Search Results (858)

The Eastern Mediterranean is a rapidly warming climate change hotspot where heat and air pollution increasingly interact to affect human health. This study quantifies the mortality burden attributed to the synergistic effects of thermal stress and air pollution in Thessaloniki, Greece. Daily mortality data (2001–2019) were analyzed together with pollutant concentrations (PM10, NO₂, O₃) and the modified Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (mPET) using a hierarchical Generalized Additive Model with Distributed Lag Non-Linear terms to capture combined, lagged, and age-specific responses. A refined, count-independent definition of the Attributable Fraction (AF) was introduced to improve stability in small strata. The results show that heat and pollution act synergistically, explaining on average 20–30% of daily mortality during severe co-occurrence events. Seniors were most affected during hot, polluted summers (AF ≈ 27%), while adults showed higher burdens during cold, polluted winters (AF ≈ 30%). Intra-urban analyses revealed stronger simultaneous effects in the western, more industrial districts, reflecting combined environmental and socioeconomic vulnerability. The findings demonstrate that temperature extremes amplify pollution-related mortality and underline the need to integrate air quality and bioclimatic indicators into early warning and adaptation systems in Eastern Mediterranean cities. Full article

Flash droughts—characterized by their sudden development, severity, and short duration—impose considerable challenges on the soil–water complex of agricultural systems, especially under the Mediterranean climate. Though gaining increasing global significance, Mediterranean flash droughts are still understudied. This study examines the spatiotemporal variability of flash droughts in Greece for the period 1990–2024 using 5-day (pentad) ERA5-Land root-zone soil moisture (0–100 cm) at 0.25° resolution. A percentile-threshold approach detected flash drought events, and their main features—including frequency, duration, magnitude, intensity, decline rate, recovery rate, and recovery duration—were evaluated at the annual and seasonal levels. Findings indicate that Central Greece and Thessaly face the highest frequency and longevity of flash droughts, while Western Greece and Peloponnese and Western Macedonia are characterized by rapid development but intense recovery. An innovative empirical classification framework founded on decline and recovery rates indicated that Mild Fast Recovery events prevail in northern and central Greece, while Intense but Recovering events dominate in western and southern Greece. These results offer new perspectives on how flash droughts impact soil–water availability and agricultural resilience, providing a data-driven platform to aid sustainable water management, early warning systems, and adaptation strategies for Mediterranean agriculture in conditions of climate variability. Full article

This review describes the impact of current dietary patterns on health and food insecurity, emphasizing the need for a Planeterranean diet that boosts health and helps the environment. Current dietary patterns in most industrialized countries are both harmful for health and the environment and are connected to food waste despite existing policies to reduce it. Nutrition transition to Western-style diets, high in ultra-processed foods, increases environmental pressures and gas emissions. Sustainable diets promote biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, support equity, and prioritize local, seasonal, organic, minimally processed, and culturally relevant foods. The Mediterranean diet and vegetarian diets constitute sustainable dietary patterns that benefit health and the planet. The “Planeterranean” perspective is a new scientific concept based on the Mediterranean diet, aiming to identify a sustainable food model based on locally available foods worldwide. The achievement of sustainable nutrition requires responsible agriculture, targeted policies, and community engagement. Universal guidelines must respect diverse cultures and regions, and a One Health approach is essential to improve well-being by ensuring food safety. This review critically evaluates the conceptual overlaps and limitations of these models and proposes directions for integrating sustainability and cultural aspects in policies and dietary recommendations. Full article

The Jucar is a perennial river with a high sedimentary load which has transferred sediment to the continental shelf in the form of a deltaic lobe since pre-historic times. The aim of this study is to analyze the changes that have occurred in the submerged delta of the Jucar since the nineteenth century. With this aim in mind, five nautical charts were georeferenced, covering the period from 1893 to the present day, from which Digital Elevation Models were generated and compared using Geographic Information Systems. The results indicate that the large-scale contributions of the nineteenth century caused the submerged delta to grow during the cold, dry period of the Little Ice Age. In the mid-twentieth century, the flow and solid load of the river were reduced by the construction of dams, leading to the stabilization of the delta. The bursting of the Tous Dam in 1982 and the ensuing ordinary floods that occurred until its reconstruction, led to large amounts of sediment that counteracted the anthropic action generated by the sediment trap of the dams. The climate of the twenty-first century, characterized by frequent extreme weather events, has allowed the deltaic lobe to continue to grow until the present day since these events increased sediment input to the shelf. Coastal erosion is also observed. Full article

The aim of this research was to characterize the genetic structure of brown trout species complex populations in nine river basins in the Aosta Valley and neighbouring regions in northern Italy. We used a combined analysis of nuclear lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C1*), mitochondrial DNA-CR (control region) (mtDNA-CR) sequences and ddRAD-seq-generated single-nucleotide polymorphism. In this way, we estimated the degree of hybridization of wild populations with the Atlantic-derived hatchery lineage. The results of the genetic analyses showed a complex genetic structure with different levels of introgression at the respective sampling sites. The mitochondrial lineages (Atlantic (AT), Mediterranean (ME), Adriatic (AD), and Marmoratus (MA)) were present with varying percentages across the sampling sites. Data analysis using the Admixture v.1.3.0 software allowed the identification of four distinctive cluster units in the Aosta Valley. For the Vertosan River, we identified a distinct native population and a level of hybridization close to zero. In terms of conservation, this population with a distinct native lineage represents a high priority for protection and serves as a reservoir for the entire western north Italian alpine zone. Some interventions to support conservation actions within the study area can be envisaged. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a growing public health burden in the European Union (EU), largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet. This systematic review aimed to synthesize observational evidence on the associations between nutritional exposures and incident T2DM across the EU-28, with a focus on regional heterogeneity and implications for EU-level nutrition policy. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020219994). Searches were conducted in different databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) identifying 23,437 records, from which 104 observational studies were included. Eligible studies involved adults (≥18 years) without T2DM at baseline and assessed dietary exposures in relation to T2DM incidence. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed in duplicate using the NHLBI tool in Covidence. Results: Most included studies were cohort studies (77.9%), primarily conducted in Western, Northern, and Southern Europe. Diets characterized by high consumption of whole and minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fermented dairy, consistently showed associations with lower T2DM risk. In contrast, high intake of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods was linked to higher risk. Adherence to Mediterranean or plant-based dietary patterns was associated with lower risk, whereas high animal-protein dietary patterns were detrimental. Conclusions: Nutritional determinants play a decisive role in shaping T2DM risk in the EU. Evidence supports prioritizing dietary patterns rich in plant-based and minimally processed foods while reducing ultra-processed and meat-based products. Tailored region-specific policies are needed to address the T2DM epidemic and guide effective prevention strategies. Full article

This study focuses on the assessment of the ecological vulnerability of lands in the western regions of Kazakhstan (WKR) using the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) model in combination with satellite remote sensing data. Particular attention is given to the influence of climatic factors, soil properties, vegetation condition, and anthropogenic pressure. As part of the analysis, key indicators were calculated, including the Soil Quality Index (SQI), Vegetation Quality Index (VQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI), and Management Quality Index (MQI). Based on these parameters, an Environmental Sensitivity Area (ESA) index was developed, allowing the classification of the territory into five vulnerability classes ranging from low to critical sensitivity. The results indicate that 52.7% of the territory of the WKR falls within the high-risk zone for land degradation. The most pronounced changes were observed in the southern oblasts of the region, particularly in Mangystau oblast (MAN), where 98.7% of the land is classified as degraded and 74.3% of the territory falls under the category of extremely high ecological vulnerability. In addition, a steady decline in precipitation levels has been identified, contributing to the intensification of aridization processes across the region. Correlation analysis showed that the strongest relationships with the final ESA index were observed for the Vegetation Quality Index (VQI) and Climate Quality Index (CQI), both with correlation coefficients of r = 0.93 and an average coefficient of determination R² = 0.87. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) also demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.86). In contrast, the Management Quality Index (MQI) exhibited a generally weak correlation, except in the MAN oblast, where within the Very Low Quality (VLQ) class areas, it showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001). The results highlight the critical role of natural factors—particularly vegetation condition, climate, and soil quality—in shaping the ecological vulnerability of the region. Findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive, multi-criteria approach in developing strategies for sustainable land management under conditions of ongoing climate change. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly attracting growing concern around the world. While there has been progress in the development of pharmacologic treatments, lifestyle and dietary interventions remain as the first-line approach for management. This scoping review aimed to identify dietary strategies for managing MASLD and to highlight current research gaps and challenges. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Science Direct was conducted up to 10 July 2025, for relevant studies on dietary modifications and MASLD. Data extracted included types of interventions, outcomes related to liver health, and research limitations. Results: Dietary interventions were shown to consistently improve hepatic and metabolic outcomes. In a randomized controlled trial of 12 weeks (n = 259), a Mediterranean diet reduced hepatic steatosis by 39% and improved insulin sensitivity. A calorie-restricted lifestyle program in adults with MASLD (n = 196) reduced liver fat by 25% over 52 weeks. Resistant starch supplementation (n = 200) lowered intrahepatic triglyceride content by 8% through gut microbiome modulation. A pilot RCT of medically tailored meals in cirrhosis (n = 40) reduced ascites symptoms and improved quality of life. Finally, prebiotic supplementation in MASLD (n = 200) lowered systemic inflammation and increased immune-regulating microbes. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and ultra-processed foods were consistently linked to lipotoxicity and inflammation. Conclusions: Dietary interventions remain critical for the management of chronic liver disease and continue to play a vital role even as pharmacotherapy options emerge. Further research should explore precision nutrition and microbiome-based therapies while also addressing the methodological limitations like the underutilization of causal inference frameworks. Finally, it is also important to consider culturally tailored interventions to account for barriers in access and equity in underserved populations. Full article

Resilience through urban planning has gained prominence since the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), particularly in regions exposed to multiple natural hazards. This study examines how six Western Mediterranean countries—Spain, France, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco—address disaster risk prevention through urban and spatial planning. Although these countries share a similar geodynamic and climatic context, their approaches to integrating hazard prevention into planning frameworks vary significantly due to institutional, technical, and legal factors. Special attention is given to the case of Morocco, where delays in hazard integration are evident, particularly in the Maghreb region. Limited access to historical data, weak inter-agency coordination, and insufficient scientific capacity hinder effective planning. In response, Morocco has developed the Urbanization Suitability Map (USM) program, a non-binding planning tool inspired by the French Natural Risk Prevention Plan (PPRN). The USM tool overlays hazard information to guide land use decisions and mitigate risks such as floods, landslides, and seismic activity. Using a qualitative comparative analysis of regulatory texts, national planning strategies, and mapping instruments, this study identifies contrasting levels of disaster risk reduction integration across the six countries. The Moroccan USM initiative stands out as a pragmatic response to governance gaps and offers a transferable model for other countries with similar constraints. The findings underscore the need for clearer legislation, improved data systems, and multi-level coordination to enhance urban resilience. Recommendations are provided to strengthen hazard-informed planning practices and support more adaptive and sustainable land management in risk-prone areas. Full article

This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and biogeographic structure of Pipistrellus species in Türkiye using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences from 156 specimens collected across 26 localities. Our primary aim was to clarify taxonomic boundaries of morphologically cryptic species and elucidate the evolutionary role of Anatolia in the Western Palearctic. Analyses strongly confirmed that molecular data are mandatory for defining taxonomic boundaries. Crucially, all individuals morphologically identified as P. pygmaeus were genetically determined to be P. pipistrellus, highlighting the inadequacy of external traits for cryptic species. We resolved deep intraspecific divergence across the genus. In P. pipistrellus, two major lineages (Eastern and Western) were identified, partially separated by the Anatolian Diagonal. Their co-occurrence in multiple localities confirms Anatolia’s function as a secondary contact zone. Similarly, P. kuhlii populations represent a transition zone where two distinct lineages, one of Asiatic origin (P. k. lepidus) and one Mediterranean-Levantine (P. k. kuhlii), meet. Furthermore, while P. nathusii is largely associated with migratory European lineages; a genetically distinct, potentially resident lineage was revealed in southwestern Anatolia. Divergence time estimations indicate that this diversification was shaped by major climatic events from the Miocene to the Pleistocene. This study demonstrates that Anatolia is more than just a geographic bridge; it is a dynamic center of evolution, functioning critically as both a glacial refugium and a secondary contact zone for Palearctic bat fauna. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aging population is associated with an increased incidence of dementia, which deteriorates the quality of life of adults, leading to an elevated socioeconomic burden. This review aimed to extensively examine which dietary patterns favorably influence cognitive outcomes based on prospective cohort studies of adults. Methods: A literature search was performed in the PubMed^®/MEDLINE^® database up to 30 October 2024. Results: One hundred and eighteen publications were included. In a comparison of high and low categories, the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet increased cognitive function and reduced the risk of cognitive impairment. The Mediterranean (MED) diet improved cognitive function but showed no beneficial effects on cognitive impairment or dementia. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet lowered the risk of cognitive impairment but showed no alteration in either cognitive function or dementia. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) did not alter cognitive function, cognitive impairment, or dementia. The healthy plant-based dietary index (hPDI) decreased the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, whereas the unhealthy plant-based dietary index (uPDI) elevated the risk of cognitive impairment. The Western dietary pattern (WDP) decreased cognitive function. Conclusions: The MIND diet and hPDI appeared to be effective, while the WDP appeared to be detrimental for cognitive health. Further prospective cohort studies of healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns are required to confirm the association between diverse diets and cognitive health. Full article

This study conducts a diagnostic analysis of an extremely heavy rainfall event and its causative factors that occurred in Libya, North Africa on 10 September 2023. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was also employed to perform some sensitivity experiments for this heavy rainfall event and further reveal its causes. Results indicate that the primary synoptic system responsible for this extreme precipitation event was an extratropical cyclone (storm) named “Daniel”. During the formation and development of this cyclone, the circulation at the 500 hPa level from the eastern Atlantic to western Asia exhibited a stable “two troughs and one ridge” pattern, with a upper-level cold vortex over the eastern Atlantic, a high-pressure ridge over central Europe, and a cut-off low over western Asia, collectively facilitating the formation and development of this cyclone. As this cyclone moved southward, it absorbed substantial energy from the Mediterranean Sea; following landfall, the intrusion of weak cold air enabled the cyclone to continue intensifying. Meanwhile, the northwest low-level jet stream to the west of the extratropical cyclone moved alongside the cyclone to the coastal regions of northeastern Libya, where it converged with water vapor transport belts originating from the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the coastal waters of northeastern Libya. This convergence provided abundant water vapor for the rainstorm event, and under the combined effects of convergence and orographic lifting on the windward slopes of the coastal mountains, extreme precipitation was generated. In addition, the atmosphere over the coastal regions of northeastern Libya exhibited strong stratification instability, which was conducive to the occurrence of extreme heavy precipitation. Although WRF successfully reproduced the precipitation process, the precipitation amount was underestimated. Sensitivity experiments revealed that both the topography in the precipitation area and the sea surface temperature (SST) of the Mediterranean Sea contributed to this extreme heavy precipitation event. Full article

The Mediterranean coast is known for its great tourist attractions, concentration of population, and economic activities. Specifically, in the autonomous regions like Catalonia and Valencia, more than half of the population lives in coastal counties, and the population during the summer months increases due to the influx of tourists. Furthermore, in this stretch of coast, there are some areas of natural interest such as the Delta del Ebro or the Albufera, which are two of the most important wetland areas in the Mediterranean. However, according to studies by Day Today, the retreat of the coastline has increased in recent years, and this influences management of coastal territory both directly and indirectly, mostly harming all sectors with low levels, creating spaces with significant problems. It is for this reason that reporting on climate change and the impact on the coasts is assuming an important role in society, because they are essential tools for planning and management costs. In this thesis, the ground that would be affected by a +1 m, +2 m, and +3 m increase in average sea level, as simulated by the existing flood simulator, has been quantified. And a methodology has been developed for determining the vulnerability of the land based on flooding provided by terrain elevations, and each area studied was evaluated with different degrees of vulnerability: very high, high, moderate, or low. Finally, a first estimate has been made of economic loss that could involve a meter rise in the average sea level for Catalan beaches, and major damage to natural parks, urban areas, and major infrastructure has been identified. This study shows that there are nine areas with high vulnerability due to the low heights of their territory, and the majority of the flooded land is concentrated in the Ebro Delta and the Albufera, which jointly dominate the totals across scenarios. Full article

The conjuncture of our present time, as Stuart Hall would argue, calls for a critical scrutiny of socio-political forces that aim to destabilize epistemologies and praxis of inclusion, diversity and equity. Such forces use education as a strategic site to perpetuate far-right ideologies and the idea of superiority of white, Western, middle-class nation-states. This article explores more recent manifestations of fortress Europe through the co-optation of inclusive education for migrant and refugee students in Italy and Tunisia. As critical scholars from opposite sides of the Mediterranean, we draw on anti-Blackness to engage in an analysis of the use of education policies to reproduce white supremacy in Italian society, while investing in humanitarian education in Tunisia to contain the movement of African migrants towards Europe. Lastly, the article intends to center the voices of Afro-descendant activists, who have increasingly gained a platform to speak back against such policies, and advocate for a more equitable society, with a more inclusive citizenship law. Full article

Comprising multiple microorganisms, the microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining homeostasis. The influence of genetic and environmental factors causes the composition of the microbiota to change throughout life, which is called the plasticity of the microbiota. A eubiotic microbiota promotes the immune response, reducing the risk of inflammation and diseases such as IBD and cancer. The Mediterranean diet is of fundamental importance for a healthy microbiota. On the contrary, Western diets lead to microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation. Microalgae, and, in particular, their derivatives, show promise and relevance in the search for potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomolecules. This review focuses on the correlation between microbiota, nutrition, immunity and microalgal derivatives, highlighting how these may be a potential innovative therapeutic strategy for the management of chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article