Search Results (1,528)

Background/Objectives: Recent data shows increasing diabetes prevalence among African Americans. Youth with a family history of diabetes are at high risk for diabetes. This study explores the multilevel risk factors associated with a family history of diabetes among African American youth in public housing. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative, and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. The research team, comprising community stakeholders and academic researchers, employed respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for data collection (survey) and used univariate and bivariate analyses to examine variable relationships. A sequential logistic regression highlighted factors influencing the likelihood of having a family history of diabetes. Results: The final sample (n = 190, mean age 18.5 years, 58% female) included 35% of youth with a family history of diabetes. Forty-six percent reported medium to severe household hardships. Results suggest that reporting a family history of diabetes is correlated with maternal substance use (tau-b = 0.27 **) and alcohol problems (tau-b = 0.16 ***), paternal substance use (tau-b = 0.17 *), and eating fewer fruits (tau-b = 0.17 *). With an odds ratio (OR) of 1.70 [0.68, 4.13] and attributable fraction among the exposed at 41.3%, the final model (3) was not significant [χ² = 11.19(8)]. Thus, we fail to reject the null hypothesis that the model fits the data well. Fewer vegetable consumption (OR = 15.08, p < 0.001), higher soda consumption (OR = 0.06, p < 0.001), severe household hardships (OR = 5.82, p < 0.01), and maternal substance use problems (OR = 6.81, p < 0.05) predicted a higher likelihood of a history of diabetes. Conclusions: Our study calls attention to the need to reevaluate interventions for hardships and substance use in diabetes management, particularly in poor neighborhoods and among minority families. Full article

Background: T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are markers of recent thymic and bone marrow output, respectively. As they have previously been associated with immunosenescence, we aimed to investigate their association with anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 (S1RBD) IgG antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination in nursing home residents (NHRs) and staff (NHS). Methods: We measured TREC and KREC levels and S1RBD IgG antibody levels from dried blood spots (DBSs) using in-house qPCRs and a commercial ELISA kit, respectively, in 200 participants (50 NHRs and 150 NHS). DBSs were collected in April 2021, approximately two months after primary course COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2). We assessed the association between TREC and KREC as dependent variables and age, sex, infection-priming status, and post-vaccination S1RBD-specific IgG concentrations as independent variables by simple and multiple linear regression. Results: TREC and KREC levels were significantly lower in NHRs compared with NHS and were negatively correlated with age (p < 0.001). Neither TREC nor KREC levels were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In our study population, TREC and KREC levels decreased with age and were statistically significantly lower in NHRs than NHS. They were, however, not associated with the antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination. Yet, additional research is warranted to explore their potential relevance in cellular immune responses or in combination with other biomarkers of immune function. Full article

By 2040, more than 80 million Americans will be aged ≥65, yet contemporary senior living communities still operate on a hospitality-first model developed for healthier cohorts three decades ago. This commentary argues that the next generation of senior living must pivot from hotel-style amenities to person-centric health platforms that proactively coordinate medical, functional, and social support. We outline four mutually reinforcing pillars. (1) Data infrastructure that stitches together clinical, functional, and social determinants of health enables continuous risk stratification and early intervention. (2) Ambient and conversational artificial-intelligence tools can extend sparse caregiving workforces while preserving resident autonomy. (3) Value-based contractual arrangements—for example, Medicare Advantage special-needs plans embedded within senior living sites—can realign financial incentives toward prevention rather than occupancy. (4) Targeted policy levers, including low-income housing tax credits for the “forgotten middle” and outcomes-based regulatory frameworks, can catalyze adoption at scale. Ultimately, re-architecting senior living around integrated technology, value-based financing and supportive regulation can transform these communities into preventive-care hubs that delay nursing home entry, improve quality of life, and reduce total cost of care. Full article

This article evaluates the effectiveness of various energy retrofit solutions—both passive and active—for reducing energy demand and improving indoor thermal conditions in apartments of typical multifamily buildings in Central Europe, considering current and future climate conditions. This study combines computer-based co-simulations (EnergyPlus and CONTAM) with in situ thermal measurements to identify challenges in maintaining indoor thermal conditions and to support model validation. Key indicators include the number of thermal discomfort hours and heating and cooling demand. The evaluated strategies include passive measures (wall insulation, green or reflective roofs, roller blinds, solar protective glazing) and active solutions such as mechanical cooling. The comfort operative temperature range of the adaptive model is adopted as a measure of thermal comfort and the energy demand in individual apartments as a measure of energy efficiency. The simulation results showed that solar protective glazing combined with a reflective roof reduced thermal discomfort hours by up to 95%, while modern windows alone decreased them by 90% and lowered heating demand by 18%. In contrast, typical passive solutions such as internal blinds or balconies were significantly less effective, reducing discomfort hours by only 11–42%. These findings highlight that, while no single retrofit measure is universally optimal, well-selected passive or hybrid strategies can substantially improve summer comfort, maintain winter efficiency, and reduce long-term reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems in aging multifamily housing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative frozen biopsies are essential during surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). However, this method has several limitations with the need for a faster and real-time diagnostic alternative. For this, consistent histoanatomical and morphometric differences between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel must be established. The primary objective was to compare dimensions of bowel wall layers between aganglionic and ganglionic segments histopathologically in resected rectosigmoid specimens from children with HD. Secondary objectives were to design a diagnostic algorithm to distinguish aganglionosis from ganglionosis and assess whether full bowel wall thickness correlates with patient weight and age. Methods: Each histoanatomic bowel wall layer—mucosa, submucosa, and muscularis propria’s layers—was delineated manually on histopathological images. Mean thicknesses were calculated automatically using an in-house image analysis software. Paired parametric tests compared measurements in aganglionic and ganglionic segments. Results: Resected specimens from 30 children with HD were included. Compared to aganglionic bowel, ganglionic bowel showed a thicker muscularis interna (mean 0.666 mm versus 0.461 mm, CI −0.257–(−0.153), p < 0.001), and a higher muscularis interna/muscularis externa ratio (2.047 mm versus 1.287 mm, CI −0.954–(−0.565), p < 0.001). An algorithm based on these features achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing aganglionosis from ganglionosis. No significant difference in full bowel wall thickness was found between aganglionic and ganglionic segments, nor any correlation with patient weight or age. Conclusions: Histoanatomic layer thickness differs between aganglionic and ganglionic bowel, forming the basis of a diagnostic algorithm. Full bowel wall thickness was independent of patient weight and age. Full article

The rapid demographic transition in middle-income countries creates unprecedented challenges for age-friendly urban development, as cities experience compressed aging within severe resource constraints—a phenomenon termed “getting old before getting rich.” This study develops a preliminary Resource-Constrained Age-Friendly City (RC-AFC) framework through empirical analysis of Bangkok’s urban aging challenges, addressing the need for context-specific approaches in resource-constrained environments. Using convergent parallel mixed-methods design, the research analyzed data from 1000 older adults and 195 multi-sectoral stakeholders to examine age-friendly service gaps and collaboration potential within Bangkok’s rapidly aging context. Importance-Performance Analysis revealed significant service disparities (average gap: 1.34) with Communication and Information (2.03), Housing (1.93), and Outdoor Spaces (1.78) identified as priority areas in Bangkok’s setting. The study proposes three initial RC-AFC principles based on Bangkok findings: Priority Hierarchy Adaptation suggesting systematic resource allocation approaches; Multi-Sectoral Resource Optimization indicating collaboration as structural necessity; and Leapfrog Innovation Potential demonstrating potential for constraint-driven solutions. This proof-of-concept study provides initial conceptual foundation specifically developed from Bangkok’s context, though systematic validation across different urban environments remains essential before any broader consideration. The research offers a Bangkok-derived starting point for understanding resource-constrained age-friendly development that requires substantial further testing and adaptation for application in other contexts. Full article

The electric energy metering box serves as a crucial node in power grid operations, offering essential protection for key components in the distribution network, such as smart meters, data acquisition terminals, and circuit breakers, thereby ensuring their safe and reliable operation. However, the non-metallic housings of these boxes are susceptible to aging under environmental stress, which can result in diminished flame-retardant properties and an increased risk of fire. Currently, there is a lack of rapid and accurate methods for assessing the fire resistance of non-metallic metering box enclosures. In this study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which enables fast, multi-element, and non-contact analysis, was utilized to develop an effective assessment approach. Thermal aging experiments were conducted to systematically investigate the degradation patterns and mechanisms underlying the reduced flame-retardant performance of sheet molding compound (SMC), a representative non-metallic material used in metering box enclosures. The results showed that the intensity ratio of aluminum ionic spectral lines is highly correlated with the flame-retardant grade, serving as an effective performance indicator. On this basis, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model was developed utilizing LIBS data, which achieved over 92% prediction accuracy for different flame-retardant grades on the test set and demonstrated high recognition accuracy for previously unseen samples. This method offers significant potential for rapid, on-site evaluation of flame-retardant grades of non-metallic electric energy metering boxes, thereby supporting the safe and reliable operation of power systems. Full article

Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is particularly prevalent among socially disadvantaged female populations. This quantitative, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence of preterm birth in three segregated Roma communities in Hungary and to identify health behavior and care factors associated with its occurrence. In our study, preterm birth was defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation (i.e., <259 days). Data were collected from 231 Roma women living in three municipalities of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, one of Hungary’s most disadvantaged regions, using a structured interview questionnaire. The participants were women aged 18–65 years. Of these, 209 had been pregnant at least once in their lifetime. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic characteristics (age, level of education, employment status, housing conditions, marital status), health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, vitamin supplementation, other substance use), antenatal care attendance, and birth outcomes (preterm birth, gestational age, low birth weight, newborn status). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression with significance set at p < 0.05. Preterm birth was significantly more common among women who smoked, consumed alcohol or drugs during pregnancy, or had vaginal infections. Drug use showed the strongest association with a 22-fold increase in risk, followed by alcohol (nearly fivefold), smoking (over threefold), and infections (threefold). Although non-attendance at antenatal care was associated with increased risk, this relationship was not statistically significant. In the multivariate logistic regression model, alcohol consumption (OR = 1.744, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 2.495, p < 0.01), drug use (OR = 25.500, p < 0.001), and vaginal infections (OR = 4.014, p < 0.01) during pregnancy were independently associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, whereas folic acid supplementation (OR = 0.448, p < 0.05) showed a significant protective effect. These findings highlight that preterm birth is intricately linked to socioeconomic disadvantage and adverse health behaviors. Culture-specific, community-based prevention strategies are essential to reduce perinatal risks in marginalized populations. Full article

Lighting influences broiler production, health, and behavior. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of three light wavelengths (White [350–780 nm], Blue [450 nm], and Green [560 nm]) on broiler production, activity, fear, stress, blood cell profiles, and tibiotarsi (tibia) morphology. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks (N = 600) were housed in pens (N = 12) with one lighting treatment for 42 days. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded on day (D) 0, 14, 28, and 42, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. The Tonic Immobility test was used to assess the latency (seconds) to right from the testing cradle (D12 and D33). Blood was drawn for leukocyte and plasma corticosterone concentrations (D21 and D41). Accelerometers were attached at 2 and 5 weeks of age to measure activity. On D41, thermal images of the head were taken to measure surface temperatures (eye and beak), the bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted for relative bursa weight, and the right and left tibias were extracted for tibia morphology. After sampling, the remaining broilers were processed. Activity was greatest in Green light at Week 2 (261.17 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001), and activity was lowest in White light at Week 5 (98.99 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001). Broilers under Blue light had lower concentrations of lymphocytes (8.62 ± 0.40 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.01) and T cells (7.16 ± 0.33 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.008) compared to White light. Breast yields were greatest (26.89 ± 0.13%, p = 0.01) in the White treatments compared to Green and Blue treatments. These results suggest that blue light may negatively impact immune health, while green light increases activity, without decreasing production performance, and white light can improve carcass traits. Therefore, lighting color can be strategically used to target welfare or production goals. Full article

Widespread job losses and economic disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant housing payment insecurity, disproportionately affecting various demographic groups and regions across the United States (US). While previous studies have explored the pandemic’s impact on housing insecurity, they all focused on specific periods, populations or areas. No study has yet provided a comprehensive analysis of inequality in housing insecurity throughout the pandemic, particularly in terms of spatial disparities. Our study addresses this gap by analyzing individual-level and aggregated data from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) (N = 2,062,005). The findings reveal heightened vulnerability among individuals aged 40–54, those with lower education and income, Black and Hispanic/Latino populations, women, households with children, individuals who experienced job loss, the divorced, and larger households. Renters experienced greater housing insecurity than homeowners. A hotspot analysis identified the southeastern US as a region of acute housing insecurity, revealing that insecurity cannot be solely measured by affordability. The regression results show that poverty is the main reason for differences in housing insecurity across places, and rent burden is also important. The geographically weighted regression (GWR) model shows stronger coefficients in southern states, highlighting that poverty and rent burden are particularly influential factors in these areas. This study shows the multifaceted nature of housing insecurity, calling for targeted group or location policy interventions. Full article

Black gay and bisexual older men face numerous barriers across the life course that can contribute to negative health and well-being as they age. Drawing on strengths-based social determinants discussed in the health literature and literature on intersectionality, justice, and critical consciousness, this study examines qualitative data from seventeen Black gay and bisexual older men about sources and strategies of resilience and thriving amidst intersecting systems of power and oppression that shape health inequities. The findings revealed an evolution of positive support networks across their life courses, including biological family and families of choice such as “houses” and support groups. Early and ongoing negative experiences relating to intersecting positionalities (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation) also provided sources of strength and resilience. Participants identified three strategies for building resilience and thriving: naming external ignorance, acknowledging common struggles, and reconciling contradictions. These strategies reflected various levels of critical consciousness that helped them navigate complex and intersecting systems of power that they encountered as Black gay men across the life course. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of considering intersecting systems of power and critical consciousness when examining resilience and social determinants of health and contribute new insights on a vastly understudied population. Full article

Globally, technologically integrated housing solutions are increasingly relevant in addressing the challenges of aging populations and sustainable urban development. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates how perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and attitudes influence relocation intention to smart retirement villages (SRVs), while also examining any significant differences between the socio-demographic variables and such intention. A total of 305 individuals aged 55 and above participated in an online survey, with data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 and AMOS-SEM version 25. The findings reveal that elderly individuals of Chinese ethnicity, those who are married, and those aged between 66 and 70 are more inclined to relocate to SRVs. Attitude and perceived usefulness significantly predict relocation intention, while perceived ease of use exerts an indirect effect through usefulness. These results highlight the importance of integrating user-centered technological design with socio-cultural and demographic considerations in the development of age-friendly built environments. The study offers insights for urban planners, policymakers, and developers seeking to create inclusive and sustainable smart housing solutions for aging populations. Full article

This study explores the role of egoistic and altruistic values on green real estate purchase intention among young consumers in Canada aged between 20 and 40 years. In addition, this study examines the mediating effects of pro-environmental self-identity between social consumption motivation and green real estate purchase intention. A quantitative cross-sectional research design with an explanatory nature is employed. A total of 432 participating consumers in Canada, comprising 44% men and 48% women, with a graduate educational background accounting for 46.7%, and the ages between 24 and 35 contributing 75.2%, were part of the study, and the data collection used a survey method with a purposive sampling, followed by a respondent-driven method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the scales used for the study variables. A structural equational model and path analysis were conducted to derive the results, and the relationships were positive and significant. The study results infer the factors contributing to green real estate purchase intention, including altruistic value, egoistic value, social consumption motivation, and pro-environmental self-identity, with pro-environmental self-identity mediating the relationship. This study emphasizes the relevance of consumer values in real estate purchasing decisions, urging developers and marketers to prioritize ethical ideas, sustainable practices, and building a feeling of belonging and social connectedness. Offering eco-friendly amenities and green construction methods might attract clients, but creating a secure area for social interaction is critical. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the role of egoistic and altruistic values on purchase intention, mainly in the housing and real estate sector, with the target consumers being young consumers in Canada. Full article

Population aging poses significant challenges to the sustainability of pension systems. This study presents an integrated methodological approach that uniquely combines actuarial life-cycle modeling with agent-based simulation to assess the potential of Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a dual lever for enhancing retiree welfare and supporting pension system resilience under demographic and financial uncertainty. We explore Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a potential financial instrument to support retirees while alleviating pressure on public pensions. Unlike prior research that treats individual decisions or policy outcomes in isolation, our hybrid model explicitly captures feedback loops between household-level behavior and system-wide financial stability. To test our hypothesis that RMLs can improve individual consumption outcomes and bolster systemic solvency, we develop a hybrid model combining actuarial techniques and agent-based simulations, incorporating stochastic housing prices, longevity risk, regulatory capital requirements, and demographic shifts. This dual-framework enables a structured investigation of how micro-level financial decisions propagate through market dynamics, influencing solvency, pricing, and adoption trends. Our central hypothesis is that reverse mortgages, when actuarially calibrated and macroprudentially regulated, enhance individual financial well-being while preserving long-run solvency at the system level. Simulation results indicate that RMLs can improve consumption smoothing, raise expected utility for retirees, and contribute to long-term fiscal sustainability. Moreover, we introduce a dynamic regulatory mechanism that adjusts capital buffers based on evolving market and demographic conditions, enhancing system resilience. Our simulation design supports multi-scenario testing of financial robustness and policy outcomes, providing a transparent tool for stress-testing RML adoption at scale. These findings suggest that, when well-regulated, RMLs can serve as a viable supplement to traditional retirement financing. Rather than offering prescriptive guidance, this framework provides insights to policymakers, financial institutions, and regulators seeking to integrate RMLs into broader pension strategies. Full article

Numerous studies have demonstrated that in residential areas of Western cities, both luxury and legacy effects significantly shape tree species diversity dynamics. However, the specific mechanisms driving these diversity patterns in China, where urbanization has progressed at an unprecedented pace, remain poorly understood. In this study we selected 20 residential settlements and 7 key socio-economic properties to investigate the change trend of tree diversity (2006–2021) and its socio-economic driving factors in Beijing. Our results demonstrate significant increases in total, native, and exotic tree species richness between 2006 and 2021 (p < 0.05), with average increases of 36%, 26%, and 55%, respectively. Total and exotic tree Shannon-Wiener indices, as well as exotic tree Simpson’s index, were also significantly higher in 2021 (p < 0.05). Housing prices was the dominant driver shaping total and exotic tree diversity, showing significant positive correlations with both metrics. In contrast, native tree diversity exhibited a strong positive association with neighborhood age. Our findings highlight two dominant mechanisms: legacy effect, where older neighborhoods preserve native diversity through historical planting practices, and luxury effect, where affluent communities drive exotic species proliferation through ornamental landscaping initiatives. These findings elucidate the dual dynamics of legacy conservation and luxury-driven cultivation in urban forest development, revealing how historical contingencies and contemporary socioeconomic forces jointly shape tree diversity patterns in urban ecosystems. Full article