Search Results (4,968)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various products, such as firefighting foams and non-stick cookware, due to their resistance to heat and degradation. However, these same properties make them persistent in the environment and human body, raising public health concerns. This study selected eleven PFAS commonly found in drinking water and exposed Caenorhabditis elegans to concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 µM to assess neurodevelopmental toxicity using a high-throughput, high-content screening (HTS) platform coupled with artificial intelligence for image analysis. Our findings showed that PFAS such as 6:2 FTS, HFPO-DA, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, and PFOS inhibited dopaminergic neuron activity, with fluorescence intensity reductions observed across concentrations from 0.1 to 100 µM. PFOS and PFBS also disrupted synaptic transmission, causing reduced motility and increased paralysis in aldicarb-induced assays, with the most pronounced effects at higher concentrations. These impairments in both neuron activity and synaptic function led to behavioral deficits. Notably, PFOS was one of the most toxic PFAS, affecting multiple neurodevelopmental endpoints. These results emphasize the developmental risks of PFAS exposure, highlighting the impact of both individual compounds and mixtures on neurodevelopment. This knowledge is essential for assessing PFAS-related health risks and informing mitigation strategies. Full article

Ticks and tick-borne diseases significantly impact animal health, public health, and economic productivity globally, particularly in areas where the wildlife–livestock interface complicates management. This review critically examines the current control strategies, focusing on chemical, biological, physical, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Chemical acaricides, while effective, are increasingly challenged by resistance development and environmental concerns. Biological approaches, including natural predators and entomopathogenic fungi, and physical interventions, such as habitat modification, provide sustainable alternatives but require further optimization. IPM stands out as the most promising long-term solution, integrating multiple approaches to enhance efficacy while reducing environmental risks. Emerging innovations, such as nanotechnology-enhanced acaricides and next-generation vaccines, offer promising avenues for improved tick control. Addressing the complex challenges of tick management requires tailored strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained research investment in both veterinary and public health contexts. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a critical component of urban air pollution, with severe implications for human health and environmental ecosystems. This study investigates the capacity of green roofs at the Warsaw University Library to mitigate air pollution by analyzing the retention of PM and associated trace elements (TEs) across eight perennial plant species during spring, summer, and autumn. The results highlight significant interspecies variability and seasonal trends in PM retention, with peak levels observed in summer due to increased foliage density and ambient pollution. Sedum spectabile and Spiraea japonica emerged as the most effective species for PM capture, owing to their wax-rich surfaces and dense foliage, while Betula pendula demonstrated a high retention of TEs like manganese and zinc. Seasonal shifts from surface-bound PM (_SPM) to wax-bound PM (_WPM) in autumn underline the importance of adaptive plant traits for sustained pollutant capture. These findings underscore the critical role of green roofs in urban air quality management, emphasizing the need for species-specific strategies to maximize year-round phytoremediation efficacy. Expanding the implementation of diverse vegetation on green roofs can significantly enhance their environmental and public health benefits. Full article

Dengue fever (DF), a leading arboviral disease globally, is caused by the Dengue virus (DENV) and represents a significant public health concern, with an estimated 390 million cases reported annually. Due to the complexity of the various dengue variants and the severity of the disease, vaccination emerges as the essential strategy for combating this widespread infectious disease. The absence of specific antiviral medications underscores the critical need for developing a Dengue vaccine. This review aims to present the current status and future prospects of Dengue vaccine development. Further, this review elaborates on the various strategies employed in vaccine development, including attenuated, inactivated, subunit, and viral vector vaccines. Each approach is evaluated based on its immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy, drawing on data from preclinical and clinical studies to highlight the strengths and limitations of each candidate vaccine. The current study sheds light on future directions and research priorities in developing Dengue vaccines. In conclusion, the development of a Dengue vaccine holds significant potential for reducing the global burden of DF. However, challenges remain in terms of vaccine safety, efficacy, delivery, and availability. Overcoming these challenges, coupled with advancements in vaccine technology, could lead to better control and prevention of Dengue, thereby enhancing public health and quality of life. Full article

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has significantly impacted the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 variants, their roles in epidemiological tracking, and their influence on viral fitness. Variants of concern (VOCs) such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron have demonstrated increased transmissibility, altered pathogenicity, and potential resistance to neutralizing antibodies. Epidemiological tracking of these variants is crucial for understanding their spread, informing public health interventions, and guiding vaccine development. The review also explores how specific mutations in the spike protein and other genomic regions contribute to viral fitness, affecting replication efficiency, immune escape, and transmission dynamics. By integrating genomic surveillance data with epidemiological and clinical findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its implications for public health strategies and new vaccine development. Full article

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii that presents significant challenges for global public health control. Current prevention relies primarily on the whole-cell vaccine “Q-VAX”, which despite its effectiveness, faces important limitations including pre-screening requirements and reactogenicity issues in previously sensitized individuals. This comprehensive review examines the complex interplay between pathogen characteristics, host immune responses, and vaccine development strategies. We analyze recent advances in understanding C. burnetii’s molecular pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions that have informed vaccine design. The evolution of vaccine approaches is evaluated, from traditional whole-cell preparations to modern subunit, DNA, and multi-epitope designs. Particular attention is given to innovative technologies, including reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics, that have enabled the identification of novel antigenic targets. Recent clinical data demonstrating the safety and immunogenicity of next-generation vaccine candidates are presented, alongside manufacturing and implementation considerations. While significant progress has been made in overcoming the limitations of first-generation vaccines, challenges remain in optimizing immunogenicity while ensuring safety across diverse populations. This review provides a critical analysis of current evidence and future directions in Q fever vaccine development, highlighting promising strategies for achieving more effective and broadly applicable vaccines. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explores the multifaceted factors influencing public trust in healthcare services provided by doctors in public hospitals in Pakistan. The objective is to examine the relationships between various determinants such as doctors' reputation and expertise, patient participation in decision-making, communication clarity, health literacy levels, and trust in prescribed medications to provide actionable insights for improving healthcare trust. Methods: A total of 550 patients from public hospitals were surveyed, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This approach enabled the identification of intricate relationships between the key factors influencing trust in healthcare services. Results: The findings indicate that patient participation in decision-making and transparent communication significantly enhance trust in prescribed medications. Additionally, health literacy emerged as a crucial factor, with higher levels of understanding leading to greater confidence in healthcare services. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of patient-centered care, clear communication strategies, and health literacy initiatives in strengthening public trust in healthcare systems. Practical recommendations are provided for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to collaboratively improve healthcare service delivery and foster public confidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic compelled countries worldwide to implement stringent visitation restrictions across hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities to mitigate viral transmission. While initially justified by the uncertainty surrounding the virus, these restrictions often lasted well beyond the acute stage of the pandemic, leading to substantial psychological and physical harm, particularly for older adults. This study assesses the effects of these controls and offers strategies to balance public health priorities with patients’ rights and psychological well-being during public health crises. Methods: An integrative review and comparative analysis of legislative measures and the psychological effects of visitation restrictions was undertaken. International and national visitation regulations and case studies were reviewed, and ethical frameworks were considered. Results: Our findings indicate that prolonged isolation due to extended visitation restrictions led to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and delirium among patients, creating ethical dilemmas for healthcare providers. Legal responses to this challenge varied globally. International human rights organizations called for policies bridging public health priorities with patients’ rights to family and caregiver support. Some U.S. states enacted proactive legislation to strengthen family visitation rights, while other jurisdictions lack these visitation protections. Conclusions: Prolonged visitation restrictions during the pandemic show the need for legislation integrating public health protections with in-person family and caregiver support. The ethical imperatives of limiting the psychological harm caused by healthcare isolation and the legislative solutions to protect public health and the psychological well-being of patients during health crises are discussed. Full article

Background/Aims: The global promotion of HPV vaccines has underscored the importance of vaccination for both males and females in reducing disease transmission and associated complications. Despite robust evidence supporting male HPV vaccination, China has yet to approve it. Public discussions on male HPV vaccination, influenced by policy delays, gender norms, and commercialization, reveal diverse attitudes and significant challenges in achieving equitable health outcomes. This study investigates public perceptions and attitudes toward male HPV vaccination in China by analyzing cognitive frames and the social, cultural, and economic factors shaping these discussions. Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional design to analyze 4997 Sina Weibo posts using the Analysis of Topic Model Networks (ANTMN), identifying five frames: Disease Risk and Prevention, Virus Transmission, Gender Roles and Perceptions, Vaccine Promotion and Acceptance, and Market Dynamics and Consumption. Results: The findings reveal a significant gap between policy implementation and public awareness of male HPV vaccination in China. Despite growing recognition of its benefits, entrenched gender norms and biases hinder equitable health outcomes. Social media, as a pivotal platform for health communication, plays a dual role in facilitating public discourse while also amplifying misinformation. Policy delays and concerns over vaccine commercialization heighten public hesitancy, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and targeted education. Conclusions: This study highlights the necessity for systemic efforts to address gender biases, enhance public education on male HPV vaccination, and rebuild trust in vaccination programs. A multifaceted approach is required to bridge these gaps, integrating policy reforms, inclusive health communication strategies, and equitable vaccine access. These measures aim to promote awareness and increase vaccination uptake among males in China, ultimately contributing to more comprehensive and equitable public health outcomes. Full article

In recent years, surface ozone (O₃) pollution has emerged as a significant barrier to the continued improvement of air quality in China, making O₃ risk assessment a critical research priority. Using nationwide O₃ monitoring data, this research investigated the spatial characteristics of O₃ pollution and assessed its potential impacts on human health and crop yields. The results showed that the maximum daily 8 h average O₃ (MDA8 O₃) exhibited higher concentrations in eastern and northern regions, and lower concentrations in the western and southern regions of China. Long-term O₃ exposure was associated with an estimated 175,154 all-cause deaths nationwide, with the highest health risks observed in Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces. The AOT40 values for the winter wheat and single-rice growing seasons in China were 9.30 × 10³ ppb·h and 1.29 × 10⁴ ppb·h, respectively. Moreover, O₃ exposure led to relative yield losses of 22.1% for winter wheat and 9.3% for single rice, corresponding to crop yield losses (CPLs) of 63 million metric tons and 14 million metric tons, respectively. Higher winter wheat CPL values were primarily concentrated in Henan, Shandong, and Hebei, while higher single rice CPL values were observed in Jiangsu, Hubei, and Anhui. This study presents a novel coupling of O₃ pollution exposure with human health and agricultural risk assessments across China, emphasizing the need for region-specific O₃ management strategies to protect public health and ensure agricultural sustainability. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of targeted O₃ control in densely populated and major crop-producing areas to mitigate health risks and yield losses, thus safeguarding ecosystem health and food security. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a specific menu preparation based on minimally processed foods and the factors associated with the consumption of school meals by students in Brazilian public schools. Methods: A hedonic scale was employed to assess the acceptability of a milk preparation with 100% cocoa and sugar. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate school food consumption, addressing consumption frequency, dietary habits, environmental conditions, and consumption of competing foods. A binomial logistic regression model was conducted to verify the association between individual variables and conditions of meal supply and consumption. Data analyses were performed using the Jamovi 2022 software. Results: A total of 1080 students participated, with 630 taking part in the acceptability test, and 450 completing the consumption questionnaire. The study highlighted acceptance below the minimum PNAE standards (79.68%) for the tested preparation, indicating a need for further investigation into student preferences. Pleasant taste was the most frequently cited reason (53.2%) for consumption. Disliking the served lunch increased the likelihood of not consuming school meals by 2.73% (p = 0.03). Bringing snacks from home showed no significant impact on consumption (p = 0.677). Using inadequate cutlery increased the likelihood of not consuming school meals by 6.44% (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The study underscored the low acceptance of milk prepared with 100% cocoa and sugar, along with irregular school meal consumption, emphasizing the need for strategies to align students’ taste preferences with healthier menu options. While PNAE ensures nutrient-rich meals, improving flavor, variety, and dining conditions, alongside permanent food and nutrition education, is essential to enhance adherence and support students’ health. Although snacks do not affect the consumption of school meals, controlling snack intake is important from a health perspective. Full article

Rhamnolipids, biosurfactants synthesized from natural resources, demonstrate significant applications, including notable insecticidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti L., the primary vector for numerous arboviruses. The global spread of A. aegypti poses substantial public health challenges, requiring innovative and sustainable control strategies. This research investigates the use of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) biomass waste as a substrate for synthesizing a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BSAW) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and evaluates its insecticidal activity against A. aegypti. The findings indicate a biosurfactant yield of 4.42 mg mL⁻¹, alongside an emulsification index approaching 60%. BSAW successfully reduced both surface and interfacial tensions to below 30 mN/m and 4 mN/m, respectively. Characterization revealed that BSAW is a di-rhamnolipid, consisting of two rhamnose units covalently linked to a saturated C₁₀ fatty acid chain. At a concentration of 1.0 mg mL⁻¹, BSAW exhibited notable larvicidal activity, leading to structural impairments and cellular dysfunctions in A. aegypti larvae while also disrupting their associated bacterial microbiota. Moreover, BSAW effectively deterred oviposition in adult mosquitoes. These findings underscore BSAW’s potential to compromise various developmental stages of A. aegypti, supporting integrated arbovirus management approaches. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the feasibility of utilizing agro-industrial waste as substrates for microbial rhamnolipid production. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lifestyles of children and adolescents because of the restrictions imposed to contain the infection. This systematic review examined the possible reduction in children’s and adolescents’ physical activity and changes in their BMI and weight status. Methods: A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024589208) of English-language studies published up to 1 October 2024 in individuals with a mean age between 6 and 18 years that investigated physical activity data before and during or after the pandemic and focused on their BMI and weight status according to age, sex, and country making use of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, identified 1040 possible articles. Results: Following the PRISMA statement, 26 articles with a whole set of 138,737 children and adolescents were enclosed in the review. The majority of included articles were of moderate quality, as determined by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale adapted for observational studies. The studies found a decrease in PA, an increase in sedentary activities during/after the lockdown, and an increase in BMI and prevalence of overweight and obesity, especially in males and 8–11-year-olds. Conclusions: The interruption or restriction of outdoor physical activities and sports during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a more sedentary lifestyle among children and adolescents, contributing to an overall increase in BMI and obesity, with alarming implications for related health risks and other noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, the adverse effects of restrictive measures should be assessed when implementing public health strategies during pandemics. Full article

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge globally. Recent innovations in diagnostic technology have opened new pathways for early detection, ongoing monitoring, and more individualized patient care, yet significant barriers persist in translating these advancements into clinical settings. This review highlights the cutting-edge diagnostic methods emerging from basic science research, including molecular assays, biosensors, and next-generation sequencing, and discusses the practical and logistical challenges involved in their implementation. By analyzing current trends in diagnostic techniques and management strategies, we identify critical gaps and propose integrative approaches to bridge the divide between laboratory innovation and effective clinical application. This work emphasizes the need for comprehensive education, supportive infrastructure, and multi-disciplinary collaborations to enhance the utility of these diagnostic innovations in improving outcomes in patients with HIV. Full article

Laboratory testing has played a pivotal role throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, exemplifying the importance of in vitro diagnostics in addressing public health threats posed by outbreaks of infectious diseases. This article aims to present key insights from our expertise, derived from evidence gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform strategies for managing future infectious challenges. Current scientific evidence underscores that patient sample testing not only allows to diagnose an acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but also supports outbreak prediction, improved control measures, anticipation of pressure on the healthcare system, mitigation of adverse clinical outcomes, and early detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, wastewater monitoring has emerged as a powerful tool for forecasting disease burden, including both prevalence and severity. Collectively, these findings underscore the value of diagnostic testing and wastewater surveillance in guiding healthcare planning and optimizing resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a valid framework to be applied to future public health threats, especially to any potential outbreak of “Disease X” that may emerge in the future. Full article