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Keywords = environmentally relevant exposure

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24 pages, 1262 KB  
Article
Combined Factors Influencing the Severity of Elderly-Pedestrian Crashes in Local Areas of Korea Using Classification and Regression Trees and Sensitivity Analysis
by Dong-youn Lee and Ho-jun Yoo
Standards 2026, 6(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/standards6020015 - 10 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study investigated injury severity in 18,528 police-reported vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes involving elderly pedestrians in legally classified local areas of South Korea during 2012–2021. Injury severity was coded into four ordered categories: fatal, serious, minor, and reported injury. To stabilize scenario extraction from a [...] Read more.
This study investigated injury severity in 18,528 police-reported vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes involving elderly pedestrians in legally classified local areas of South Korea during 2012–2021. Injury severity was coded into four ordered categories: fatal, serious, minor, and reported injury. To stabilize scenario extraction from a categorical crash database, an integrated screening workflow was applied, including near-zero-variance filtering, redundancy control among overlapping roadway encodings, representative-variable selection within redundant groups, and chi-square association checks. Classification and regression tree (CART) modeling was then used to identify rule-based combinations of environmental, roadway, driver, pedestrian, and vehicle factors associated with elevated severity, while tree complexity was controlled through cost-complexity pruning and 10-fold cross-validation. A scenario-based sensitivity analysis was further conducted to evaluate counterfactual shifts in severity distributions under targeted control of key conditions within representative high-risk scenarios. The results showed that severe outcomes were concentrated in stacked-risk combinations rather than in single factors alone. A dominant pathway involved nighttime conditions combined with maneuver-related driving contexts and speeding-related violations. High-fatality scenarios persisted even when speed-related predictors were excluded, underscoring the roles of nighttime exposure, visibility limitations, conflict-prone roadway settings, heavy-vehicle involvement, and pedestrian exposure behaviors. The proposed framework translates administrative crash records into concise, operationally interpretable scenarios and intervention-relevant evidence for local-area safety. Full article
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29 pages, 2677 KB  
Review
Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics on Reproductive Cancer and the Potential Anticancer Benefits of Prolonged Ginger, Garlic, and Turmeric Consumption: A Narrative Review
by Babatunde Adebola Alabi, Onyemaechi Okpara Azu, Zodwa Dlamini, Richard Khanyile and Rahaba Marima
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(4), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23040471 - 7 Apr 2026
Abstract
Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) is increasingly recognized as a potential environmental health concern, although their role in reproductive carcinogenesis remains unclear. This narrative review aims to evaluate current evidence linking MP/NP exposure to reproductive cancers and to explore the potential [...] Read more.
Human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MP/NPs) is increasingly recognized as a potential environmental health concern, although their role in reproductive carcinogenesis remains unclear. This narrative review aims to evaluate current evidence linking MP/NP exposure to reproductive cancers and to explore the potential chemoprotective effects of bioactive compounds derived from ginger, garlic, and turmeric. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2008 and 2026. Relevant in vitro, in vivo, and human biomonitoring studies were included to assess mechanisms of toxicity, while preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed to examine the anticancer properties of selected dietary phytochemicals. Available evidence suggests that MP/NPs can accumulate in human biological systems, including reproductive tissues, where they induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage, processes closely associated with carcinogenesis. Although epidemiological data remain limited and do not establish cancer, emerging biomonitoring and experimental findings support a biologically plausible link between MP/NP exposure and hormone-related cancers. Concurrently, bioactive compounds such as curcuminoids, gingerols, and organosulfur compounds demonstrate the ability to modulate key molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Preclinical studies consistently report anticancer effects, while early clinical evidence suggests improvements in oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, though definitive therapeutic benefits remain uncertain. Overall, this review highlights important mechanistic links and identifies dietary phytochemicals as potential modulators of MP/NP-induced carcinogenic pathways. However, further well-designed epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and validate their protective role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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19 pages, 915 KB  
Article
Spatial Planning in Protected Areas: Conceptualization and a Multi-Criteria Compatibility Assessment Model Applied to Kozara National Park
by Neda Živak, Irena Medar-Tanjga, Branka Zolak Poljašević, Vukosava Čolić, Dijana Gvozden Sliško and Mitja Tanjga
Land 2026, 15(4), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040596 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 171
Abstract
Cultural and natural heritage are increasingly framed as components of territorial governance rather than isolated conservation elements; yet, a structural gap persists between their strategic recognition in planning documents and their measurable integration into statutory land-use systems that guide spatial decision-making. This gap [...] Read more.
Cultural and natural heritage are increasingly framed as components of territorial governance rather than isolated conservation elements; yet, a structural gap persists between their strategic recognition in planning documents and their measurable integration into statutory land-use systems that guide spatial decision-making. This gap is particularly pronounced in protected areas, where ecological integrity, cultural and symbolic values, tourism functions, and socio-economic expectations converge within environmentally sensitive landscapes. This study develops and empirically applies a compatibility-based analytical framework that embeds Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) within the statutory spatial planning system of Kozara National Park. The framework combines (i) institutional analysis of legally binding planning instruments, (ii) zoning-aligned analytical units derived from the Special-Purpose Spatial Plan and Management Plan, and (iii) a weighted multi-criteria model incorporating ecological integrity, cultural–historical significance, tourism and recreation capacity under controlled use, and socio-economic feasibility. Climate-related disturbance exposure is incorporated as a planning-relevant modifier of ecological compatibility. Composite compatibility scores under the baseline configuration range from 2.55 to 3.85 across analytical units. Rank correlation analysis suggests a high degree of structural consistency across both alternative weighting configurations relative to the baseline scenario (Spearman’s ρ ≈ 0.90), with only limited rank reordering observed, primarily between the two highest-ranked analytical units. Dispersed low-intensity recreational configurations demonstrate the highest structural robustness, whereas infrastructure-intensive zones exhibit management-dependent compatibility. The findings show how spatial planning in protected areas can operationalize compatibility as a measurable decision-support principle without substituting statutory zoning logic. Full article
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12 pages, 1186 KB  
Article
Beverage-Induced Staining and Water Sorption/Solubility of Conventional and Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer Restoratives
by Fatin A. Hasanain, Rotana M. Abulaban, Nouf S. Almeganni and Hani M. Nassar
Biomimetics 2026, 11(4), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11040249 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 184
Abstract
Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are considered functionally biomimetic as they participate in ion-exchange processes that partially resemble the behavior of natural enamel and dentin, chemically bond to dental hard tissues, and release fluoride. While GICs are designed to interact with aqueous oral environments, [...] Read more.
Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are considered functionally biomimetic as they participate in ion-exchange processes that partially resemble the behavior of natural enamel and dentin, chemically bond to dental hard tissues, and release fluoride. While GICs are designed to interact with aqueous oral environments, their exposure to dietary beverages may affect their esthetic stability and water-related behavior within the oral environment. For biomimetic restorative materials to perform successfully in the oral environment, they must maintain not only bioactive properties but also esthetic stability and resistance to water-related degradation during exposure to dietary beverages. This study evaluated beverage-induced color changes, water sorption, and water solubility of six GICs following their immersion in coffee, tea, berry juice, cola, and distilled water (n = 5 per material per solution). Color measurements were recorded at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks using a spectrophotometer, and color change (ΔE) values were calculated using the CIE L*a*b* system. Specimen mass was measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of immersion and then after 4 weeks of desiccation. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The results showed time, material, and solution significantly affected ΔE (p < 0.001). Tea produced the greatest discoloration overall, followed by coffee. ChemFil exhibited the greatest staining susceptibility, while Fuji II showed the lowest staining susceptibility. Water sorption and solubility were material- and solution-dependent. Clinically relevant discoloration of GICs was found when immersed in common beverages over time, with tea showing the strongest staining effect. These findings indicate that although GICs exhibit biomimetic characteristics through their interaction with tooth structures and aqueous environments, their long-term esthetic stability and resistance to environmental challenges should also be considered when selecting restorative materials for clinically visible areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Bonded Restorations for Dental Applications: 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 2463 KB  
Review
Microplastics and Health: A Review on Environmental Exposure, Toxicokinetics and Biological Effects
by Vishavjeet Rathee, Yogesh K. Ahlawat, Ritu Singh, Jitender Kumar Bhardwaj, Ajaybeer Kaur, Suresh Kumar, Priya Sharma, Rita Choudhary, Nidhi Didwania, Dharmendra Kumar and Shivankar Agarwal
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3527; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073527 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic polymer particles that are generally less than 5 mm in size and have attracted heightened scrutiny due to their pervasive presence in the environment, along with their toxicological significance. Several research investigations documented its presence in humans as a [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic polymer particles that are generally less than 5 mm in size and have attracted heightened scrutiny due to their pervasive presence in the environment, along with their toxicological significance. Several research investigations documented its presence in humans as a profound finding in biological tissues and fluids crossing barriers, leading to oxidative and inflammatory pathways alterations associated with blood, placenta, cardiovascular, pulmonary, nephrotic, other systems, and their disorders. Given the ubiquitous utilization of microplastics across diverse sectors, it is imperative to systematically investigate and elucidate their potential toxicological effects on biological systems through rigorous and mechanistically informed research. This review will also provide the synthesis of recent mechanistic data on the toxicity that can be caused by MPs and will determine key gaps that impede efficient human health risk evaluation. A structured literature search was conducted via PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, mostly from the studies published between 2010 and 2026. The studies of exposure characteristics and biological effects were analyzed in vitro, in vivo, and in human biomonitoring, and the primary focus of the interventions includes oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, hepatotoxicity, and metabolic malfunction. MPs possess various physicochemical properties, such as a low particle size, various shapes, surface area, polymer composition, and the presence of sorbed or intrinsic additives. When MPs are taken up by cells, they can induce oxidative stress via increasing ROS, eventually leading to high lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial malfunction, DNA fragmentation, and eventually cell death. MPs also cause pro-inflammatory cytokine responses, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, altering the immune system and cell profile, leading to systemic inflammation. In aquatic and terrestrial organisms, these microplastics have a harmful impact on growth, reproduction, and behavior in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Under conditions of controlled exposure, the organ-specific toxicities that have been reported include hepatic, renal, neurological, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. Although the fields of mechanistic knowledge are growing, there is still a substantial amount of uncertainty; there is a lack of characterization of the long-term effects of low-dose chronic exposure, the kinetics of bioaccumulation, biodegradation potential, and transgenerational effects. In addition, there are no standardized procedures for the characterization of MPs, nor the reporting of the distribution of size or exposure measurements, which limits the comparability of cross-studies and makes it difficult to assess risks quantitatively. The dynamics of interactions of MPs between co-adsorbed contaminants like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are also yet to be explored. Although all evidence available to date does indicate biologically plausible mechanisms of MP-induced toxicity, integrated research employing standardized analytical protocols, an environmentally relevant exposure model, and human epidemiological data is required to ensure that laboratory results are translated into evidence-based public health and regulatory actions. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the existing molecular understanding of MP-induced toxicity, demonstrates organism-level impacts throughout species, and establishes vital fields for future studies. In order to develop competent guidelines to minimize MP exposure and its adverse health effects, it is crucial to cover these gaps via research that incorporates toxicology and environmental science. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil Conservation and Sustainability)
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16 pages, 3700 KB  
Article
Lung Microbiome Dysbiosis in Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Bleomycin in Rats
by Wan-Seob Cho, Muneeswaran Thillaichidambaram, Soyeon Jeon, Gyu-Ri Kim, Sin-Uk Lee, Seung-Ho Lee, Yoon-Ji Kim, Eun-Soo Lee, Youngki Kim, Dongmug Kang and Se-Yeong Kim
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040688 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 194
Abstract
Background and objectives: Occupational and environmental inhalation exposures, including high-aspect-ratio carbon nanotubes, can trigger pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The relationship between exposure-specific fibrogenic pathways (granulomatous inflammation versus diffuse epithelial injury) and lung microbiome dysbiosis remains incompletely understood. We therefore compared lung microbiome alterations [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Occupational and environmental inhalation exposures, including high-aspect-ratio carbon nanotubes, can trigger pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The relationship between exposure-specific fibrogenic pathways (granulomatous inflammation versus diffuse epithelial injury) and lung microbiome dysbiosis remains incompletely understood. We therefore compared lung microbiome alterations in rat PF models induced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and bleomycin. Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats received a single intratracheal instillation of vehicle, MWCNTs (750 μg/rat), or bleomycin (1 mg/rat). At day 28, fibrosis and inflammation were evaluated by histopathology and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) profiling. Lung microbial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3–V4). Seventeen lung samples passed stringent quality control and were analyzed (control n = 5; bleomycin n = 7; MWCNT n = 5). Results: Both agents induced PF with increased profibrotic signaling, but with distinct pathological signatures: MWCNTs produced localized granulomatous lesions and a robust neutrophilic response (25% of BALF cells), whereas bleomycin caused diffuse interstitial remodeling. Bleomycin increased microbial richness (alpha diversity; p < 0.05) and significantly shifted community structure (beta diversity; p < 0.05), while MWCNT exposure showed comparatively limited changes in global diversity. The relative abundance of Pseudogracilibacillus (including P. marinus) was higher in the bleomycin group than in controls, whereas Facklamia tabacinasalis and Corynebacterium maris were more abundant in the MWCNT group. Across samples, Proteobacteria abundance was inversely correlated with BALF TGF-β, MCP-1, and neutrophil proportion. At the species level, Pseudogracilibacillus marinus was positively correlated with BALF TGF-β, while Facklamia tabacinasalis and Corynebacterium maris were positively correlated with MCP-1, CINC-3, and neutrophil proportion (Spearman; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mechanistically distinct fibrogenic exposures generate exposure-linked lung microbiome signatures that track with host inflammatory and profibrotic responses. These signatures may support biomarker development for environmentally and occupationally relevant PF and motivate longitudinal and functional studies to clarify causality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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12 pages, 765 KB  
Article
The Influence of Direct Sunlight Exposure and Forensic Usability of Latent Fingerprints
by Michal Soták, Mária Chovancová, Petra Švábová, Zuzana Kozáková and Radoslav Beňuš
Forensic Sci. 2026, 6(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci6020034 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 166
Abstract
Background: Latent fingerprints are crucial forensic evidence, but their stability can be affected by environmental factors such as direct sunlight. The findings indicate that prolonged sunlight exposure may be associated with reduced fingerprint quality and forensic usability. Methods: A total of [...] Read more.
Background: Latent fingerprints are crucial forensic evidence, but their stability can be affected by environmental factors such as direct sunlight. The findings indicate that prolonged sunlight exposure may be associated with reduced fingerprint quality and forensic usability. Methods: A total of 322 groomed latent fingerprints from one volunteer were deposited on non-porous glass and exposed to direct sunlight for 1–7 weeks. A control sample was preserved without exposure. Fingerprints were developed using magnetic powder and assessed by minutiae counts. Usability was classified according to Slovak forensic standards. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Friedman test and Durbin–Conover test. Results: Significant differences in minutiae counts were observed between the control and selected exposure intervals (weeks 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7; p < 0.05). The degradation pattern was not linear, with initial decreases followed by stabilization in later weeks. Despite statistical differences, 99.38% of fingerprints remained usable for identification, and none were classified as non-usable. Conclusions: Prolonged direct sunlight exposure did not substantially reduce the identificatory value of groomed latent fingerprints on glass. Even after several weeks, most fingerprints retained sufficient ridge detail for personal identification, supporting their evidential relevance in outdoor forensic contexts. Full article
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26 pages, 2406 KB  
Article
Lowest Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Ionic Silver in Picograms per Liter Impair Life History Traits and Population Growth of Daphnia magna (Cladocera)
by Jingyun Ding, Stefanie Krais, Zequn Li, Rita Triebskorn and Heinz-R. Köhler
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020060 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 231
Abstract
Although chronic contamination by silver ions (Ag+) can persist in aquatic systems over long periods of time and can therefore have an impact on population developments, regulatory testing commonly relies on single-generation endpoints. Here, we used Daphnia magna to quantify long-term [...] Read more.
Although chronic contamination by silver ions (Ag+) can persist in aquatic systems over long periods of time and can therefore have an impact on population developments, regulatory testing commonly relies on single-generation endpoints. Here, we used Daphnia magna to quantify long-term effects of pg/L to ng/L concentrations of Ag+ across generations and to test whether recovery depends on exposure history. Using 21 d life-cycle assays over up to seven consecutive generations, we quantified survival, key life-history traits, and population fitness (intrinsic rate of natural increase, r). In our study, low environmental concentrations of Ag+ caused minimal mortality, but sublethal effects persisted or multiplied over generations. Notably, continuous exposure led to significant reductions in body length and r at 50 pg/L (nominal LOEC) by the fourth generation exposed, representing population-relevant effects of Ag+ at very low concentrations which should be given consideration in the assessment of both water quality and the chemical itself. Recovery was concentration-dependent: low-concentration-exposed lineages recovered within a few generations, whereas 15 ng/L exposure resulted in persistent deficits even through the recovery period of three generations. Exposure-history patterns indicated that long-term outcomes were dominated by the cumulative number of exposed generations. These findings highlight the limitations of acute and single-generation assays and emphasize the importance of considering information on the effects of chemicals, including Ag+, across multiple generations in risk assessments. They also highlight the need to include expectations regarding recovery after the removal of pollutants in these assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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21 pages, 2891 KB  
Article
Energy Emissions and Cost Impacts of Autonomous Battery Electric Vehicles in Riyadh
by Ali Louati, Hassen Louati and Elham Kariri
Batteries 2026, 12(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12040125 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 200
Abstract
Autonomous battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the potential to reshape urban mobility systems, yet their sustainability impacts remain underexplored in Gulf-region cities where traffic dynamics, land-use structures, and environmental conditions differ substantially from Western contexts. This study introduces a Saudi-specific assessment framework that [...] Read more.
Autonomous battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have the potential to reshape urban mobility systems, yet their sustainability impacts remain underexplored in Gulf-region cities where traffic dynamics, land-use structures, and environmental conditions differ substantially from Western contexts. This study introduces a Saudi-specific assessment framework that integrates monetised externalities with empirically calibrated traffic dynamics to evaluate how automation influences safety, congestion, land use, emissions, and noise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Riyadh-calibrated monetised external-cost evaluation of autonomous BEVs that couples externality valuation with simulation-validated time-varying traffic dynamics (SAR per vkm and SAR per pkm), enabling realistic peak-period sustainability assessment. The framework’s key contribution is linking external-cost modelling with spatiotemporal traffic behaviour derived from Riyadh’s 2023 mobility patterns, providing a more realistic basis for sustainability evaluation. Using national datasets from transport, energy, and statistical authorities, the model estimates substantial reductions in external costs when transitioning from human-driven to autonomous BEVs, driven primarily by lower crash exposure and smoother traffic flow. To validate these findings under real operating conditions, a dynamic analysis incorporating hourly and seasonal traffic variability was developed, revealing that automation delivers its strongest improvements during peak-demand periods where congestion externalities are highest. The integrated results demonstrate the relevance of autonomous BEVs for dense rapidly growing Saudi cities and provide actionable insights for future mobility planning. The study highlights the policy importance of coordinated transport, land-use, and energy strategies to ensure that automation contributes meaningfully to national sustainability goals under Vision 2030. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Battery Modelling, Simulation, Management and Application)
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22 pages, 2999 KB  
Article
Intranasal Formaldehyde Exposure Induces RAGE-Mediated Alteration of the ADAM10/BACE1 Expression Balance and Amyloid Deposition
by Ilya G. Mikhailov, Milana S. Mikhailova, Alexey D. Baklashov, Polina S. Ponamareva, Sofya N. Shumilova, Andrey N. Shuvaev, Olga S. Belozor and Anton N. Shuvaev
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040779 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains an incurable disorder with severe clinical consequences. The type 3 diabetes hypothesis posits that AD may constitute a neuroendocrine disorder driven by disrupted insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling. Amyloid pathogenesis in AD is characterized by the accumulation [...] Read more.
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains an incurable disorder with severe clinical consequences. The type 3 diabetes hypothesis posits that AD may constitute a neuroendocrine disorder driven by disrupted insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling. Amyloid pathogenesis in AD is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) monomers, their subsequent oligomerization, and amyloid deposition. One of the causes of Aβ accumulation is disruption of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing due to imbalance in ADAM10 and BACE1 expression. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to investigating the role of environmental factors in AD pathogenesis. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) serves as a key molecular link between environmental exposure and neuroinflammatory pathology. Formaldehyde (FA) is one of the most widespread environmental pollutants. Its involvement in amyloid plaque formation has been previously reported; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain insufficiently understood. Moreover, most available data are based on prolonged FA exposure, whereas industrial FA emissions are often short-term. The objective of this study was to determine whether brief intranasal administration of FA, modeling episodic industrial pollution, induces RAGE-mediated neuroinflammation and amyloid deposition in CD1 mice. Methods: Mice received intranasal FA at environmentally relevant 0.02 mg/day or 0.2 mg/day doses for seven days; an additional group was co-treated with insulin. Cognitive function was assessed using passive avoidance (PA) and radial arm maze (RAM) tests, and synaptic plasticity was evaluated by electrophysiology. Hippocampal tissue was analyzed for RAGE expression, ADAM10/BACE1 gene balance, Aβ42 monomer levels, and amyloid deposits using optimized Thioflavin-S (Th-S) staining. Results: We observed cognitive decline in mice receiving intranasal FA administration. Elevated blood glucose levels were also observed following intranasal FA exposure. Sustained impairment of glucose metabolism led to overexpression of the RAGE in the hippocampus. There was also an imbalance of ADAM10 and BACE1 expression in the hippocampus. This was caused by overexpression of RAGE, as the enhanced interaction of the ligand and RAGE is a key factor disrupting this balance. Finally, Th-S staining confirmed amyloid deposition in mice subjected to intranasal FA exposure. Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the RAGE-mediated mechanisms by which FA contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience)
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24 pages, 2957 KB  
Review
Microplastics in Natural Waters: Occurrence, Risks and Mitigation Strategies
by Shuwen Zheng, Zhenyu Zhai, Zheming Zhang, Jianxiong Xiang, Jingsi Chen, Zhuorong Du and Xiaoyan Qian
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040296 - 29 Mar 2026
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Microplastics have become a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in natural waters, raising significant concerns regarding aquatic ecosystem health and potential human exposure. A comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on microplastic pollution in freshwater and marine systems is presented, focusing on sources, distribution patterns, environmental [...] Read more.
Microplastics have become a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in natural waters, raising significant concerns regarding aquatic ecosystem health and potential human exposure. A comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on microplastic pollution in freshwater and marine systems is presented, focusing on sources, distribution patterns, environmental behavior, and associated risks. In freshwater environments, microplastic inputs are closely linked to human activities and land use, with wastewater treatment plant effluent, urban runoff, and agricultural drainage serving as major pathways. In marine systems, microplastics undergo dynamic transport influenced by particle properties, hydrodynamic conditions, and biological interactions such as biofouling and aggregation, leading to widespread distribution from coastal zones to deep sea sediments. Importantly, the role of the freshwater–estuarine–marine continuum is emphasized, highlighting the coupled processes of transport, retention, and remobilisation that govern the spatiotemporal distribution and ultimate fate of microplastics across interconnected aquatic systems. Toxicological effects on aquatic organisms are further examined, particularly immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity, alongside potential human health risks via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. Attention is drawn to the discrepancy between experimental exposure conditions and environmentally relevant concentrations, which constrains robust risk assessment. Current mitigation strategies, including source reduction, wastewater treatment upgrades, transport interception, and degradation technologies, are critically evaluated in terms of effectiveness and limitations. A clear distinction is made between apparent removal and actual degradation, with further consideration of the environmental implications associated with sludge retention and degradation byproducts. Finally, key research priorities are identified, including the need for standardized detection methods, improved exposure assessment, development of environmentally benign alternatives, and strengthened policy-driven source control. These insights provide a basis for advancing sustainable management strategies for microplastic pollution in natural waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Contaminants)
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25 pages, 556 KB  
Review
A One Health Decalogue for Breastfeeding: Microbiota-Targeted Strategies for Infant Gastrointestinal and Neurodevelopmental Health
by Mariarosaria Matera, Valentina Biagioli, Chiara Maria Palazzi, Martina Meocci, Fausto Pedaci, Alberto Besostri, Nicola Zerbinati and Francesco Di Pierro
Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071074 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding represents a critical developmental window during which maternal biology, environmental exposures, and nutrition converge to influence infant gastrointestinal health and long-term developmental trajectories. From a One Health perspective, breastfeeding can be conceptualized not as a static nutritional act, but as a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding represents a critical developmental window during which maternal biology, environmental exposures, and nutrition converge to influence infant gastrointestinal health and long-term developmental trajectories. From a One Health perspective, breastfeeding can be conceptualized not as a static nutritional act, but as a dynamic and modifiable biological system in which maternal factors shape early-life microbiota assembly and immune programming. This narrative review explores how microbiota-oriented strategies during breastfeeding may foster a favorable trajectory of infant health, potentially extending to transgenerational outcomes. Methods: This narrative review is structured around a ten-point decalogue addressing interconnected domains relevant to the maternal–milk–infant microbiota axis, including maternal diet, microbial diversity, environmental exposures, psychological stress and probiotic use. Current mechanistic and clinical evidence was examined to evaluate how these domains may modulate microbiota composition and function during breastfeeding. Attention was given to probiotic supplementation, including strain specificity, timing of administration, and clinical context, as well as to the broader implications of a One Health framework. Results: Available evidence suggests that maternal nutritional patterns, environmental and psychosocial exposures, and targeted microbiota-modulation strategies may influence the composition and functional properties of human milk and the developing infant microbiota. Probiotic use during breastfeeding appears to have strain-specific and context-dependent effects, with potential benefits in selected clinical scenarios. However, findings remain heterogeneous, and uncertainties persist regarding optimal strains, timing, and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Breastfeeding can be understood as a dynamic biological interface shaped by maternal and environmental factors. Integrating microbiota-oriented strategies within a One Health framework may support infant gastrointestinal health and possibly contribute to longer-term developmental trajectories. Nevertheless, careful interpretation of the current evidence is warranted to avoid reductionist, supplement-centered approaches and to prevent maternal overmedicalization or blame. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Nutrition and Neurodevelopment)
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31 pages, 3527 KB  
Article
The Assessment of Property Value Under EU Regulation 575/2013: An Operational Model for Italian Residential Market
by Paolo Rosato, Giovanni Florian and Matteo Galante
Real Estate 2026, 3(2), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/realestate3020003 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 234
Abstract
The correct valuation of collateral supporting real estate loans has always been a key issue for the stability of the credit system. Substandard lending practices and the absence of uniform valuation approaches have historically contributed to the accumulation of non-performing loans. In recent [...] Read more.
The correct valuation of collateral supporting real estate loans has always been a key issue for the stability of the credit system. Substandard lending practices and the absence of uniform valuation approaches have historically contributed to the accumulation of non-performing loans. In recent years, several regulatory measures operating at both the European and national level have introduced principles, rules and procedures aimed at standardizing the valuation of properties pledged as collateral for credit exposures. These interventions seek to promote greater transparency, consistency, and prudence in property appraisals, thereby enhancing the soundness and resilience of the financial system. In January 2025, the updated Regulation (EU) 575/2013 came into force, incorporating the Basel III reform (also referred to as Basel 3+ or Basel IV). Among the innovations introduced, the concept of property value (PV) is particularly relevant, a prudential value that excludes expectations of price growth and considers the sustainability of the value over time in relation to the duration of the loan. PV is defined as a derived value with respect to market value (MV), determined by considering the main current and forward-looking risk factors that may arise during the life of the loan, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, the intrinsic characteristics of the property and expectations regarding the economic cycle. This paper proposes a quantitative model for the determination of PV, applied to a practical case involving a residential property located in a medium-sized city in Italy’s Veneto region. The model adopts a deterministic and a probabilistic approach, the latter implemented through Monte Carlo simulation, which is indeed a generalization of the deterministic one. The model links the assessment of PV to the possible evolution of the property’s key parameters and the real estate cycle over the duration of the loan. It was tested under the assumption of a twenty-year mortgage originated in 2025 for the purchase of a residential property in Italy, considering two alternative locations: a suburban area and a city-centre area. The analysis conducted showed a substantially higher MV haircut for the suburban property compared with the central location. This difference reflects the fact that PV is less sensitive to real estate cycle fluctuations in more premium, central locations. Furthermore, the use of Monte Carlo simulation in the probabilistic approach enabled the calibration of the haircut according to a predefined confidence level, confirming the pattern observed in the deterministic framework. The combined evidence strengthens the empirical robustness of the model and highlights the importance of locational and cyclical dynamics in collateral valuation. Full article
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25 pages, 2296 KB  
Article
Land-Use and Flood Risk Assessment Under Uncertainty: A Monte Carlo Approach in Hunan Province, China
by Qiong Li, Xinying Huang, Fei Pan, Qiang Hu and Xinran Xu
Land 2026, 15(4), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040541 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying flood risks in China, particularly in regions with complex terrain and dense populations. Traditional risk assessment methods often lack the flexibility to handle uncertainties in multi-dimensional risk systems. This study proposes a probabilistic flood risk assessment [...] Read more.
Climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying flood risks in China, particularly in regions with complex terrain and dense populations. Traditional risk assessment methods often lack the flexibility to handle uncertainties in multi-dimensional risk systems. This study proposes a probabilistic flood risk assessment framework integrating Monte Carlo simulation with a composite indicator system from the perspective of disaster system theory. Taking Hunan Province as a case study, we constructed a hierarchical indicator system encompassing environmental susceptibility, hazard intensity, exposure vulnerability, and mitigation capacity. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and coefficient of variation (CV) methods were combined for indicator weighting, and Monte Carlo simulation was employed to quantify uncertainties and classify risk levels. Results reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in flood risk across the province, with high-risk areas concentrated in regions exhibiting intense rainfall, dense river networks, and insufficient mitigation infrastructure. The study provides a transferable, data-driven approach for spatially explicit flood risk zoning, offering evidence-based insights for land-use planning, resilient infrastructure development, and sustainable flood governance. This research contributes to the integration of probabilistic modeling into land system science, supporting disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation strategies aligned with SDG 11. This study also provides policy-relevant insights for regional flood governance by supporting risk-informed land-use planning, targeted infrastructure investment, and adaptive flood management strategies, thereby contributing to more resilient and sustainable land system development under increasing climate uncertainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)
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16 pages, 3098 KB  
Article
A High-Throughput, High-Content Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans Exposed to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
by David Benson, Seth Currie, Jia-Sheng Wang and Lili Tang
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040278 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurodegeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and environmental contaminants have been implicated in disrupting dopaminergic pathways. However, practical in vivo workflows for rapid, standardized, and accessible assessment of dopaminergic neurotoxicity remain limited. In this study, we built on our laboratory’s [...] Read more.
Dopaminergic neurodegeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and environmental contaminants have been implicated in disrupting dopaminergic pathways. However, practical in vivo workflows for rapid, standardized, and accessible assessment of dopaminergic neurotoxicity remain limited. In this study, we built on our laboratory’s established high-throughput framework and implemented a high-content imaging workflow to quantify DA neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans following exposure to representative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We evaluated the neurotoxic effects of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and three PFAS mixtures with environmentally relevant component ratios. Functional relevance was assessed using dopamine-dependent behavioral endpoints, including basal slowing response (BSR) and area-restricted search (ARS). PFOS exhibited the greatest potency, followed by PFHxS, PFHxA, and PFOA, based on morphological degeneration and benchmark concentration modeling. Structural neuronal damage was significantly associated with behavioral impairment. Under mixture conditions, neurotoxicity was more strongly associated with PFOS molar fraction than with total PFAS concentration (ΣPFAS), suggesting a composition-dependent toxicity profile. Collectively, these findings establish a scalable in vivo framework for assessing PFAS-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and support the potential use of this platform for screening environmental pollutants with dopaminergic neurotoxic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Caenorhabditis elegans as a Test Model in Environmental Toxicology)
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