Environmental Stress Research Articles

Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Regulation Impact the Antifungal Resistance and Virulence of Candida spp.

Ergosterol is a key fungal sterol that is mainly found in the plasma membrane and is responsible for the proper membrane structure, rigidity, permeability and activity of membrane proteins. Ergosterol plays a crucial role in the ability of fungi to adapt to environmental stresses. The biosynthesis of ergosterol is also intimately connected with the antifungal resistance and virulence of pathogenic fungi. The most common etiological agents of life-threatening fungal infections are yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. The antifungal agents mostly used to treat Candida spp. infections are azoles, which act as competitive inhibitors of sterol demethylase, a key enzyme in the fungal ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Although most studies on ergosterol biosynthesis, its regulation and the uptake of sterols are from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the study of ergosterol biosynthesis and its relationship to antifungal drug resistance and virulence in pathogenic fungi is of utmost importance. The increasing antifungal drug resistance of Candida spp. and the limited armamentarium of antimycotics pose a challenge in the development of new therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the available data on ergosterol biosynthesis and related phenomena in Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species (Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida auris) with special emphasis on C. albicans and C. glabrata as the most common etiological agents of systemic candidiasis.

Improving global gross primary productivity estimation using two-leaf light use efficiency model by considering various environmental factors via machine learning

Distinguishing gross primary productivity (GPP) into sunlit (GPPsu) and shaded (GPPsh) components is critical for understanding the carbon exchange between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems under climate change. Recently, the two-leaf light use efficiency (TL-LUE) model has proven effective for simulating global GPPsu and GPPsh. However, no known physical method has focused on integrating the overall constraint of intricate environmental factors on photosynthetic capability, and seasonal differences in the foliage clumping index (CI), which most likely influences GPP estimation in LUE models. Here, we propose the TL-CRF model, which uses the random forest technique to integrate various environmental variables, particularly for terrestrial water storage (TWS), into the TL-LUE model. Moreover, we consider seasonal differences in CI at a global scale. Based on 267 global eddy covariance flux sites, we explored the functional response of vegetation photosynthesis to key environmental factors, and trained and evaluated the TL-CRF model. The TL-CRF model was then used to simulate global eight-day GPP, GPPsu, and GPPsh from 2002 to 2020. The results show that the relative prediction error of environmental stress factors on the maximum LUE is reduced by approximately 52 % when these factors are integrated via the RF model. Thus the accuracy of global GPP estimation (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 0.94 g C m−2 d−1, MAE = 0.61 g C m−2 d−1) in the TL-CRF model is greater than that (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 2.18 g C m−2 d−1, MAE = 1.50 g C m−2 d−1) in the TL-LUE model, although this accuracy awaits further investigation among the released GPP products. TWS exerts the greatest control over ecosystem photosynthesis intensity, making it a suitable water indicator. Furthermore, the results confirm an optimal minimum air temperature for photosynthesis. Overall, these findings indicate a promising method for producing a new global GPP dataset, advancing our understanding of the dynamics and interactions between photosynthesis and environmental factors.

Chitosan‐Coated Glass Beads as Stabilizer of Insulin; A Novel Strategy for the Storage of Pharmaceutical Proteins

AbstractBesides the pharmaceutical protein production challenge, storing and transporting them between industrial sectors and the administration site have always been problematic. Insulin, an example of the most widely used therapeutic protein, aggregates into unstable larger particles and, in many cases, into amyloid fibrils under environmental stresses. In this study, chitosan was used to decorate the surface of glass beads (to produce Chi@GB) to increase the structural stability of insulin against environmental stresses. FT‐IR spectroscopy characterized the beads, and HPLC determined the chitosan loading. The results showed that the modified beads could inhibit insulin fibrillation. In addition, the beads can be used in biopharmaceutical containers of insulin or other proteins for long‐term storage of their commercial products.

In-vitro impacts of glyphosate on manatee lymphocytes

Exposure to contaminants, such as the herbicide glyphosate, can suppress protective immune functions. Glyphosate is the herbicide most used worldwide and has been found in plasma of more than 50 % of the Florida manatees and all-year-round in their aquatic environment. Our objectives were to analyze the consequences of glyphosate exposure on their immune responses via T-lymphocyte proliferation assays and transcriptomics. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mainly lymphocytes) of free-ranging manatees and performed T-cell proliferation assays. We used transcriptomics to understand the consequences of glyphosate in vitro exposure. The 3 doses chosen ranged from environmentally relevant concentrations at 10 to 10,000 µg.L-1 that is considered a contamination scenario. Glyphosate caused a dose-dependent reduction in T-lymphocyte proliferation, with a significant mean reduction of 27.3 % at 10,000 µg.L-1 and up to 51.5 % in some individuals. Additionally, T-lymphocyte proliferation was significantly reduced in mid-winter compared to early winter. Transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicated that all doses of glyphosate (10, 1,000 and 10,000 µg.L-1) resulted in up-regulation of genes related to acute phase inflammation and inhibition of the T-lymphocyte proliferation pathway. Exposure to this contaminant along with other environmental stressors, such as extreme winters and red tide, might further affect the adaptive immune response of this threatened species.

The Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Research Network: An international research consortium investigating environment, climate, and health.

Research on the health risks of environmental factors and climate change requires epidemiological evidence on associated health risks at a global scale. Multi-center studies offer an excellent framework for this purpose, but they present various methodological and logistical problems. This contribution illustrates the experience of the Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Research Network, an international collaboration working on a global research program on the associations between environmental stressors, climate, and health in a multi-center setting. The article illustrates the collaborative scheme based on mutual contribution and data and method sharing, describes the collection of a huge multi-location database, summarizes published research findings and future plans, and discusses advantages and limitations. The Multi-Country Multi-City represents an example of a collaborative research framework that has greatly contributed to advance knowledge on the health impacts of climate change and other environmental factors and can be replicated to address other research questions across various research fields.

Energy expenditure during physical work in cold environments: physiology and performance considerations for military service members.

Effective execution of military missions in cold environments requires highly trained, well-equipped, and operationally ready service members. Understanding the metabolic energetic demands of performing physical work in extreme cold conditions is critical for individual medical readiness of service members. In this narrative review, we describe 1) the extreme energy costs of performing militarily relevant physical work in cold environments, 2) key factors specific to cold environments that explain these additional energy costs, 3) additional environmental factors that modulate the metabolic burden, 4) medical readiness consequences associated with these circumstances, and 5) potential countermeasures to be developed to aid future military personnel. Key characteristics of the cold operational environment that cause excessive energy expenditure in military personnel include thermoregulatory mechanisms, winter apparel, inspiration of cold air, inclement weather, and activities specific to cold weather. The combination of cold temperatures with other environmental stressors, including altitude, wind, and wet environments, exacerbates the overall metabolic strain on military service members. The high energy cost of working in these environments increases the risk of undesirable consequences, including negative energy balance, dehydration, and subsequent decrements in physical and cognitive performance. Such consequences may be mitigated by the application of enhanced clothing and equipment design, wearable technologies for biomechanical assistance and localized heating, thermogenic pharmaceuticals, and cold habituation and training guidance. Altogether, the reduction in energy expenditure of modern military personnel during physical work in cold environments would promote desirable operational outcomes and optimize the health and performance of service members.

Interactive effects of aridity and local environmental factors on the functional trait composition and diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages in dryland rivers

Drought and local habitat alteration are major environmental stressors shaping the aquatic biota in dryland rivers. However, the combined effects of these factors on aquatic biodiversity remain poorly understood. We collected macroinvertebrate data from Central Asian dryland rivers in Xinjiang, China, from 2012 to 2022, to investigate the individual and interactive effects of drought (as indicated by increasing values of Aridity, AI) and local habitat conditions (fine sediments, velocity and pH) on aquatic macroinvertebrate functional trait composition and diversity. We found that interactions of the selected environmental stressors exhibited more frequent additive than synergistic or antagonistic effects, leading to shifts in macroinvertebrate functional trait composition and diversity accordingly. Interaction of AI and fine sediments showed more pronounced synergistic effects (positive or negative) compared to others and had positive influences on traits like small body size, ovoviviparity, etc. Functional diversity metrics responded differently to stressor interactions, with FRic and FDis being negatively affected, whereas FEve was positively correlated to stressor interaction, suggesting the complementary roles of functional diversity metrics to diagnose impacts of stressor interactions. Overall, our study provides new insights into macroinvertebrate assemblage-stressor relationships in dryland rivers and can help better assess, predict and manage aquatic biodiversity in these rivers under ongoing environmental change.

Change in root morphology, growth, and P transfer: Does foliar P application restrain root P-foraging behavior of Cunninghamia lanceolata seedlings in P-deficient environments?

Although foliar phosphorus application (FPA) is a fertilization method that can rapidly supplement nutrient elements in plants, it remains unclear whether it significantly affects the response strategy of roots under environmental stress. In this study, changes in plant growth, biomass allocation, and P use efficiency (PUE) of Chinese fir in different P environments were analyzed by FPA and root P application (RPA) treatments. The effects of FPA on P-foraging behavior of Chinese fir root system in P-deficient environment were then discussed. The root biomass with RPA was more significant at 0.03-0.25mmol·L-1 P concentrations than that with FPA; however, the PUE was significantly reduced by 28.89–29.41%. With an increase in the P application concentration, under the effect of FPA, the Chinese fir roots mainly reduced root proliferation by decreasing the tip number, surface area and volume but increasing in diameter, as well as the PUE of root, aboveground. As a result, the entire plant was improved. However, the degree of morphological adjustment of the root system was lower than that under RPA. In summary, both FPA and RPA can alleviate P starvation in Chinese fir to a certain extent, thereby improving PUE. Compared with RPA, FPA had a more significant impact on the behavior of Chinese fir roots in sensing and responding to soil P content, and the roots could more quickly sense changes in P content in the body. This mechanism provides valuable insights into the root response strategies of plants in P-deficient environments.

Structural, physicochemical, and in vitro digestion properties of microgel-reinforced synbiotic hydrogel beads filled with pectic oligosaccharides as a delivery system for Limosilactobacillus reuteri

Pea protein microgel (MG)-reinforced synbiotic low methoxyl pectin (LMP) hydrogel beads filled with different concentrations (0 %, 0.2 %, and 0.4 %) of pectic oligosaccharides (POS) were developed as delivery system for Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri). SEM results revealed that incorporating POS into the hydrogel beads made the gel matrix smoother and more compact, reducing probiotic leakage and higher encapsulation efficiency. FT-IR analysis observed new ionic crosslinking between LMP and calcium ions. In vitro digestion results suggested that MG-reinforced synbiotic hydrogel beads showed higher survival rates throughout upper gastrointestinal tract than MG, and the highest values were observed in the hydrogel beads with 0.4 % of POS. Most L. reuteri was released from the developed system after exposure to simulated colonic conditions for 48 h. MG-reinforced synbiotic hydrogel beads showed higher thermal and storage stability than MG alone, indicating that adding hydrogel bead layer to MG can efficiently protect L. reuteri from environmental stresses.

Antibiofilm activity of Morganella morganii JB8F and Pseudomonas fluorescens JB3B compound to control single and multi-species of aquaculture pathogens

BackgroundIndonesia is a country that uses half or more aquatic foods as protein intake. The increased production in aquaculture industries might cause several problems, such as bacterial disease resulting in mass mortality and economic losses. Antibiotics are no longer effective because aquaculture pathogens can form biofilm. Biofilm is a microbial community that aggregates and firmly attaches to living or non-living surfaces. Biofilm formation can be caused by environmental stress, the presence of antibiotics, and limited nutrients. Therefore, it is important to explore antibiofilm to inhibit biofilm formation and/or eradicate mature biofilm. Phyllosphere bacteria can produce bioactive compounds for antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing. Three aquaculture pathogens were used in this study, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Vibrio harveyi.ResultsPseudomonas fluorescens JB3B and Morganella morganii JB8F extracts could disrupt single and multi-species biofilms. Both extracts could inhibit single biofilm formation from one to seven days of incubation time. We confirmed the destruction activity on multi-species biofilm using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Using GC-MS analysis, indole was the most active fraction of the P. fluorescens JB3B extracts and octacosane from the M. morganii JB8F extract. We also conducted a toxicity test using brine shrimp lethality assay on P. fluorescens JB3B and M. morganii JB8F extracts. P. fluorescens JB3B, M. morganii JB8F, and a mixture of both extracts were confirmed non-toxic according to the LC50 value of the brine shrimp lethality test.ConclusionsP. fluorescens JB3B and M. morganii JB8F phyllosphere extracts had antibiofilm activity to inhibit single biofilm and disrupt single and multi-species biofilm of aquaculture pathogens. Both extracts could inhibit single species biofilm until seven days of incubation. Bioactive compounds that might contribute to antibiofilm properties were found in both extracts, such as indole and phenol. P. fluorescens JB3B, M. morganii JB8F extracts, and mixture of both extracts were non-toxic against Artemia salina.

Unique ecology of biofilms and flocs: Bacterial composition, assembly, interaction, and nitrogen metabolism within deteriorated bioreactor inoculated with mature partial nitrification-anammox sludge

This work unraveled discrepant ecological patterns between biofilms and flocs in a deteriorated bioreactor inoculated with mature partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) sludge. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, a comprehensive evaluation of neutral and null models, along with niche width, delineated that the bacterial community assembly in biofilms and flocs was dominantly driven by the stochastic process, and dispersal limitation critically shaped the community assembly. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that environmental stress caused decentralized and fragmented bacterial colonies, and anammox bacteria were mainly peripheral in biofilms network and less involved in interspecific interactions. Simultaneous PN/A and partial denitrification-anammox (PD/A) processes were identified, whereas PN and PD process primarily occurred in the biofilms and flocs, respectively, as evidenced by metagenomics. Collectively, these outcomes are expected to deepen the basic understanding of complex microbial community and nitrogen metabolism under environmental disturbance, thereby better characterizing and serving the artificial ecosystems.

Responses of various organic carbon pools to elevated temperatures in soils

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and its composition may be vulnerable to the effects of microbial degradation and various environmental stresses. Hitherto, the responses of various SOC pools to warming have rarely been explored. In this study, an incubation experiment was performed with top soils (0–20 cm) from Alfisol and Ultisol at three temperatures (15, 30 and 45 °C). Warming significantly decreased the contents of SOC, particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral associated organic carbon (MAOC) and iron bound organic carbon (Fe–OC) to different degrees. However, the proportion of MAOC and Fe–OC to SOC increased by 3.6–13.3 % and 3.8–7.3 %, respectively, with rising temperature, suggesting that the temperature response of MAOC and especially Fe-OC mineralization is lower than other SOC pools. From the analysis of the Fe-OC structure by various spectroscopic techniques, it was found that elevated temperature increased the proportion of aromatic C but decreased that of aliphatic C to Fe-OC. Soil pH, identified as the most important environmental variable for controlling Fe-OC chemical structure by Mantel test, exhibited a significant negative correlation with aliphatic Fe-OC and positive correlation with aromatic Fe-OC. Synchrotron radiation–based Fourier transform infrared (SR–FTIR) spectroscopy affirmed the higher binding strength of aromatic C with Fe oxides than aliphatic C in both soils. In addition, elevated temperature induced the increase and decrease of K-strategy bacteria and r-strategy bacteria, respectively, indicating warming slowed the bacterial growth, which could produce less necromass carbon for the association of Fe oxides and caused the decrease in Fe-OC. In summary, warming-induced changes in pH and microbial community structure can lead to a decrease in Fe-OC content, whereas the increased proportions confirmed that Fe-OC remains the most stable OC pool facing with short-term soil warming. These findings are helpful for better understanding the importance of soil minerals, especially Fe oxides, in the regulation of soil C sequestration under the context of climate change.

Hydrogen permeation behavior of X80 pipeline steel under alternating wet-dry environment in the South China Sea

The riser sections of offshore pipelines are subject to cathodic potentials, alternating wet-dry (AWD) cycles and stresses in the service environment. The hydrogen permeation of X80 offshore pipeline with different cathodic potentials, dry/wet ratios, and constant tensile stress in AWD environment were investigated by the self made experimental equipment, which includes the three modules, i.e., the constant stress loading, the two-component cell hydrogen permeation, and AWD environment. Results showed that hydrogen permeation current fluctuates with the AWD, which is different from that in the bulk solution. In one AWD cycle, the permeation increases in the wetting stage and decreases in the dry stage. The smaller the dry/wet ratio, the longer the hydrogen permeation current keeps high level which is caused by the dense corrosion product layer. The hydrogen permeation currents in the elastic stress are greater than those in the plastic deformation, and unstressed conditions is the smallest.

Assessing soil fungal diversity under different sampling schemes in conjunction with remote sensing technologies in a subtropical forest

Fungi, serving as real-time bioindicators to environmental changes and stressors, are crucial for effective forest conservation and management practices under ongoing global change. However, the large-scale assessment of soil fungi still encounters challenges in striking a balance between the extensive sampling costs and the limited accuracy of minimal sampling. In this study, we analyzed 1,606 soil samples collected from 625 quadrats (20 m × 20 m) within a 25-ha subtropical forest dynamic plot in East China. Our primary objective was to explore the impact of different sampling schemes, in conjunction with remote sensing (RS) technologies, on the interpolation of soil fungal diversity using Ordinary Kriging (OK) and Co-kriging (CoK) models. Our findings suggested that a sampling scheme including points at 0 m (the base points) and 8 m within each quadrat, totaling to 26 points/ha, would be a sufficient scheme. This scheme with OK model yielded comparable results to those of more intensive schemes (at 0, 2, 5 and 8 m), but required the fewest sampling points. Upon incorporating each RS variable separately into the CoK models, including two vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index and transformed chlorophyll absorption ratio index 2), three terrain attributes (Elevation, Aspect and Slope), and the synthesis of these RS variables, the accuracy of the predicted results was further improved for each sampling scheme. By leveraging high-precision soil DNA sequencing in conjunction with cost-effective RS technologies, this study proposes a rapid and affordable approach for monitoring soil fungal diversity on a large scale. This will facilitate data collection for understanding responses of forest soil fungi to ongoing global change.

Integrated assessment of simultaneous threshold exceedance of heat, air pollution and airborne allergenic pollen across Europe

BackgroundClimate change is expected to elevate exposure to several environmental health risk factors, including extreme environmental temperatures, air pollution and airborne allergenic pollen. Given their interconnected effects on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, it is crucial to evaluate these exposures simultaneously. Yet, comprehensive efforts to do so remain limited. This research aims to develop an approach using modelled data, in conjunction with health-based threshold values, to assess whether, where and when there is simultaneous threshold exceedance of heat, air pollution and airborne allergenic pollen in Europe. MethodsHourly exposure data for the three stressors were sourced from three models (air pollution: LOTOS-EUROS, pollen: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, meteorological conditions: ECMWF) for 2021 and 2022. Thresholds for each stressor that indicate the boundary of acceptable limits were based on officially established tresholds or literature recommendations. The result is a 0.1°x0.1° resolution grid (approximately 10 km x 10 km) for each stressor, with each cell representing whether exposure met or exceeded the threshold. FindingsSimultaneous threshold exceedance of air pollution and heat is occurring in various degrees throughout Europe. In the summer of 2022, the exceedances ranged from below 1% in large parts of Northern Europe to as much as 25% of the time in the Mediterranean area. An assessment of monthly threshold exceedance patterns shows a dynamic and changing co-exposure pattern across the year, which differs per region. InterpretationThis work lays out a robust approach to assess simultaneous threshold exceedances of multiple environmental health risk stressors. This approach can guide policy makers in pinpointing high-risk areas particularly vulnerable to simultaneous threshold exceedances, and develop mitigation strategies for those areas. FundingInternal funding from TNO.

Development of a Multi‐Scale Meteorological Large‐Eddy Simulation Model for Urban Thermal Environmental Studies: The “City‐LES” Model Version 2.0

AbstractTo bridge the gaps between meteorological large‐eddy simulation (LES) models and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for microscale urban climate simulations, the present study has developed a meteorological LES model for urban areas. This model simulates urban climates across both mesoscale (city scale) and microscale (city‐block scale). The paper offers an overview of this LES model, which distinguishes itself from standard numerical weather prediction models by resolving buildings and trees at the microscale simulations. It also differs from standard CFD models by accounting for atmospheric stratification and physical processes. Noteworthy features of this model include: (a) the calculation of long‐ and short‐wave radiations in three dimensions, incorporating multiple reflections within urban canopy layers using the radiosity method, and accounting for building and tree shadows in the simulations; (b) the provision of various heat stress indices (Universal Thermal Climate Index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, MRT, THI); (c) the assessment of the efficacy of heat stress mitigation measures such as dry‐mist spraying, roadside trees, cool pavements, and green/cool roofs strategies; (d) the capability to run on supercomputers, with the code parallelized in a three‐dimensional manner, and the model can also run on a graphics processing unit cluster. Following the introduction of this model, the study confirms its basic performance through various numerical experiments, including simulations of thermals in the convective boundary layer, coherent structure of turbulence over urban canopy, and thermal environment and heat stress indices in urban districts. The model developed in this study is intended to serve as a community tool for addressing both fundamental and applied studies in urban climatology.

A Complex Relationship Among the Circadian Rhythm, Reward Circuit and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

The human brain not only controls the various physiological functions but is also the prime regulator of circadian rhythms, rewards, and behaviors. Environmental factors, professional stress, and social disintegration are regarded as the initial causative factors of addiction behavior. Shift work, artificial light exposure at night, and chronic and acute jet lag influence circadian rhythm dysfunction. The result is impaired neurotransmitter release, dysfunction of neural circuits, endocrine disturbance, and metabolic disorder, leading to advancement in substance use disorder. There is a bidirectional relationship between chronodisruption and addiction behavior. Circadian rhythm dysfunction, neuroadaptation in the reward circuits, and alteration in clock gene expression in the mesolimbic areas influence substance use disorder (SUD), and chronotherapy has potential benefits in the treatment strategies. This review explores the relationship among the circadian rhythm dysfunction, reward circuit, and SUD. The impact of chronotherapy on SUD has also been discussed.

All-day superhydrophobic photo-thermal and electro-thermal icephobic surfaces based on ZrN/MoSe2 composite

Ice formation on equipment and infrastructure surfaces can lead to severe damage and operational disruptions, necessitating advancements in passive anti-icing technologies to enhance de-icing efficiency. Superhydrophobic materials offer notable improvements, such as minimal water affinity and reduced ice adhesion. However, their practical application is hindered by limited durability and vulnerability to cold and humid conditions. This study presents the development of a micro-nanostructured ZrN/MoSe2 photo-electrothermal superhydrophobic composite coating, which exhibits physical and chemical self-cleaning capabilities both day and night. This innovative coating rapidly heats due to the combined effects of solar absorption and Joule heating. It reaches 89.4 °C in 600 s under simulated sunlight and 81 °C with a 15 V electrical input in 300 s. With a contact angle exceeding 155°, it demonstrates superior self-cleaning abilities. Moreover, the coating retains its exceptional anti-icing and de-icing properties even after exposure to mechanical stress, abrasion, and harsh chemical environments. It can rapidly melt ice from surfaces in just 66 s at −20 °C under one sun, achieving a 76 % efficiency in photo-thermal de-icing. Electro-thermal de-icing tests reveal that the coating can melt ice in 55 s with an 87 % efficiency. These promising features, attributed to the unique properties of ZrN nanoparticles and MoSe2 nanosheets, significantly provide substantial advancements in superhydrophobic coating technologies. They offer the potential for large-scale production and enhanced performance in ice management.

Alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals: a call for action.

Alcohol consumption and harmful and hazardous drinking are significant contributors to the global burden of disease, accounting for about 3 million deaths each year globally. Owing to their stressful work environment, healthcare professionals are at a high risk of experiencing physical and mental health problems, particularly alcohol use disorders. Alcohol use disorder among healthcare professionals is of concern as it is associated with decreased work productivity and performance and associated ill health and cognitive impairment. This review, therefore, aimed to gather evidence on the prevalence and associated factors for alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals. The findings revealed a high prevalence of alcohol use disorders among healthcare professionals, which were worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there was a glaring dearth of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Urgent interventions and support systems are therefore needed to address these issues. A comprehensive approach, considering individual and organizational factors, alongside evidence-based interventions, training and support programs, can promote workforce well-being and improve the quality of patient care. It is imperative to integrate alcohol use screening, preventive and treatment interventions with primary healthcare and psychiatry services.This will help ensureearly diagnosis and timelyinitiation of preventive and therapeutic measures, reducing the risk of missed opportunities. Furthermore, offering effective human resource management support services to healthcare professionals would significantly enhance their well-being and help prevent alcohol use disorders.

Biotransformation and oxidative stress markers in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus): Interactive impacts of microplastics and florfenicol

This study investigates the combined toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and florfenicol (FLO) on biotransformation enzymes and oxidative stress biomarkers in the liver and kidney of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus). Fish were fed 15 mg kg−1 of FLO and 100 or 500 mg kg−1 of MPs for 10 days. Biomarkers, including ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonylation (PC), were measured in both organs at 1, 7, and 14 days post-exposure. FLO levels peaked on day 1 and declined after that. Liver biomarkers were more responsive to pollutants, with the combined exposure of FLO and MPs leading to more pronounced toxicity. By day 14, only the FLO group showed a return to baseline biomarker levels, while MDA and PC levels remained elevated in MPs and co-exposed groups. These findings highlight the importance of considering the interactive effects of multiple pollutants in addressing marine environmental stressors.