Mn/S diatomic sites in C3N4 to enhance O2 activation for photocatalytic elimination of emerging pollutants.

Oxygen activation leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for photocatalytic environmental remediation. The limited efficiency of O2 adsorption and reductive activation significantly limits the production of ROS when employing C3N4 for the degradation of emerging pollutants. Doping with metal single atoms may lead to unsatisfactory efficiency, due to the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Here, Mn and S single atoms were introduced into C3N4, resulting in the excellent photocatalytic performances. Mn/S-C3N4 achieved 100% removal of bisphenol A, with a rate constant 11 times that of pristine C3N4. According to the experimental results and theoretical simulations, S-atoms restrict holes, facilitating the photo-generated carriers' separation. Single-atom Mn acts as the O2 adsorption site, enhancing the adsorption and activation of O2, resulting the generation of ROS. This study presents a novel approach for developing highly effective photocatalysts that follows a new mechanism to eliminate organic pollutants from water.

Autochthonous Human Babesia divergens Infection, England.

We describe a case of autochthonous human Babesia divergens infection in an immunocompetent woman in England. The patient had fever, hemolysis, multiorgan failure, and 18% parasitemia. We confirmed B. divergens by 18S rDNA PCR and sequencing. Clinicians should consider babesiosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with unexplained hemolysis.

Rift Valley Fever Epizootic, Rwanda, 2022.

A Rift Valley fever epizootic affected livestock in Rwanda during March-October 2022. We confirmed 3,112 infections with the virus, including 1,342 cases, 1,254 abortions, and 516 deaths among cattle, goats, and sheep. We recommend a One Health strategy for investigations and response to protect animal and human health.

A rare culprit: Ralstonia pickettii in a deep neck space infection.

Ralstonia pickettii is a rare, emerging opportunistic pathogen that has been previously limited to nosocomial infections, often associated with contaminated sterile solutions. Here, we present the case of a neck abscess caused by R. pickettii, the first documented case of a deep neck space infection caused by this bacterium. The patient in this case had no risk factors for R. pickettii infection. By highlighting the atypical presentation and microbiology in this case, we aim to highlight the emergence of a wide spectrum of disease caused by R. pickettii.

Catastrophic floods and antimicrobial resistance: Interconnected threats with wide-ranging impacts.

•Climate change and AMR combined worsen vulnerabilities, accelerating AMR spread.•Floods can spread AMR-related pathogens, impacting health, agriculture, and ecosystems.•Integrated strategies are needed to address climate change and AMR, enhancing sanitation.

Bibliometric analysis of artificial intelligence in healthcare research: Trends and future directions.

Objective: The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a powerful and game-changing force that is completely transforming the industry as a whole. Using sophisticated algorithms and data analytics, AI has unparalleled prospects for improving patient care, streamlining operational efficiency, and fostering innovation across the healthcare ecosystem. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on AI in healthcare, utilising the SCOPUS database as the primary data source. Methods: Preliminary findings from 2013 identified 153 publications on AI and healthcare. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of publications increased exponentially, indicating significant growth and development in the field. The analysis employs various bibliometric indicators to assess research production performance, science mapping techniques, and thematic mapping analysis. Results: The study reveals insights into research hotspots, thematic focus, and emerging trends in AI and healthcare research. Based on an extensive examination of the Scopus database provides a brief overview and suggests potential avenues for further investigation. Conclusion: This article provides valuable contributions to understanding the current landscape of AI in healthcare, offering insights for future research directions and informing strategic decision making in the field.

The rising concern of Oropouche fever: a call for enhanced surveillance and research in emerging arboviral threats.

AIM OF STUDY: The study aims to assess the growing public health threat posed by Oropouche virus (OROV), focusing on its epidemiology, transmission patterns, and the challenges in diagnosis and control. By analyzing the recent spread of OROV to new regions, including Cuba and Colombia, the study seeks to highlight the need for improved surveillance, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and research into potential treatments and vaccines. Additionally, the study investigates the clinical similarities between Oropouche fever and other arboviruses, which often lead to diagnostic difficulties and mismanagement in affected regions. RESULTS: The virus has caused over 500,000 cases in Brazil alone, with recent outbreaks reporting fatalities, suspected vertical transmission, and potential associations with microcephaly in newborns. Underreporting and limited surveillance have likely led to the underestimation of the true burden of Oropouche fever. Current diagnostic methods, such as serology and RT-PCR, are often inaccessible in low-resource settings, further complicating efforts to control the spread of the virus. The study highlights the importance of improving diagnostic capacity, enhancing surveillance, and conducting further research into vector control, antiviral treatments, and vaccine development. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the rising threat of Oropouche virus. Considering its rapid spread and potential for global transmission, comprehensive public health measures are necessary to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impact of this emerging disease. Enhanced surveillance and the development of accessible diagnostics, vaccines, and treatment options are critical to containing OROV and preventing further outbreaks.

Threatened by many complex food security problems - agriculture, academic, and government professionals seek new one health research partnerships.

With modern international trade and the rapid movement of people, animals, and food products, today's risks to food security are increasing worldwide. It is clear that human health, animal health, environmental health, and agriculture are inextricable linked. Food security problems in one sector often adversely impact multiple other sectors. Food security threats are often complex with many factors influencing the emergence of new threats. As multiple US governmental agencies share responsibilities for food security threat mitigation, we need to find new ways for the numerous food security scientific disciplines and agencies to forge new effective research collaborations in meeting these threats. This special issue of the journal One Health seeks to give examples of such research. It represents a collection of scientific reports from oral and poster presentations delivered at the April 21-23, 2024, "International Symposium on One Health Research: Improving Food Security and Resilience" in Galveston, Texas.

Fate and transport of ten plant protection products of emerging concern in a coastal lagoon: Application and evaluation of a multimedia level III fugacity model.

Multimedia fugacity models are effective tools for studying the environmental behaviour and occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and assessing associated risks, especially when experimental data is limited. These models describe processes controlling chemical partitioning, transport, and reactions in environmental media using mathematical statements based on the concept of fugacity. To aid in identifying and prioritizing CECs for future local monitoring, we present here the application of a level III multimedia fugacity model assuming non-equilibrium between compartments and steady-state conditions. This model estimated predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), persistence, distribution, and transport of ten plant protection products (PPPs) in the Venice Lagoon, a complex coastal environment under high anthropogenic pressure. The model was evaluated through uncertainty and sensitivity analysis using the Monte Carlo approach and by comparing PECs with PPP concentrations measured during four sampling campaigns. Results showed good agreement with field data, with the highest concentrations in water and sediments estimated for glyphosate, followed by imidacloprid, metaflumizone, and triallate. The model indicated accumulation of all investigated PPPs in sediments. For most chemicals, advection outflow and degradation in the water column were the main removal mechanisms, while volatilization was significant only for oxadiazon and triallate. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis revealed that degradation rates, organic carbon/water partitioning coefficients (KOC), and parameters describing air-water interactions had the strongest influence on the model's results, followed by inputs accounting for sediment sinking and resuspension. The lack of data on PPP degradation in brackish waters accounted for most of the uncertainty in model results. This work shows how a relatively simple multimedia model can offer new insights into the environmental behaviour of PPPs in a complex transitional waterbody such as the Venice lagoon, providing useful data for the identification of the CECs to be prioritised in future local monitoring efforts.

Approaches in Adult Glioblastoma Treatment: A Systematic Review of Emerging Therapies.

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by complex genetic changes and a poor prognosis. Current standard therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have limited effectiveness. Emerging therapeutic strategies aim to address the high recurrence rate and improve outcomes by targeting glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), the blood-brain barrier, and utilizing advanced drug delivery systems. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, covering studies published from January 2019 to May 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed primary research studies in English focusing on emerging therapies for treating GB in adults. Eligible studies included experimental and observational studies. Only peer-reviewed journal articles were considered. Exclusion criteria included non-human studies, pediatric studies, non-peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, case reports, conference abstracts, and editorials. The search identified 755 articles and, finally, 24 of them met the inclusion criteria. The key findings highlight various promising therapies. Despite advances in treatment approaches, the complexity and heterogeneity of GB necessitate ongoing research to optimize these innovative strategies. The study has limitations that should be considered. The inclusion of only English-language articles may introduce language bias, and the focus on peer-reviewed articles could exclude valuable data from non-peer-reviewed sources. Heterogeneity among studies, particularly in sample sizes and designs, complicates comparison and synthesis, while the reliance on preclinical models limits generalizability to clinical practice. Nonetheless, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging therapies that hold promise for improving patient outcomes in GB treatment.

Advances in Thromboprophylaxis for High-Risk Pregnancies: A Comprehensive Review of Current Strategies and Emerging Approaches.

Thrombosis during pregnancy poses a significant clinical challenge due to its potential for severe maternal and fetal complications. The incidence of thromboembolic events in pregnant women is heightened by pregnancy-associated hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial changes, all of which contribute to an elevated risk. Effective thromboprophylaxis is essential to mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of current thromboprophylaxis strategies, including pharmacologic interventions such as low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) and nonpharmacologic measures like compression stockings and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, the review explores emerging approaches, including personalized medicine strategies, novel anticoagulants, and technology-enabled monitoring solutions. By integrating current evidence with emerging trends, this review aims to offer insights into optimizing thromboprophylaxis in high-risk pregnancies, ultimately contributing to improved clinical outcomes and guiding future research directions in this critical area of maternal healthcare.

VirID: Beyond Virus Discovery - An Integrated Platform for Comprehensive RNA Virus Characterization.

RNA viruses exhibit vast phylogenetic diversity and can significantly impact public health and agriculture. However, current bioinformatics tools for viral discovery from metagenomic data frequently generate false positive virus results, overestimate viral diversity, and misclassify virus sequences. Additionally, current tools often fail to determine virus-host associations, which hampers investigation of the potential threat posed by a newly detected virus. To address these issues we developed VirID, a software tool specifically designed for the discovery and characterization of RNA viruses from metagenomic data. The basis of VirID is a comprehensive RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) database to enhance a workflow that includes RNA virus discovery, phylogenetic analysis, and phylogeny-based virus characterization. Benchmark tests on a simulated data set demonstrated that VirID had high accuracy in profiling viruses and estimating viral richness. In evaluations with real-world samples, VirID was able to identity RNA viruses of all type, but also provided accurate estimations of viral genetic diversity and virus classification, as well as comprehensive insights into virus associations with humans, animals, and plants. VirID therefore offers a robust tool for virus discovery and serves as a valuable resource in basic virological studies, pathogen surveillance, and early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks.

Multiplex Microscopy Assay for Assessment of Therapeutic and Serum Antibodies against Emerging Pathogens.

The emergence of novel pathogens, exemplified recently by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), highlights the need for rapidly deployable and adaptable diagnostic assays to assess their impact on human health and guide public health responses in future pandemics. In this study, we developed an automated multiplex microscopy assay coupled with machine learning-based analysis for antibody detection. To achieve multiplexing and simultaneous detection of multiple viral antigens, we devised a barcoding strategy utilizing a panel of HeLa-based cell lines. Each cell line expressed a distinct viral antigen, along with a fluorescent protein exhibiting a unique subcellular localization pattern for cell classification. Our robust, cell segmentation and classification algorithm, combined with automated image acquisition, ensured compatibility with a high-throughput approach. As a proof of concept, we successfully applied this approach for quantitation of immunoreactivity against different variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in sera of patients or vaccinees, as well as for the study of selective reactivity of monoclonal antibodies. Importantly, our system can be rapidly adapted to accommodate other SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as any antigen of a newly emerging pathogen, thereby representing an important resource in the context of pandemic preparedness.

Assessment of health risk of antibiotics resistance genes from human disturbed habitat to wild animals: Metagenomic insights into availability and functional changes of gut microbiome.

Not all antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose an ecological risk to their host animals. A standard should be developed to study which types of ARGs posed an ecological risk to wild animals under human disturbances (HDs). In this study, the golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) were used as sentinel species. According to the animals-associated enrichment, mobility, and pathogenicity, the ARGs in habitat of sentinel species were divided into four levels. If the mobile and pathogenic ARGs that could be collinear with the metagenome-assembled genome (MAGs) in the gut of the sentinel species, the ARGs were defined as Rank I ARGs and they were considered to have ecological risk to sentinel species. Functional genes in the MAGs that collinear with the Rank I ARGs were used to predict the health risks of sentinel species. The ecological risk to sentinel species was present in 0.158 % of the ARGs-contigs in the habitat. Cultivation and villages, but not grazing, agriculture and ecotourism, increased the ecological risk of the ARGs to wild animals, The ability of gut microbiome to acquire mobile and pathogenic ARGs increased, as did the collinear functional genes, and the health risks of the wild animals also enhanced by the disturbances of cultivation and villages. Cultivation and villages increased the nutrient content of the soil, and they had a positive effect on the ecological risk of Rank I ARGs by affecting the mobile genetic elements (MGEs), microbiome and the resistant group in the habitat, which was why the cultivation and villages increased the health risks of wild animals. We proposed that cultivation and living should be controlled, while grazing, agriculture and ecotourism could be developed in nature reserves of wild animals, but the nutrients in the wild animals' habitat should be monitored.

Chemical profiling of organic contaminants in rural surface waters combining target and non-target LC-HRMS/MS analysis.

The pollution of natural waters by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) is one of the pressing problems due to their global distribution and potential negative effects on the environment and human health. In rural areas with lower population density and limited industrial development, less contamination is expected. However, the lack of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or their poor removal efficiency can lead to significant input of pollutants. In this context, 11 streams of rural areas in the Guadalquivir River basin, southeast of Spain, were studied over two years to obtain an overview of the origin and distribution of contaminants. A target method using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was developed for the analysis of 316 compounds in surface waters. A total of 78 target analytes were detected, comprising pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PCPs), transformation products (TPs), and industrial chemicals. The flame retardant tributyl phosphate (16-3572 ng L-1) was detected in all samples, followed by caffeine (30-8090 ng L-1) and the analgesic tramadol (3-1493 ng L-1). The target approach was combined with a non-target analysis (NTA) strategy to obtain an overall perspective of the chemical profile of unexpected or unknown compounds in the samples. Up to 79 contaminants were tentatively identified, and 12 of them were finally confirmed with standards. Most of the contaminants determined by NTA were pharmaceuticals and their TPs. The results indicated that most of CECs have an urban origin despite traditional agriculture is the main economic activity in this region. Moreover, the absence of WWTPs in small towns is significant, as contamination levels at these sites were comparable to or higher than those in larger populations with sewage treatments.

Genetic diversity and potential transmission of Escherichia albertii in a poultry breeding rural village.

Escherichia albertii is an emerging foodborne pathogen causing diarrhea. Though various animals, especially poultry, serve as reservoirs, the transmission of E. albertii among reservoirs and the risk to humans remain unclear. This study investigated an E. albertii infected infant with poultry exposure and collected samples from contact persons, poultries, and environment to better understand the transmission dynamics of E. albertii. One E. albertii isolate from contact person, seven isolates from poultries, and six isolates from environment were recovered, respectively. Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that eight strains derived from poultry or environment and classified as ST4633, shared great similarity (cgSNP ≤ 20). However, the patient-derived strain ESA311 had a cgSNP difference of 1165 with human strain ESA339, and differed from poultry and environmental strains (cgSNP range 2417 to 14997), suggesting a distant relatedness. Whole genome phylogeny showed several human-derived E. albertii strains were clustered with those from animal origins. Our results suggested that family-breeding poultry constituted a possible reservoir of E. albertii, with the environment acting as a crucial vector for the spread of these bacteria, posing a risk to humans. Further poultry surveillance is needed to elucidate public health risks associated with E. albertii infection.

Parental Psychological Control and Risk-Taking among Taiwanese Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Benefit Perception as a Mediator.

Youth risk-taking behaviors present important public health concerns due to their prevalence and potential adverse consequences, underscoring the need for research and prevention strategies to promote youth's healthy development. The present research examined the relationship between parental psychological control and risk-taking behaviors via benefit perception among high school and college students in Taiwan. Using a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 378 participants to assess maternal and paternal psychological control, benefit perception, and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated no significant difference in psychological control or benefit perception between high school and college students. However, college students reported higher levels of risk-taking behaviors, such as risky driving, alcohol use, and unprotected sex. Both maternal and paternal psychological control positively correlated with benefit perception and risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, benefit perception mediated the relationship between psychological control and risk-taking behavior among high school and college students. These findings suggested that parental psychological control indirectly influenced youth risk-taking by shaping their perceptions of the benefits of such behaviors. The study highlights the importance of promoting autonomy-supportive parenting to reduce risk-taking behaviors and advocates for programs that enhance decision-making skills among adolescents and emerging adults.

Emergence of Two Different Genotypes of Bagaza Virus (BAGV) Affecting Red-Legged Partridges in Spain, in 2019 and 2021.

Bagaza virus (BAGV) is a flavivirus that affects avian species. In Europe, it was detected for the first time in Spain in 2010, exhibiting high genetic relatedness to Israel turkey meningoencephalomyelitis virus (ITMV) isolates from Israel. After a period of epidemiological silence, BAGV re-emerged, causing important outbreaks in 2019 and 2021. This study aims to characterize the newly detected strains and to elucidate if these recent outbreaks were caused by single or different virus introductions into the country. Hence, Spanish BAGV isolates from 2019 (n = 3) and 2021 (n = 1) outbreaks, obtained from red-legged partridges in Cádiz, were sequenced and further characterized. The phylogenetic analyses showed that they belong to two different genotypes: BAGV-Genotypes 1 and 2. Isolates from 2019 belong to BAGV-Genotype 1, closely related to isolates from Senegal, where BAGV has been circulating for decades. In turn, the 2021 isolates belong to BAGV-Genotype 2, closely related to those detected in Spain in 2010. Additionally, the comparison of the viral polyproteins of several BAGV isolates from both genotypes supports and confirms the phylogenetic findings. To conclude, BAGV has been introduced into Spain on at least three independent occasions, with alternating genetic clades, thus confirming that BAGV is able to sporadically reach Southern Europe.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus: An Emerging Threat in Europe with a Focus on Epidemiology in Spain.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma and caused by a virus of the Nairoviridae family. In humans, the virus can generate different clinical presentations that can range from asymptomatic to mild illness or produce an hemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of approximately 30%. The virus pathogenicity and the lack of effective treatment or vaccine for its prevention make it an agent of concern from a public health point of view. The main transmission route is tick bites, so people most exposed to this risk are more likely to become infected. Another risk group are veterinarians and livestock farmers who are in contact with the blood and other fluids of animals that are mostly asymptomatic. Finally, due to its first phase with a non-characteristic symptomatology, there exists a risk of nosocomial infection. It is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and those Asian countries south of the 50th parallel north, the geographical limit of the main vector. Recently, autochthonous cases have been observed in areas of Europe where the virus was not previously present. Human cases have been detected in Greece, Bulgaria, and Spain. Spain is one of the most affected countries, with a total of 17 autochthonous cases detected since 2013. In other countries, such as France, the virus is present in ticks and animals but has not spread to humans. A high-quality epidemiological surveillance system in these countries is essential to avoid the expansion of this virus to new areas and to limit the impact of current cases.

Unlocking the Potential of Food Waste: A Review of Multifunctional Pectins.

This review comprehensively explores the multifunctional applications of pectins derived from food waste and by-products, emphasizing their role as versatile biomaterials in the medical-related sectors. Pectins, known for their polyelectrolytic nature and ability to form hydrogels, influence the chemical composition, sensory properties, and overall acceptability of food and pharmaceutical products. The study presents an in-depth analysis of molecular parameters and structural features of pectins, such as the degree of esterification (DE), monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid (GalA) content, and relative amounts of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), which are critical for their technofunctional properties and biological activity. Emphasis is placed on pectins obtained from various waste sources, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. The review also highlights the importance of structure-function relationships, especially with respect to the interfacial properties and rheological behavior of pectin solutions and gels. Biological applications, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, are also discussed, positioning pectins as promising biomaterials for various functional and therapeutic applications. Recalled pectins can also support the growth of probiotic bacteria, thus increasing the health benefits of the final product. This detailed review highlights the potential of using pectins from food waste to develop advanced and sustainable biopolymer-based products.