes, faults, and fracture zones. The three-dimensional distribution and occurrence of the dominant structural planes directly impact the anti-sliding stability and sliding failure mode of gravity dams. Through comprehensive field investigations and systematic analysis of engineering geological data, the spatial distribution characteristics of structural planes and fracture zones were quantitatively characterized. Subsequently, the potential for deep-seated sliding failure of the gravity dam was rigorously evaluated and conclusively dismissed through application of the rigid body limit equilibrium method. It was established that the sliding mode of the foundation of the dam under this combination of structural planes is primarily shallow sliding. Additionally, based on the engineering geological data of the area around the dam, a three-dimensional finite element numerical model was developed to analyze stress–strain calculations under seepage stress coupling conditions and compared with calculations made without considering seepage stress coupling. The importance of seepage in the anti-sliding stability of the foundation of the dam was determined. The research findings provide engineering insights into enhancing the anti-sliding stability of gravity dams in granite distribution areas by (1) identifying critical structural planes and fracture zones that control sliding behavior, (2) demonstrating the necessity of seepage-stress coupling analysis in stability assessments, and (3) guiding targeted reinforcement measures to mitigate shallow sliding risks. Full article

Cancer and infectious diseases are major causes of global morbidity and mortality stressing the need to find novel drugs with promising dual anticancer and antimicrobial efficacy. Gold complexes have been studied for the past years due to their anticancer properties, with a few of them displaying antimicrobial properties, which support their pharmacological interest. Within this scope, we investigated six gold bisdithiolate complexes [Au (bdt)₂]⁻ (1), [Au (dcbdt)₂]⁻ (2), [Au (3-cbdt)₂]⁻ (3), [Au (4-cbdt)₂]⁻ (4), [Au (pdt)₂]⁻ (5) and [Au (dcdmp)₂]⁻ (6), and) against the ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780cisR, the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Newman, the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Burkholderia contaminans IST408, and the pathogenic yeasts Candida glabrata CBS138 and Candida albicans SC5134. Complexes 2 and 6, with ligands containing aromatic pyrazine or phenyl rings, substituted with two cyanonitrile groups, showed after 24 h of incubation high anticancer activities against A2780 ovarian cancer cells (IC₅₀~5 µM), being also able to overcome cisplatin resistance in A2780cisR cells. Both complexes induced the formation of ROS, activated caspase-3/7, and induced necrosis (LDH release) in a dose-dependent way, in a greater extent in the case of 6. Among the bacterial and fungal strains tested, only complex 6 presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus Newman, indicating that this complex is a potential novel anticancer and antibacterial agent. These results delve into the structure-activity relationship of the complexes, considering molecular alterations such as replacing a phenyl group for a pyrazine group, and the inclusion of one or two cyanonitrile appendage groups, and their effects on biological activity. Overall, both complexes were found to be promising leads for the development of future anticancer drugs against low sensitive or cisplatin resistant tumors. Full article

Behavioral issues in domestic dogs represent a significant welfare concern affecting both canines and their caregivers, with prevalence rates reported to range from 34 to 86% across the population. Current treatment options, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, often present limitations including adverse effects and delayed efficacy. This randomized, placebo-controlled (maltodextrin) study investigated the effects of a novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain (LP815^TM) on canine behavioral concerns through gut–brain axis modulation. Home-based dogs (n = 40) received either LP815^TM (n = 28) or placebo (n = 12) daily for 4 weeks, with behavioral changes assessed using the comprehensive Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and continuous activity monitoring. After the intervention period, dogs receiving LP815^TM showed significant improvements in aggression (p = 0.0047) and anxiety (p = 0.0005) compared to placebo controls. These findings were corroborated by objective activity data, which demonstrated faster post-departure settling, reduced daytime sleep, and improved sleep consistency in the treatment group. Throughout >1120 administered doses, no significant adverse events were reported, contrasting favorably with pharmaceutical alternatives. The concordance between our findings and previous research using different L. plantarum strains suggests a consistent biological mechanism, potentially involving GABA production and vagal nerve stimulation. These results indicate that LP815^TM represents a promising, safe alternative for addressing common canine behavioral concerns with potential implications for improving both canine welfare and the human–animal bond. Full article

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) is a medicinal and edible homologous plant whose roots contain many bioactive substances such as polysaccharides and phenolics. This study explored the integration of burdock powder and lactic acid bacteria fermentation to enhance the nutritional quality, sensory attributes, and flavor profiles of duck sausages. Three bacterial strains, Lacticaseibacillus casei, L. helveticus, and L. plantarum, were selected based on sensory analysis, and their effects on sausage properties were evaluated through combined fermentation trials. The results demonstrated that duck sausages fermented with L. plantarum and L. helveticus and supplemented with 3% burdock powder (PHB group) exhibited > 1.5-fold higher antioxidant activity (ABTS at 85.2 μmol trolox/g and DPPH at 92.7 μmol trolox/g, respectively; p < 0.05) and 15% increase in total phenolic content (8.24 mg gallic acid/g) compared to non-fermented counterparts. The PHB formulation also enhanced color stability (lightness, redness, yellowness), textural characteristics (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness), and sensory acceptability. Volatile compound analysis revealed a reduction in off-odor aldehydes (hexanal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-decenal, and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal) and increased production of desirable aromatic compounds like tetramethyl-pyrazine. These findings highlight the potential of combining lactic acid bacteria fermentation with burdock powder to develop functional duck sausages with improved nutritional and sensory properties. Full article

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most challenging nosocomial pathogens associated with a variety of hospital infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, wound and urinary tract infections, meningitis, and sepsis, primarily in patients treated in critical care settings. Its classification as a high-priority pathogen is due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in healthcare environments and its tendency to spread clonally. A. baumannii belongs to the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii (Acb) complex, a group of genotypically and phenotypically similar species. Differentiating between the species is important because of their distinct clinical significance. However, conventional phenotypic methods, both manual and automated, often fail to provide accurate species-level identification. This review aims to summarize current phenotypic and genotypic methods for the identification of species within the Acb complex, evaluating their strengths and limitations to offer guidance for their appropriate application in diagnostic settings and epidemiological investigations. Full article

Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a critical public health threat due to its rapid nosocomial dissemination, limited therapeutic options, and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, carbapenemase profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CRKP isolates, as well as the clinical features and outcomes observed in infected or colonized patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from patients with CRKP infections or colonization admitted between January 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. Two binary logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of sepsis and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 89 CRKP isolates, 45 underwent carbapenemase typing. More than half were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, with 44.4% co-harbouring NDM and OXA-48-like enzymes. Surgical intervention was associated with a significantly lower risk of sepsis (p < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045), whereas intensive care unit (ICU) stay was a strong predictor of both outcomes. ICU admission conferred a 10-fold higher risk of sepsis (95%Cl 2.4–41.0) and a 40.8-fold higher risk of in-hospital death (95% Cl 3.5–473.3). Limitations: This single-center retrospective study included a limited number of isolates in certain groups. Additionally, cefiderocol (FDC) susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion rather than by the broth microdilution method. Conclusions: Our study underscores the increasing prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing CRKP, particularly strains harbouring dual carbapenemases. Timely recognition of high-risk patients, combined with the implementation of targeted infection control measures and the integration of novel therapeutic options, is crucial to optimize clinical management and reduce mortality associated with CRKP. Full article

In this study, a highly cadmium (II)-resistant bacterium strain, C10-4, identified as Bacillus altitudinis, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Baiyangdian Lake, China. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cd(II) for strain C10-4 was 1600 mg/L. Factors such as the contact time, pH, Cd(II) concentration, and biomass dosage affected the adsorption of Cd(II) by strain C10-4. The adsorption process fit well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, based on the Cd(II) adsorption data obtained from the cells of strain C10-4. This suggests that Cd(II) is adsorbed by strain C10-4 cells via a single-layer homogeneous chemical adsorption process. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum biosorption capacity was 3.31 mg/g for fresh-strain C10-4 biomass. Cd(II) was shown to adhere to the bacterial cell wall through SEM-EDS analysis. FTIR spectroscopy further indicated that the main functional sites for the binding of Cd(II) ions on the cell surface of strain C10-4 were functional groups such as N-H, -OH, -CH-, C=O, C-O, P=O, sulfate, and phosphate. After the inoculation of strain C10-4 into Cd(II)-contaminated soils, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the exchangeable fraction of Cd and an increase (p < 0.01) in the sum of the reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions of Cd. The results show that Bacillus altitudinis C10-4 has good potential for use in the remediation of Cd(II)-contaminated soils. Full article

Background: Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society, creating an intergenerational caregiving gap that strains existing support systems. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of “Young Care,” a community-based intervention designed to enhance youth knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving practices (KAP) toward older adults. Methods: A two-day structured training was conducted in Maha Sarakham Province in 2023 using a pre-post mixed-methods design. Middle and high school students participated in lectures, multimedia sessions, and experiential learning activities related to caregiving. Quantitative data were collected using validated KAP questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained from focus group discussions involving students, older persons, caregivers, and local leaders. Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.001), accompanied by increased empathy, caregiving initiative, and a sense of moral responsibility among participants. Conclusions: The initiative fostered formal partnerships among schools, local governments, healthcare providers, and universities through memoranda of understanding. These collaborations enabled budgetary support and outreach to out-of-school youth, positioning “Young Care” as a scalable, youth-centered strategy to address Thailand’s long-term care challenges. Full article

Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae) is a cosmopolitan species frequently associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish mortality events, representing a potential threat to aquaculture and coastal ecosystems. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological, phylogenetic, pigmentary, and toxicological characterization of F. japonica strains isolated from Argentina. Light and transmission electron microscopy confirmed key diagnostic features of the species, including anterior flagella and the conspicuous group of mucocyst in the posterior region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the LSU rDNA D1–D2 region revealed monophyletic relationships with strains from geographically distant regions. Pigment analysis by HPLC identified chlorophyll-a (62.3 pg cell⁻¹) and fucoxanthin (38.4 pg cell⁻¹) as the main dominant pigments. Cytotoxicity assays using RTgill-W1 cells exposed for 2 h to culture supernatants and intracellular extracts showed strain-specific effects. The most toxic strain (LPCc049) reduced gill cell viability down to 53% in the supernatant exposure, while LC₅₀ values ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 4.7 × 10⁵ cells mL⁻¹, depending directly on the strain and treatment type. No brevetoxins (PbTx-1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, BTX-B1 and BTX-B2) were detected by LC–MS/MS, suggesting that the cytotoxicity may be linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), or hemolytic compounds, as previously hypothesized in the literature. These findings offer novel insights into the toxic potential of F. japonica in South America and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its ichthyotoxic effect. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that disrupts development and reproduction, primarily through oxidative stress. In this context, sulforaphane (SFN), an antioxidant compound, may serve as a promising agent to counteract Cd-induced oxidative damage and prevent developmental and reproductive abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SFN on reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Five experimental groups were established: (I) Control: no treatment, (II) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): 48 h with 0.01% DMSO, (III) CdCl₂: 24 h with 4600 µM CdCl₂, (IV) SFN + CdCl₂: 24 h with 100 µM SFN followed by 24 h with both SFN and CdCl₂, and (V) SFN: 48 h with 100 µM SFN. Co-exposure to SFN and CdCl₂ prevented the reduction in the percentage of adult nematodes and increased egg-laying. It also significantly improved hatching rates, allowing more embryos to reach the larval stage, and prevented reductions in body size. However, no effects were observed on glutathione S-transferase-4 (GST-4) levels in the transgenic CL2166 strain. In conclusion, SFN substantially prevents Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in C. elegans. Future studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms by which SFN enhances egg-laying and offspring viability in this model. Full article