Search Results (383)

The intensifying global challenges of water scarcity and widespread microbial contamination underscore the urgent need for the development of efficient, chemical-free disinfection technologies. Here, we developed a compact boron-doped diamond (BDD)-based electrochemical water treatment system that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ and evaluated its antimicrobial performance using ROS-on/off controls. Bactericidal efficacy was assessed against representative Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a clinically relevant Gram-negative pathogen with biofilm-forming and stress-resistant properties. Under ROS-on operation, viable counts were reduced from ~10⁶ CFU/mL to near the detection limit, corresponding to 5–6 log10 reductions across all tested species, whereas ROS-off treatment showed negligible effects. The system retained strong disinfection activity in complex real water matrices, including hand-washing water, laboratory wastewater, and pond wastewater. ROS-treated water also disrupted pre-formed mono-species biofilms in a time-dependent manner, as assessed by crystal violet staining and semi-quantitative biomass analysis. A preliminary mouse exposure assessment did not reveal obvious histopathological abnormalities or hematological changes under the tested conditions. These results demonstrate that BDD-enabled electrochemical ROS water provides a rapid, reagent-free approach for bacterial inactivation and biofilm control, with potential applicability across diverse water-related settings, while acknowledging that further studies on complex natural microbial communities are warranted. Full article

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin, necessitating sensitive and user-friendly on-site assays. To address long workflows of traditional immunoassays and limited signal amplification in colorimetric microfluidics, we developed a nanozyme-catalyzed colorimetric magnetic microfluidic immunosensor (Nano-CMI). This platform combines an aptamer–antibody sandwich capture format with catalytic amplification via AuNR@Pt@m-SiO₂ (APMS) nanozymes on a magnetically actuated microfluidic chip. Magnetic actuation simplifies sample handling and washing, while APMS catalysis enhances sensitivity and visual readout. The Nano-CMI has been used for the detection of TTX samples ranging from 0.2 to 20 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.2 ng/mL in 10 min, following the linear equation: y = −31.14ln x + 110.15, and the entire “capture-reaction-detection” workflow can be completed within 1 h. With rapid response, minimal hands-on time, and robust performance, this platform offers a practical, high-sensitivity solution for on-site TTX screening in food safety and customs inspection. Full article

Most primitive religions originated from the devout worship of celestial deities, earthly spirits, and ghosts. In oracle bone inscriptions, rituals related to praying for rain, temple worship, river deity worship, and the worship of great deities were referred to as “fang” 方 or “yi fang” 以方. The Supreme God was the paramount deity of the Yin Shang Dynasty people; by the early Zhou Dynasty, the Supreme God and ancestral spirits began to merge. The hexagram of Contemplation 觀卦 (guan gua) establishes instruction through the concept of “contemplation” fully presenting the entire process of shamans, sorcerers, or ritual hosts participating in temple sacrifices, and completing the hand-washing ritual 盥 (guan) and the sacrifice-offering ritual 薦 (jian). It emphasizes the sincere communication between humans and Heaven. When a monarch performs the guan ritual, he embodies inner “sincerity and clarity” 誠明 (chengming); in response, the celestial deities will “show trust” 有孚 (youfu). Thus, it can be verified that deities exist in Heaven, and an interactive, responsive relationship is formed between Heaven and humans. The nine in the fifth place (the dominant line) possesses great inspiring power. The two fundamental dimensions for interpreting the hexagram structure are “the great view is above” 大觀在上 (da guan zai shang) and “[t]hose below look toward him and are transformed” 下觀而化 (xia guan er hua). These dimensions not only highlight the infinite transcendence, charisma, and appeal of the worshipped deities but also underscore humans’ profound reverence and faith in deities and the absolute existence. Sages 聖人 (sheng ren), as intermediaries between humans and deities, established religion for the sake of human life but did not regard themselves as religious leaders. However, from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Spring and Autumn period, a transition occurred in the spiritual life of the Chinese people: from shamanism to ritual propriety 禮 (li), and from theistic culture to humanistic culture. This transition laid the fundamental direction for the development and evolution of Chinese culture over the following 2500 years. Confucius attempted to replace or eliminate the shamanistic elements in early Confucians with personalized moral experience and ethical consciousness. Full article

Cosmetic wipes are made for multiple functions, baby care, hand washing, feminine and personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners among other uses. Despite the presence of preservatives, cosmetic wipes can become contaminated during processing steps and usage, which may lead to skin infections and other health issues for consumers. No validated method exists for the microbiological testing of cosmetic wipes. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a specific sample preparation method for the quantitative detection of microorganisms in cosmetic wipes for inclusion in the FDA Biological Analytical Manual (BAM). Ten wipe types differing in their composition and preservative combinations were inoculated with Bacillus cereus spore suspensions at three concentration levels and aged for 14 days. Three extraction methods were compared: mBAM1g (reference method using 1 g samples), mBAMww (whole wipe method based on BAM Chapter 23), and ISOww (whole wipe method based on ISO method without Tween 80). For commercial wipes, mBAMww and ISOww, using whole wipes, performed similarly (p ≥ 0.05) or significantly better (p < 0.05) than mBAM1g. For laboratory-made wipes, 1 g samples showed higher recovery rates than whole wipes, likely due to cell loss during aging. Inoculation method and preservatives affect microbial distribution, survival, and recovery rates. T80 may have a positive effect on the recovery of B. cereus from wipes. This study recommends mBAMww for the microbiological analysis of cosmetic wipes. Full article

Background: Personal protective measures help prevent infection and disease transmission during health crises such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Populations facing barriers to adhering to these measures are more vulnerable to the health crisis. This study investigated the association of social drivers of health (SDoH), self-efficacy, and adverse substance use behavior changes with ability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors among persons who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection history. Methods: This study used the Hepatitis C Real Options (HERO) study’s COVID-19 survey data (n = 157). The association of inability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors (hand washing, social distancing, etc.) with (a) SDoH difficulties (employment, housing, etc.); (b) adverse substance use behavior change (overdose, injecting behavior, etc.); and (c) self-efficacy was tested using logistic regression. Results: Inability to practice any personal protective behaviors was more likely among those experiencing any vs. no SDoH difficulties [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval (CI))] = 4.57 (1.57, 16.40); p = 0.003] but less likely for those with higher overall self-efficacy [aOR (95% CI) = 0.55 (0.32, 0.93); p = 0.025] and self-efficacy for setting goals [aOR (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.40, 0.96); p = 0.031]. The association between adverse substance use behavior changes and the outcome was not significant. Conclusions: Greater SDoH difficulties and lower self-efficacy were associated with greater inability to practice COVID-19 personal protective behaviors. Interventions to meet SDoH-related challenges and increase self-efficacy could help encourage practice of personal protective behaviors and economically reduce disease burden during health crises. Full article

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the risk factors associated with Giardia spp. infection among generally hospitalized patients with various conditions specific to infectious diseases in Western Romania. A total of 312 patients, ranging in age from 2 months to 90 years and originating from both urban and rural settings, were included in the analysis. Fecal specimens were collected and analyzed using the Rapid-VIDITEST Crypto Giardia antigen test, a qualitative chromatographic assay for the detection of Giardia spp. Infection-related risk factors were assessed through a standardized questionnaire completed by adult patients or by the guardians of pediatric patients. The overall prevalence of Giardia spp. infection was 4.8%. Of the risk factors analyzed, only age demonstrated a statistically significant association with infection status (p < 0.05). Notably, the highest prevalence (12.5%) was recorded in the <1-year age group (2–11 months), with a marked decrease in prevalence observed among patients aged ≥60 years. Other evaluated risk factors—including area of residence, gender, contact with animals, pet ownership, hand hygiene after animal contact, type of housing (house or apartment), fruit washing practices, use of potable water, use of public transportation, international travel, and visits to playgrounds or swimming pools—did not show a statistically significant association with Giardia spp. infection among the study participants. The lack of statistical significance for several expected factors may be related to limited statistical power resulting from the low number of positive cases. These findings contribute to the current understanding of Giardia spp. transmission dynamics and may inform future research efforts aimed at elucidating relevant risk factors. Furthermore, the results may support the development of targeted public health interventions (focusing on infants and their caregivers) and prevention strategies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), mostly resulting from the widespread use of antimicrobials in healthcare, veterinary, and agriculture, poses a significant challenge to global health. Healthcare facilities are hotspots of AMR due to high antibiotic consumption and the presence of highly susceptible populations. Moreover, there may be a dynamic exchange in AMR between healthcare infrastructures, human populations, animals, and the environment. To address these challenges, this review presents a One Health perspective, emphasizing the complex interconnections among many ecosystems. Furthermore, the development and dissemination of AMR in the healthcare environment, via surfaces and hands, have been critically investigated. Some of the neglected aspects that contribute to AMR, such as ventilation and wastewater, have also been addressed. The natural environment plays a crucial role as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The expected increase in AMR in the coming years will not only pose a challenge to public health but also to food security and environmental health. Hospitals should install advanced systems for treating wastewater to reduce the discharge of antimicrobials. Hospitals should also combine full water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) protocols with infection prevention and control (IPC) methods. These efforts are aimed at preventing infections and protecting public health and the environment. Other measures include advancing research to understand transmission pathways, increasing surveillance, reducing contamination in healthcare settings, implementing national plans for stewardship, and globally sharing resources and targets to reduce AMR. Full article

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease that poses significant health risks to immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants. Transmission occurs primarily through infected cat feces or contaminated food. Awareness of transmission routes, prevention strategies, and health consequences remains limited in high-prevalence humid regions such as Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, between April and May 2025, surveying 485 adults using a five-section questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, practices, medical history, and recommendations. The survey was distributed in both English and Arabic. Self-reported previous diagnoses were used to estimate prevalence, with risk factors presented as frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression analyzed categorical variables, and independent t-tests assessed continuous variables to identify predictors of awareness and knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis. Results: Participants comprised 58.6% females, 97.3% Saudis, and 69.1% individuals aged ≤30 years; 49.7% had heard of toxoplasmosis. Females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13–2.5, p < 0.01) and those >30 years old (AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.80–4.29, p > 0.05) demonstrated greater awareness and knowledge, though this was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed based on marital status (p > 0.05). Risk behaviors included consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables (27.6%) and unpasteurized dairy products (28.2%), with 62.7% always washing hands after handling raw meat or soil. Cat ownership (20.6%) was not associated with knowledge (p = 0.97). Self-reported diagnosis prevalence was 1.9%. Conclusions: Low awareness and prevalent risky behaviors underscore the urgent need for targeted public health education interventions focusing on hygiene practices and zoonotic disease prevention in Jazan. Serological studies are recommended to obtain more accurate prevalence estimates and guide evidence-based interventions. Full article

This paper reports the spinning and wear comfort properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/copolymer-PET (Co-PET) hollow yarns and their fabrics, as well as the effect of the wt.% of inorganic particles embedded in the core of the bicomponent yarns. The results are discussed in terms of the types and amounts of inorganic particles (titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)) embedded in the sheath of the bi-component yarns (Kolon semi-dull (KSD), Kolon full-dull (KFD), and Kolon calcium carbonate (KCC) PET/Co-PET yarns). The three sheath/3-core bicomponent yarns developed in this study exhibited good spinnability and weavability with relatively strong tenacity and breaking strain. Their optimal spinning conditions were determined. The KCC PET/Co-PET fabric showed the greatest hollowness ratio, followed by the KFD PET/Co-PET and KSD PET/Co-PET fabrics. This might be attributed to the higher wt.% (2.5 wt.%) of CaCO₃ particles embedded in the sheath of the KCC PET/Co-PET yarns and to the larger particle size (0.8 μm) of CaCO₃. Regarding the wear comfort, the moisture management system (MMT) test indicated that the KFD PET/Co-PET fabric is suitable for market applications because of its good moisture absorption and rapid drying. The KFD PET/Co-PET fabric is useful for winter clothing applications because of its relatively high heat retention rate and lack of durability issues with washing. An examination of the wearing performance for fitness with a tactile hand feel showed that KFD and KCC/Co-PET fabrics imparted a softer tactile hand feel than the KSD PET/Co-PET fabric. On the other hand, the KCC PET/Co-PET fabric was assumed to have some issues with wearing durability. Full article

This study develops and validates a weft knitted Mini-Jacquard in Peruvian Pima cotton as a print-free coloration strategy by integrating CAD-based pattern simulation with prototype manufacturing. A three-color design (red, blue, white) was programmed on a flat knitting machine using a 10 × 14 rapport. Color-wise yarn consumption was computed directly from the digital pattern, and the physical sample was characterized through combustion testing and optical micrographs. The prototype exhibited a yarn count of ~20/1 Ne, S-twist (~11.18 TPI), and 100% cellulosic composition. The blue yarn showed the highest consumption (≈73.81%), followed by white (≈19.65%) and red (≈6.55%), consistent with the digital rapport’s color distribution. The CAD stage ensured pattern fidelity and supported raw-material planning; the knitted sample showed a soft hand, dimensional stability, and sharp motif definition upon visual assessment. A sustainability and comparative analysis with chemical printing was conducted, revealing that the Mini-Jacquard achieved the highest design accuracy and tactile comfort, outperforming screen printing and heat transfer in geometric fidelity, chromatic homogeneity, and texture. The Mini-Jacquard optimized operational times (320 min/m²) compared to transfer printing (332 min/m²) and screen printing (740 min/m²), reducing process stages and complexity. Although Jacquard production involves higher energy costs ($34.8) and material expenses ($11.6), it provides greater structural value and durability, positioning it for high-end applications. Moreover, the Mini-Jacquard could reduce water consumption by approximately 90% and thermal energy use by 70%, eliminating chemical residues and extending fabric lifespan, thus offering high sustainability and circular potential. A transparent scenario-based analysis indicates substantial reductions in water and thermal-energy use when omitting printing/fixation/washing stages, along with the elimination of printing-stage effluents. Overall, design-integrated coloration via Mini-Jacquard is technically feasible and potentially eco-efficient for Pima-cotton value chains, with applications in apparel, accessories, and functional textiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin disinfection before insulin administration is widely regarded as essential for preventing injection-site infection. However, the World Health Organization advises that while hand hygiene and washing with soap and water are crucial, alcohol-based disinfection before subcutaneous injection is not required. Thus, the necessity for pre-injection (subcutaneous) skin preparation remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the determinants of nurses’ attitudes toward the necessity of skin disinfection before subcutaneous injection. We simultaneously examined the effects of workplace setting, years of professional experience, and social norms to identify the most significant factors influencing clinical judgment. Methods: Nurses employed in wards, outpatient settings, and home care settings were surveyed between October 2021 and January 2022 in this cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire assessed frequency of skin disinfection and attitudes regarding its necessity before subcutaneous injection. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the attitude of nurses. Results: Overall, 992 valid responses were analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression indicated that the attitude of nurses were significantly influenced by years of professional experience (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.96, 0.99]), normative expectations (OR = 2.88, 95% CI [2.32, 3.56]), and sanctions (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.15, 1.62]) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nurses’ beliefs regarding skin disinfection before subcutaneous injections are primarily influenced by normative expectations and professional experience, rather than workplace environment and experiential expectations. Experienced nurses do not disregard norms: they practice greater critical and situational judgment and show understanding of the purpose of disinfection. Full article

Toxocariasis, a geohelminthiasis caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati nematodes, has an estimated 19% seroprevalence worldwide. Although children have been considered more prone to infection, adults and the elderly may also be considered at risk. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the associated risk factors for Toxocara spp. seropositivity in a population of 290 individuals over 50 years old, attended by the Public Health System in western São Paulo state. Socioepidemiological information was obtained by a semi-structured questionnaire, a blood (serum) sample, and a neurocognitive function assessment by the 10-point cognitive screener (10-CS). Overall, 89/290 (30.7%; 95% CI: 25.7–36.2%) individuals presented anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies by ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals raising both dogs and cats were 3-fold more likely to be seropositive than the ones without any pet (p = 0.002), while educational level resulted in an associated protective factor (p = 0.001). No seropositivity influence was observed for the other evaluated variables, including age, gender, monthly income, consumption of drinkable water or raw/undercooked meat, having a dirty floor at home, contact with soil, washing vegetables and hands before meals, and onychophagy. Although seropositivity was not statistically associated with dementia (p = 0.198) and neuropsychiatric disorder (p = 0.440), results herein indicated toxocariasis as a likely under-reported and neglected infection in the older human population. As an immunosenescence risk group that should be continuously monitored, elderly pet owners may be at risk and should be extra careful with self-hygiene and pet deworming, particularly when owning multiple pet species, to reduce the risk of toxocariasis infection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Precautionary health behaviours (PHBs), such as hand-washing or self-isolation, are non-pharmaceutical interventions used to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We investigated the potential confounding by PHBs of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates in a subset of study participants enrolled in id.DRIVE. Methods: The id.DRIVE COVID-19 VE study (formerly COVIDRIVE) is a European multicentre test-negative case–control study estimating COVID-19 VE against hospitalisation due to laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in patients with severe acute respiratory infection. All adults (≥18 y) prospectively enrolled between 16 November 2021 and 16 August 2023 at three sites were invited to complete a PHB survey capturing indicators of PHBs in the 3 months preceding admission. Fisher’s exact test with Bonferroni-adjusted threshold was used to measure the level of association between PHB indicators and both COVID-19 vaccine status and SARS-CoV-2 test result. VE estimates were generated with and without adjustment for PHBs. Results: PHBs were modified over time, with higher precautionary attitudes in the first COVID-19 vaccine booster season (2021–2022) compared to the second one (2022–2023). For the first booster season, PHBs were positively associated with exposures (vaccination status) and outcomes (case or control status). Adjusting for PHBs led to a 6 to 9 percentage-point increase in VE estimates. Conversely, no confounding by PHBs was observed in the second booster season. Conclusions: PHBs should be considered a possible confounder of COVID-19 VE studies. Further research is needed to define when PHBs should be integrated into VE models, as the level of confounding may differ according to the study population and the epidemiological context. Full article

Microplastics are considered to be one of the major threats that have significant effects on marine ecosystems and marine organisms. These tiny plastic particles can also absorb and carry toxic substances to marine life, potentially affecting human health through food chains. This study investigates microplastics in surface seawater and in two species of sea cucumber, Holothuria atra at Similan Island and Holothuria edulis at Surin Island. Color, shape, and components of microplastics were identified to evaluate sources of the microplastics found in the area. The results found that the average abundance of microplastics in seawater at Similan and Surin Islands is 1.93 ± 1.42 and 1.11 ± 0.75 pieces/m³, respectively. Black fiber is a dominant microplastic found in seawater and both species of sea cucumber. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyester are the major components of microplastics in surface seawater, while cotton blends and other mixed components are the major components in sea cucumbers. These findings imply that microplastics found in surface seawater could potentially degrade from fishing and aquaculture equipment, maritime transport, and materials from plastic containers. Microplastics in sea cucumbers, on the other hand, are probably originating from domestic sewage discharge, especially textile washing and fishing equipment. Full article

Maintaining functional rural community water supply is a persistent challenge across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Liberia. This study examined the determinants of hand pump functionality in Liberia using a comprehensive dataset from the Liberian Government. We analyzed 11,065 Afridev hand pumps using regression and Bayesian network models. Water points managed by local and institutional entities had substantially higher odds of being functional than those with no management (adjusted OR 3.73 and 2.89), while WASH committees showed a smaller increase (OR 2.43). Pump part damage significantly reduced functionality (undamaged vs. damaged, OR: 10.46. Faster repair was an important determinant, with odds of functionality up to 6.37 times higher. The availability of a trained mechanic with a modest toolkit modestly improved odds (OR 1.25), and proximity to spare parts suppliers played a role (second quartile vs. farthest quartile, OR 1.57). We quantified the impact of service delivery: posterior odds that a water point is functional under the most ideal conditions were four times those under the least ideal conditions. These findings underscore the importance of effective management and prompt repairs to maintain the functionality of water infrastructure. These insights can guide improvements in Liberia and other regions facing similar challenges. Full article