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Cadmium accumulation in wheat as a daily food, even in low concentrations, is a serious threat to human health. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on the impact of calcium treatments on cadmium uptake and translocation in plants due to the complex soil conditions. Our hydroponic study offers clearer insights into how specific calcium treatment parameters influence cadmium uptake and translocation in wheat. The hydroponic medium was contaminated by cadmium (CdCl2) and the following treatments were applied: CaCO3, CaSO4, CaCl2, CaCO3 + CaSO4, CaCO3 + CaCl2, and CaSO4 + CaCl2. After harvesting, the wheat was analyzed for Cd2+ uptake characteristics including translocation factor, bioconcentration factor, and uptake. Furthermore, physiological growth parameters and plant nutrients were also determined. Applying CaCO3 significantly decreased wheat Cd2+ concentration by about three times in CaCO3 and two times in CaCO3 + CaSO4 and CaCO3 + CaCl2 treatments than in Cd-control. This study clearly elucidates that pH and CO32− were crucial in reducing Cd2+ concentration in wheat. SO42−, Cl−, and Ca2+ showed no effect on Cd2+ concentration. Ca2+ only reduced the translocation factor (TF) of Cd2+ in plants. CaCO3 also declined cadmium interference in the Mg2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ uptake. Therefore, this study provides novel insight into the pure effects of calcium treatments on controlling cadmium contamination in plants, independent of soil effect.

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play a crucial role in maintaining neural homeostasis but can also contribute to disease and injury when this state is disrupted or conversely play a pivotal role in neurorepair. One way that microglia exert their effects is through the secretion of small vesicles, microglia-derived exosomes (MGEVs). Exosomes facilitate intercellular communication through transported cargoes of proteins, lipids, RNA, and other bioactive molecules that can alter the behavior of the cells that internalize them. Under normal physiological conditions, MGEVs are essential to homeostasis, whereas the dysregulation of their production and/or alterations in their cargoes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In contrast, MGEVs may also offer therapeutic potential by reversing inflammation or being amenable to engineering for the delivery of beneficial biologics or drugs. The effects of MGEVs are determined by the phenotypic state of the parent microglia. Exosomes from anti-inflammatory or pro-regenerative microglia support neurorepair and cell survival by delivering neurotrophic factors, anti-inflammatory mediators, and molecular chaperones. Further, MGEVs can also deliver components like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and proteins to damaged neurons to enhance cellular metabolism and resilience. MGEVs derived from pro-inflammatory microglia can have detrimental effects on neural health. Their cargo often contains pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules involved in oxidative stress, and neurotoxic proteins, which can exacerbate neuroinflammation, contribute to neuronal damage, and impair synaptic function, hindering neurorepair processes. The role of MGEVs in neurodegeneration and injury—whether beneficial or harmful—largely depends on how they modulate inflammation through the pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in their cargo, including cytokines and microRNAs. In addition, through the propagation of pathological proteins, such as amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein, MGEVs can also contribute to disease progression in disorders such as AD and PD, or by the transfer of apoptotic or necrotic factors, they can induce neuron toxicity or trigger glial scarring during neurological injury. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the multifaceted role of MGEVs in neurological injury and disease. In particular, the role that specific exosome cargoes play in various pathological conditions, either in disease progression or recovery, will be discussed. The therapeutic potential of MGEVs has been highlighted including potential engineering methodologies that have been employed to alter their cargoes or cell-selective targeting. Understanding the factors that influence the balance between beneficial and detrimental exosome signaling in the CNS is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases and neurotrauma.

The application of nanotechnology in agriculture has increased rapidly. However, the fate and effects of various nanoparticles on the soil, plants, and humans are not fully understood. Reports indicate that nanoparticles exhibit positive and negative impacts on biota due to their size, surface property, concentration within the system, and species or cell type under test. In plants, nanoparticles are translocated either by apoplast or symplast pathway or both. Also, it is not clear whether the nanoparticles entering the plant system remain as nanoparticles or are biotransformed into ionic forms or other organic compounds. Controversial results on the toxicity effects of nanomaterials on the plant system are available. In general, the nanomaterial toxicity was exerted by producing reactive oxygen species, leading to damage or denaturation of various biomolecules. The intensity of cyto- and geno-toxicity depends on the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. Based on the literature survey, it is observed that the effects of nanoparticles on the growth, photosynthesis, and primary and secondary metabolism of plants are both positive and negative; the response of these processes to the nanoparticle was associated with the type of nanoparticle, the concentration within the tissue, crop species, and stage of growth. Future studies should focus on addressing the key knowledge gaps in understanding the responses of plants to nanoparticles at all levels through global transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome assays and evaluating nanoparticles under field conditions at realistic exposure concentrations to determine the level of entry of nanoparticles into the food chain and assess the impact of nanoparticles on the ecosystem.

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 and its variants continue to pose significant threats to public health, with considerable uncertainty surrounding their impact. As of September 2024, the total number of deaths reached 8.8 million worldwide. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing COVID-19. However, vaccination rates in the Deep South, U.S., are notably lower than the national average due to various factors. Methods: To address this challenge, we developed the Embedding-based Spatial Information Gain (EMSIG) method, an innovative tool using machine learning techniques for subgroup modeling. EMSIG helps identify subgroups where participants share similar perceptions but exhibit high variance in COVID-19 vaccine doses. It introduces spatial information gain (SIG) to screen regions of interest (ROI) subgroups and reveals their specific concerns. Results: We analyzed survey data from 1020 participants in Alabama. EMSIG identified 16 factors encompassing COVID-19 hesitancy and trust in medical doctors, pharmacists, and public health authorities and revealed four distinct ROI subgroups. The five factors, including COVID-19 perceived detriment, fear, skepticism, side effects related to COVID-19, and communication with pharmacists, were commonly shared across at least three subgroups. A subgroup primarily composed of Democrats with a high flu-shot rate expressed concerns about pharmacist communication, government fairness, and responsibility. Another subgroup, characterized by older, white Republicans with a relatively low flu-shot rate, expressed concerns about doctor trust and the intelligence of public health authorities. Conclusions: EMSIG enhances our understanding of specific concerns across different demographics, characterizes these demographics, and informs targeted interventions to increase vaccination uptake and ensure equitable prevention strategies.

Fagopyrum dibotrys is a herbal plant. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for plants; selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining importance in food and agriculture due to their low toxicity and high activity. This study revealed that foliar application of SeNPs enhanced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxisome activities and significantly enhanced the flavonoid compound content in F. dibotrys. SeNPs with a concentration of 5.0 mg L−1 also promoted the growth of F. dibotrys. The foliar application of SeNPs could be absorbed by pores in leaves of F. dibotrys and mainly transformed to selenomethionine (32.5–43.2%) and selenocysteine (23.4–38.4%) in leaves and tubers of F. dibotrys. Consequently, this study offers a profound understanding of plants’ uptake and biotransformation of SeNPs. Furthermore, the findings of this study have suggested that SeNPs can be applied to improve the quantity and quality of the herbal plant of F. dibotrys.

The present review critically examines the advancements in the past 5 years regarding research on the bioavailability and toxicity of the nanoplastics (NPLs) to freshwater plankton. We discuss the recent progress in the understanding of adsorption, absorption, trophic transfer, and biological effects in phyto- and zooplankton induced by NPLs exposure. The influence of plankton on NPLs’ bioavailability via the excretion of biomolecules and formation of eco-corona is also examined. Despite important research developments, there are still considerable knowledge gaps with respect to NPLs’ bioavailability and trophic transfer by plankton as well as a potential adverse effect in natural aquatic systems. As plankton play a critical role in primary production, nutrient cycling, and food web structure, understanding the interactions between NPLs and plankton is essential in assessing the potential implications of NPLs pollution for aquatic ecosystem biodiversity and services.

Effective cancer diagnosis, treatment and control depend on interactions among numerous distinct factors, from technology to data to skills to sociology. But a crucial influence is the extent to which the health system takes account of the distinct perspectives of the many different groups of interdependent stakeholders concerned with cancer, including patients, practitioners and planners. This paper provides some elucidation as to how far and how efficiently these interactions currently take place in Europe. It also makes some tentative suggestions as to how conscious systematic interventions could improve cancer outcomes. It is based on a series of expert panels and surveys conducted by the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) that provided information at the national level on three selected parameters: implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy (LB), attitudes of patients to prevention and practices of sharing genomic data among healthcare professionals (HCPs). The varying data infrastructure highlights the urgent need for substantial improvements to accommodate the increasing importance of genomics data in cancer diagnosis and care. Additionally, we identify disparities in age-specific approaches to cancer prevention, emphasising the necessity for tailored strategies to address unique age group perspectives. Moreover, distinct regional prioritizations in cancer treatment underscore the importance of considering regional variations when shaping future cancer care strategies. This study advocates for collaborative data sharing supported by technological innovation to overcome these challenges, ultimately fostering a holistic and equitable provision of cancer care in Europe.

Introduction: In South Africa over the past 20 years, immunisation has saved countless lives as well as prevented illnesses and disabilities. Despite this, vaccine-preventable illnesses remain a danger. The demand for and uptake of immunisation services are shaped by a variety of factors that can either act as barriers or facilitators to immunisation uptake. The aim of this project was to identify the supply and demand barriers and develop local strategies to improve childhood immunisation in four zero-dose districts in South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study used a mixed-method approach. In each of these four districts, 15 in-depth key informant interviews with health workers and local health managers and four focus group discussions (10 participants per focus group discussion) with community members and caregivers were held over a three-month period. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed using qualitative analysis software (Nvivo®) into 10 factors as identified as important in influencing immunisation demand and uptake in previous studies. A further four were identified during the data analysis process. Results: Despite the varying role of factors affecting demand and uptake of immunisation services, three consistent findings stand out as major barriers across all districts. The first is interaction with healthcare staff. This clearly highlights the crucial role that the interactions between patients and staff play in shaping perceptions and behaviours related to immunisation services. The second is the overall experience of care at healthcare facilities. This emphasises the role that patient experience of services plays in perceptions and behaviours related to immunisation services. The third is family dynamics. This highlights the important role family dynamics play in shaping individuals’ decisions regarding immunisation uptake as well as the impact it has on the ability of people to access health services. Discussion: The role played by the different factors in the demand and uptake of immunisation services varied across the four districts examined in this study. Each of the districts presents a unique landscape where different factors have varying degrees of importance in affecting the utilisation of immunisation services. In some districts, certain factors are major barriers, clearly hindering the demand and uptake of immunisation services, while in others, these same factors might be a relatively minor barrier. This discrepancy highlights the unique nature of healthcare challenges across the districts and the need for tailored strategy recommendations to address them effectively.

Malaria poses a significant threat to pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating effective interventions like the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). However, challenges persist in the uptake and effectiveness of this intervention. This scoping review aims to explore IPTp-SP uptake in African countries, identify influencing factors, and assess its effectiveness in preventing malaria and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. This scoping review follows Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, employing the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, focusing on studies post-2000 published in the English language. The search produced 15,153 records, of which 104 full-text records were eligible and 101 papers were included in this review. The findings suggest varying IPTp-SP uptake rates, spanning from 5.3% to 98.9%, with their effectiveness supported by longitudinal studies, randomised controlled-trials (RCTs), cross-sectional surveys, and mixed-method studies. IPTp-SP demonstrates efficacy in reducing malaria during pregnancy, placental parasitaemia, and anaemia episodes, alongside improved birth outcomes. Common adverse effects of IPTp-SP include prematurity and low birth weight. Facilitators of IPTp-SP uptake include education and ANC attendance, while commonly reported barriers included inadequate knowledge and healthcare system challenges. The findings also suggest adverse effects such as prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal and perinatal mortality associated with IPTp-SP uptake. It is vital to strengthen antenatal care services by integrating comprehensive counselling on IPTp-SP and address healthcare system challenges. Community engagement, women’s empowerment, and context-specific interventions are necessary for promoting IPTp-SP uptake and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Africa.

As a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), pydiflumetofen (PYD) exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal activity in various crops; however, little is yet known about its absorption, translocation, and metabolic behavior within plants. Cucumber and tomato plants were cultured in hydroponic conditions spiked at 0.5 mg/L of PYD, and samples were collected at certain intervals to investigate the residual fate of PYD within the plants. The results demonstrated that PYD was readily absorbed by the roots of both plants, with mean root concentration factors (RCFs) of 5.6–12.3 for cucumber and 5.0–12.4 for tomato. PYD exhibited higher translocation ability from stems to leaves and limited from roots to stems in cucumber, while comparably weak root-to-stem and stem-to-leaf translocation were observed in tomato. By the end of the exposure period, a mass loss of 51.55% and 56.67% was observed, and six and three metabolites were found to be generated in the cucumber and tomato systems, respectively. This study provides a foundation for comprehending the uptake and translocation of PYD and offers novel insights into its potential risks to agricultural products and food safety.

Systemic plant protection products, such as neonicotinoids (NIs), are capable of being translocated throughout a plant. Although NIs are less toxic to mammals, fish, and birds, their impact on microbial and non-target insects is of concern. This study investigates the uptake, translocation, and accumulation of the NI, imidacloprid (IMI), in romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longipolia). Exposing 15-day-old seedlings to “10 mg/L” of IMI, the effects on microbial communities in both cultivated (CS) and non-cultivated soil (NCS) were studied along with IMI translocation within plant tissues. The concentrations of IMI in soil varied temporally and between soil types after initial application, with a decrease from 2.0 and 7.7 mg/kg on the first day of sampling to 0.5 and 2.6 mg/kg on the final sampling day (day 35) for CS and NCS, respectively. The half-life of IMI soil was 10.7 and 72.5 days in CS and NCS, respectively, indicating that IMI degraded more quickly in CS, possibly due to smaller grain size, aeration, microbial degradation, and water flow. The accumulated concentrations of IMI in lettuce tissues ranged from 12.4 ± 0.2 and 18.7± 0.9 mg/kg in CS and NCS, respectively. The highest concentration of IMI was found in the shoots, followed by the roots, whereas the soil showed the lowest IMI residuals at the end of the trial. Soil bacteria and fungi were altered by the application of IMI, with a lower abundance index within the bacterial community, indicating a negative impact on the distribution of bacteria in the soil.

Background: This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the reasons for receiving the HPV vaccination among eligible adults in Italy. Methods: The survey was conducted from July 2023 to April 2024 in Naples, Southern Italy. Results: A total of 282 questionnaires were collected. The majority of the respondents (73.2%) was aware that HPV vaccination was recommended and this was more likely among women, healthcare workers (HCWs) or students in health sciences, and those who had acquired information from physicians. The most frequently cited reasons for vaccinating were self-protection from the infection (77.6%) and from cervical/oral/penile/anal cancer (68.9%), knowing that the vaccination was free of charge (46.2%), awareness of the severity of the HPV disease (43%), to protect their partner (42.6%), and perception of being at risk (24.2%). Being HCWs or students in health sciences, believing that HPV infection could cause a serious disease, and having a higher number of oral intercourse experiences in the last year were significant predictors of the perception of being at risk. Female and Italian respondents were more likely to receive the HPV vaccination because it was effective in preventing cancer. Conclusions: Targeted educational programs and health interventions should be developed to ensure enhancing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward the HPV vaccination.

The aim of this study was to assess the phytoremediation potential of fiber flax (Linum usitatissimatum L., var. Calista) cultivated in a soil contaminated with multiple metals, under real field conditions. A two-year (2022 and 2023) field experiment was conducted in a site contaminated with elevated concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn due to mining and metallurgical activities. Three different nitrogen fertilization levels were tested (N0: 0 kg N ha−1, N1: 30 kg N ha−1, N2: 60 kg N ha−1), and both spring and winter sowings were conducted. At full maturity, growth parameters and yields were measured. The phytoremediation potential of flax was assessed in terms of the metal concentrations in the above-ground biomass and of the metal uptake (i.e., the potential removal of the soil metals in g ha−1 and per year). Flax demonstrated a shorter growth cycle, with shorter and thicker plants and higher yields when sown in spring compared to winter sowing. Plant growth and productivity were not evidently influenced by additional nitrogen fertilization during plant growth. The cadmium bioaccumulation factor was 1.06, indicating that flax accumulates this metal. For Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn, the corresponding values were 0.0, 0.04, 0.004, and 0.02, suggesting that this crop excludes these metals. The order of the higher uptake in plant tissues was as follows: Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni. In conclusion, flax demonstrated tolerance to heavy metals in the soil, effectively supporting soil restoration through cultivation. Additionally, flax showed potential as a cadmium accumulator while excluding nickel, copper, lead, and zinc.

The mold Aspergillus fumigatus employs two high-affinity uptake systems, reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition (SIA), for the acquisition of the essential trace element iron. SIA has previously been shown to be crucial for virulence in mammalian hosts. Here, we show that a lack of AcuK or AcuM, transcription factors required for the activation of gluconeogenesis, decreases the production of both extra- and intracellular siderophores in A. fumigatus. The lack of AcuM or AcuK did not affect the expression of genes involved in RIA and SIA, suggesting that these regulators do not directly regulate iron homeostasis genes, but indirectly affect siderophore production through their influence on metabolism. Consistent with this, acetate supplementation reversed the intracellular siderophore production defect of ΔacuM and ΔacuK. Moreover, ΔacuM and ΔacuK displayed a similar growth defect under iron limitation and iron sufficiency, which suggests they have a general role in carbon metabolism apart from gluconeogenesis. In agreement with a potential role of the glyoxylate cycle in adaptation to iron starvation, transcript levels of the malate synthase-encoding acuE were found to be upregulated by iron limitation that is partially dependent on AcuK and AcuM. Together, these data demonstrate the influence of iron availability on carbon metabolism.

Background: In Flanders, the uptake in the population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program (using fecal immunochemical test, FIT) is suboptimal (~50%). This study explored the reasons for inconsistent participation in FIT screening among irregular participants in Flanders. Methods: An online survey with both open questions and fixed statements was sent to irregular participants (2016–2018) in the Flemish CRC screening program. A reminder email followed eight weeks after the first email. Data analysis used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Post-stratification weights based on gender, age group, and the first two digits of the postcode were employed to reduce non-response bias. Results: In total, 5328 out of 19,592 irregular participants responded to the survey. While the main reasons not to participate were related to ‘postponing participation’ and ‘having other priorities’, the main reasons to participate were related to the importance of (preventive) health checks. The role of general practitioners (GPs) in promoting CRC screening also emerged as an important theme among the respondents’ answers (based on fixed statements). Conclusions: The study reported the main reasons for inconsistent participation in FIT screening for CRC in Flanders. The findings are helpful in guiding tailored interventions to increase FIT screening uptake in the region.

Influenza is a significant public health concern, with Italy being profoundly impacted annually. Despite extensive vaccination campaigns and cooperative initiatives between the Public Health Departments of Local Healthcare Authorities and family physicians, low vaccine uptake rates persist. This study builds upon the OBVIOUS project, providing an updated picture of influenza vaccine uptake in Italy through a representative sample. A cross-sectional computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) survey of 10,001 Italian citizens was conducted between 31 March and 5 June 2023. Our findings underscore the negative impact of a lack of awareness that a person is in a priority group for influenza vaccination (−26.1 percentage points in vaccine uptake) and the profound influence of social circles on vaccination decisions (−5 percentage points when unfavorable). Medical professionals played a pivotal role, with recommendations from family doctors significantly promoting vaccine uptake (+20.2 percentage points). Age, chronic conditions, and socio-demographic factors also influenced vaccination behaviors. For children, parental negative perceptions regarding the flu (−10.4 percentage points) and vaccine safety (−23.4 percentage points) were crucial determinants. The present study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach addressing awareness, societal beliefs, and tailored medical advice to enhance vaccination rates and protect public health in Italy.

An in-depth understanding of Se uptake and metabolism in plants is necessary for developing Se biofortification strategies. Thus, hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the associated processes and mechanisms of organic Se (selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenomethionine-oxide (SeOMet)) uptake, translocation, transformation and their interaction in wheat, in comparison to inorganic Se. The results showed that Se uptake by the roots and the root-to-shoot translocation factor under the SeMet treatment were higher than those under the selenite, selenate and SeOMet treatments. The uptake and translocation of SeMet were higher than those of SeOMet within 72 h, although the differences gradually narrowed with time. The uptake of SeMet and SeOMet was also sensitive to the aquaporin inhibitor: AgNO3 addition resulted in 99.5% and 99.9% inhibitions of Se in the root in the SeMet and SeOMet treatments, respectively. Once absorbed by the root, they rapidly assimilated to other Se forms, and SeMet and Se-methyl-selenocysteine (MeSeCys) were the dominant species in SeMet- and SeOMet-treated plants, while notably, an unidentified Se form was also found in the root and xylem sap under the SeMet treatment. In addition, within 16 h, SeOMet inhibited the uptake and translocation of SeMet, while the inhibition was weakened with longer treatment time. Taken together, the present study provides new insights for the uptake and transformation processes of organic Se within plants.

Agronomic biofortification of crops is a promising approach for the accumulation of Si in plant organs and can be achieved through the application of Si-containing fertilizers in the nutrient solution (NS) using a soilless technique. In the present research, a local variety of Cucumis melo L. called Carosello and two tomato hybrids, ‘Alfa 200’ (TA) and ‘Versus’ (TV), were cultivated in a floating system with three levels of Si (0, 50, and 100 mg·L−1) in the NS with the aim to study the Si translocation/accumulation in leaves, stems, and roots of these genotypes. In general, by adding Si to the NS, Si accumulation in plants increased. Regarding Si translocation, it was found that Carosello exhibited a better translocation capacity than tomato hybrids, and Si movement from roots to shoots was very much dependent on tomato genotypes. With the highest Si content in the NS, TA had a similar Si concentration in leaves and stems, while TV showed a greater Si concentration in leaves. In conclusion, Carosello landrace is confirmed as a good Si accumulator, while the tomato is confirmed as a species with low Si accumulation capacity. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of Si biofortification in tomatoes is very much dependent on the genotype.

(1) Introduction: Patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) face a higher infectious risk compared to the general population. As per the ACR and EULAR recommendations, vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19, pneumococci, and tetanus are recommended for most patients with AIIRD. (2) Objectives: This study aimed to assess vaccination coverage among Polish AIIRD patients and identify factors influencing it. (3) Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at the reference rheumatological center in Poland between May 2023 and October 2023. The study participants completed a questionnaire covering their knowledge of vaccination recommendations, actual vaccination status, factors affecting their decision to vaccinate, and their perspectives on immunization. (4) Results: This study involved 300 AIIRD patients and 60 controls. Both groups exhibited comparably low vaccination rates for all diseases (the highest for COVID-19—52% in both groups and the lowest for pneumococci—7.7% and 10%, respectively). Knowledge about recommended vaccinations was limited among patients in both groups. AIIRD patients were also not aware that they should avoid live vaccines. The primary motivators for vaccination among AIIRD patients were fear of infection (up to 75%) and medical advice (up to 74.6%). Conversely, the predominant reasons for non-vaccination were a lack of knowledge that vaccination is recommended (up to 74.7%) and concerns about potential adverse effects (up to 48.6%). Many patients reported not receiving vaccination recommendations from either primary care physicians or rheumatologists. (5) Conclusions: To enhance vaccination coverage among AIIRD patients in Poland, it is essential to educate them about vaccinations during routine medical consultations, emphasizing the increased risk of infection, informing them about recommended vaccinations, and clarifying doubts about adverse effects.

Recent studies have demonstrated dose-responses of the cannabis plant to supply of macronutrients. However, further development of precision nutrition requires a high-resolution understanding of temporal trends of plant requirements for nutrients throughout the developmental progression, which is currently not available. As plant function changes during development, temporal information on nutrient uptake should be considered in relation to gradients in developmental-related physiological activity. Therefore, the present study investigated tempo-developmental trends of nutritional demands in cannabis plants, and in relation to physiological performance. Three cultivars differing in phenotype and chemotype were analyzed to evaluate genotypic variability. The results demonstrate that nutrient acquisition and deposition rates change dramatically during plant development. Uptake of individual minerals generally increased with the progression of both vegetative and reproductive development and the increase in plant biomass, while the deposition rates into the plant demonstrated nutrient specificity. The average concentrations of N, P, and K in the shoots of the different cultivars were 2.33, 4.90, and 3.32 times higher, respectively, at the termination of the reproductive growth phase, compared to the termination of the vegetative growth phase. Surprisingly, the uptake of Ca was very limited during the second part of the reproductive growth phase for two cultivars, revealing a decrease in Ca demand at this late developmental stage. Root-to-shoot translocation of most nutrients, including P, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn, as well as Na, is higher during the reproductive than the vegetative growth phase, and Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Na displayed very little root-to-shoot translocation. The physiological characteristics of the plants, including gas exchange parameters, membrane leakage, osmotic potential, and water use efficiency, changed over time between the vegetative and the reproductive phases and with plant maturation, demonstrating a plant-age effect. The revealed tempo-developmental changes in nutritional requirements of the cannabis plant are a powerful tool required for development of a nutritional protocol for an optimal ionome.

To clarify the residue formation of prothioconazole and its main metabolite in wheat plants, the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of prothioconazole in wheat roots and leaves were investigated by nutrient solution culture and the spraying method. The results showed that prothioconazole and its metabolites showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing in wheat plants under two treatment methods, and the concentration of prothioconazole and its metabolites was higher in the high-concentration group (5000 μg/mL) than in the low-concentration group (1000 μg/mL). The transferability from stem to leaf was stronger than that from root to stem. In the nutrient solution culture, prothioconazole and its metabolites were mainly enriched in wheat roots. The concentration of prothioconazole in wheat roots increases with the increase in prothioconazole concentration and was significantly higher than the prothioconazole concentration on stems and leaves. In wheat leaves in the spraying method, prothioconazole and its metabolites were conducted from leaves to stems and roots up to the nutrient solution. Prothioconazole-desthio was detectable in wheat nutrient solution, while prothioconazole was not detected. Analysis of actual samples of 9 wheat grains and 28 flours showed that the residues of prothioconazole and its metabolites met the maximum residue limit (0.1 mg/mL) set in China and by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The results will provide a theoretical basis for the scientific use of prothioconazole and food security assurance.

γ-Conglutin (γ-C) from lupin seeds has been identified as a potent allergen with cross reactivity to peanuts. Here, we investigated how γ-C affected the response in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) to bacterial stimuli. γ-C enhanced L. acidophilus NCFM (LaNCFM)-induced IL-12, IL-10, and IL-23 dose-dependently. In contrast, together with E. coli Nissle or LPS, γ-C reduced the production of IL-12 but not of IL-23 and IL-10. Enzyme-hydrolyzed γ-C also enhanced LaNCFM-induced IL-12 and IL-23 production. All preparations induced ROS production in the DCs. The mannose receptor ligands mannan and dextran and the clathrin inhibitor monodansylcadaverine partly inhibited the endocytosis of γ-C. Kunitz trypsin inhibitor and the scavenger receptor ligand polyG also enhanced LaNCFM-induced IL-12, indicating the involvement of receptors other than C-type lectin receptors. The endocytosis of labeled γ-C increased dose-dependently by addition of unlabeled γ-C, which coincided with γ-C’s tendency to aggregate. Taken together, γ-C aggregation affects endocytosis and affects the cytokine production induced by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria differently. We suggest that γ-C is taken up by the same mechanism as other food proteins but due to aggregation is present in higher concentration in the DCs. This could influence the resulting T-cell response in a microbial stimuli-dependent way.

Fagopyrum dibotrys is a herbal plant. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for plants; selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining importance in food and agriculture due to their low toxicity and high activity. This study revealed that foliar application of SeNPs enhanced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxisome activities and significantly enhanced the flavonoid compound content in F. dibotrys . SeNPs with a concentration of 5.0 mg L -1 also promoted the growth of F. dibotrys . The foliar application of SeNPs could be absorbed by pores in leaves of F. dibotrys and mainly transformed to selenomethionine (32.5-43.2%) and selenocysteine (23.4-38.4%) in leaves and tubers of F. dibotrys. Consequently, this study offers a profound understanding of plants' uptake and biotransformation of SeNPs. Furthermore, the findings of this study have suggested that SeNPs can be applied to improve the quantity and quality of the herbal plant of F. dibotrys .

As one of the most widely used nanomaterials, CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) might be released into the aquatic environment. In this paper, the interaction of CeO2 NPs and Ce3+ ions (0~10 mg/L) with duckweed (Lemna minor L.) was investigated. CeO2 NPs significantly inhibited the root elongation of duckweed at concentrations higher than 0.1 mg/L, while the inhibition threshold of Ce3+ ions was 0.02 mg/L. At high doses, both reduced photosynthetic pigment contents led to cell death and induced stomatal deformation, but the toxicity of Ce3+ ions was greater than that of CeO2 NPs at the same concentration. According to the in situ distribution of Ce in plant tissues by μ-XRF, the intensity of Ce signal was in the order of root > old frond > new frond, suggesting that roots play a major role in the uptake of Ce. The result of XANES showed that 27.6% of Ce(IV) was reduced to Ce(III) in duckweed treated with CeO2 NPs. We speculated that the toxicity of CeO2 NPs to duckweed was mainly due to its high sensitivity to the released Ce3+ ions. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the toxicity of CeO2 NPs to an aquatic higher plant.

This cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the willingness and uptake of recommended vaccinations against influenza, meningococcal B and ACWY, pneumococcal, rotavirus and the influencing factors among 565 parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years with chronic medical conditions in Italy. Only 34.9% of the sample received all vaccinations. Parents whose selected child was vaccinated against the five diseases were those who had received recommendations from physicians, who did not believe that children should get fewer vaccinations at the same time, those whose child was aged 2–3 and 4–5 years compared to 6 months–1 year, and those who acquired information from physicians. Only 17.9% were willing to vaccinate their child. Parents with a university degree, those who acquired information from physicians, and those whose child had a more recent diagnosis were more likely to be willing to vaccinate their child. Parents who believed that children should get fewer vaccines at the same time, those without a university degree, and those who did not acquire information from physicians were more likely to not have vaccinated their child because they were concerned about vaccines’ side effects. Public health policymakers should provide efforts to promote the uptake for an adequate protection of this high-risk group.

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the literature on parental acceptance, parental hesitancy, uptake, and the associated factors of seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) among children aged 6–59 months. Studies were sourced from the following platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of parental acceptance, parental hesitancy, and SIV uptake in the last flu season and lifetime among children. A total of 36 studies were included for analysis. The overall prevalence was 64% for parental acceptance (95% CI: 51–75%), 34% for parental hesitancy (95% CI: 22–48%), 41% for SIV uptake in the last flu season (95% CI: 33–50%), and 46% for SIV uptake in a lifetime (95% CI: 20–74%). Associated factors of parental acceptance/hesitancy and uptake included the age of the children or parents, parental education level, household income level, ethnicity, and other modifiable factors, including perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and cues to action related to SIV. Meta-regression analyses revealed regional differences in parental acceptance (Americas: 79% vs. Asia: 60%). The results provided implications informing us of the development of intervention programs targeting parents to improve SIV coverage among young children.

Airborne micro- and nanoplastics are widely spread and pose a risk to human health. The third polymer plastic most commonly produced and present in atmospheric fallout is polystyrene (PS). For these reasons and for a more realistic assessment of biological effects, we examined in-home oxidised (ox-, simulating photoaging) nPS/mPS (0.1 and 1 μm), comparing the effects with virgin ones (v-). On human alveolar cells (A549), we quantified the cellular uptake, using FITC-functionalised nPS/mPS, while cytotoxicity, changes in the acidic compartment, ROS production, mitochondrial function, and DNA damage were assessed to study the effects of internalised v- and ox-nPS/mPS. The results showed that the uptake was dose-dependent and very fast (1 h), since, at the lowest dose (1.25 µg/well), it was 20.8% and 21.8% of nPS and mPS, respectively. Compared to v-, significant ROS increases, DNA damage, and mitochondrial impairment were observed after exposure to ox-nPS/mPS. The enhancement of effects due to environmental aging processes highlighted the true potential impact on human health of these airborne pollutants.

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of polyethylene (PE), a broadly utilized polymer type, on soil properties and lettuce growth. Two Zn- and Cd-contaminated soil samples were obtained from urban and rural areas of Greece, respectively. PE fragments (w/w). Lettuce seeds were then planted in the pots in a completely randomized experiment. Plant growth patterns and tissue metal accumulation were investigated. The presence of PE in soils resulted in a reduction in pH, significantly enhanced the organic matter content, and increased the cation-exchange capacity. The availability of both metals was also increased. Metal migration from soil to plant was determined using appropriate tools and indexes. A higher metal concentration was detected in lettuce roots compared with that in the edible leaves. The presence of PE MPs (2.5% w/w) increased the amount of available Zn more than that of Cd in highly contaminated soils. When PE MPs were added to agricultural soil, Zn concentrations increased in the plant leaves by 9.1% (2.5% w/w) and 21.1% (5% w/w). Considering that both metals and microplastics cannot be easily and quickly degraded, the fact that the less toxic metal is more available to plants is encouraging. Taking into account the physicochemical soil features, decision makers may be able to limit the risks to human health from the coexistence of heavy metals and microplastics in soils.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%. Nanotechnology offers a novel perspective to treat such deadly cancers through their incorporation into radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) with cancer cells and with other major cell types within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) is yet to be understood. Therefore, our goal is to shed light on the dynamics of NPs within a TME of pancreatic origin. In addition to cancer cells, normal fibroblasts (NFs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were examined in this study due to their important yet opposite roles of suppressing tumor growth and promoting tumor growth, respectively. Gold nanoparticles were used as the model NP system due to their biocompatibility and physical and chemical proprieties, and their dynamics were studied both quantitatively and qualitatively in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies revealed that both cancer cells and CAFs take up 50% more NPs compared to NFs. Most importantly, they all managed to retain 70–80% of NPs over a 24-h time period. Uptake and retention of NPs within an in vivo environment was also consistent with in vitro results. This study shows the paradigm-changing potential of NPs to combat the disease.

Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-aging pharmacological activities. There is currently a gap in academic research regarding the uptake, transport, and reduction of H2O2-induced oxidative damage of resveratrol in the Caco-2 cell model. This study investigated the role of resveratrol in the uptake, transport, and alleviation of H2O2-induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells. In the Caco-2 cell transport model, it was observed that the uptake and transport of resveratrol (10, 20, 40, and 80 μM) were time dependent and concentration dependent. Different temperatures (37 °C vs. 4 °C) could significantly affect the uptake and transportation of resveratrol. The apical to basolateral transport of resveratrol was markedly reduced by STF-31, a GLUT1 inhibitor, and siRNA intervention. Furthermore, resveratrol pretreatment (80 μM) improves the viability of Caco-2 cells induced by H2O2. In a cellular metabolite analysis combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, 21 metabolites were identified as differentials. These differential metabolites belong to the urea cycle, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, ammonia recycling, aspartate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. The transport, uptake, and metabolism of resveratrol suggest that oral resveratrol could prevent intestinal diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Background: Vaccinations protect the public against serious diseases or death; however, some individuals are hesitant in obtaining them. We aim to contribute to the understanding of the challenges of vaccination roll-out by examining the motivations, hesitancies, and their associated factors, in obtaining the COVID-19 vaccines two years into the pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional online surveys were conducted in Norway, the USA, the UK, and Australia (N = 1649). The participants self-reported whether they had obtained one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Those who had obtained a vaccine reported the reason for their motivation, and those who had not obtained a vaccine reported the reason for their hesitancies. Results: More than 80% of the total sample obtained a COVID-19 vaccine because of public health recommendations and trusted that it was safe. Among those who had not obtained one, the most frequent reason was concerns about side effects. Most who obtained the vaccine reported that they believed in science, but many of those who had not obtained one reported distrust. Among those who had not obtained a vaccine, reports of distrust in policies and science were frequent. Concerns about side effects were more common in males and those with lower education, and those living in rural or remote areas. Conclusion: People who endorsed the vaccine believed that the vaccine reduces the risk of illness, protects the health of others, and had trust in scientific vaccination research. Conversely, the most frequent reason for vaccine hesitancy was concerns about side effects, followed by distrust in healthcare and science. These findings could inform public health strategies that aim to increase vaccination rates.

Background: Reaching the public health organizations targets of influenza vaccination in at-risk patient groups remains a challenge worldwide. Recognizing the relationship between the healthcare system characteristics and the economic environment of the population with vaccination uptake can be of great importance to improve. Methods: Several characteristics were correlated in this retrospective ecological study with data from 6.8 million citizens, 15,812 healthcare workers across 258 primary care health centers, and average income by area of the care center in Spain. Results: No correlation between HCW vaccination status and patient vaccination was found. A weak negative significant correlation between the size of the population the care center covers and their vaccination status did exist (6 mo.–59 yr., r = 0.19, p = 0.002; 60–64 yr., r = 0.23, p < 0.001; ≥65 yr., r = 0.23, p ≥ 0.001). The primary care centers with fewer HCWs had better uptake in the at-risk groups in the age groups of 60–64 yr. (r = 0.20, p = 0.002) and ≥65 (r = 0.023, p ≥ 0.001). A negative correlation was found regarding workload in the 6 mo.–59 yr. age group (r = 0.18, p = 0.004), which showed the at-risk groups that lived in the most economically deprived areas were more likely to be vaccinated. Conclusions: This study reveals that the confounding variables that determine influenza vaccination in a population and in HCWs are complex. Future influenza campaigns should address these especially considering the possibility of combining influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines each year.

The application of metal nanoparticles in industry and medicine results in their release into the environment, which can have a negative impact on human health. The effects of gold (AuNPs) and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles at the concentration range of 1–200 mg/L on parsley (Petroselinum crispum) under conditions of root exposure and their translocation in roots and leaves were investigated in a 10-day experiment. The content of copper and gold in soil and plant segments was determined using ICP-OES and ICP-MS techniques, while the morphology of nanoparticles was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Differences in the nanoparticle uptake and translocation were observed: CuNPs mainly accumulated in soil (4.4–465 mg/kg), while accumulation in the leaves were at the control level. AuNPs mainly accumulated in soil (0.04–108 mg/kg), followed by roots (0.05–45 mg/kg) and leaves (0.16–53 mg/kg). The influence of AuNPs and CuNPs on the biochemical parameters of parsley was on the content of carotenoids, the levels of chlorophyll, and antioxidant activity. Application of CuNPs even at the lowest concentration led to a significant reduction in carotenoids and total chlorophyll content. AuNPs at low concentrations promoted an increase in the content of carotenoids; however, they also significantly reduced it at concentrations higher than 10 mg/L. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the effect of metal nanoparticles on parsley.

Unintentional pesticide contamination in rotational crops, often caused by soil contamination from pesticide use in the preceding crops, is a major concern in a positive list system. The residue and dissipation pattern of fluopyram in soil and scallions were investigated to evaluate the uptake of fluopyram from the soil by scallions. In addition, the management concentration in soil (MCsoil) was calculated based on bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and the maximum residue limit (0.2 mg/kg) in leaf-and-stem vegetables. In a field experiment, plots in two different trials, A and B, were treated with 0.06 g fluopyram/m2 and maintained for 30 days according to OECD guidelines. Scallion seedlings were cultivated for 48 days. Soil samples were taken at three different time points: DAP (Days after planting) 0, 34, and 48. Scallion samples were collected at five different time points: DAP 20, 27, 34, 41, and 48. The initial amounts of fluopyram in soil at DAP 0 were 0.94 ± 0.03 and 0.96 ± 0.04 mg/kg in trials A and B, respectively. The half-life of fluopyram in the soil was 87–231 days. Fluopyram uptake by the roots increased over time, but fluopyram residue in the scallions decreased due to the dilution effect caused by an increase in plant weight. The residues in the scallions at DAP 48 were 0.22 ± 0.01 and 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/kg in trials A and B, respectively. The BCFs of scallions for fluopyram were 0.21–0.24 (trial A) and 0.14–0.18 (trial B). The MCsoil was proposed as 0.8 mg/kg, and may be utilized as a safe management guideline for precautionary practices to cultivate safe rotational crops.

Patients diagnosed with a chronic disease are at higher risk of influenza complications. This investigation aimed to estimate influenza vaccine uptake rates among healthy subjects and patients with chronic diseases, and to identify barriers to and facilitators of its uptake. This study was a cross-sectional investigation that targeted the general population in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via online platforms between October and November 2022. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire that assessed the demographics, influenza vaccine uptake, and factors associated with the uptake. A chi-squared test was used to investigate factors associated with the uptake of the influenza vaccine. A total of 825 adult subjects participated in the current investigation. The proportion of male participants was higher (61%) compared to females (38%). The mean age of the participants was 36, with a standard deviation of 10.5. Nearly 30% of the sample reported being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Among the recruited sample, 576 (69.8%) reported having ever received the influenza vaccine, and only 222 participants (27%) indicated that they receive the influenza vaccination annually. Only history of being diagnosed with a chronic disease was statistically associated with the history of ever receiving the influenza vaccine (p < 0.001). Among the 249 participants with a chronic disease, only 103 (41.4%) ever received the influenza vaccine and only 43 (17.3%) of them received the vaccine annually. The main barrier to the uptake was fear of side effects due to the vaccination. A minority of the participants indicated that they were motivated by a healthcare worker to have the vaccine. This suggests an area for further investigation to assess the involvement of healthcare workers in motivating their patients with chronic diseases to have the vaccine.

Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) as emerging contaminants have become a global environmental issue due to their small size and high bioavailability. However, very little information is available regarding their impact on zooplankton, especially when food availability is a limiting factor. Therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the long-term effects of two different sizes (50 nm and 1 μm) of amnio-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) particles on brine shrimp, Artemia parthenogenetica, by providing different levels of food (microalgae) supply. Larvae were exposed to three environmentally relevant concentrations (5.5, 55, and 550 μg/L) of MNPs over a 14-days of exposure with two food levels, high (3 × 105~1 × 107 cells/mL), and low (1 × 105 cells/mL) food conditions. When exposed to high food levels, the survival, growth, and development of A. parthenogenetica were not negatively affected at the studied exposure concentrations. By comparison, when exposed to a low food level, a U shape trend was observed for the three measured effects (survival rate, body length, and instar). Significant interactions between food level and exposure concentration were found for all three measured effects (three-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). The activities of additives extracted from 50 nm PS-NH2 suspensions were below toxic levels, while those from 1-μm PS-NH2 showed an impact on artemia growth and development. Our results demonstrate the long-term risks posed by MNPs when zooplankton have low levels of food intake.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a severe concern worldwide, particularly in Africa. Vaccines are crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review examined existing literature from 2020 to 2022 on individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination within Africa to facilitate more informed health promotion interventions to improve vaccine uptake. This review was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage methodological framework. A comprehensive search was undertaken from 2021 to 2022 using six electronic databases: EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, WorldCat Discovery, and Google Scholar. Data was collected, charted into themes, and summarized using a standard data extraction sheet in Microsoft Excel. A total of forty (n = 40) published academic articles were reviewed, with many conducted in Nigeria (n = 10), followed by Ethiopia (n = 5) and Ghana (n = 4) and the rest elsewhere in Africa. Thematic narratives were used to report data into six themes: attitudes and perceptions about COVID-19 vaccines, intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccines; factors and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake; socio-demographic determinants affecting the intention and uptake; and information sources for COVID-19 vaccines. The intention for uptake ranged from 25% to 80.9%, resulting in a suboptimal uptake intention rate (54.2%) on the African continent. Factors that promoted vaccine acceptance included confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines and the desire to protect people. Age, education, and gender were the most common factors significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Most studies revealed that considerable barriers to vaccine uptake exist in Africa. Concerns about potential side effects, vaccine ineffectiveness, a perceived lack of information, and inaccessibility were among the individual, interpersonal, and structural barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was strongly correlated with being female. Mass and social media were the main sources of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines. To encourage vaccine uptake, governments should pay attention to refuting misinformation through integrated community-based approaches, such as creating messages that convey more than just information.

Plastic in oceans degrades to microplastics and nanoplastics, causing various problems for marine fauna and flora. Recently, microplastic has been detected in blood, breast milk and placenta, underlining their ability to enter the human body with still unknown effects. In addition, plastic contains other compounds such as plasticizers, antioxidants or lubricants, whose impact on human health is also elusive. On the cellular level, two transporters involved in cell protection and detoxification of xenobiotic compounds are the ABC-transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1, ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2). Despite the great importance of these proteins to maintain the correct cellular balance, their interaction with plastic and related products is evasive. In this study, the possible interaction between different plastic-related compounds and these two transporters was investigated. Applying virtual compound screening and molecular docking of more than 1000 commercially available plastic compounds, we identified candidates most probably interacting with these two transporters. Cytotoxicity and uptake assays confirmed their toxic interaction on P-glycoprotein-overexpressing CEM/ADR5000 and BCRP-overexpressing MDA-MD-231-BCRP cell lines. To specifically visualize the results obtained on the P-glycoprotein inhibitor 2,2’-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), we performed live cell time-lapse microscopy. Confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to understand the behavior of the molecule and the consequences that it has on the uptake of the well-known substrate doxorubicin and, in comparison, with the known inhibitor verapamil. Based on the results, we provide evidence that the compound in question is an inhibitor of the P-glycoprotein. Moreover, it is also possible that 2,2’-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), together with three other compounds, may also inhibit the breast cancer resistance protein. This discovery implies that plastic-related compounds can not only harm the human body but can also inhibit detoxifying efflux pumps, which increases their toxic potential as these transporters lose their physiological functions.

Currently, we lack crucial knowledge on how the physicochemical properties of particles affect cellular health, resulting in an important gap in our understanding of the human toxicity of microplastics (MPs). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the size and the shape of MPs on uptake and the intracellular effects in a human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line. Spherical (200 nm and 2 µm) and fibre-/fragment-shaped (8.9 ± 10.1 µm by 1.14 ± 0.97 µm) polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were used to study their uptake and the potential to induce redox and mitochondrial stress responses after 24 h of exposure. We demonstrated the cellular uptake of both spherical and fibre-/fragment-shaped MPs in a size-dependent manner. In response to 2 µm spheres, we observed differential expressions of redox-related genes, including HMOX1, CAT, and GPX1. All PS-MPs decreased the intracellular H2O2 levels, which can be attributed to mitochondrial stress responses, such as increased mitochondrial DNA content, footprint, and morphology. Altogether, we demonstrated uptakes and changes in redox and mitochondrial parameters for all PS-MPs, with the 200 nm spheres showing the most profound effects. This suggests that the induction of defensive responses in Caco-2 cells mainly correlates with the number of particles taken up.

Introduction: Influenza vaccination campaigns have difficulty in reaching the 75% uptake in healthcare workers (HCWs) that public health organizations target. This study runs a campaign across 42 primary care centers (PCCs) where for every HCW vaccinated against influenza, a polio vaccine is donated through UNICEF for children in developing nations. It also analyses the efficacy and cost of the campaign. Method: This observational prospective non-randomized cohort study was conducted across 262 PCCs and 15.812 HCWs. A total of 42 PCCs were delivered the full campaign, 114 were used as the control group, and 106 were excluded. The vaccine uptake in HCWs within each of those PCCs was registered. The cost analysis assumes that campaign costs remain stable year to year, and the only added cost would be the polio vaccines (0.59€). Results: We found statistically significant differences between both groups. A total of 1423 (59.02%) HCWs got vaccinated in the intervention group and 3768 (55.76%) in the control group OR 1.14, CI 95% (1.04–1.26). In this scenario, each additional HCW vaccinated in the intervention group costs 10.67€. Assuming all 262 PCCs had joined the campaign and reached 59.02% uptake, the cost of running this incentive would have been 5506€. The potential cost of increasing uptake in HCWs by 1% across all PCC (n = 8816) would be 1683€, and across all healthcare providers, 8862€ (n = 83.226). Conclusions: This study reveals that influenza vaccination uptake can be innovative by including solidary incentives and be successful in increasing uptake in HCWs. The cost of running a campaign such as this one is low.

Restoring soil fertility in farming systems is essential to sustain a crop and its productivity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the residual effects of the combined application of fertilizers and manures on yield, concentration and uptake of nutrients in wheat under basmati rice-wheat cropping system. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), T7: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T8: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T9: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T10: 75% RDN, T11: farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% RDN, T12: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T13: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T14: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T15: 100% RDN. The residual effects of organic manures significantly improved the growth parameters and yield attributes. Among different residual treatments, the use of farmyard manure + 75% NPK showed maximum plant height (125.2 cm), number of tillers (68.0 m−1), chlorophyll content (45.0) and yield (50.84 q ha−1 for grain and 80.43 q ha−1 for straw, respectively). Additionally, the incorporation of farmyard manure + 75% RDN demonstrated the highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain (7.37, 3.31 and 4.93 g ha−1, respectively) and straw (1.72, 1.05 and 12.63 g ha−1, respectively). The maximum zinc, copper, iron and manganese concentrations were observed to be 32.0, 3.1, 52.1 and 17.6 mg kg−1 in grain and 8.2, 2.1, 374.6 and 20.5 mg kg−1 in straw, respectively. Similarly, the highest uptakes were observed to be 67.6, 15.5, 263.8 and 89.6 g ha−1 in grain and 173.3, 16.8, 3026.9 and 170.6 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Thus, the integrated application of farmyard manure with 75% RDN could be used to sustain wheat productivity and maintain soil fertility which otherwise deteriorates due to the sole application of inorganic fertilizers.

In the middle of the 20th century, the production of plastics exploded worldwide because of their low cost and the versatility of their applications. However, since plastic debris is highly resistant to environmental degradation, a growing presence of plastics in all the ecosystems has been confirmed. Among them, plastic particles < 5 mm, also known as microplastics (MPs), are of special concern because they are dispersed in aerial, terrestrial and aquatic environments, being the soil the main environmental sink of these contaminants. Due to their large specific surface area and hydrophobicity, MPs are considered good adsorbents for other environmental organic pollutants also present in terrestrial ecosystems, such as pharmaceuticals, personal-care products or pesticides with which they can interact and thus modify their environmental fate. In this review article, we examine the recent literature (from 2017 to 2022) to get a better understanding of the environmental fate of pesticides in soil (adsorption, mobility and/or degradation) when they are simultaneously present with MPs and the ecological risks on living organisms of the interactions between MPs and pesticides in soil. More studies are needed to fully understand the toxicological impact of the copresence in soil of pesticides and MPs.

In the fall of 2022, the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in Saudi Arabia had significantly increased compared with the corresponding period in previous years. Concerns regarding the population’s seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake rates have emerged. In particular, the SIV uptake rates may have dropped post the COVID-19 pandemic compared with rates prior to the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia post the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey platform. We mainly collected sociodemographic information and determined whether the respondent was a healthcare professional or had a chronic disease. The overall SIV uptake prevalence was 31.8%. A lower SIV uptake was observed among those aged 55 years or older, females, residents of the central region, non-health practitioners, and those without chronic diseases. Several factors were associated with SIV uptake. Those aged 35–44 were over three-fold more likely to receive an SIV than those aged 55 years or older (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.33–10.05). In addition, males had 73% higher odds of SIV uptake than females (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18–2.55). Health practitioners were more likely to receive an SIV than non-health practitioners (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.45–3.06). Similarly, those with chronic diseases had 86% higher odds of SIV uptake than those without chronic diseases (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.18–2.95). These findings can provide insights into the low prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should be conducted to further explore the potential factors associated with such a low prevalence of SIV uptake post COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Uptake of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing infection and severe consequences caused by COVID-19. The present study examined the effects of negative attitudes towards vaccination in general and trust in government on uptake of a COVID-19 booster dose, as well as the moderating role of psychological reactance to pro-vaccination messages in Hong Kong. An observational prospective cohort study using online survey was conducted among 264 adults. Findings showed that, after adjustment for significant background characteristics, negative attitudes towards vaccination in general negatively predicted uptake of a booster dose, and trust in government positively predicted uptake of a booster dose. In addition, the association between negative attitudes towards vaccination in general and uptake of a booster dose was weaker among those who reported a higher level of psychological reactance. The present study highlighted the importance of improving attitudes towards vaccination in general especially among those who are not experiencing psychological reactance, and building trust in government. This study also suggested that interventions aimed at improving attitudes towards vaccination in general should seek to avoid psychological reactance, and special attention should be given to people who are experiencing psychological reactance to pro-vaccination messages.

An understanding of the factors associated with the COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women is paramount to persuade women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. We estimated the vaccination rate of pregnant women against COVID-19 and evaluated psychosocial factors associated with vaccine uptake among them. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. In particular, we investigated socio-demographic data of pregnant women (e.g., age, marital status, and educational level), COVID-19 related variables (e.g., previous COVID-19 diagnosis and worry about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines), and stress due to COVID-19 (e.g., danger and contamination fears, fears about economic consequences, xenophobia, compulsive checking and reassurance seeking, and traumatic stress symptoms about COVID-19) as possible predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Among pregnant women, 58.6% had received a COVID-19 vaccine. The most important reasons that pregnant women were not vaccinated were doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines (31.4%), fear that COVID-19 vaccines could be harmful to the fetus (29.4%), and fear of adverse side effects of COVID-19 vaccines (29.4%). Increased danger and contamination fears, increased fears about economic consequences, and higher levels of trust in COVID-19 vaccines were related with vaccine uptake. On the other hand, increased compulsive checking and reassurance seeking and increased worry about the adverse side effects of COVID-19 vaccines reduced the likelihood of pregnant women being vaccinated. An understanding of the psychosocial factors associated with increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant women could be helpful for policy makers and healthcare professionals in their efforts to persuade women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. There is a need for targeted educational campaigns to increase knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy in pregnancy.

Polystyrene nano- and micro-sized plastic particles (NMP) are one of the common plastic materials produced that dramatically pollute the environment, water, and oceanic habitats worldwide. NMP are continuously absorbed by the body through a number of routes, especially via intestinal ingestion, dermal uptake, and inhalation into the lung. Several studies provided evidence of NMP provoking oxidative stress and affecting cellular responses. Yet, the NMP effects on primary lung cells have not been studied. To this end, we isolated and cultured murine lung cells and exposed them short-term or long-term to polystyrene 0.2–6.0 µm-sized NMP. We studied cellular consequences regarding oxidative stress, morphology, and secretion profiling. Visualization, distribution, and expression analyses confirmed lung cells accumulating NMP and showed several significant correlations with particle size. Moreover, we found substantial evidence of biological consequences of small-scale NMP uptake in lung cells. Besides alterations of cytokine secretion profiles resulting in inflammatory responses, indicators of oxidative stress were identified that were accompanied by Nrf2 and β-catenin signaling changes. Our results serve as an important basis to point out the potential hazards of plastic contaminations and uptake in lung cells.

The human health risks posed by micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs), as emerging pollutants of environmental/health concern, need to be urgently addressed as part of a needed hazard assessment. The routes of MNPL exposure in humans could mainly come from oral, inhalation, or dermal means. Among them, inhalation exposure to MNPLs is the least studied area, even though their widespread presence in the air is dramatically increasing. In this context, this study focused on the potential hazard of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs with sizes 50 and 500 nm) in human primary nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs), with the first line of cells acting as a physical and immune barrier in the respiratory system. Primarily, cellular internalization was evaluated by utilizing laboratory-labeled fluorescence PSNPLs with iDye, a commercial, pink-colored dye, using confocal microscopy, and found PSNPLs to be significantly internalized by HNEpCs. After, various cellular effects, such as the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS), the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the modulation of the autophagy pathway in the form of the accumulation of autophagosomes (LC3-II) and p62 markers (a ubiquitin involved in the clearance of cell debris), were evaluated after cell exposure. The data demonstrated significant increases in iROS, a decrease in MMP, as well as a greater accumulation of LC3-II and p62 in the presence of PSNPLs. Notably, the autophagic effects did indicate the implications of PSNPLs in defective or insufficient autophagy. This is the first study showing the autophagy pathway as a possible target for PSNPL-induced adverse effects in HNEpCs. When taken together, this study proved the cellular effects of PSNPLs in HNEpCs and adds value to the existing studies as a part of the respiratory risk assessment of MNPLs.

Influenza is a common respiratory infection associated with a substantial clinical, humanistic, and economic burden globally. Vaccines are essential to prevent and control influenza and are recommended by public-health agencies, such as the WHO and US CDC; however, vaccination rates vary considerably across the globe. This review aimed to investigate the perceived barriers and attitudes to influenza vaccination in the global population, in order to identify strategies that may improve influenza vaccination coverage. A structured literature search was undertaken to identify studies that reported on patient-reported attitudes towards influenza vaccination, focused on the adult general population in 16 prespecified countries. Eighty studies were included in this review. Negative attitude towards healthcare were found to be the most agreed upon barrier to vaccine uptake (31.1% agreement). The most agreed promoter of influenza vaccination was trust in healthcare services (62.0% agreement). Approximately 50% of participants intended to receive the influenza vaccine in the following season. To improve influenza vaccination coverage, healthcare workers must strengthen the foundation of substantial trust in healthcare services and provide educational materials that improve influenza vaccination knowledge among the adult general population.

Introduction: In South Africa over the past 20 years, immunisation has saved countless lives as well as prevented illnesses and disabilities. Despite this, vaccine-preventable illnesses remain a danger. The demand for and uptake of immunisation services are shaped by a variety of factors that can either act as barriers or facilitators to immunisation uptake. The aim of this project was to identify the supply and demand barriers and develop local strategies to improve childhood immunisation in four zero-dose districts in South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study used a mixed-method approach. In each of these four districts, 15 in-depth key informant interviews with health workers and local health managers and four focus group discussions (10 participants per focus group discussion) with community members and caregivers were held over a three-month period. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed using qualitative analysis software (Nvivo ® ) into 10 factors as identified as important in influencing immunisation demand and uptake in previous studies. A further four were identified during the data analysis process. Results: Despite the varying role of factors affecting demand and uptake of immunisation services, three consistent findings stand out as major barriers across all districts. The first is interaction with healthcare staff . This clearly highlights the crucial role that the interactions between patients and staff play in shaping perceptions and behaviours related to immunisation services. The second is the overall experience of care at healthcare facilities . This emphasises the role that patient experience of services plays in perceptions and behaviours related to immunisation services. The third is family dynamics . This highlights the important role family dynamics play in shaping individuals' decisions regarding immunisation uptake as well as the impact it has on the ability of people to access health services. Discussion: The role played by the different factors in the demand and uptake of immunisation services varied across the four districts examined in this study. Each of the districts presents a unique landscape where different factors have varying degrees of importance in affecting the utilisation of immunisation services. In some districts, certain factors are major barriers, clearly hindering the demand and uptake of immunisation services, while in others, these same factors might be a relatively minor barrier. This discrepancy highlights the unique nature of healthcare challenges across the districts and the need for tailored strategy recommendations to address them effectively.

Malaria poses a significant threat to pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitating effective interventions like the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). However, challenges persist in the uptake and effectiveness of this intervention. This scoping review aims to explore IPTp-SP uptake in African countries, identify influencing factors, and assess its effectiveness in preventing malaria and adverse outcomes in pregnancy. This scoping review follows Arksey and O'Malley's framework, employing the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for reporting. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, focusing on studies post-2000 published in the English language. The search produced 15,153 records, of which 104 full-text records were eligible and 101 papers were included in this review. The findings suggest varying IPTp-SP uptake rates, spanning from 5.3% to 98.9%, with their effectiveness supported by longitudinal studies, randomised controlled-trials (RCTs), cross-sectional surveys, and mixed-method studies. IPTp-SP demonstrates efficacy in reducing malaria during pregnancy, placental parasitaemia, and anaemia episodes, alongside improved birth outcomes. Common adverse effects of IPTp-SP include prematurity and low birth weight. Facilitators of IPTp-SP uptake include education and ANC attendance, while commonly reported barriers included inadequate knowledge and healthcare system challenges. The findings also suggest adverse effects such as prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal and perinatal mortality associated with IPTp-SP uptake. It is vital to strengthen antenatal care services by integrating comprehensive counselling on IPTp-SP and address healthcare system challenges. Community engagement, women's empowerment, and context-specific interventions are necessary for promoting IPTp-SP uptake and improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Africa.