Search Results (1,291)

Climate adaptation is becoming increasingly important for municipalities. Yet, key questions remain about why they engage with this agenda, particularly at different stages of the adaptation cycle and over time. This study examines how 17 different factors, grouped into four principal components (city size & scale; land use & compactness; socio-economics; and regional climate & exposure to extreme weather), influence municipal adaptation activities. It examines how these variables played out in 104 German cities, using the results of two assessment frameworks: one analysed municipal adaptation activities across five dimensions in 2018, while the other mapped them against three dimensions in both 2018 and 2022. Regression analysis indicates that larger, more compact and more exposed cities are generally more active in adaptation, whereas socio-economic factors have a minimal impact. City size & scale shows significant effects consistently across all assessment dimensions. All four components, including socio-economics, influence adaptation plan-related dimensions, whereas implementation of adaptation measures is primarily shaped by land use & compactness. The influence of city size & scale and regional climate & exposure declined between 2018 and 2022, suggesting a policy diffusion process. These findings reveal different nuances in factors influencing municipal adaptation, highlight the importance of including implementation in assessments of adaptation, and echo calls for further research into causal mechanisms and longitudinal studies. Full article

The Shunku Rumi Geosite, located within the Napo Sumaco UNESCO Global Geopark in Ecuador, offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the igneous geodiversity of the Abitagua Batholith. This study employs an integrative approach combining petrographic, geochemical, and structural analyses to characterize the site’s lithological diversity, mineral assemblages, and emplacement mechanisms. Detailed fieldwork at a 1:3000 scale included geological mapping, 23 intrusive rock samples, and over 100 structural measurements. Laboratory techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thin-section petrography, revealed a wide range of mineral phases, with dominant minerals including quartz, plagioclase, biotite, and amphibole. The petrographic and geochemical dataset is consistent with a calc-alkaline affinity, reflecting subduction-related magmatism. Alteration zones, predominantly propylitic, were identified through secondary minerals like epidote, chlorite, and sericite, signaling late-stage hydrothermal processes. Structural analysis shows NE–SW dyke emplacement was controlled by pre-existing fault systems. The study emphasizes the educational and geotourism potential of Shunku Rumi, with its accessible exposures offering a unique platform for geoeducation. These results also underpin the development of field-based learning materials and practitioner guides within the geopark, linking geological processes to local cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. The findings contribute to the growing efforts to integrate scientific research with community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems within the context of the Amazonian landscape. Full article

Prepubescent children and young adolescents (ages 7–14) are in a critical developmental stage for establishing the foundations of healthy sexual behavior. Increasing rates of precocious puberty, combined with limited access to accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education, heighten the vulnerability of this age group to sexual health risks. These risks include early and often coerced sexual initiation, exposure to sexual abuse, and consequent outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancies. However, comprehensive cross-regional analyses and evidence-based interventions addressing the sexual health needs of this age group remain limited. Addressing this gap promotes mutual learning, context-specific adaptation, and global alignment of sexual health support efforts, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal access to sexual and reproductive health care. This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on the scope and characteristics of sexual health interventions for prepubescents and young adolescents in the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping review. A systematic search of English-language articles published from 2010–2025 will be conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and African Index Medicus. Five reviewers will screen the articles in Covidence and independently assess full-text articles using a standardized data extraction form. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion and with a sixth reviewer. The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data will be summarized and synthesized to identify patterns in interventions, delivery methods, outcomes, and implications for practice, research, and policy. Comparative and gap analyses will highlight similarities, differences, and priorities for future research and interventions. An adolescent sexual health expert will help validate and contextualize findings. Results can guide strategies to address shared challenges and advance universal access to sexual health support for prepubescents and young adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: This scoping review aims to identify and map out the current state of research on the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake and disease activity and symptoms in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A search strategy was developed using key terms, and the search was conducted through the PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations databases to identify relevant studies. Data were comprehensively extracted, analyzed, and synthesized. Results: A total of 18 studies were included in the review: 7 on UPF and 11 on food additives. Most prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies suggested a positive association between UPF intake and IBD activity, measured using disease activity indexes and fecal calprotectin (FC) as an inflammatory marker. Trials excluding food additives from the diet provided inconclusive evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing IBD symptoms or disease activity. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests potential links between UPF and food additive intake and IBD outcomes. Yet, heterogeneity in UPF definitions, variability in additive formulations, and the lack of standardized dietary assessment methods limit definitive conclusions. Future studies should integrate standardized exposure assessment methods with validated outcome measures to better clarify the role of UPF and food additives on IBD trajectory. Full article

This study collected 427 cultivated topsoil samples from the Mohe watershed in Tangcheng County, eastern China. By integrating positive matrix factorization (PMF) for quantitative source apportionment with self-organizing maps (SOMs) for spatial clustering, we effectively identified pollution factors and conducted a systematic evaluation of pollution sources, environmental capacity, and health risks. The results show that: (1) the soils were slightly acidic and enriched in Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Pb, with Cd and Hg showing high spatial variability linked to anthropogenic inputs. (2) Quantitative source apportionment indicated that 25.9% of heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni, Pb) originated mainly from natural pedogenic sources, while agricultural activities contributed 20.8% (Cd) and 42.8% (Cu, Zn). Hg (10.5%) enrichment was attributed to residential coal combustion and wind patterns, demonstrating source-specific anthropogenic influences. (3) The environmental capacity assessment indicated a moderate capacity level across the study area. However, the improved index (PI_min) revealed overload phenomena at localized sites, and these overloaded areas exhibited high spatial consistency with the distributions of agricultural and mixed sources. (4) Health risk evaluation indicated that hand-to-mouth ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway, with children facing significantly higher risks than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks remained within safe limits, but carcinogenic risks were non-negligible, with 86.7% of sites exceeding the threshold for children, especially in cultivated lands and riverbank villages. Findings underscore the importance of addressing synergistic effects of natural and agricultural sources in watershed management and prioritizing children’s health protection. Full article

Nanoplastics are pervasive contaminants that adversely affect male reproductive function, yet the molecular basis of polystyrene nanoplastic (PS-NP) toxicity in immature testes and effective preventive strategies remain unclear. Here, male mice (postnatal days 22–35, PND 22–35) and TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to graded PS-NPs, followed by transcriptomic profiling to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Candidate therapeutics were prioritized using Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis and molecular docking, and protein interactions were examined by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). PS-NPs accumulated in immature testes, eliciting excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of NF-κB. These events coincided with the downregulation of steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11A1 and StAR) and disruption of testicular microarchitecture. In TM3 cells, PS-NPs suppressed testosterone synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner; this effect was fully reversed by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or Bay 11-7082. Co-IP demonstrated p65–steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) binding consistent with formation of a transcriptional repressor complex targeting steroidogenic genes. CMap and docking analyses nominated parthenolide (PTL) as a candidate inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear translocation (predicted binding affinity, −6.585 kcal/mol), and PTL mitigated PS-NP-induced impairment of testosterone synthesis in vitro. Collectively, these data indicate that PS-NPs disrupt testosterone biosynthesis in immature testes through the ROS/NF-κB/p65–SF-1 axis, while PTL emerges as a candidate small molecule to counter nanoplastic-associated reproductive toxicity. These findings underscore translational relevance and support future evaluation under chronic low-dose exposure conditions, including in vivo validation of PTL efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting 6–20% of women of reproductive age, manifesting through hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance, and diverse metabolic derangements. Increasing evidence highlights the contribution of environmental factors, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), to PCOS susceptibility and severity. Sunscreen ultraviolet (UV) filters such as oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) are widely used EDCs with established systemic absorption and biomonitoring evidence in human populations. Their endocrine-disrupting potential encompasses estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity, interference with steroidogenic enzymes, modulation of thyroid hormone, induction of oxidative stress, and epigenetic reprogramming, all of which are mechanistic pathways that overlap with PCOS pathophysiology. This evidence-based study critically appraises the evidence linking oxybenzone and octinoxate exposures to ovarian endocrinology, with a PCOS-specific focus. Human exposure patterns, pharmacokinetics, and regulatory perspectives are summarized alongside preclinical and in vitro data implicating these filters in ovarian dysfunction. Mechanistic intersections with PCOS include hyperandrogenism, disrupted folliculogenesis, oxidative stress-adipokine imbalance, and potential impairment of vitamin D signaling. Although epidemiological studies directly addressing PCOS outcomes remain sparse, the convergence of toxicological evidence with known endocrine vulnerabilities in PCOS underscores a need for targeted investigation. By mapping exposure pathways and mechanistic disruptions, this appraisal emphasizes the translational relevance of UV filter toxicity in the context of PCOS. It advocates for PCOS-specific biomonitoring cohorts, mechanistic studies, and regulatory consideration of reproductive endpoints while balancing the dermatological benefits of photoprotection against reproductive risks. Full article

Acute myocarditis (AM) is an inflammatory cardiac condition resulting from infections, toxic exposures, or immune-mediated mechanisms, with clinical presentations ranging from mild symptoms to heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic shock. Although viral infections remain the predominant cause, both the absolute prevalence and the relative distribution of different etiologies may change over time and across regions depending on endemic diseases. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis has emerged as a newly recognized entity, with diagnostic rates increasing in parallel with growing awareness and the expanding population of cancer patients eligible for ICI therapy. Additionally, genetic predisposition—particularly mutations linked to arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy—is also being increasingly acknowledged as a susceptibility factor. Recent advances have markedly improved the diagnostic approach to AM. The availability of high-sensitivity cardiac troponins and the widespread use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) have enhanced early detection and tissue characterization. CMRI, especially following the updated Lake Louise Criteria (2018), which incorporate T1 and T2 mapping, enables accurate assessment of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains essential in complicated cases, particularly to identify histologic subtypes that may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy. Early EMB (within 48 h) has been associated with better outcomes in fulminant presentations. The use of immunohistochemistry with leukocyte-specific markers has further increased the sensitivity of EMB. Therapeutic strategies now integrate etiology-specific approaches. Immunosuppressive therapy is indicated for distinct histological forms such as eosinophilic (EM) and giant cell myocarditis (GCM) or cases associated with systemic autoimmune disease. Conversely, in most patients with acute myocarditis complicated by acute HF or cardiogenic shock, no specific treatment is currently recommended beyond evidence-based management of acute HF and general supportive therapy. Full article

Human microglia are central regulators and actors in brain infections and neuro-inflammatory pathologies. However, access to such cells is limited, and studies systematically mapping the spectrum of their inflammatory states are scarce. Here, we generated microglia-like cells (MGLCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells and characterized them as a robust, accessible model system for studying inflammatory activation. We validated lineage identity through transcriptome profiling, revealing selective upregulation of microglial signature genes and enrichment of microglia/macrophage-related gene sets. MGLCs displayed distinct morphologies and produced stimulus- and time-dependent cytokine secretion profiles upon exposure to diverse inflammatory stimuli, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, interferon-γ) and agonists of the Toll-like receptors TLR2 (FSL-1), TLR3 (Poly(I:C)), TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and TLR7 (imiquimod). Transcriptome profiling and bioinformatics analysis revealed distinct activation signatures. Functional assays demonstrated stimulus-specific engagement of NFκB and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. The shared NFκB nuclear translocation response of TLR ligands and TNFα was reflected in overlapping transcriptome profiles: they shared modules (e.g., oxidative stress response and TNFα-related signaling) identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Finally, the potential consequences of microglia activation for neighboring cells were studied on the example of microglia-astrocyte crosstalk. The capacity of MGLC supernatants to stimulate astrocytes was measured by quantifying astrocytic NFκB translocation. MGLCs stimulated with FSL-1, LPS, or Poly(I:C) indirectly activated astrocytes via a strictly TNFα-dependent mechanism, highlighting the role of soluble mediators in the signal propagation. Altogether, this platform enables a dissection of microglia activation states and multi-parametric characterization of subsequent neuroinflammation. Full article

Accurately mapping urban residents’ exposure to green space at high spatiotemporal resolutions is essential for assessing disparities and equality across blocks and enhancing urban environment planning. In this study, we developed a framework to generate hourly green space exposure maps at 0.5 m resolution using multiple sources of remote sensing data and an Object-Based Image Classification with Graph Convolutional Network (OBIC-GCN) model. Taking the main urban area in Nanjing city of China as the study area, we proposed a Dynamic Residential Green Space Exposure (DRGE) metric to reveal disparities in green space access across four housing price blocks. The Palma ratio was employed to explain the inequity characteristics of DRGE, while XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) and SHAP (SHapley Additive explanation) methods were utilized to explore the impacts of built environment factors on DRGE. We found that the difference in daytime and nighttime DRGE values was significant, with the DRGE value being higher after 6:00 compared to the night. Mean DRGE on weekends was about 1.5 times higher than on workdays, and the DRGE in high-priced blocks was about twice that in low-priced blocks. More than 68% of residents in high-priced blocks experienced over 8 h of green space exposure during weekend nighttime (especially around 19:00), which was much higher than low-price blocks. Moreover, spatial inequality in residents’ green space exposure was more pronounced on weekends than on workdays, with lower-priced blocks exhibiting greater inequality (Palma ratio: 0.445 vs. 0.385). Furthermore, green space morphology, quantity, and population density were identified as the critical factors affecting DRGE. The optimal threshold for Percent of Landscape (PLAND) was 25–70%, while building density, height, and Sky View Factor (SVF) were negatively correlated with DRGE. These findings address current research gaps by considering population mobility, capturing green space supply and demand inequities, and providing scientific decision-making support for future urban green space equality and planning. Full article

Rabies is endemic in Kazakhstan, with the primary reservoirs being wild canids, such as foxes and dogs, maintaining distinct sylvatic and urban cycles. This paper outlines three high-return priorities for rabies control in the country, informed by the epidemiological patterns of the disease, the national regulatory framework (Order No. 7-1/587), and evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the Kazakh population. The three priorities are (a) transition into a One Health, real-time surveillance system featuring standardized digital reporting and GIS-guided interventions; (b) implementation of biannual oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of foxes in high-risk districts, incorporating mandatory quality assurance (via tetracycline biomarkers and/or serology) aligned with EU/EFSA standards; and (c) adopt an urban strategy focused on dogs to increase vaccination coverage and reduce delays in human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). These measures align with the WOAH Terrestrial Code and the “Zero by 30” roadmap, leveraging existing national assets like risk maps and laboratory capacity, such as dFAT, RT-PCR, and sequencing. Kazakhstan’s predictable rabies pattern allows for targeting district-level strategies and transparent measurement of risk reduction, contingent on enforcing standardized reporting and rigorous quality assurance programs. The opinions introduced in this paper are based on the scientific evidence collected in Kazakhstan over the last decade and summarize the need for urgent actions to promote rabies control in the country. Full article

Liuyang, the primary fireworks manufacturing base in the world, is demonstrating potential metals pollution risks. In this study, 163 soil samples were collected in Liuyang City, China, for source apportionment, pollution assessment and health risk evaluation using self-organizing map, positive matrix factorization and statistical methods. Geostatistical analysis confirmed high contamination risks from Hg, Cd, Pb, and As. Samples were classified into four groups based on contamination characteristics. Pollution sources included irrigation water, fireworks enterprises, and fireworks packaging material. Cluster 1 exhibited uniformly low metals concentrations, with sampling points widely distributed across the study area. Cluster 2 samples were concentrated in the central and northern regions. The average concentration of Cr was the highest, with irrigation water contributing the most to Cr at 74%. The contribution of fireworks companies and packaging materials was 14% and 12%, respectively. Cluster 3 displayed elevated Hg and Pb levels with distinct spatial banding, where fireworks enterprises contributed 49% (Hg) and 47% (Pb), while packaging materials accounted for 37% (Hg) and 39% (Pb). Cluster 4, gathered in the southeast, showed the highest Cd and As concentrations, with fireworks companies contributing the most with 73% and 82%, respectively. Risk assessment demonstrated that children experienced greater non-carcinogenic risks from oral and dermal exposure to As, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Cd, while adults faced higher inhalation risks for Cr and Cd. Carcinogenic risks exceeded safety thresholds, with children (4.1 × 10⁻⁹–2.0 × 10⁻⁴) more vulnerable than adults (2.9 × 10⁻¹²–1.4 × 10⁻⁴). Asdult carcinogenic risks via ingestion dominated, whereas Cr posed greater risks for children through inhalation. Full article

The influence of traditional Chinese ritual culture on courtyard spatial sequences is widely acknowledged. However, quantitative analytical methods, such as space syntax, have rarely been applied in studies of ritual–residential space relations. This study uses space syntax, specifically Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) and axial maps, to conduct a quantitative study of the spatial relationship between ritual and residential areas in Prince Kung’s Mansion. The VGA results indicate a distinct gradient of visual integration, which decreases progressively from the outward-oriented ritual areas, such as the palace gate and halls, through the transitional domestic ritual areas to the inward-oriented residential areas, such as Xijin Zhai and Ledao Tang. This pattern demonstrates a positive correlation between spatial visibility and ritual hierarchy. The axial map results confirm that the central axis and core ritual spaces exhibit the highest spatial connectivity, reflecting their supreme ritual status. More importantly, spatial connectivity is intensified during ritual activities compared to in daily life, indicating that enhanced spatial connectivity is required during rituals. Ritual spaces are characterized by extroversion, high visibility, and connectivity, while residential spaces prioritize introversion and minimal exposure. The deliberately designed ritual–residential architectural spatial sequence of Prince Kung’s Mansion articulates Confucian ideological principles, such as centrality as orthodoxy, gender segregation, and hierarchy. This study visually and quantitatively illustrates the harmony between ritual and residential spaces in Prince Kung’s Mansion. It enhances our understanding of the mechanisms of expression of courtyard ritual cultural spaces, providing evidence-based guidance for functional adaptive transformations in heritage conservation practices. It also offers a fresh perspective on the analysis of courtyard ritual spaces. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a leading cause of mortality with millions suffering worldwide. The number of annual cases is sharply increasing primarily due to growing older adult populations. To date, there is neither an effective prevention nor cure for AD. Recently, AD was specified using biomarkers, facilitating research into primary and secondary prevention strategies, including dietary interventions. This systematic narrative review maps the literature on dietary prevention of AD by synthesizing the evidence on diet and AD biomarkers in cognitively normal adults. Additionally, it explores limitations in the current evidence base and identifies areas for future research. Methods: Search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were set, and PubMed and EBSCOhost were searched for articles up through September 2025. Out of 331 results, 14 articles passed the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results: Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 8), followed by cohort (n = 4), with one study including both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (n = 1). Only one intervention study was published. Various dietary exposures were tested, with most studies (n = 5) supporting a protective relationship between the Mediterranean diet and prevention of the neuropathological hallmarks of AD. However, the evidence base varies in methodology. Future research would benefit from greater consensus in methodology and should prioritize prospective cohort and randomized trial designs. Conclusions: Evidence from this review suggests existence of a potential role for dietary interventions, especially the Mediterranean diet, in AD prevention. However, further research is needed to address existing gaps. (248 words) Full article

Indoor air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), poses a severe threat to human health. Due to the diverse sources of indoor PM_2.5 and its high spatial heterogeneity in distribution, traditional single-point fixed monitoring fails to accurately reflect the actual human exposure level. In recent years, the development of high spatiotemporal resolution monitoring technologies has provided a new perspective for revealing the dynamic distribution patterns of indoor PM_2.5. This study discusses two cutting-edge monitoring strategies: (1) mobile monitoring technology based on Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) and portable sensors, which maps 2D exposure trajectories and concentration fields by having personnel carry sensors while moving; and (2) 3D dynamic monitoring technology based on in situ Lateral Scattering LiDAR (I-LiDAR), which non-intrusively reconstructs the 3D dynamic distribution of PM_2.5 concentrations using laser arrays. This study elaborates on the principles, calibration methods, application cases, advantages, and disadvantages of the two technologies, compares their applicable scenarios, and outlines future research directions in multi-technology integration, intelligent calibration, and public health applications. It aims to provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for the accurate assessment of indoor air quality and the prevention and control of health risks. Full article