Search Results (16,154)

Background/Objectives: Extreme temperatures linked to climate change threaten child health, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where malnutrition remains widespread. This study examines how exposure to hot and cold temperature anomalies influences child stunting in Burkina Faso and Kenya and evaluates how household infrastructure and socio-demographic factors interact with climate stressors to shape outcomes. Methods: We combined nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (Burkina Faso 2021; Kenya 2022) with daily maximum and minimum temperature data from the Climate Hazards InfraRed Temperature with Stations (CHIRTS). The analytic sample included children aged 24–59 months. Temperature anomalies were calculated as standardized deviations from local historical averages. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed associations between stunting, climate anomalies, and household-level factors, including electricity, water, sanitation, wealth, and rural/urban residence. Results: Heat anomalies were linked to increased stunting risk in Kenya (β = 2.34, p < 0.001), while in Burkina Faso, higher maximum temperatures unexpectedly reduced stunting odds (β = 0.08, p < 0.05). Cold anomalies showed marginal positive associations with stunting in both countries. Infrastructure and socioeconomic factors varied by context: electricity access and urban residence were protective in Burkina Faso, while improved sanitation, household wealth, and child sex differences were significant in Kenya. Conclusions: Climate anomalies and household conditions jointly influence stunting among children aged 24–59 months, with effects varying by country. Cold anomalies were associated with higher odds of stunting in Burkina Faso (BF OR = 2.14) and Kenya (KE OR = 1.20), while heat anomalies reduced stunting in BF (OR = 0.08) but increased it in KE (OR = 2.34). Electricity access was protective in both countries (BF OR = 0.61; KE OR = 0.71), while improved water, sanitation, and wealth were significant only in KE. Older child age consistently reduced stunting risk, and urban residence was protective only in BF. These findings underscore that climate impacts on stunting are context-specific and highlight the need for policies integrating climate adaptation with investments. Full article

Misregulation of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) has been linked to multiple autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis. As a G-protein-coupled receptor, located on the cell membrane, CCR7 can be targeted by inhibiting one of its two ligands, C-C chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19), to regulate its function. In this study, we examined signaling events downstream of CCL19 binding that provide a mechanism for regulation of the immune response. We used a CCR7 antagonist, CCL19_8-83, in immune studies in vivo, as a platform for a pharmaceutical to define the molecular events that are involved in regulating the humoral adaptive immune response. We found that in the presence of a T-cell-dependent antigen, C57BL/6 mice treated during antigen exposure with CCL19_8-83 generated significantly higher levels of IgG1, the dominant isotype in extracellular bacterial infections that can activate complement, and IgG2c, the dominant isotype during viral and intracellular bacterial infections. Inhibiting ERK5 signaling downstream of CCR7 activation by CCL19, or disruption of CCL19 expression in CCL19^−/− mice, also resulted in higher levels of IgG1 when compared to control mice. Differences in levels of IL-4 or other cytokines or lymphocyte types between wild-type and ERK5-deficient T cells did not account for antibody levels. Since pertussis-toxin-induced inhibition of lymphocyte chemotaxis is linked to elevated levels of IgG, we examined the effect of ERK5 on chemotaxis to CCR7 ligand CCL19. We found that disruption of ERK5 in T cells, or global disruption of CCL19 or CCR7, inhibited chemotaxis of T cells to CCL19, a mechanism that enhances sensitization during the exposure to an immunogen. Since CCR7 and its ligands have been linked to autoimmunity, these studies may provide insight into mechanisms that can be targeted to control autoimmune responses. Full article

Identifying tobacco smoke exposure in indoor environments is critical for public health, especially in vulnerable populations. In this study, we developed and validated a machine learning model to detect smoking households based on indoor air quality (IAQ) data collected using low-cost sensors. A dataset of 129 homes in Spain and Austria was analyzed, with variables including PM_2.5, PM₁, CO₂, temperature, humidity, and total VOCs. The final model, based on the XGBoost algorithm, achieved near-perfect household-level classification (100% accuracy in the test set and AUC = 0.96 in external validation). Analysis of PM_2.5 temporal profiles in representative households helped interpret model performance and highlighted cases where model predictions revealed inconsistencies in self-reported smoking status. These findings support the use of sensor-based approaches for behavioral inference and exposure assessment in residential settings. The proposed method could be extended to other indoor pollution sources and may contribute to risk communication, health-oriented interventions, and policy development, provided that ethical principles such as transparency and informed consent are upheld. Full article

This autoethnographic study examines my transformation as an educator teaching gender and sexuality to future helping professionals in South African higher education. Through systematic analysis of personal journals, teaching reflections, and pedagogical materials collected over 180 contact hours, I explore how innovative approaches can create collaborative learning environments in traditionally sensitive subject areas. Drawing on critical pedagogy, queer theory, and decolonizing methodologies, the research reveals three interconnected pedagogical innovations: structured vulnerability protocols that transcend traditional “safe space” models, progressive exposure pedagogy that challenges heteronormative assumptions by introducing diverse content early, and indigenous knowledge integration that positions students as knowledge co-creators. The findings demonstrate how my professional evolution from knowledge authority to learning facilitator enabled authentic engagement with diverse epistemologies while maintaining academic rigor. Students consistently contributed concepts absent from academic literature—from social media discourse about sexual identity hierarchies to traditional cultural practices—enriching collective understanding. This study addresses significant gaps in South African literature on tertiary-level sexuality education pedagogy, offering concrete strategies for implementing transformative approaches. The research contributes to autoethnographic scholarship by demonstrating how systematic reflection can generate theoretical insights about collaborative knowledge construction while acknowledging the ongoing challenges of teaching sensitive subjects within complex cultural contexts. Full article

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of acute and overuse injuries, as well as risk factors, training load and well-being, in male and female youth padel players. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 104 players (aged 15–20) via a web-based form. Players reported injuries, exposure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), demographics (age and sex), and perceived well-being. Overuse injury severity was scored per body region (0–25), yielding a total possible score of 125. A total of six acute and 49 overuse injuries were recorded, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.53 injuries per player during a one-week recall period. Most injuries affected the knee, while the foot and lower leg had the highest severity scores (median = 44). Female players reported slightly higher stress levels (median 3) than males (median 2: p = 0.01), though no other well-being or training load differences were found. Injured players had significantly higher total wellness scores, indicating worse well-being, compared to non-injured players (median 10 vs. 9, p = 0.03). In conclusion, overuse injuries, particularly to the knee, were most common. Higher perceived stress and poorer wellness scores may be linked to injury risk, underlining the importance of monitoring well-being in youth padel athletes. Full article

This systematic review examined the health risk assessment methods of studies of whole-body vibration exposure from occupational vehicles or machines utilizing the International Standard ISO 2631-1 (1997) and/or the European Machine Directive 2002/44. This review found inconsistent reporting of measurement parameters in studies on whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure. Although many authors treat the ISO 2631-1 HGCZ as a medical health standard with defined threshold levels, the epidemiological evidence for these limits is unclear. Similarly, the EU Directive offers more comprehensive risk management guidance, but the numeric limits are equal without supporting scientific evidence. Both guidelines likely represent the prevailing societal and interdisciplinary consensus at the time. Authors note discrepancies between international and national standards and adverse WBV exposure outcomes are reported below given boundaries. Future publications should report all relevant parameters from ISO 2631-1 and clearly state study limitations, exercising caution when applying ISO 2631-1 HGCZ in health and safety assessments and considering different susceptibility of diverse populations. We advise reducing WBV exposure to the lowest technically feasible limits wherever possible and applying the precautionary principle with attention to individual differences, instead of depending solely on numeric limits. Full article

Introduction: Increased exposure to air pollution poses a burden to society and healthcare systems worldwide, with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Indoor concentrations of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, are a public health concern because they can be present in higher concentrations than outside. Unlike the effects of indoor environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), there is a dearth of research that includes the impact of e-cigarettes on particulate matter concentrations in the home, which is the focus of this study. Method: Participant, household, and sensor information were obtained from 164 lower-income households located in Cornwall, South West of England. Daily sensor readings were obtained for PM_2.5 for one year. Descriptive statistics were used to describe study participant characteristics and health status. Mean indoor averages, median PM_2.5 measurements, and two-tailed tests were used to assess differences in concentrations of PM_2.5. Results: The 164 surveyed households included 315 residents (67% female) with a mean adult age of 57 (22–92). Half of all homes were in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Thirty-four per cent of participants were current smokers, and of these 36% have asthma and had seen a doctor in the last year (cf. never smokers 14%, ex-smokers 25%). Mean annual PM_2.5 was highest in smoking households (14.07 µg/m³) and smoking and vaping households (9.18 µg/m³), and lower in exclusive vaping households (2.00 µg/m³) and smoke and vape-free households (1.28 µg/m³). Monthly levels of PM_2.5 fluctuated seasonally for all groups, with the highest recordings in winter and the lowest in summer. Discussion and Conclusion: In this preliminary study, we conducted secondary data analyses using monitoring data from a large health and housing study to assess factors leading to elevated indoor concentrations of particulate matter. Indoor concentrations appeared to be highest in homes where residents smoked indoors. The use of e-cigarettes in the home also appeared to modify concentrations of particulate matter, but levels were lower than in homes with tobacco smoke. We were not able to determine the relationship between smoking and/or vaping indoors and particulate matter, which supports the need for studies of larger sample sizes and more complex longitudinal monitoring. This will help assess the timing and extent of exposures resulting from smoking and vaping indoors, along with a range of other chemical and biological exposures and their corresponding health effects. Full article

Background and Objectives: Young people of all ages are now prematurely overexposed to a tech-addicted life, with negative psychological, physiological, sociological, and educational effects. Ease of access to and normalization of exposure to technology are indicated as the main causes of internet addiction and a mental health concern, especially in Romania, a country with widespread and easy access to the internet. Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional study with 132 participants investigated the relationship between emotional regulation difficulties (ERDs) and the risk of internet addiction (IA) among medical and technical students—two educational cultures defined by intense educational and emotional stress—with the aim of identifying specific patterns of variability. Standardized self-report data were collected, and specific descriptive and correlational statistical methods were used. Results: Key findings suggest similar moderate difficulty in emotional regulation for each student sample and normal-to-mild internet use for technical and medical students. A moderately strong Pearson correlation was observed between internet addiction and emotional regulation difficulties across the entire group of students (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). However, higher levels of emotional dysregulation and internet addiction risk were evident for the medical students. Conclusions: These results suggest that IA is closely linked to ERD rather than to the exposure to technology itself, as we presumed in the case of technical students. Moreover, medical students have a greater need for institutional support measures than their technical peers to cope with a highly challenging educational environment that exceeds individual levels of effective self-regulation. Full article

This study systematically evaluates the influence of the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement rate and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) on the frost damage of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) through rapid freeze–thaw tests, and delves into the underlying damage mechanisms. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of recycled aggregates deteriorates the frost resistance of concrete to a certain extent, primarily manifested by increased apparent damage with rising FTC numbers and RCA content. Specimens with an RCA replacement rate exceeding 50% exhibited extensive mortar spalling and aggregate exposure after 50 FTCs. The mass loss rate initially decreased in the early freezing-thawing stage, then began to increase after approximately 20 cycles, reaching a maximum of 5.09%. The relative dynamic elasticity modulus (RDEM) decreased with an increase in both FTCs and RCA content, dropping to a minimum of 71.99%. Furthermore, based on the relative dynamic elastic modulus, this study developed a GM(1, 1) freeze–thaw damage prediction model applicable to a full replacement range of 0%–100% RCA with a precision level of Grade I. Microstructural analysis revealed that microcracks and pores within the interfacial transition zones (ITZs) and the surrounding matrix of both NCA and RCA are critical for the initiation and propagation of freeze–thaw damage, thereby elucidating the damage mechanism in RAC. Full article

Cycling-induced vibration significantly affects riding comfort, with road surface conditions and vehicle type identified as primary contributing factors. This study developed a vibration measurement system based on ISO 2631-1, and proposed a method for generating cycling comfort maps grounded in vibration severity levels. Field measurements on 30 campus roads in Nanchang, China, used a Mountain Bike, Shared E-bike, and Shared Bicycle. Triaxial acceleration data were collected to evaluate vibration exposure, and comfort levels were classified to produce spatially resolved maps. Results show the proposed system has strong stability and adaptability across urban environments. The maps effectively captured vibration intensity variations along road segments. Among the three vehicle types, Mountain Bikes showed the lowest vibration exposure, with approximately 90% of segments rated as comfortable. Shared E-bike exhibited moderate vibration levels, with 42% of segments deemed uncomfortable, while Shared Bicycles experienced the highest vibration, with 80% of routes potentially inducing discomfort and only 1% meeting comfort standards. This study offers a framework for objective acquisition and visualization of cycling vibration data. The developed system and mapping method provide tools for assessing vehicle vibration, guiding route selection, and offer potential value for road quality monitoring. Full article

Background: Personalizing adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after curative resection in early-stage NSCLC remains unmet because prior ACT-biomarker findings rarely reproduce across studies. Key barriers are platform and preprocessing heterogeneity, dominant batch effects, and incomplete ACT annotations. As a result, many signatures that perform well in a single cohort fail during external validation. We created an open, harmonized meta-database linking gene expression with curated ACT exposure and survival to enable fair benchmarking and modeling. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search of 999 GEO studies (through January 2025) used LLM-assisted triage of titles, clinical tables, and free text to identify datasets with explicit ACT status and patient-level survival. Eight Affymetrix microarray cohorts (GPL570/GPL96) met eligibility. Raw CEL files underwent robust multi-array average; probes were re-annotated to Entrez IDs and collapsed by median. Covariate-preserving ComBat adjusted platform/study while retaining several clinical factors. Batch structure was quantified by principal-component analysis (PCA) variance, silhouette width, and UMAP. Two quality-control (QC) filters, median M-score deviation and PCA leverage, flagged and removed technical outliers. Results: The final meta-database comprises 1340 patients (223 (16.6%) ACT; 1117 (83.4%) observation), 13,039 intersecting genes, and 594 overall-survival events. Batch-associated variance (PC1 + PC2) decreased from 63.1% to 20.1%, and mean silhouette width shifted from 0.82 to −0.19 post-correction. Seven arrays (0.5%) were excluded by QC. Event depth supports high-dimensional survival and heterogeneity-of-treatment modeling, and the multi-cohort design enables internal–external validation. Conclusions: This first open, rigorously harmonized NSCLC transcriptomic database provides the sample size, demographic diversity, and technical consistency required to benchmark ACT-benefit markers. By making these data openly available, it will accelerate equitable precision-oncology research and enable data-driven treatment decisions in early-stage NSCLC. Full article

Mast cells (MCs) belong to the cell network that regulates uterine spiral artery remodeling (uSAR), a critical vascular adaptation supporting placental development and fetal growth. Our previous in vitro study demonstrated that human MCs promote trophoblast invasion, as well as uterine vascular smooth muscle cells (uVSMCs) migration and transition to a synthetic phenotype—essential steps for a successful uSAR. Although MCs are known targets of bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread endocrine-disrupting chemical, its impact on their supportive role in uSAR is unknown. In this study, we used murine cell lines to investigate whether BPA (0.1–100 µM) affects MC-mediated promotion of cellular processes critical for uSAR. Our results showed that BPA exposure hindered MCs’ ability to promote trophoblast invasion and the switch in uVSMCs’ synthetic phenotype and migration. The highest concentrations of BPA altered the expression of genes related to MCs activation and proliferation, and of those involved in trophoblasts invasion. In contrast, low doses induced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in MCs without detectable effect on trophoblasts at the transcriptional level. These findings confirmed MCs as key mediators of uSAR, and identified BPA as a disruptor of their function, emphasizing its potential harmful impact on reproductive health. Full article

Hexaflumuron, a benzoylurea insecticide, exhibits high toxicity against various insect pests. Sublethal doses of hexaflumuron significantly impair nymphal development and subsequent fecundity in the resulting Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) adults. However, the effects on adults of A. lucorum that are exposed to sublethal concentrations of hexaflumuron are not known. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of hexaflumuron to 1st- and 3rd-instar nymphs, as well as one-day-old adults, of A. lucorum using an artificial diet with hexaflumuron incorporated. Acute toxicity bioassays determined the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for 1st- and 3rd-instar nymphs of A. lucorum to be 0.311 and 0.337 mg/L. In contrast, the LC₅₀ level for one-day-old adults of A. lucorum was 13.193 mg/L. To evaluate the sublethal effects of hexaflumuron on 3rd-instar nymphs, we used LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₅₀ concentrations (0.018, 0.127, and 0.337 mg/L), fed for 48 h. The exposure of 3rd-instar nymphs to the LC₅₀ concentration significantly reduced the fecundity of adults. We also exposed one-day-old adults to LC₁₀, LC₂₀, and LC₅₀ dietary concentrations (0.089, 4.587, and 13.193 mg/L) for 48 h. Exposure to the LC₁₀ and LC₂₀ concentrations caused significant reductions in longevity and fecundity in adult females. The LC₅₀ concentration also caused a significant reduction in the longevity of adult males and the egg hatching rate. An understanding of these sublethal impacts can facilitate the development of effective control strategies targeting A. lucorum. Full article

Graduate students often experience difficulties in learning statistics, particularly those who have limited mathematical backgrounds. In recent years, Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) have been widely adopted to support instruction, yet little research has explored how these tools relate to learning outcomes using mixed methods design. Limited studies have employed machine learning methods such as clustering analysis in Learning Analytics (LA) to explore different behavior of clusters based on students log data. This study followed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to examine student engagement patterns on Canvas and learning outcomes of students in a graduate-level statistics course. LMS log data and surveys were collected from 31 students, followed by interviews with 19 participants. K-means clustering revealed two groups: a high-performing group with lower LMS engagement and a low-performing group with higher LMS engagement. Six themes emerged from a thematic analysis of interview transcripts: behavioral differences in engagement, the role of assessment, emotional struggle, self-efficacy, knowledge or skill gain, and structured instructional support. Results indicated that low-performing students engaged more frequently and benefited from structured guidance and repeated exposure. High-performing students showed more proactive and consistent engagement habits. These findings highlight the importance of intentional course design that combines PBL with LMS features to support diverse learners. Full article

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) holds significant importance due to its diverse applications and nutritional benefits. The nuts are rich in essential amino acids, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals, making them highly valuable for human nutrition. However, pistachios are significantly challenged by salinity stress, which negatively affects their growth and metabolism. Understanding the impact of salinity stress on pistachios is crucial for developing effective strategies to enhance their tolerance, improve growth, and ensure sustainable production in saline environments. To investigate the effects of salinity on energy metabolism and amino acid composition, we monitored key metabolites and free amino acid levels in UCB-1 pistachio leaves at 7- and 21-day salt stress treatments using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). Our findings revealed that salinity affected nearly all analyzed metabolites, with varied patterns observed at different time points. Notably, all free amino acids except threonine accumulated significantly in response to salt stress. Meanwhile, reductions in 3PGA, Fru1,6bP, and Glu6P+Fru6P (glycolysis and Calvin cycle intermediates) suggest a decrease in photosynthetic activity, which may ultimately impact respiration rates. These results demonstrate that salinity stress affects both amino acid metabolism and central carbon metabolism, with the magnitude and pattern of these changes depending on the duration of exposure. The observed metabolic adjustments likely represent an adaptive response, enabling the plant to partially mitigate the detrimental effects of salt stress. Full article