Public Health Protection Research Articles

A longitudinal study of healthcare workers' mental health during Western Australia's unique policy response to COVID-19.

Western Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was swift and effective in implementing public health protections and preventing the spread of the virus for the first 2 years. However, healthcare staff continued to be at increased risk of mental health concerns. To investigate the longitudinal patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety among healthcare workers in Western Australia, and the risk and protective factors associated with changes in status during the first wave. Participants comprised 183 healthcare staff working at tertiary hospitals and major clinics across Perth, for whom longitudinal data were available. Questionnaire data were collected before Western Australia's first major COVID-19 community wave in early 2022 and following the first wave in late 2022. Online surveys comprised validated measures assessing psychological symptoms, risk and protective factors, and original measures of workplace factors. Overall rates of PTSS, depression and anxiety remained stable across the two assessment points. However, latent growth models revealed that those with lower PTSS, depression or anxiety symptoms at baseline reported a larger increase in symptoms over time, and those with higher symptoms at baseline had a smaller decline over time, indicating a 'catch-up' effect. Workplace stressors, sleep difficulties and trauma exposure were key risk factors for changes in psychological symptoms from baseline, and workplace and social supports played protective roles. Improvements in systemic workplace factors are needed to support healthcare workers' mental health during periods of acute stress, even in settings with high levels of emergency preparedness.

Mitigating the challenges of textile wastewater treatment in Saudi Arabia utilizing electrocoagulation process: Optimization of operating parameters

The increasing importance of treating industrial effluents for environmental and public health protection has necessitated reliable and economical treatment methods capable of meeting stringent effluent quality standards. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the electrocoagulation (EC) process using iron electrodes for treating real textile wastewater by removing total solids (TS), COD, colour, and turbidity. Various operating parameters, including treatment time, initial pH, current density, stirring speed, and inter-electrode spacing (IES), were investigated to optimize removal efficiency. The results demonstrated that the optimal conditions for maximum pollutant removal were achieved at a treatment time of 60 minutes, a current density of 6.2 mA/cm², a solution pH of 8-8.5, a stirring speed of 150 rpm, and an IES of 5 cm. Under these conditions, the removal efficiencies reached 79.2% for TS, 92.7% for COD, 88.9% for turbidity, and 98.7% for colour. The findings of this research indicate that the EC process is a simple, quick, and economically viable method for effectively removing pollutants from textile wastewater. Additionally, it is recommended that a coupled treatment unit, such as filtration or adsorption, be employed following the EC process to enhance pollutant removal. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to address environmental pollution from industrial wastewater, including textile wastewater, highlighting the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship. Present study offers the first thorough analysis of textile wastewater treatment utilizing EC process in the region, enhancing understanding of effective strategies for sustainability and compliance with effluent quality standards.

Sensitivity of Newly Prepared Nanomaterials to NO2 Gas and its Importance on Environmental and Industrial Safety

Polyaniline (PANI) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) doped with nickel oxide (NiO) nanocomposite have emerged as promising materials for gas sensing applications due to their high conductivity and surface area. This study improves the synthesized PANI/MnO2:NiO nanocomposites' sensitivity towards NO2 gas. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the produced nanocomposites. More precise methods were investigated to identify problems associated with oxidation, corrosion and sensor activity, such as increasing the amount of added nickel oxide, changing the structure of nanocomposites, and regulating the working temperature and humidity. Based on the results of this study, it is critical to comprehend how sensitive nanomaterials are to NO2 gas because exposure to this pollutant can negatively impact the environment and human health. Strategies to reduce its effects and improve industrial and environmental safety can be devised based on how nanomaterials react to nitrogen dioxide gas. We also examine antioxidants and PANI/MnO2:NiO nanocomposites for their anti-corrosion properties to guarantee long-term stability with the sensor's conductivity. Strong antioxidant and corrosion-resistant substances should be added to the sensor to extend its lifespan and maintain its performance under challenging operating conditions. Integrating these sensitive nanomaterials into gas-sensing devices can significantly improve environmental monitoring and industrial safety protocols, ultimately contributing to better air quality management and public health protection.

Prevalence of waterborne pathogens in drinking water from different sources: A trans‐boundary study in the Nile Basin

AbstractClimate change in Sub‐Saharan Africa is severely affecting water access, compromising the health and safety of millions. The Nile Basin, a crucial transboundary catchment shared by 11 African countries and supporting 232 million people, plays a significant role in regional water policy. Despite its importance, limited information exists regarding the microbial quality of drinking water in this region. This study investigates waterborne pathogen contamination in drinking water sources along the Uganda‐Kenya border within the Nile Basin. Conducted in two stages, the study first surveyed the water sources used by respondents and whether they treated their drinking water. The second stage involved aseptic sampling of water from identified sources for Total Coliforms (TCC), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Helicobacter pylori, and Salmonella spp. using culture methods. The survey revealed that residents in the region predominantly rely on multiple water sources: 94.0% use springs, 57.3% groundwater, 53.0% taps, and 28.1% streams. Water treatment was common, with 74.6% of households employing various methods. Analysis showed a high prevalence of contamination, with 98.6% of water samples testing positive for TCC, 72.2% for E. coli, 22.2% for Salmonella spp., and 44.4% for H. pylori. E. coli contamination was highest in Mumias (94.4%), followed by Yala (77.8%), and Acholi Quarter (40.0%). H. pylori prevalence was lowest in Yala (14.3%) compared to Mumias (37.0%) and Acholi Quarter (30.0%). Salmonella spp. was equally high in Mumias and Yala (85.7%) but lower in the Acholi Quarter (40.0%). Theoretical log reduction analysis revealed that both TCC and E. coli levels exceeded the limits (> 10 cfu [colony forming units] TCC/100 ml; > 0 cfu E. coli/100 ml), even after domestic treatment. These findings underscore the need for enhanced water quality monitoring and improved water management policies across borders to address microbial contamination and protect public health.

The Role of Law in Regulating Compulsory Vaccination: Between Human Rights and State Obligations during the Pandemic

Public health protection is one of the main obligations of the state in an effort to maintain the welfare of its citizens. One of the policies implemented is mandatory vaccination to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and maintain collective health. However, this policy raises challenges in terms of balancing between the state's responsibility to protect the community and individual human rights, especially the right to determine which medical interventions to accept. This research aims to examine the role of law in regulating mandatory vaccination in Indonesia, as well as how the policy can be implemented without violating human rights. This study uses a normative juridical approach by exploring various regulations that form the basis for the implementation of mandatory vaccination in Indonesia, including Law Number 36 of 2009 concerning Health and Presidential Regulation Number 99 of 2020 concerning Vaccine Procurement and Vaccination Implementation. The analysis shows that compulsory vaccination has a strong legal footing to protect public health, but it must still respect individual rights, especially the right to choose medical interventions. The state is also required to ensure that this policy is implemented in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with special health conditions. This study also found that adequate education and socialization are important factors to increase public acceptance of mandatory vaccination. Public opposition is generally caused by a lack of proper understanding of the benefits of vaccines, as well as the spread of inaccurate information about vaccine safety. Therefore, a more persuasive approach, involving community leaders and related institutions, is needed to provide better understanding and increase public trust in vaccination policies. Mandatory vaccination policies need to be implemented while maintaining a balance between the state's obligation to protect public health and human rights. Not only does the state need to strengthen the legal basis for vaccination, but it must also ensure that this policy is implemented in a fair and inclusive manner.

Pioneering NMR-based dereplication for identifying novel quinolone additives in personal care products: A new frontier in public health protection

Personal care products (PCPs) are often adulterated with antimicrobial agents, such as quinolones, which pose risks to consumer safety and challenge regulatory oversight. Current detection methods rely on standard reference substances and are limited in identifying novel quinolone isomers and structural derivatives. In this study, we present the first use of MixONat, an advanced dereplication tool, combined with 13C NMR spectroscopy to detect illegal quinolone additives in PCPs. Key advancements include the establishment of an in-house quinolone database, innovative sample pretreatment methods, and the integration of these elements to improve the detection of new illegal additives in PCPs. Standard addition experiments in both blank matrices and commercial cosmetics successfully identified new quinolones not included in the database, with effective differentiation of stereoisomers such as ofloxacin and levofloxacin. The proposed approach significantly improves detection efficiency and accuracy, bolstering PCP safety regulations and contributing to public health protection.

AI and ML-based risk assessment of chemicals: predicting carcinogenic risk from chemical-induced genomic instability

Chemical risk assessment plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and environmental safety by evaluating the potential hazards and risks associated with chemical exposures. In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and omics technologies has revolutionized the field of chemical risk assessment, offering new insights into toxicity mechanisms, predictive modeling, and risk management strategies. This perspective review explores the synergistic potential of AI/ML and omics in deciphering clastogen-induced genomic instability for carcinogenic risk prediction. We provide an overview of key findings, challenges, and opportunities in integrating AI/ML and omics technologies for chemical risk assessment, highlighting successful applications and case studies across diverse sectors. From predicting genotoxicity and mutagenicity to elucidating molecular pathways underlying carcinogenesis, integrative approaches offer a comprehensive framework for understanding chemical exposures and mitigating associated health risks. Future perspectives for advancing chemical risk assessment and cancer prevention through data integration, advanced machine learning techniques, translational research, and policy implementation are discussed. By implementing the predictive capabilities of AI/ML and omics technologies, researchers and policymakers can enhance public health protection, inform regulatory decisions, and promote sustainable development for a healthier future.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN THE SEGREGATION OF HEALTHCARE WASTE IN BELÉM

Healthcare waste (HSW) refers to materials resulting from healthcare activities, both human and animal, which may present biological, chemical or radiological risks, depending on their nature. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of healthcare waste segregation in the city of Belém, based on the evaluation of two large hospitals in the city; seeking to identify and mitigate the non-conformities observed in relation to current regulations, as well as to propose solutions. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory research, with a quantitative and qualitative approach, carried out at the Ophir Loyola and Mário Pinotti hospitals, in the city of Belém. The investigation highlighted significant failures in the separation and management of waste in several sectors of these units, compromising environmental safety and the effectiveness of public policies. The analysis was guided by the regulations of Resolution RDC No. 222/2018, of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), and Resolution No. 358/2005, of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA). The results indicate the existence of structural and operational gaps that hinder compliance with regulatory guidelines, revealing the need for urgent corrective measures to ensure efficient and safe management of HCW. The research highlights the importance of strengthening team training, improving segregation processes and encouraging the implementation of sustainable practices, thus ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.

The influence of complications of pregnancy, childbirth and comorbid pathology on the level of physical development of children of indigenous peoples of the North of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug — Yugra

BACKGROUND: The state policy in the field of public health protection is aimed at increasing the birth rate, reducing mortality, and preventing diseases. The topic of the health of the indigenous peoples of the North (IPN) has been and remains relevant today for Russia. AIM: To assess the physical development of children of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, depending on the mother’s comorbid pathology, complications of pregnancy and childbirth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study examined the physical development of children of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, the comorbid pathology of their mothers, the course of their pregnancy and childbirth. Factorial and regression analysis methods were used to identify relationships and interdependencies. RESULTS: In the studied group of children of the IPN, low physical development is observed in 4.49% of children, average in 49.43%, high in 48.31% of children. Girls have a significantly lower physical development (2.12%) compared to boys — 7.14%. In the studied group of children of the IPN, there is not a single case of sharply disharmonious physical development. In pregnant women, representatives of the IPN, anemia, chronic urogenital infections, liver and biliary tract diseases, obesity and diseases of the cardiovascular system are most often observed in the structure of comorbid pathology. Among the pregnancy complications of the mothers of the examined children, fetoplacental insufficiency, gestosis, high/low water intake, the threat of termination of pregnancy, threatening premature birth are observed. Among the complications of childbirth, there are umbilical cord entanglement, labor reinforcement, neonatal jaundice and perinatal lesions of the central nervous system. At the stage of regression analysis, predictors were identified that affect the physical development of the child — these are intrauterine growth retardation and fetal hypotrophy, threatening premature birth in a woman in labor, and the gestational age of the newborn. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of physical development is determined in 48.31% of children of the IPN, average in 49.43%, low in only 2.26%, which indicates the adaptation of the indigenous population to the harsh conditions of the North. The structure of comorbid pathology in women living in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug — Yugra mainly corresponds to the average indicators in the Russian Federation, both in qualitative and quantitative terms. The exception is a regional pathology with liver and biliary tract damage associated with the epidemiological situation in the opisthorchiasis district. Regression analysis revealed the interdependence of the child’s physical development from intrauterine growth retardation, threatening premature birth, intrauterine hypotrophy and gestational age.

Epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal clusters of human brucellosis in Inner Mongolia, 2010–2021

BackgroundBrucellosis poses a significant public health challenge in China. Inner Mongolia, characterized by its developed livestock industry, is the most severe endemic area for human brucellosis. This study aims to describe the epidemiology, explore the spatial–temporal distribution patterns, and clustering characteristics of human brucellosis in Inner Mongolia.MethodsData on human brucellosis cases from 2010 to 2021 were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Inner Mongolia. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to identify high-risk areas, while spatial–temporal scan statistics were employed to detect changes in clusters over time.ResultsA total of 153,792 brucellosis cases were reported in Inner Mongolia from 2010 to 2021, with an average annual incidence rate of 52.59 per 100,000 persons. The incidence showed a decreasing trend from 2010 to 2016, followed by a significant increase from 2016 to 2021. The disease exhibited distinct seasonality, peaking in spring and summer (March to August). Middle-aged individuals, males, and farmers/herdsmen had higher incidence rates. Spatially, incidence rates decreased from north to south and from the central and eastern regions to the west. Clear spatial clusters were observed during 2010–2013 and 2016–2021 in the global Moran’s I test. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that high-high clusters expanded from the central and eastern regions towards the west over time. Spatio-temporal scan analysis further indicated that high-risk clusters were primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions, with a continuous expansion towards the west and south, leading to an increasingly broad geographical spread.ConclusionHuman brucellosis cases in Inner Mongolia exhibit spatio-temporal clustering, with spatial concentration in the central and eastern regions, but also observed expansion towards the western and southern regions. The most of cases occur between March and August each year. For high-risk areas and populations, more timely and effective prevention and control measures should be implemented to mitigate the spread of brucellosis and protect public health.

Source identification of water distribution system contamination based on simulated annealing-particle swarm optimization algorithm.

Ensuring the safety of water supplies is critical for urban areas requires rapid response when water quality anomalies are detected in the pipeline network. Prompt action is essential to prevent widespread contamination, protect public health, and mitigate potential social unrest. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has faced challenges for contamination source identification (CSI) in water distribution systems (WDS), primarily due to its susceptibility to locally optimal solutions. Addressing this issue is critical to quickly and accurately identify contamination sources. Therefore, this research integrates the Metropolis criterion from the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm into a SA-PSO algorithm, to overcome the limitations of PSO. This study conducts contamination localization experiments using SA-PSO, with the publicly available NET-3 pipeline network as the case to generate sudden contamination events. By collecting pollutant concentration data from predefined monitoring points over time through simulation, a simulation-optimization inverse location model is constructed to fit the pollutant concentrations at each monitoring point. The results of the case study show that SA-PSO outperforms PSO in both speed and accuracy in solving the CSI problem, and the findings provide an efficient and effective contamination localization tool for urban water supply management.

The development of international civil liability legal regime for nuclear damage and their inspiration for domestic law-making

As International Atomic Energy Agency has stated in its Handbook on Nuclear Law, “Even in situations for which the highest standard of safety has been achieved, the occurrence of nuclear accidents cannot be completely excluded.” Therefore, the international legal framework for nuclear damage compensation liability has been evolving since the establishment of Nuclear Energy Agency of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD NEA) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Over the years, various international treaties have been enacted to address the compensation of nuclear damage and to establish liability regimes for nuclear incidents. To date, these treaties have established a series of legal principles of nuclear damage liability, such as the sole liability principle, the strict liability principle, the financial guarantee principle etc., which have been developing since establishment. This paper offers an overview of the historical development of the principles of these international treaties for nuclear damage liability and thus draws upon both primary and secondary sources, including treaties, official documents, academic literature, and reports by international organizations. Including the legislation study methodology, comparative methodology is also adopted in this paper to analyze the changes and trend of these principles. The paper reveals that the Paris Convention, which was established in 1960, was the first attempt to establish a comprehensive legal regime for nuclear damage liability. Most of the principles of this Convention have been inherited by subsequent international treaties and domestic legislations. With the awareness of protecting public’s rights having been significantly strengthened, the range of compensation has been broader, the matters of immunity from liability for operators of nuclear power plants have been reduced, the limitation of the compensation amount has been higher etc. In conclusion, the international legal regime for nuclear damage liability has been showing a shift from protecting the development of the nuclear industry to a joint protection of both public health and rights and the nuclear industry, which should be paid attention to and deeply learnt by domestic legislators of all states for the establishment and perfection of their domestic legislation in this field.

The pangenome analysis of the environmental source Salmonella enterica highlights a diverse accessory genome and a distinct serotype clustering.

Salmonella remains the leading cause of foodborne infections globally. Environmental reservoirs, particularly aquatic bodies, serve as conduits for the fecal-oral transmission of this pathogen. While the gastrointestinal tract is traditionally considered the primary habitat of Salmonella, mounting evidence suggests the bacterium's capacity for survival in external environments. The application of advanced technological platforms, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), facilitates a comprehensive analysis of Salmonella's genomic features. This study aims to characterize the genomic composition of Salmonella isolates from river water, contributing to a potential paradigm shift and advancing public health protection. A total of 25 river water samples were collected and processed, followed by microbiological isolation of Salmonella strains, which were then sequenced. Genomic characterization revealed adaptive mechanisms, including gene duplication. Furthermore, an open pangenome, predisposed to incorporating foreign genetic material, was identified. Notably, antibiotic resistance genes were found to be part of the core genome, challenging previous reports that placed them in the accessory genome.

Near-Infrared Light and OpenCV as Components for Low-Cost Airborne Microplastic Detection Machine

Abstract. Microplastic, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic objects, poses substantial threats to ecosystems and human health. This research addresses the escalating environmental concern of airborne microplastics by developing a low-cost detection machine employing infrared sensors. The near-infrared light is attached to the machine for detection using the sensors. Different types of microplastic, specifically less than 5mm, are used. There are 3 types of plastics used for detection, 30 pieces each of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyester microplastics. Each type of microplastic is tested for detection in different time frames, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes each, and the three types of plastics are combined randomly for the last detection with the same number of minutes. Because of the final results, it can determine the effectiveness of the sensor in detecting airborne microplastics in terms of the number of correctly detected microplastics. In conclusion, this research advances our capacity to detect airborne microplastics, contributing to environmental conservation and public health protection. The detection machine's development and the insights gained from the study have broader implications for standardizing methodologies, advancing technology, and fostering collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges posed by airborne microplastics.

Real-Time Wireless Detection of Heavy Metal Ions Using a Self-Powered Triboelectric Nanosensor Integrated with an Autonomous Thermoelectric Generator-Powered Robotic System.

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with advanced sensing technologies is transforming environmental monitoring and public health protection. In this study, a fully self-powered and automated chemical sensing system is developed and integrated with a robotic hand for "touch and sense" detection of toxic heavy metal ions (Pb2⁺, Cr⁶⁺, As3⁺) in aquatic environments. The system combines a self-powered solid-liquid triboelectric nanosensor (SL-TENS) with a thermoelectric generator (TEG), which harnesses ambient heat to power the robotic hand, eliminating the need for external power sources. The robotic hand is controlled wirelessly via an exo-hand, minimizing the risk of exposure during remote monitoring. The sensing component uses copper oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) coated with ion-selective membranes (ISMs) to enhance triboelectric output and enable highly selective ion detection. The system demonstrates effective real-time, on-site detection in lake water and data transmitted wirelessly to the user. This innovative approach provides a highly safe and efficient method for detecting hazardous pollutants in difficult-to-access areas, offering significant potential for wireless and real-time environmental monitoring and hazard prevention, thus contributing to the safeguarding of human health. This study presents a novel advancement in the field of IoT-enabled environmental monitoring systems.

Health-preserving physical culture and wellness competences as an important condition for ensuring and spreading a high level of public health (methodological aspects)

WHO indicates that the purpose of actions aimed at strengthening public health protection is to ensure conditions under which people can remain healthy, able to strengthen health and well-being, and prevent deterioration of health. However, in the basic documents, there is no place for health-preserving physical culture and health-improving competencies of a person in the system of general efforts. The aim of the work is to reveal the need and place of health-preserving physical culture and wellness competencies of a person as a condition for ensuring and spreading a high level of public health in Ukraine. Material and methods. The study was organized at the Dnipro State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports, the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, the National Technical University “Dnipro Polytechnic” (all in Dnipro) and the Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. The used methods of theoretical research were: study and generalization of data from domestic and foreign official and literary sources, as well as abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction. Results. Conceptual principles and didactic technology of physical education of a non-professional physical education (NpPhE), with an emphasis on strengthening the general cultural component of the educational component “Physical education” in higher education, aimed at eliminating existing shortcomings. Provided with pedagogical technology, NpPhE contributes to the formation of the building blocks of one’s own health. And the system of effective pedagogical mechanisms of NpPhE is significantly different from the provision of information about health, which is the subject of modern valeology. In this context, the development of conceptual directions of creative valeology is relevant, as a means of supporting a person’s creativity in a safe effect on health. Namely, the formation in institutions of higher education of the builders of their own health. Conclusions. A system of pedagogical mechanisms is proposed, which is significantly different from just providing information about human health as a benefit/harm of influences and actions, which is what valeology is focused on. This is a prerequisite for the formation and development of creative concepts of modern valeology based on the improvement of cultural and practical components of the educational component “Physical education” in the conditions of a higher education institution for specialists who take care of building their own health from specialties related to civilians. In conditions where the majority of their graduates are engaged not in physical, but intellectual work, the further implementation of approaches related to professional-applied physical training for professional activities is something that it is time to abandon.

Standardization of FTIR-Based Methodologies for Microplastics Detection in Drinking Water: A Meta-Analysis Indeed and Practical Approach

The detection of microplastics (MPs) in drinking water presents significant environmental and public health challenges. This study comprises two stages: a meta-analysis aimed at standardizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) methods for MP detection, followed by the practical implementation of these findings in the laboratory. The review of studies conducted from 2019 to 2023 identifies 0.45 μm cellulose nitrate filters and Nile red staining as the most effective techniques for fluorescent detection. Experimental results demonstrate the superior retention capabilities of cellulose nitrate filters and the uniformity of Nile red staining. This dual approach not only optimizes water treatment processes but also enhances the accuracy of MP detection. The findings contribute to improved water quality management and public health protection by establishing robust protocols for MP analysis.

Agri-food fraud in Africa vis-à-vis global health

This paper reports on the extent of agri-food fraud in Africa, its occurrence across the Africa-EU trade borders, and associated implications for global health. It revealed that agri-food fraud in Africa and across Africa-EU trade borders may be a concern. Meanwhile, a few suspected cases have been reported, there may be more unchecked/unnoticed agri-food fraud practices ongoing in Africa requiring food trade border checks and rapid decisions making processes to reduce exposures. Exposure to adulterants can have significant implications for global health, as consumers unknowingly pay for, and consume, products that may be adulterated with substances which constitute a risk factor to one or more unchecked hazards against consumers' health protection. As global trade in agri-food products expands, the supply chain vulnerability to fraudulent activities becomes increasingly evident. This may be worse partly due to the inadequate food safety laws in African countries or poor enforcement. There is a need for food safety regulations in Africa that aim to ensure the safety and authenticity of food products, protect public health, and maintain consumer confidence. Finally, there is a need for rapid detection tools to make quick decisions on the field and agri-food traceability systems.

ViralPrimer: a web server to monitor viral nucleic acid amplification tests' primer efficiency during pandemics, with emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 and Mpox.

Accurate pathogen identification is crucial during outbreaks, especially with the emergence of new variants requiring frequent primer updates. However, resources for maintaining up-to-date verification of primer sequences are often limited, which poses challenges for reliable diagnosis and hinders potential monitoring efforts based on genome sequencing. To address this, we introduce ViralPrimer, a web server facilitating primer design, SARS-CoV-2 and Mpox variant monitoring, and adaptation to future threats. ViralPrimer aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy with its comprehensive primer database, mutation analysis assistance, and user primer upload feature. Its adaptable design allows monitoring of other rapidly mutating pathogens, contributing to broader public health protection efforts. ViralPrimer is freely accessible and open to all users with no login requirement at https://viralprimer.elte.hu/. The application is hosted on a DJANGO v3.2.13 web server, with a PostgreSQL database, and the frontend was implemented using jQuery v3.6.0, vanilla JavaScript vES6, and Bootstrap v5.1.

Engineering a Graphene Quantum Dot‐Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Ultra‐Sensitive Detection of Hg2⁺ Ions

AbstractThe contamination of soil and water by heavy metals poses a significant environmental and public health concern worldwide. To address this issue, a novel graphene quantum dot (GQD)‐based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is developed for the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+), a notorious heavy metal pollutant. The thiol and amine‐functionalized GQDs (S,N‐GQDs), synthesized via pyrolysis of citric acid and L‐cysteine, are directly immobilized onto the SPR chip surface without prior pretreatment, demonstrating their potential as efficient sensing materials. The SPR sensor exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ ions, as confirmed by kinetic binding analysis and isotherm modeling. The Langmuir isotherm model, which accurately describes the interactions between Hg2+ and S,N‐GQDs, provides insights into the sensor's mechanism of action. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrates robustness and reusability, with recoveries ranging from 98% to 104% over multiple cycles of analysis. Given the presence of contaminants in tap water, the developed sensor system holds significant importance for environmental monitoring and public health protection, offering a rapid, accurate, and cost‐effective solution for detecting Hg2+ ions in such samples. Overall, this study represents a significant advancement in the field of heavy metal detection, with potential implications for addressing environmental pollution and ensuring water quality.