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Molecular Identification of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei from a Dog in Minjingu Ward, Babati District, Tanzania
No full textThis study investigated the Spirometra tapeworm (Cestoda:Diphyllobothridae) collected from a dog in Minjingu ward in Tanzania using molecular analysis. Amplicons obtained from genomic DNA samples of individual adult worms were sequenced and compared to S. erinaceieuropaei data from the Gene Bank. The mt genome sequences of S. erinaceieuropaei from Tanzania show identical gene arrangements. The mt genomes are identical at 100% between S. erinaceieuropaei from Tanzania and Gene Bank. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted, resulting in a well-supported, consistent tree topology for S. erinaceieuropaei. The finding concluded that S. erinaceieuropaei are distributed in Tanzania. Therefore, we can know for the first time that dog is the definitive host of this tapeworm in Tanzania. These findings can be useful to the molecular diagnosis and control of Spirometra infections in human
Molecular Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapeutic Advances in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Systematic Review
No full textIntroduction: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare myeloid neoplasm characterized by clonal proliferation of immature dendritic cells, primarily driven by constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling pathway through mutations in BRAFV600E, MAP2K1, and ARAF. Recent genomic and therapeutic advances have reshaped the understanding of LCH pathophysiology, highlighting differences between pediatric and adult presentations, particularly regarding skeletal involvement and prognosis.
Aim: To systematically review the literature published between 2015 and 2025 addressing genetic alterations, immunopathogenic mechanisms, orthopedic manifestations, and targeted therapies in pediatric and adult Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). After screening, duplicate removal, and eligibility assessment, 38 studies were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity, data were synthesized through qualitative analysis, and no meta-analysis was performed.
Results: The included studies demonstrated a predominance of BRAFV600E mutations (52–65%) and MAP2K1 mutations (15–25%), leading to sustained MAPK pathway activation and chronic inflammation. Pediatric patients more frequently presented with multifocal skeletal involvement, while adults predominantly exhibited unifocal disease with favorable prognosis. Targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors achieved high response rates, with radiological regression and functional improvement; however, disease relapse after treatment discontinuation remained common in a subset of patients.
Conclusion: Activation of the MAPK pathway is central to LCH pathogenesis and clinical behavior. Incorporation of molecular profiling enables precision-based therapeutic strategies, particularly with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Orthopedic manifestations, especially in pediatric patients, require conservative and multidisciplinary management. Despite significant advances, randomized clinical trials and standardized treatment protocols are still needed to define optimal therapy duration and reduce relapse risk
Adult Phubbing in the Digital Era: A Conceptual Integration of Fear of Missing Out, Loneliness, Relationship Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Resilience
No full textThe rapid diffusion of smartphones has profoundly reshaped interpersonal communication across the lifespan. Among the most pervasive yet under-theorised digital behaviours is phubbing - the act of ignoring physically present individuals in favour of mobile phone engagement. While phubbing has been extensively examined among adolescents and emerging adults, its conceptualisation and psychological implications in adulthood remain inadequately explored. Adult life is marked by enduring relational roles, emotional responsibilities, and social expectations, rendering attentional presence a critical component of psychological and relational well-being. Drawing upon psychological, sociological, and communication theories, the present article offers a comprehensive conceptual analysis of adult phubbing and its interrelationships with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), loneliness, relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, and resilience. By synthesising existing empirical literature and extending adolescent-based frameworks into adult psychosocial contexts, the article proposes an integrative conceptual model that positions phubbing as both an antecedent and outcome of relational and emotional vulnerabilities in adulthood. The article contributes to theory development by reframing phubbing as a multidimensional psychosocial phenomenon and outlines directions for future empirical research and intervention strategies aimed at fostering digital well-being and relational health among adults
Human Exposure to Micro (Nano) Plastics and Their Potential Health Impact: A Scientometric Analysis
No full textPlastic pollution has emerged as an urgent global challenge, with various studies indicating that exposure to these minute plastic particles, such as microplastics (diameter less than 5 mm in size) and nanoplastics (smaller than 1 μm), can potentially lead to various adverse impacts on human health. There is a shred of growing evidence indicating that the chemicals found in plastic are connected to several grave health problems, including cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, endocrine disruption, infertility etc. This study aims to provide a systematic and in-depth analysis of the exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. The exploration of bibliometric studies on the effects of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics on health is still limited, and this forms the basis of the present investigation. Extensive data, including the scientific output of researchers, country/region contributions, affiliations, author references, and thematic trends, were carefully examined using the VOSviewer program (version 1.6.15). The finding in this study shows a progressive increase in the number of related published works from 2014 to 2024, with 2994 documents retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The fact that Chinese researchers are frequently listed as top-affiliated authors indicates the significant influence these scientists have had on research on the health impacts of microplastic and nanoplastic exposure. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the potential impact of micro(nano)plastic exposure on human health and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the challenges posed by plastic particles.
Aims: This study aimed to investigate human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics and their potential health impacts using bibliometric mapping and analysis.
Study Design: Bibliometric mapping and analysis.
Place and Duration of Study: Manipur, India. The study was done between August and November 2025.
Methodology: We retrieved information related to the search topic encompassing title, abstract, keyword plus, and author keywords from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database for the period of publications from 2014 to 2024. A total of 2994 documents were retrieved from various publication types, such as articles, review articles, meeting abstracts, editorial material, proceeding papers, letters, and book chapters. Mapping and analysis of data were performed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20 software programme.
Results: With a total publication of 2994, the micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and human exposure axis have garnered the attention of researchers worldwide, as seen by the steady increase in research publications in the last decade. This rise in research output unequivocally demonstrates how MNPs affect human life. Environmental Sciences Ecology is the most popular research area, contributing 64.8% of total research publications, with Science of the Total Environment as the top leading journal in the field of MNPs and their associated human health risks. With a total of 7624 citations, the Chinese Academy of Sciences tops the list with the highest publication count. Globally, the People’s Republic of China tops the nations contributing significantly, about 38.2% of the total publications. Co-occurrence network analysis reveals majority of research conducted was concentrated on oxidative stress and toxicity pathways caused by exposure to MNPs as primary threats to gut microbiota and metabolism in aquatic animals and human health.
Conclusion: Increased exposure to environmental pollutants, such as MNPs, may contribute to an increase in cancer, immune disorders, metabolic and other neurological problems, as evidenced from many literature studies. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the impact of environmental exposure to MNPs on human health. Given the expected increase in the presence of these synthetic plastic materials in our environment, extensive research is needed to fully understand the danger that microplastics and nanoplastics bring to human health. This article offers insights into the possible health effects of micro(nano)plastic exposure using bibliometric analysis. Nevertheless, further study is required to provide conclusive evidence, particularly concerning human health at the pathophysiological level resulting from micro(nano)plastic exposure. This would ensure public awareness towards the judicious use of plastic materials and proper plastic waste management practices
Benefits of Probiotics and Fermented Foods on Gut Health: A Review
No full textThe gut microbiome is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in maintaining digestive health, immune function, metabolic regulation, and overall physiological homeostasis. Disruption of this microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, has been implicated in a wide range of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. Probiotics and fermented foods have emerged as promising dietary strategies for modulating gut microbiota composition and function. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the composition of the gut microbiome and critically examines the mechanisms by which probiotics and fermented foods exert their beneficial effects, including enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity, immunomodulation, competitive inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and production of bioactive metabolites. Clinical evidence supporting their use in gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and functional constipation is discussed, along with safety considerations and regulatory challenges. The review also highlights current research gaps and future perspectives, emphasizing the need for strain-specific validation, long-term clinical studies, and personalized microbiome-based interventions. Overall, probiotics and fermented foods represent valuable, evidence-based components of gut health-oriented nutritional strategies when applied judiciously
Assessment of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors and its Health Implications among Informal Sewing Machine Operators in Nigeria
No full textWork-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a major health concern with considerable impacts on workers and economy worldwide. Researchers have extensively evaluated different formal work systems including mass-production systems in the garment industry, but literature is sparse on informal work systems of sewing machine operators also called Custom Tailors (CTs) in developing countries. Therefore, this study was designed to ergonomically evaluate custom tailoring work-systems for possible WMSD risk factors. The cross-sectional technique was explored to study the working conditions and the occurrence of self-reported WMSDs among a convenient sample of seventy (38 males and 32 females) Nigerian CTs. A pre-labelled body map with 40 Body Pain Locations (BPLs), questionnaire and direct observations with camcorder and still camera were used for data collection. Multinomial logistic regression was used for the questionnaire and BPL analysis, while Ovako Working-posture Analysis System (OWAS) was used to analyse the CTs’ tasks recorded with the camcorder. The 40 BPLs were grouped into dependent variables Y1-Y4, while the questionnaire responses were grouped into 13 independent pain risk factors X1-X13. Among the CTs, 30, 47, 46 and 21% complained of pains at Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4, respectively. At 10% significance level, X3, X7 and X12 were significant at Y1; X1, X2, X4 and X6 were significant at Y3, while X2 and X10 were significant at Y4. The OWAS categorised CTs’ postures into 1-3, while none reached category 4 that requires immediate corrective actions for improvement. Nonetheless, motion and still pictures reveal very harmful postures that were repeatedly used in CTs’ various tasks as well as incompatibility of tools with users’ anthropometry. Poor work postures were part of the WMSD risk factors in CTs’ informal work systems. The prevalence of WMSDs in CTs particularly in the neck, lower back, knee, ankle and buttocks among other body parts was established. Hence, the need for ergonomic interventions in the CTs’ informal work-system to reduce costs and increase productivity
Size Selectivity of 35-mm Square and Diamond Mesh Cod-Ends in Bottom Trawls for Parapeneopsis stylifera and Stolephorus indicus off the East Coast of India
No full textTrawling systems have been global topic with concern on sustainable fisheries and management due to non-selective and caught whatever it comes in the net. Pertaining to the issue n experimental fishing was conducted to compare the selectivity of 35mm square and diamond cod-ends of commercial bottom trawl net using cover cod-end method on selected two species viz., Kiddi shrimp (Parapeneopsis stylifera) and the Indian anchovy (Stolephorus indicus) off Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. The L25, L50 and L75 values of P.stylifera for 35mm square mesh cod-end was 7.33, 11.0 and 14.6cm while the selection range (SR), selection factor (SF) and selection ratio (Sr) was 7.32, 0.31 and 0.20 respectively. From the 35mm diamond mesh cod-end for P.stylifera, the observed L25, L50 and L75 parameters was 3.70, 6.53 and 9.35cm while the selection ranges (SR), selection factor (SF) and selection ratio (Sr) was 5.64, 0.18 and 0.16 respectively. From the 35mm square mesh cod-end for Indian Anchovy (S.indicus), the observed L25, L50 and L75 values was 4.91, 8.07 and 9.79 cm while selection range (SR), selection factor (SF) and selection ratio (Sr) was 4.88, 0.23 and 0.13 respectively. From 35mm diamond mesh cod-end for P.stylifera, the L25, L50 and L75 value was 3.26, 6.50 and 9.71 cm respectively while selection range (SR), selection factor (SF) and selection ratio (Sr) was recorded at 6.45, 0.18 and 0.18 respectively. The observed results concluded that the 35mm square mesh have superior in selectivity with compared to 35mm diamond mesh cod-end of bottom trawl net
Assessment of Catch Retention and Escapement in Square and Diamond Mesh Cod-ends along the East Coast of India
No full textTrawling is a major fishing method prevailing in Indian marine fisheries contributing to major marine fish landing. The objectives of the present studied were to compare the selectivity characteristics of square and diamond mesh cod-ends for the 7 important marine fish species in conservation and management point of view.. Present studied observed higher in overall percentage of escapement from 35 mm square in comparison to diamond mesh cod-end. From square mesh cod-end, Indian anchovy (S. indicus) showed highest escapement percentage at 10.4% (2.6 kg) and retained of 89.6% (22.4 kg) while the lowest percentage of escapement (2.03% (0.5 kg)) with retained of 97.9% (24.1 kg) was recorded for I. megaloptera. From diamond mesh cod-end, highest escapement of 6.08% (1.4 kg) and retained of 92.7% (21.6 kg) was recorded for S. longiceps. The 0% of escapement with 100% retained was accorded for I. megaloptera from diamond mesh co-end. Overall square mesh observed better escapement in comparison with diamond shaped cod-end of commercial bottom trawl net
Influence of Socio-economic and Communication Factors on Bio-fertilizers Knowledge and Adoption among Paddy Farmers in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThis study examines the relationship between selected socioeconomic and communication characteristics of paddy farmers in Gudiyattam Taluk, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, with their awareness and adoption of recommended bio-fertilizers practices. Using an ex-post facto research design, proportionate random sampling was employed to select 120 farmers from six villages. Data were collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule and analysed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. Variables considered include annual income, farm size, social participation, extension agency contact, and media exposure.
The findings revealed that most respondents were small farmers with medium levels of income, social participation, media exposure, and extension contact. Among all the variables studied, only extension agency contact showed a significant positive relationship with both awareness and adoption levels at a 5% level of significance, while other variables were found to be non-significant. The results highlight the critical role of frequent and meaningful interaction with extension personnel in enhancing farmers’ understanding and sustained use of bio-fertilizer technologies. The study emphasizes the need to strengthen decentralized distribution systems and provide incentives for eco-friendly inputs to improve accessibility and long-term adoption. These insights are valuable for researchers, policymakers, and extension functionaries in formulating targeted strategies to promote sustainable rice cultivation
Targeting Simulium Vectors to Accelerate Control of Onchocerciasis in the Mahenge Area, Tanzania: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: The Mahenge Mountains in south-eastern Tanzania remain a persistent onchocerciasis hotspot despite many years of community-directed ivermectin (CDTI) distribution. The disease is primarily transmitted by Simulium species, especially members of the Simulium damnosum complex.
Aims: This review brings together current evidence on vector-targeted interventions, including entomological surveillance, larviciding, and environmental management in Mahenge and comparable Tanzanian foci. This review aims to assess whether integrating vector control with ongoing CDTI could help accelerate the interruption of transmission.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online, WHO repositories, Google Scholar, and relevant grey literature, with no date limits. Search terms combined Simulium or blackfly, onchocerciasis, Mahenge or Tanzania, and vector-control related keywords. The study included field studies, operational reports, modelling papers, and entomological surveys that reported on vector species composition, breeding-site mapping, vector-control activities, or outcomes related to transmission. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. Quantitative findings were pooled when appropriate; otherwise, results were synthesised narratively.
Results: Historical studies confirm S. damnosum s.l. as the dominant vector in Mahenge. Recent reports highlight ongoing transmission despite long-term ivermectin use and recommend supplementing CDTI with vector control. Evidence from other Tanzanian foci and modelling work suggests that well-implemented larviciding grounded in comprehensive breeding-site mapping and applied consistently can substantially reduce biting rates and shorten the time needed to achieve elimination compared with CDTI alone. Programmatic documents describe both successful reductions in vector density and episodes of transmission rebound when larviciding was incomplete or discontinued. However, there is still a shortage of published field trials from Mahenge directly evaluating the impact of larviciding, with most available studies being descriptive, model-based, or operational.
Conclusions: The available evidence supports integrating targeted Simulium control, particularly larviciding accompanied by strong entomological surveillance, with existing CDTI in high-transmission areas such as Mahenge. Key priorities include: (1) updated breeding-site mapping using tools such as drone imagery with ground-truthing, (2) larval susceptibility testing to guide larvicide choice, (3) pilot larviciding accompanied by rigorous environmental and entomological monitoring, and (4) long-term investment in local capacity. Well-designed operational trials in Mahenge, using both entomological and epidemiological endpoints, are urgently needed to guide effective elimination strategies