epidemiology – mycolab.ai

The effectiveness of interventions to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory infections in care homes: a systematic review

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This systematic review examined effective ways to prevent respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 in care homes where elderly residents live. The researchers found that antiviral medications like oseltamivir can halve the risk of influenza even in vaccinated residents if given within 7 days of detecting a case. High-dose vitamin D supplementation (100,000 IU monthly) reduced respiratory infection risk by 40%. Educational programs to improve staff hygiene practices showed mixed results, while other supplements like probiotics did not significantly help.

Biology and epidemiology of Diaporthe amygdali: understanding how environmental factors influence fungal growth, sporulation, infection and lesion development on almond

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This study investigates how temperature and rainfall affect a fungal disease that damages almond trees. Researchers found that the disease is most problematic during spring and autumn when rain is frequent and temperatures are moderate to warm. The pathogen can infect almond trees across a wide temperature range, but requires extended moisture periods for successful infection. These findings help farmers understand when and why this disease occurs, enabling better timing of preventive treatments.

Enhancing Environmental and Human Health Management Through the Integration of Advanced Revitalization Technologies Utilizing Artificial Intelligence

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This paper describes how combining artificial intelligence with environmental monitoring can help us better understand how pollution harms our health. The authors propose a seven-step system that collects data on pollution levels in air, water, and soil alongside health information from communities. By using AI to analyze these massive datasets together, scientists and doctors can more quickly identify which pollutants are causing specific health problems and design better treatments for affected people and environments.

Dietary live microbe intake and its association with Parkinson’s disease in American adults: an NHANES analysis (1999–2018)

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This study found that eating more foods rich in live microbes—like fermented products (yogurt, kimchi) and fresh fruits and vegetables—is associated with lower rates of Parkinson’s disease in American adults. The protective effect was strongest in people without obesity. The live microbes appear to work by maintaining a healthy gut environment, reducing inflammation, and protecting nerve cells from damage. This suggests that regular consumption of microbe-rich foods from nature might be a simple, inexpensive way to help prevent or slow Parkinson’s disease.

Psychedelic use in Poland: prevalence, correlates and social attitudes

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This study found that about 6% of Polish adults have tried psychedelic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms, mostly young men in cities driven by curiosity. Most users took these substances at home and described mixed experiences. While negative attitudes toward psychedelics were common overall, people with meditation experience and previous psychedelic use had more positive views about their therapeutic potential.

Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils and Gastric Cancer Risk: Molecular Insights and the Relevance of a One Health Perspective

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Heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead contaminate agricultural soils and accumulate in crops such as rice and vegetables, which people consume as part of their daily diet. These metals damage stomach cell DNA and trigger inflammation, increasing cancer risk, especially when combined with bacterial infections like H. pylori. A comprehensive approach monitoring soil quality, crop safety, and human health together can help prevent this disease and protect communities from contamination.

Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

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This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

Fungal Microbiome Diversity in Urban Forest Decreases Asthma and Allergic Inflammation

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This study found that living near urban forests with diverse fungal species may protect against asthma. Researchers collected fungi from air samples in Seoul and found that areas with more forests had fewer asthma cases. Laboratory tests showed that fungi from forests were better at reducing allergic inflammation than fungi from city centers. The diversity of fungal species, rather than specific types, appeared to provide protective benefits.

The Rising Threat of Mucormycosis: Oman’s Experience Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that became much more common in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients had diabetes and nearly half had COVID-19, with very high death rates. The infection primarily affects the sinuses and brain, and requires aggressive treatment with surgery and antifungal medications. This study shows doctors need better tools to detect and treat this dangerous infection, especially during health crises.

What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)

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This study examines cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that affects both animals and humans, across Portugal from 2013-2025. Researchers found that about 4.5% of animal samples tested positive for Cryptococcus species, with infections most common in dogs and cats. The infections peaked during summer months and were most prevalent in central Portugal, with different fungal species affecting different animal types. The research emphasizes the importance of coordinated monitoring across animals, humans, and the environment to better understand and control this disease.

Research Keyword: epidemiology