Global Health Crisis Research Articles

Patient Teaching Plan for Type II Diabetes: Addressing Genetic Predisposition and Hypertension

Type II diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and eventual beta-cell dysfunction, is a global health crisis exacerbated by genetic predisposition and comorbidities such as hypertension. This review proposes a patient teaching plan aimed at managing Type II diabetes in individuals with genetic risk factors and concurrent hypertension. Recognizing that genetic predisposition significantly heightens the risk of developing Type II diabetes, the review underscores the necessity of incorporating genetic insights into patient education and care strategies. Hypertension, prevalent among those with Type II diabetes, complicates disease management and increases the risk of severe complications, necessitating a dual focus on both conditions. The review outlines a comprehensive teaching plan that includes education on the genetic aspects of diabetes, lifestyle modifications, and strategies for managing hypertension. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management, stress reduction, and medication adherence. The plan also highlights the role of continuous monitoring through tools such as blood glucose logs and blood pressure measurements to track progress and adjust treatment as needed. Family involvement and support systems are identified as critical components of the teaching plan, providing emotional support and reinforcing healthy behaviors. By integrating personalized education, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support, the plan aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and effectively manage the combined challenges of Type II diabetes and hypertension. Keywords: Patient Teaching Plan, Type II Diabetes, Genetic Predisposition, Hypertension.

Tissue nano-transfection of antimicrobial genes drives bacterial biofilm killing in wounds and is potentially mediated by extracellular vesicles

The emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is on track to become a major global health crisis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatment options. Here, we studied the implementation of tissue-nanotransfection (TNT) to treat Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds by delivering gene cargos that boost the levels of naturally produced antimicrobial peptides. The Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide gene (CAMP), which produces the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, was used as model gene cargo. In vitro evaluation showed successful transfection and an increase in the transcription and translation of CAMP-coding plasmid in mouse primary epithelial cells. Moreover, we found that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the transfected cells (in vitro and in vivo) carried significantly higher concentrations of CAMP transcripts and LL-37 peptide compared to control EVs, possibly mediating the trafficking of the antimicrobial contents to other neighboring cells. The TNT platform was then used in vivo on an excisional wound model in mice to nanotransfect the CAMP-coding plasmid on the edge of infected wounds. After 4 days of daily treatment, we observed a significant decrease in the bacterial load in the CAMP-treated group compared to the sham group. Moreover, histological analysis and bacterial load quantification also revealed that TNT of CAMP on S. aureus-infected wounds was effective in treating biofilm progression by reducing the bacterial load. Lastly, we observed a significant increase in macrophage recruitment to the infected tissue, a robust increase in vascularization, as well as and an increased expression of IL10 and Fli1. Our results demonstrate that TNT-based delivery of gene cargos coding for antimicrobial compounds to the wound is a promising approach for combating biofilm infections in wounds.

Photocurrent-polarity-switching photoelectrochemical and electrochemical dual-mode sensing platform for the highly selective detection of trenbolone

As an emerging contaminant in the environment, trenbolone (TBE) has aroused a global health crisis and caused the huge impact on ecosystem. Its sensitive detection is critical to safeguard human health and ecosystem. Herein, a photocurrent polarity switching photoelectrochemical (PEC)-electrochemical (EC) dual-mode sensing platform was presented for highly selective and sensitive detection of TBE by ingeniously tailor signal probe. The tailored Cu2O@CuO-hemin acting as both photocurrent polarity reversal and electroactivity factor were cross-linked with TBE-BSA to obtain competitive conjugates for TBE. When the competitive response was initiated, numerous of Cu2O@CuO-hemin nanocomposites are introduced on the CdS-modified indium tin oxide electrode, serving as the reporting agent of EC/PEC dual-mode assay. The photocurrent polarity of the CdS-modified ITO can be effectively switched, enabling PEC analysis of TBE with distinguishing photocurrent changes. The linear response range is 1 pg/mL to 500 ng/mL, and the detection limit is 15.0 fg/mL. Meanwhile, the Cu2O@CuO could triggered the amplified current variations via effectually catalyzing the H2O2 decomposition compared to the CdS NPs, leading to the sensitive electrochemical detection of TBE with a detection limit 200 fg/mL and a linear response range from1 pg/mL to 500 ng/mL. Additionally, the developed sensing platform enabled mutual authentication of PEC/EC detection results, being conducive to increasing the assay reliability and accuracy. Such the dual-mode sensor has great potential for detecting environmental pollutants due to its improved selectivity and mutual authentication of results.

Investigating the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a major global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide and necessitating the search for effective and safe treatments, leading to various complications, including liver damage. This study investigated the hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of cryogenically pulverized Turkish propolis water extracts (WBTP) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Propolis samples were collected from the West Black Sea Region of Turkey and prepared as -80 °C (PP-80) and -196 °C (PP-196) water extracts. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + PP-80 (250 mg/kg), diabetic + PP-196 (250 mg/kg), and diabetic + metformin (250 mg/kg). After 35 days of treatment, various parameters were evaluated, including body weight, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathology of the pancreas.The results showed that WBTP extracts, especially PP-80, significantly improved body weight and reduced blood glucose and HbA1c levels. Analysis of lipid profiles revealed improvements in HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels with WBTP treatment. The antioxidant defense systems were also enhanced in the WBTP-treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed that WBTP extracts mitigated pancreatic tissue damage in the diabetic rats.In conclusion, the WBTP extracts possess hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties, suggesting a promising avenue for further research. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both diabetes and hepatopathologies concurrently and highlights WBTP extracts as natural and potentially safer alternatives to synthetic antidiabetic drugs. Specifically, PP-80 extracts demonstrate robust effects in managing diabetes and associated liver complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, indicating their therapeutic potential.

Zambia's First Mpox Case: An Emerging Challenge in Southern Africa Amid a Global Health Crisis

Zambia's First Mpox Case: An Emerging Challenge in Southern Africa Amid a Global Health Crisis

Global Overview of Suicidal Behavior and Risk Factors among General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Regression.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health worldwide, leading to increased rates of suicidal behavior. This systematic review and meta-regression aim to investigate the global prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors in the general population during the pandemic. The study included 202 articles from January 1, 2019, to October 31, 2023, sourced from databases such as Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis revealed a prevalence of 13.5% for suicidal ideation, 10.4% for suicide attempts, and a death rate of 0.5%, translating to 4.52 per 100,000 person-years. Significant risk factors identified include being transgender, young adults (18-44years), unmarried status, low education, retirement, living alone, low social support, a history of suicide attempts, substance use, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, poor perceived physical health, loneliness, quarantine, and residing in the Americas or multiple regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions during pandemics, focusing on high-risk groups such as young adults, transgender individuals, those with low social support, and people with mental health issues. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies to mitigate the heightened risk of suicide during global health crises.

Mucormycosis and COVID-19: Unraveling the Interplay of Fungal Infection in a Global Health Crisis: An Overview.

The healthcare system has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, result-ing in an increase in secondary and co-infections among patients. Factors like pulmonary dam-age and weakened immune systems make patients more susceptible to fungal infections. Mu-cormycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection, prospers in environments with limited oxygen, and elevated glucose levels due to conditions such as diabetes and steroid use, as well as in acidic environments from metabolic acidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis, where it demonstrates heightened germination ability. Recognizing these complications is critical to minimize harm to patients. The insights gained from this review can improve our understanding of how fungal infections develop in connection to COVID-19, leading to better predictive algorithms, tailored care plans, enhanced antifungal treatments, quicker diagnostics, and improved management strategies.

Intersecting social and environmental determinants of multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections in East Africa beyond antibiotic use

The global health crisis of antibacterial resistance (ABR) poses a particular threat in low-resource settings like East Africa. Interventions for ABR typically target antibiotic use, overlooking the wider set of factors which drive vulnerability and behaviours. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the joint contribution of behavioural, environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors associated with higher risk of multi-drug resistant urinary tract infections (MDR UTIs) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. We sampled outpatients with UTI symptoms in healthcare facilities and linked their microbiology data with patient, household and community level data. Using bivariate statistics and Bayesian profile regression on a sample of 1610 individuals, we show that individuals with higher risk of MDR UTIs were more likely to have compound and interrelated social and environmental disadvantages: they were on average older, with lower education, had more chronic illness, lived in resource-deprived households, more likely to have contact with animals, and human or animal waste. This suggests that interventions to tackle ABR need to take account of intersectional socio-environmental disadvantage as a priority.

AI-powered pandemic response framework for offshore oil platforms: Ensuring safety during global health crises

AI-powered pandemic response framework for offshore oil platforms: Ensuring safety during global health crises

Progress of photoantibiotics in overcoming antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global public health crisis in the 21st century, leading to treatment failures. To address this issue, the medical and pharmaceutical sectors are confronted with two challenges: i) finding potent new antimicrobial agents that would work against resistant-pathogens, and ii) developing conceptually new or unconventional strategies by which a particular antibiotic would remain effective persistently. Photopharmacology with the aid of reversibly controllable light-active antibiotics that we call "photoantibiotics" shows great promise to meet the second challenge, which has inspired numerous research laboratories worldwide to align their research in inventing or developing such antibiotics. In this review, we have given an overview of the progress made over the last ten years or so towards developing such photoantibiotics. Although making such antibiotics that hold high antimicrobial potency like the native drugs and subsequently maintain a significant activity difference between light irradiated and non-irradiated states is very challenging, the progress being reported here demonstrates the feasibility of various approaches to engineer photoantibiotics. This review provides a future perspective on the use of such antibiotics in clinical practice with the identification of potential problems and their solutions.

Plant-Based Diets and Phytochemicals in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Prevention of Its Complications: A Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently regarded as a global public health crisis for which lifelong treatment with conventional drugs presents limitations in terms of side effects, accessibility, and cost. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), usually associated with obesity, is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, hyperlipidemia, chronic inflammation, impaired β-cell function, and insulin resistance. If left untreated or when poorly controlled, DM increases the risk of vascular complications such as hypertension, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy, which can be severely debilitating or life-threatening. Plant-based foods represent a promising natural approach for the management of T2DM due to the vast array of phytochemicals they contain. Numerous epidemiological studies have highlighted the importance of a diet rich in plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, spices, and condiments) in the prevention and management of DM. Unlike conventional medications, such natural products are widely accessible, affordable, and generally free from adverse effects. Integrating plant-derived foods into the daily diet not only helps control the hyperglycemia observed in DM but also supports weight management in obese individuals and has broad health benefits. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis and current therapeutic management of DM, with a particular focus on the promising potential of plant-based foods.

An iterative model for the development of an urban development strategy – a case study of Polanica-Zdrój (Poland)

Motives: The current approach to the design of public space in cities is changing due to the global situation, i.e., the climate and health crisis, as manifested by the COVID 2019 pandemic. There is a need to develop and apply new, innovative research methods and techniques that allow both an in-depth knowledge of a given area and the monitoring of the changes that occur in this area. One of the proposals for such a framework is an iterative model based on the results of the analyses carried out during the research and design work using the research through design (RtD) method.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the iterative process model for the development of urban strategy, particularly in terms of designing more resilient urban public spaces.Results: The iterative process model was tested during consultation meetings on the development strategy for the municipality of Polanica-Zdrój. The design concepts developed during the research were an excellent support for illustrating the goals of the spatial policy of the municipality of Polanica-Zdrój as specified in the draft of its development strategy. They became the starting point for the future design process. A project with blue-green infrastructure (BGI) elements was included in the draft development strategy as an exemplary project for the development and modernization of tourism and tourism-related infrastructure of a supra-local, infrastructural and linear nature. A study using the RtD method supported the identification of opportunities and limitations associated with the implementation of BGI in the protected urban areas.

Resting in the forest in times of pandemonium for the betterment of life, or bushcraft in the Polish National Forests

Motives: In the context of the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to develop new, safe forms of recreation and nature education.Aims: The Polish State Forests are introducing the concept of bushcraft, which has gained popularity among those willing to develop such skills. Sociological research and analysis of forest resources have helped to develop regulations for this form of recreation and a map of places where it can be practiced. The availability of information on the website of the General Directorate of State Forests is an important consideration, as it can facilitate the process of organizing recreation for participants and foresters.Results: The pilot program “Stay overnight in the forest” has been a success, attracting interest without negatively affecting forests and ecosystems. In the face of current and future pandemic challenges, such an innovative form of recreation may attract nature enthusiasts.

Usage of Information technology for the success of managing various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the crucial role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its impact on surveillance, contact tracing, patient monitoring, telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), vaccination logistics, communication, and public education. ICT has facilitated the collection and analysis of real-time data, enabling authorities to make informed decisions about containment strategies. Digital contact tracing systems have been instrumental in limiting the virus's spread, while remote patient monitoring and telemedicine have allowed healthcare services to continue with minimal transmission risk. AI and machine learning have enhanced the speed and accuracy of COVID-19 diagnosis, and ICT has streamlined vaccine distribution and monitoring to ensure equitable access. Additionally, online platforms have played a key role in public education, fostering collaboration among researchers and promoting interdisciplinary research efforts. The study emphasizes that the continued integration of ICT into healthcare systems is critical for addressing future global health crises. However, policymakers must invest in ICT infrastructure, bridge the digital divide, and ensure that marginalized populations have equitable access to these technologies. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing ICT development to improve healthcare outcomes in future pandemics and suggest that collaboration across sectors is essential for maximizing the potential of these digital tools. Ultimately, ICT has been pivotal in the effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic and will be vital in future crisis preparedness.

Exploring the critical factors in pharmaceutical supply chains revealed during COVID-19 and addressing missing links

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed profound weaknesses in global pharmaceutical supply chains, resulting in widespread shortages of critical medical supplies, delayed drug manufacturing, and disruptions in vaccine distribution. These supply chain vulnerabilities were exacerbated by several key factors, including an overreliance on a limited number of countries for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), insufficient local manufacturing capacity, and logistical constraints in transportation and distribution networks. The pandemic also exposed inefficiencies in regulatory frameworks, leading to delays in approvals and limited agility in responding to rapidly changing demands. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and real-time monitoring across global supply chains hindered effective decision-making and coordination, aggravating the crisis. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the critical factors that contributed to pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, identifying missing links such as the need for diversification of supply sources, enhanced flexibility in manufacturing processes, and the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and automation for supply chain optimization. The analysis highlights how supply chain visibility, digital innovation, and risk management strategies could improve resilience in the face of future global health crises. In addition to identifying these challenges, the paper proposes solutions to address the missing links in pharmaceutical supply chains, including the decentralization of production, the development of regional manufacturing hubs, and the creation of public-private partnerships to bolster local production. The role of government policies in facilitating faster regulatory approvals, fostering international cooperation, and incentivizing innovation is also explored. Case studies on successful post-COVID-19 adaptations, such as the rapid scale-up of vaccine production and the reconfiguration of personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chains, offer insights into effective strategies for building more resilient systems. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to ensuring the stability and security of pharmaceutical supply chains. It calls for proactive measures to strengthen global supply chain infrastructures, improve regulatory agility, and embrace emerging technologies that can predict and respond to disruptions. These steps are crucial to safeguarding the continuous delivery of essential pharmaceuticals during future pandemics or other large-scale disruptions, ensuring global health security in an increasingly interconnected world.

Unlocking Nitrofurantoin: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Action and Resistance in Enterobacterales.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that has already claimed millions of lives and is projected to affect millions more unless urgent action is taken. Effective control of AMR requires the correct choice and dosage of antibiotics, as well as robust surveillance and research. Understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic action and the emergence of resistance phenotypes along with their genotypes is essential. This knowledge, combined with insights into resistance prevalence and spread, empowers clinicians to propose alternative therapies. Nitrofurantoin, a 70-year-old antibiotic, remains effective for the treatment of uncomplicated lower UTIs. Preventing emergence and spread of nitrofurantoin resistant superbugs would preserve the efficacy of this antibiotic which is crucial for ongoing and future AMR efforts. Nitrofurantoin resistance evolves slowly, leading to low prevalence compared to other antibiotics. However, it is often linked with extensive drug resistance, complicating treatment outcomes. Even a minor percentage of nitrofurantoin-resistant bacteria can cause significant clinical challenges due to irreversible evolution. While detailed study of these mechanisms can guide the development of strategies to combat nitrofurantoin resistance, early detection of resistant infections is critical for saving lives. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of nitrofurantoin's mechanisms of action, resistance evolution, prevalence, and resistance prediction. Our goal is to offer valuable insights for researchers and clinicians to enhance nitrofurantoin use and address the challenges posed by AMR.

Public Administration "Changing Paradigms of Public Administration in Facing the Global Health Crisis: Lessons from the Pandemic"

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the paradigm of public administration in dealing with the global health crisis by emphasizing the importance of multilateralism and cross-border cooperation. The government now plays the role of a facilitator that integrates health and political policies to respond more effectively. The study identifies countries with swift and transparent leadership, such as Vietnam, that are better able to respond to the pandemic, while also exposing global inequalities in low-income countries that need international support. Public administration has a crucial role in designing effective policies, providing resources, and implementing measures such as social distancing, with transparent communication to build public trust. The digitization of public services and evidence-based collaboration between governments and scientists have become important pillars in responding to people's needs. This study uses a descriptive-qualitative approach with case studies and comparative analysis of policies in various countries. The results show that adaptation and innovation in public administration, including increasing digital literacy and community participation, are critical to building health system resilience to future crises. This research is expected to contribute to public administration theory and relevant policy recommendations to face similar challenges in the future.

When religious beliefs become an ideology to motivate a war

ABSTRACT Historical records confirm the peaceful coexistence of individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. This paper seeks to analyse the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine as a case in point to illustrate how prolonged conflicts can transform religions into ideologies fuelling the quest for survival and justice, rendering political resolutions futile. Through a narrative review, it contends that decades of occupation, forced displacements, and expulsions from the sacred territories of various faiths have led to significant loss of life, economic stagnation, and global health crises, despite numerous United Nations efforts to broker peace. Emphasising the centrality of religion in this conflict, this narrative suggests avenues for future research and political deliberation.

Involvement of E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Viral Infections of the Human Host.

Viral infections are one of the principal causes of global primary health crises, with increased rate of infection and mortality demonstrated by the newer progeny of viruses. Viral invasion of the host involves utilization of various cellular machinery. Ubiquitination is one of a few central regulatory systems used by viruses for establishment of the infections in the host. Members of the ubiquitination system are involved in carrying out proteasomal degradation or functional modification of proteins in numerous cellular processes. E3 ubiquitin ligases play a major role in this system through recognition and recruitment of protein substrates and catalyzing the transfer of ubiquitin to these substrates. The versatility of ubiquitin ligases frequently makes them useful tools for the viruses, for either utilizing or degrading other cellular machineries, for carrying out their multiplication or inactivating the defensive strategies of the host. Therefore, these ligases are important targets for aiming at major pathways causing viral protein degradation or functional modification of the infection process. In this review, we have discussed the role and mechanism of different types of ubiquitin ligases in the context of infections of mainly human viruses, highlighting the viral proteins directly interacting with the ligases. Knowledge about these direct interactions is central in understanding the ubiquitin-dependent processes. This comprehensive account may also be beneficial for pharmaceutical exploration of E3 ligase-based broad-spectrum antiviral treatment.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Role of Nurses in Addressing Urban and Rural Public Health Disparities

This bibliometric analysis study explores the thematic and collaborative dynamics within the field of public health research, particularly focusing on the period from 2000 to 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer, we analyzed keyword occurrences and authorship data to identify central themes and the interconnections between researchers. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on health disparities, with specific attention to access, quality, and policy issues. The emergence of COVID-19 as a significant research theme highlights the field's responsiveness to global health crises and its impact on existing inequalities. The study also maps out key contributors and their collaboration patterns, providing insights into the intellectual structure and potential gaps in the research community. Our findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches and greater collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges of global health disparities effectively.