Search Results (1,161)

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) represents a major cause of economic loss in dairy cattle herds worldwide. The condition is primarily associated with several key pathogens, including enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), viral agents such as bovine rotavirus (BRV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCD-associated pathogens in Italian dairy farms over the period 2020–2022. Among the 598 farms affected by NCD and included in the investigation, ETEC strains were detected in 17.2% of cases. The prevalence of BRV, BCoV, and Cryptosporidium spp. was 22.2%, 20.2%, and 32.3%, respectively. Co-infections were also frequently observed and are considered to significantly exacerbate the clinical severity of the disease. Ongoing surveillance of NCD pathogens is essential to generate reliable and updated epidemiological data, which are critical for guiding effective control and prevention strategies. Full article

Heart failure (HF) remains a major global health challenge defined by the inability of the heart to adequately meet systemic metabolic requirements. While ventricular dysfunction has traditionally been the primary focus in both conceptual and clinical frameworks of HF, emerging evidence highlights atrial myopathy—covering structural, functional, electrical, metabolic, and neurohormonal remodeling—as a central yet often overlooked contributor to disease progression across the HF spectrum. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying atrial remodeling, with a focus on inflammation and innate immune activation as key pathogenic mediators. Among pattern recognition receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) play crucial roles in translating myocardial stress into pro-inflammatory, profibrotic, and pro-arrhythmic signals that exacerbate HF. By combining experimental and clinical evidence, we emphasize atrial myopathy as both a biomarker and an active driver of HF deterioration, advocating for the inclusion of atrial-targeted diagnostics and immunomodulatory therapies in future HF treatment approaches. Such a paradigm shift holds significant potential for improved risk stratification, arrhythmia prevention, attenuation of structural remodeling, and ultimately, better prognosis and clinical outcomes in this increasingly common syndrome. Full article

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent that is clinically limited by doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), with ferroptosis and apoptosis identified as key mechanisms. As an antioxidant enzyme, GPX4 undergoes ubiquitin-mediated degradation during myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury; however, the role of its ubiquitination in DIC remains unclear. This study revealed that GPX4 undergoes ubiquitinated degradation during DIC, exacerbating ferroptosis and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. NEDD4L was found to interact with GPX4, and its expression was upregulated in DOX-treated mouse myocardial tissues and cardiomyocytes. NEDD4L knockdown alleviated DIC, as well as ferroptosis and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, NEDD4L recognizes GPX4 through its WW domain and mediates K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation of GPX4 under DOX stimulation via its HECT domain. Knockdown of NEDD4L reduced DOX-induced GPX4 ubiquitination levels and subsequent degradation. Notably, while NEDD4L knockdown mitigated DOX-induced cell death, concurrent GPX4 knockdown attenuated this protective effect, indicating that GPX4 is a key downstream target of NEDD4L in regulating cardiomyocyte death. These findings identify NEDD4L as a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating DIC. Full article

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how oxidative stress drives inflammation, structural remodeling, and clinical expression of childhood asthma, while critically appraising emerging redox-sensitive biomarkers and antioxidant-focused preventive and therapeutic strategies. Oxidative stress arises when reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) outpace airway defenses. This surplus provokes airway inflammation: ROS/RNS activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), recruit eosinophils and neutrophils, and amplify type-2 cytokines. Normally, an antioxidant network—glutathione (GSH), enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)—maintains redox balance. Prenatal and early exposure to fine particulate matter <2.5 micrometers (µm) (PM_2.5), aeroallergens, and tobacco smoke, together with polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and CAT, overwhelm these defenses, driving epithelial damage, airway remodeling, and corticosteroid resistance—the core of childhood asthma pathogenesis. Clinically, biomarkers such as exhaled 8-isoprostane, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) surge during exacerbations and predict relapses. Therapeutic avenues include Mediterranean-style diet, regular aerobic exercise, pharmacological Nrf2 activators, GSH precursors, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants; early trials report improved lung function and fewer attacks. Ongoing translational research remains imperative to substantiate these approaches and to enable the personalization of therapy through individual redox status and genetic susceptibility, ultimately transforming the care and prognosis of pediatric asthma. Full article

In recent years, the bidirectional regulatory mechanism of the bone-brain axis has become a hotspot for interdisciplinary research. In this paper, we systematically review the anatomical and functional links between bone and the central nervous system, focusing on the regulation of brain function by bone-derived signals and their clinical translational potential. At the anatomical level, the blood–brain barrier permeability mechanism and the unique structure of the periventricular organs establish the anatomical basis for bone-brain information transmission. Innovative discoveries indicate that the bone cell network (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow monocytes) directly regulates neuroplasticity and the inflammatory microenvironment through the secretion of factors such as osteocalcin, lipid transporter protein 2, nuclear factor κB receptor-activating factor ligand, and fibroblast growth factor 23, as well as exosome-mediated remote signaling. Clinical studies have revealed a bidirectional vicious cycle between osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease: reduced bone density exacerbates Alzheimer’s disease pathology through pathways such as PDGF-BB, while AD-related neurodegeneration further accelerates bone loss. The breakthrough lies in the discovery that anti-osteoporotic drugs, such as bisphosphonates, improve cognitive function. In contrast, neuroactive drugs modulate bone metabolism, providing new strategies for the treatment of comorbid conditions. Additionally, whole-body vibration therapy shows potential for non-pharmacological interventions by modulating bone-brain interactions through the mechano-osteoclast signaling axis. In the future, it will be essential to integrate multiple groups of biomarkers to develop early diagnostic tools that promote precise prevention and treatment of bone-brain comorbidities. This article provides a new perspective on the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of neuroskeletal comorbidities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recently, concerns about age-related conditions, such as sarcopenia and chronic inflammation, have increased owing to the global acceleration of population aging. Notably, these conditions are interrelated and further exacerbate functional decline in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel bioactive compound, DuoX (a mixture of the postbiotic beLP1 and Cichorium intybus L.), in alleviating muscle wasting and chronic inflammation. Specifically, the mixture consisted of inulin-rich C. intybus L. root extract, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and beLP1, a postbiotic previously shown to exert anti-sarcopenic effects. Methods: To assess the multifunctional effects of the DuoX, dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia models (C2C12 myotubes and an in vivo rat model) and a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation model were established. Results: Pretreatment with DuoX prevented the dexamethasone-induced reduction in myotube diameter and effectively inhibited muscle degradation by downregulating the expression of atrogin-1 caused by dexamethasone treatment. In rats with DEX-induced sarcopenia, DuoX prevented muscle weight loss, grip strength reduction, and the upregulation of atrogin-1 expression in vivo. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, DuoX significantly reduced nitric oxide production and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression and suppressed p38 and ERK phosphorylation in the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses. Conclusions: DuoX holds promise as a dual-functional candidate with both anti-sarcopenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Further preclinical and clinical studies are required to validate its therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans, which may contribute to the development of preventive strategies for healthy aging. Full article

Food loss and waste are critical global issues, particularly in developing economies where they exacerbate food insecurity and environmental degradation. This study focuses on fruit and vegetable loss (FVL) in retail and wholesale markets in North Lebanon, a region marked by socio-economic challenges and infrastructural deficiencies. The research aims to identify the underlying drivers of FVL, assess current management practices, and identify aspects impacting it. Data was collected through surveys of seventy wholesalers and retailers employing descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression for analysis. The findings reveal that 85.7% of the sample generate little or no FVL. Being a retailer or wholesaler, operating on a small or large scale, or being open 24/7 or part-time does not affect FVL. Conversely, inadequate display and storage, hot weather, and pricing practices significantly impact FVL. The market faces challenges such as low consumer purchasing capacity, financial difficulties, legal constraints, and lack of knowledge. Various practices are used to prevent FVL, including strategic supply chain decisions, price reductions, and donations to charities. The study underscores the need for improved infrastructure, financial support, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate FVL, thereby enhancing food security and environmental sustainability in North Lebanon. Full article

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms pose significant threats to lake ecosystems, and the stocking of filter-feeding fish has often been used for their control. However, filter-feeding fish like silver carp excrete feces that not only retain viable cyanobacterial cells but also increase nutrient loading to the sediment. Furthermore, the quantity and frequency of fecal input vary depending on the biomass of algae and fish and the stocking strategy. In this study, a two-by-two factorial microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of silver carp feces on P release in shallow lakes. Results showed that fecal input quantity was the key determinant of P release. The peak flux reached 8.82 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ in high input treatments, compared to 1.01 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ in low input treatments. Phased-input exacerbated these effects compared to single-input. The dominant mechanisms of sediment P release varied with input levels. Microbial reduction was strongly associated with P release at low fecal input, while high-input scenarios showed concurrent hypoxia, an increase in sediment pH (from 7.28 to 7.46), and competition for adsorption sites by dissolved organic matter (DOM up to 38.57 mg L⁻¹). These results indicate that stocking of filter-feeding fish for cyanobacterial bloom control substantially altered P flux dynamics, with high input treatments exhibiting fluxes from −6.02 to 8.82 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ compared to −0.007 to 0.33 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ in controls, depending on the patterns of fecal input. For the prevention and control of cyanobacterial blooms and to ensure the sustainability of lakes, the stocking of filter-feeding fish should be carried out before the outbreak of blooms to avoid the impact of large amounts of fish feces input on P release and water quality during the blooms. Full article

Background: Obesity and periodontitis are two chronic inflammatory diseases with a bidirectional relationship possibly mediated by microbial and immunologic signaling pathways. This narrative review aims to investigate how microbial dysbiosis and inflammation link these diseases, focusing on the interactions between the oral and gut microbiomes. Materials and methods: Peer-reviewed studies (2015–2024) from PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid and Google Scholar were selected for their relevance to microbial dysbiosis and inflammation, prioritizing clear methodology. Non-peer-reviewed sources or studies lacking microbial/inflammatory data were excluded. Conflicting results and methodological differences, including sampling and study design, were assessed qualitatively on the basis of coherence and methodological rigor. Results: Obesity has been shown to significantly alter the composition of the oral microbiome, characterized by reduced diversity and an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. At the same time, periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis can invade the gut, impair barrier function and promote systemic inflammation. Both diseases share common inflammatory pathways involving adipokines and immune-system dysregulation, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates disease progression in both conditions. Obesity also appears to impair the effectiveness of conventional periodontal treatments. Conclusions: The microbial axis between the oral cavity and the gut represents a central pathway in the complex interactions between obesity and periodontitis. This relationship involves microbial dysbiosis, bacterial translocation and shared inflammatory mechanisms that collectively contribute to disease progression. Clinical relevance: A better understanding of the relationship between obesity and periodontitis supports the development of customized treatment strategies for obese patients with periodontal disease. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions that address both conditions simultaneously to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

The structural reliability of agricultural machinery is critically dependent on bolted joints, with loosening being a significant and prevalent failure mode. Harsh operational environments (intense vibration, impact, corrosion) severely exacerbate loosening risks, compromising machinery performance and safety. Traditional periodic inspections are inadequate for preventing sudden failures induced by loosening, leading to impaired efficiency and safety hazards. This review comprehensively analyzes the unique challenges and opportunities in monitoring bolted joint reliability within agricultural machinery. It covers the following: (1) the status of bolted joint reliability issues (failure modes, impacts, maintenance inadequacies); (2) environmental challenges to joint integrity; (3) evaluation of conventional detection methods; (4) principles and classifications of modern detection technologies (e.g., vibration-based, acoustic, direct measurement, vision-based); and (5) their application status, limitations, and techno-economic hurdles in agriculture. This review identifies significant deficiencies in current technologies for agricultural machinery bolt loosening surveillance, underscoring the pressing need for specialized, dependable, and cost-effective online monitoring systems tailored for agriculture’s demanding conditions. Finally, forward-looking research directions are outlined to enhance the reliability and intelligence of structural monitoring for agricultural machinery. Full article

Climate change is a global crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable agrarian communities, exacerbating food insecurity and health risks. This qualitative study explored the relationship between climate change and health in the following two rural sub-counties of Kilifi County, Kenya: Ganze and Magarini. In fall 2023, we conducted 16 focus group discussions with adolescent girls (14–17), young adults (18–30), and older adults (31+). Thematic analysis revealed that climate change adversely affects health through key social determinants, including economic instability, environmental degradation, limited healthcare access, food insecurity, and disrupted education. Participants reported increased food scarcity, disease outbreaks, and reduced access to medical care due to droughts and floods. Economic hardship contributed to harmful survival strategies, including transactional sex and school dropout among adolescent girls. Mental health concerns, such as stress, substance use, and suicidal ideation, were prevalent. These findings highlight the wide-ranging health impacts of climate change in agrarian settings and the urgent need for comprehensive, community-informed interventions. Priorities should include improving nutrition, reproductive and mental health services, infectious disease prevention, and healthcare access. Full article

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and widespread, posing a threat to European ecosystems. Recent findings quantified a large fraction of Europe’s burnt areas within Natura 2000 protected area sites. This study analyzed total wildfire events and burnt areas in Greece. The frequency of protected area burn percentages per fire event and their trend over time were quantified. The mean protected area percentage of burn per fire event across other Mediterranean countries was compared. Results indicated an increase in the total number of wildfire events over time, while total burnt area was highest in recent years but generally varied. Forest-type vegetation burn exhibits no trend over time with the exception being that the transitional vegetation percentage of burn per wildfire is increasing, while agricultural land is decreasing. The protected area percentage of burn per wildfire is not related with total area burn. The majority of the high percentage protected area burns derive mainly from small or medium total area burn wildfires. More than a third of wildfires burned exclusively (100%) Natura protected area surfaces. Protected area percent per burn is increasing over time. This increase is not related to the increased total burnt area. Protected area percent per burn is considerably higher in Greece in comparison to Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Protected area percent per burn is increasing over time in Greece and with a slower slope in Portugal, while it has no monotonic trend in Italy and Spain. Reserves face increasing burn frequency, necessitating effective management strategies to conserve them. Climate change exacerbates total wildfires or surface area burned but cannot entirely explain the steep increase in protected area percent per burn. While a legislative framework preventing arson exists, management measures need to further improve the efficacy and clarity of legislation. High-power electricity networks and wind and solar energy facilities are often causes of wildfires and should receive low priority or not be licensed in Natura areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) is a life-threatening complication in lung cancer patients with pre-existing ILD. Anatomical resection is recognized as a significant risk factor for AE-ILD. We investigated the safety and feasibility of wedge resection in lung cancer patients with ILD. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed clinical stage IA–IIIA primary lung cancer patients with ILD, as recorded in the Shizuoka Registry across eight institutions from January 2019 to May 2023. Patients were categorized into a wedge resection group (WG) and an anatomical resection group (AG), which included segmentectomy, lobectomy, and bilobectomy. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: The WG comprised 36 patients, while the AG included 81. The WG had significantly older patients (77 vs. 72 years, p < 0.01) and smaller tumors (18 vs. 24 mm, p < 0.01). Wedge resection was associated with shorter operative time (100 vs. 205 min, p < 0.01) and less blood loss (5 vs. 30 mL, p = 0.02). The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly (p = 0.84). AE-ILD occurred in three patients (8%) in the WG and four patients (4%) in the AG. Perioperative mortality was 0% in the WG and 2% in the AG; both deaths were due to AE-ILD. Marginal recurrence was observed in four patients (11%) in the WG. Conclusions: Although AE-ILD incidence was higher, no deaths due to IP-AE were observed in the WG. While wedge resection cannot completely prevent postoperative AE-ILD, it may reduce perioperative mortality in lung cancer patients with ILD. Full article

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections globally, particularly affecting infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. While recent advances in prophylaxis, such as long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal immunization, offer promise for prevention, therapeutic options for active infection remain limited. Severe RSV disease is often driven not solely by viral replication but by dysregulated host immune responses, including excessive cytokine production, T helper type 2 (Th2) and T helper type 17 (Th17) cell polarization, and impaired interferon signaling. RSV has evolved sophisticated immune evasion strategies, such as inhibition of dendritic cell maturation, degradation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) via nonstructural proteins 1 and 2 (NS1/NS2), and interference with pattern recognition receptor signaling, particularly Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors. These mechanisms result in attenuated innate immune responses and defective adaptive immunity, contributing to viral persistence, immunopathology, and recurrent infections. Moreover, age-dependent vulnerabilities, such as immune immaturity in infants and immunosenescence in older adults, exacerbate disease severity. Excessive immune activation leads to bronchiolitis, airway remodeling, and long-term sequelae including wheezing and asthma. Emerging immunomodulatory therapies aim to restore immune balance, targeting cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β]), the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, or inflammasome activity. Host-directed therapies and direct-acting antivirals are also under investigation. A better understanding of RSV–host immune interactions is critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies and designing effective vaccines. This review synthesizes current knowledge on RSV immunopathogenesis and highlights immunomodulation as a promising frontier for therapeutic intervention. Full article

Background: Face masks are used in healthcare for the prevention of the spread of disease; however, the recent COVID-19 pandemic raised awareness of the challenges of typical opaque masks that obscure nonverbal cues. In addition, various masks have been shown to attenuate speech above 1000 Hz, and lack of nonverbal cues exacerbates speech understanding in the presence of background noise. Transparent masks can help to overcome the loss of nonverbal cues, but they have greater attenuative effects on higher speech frequencies. This study evaluated a newer prototype transparent face mask redesigned from a version evaluated in a previous study. Methods: Thirty participants (10 with normal hearing, 10 with moderate hearing loss, and 10 with severe-to-profound hearing loss) were recruited. Selected lists from the Connected Speech Test (CST) were digitally recorded using male and female talkers and presented to listeners at 65 dB HL in 12 conditions against a background of 4-talker babble (+5 dB SNR): without a mask (auditory only and audiovisual), with an opaque mask (auditory only and audiovisual), and with a transparent mask (auditory only and audiovisual). Results: Listeners with normal hearing performed consistently well across all conditions. For listeners with hearing loss, speech was generally easier to understand with the male talker. Audiovisual conditions were better than auditory-only conditions, and No Mask and Transparent Mask conditions were better than Opaque Mask conditions. Conclusions: These findings continue to support the use of transparent masks to improve communication, minimize medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction. Full article