Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including WNV infection and chikungunya virus disease. This shift is driven by climatic and environmental factors such as rising temperatures, longer summer seasons, milder winters and changes in rainfall patterns — conditions that combine to create a favourable environment for mosquitoes to thrive and transmit viruses.

This study investigates the effect of Pedunculoside (PE) on ulcer recovery using a murine oral ulcer model and in vitro assays with primary oral mucosal fibroblasts.

In vivo, PE treatment significantly accelerated ulcer healing in mice, achieving a 7-day cure rate of 85.7%, which is notably higher than control groups. In vitro, PE promoted fibroblast proliferation and markedly enhanced collagen secretion—both key processes in wound healing. Gene and protein expression analyses revealed that PE significantly upregulated Smad3, Col1a1, and Col3a1, indicating a stimulation of the collagen synthesis pathway. Importantly, PE reversed the inhibitory effects of WP1066 (a STAT3 inhibitor) on STAT3 activation, suggesting that PE exerts its healing effects through STAT3 and Smad3 signaling axes.

While PE did not affect fibroblast migration, its potent effect on proliferation and collagen production positions it as a compelling candidate for oral ulcer therapy. These findings provide a pharmacological foundation for the development of PE as a natural and effective agent for treating oral mucosal injuries. Moreover, this study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of wound healing, emphasizing the relevance of STAT3 and Smad3 signaling in the regenerative process.

Given its anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties, PE may offer a safe, low-cost alternative or complementary therapy for oral ulcers, particularly in populations seeking herbal or traditional treatments.

Vaping among teens and young people is consistently linked to subsequent smoking, marijuana and alcohol use, finds an overarching (umbrella) review of systematic reviews of the evidence, published online in the journal Tobacco Control.

And it’s associated with other harmful consequences, including heightened risks of asthma, cough, injuries and mental ill health as well as possibly pneumonia, bronchitis, headaches, migraine, dizziness/lightheadedness, low sperm count, and poor mouth health. 

ITHACA, N.Y. - As overdoses from fentanyl and opioids continue to rise, many communities have created interactive overdose dashboards showing data trends and community resources to help with substance abuse. However, there’s not much research looking at how effective these dashboards are at helping public health officials make data-driven decisions, especially in rural areas. Researchers from Cornell University are filling that gap.