Search Results (879)

Coastal green tides may alter nearshore bioaerosols through coupled marine, atmospheric, and meteorological processes, yet their effects on airborne microbial communities remain poorly resolved. Atmospheric samples were collected in Aoshan Bay, Qingdao, China, during five phases of the Ulva prolifera green tide in 2019 (pre-bloom, 19 April; early bloom, 15 June; middle bloom, 15 July; late bloom, 6 August; post-bloom, 30 August); seawater samples were collected at one nearshore site on each of the five sampling dates, with microbial sequencing performed for the middle-bloom (15 July) and late-bloom (6 August) phases. Bacterial and fungal communities were characterized; although bioaerosols may also contain microalgae and viruses, this study profiled only the bacterial and fungal fractions, using bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) amplicon sequencing and evaluated together with meteorological variables, air-pollutant concentrations, and 72-h backward air-mass trajectories. Proteobacteria dominated the airborne bacterial assemblages (81.28–97.83%), with Sphingomonas as the most abundant genus (47.85–89.84%). Basidiomycota and Ascomycota dominated the fungal assemblages, whereas Cryptococcus and Alternaria were the major fungal genera. Community richness and composition varied across bloom phases. Chytridiomycota was undetected before the bloom (0%), appeared after bloom onset, and reached its highest relative abundance during the middle phase (8.19%). Spatial patterns indicated joint terrestrial and marine influences, although bacterial communities in seawater and air remained highly dissimilar. Temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter, ozone, and air-mass origin were associated with changes in microbial diversity and composition. These findings provide an observational baseline for coastal bioaerosol dynamics during a macroalgal green tide, extending the HAB–bioaerosol literature—which has focused predominantly on cyanobacterial blooms—to a large green macroalga. Bacteria and fungi showed contrasting environmental responses: bacterial richness increased with temperature, whereas fungal diversity declined. Greater compositional similarity between seawater and air for fungi than for bacteria suggests differential environmental filtering at the air–sea interface and implies that multiple source pathways—direct aerosolization, sea-surface release, and in-situ atmospheric production—may differentially shape the two domains. Given the single-date-per-phase sampling design, the absence of sequenced laboratory contamination controls, and the lack of absolute abundance data, these results should be regarded as preliminary and hypothesis-generating, underscoring the need for ASV-level source tracking, controlled chamber experiments, and replicated multi-year designs in future assessments of bloom–atmosphere interactions. Full article

This study presents a systematic literature review of spatial planning frameworks for coastal hazard mitigation, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A structured search of two academic databases, Scopus and Web of Science, covering the period 2016 to 2026 identified 368 records, of which 27 peer-reviewed studies were included in the final synthesis. The review pursues four interrelated objectives: analyzing global publication trends in research on spatial planning for coastal hazard mitigation; identifying and describing coastal hazard typologies and their associated mitigation approaches; examining how spatial planning frameworks are integrated with hazard mitigation strategies; and synthesizing cross-cutting constructs that structure an integrative analytical model. Findings reveal a marked intensification of scholarly output over the final third of the review period, with Asia–Pacific and Europe as the most represented regions, while sub-Saharan Africa and small island developing states remain critically underrepresented. Coastal hazards are classified into four categories: slow-onset climate and hydro-geological processes, acute hydro-meteorological events, multi-risk systemic hazard interactions, and ecological and environmental degradation. Three analytically distinct integration families are identified: geospatial and technical modeling, NbS and ecosystem-planning integration, and participatory governance and institutional integration. From these, four cross-cutting constructs emerge inductively across the evidence base, namely spatial risk assessment and geospatial modeling, land-use governance and climate-proof planning, community-based resilience and participatory governance, and ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions, which together constitute an integrative analytical framework. The discussion demonstrates that governance capacity, rather than technical sophistication, is the primary moderator of implementation effectiveness, and that socio-spatial equity in hazard planning represents a cross-regional challenge irrespective of governance capacity level. Limitations include the geographic concentration of the evidence based in high-capacity planning contexts and the predominantly projected rather than implemented nature of effectiveness evidence. Full article

Depression (major depressive disorder, MDD) is a globally prevalent, highly disabling, and complex mental disorder whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in depression via the “microbiota–gut–brain axis” (MGB axis) has attracted increasing attention. A large body of evidence indicates that the gut microbiota and its metabolites can engage in bidirectional communication with the central nervous system through three core pathways—neural, immune, and metabolic—thereby profoundly influencing the onset and progression of depression. This article reviews the specific mechanisms by which the gut microbiota affects depression through the aforementioned pathways, including regulating the balance of neurotransmitters (e.g., GABA and 5-HT), mediating neuroinflammatory responses, and adjusting the levels of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of depression and the development of novel microbiota-based intervention therapeutic strategies. Full article

Cellular senescence is one of the major risk factors for the onset and progression of chronic pulmonary diseases. Cellular senescence can be induced by diverse stressors, including genotoxic damage, oncogenic signaling, and therapeutic interventions. These senescent cells communicate via the release of multiple inflammatory molecules known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), which induces persistent low-grade inflammation and contributes to various chronic inflammatory lung diseases. This review summarizes the basic concepts of cell senescence, its hallmarks, SASP, and the mechanisms of cell senescence in the lung, and its consequences in the development and progression of chronic pulmonary diseases. Current therapeutic strategies include senolytics (e.g., BCL-2 family inhibitors and dasatinib–quercetin) and senomorphics that suppress SASP activity. Future directions in the development of cell- and stage-specific therapies are critical for targeting age-related lung disease with desired outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although the exact etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is not yet fully understood, recent evidence suggests that both genetic and dietary factors are involved in their pathogenesis. The aim of the present exploratory study was to investigate how first-degree relatives (FDRs) of individuals with IBD perceive familial risk and the role of diet in IBD onset and prevention. Methods: A mixed methods approach was followed. A total of 103 unaffected FDRs of individuals living with IBD in Greece participated in an online questionnaire examining demographic characteristics, disease-related knowledge, risk perception, and beliefs about the role of diet in IBD. In parallel, 16 semi-structured interviews explored participants’ beliefs, self-reported dietary practices, and the factors shaping them using a framework analysis guided by the Health Belief Model. Results: Exploratory quantitative findings indicated that belief in the role of diet was associated with higher odds of self-reported family dietary changes, while belief in genetic risk was associated with lower odds of self-reported family dietary changes. The findings did not characterize the nature, maintenance, or motivation of these changes. Qualitative findings provided a deeper understanding of participants’ beliefs, highlighting that diet was mainly viewed as relevant to IBD management rather than prevention. Fear of disease onset and healthcare professional guidance were perceived as key facilitators of dietary changes. Conclusions: Our findings highlight heterogeneous beliefs regarding familial IBD risk and self-reported family diet changes, and support future research addressing balanced familial-risk communication for unaffected FDRs. Full article

Puccinellia tenuiflora is a perennial halophytic grass commonly regarded as a pioneer species for the ecological restoration of saline–alkali land. Its adaptive capacity and subsequent utilization value are shaped by interacting structural, physiological, molecular, ecological, and management-related factors. This review summarizes recent studies on saline–alkali tolerance in P. tenuiflora, with emphasis on root structural barriers, Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis, osmotic adjustment, organic-acid metabolism, antioxidant defense, ion transport, and multi-omics regulation. To better understand the integrated stress response, we propose a functional framework that distinguishes first-line defenses from downstream cellular repair mechanisms. First-line defenses include root apoplastic barriers (Casparian strips and suberization) that restrict Na⁺ entry, plasma-membrane Na⁺/H⁺ antiporters (e.g., SOS1) that mediate active Na⁺ exclusion, and K⁺-retention mechanisms (e.g., AKT1, HKT2;1) that preserve cytosolic K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis—these operate rapidly to prevent ion imbalance at the onset of stress. Downstream repair and acclimation mechanisms include osmotic adjustment via compatible solutes (e.g., proline, glycine betaine), organic-acid accumulation (especially citric acid) for pH regulation and chelation, ROS scavenging systems, and proteomic/phosphoproteomic reprogramming that repair stress-induced damage and restore metabolic balance. Furthermore, saline–alkali stress involves both short-term osmotic shock and long-term ionic toxicity, and available evidence suggests a temporal shift in the relative importance of these mechanisms: osmotic adjustment and rapid ion exclusion dominate during the initial hours to days of stress, whereas organic-acid metabolism, ROS buffering, and molecular reprogramming become increasingly important during prolonged exposure, sustaining tissue integrity and enabling long-term persistence. Current evidence indicates that saline–alkali tolerance in P. tenuiflora results from the combined action of several processes, including restricted Na⁺ entry, K⁺ retention, organic-acid accumulation, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, and organ-specific molecular responses. This review also discusses the significance of P. tenuiflora in community establishment, saline–alkali land restoration, and post-restoration forage utilization. Field studies and limited feeding trials suggest that P. tenuiflora can provide biomass and utilization potential after community stabilization. However, based on current evidence, it is more appropriate to define its forage value as a post-restoration utilization extension rather than as that of a fully developed specialized forage crop. Further studies are required on nutritional quality, mineral-element safety, long-term field management, and animal feeding validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) interventions have the potential to delay or reverse frailty in older people, and previous meta-analyses have shown that PA reduces frailty risk. However, introduction and maintenance of PA during midlife might be more impactful as a public health intervention to reduce frailty at the population level. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of longitudinal PA patterns on future frailty risk and to examine whether it is modified by age of onset before vs. after 60 years. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective population-based cohort studies evaluating the effect of longitudinal PA trajectories on frailty risk of community-dwelling adults below and above 60 years at baseline. Risk ratios (RRs) from studies eligible for quantitative synthesis were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Ten studies involving 111,714 participants from Europe, Asia, and North America were included in the systematic review and six in the meta-analysis. Relative to long-term physical inactivity, persistent PA trajectory was associated with 44% reduced risk of frailty (RR = 0.56, 95% CI:0.42–0.76) with moderate certainty, while inclining trajectories were associated with a 38% reduced risk (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.57–0.68) with low certainty. Results: were similar for populations > 60 and <60 years at baseline. Conclusions: Sustained or increasing PA patterns over time are associated with lower risk of future frailty. These findings warrant further implementation studies to quantify the impact of public health policies promoting physically active lifestyles in midlife on the burden of frailty in aging populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a chronic, multisystem autoimmune disease that is associated with more severe organ involvement, more intensive drug therapy, and increased long-term organ damage compared with adult-onset disease. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of widely used small area-level multidimensional indicators of neighborhood disadvantage in a mixed urban–rural cSLE cohort against disease outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized electronic health records to identify and evaluate pediatric patients with cSLE across a single center in South Carolina between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024. Primary outcomes included disease activity at diagnosis, measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K); the achievement of a low lupus disease activity state (LLDAS) by the last visit; the development of major organ involvement; and the rates of unplanned hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The associations of the census tract-level Area Deprivation Index (ADI), Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) with clinical presentation and outcomes were estimated using generalized linear models and logistic regression. Results: A total of 85 patients with cSLE were included, of which 76% reported being of Black race, and 28% lived in rural areas. Lupus disease severity was inconsistent across the metrics of area-level social vulnerability, neighborhood deprivation, child opportunity, and rurality. Patients who lived in more socially vulnerable communities were more likely to attain LLDAS during follow-up, while those who lived in lower-opportunity areas were more likely to develop CNS lupus. Baseline disease activity, renal involvement, and healthcare use were not significantly associated with area-level social disadvantages or rurality. Conclusions: In this single-center, mixed urban–rural cohort of children with cSLE, indicators of neighborhood-level disadvantage and rurality alone explained little variation in disease severity and disease control overall. The utility of available small area-level metrics is likely context-dependent and influenced by regional features, population characteristics, and the outcomes being studied. Future work should integrate individual- and area-level factors across diverse settings to better understand the drivers of health disparities. Full article

Gut microbiota research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is transitioning from holistic community-level associations toward causal validation of individual bacteria and their metabolites. However, existing causal evidence is dispersed across diverse pathways and experimental models, lacking systematic integration and comparative assessment of evidence strength. Building on the concept of grading causal evidence in microbiome studies, we extend this approach into a five-tier progressive validation framework that covers the entire causal chain—from initial association discovery to the identification of specific effector metabolites. Using this framework, we systematically collate the single-bacterium–metabolite–host target axes that have been validated by high-level experimental methods. Focusing on four major pathways—AhR/tryptophan metabolism, bile acid/nuclear receptor signaling, short-chain fatty acid/vitamin/energy metabolism, and cell death-related pathogenic mechanisms—we integrate the molecular mechanisms through which specific bacteria and their causally linked metabolites regulate intestinal barrier integrity, immune responses, and inflammation resolution. We further discuss the modulatory influences of host genetics, diet, and medications on these axes, as well as therapeutic strategies such as live bacterial preparations, engineered probiotics, and postbiotics. Causal studies on individual bacteria and metabolites in IBD have progressed from isolated mechanistic discoveries towards systematic consolidation. It should be acknowledged, however, that most of the high-level evidence summarized in this review derives from animal models and preclinical studies, whereas robust human validation remains limited. In addition, protective mechanisms appear to considerably outnumber pathogenic ones, suggesting a marked imbalance in the current evidence base. To bridge the gap between mechanistic validation and clinical application, future research should focus on validating causal chains from animal models in well-designed human cohorts, exploring pathogenic mechanisms that drive disease onset, and clarifying interactions among different metabolites. By synthesizing available evidence, identifying key research gaps, and acknowledging translational limitations, this review aims to provide a foundational reference for researchers, while recognizing that further translational efforts are needed to move these preclinical findings toward clinical application. Full article

Bacterial disease is a major constraint on Magallana gigas larval production, yet hatchery microbiology has been characterised almost exclusively through the lens of Vibrio, and rarely across the whole production chain. We tracked bacterial communities throughout an entire larval rearing cycle at a commercial hatchery in northern China. A total of 78 samples were collected from the full production chain, from water intake to larvae. Bacterial communities were characterised using 16S rRNA (V4–V5) amplicon sequencing and culture-based isolation, with larvae sampled from three replicate tanks at six developmental stages. A protracted mortality event began at the D-veliger stage, with cumulative losses of roughly 40% before sinking ceased; ostreid herpesvirus 1 was not detected. The only taxon that rose above its healthy baseline during larval mortality was a single undescribed a single undescribed amplicon sequence variant (ASV) of the family Cryomorphaceae. Its relative abundance increased to a mean of 41% (with a tank-to-tank range of 33.7–51.6%) before disappearing once the mortality event concluded. No described species exceeds 92.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to it, whereas its closest environmental relatives (97–98%) are, without exception, uncultured bacteria associated with marine invertebrates. It was an order of magnitude more abundant in larvae than in the surrounding water. Vibrio rose transiently at the onset of mortality but fell below its healthy-stage abundance while larvae were still dying. Tenacibaculum, by contrast, was the dominant genus of the rearing water yet was never recovered on Vibrio-selective medium and showed no association with mortality. Chlorination of the feed-room supply removed Tenacibaculum while leaving Vibrio uncontrolled. These findings reveal the limitations of the Vibrio-targeted, culture-based paradigm that has long dominated hatchery microbiology, as it overlooks both prevailing water-column organisms and mortality-linked taxa. Our results highlight the need for whole-community, culture-independent surveillance to better understand larval disease. Full article

The aim of this study was to identify the motivations held by graduate teachers at the onset of their initial teacher education. Students were asked to create a collage based on the theme “I come from”, providing a visual and reflective account of their backgrounds and their reasons for enrolling in the PGCE programme. Empirical data were collected from the fifteen collages, along with reflective entries from students who volunteered to participate. Data analysis was conducted through a four-stage process that examined the content of the images, the visual elements, the structural composition of the collages, and the representational aspects, all of which were interpreted in relation to broader social, cultural, and educational discourses. The results suggest that motivations are not standalone; rather, they are intertwined, reflecting a complex interplay of influences. A key finding of the study is that students’ motivations have antecedents deeply rooted in their socio-cultural and economic backgrounds, indicating that personal history, community context, and prior experiences collectively shape their decision to pursue a career in teaching. Full article

Background: Rural older women in China face intersecting disadvantages including eroded family support, limited pension coverage, and high social isolation that elevate depressive symptoms. Although Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) has expanded rapidly since 2016 to provide both financial protection and formal care services for older adults, whether it can compensate for depleted informal support and protect mental health among this vulnerable population remains unknown. Methods: We used five waves of CHARLS (2011–2020) with 2193 rural women aged ≥60. We employed a staggered difference-in-differences design, complemented by moderation analysis, heterogeneity tests, and time-dependent survival analysis. Robustness checks included Callaway-Sant’Anna DID, placebo permutation and baseline exclusion sensitivity. Results: LTCI reduced depression scores by 0.45 points (β = −0.447, p = 0.028) and depression onset hazard by 36.1% (HR = 0.639, p = 0.009). Benefits were compensatory, concentrated among women lacking regular emotional and financial support from children and those with high social isolation. Heterogeneity analyses demonstrated a pronounced age gradient and a significant education gradient, while care-need and disability subgroups showed directionally consistent but underpowered effects. These findings were robust to supplementary sensitivity checks, including Callaway-Sant’Anna DID, placebo permutation, and baseline-depressed exclusion. Conclusions: LTCI confers meaningful mental health protection for rural older women through compensatory pathways that substitute for depleted informal support. However, benefits are concentrated among younger-old and more-educated women, raising equity concerns. Gender-sensitive implementation with mental health screening, targeted outreach for less-educated women, and community-based enrollment assistance is essential to ensure policy equity. Full article

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder and is associated with serious clinical consequences. While newborn screening (NBS) could facilitate early identification and timely intervention, its implementation for X-ALD remains controversial due to ethical concerns arising from its X-linked recessive inheritance pattern, particularly regarding female newborns. This study aims to explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals and the general public on NBS for X-ALD in Hong Kong. An online survey with 20 quantitative questions on ethical considerations was conducted from May to August 2024. Among a total of 259 responses, most respondents (99.2%) supported NBS for their male newborns, primarily because it facilitates early diagnosis and effective management. The majority of the respondents were in favor of offering NBS to female newborns, citing potential benefits for the management of adult-onset disease, enhanced family planning and support, and opportunities for extended family screening. However, some respondents expressed concerns regarding (1) psychological stress and anxiety from uncertain disease onset and frequent monitoring; (2) potential genetic discrimination and adverse impact on insurance premiums/coverage; (3) affordability and accessibility of expensive treatments, such as gene therapy; and (4) ethical issues regarding children’s “right to an open future”, particularly for late-onset female X-ALD. To address these concerns while respecting family autonomy, we propose an opt-in system with clear, balanced information for parents, combined with a three-tier screening algorithm. In summary, while inclusion of X-ALD in Hong Kong’s NBS program receives strong community support, targeted measures are needed to mitigate the identified ethical and practical barriers. Full article

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains a preventable yet frequent complication at the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children, driven by delayed symptom recognition, socioeconomic disparities, and inconsistent access to care. Early identification of presymptomatic T1D through autoantibody-based screening, together with emerging disease-modifying therapies, may reduce the incidence of DKA. This review synthesizes evidence on epidemiology, risk determinants, screening strategies, and immunological interventions relevant to DKA prevention. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2011–2026). Eligible sources included clinical studies, guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and prevention trials addressing staging, screening, epidemiology, and disease-modifying treatments in pediatric T1D. Landmark publications outside this timeframe were included when essential. Evidence was integrated to identify determinants of DKA and strategies to reduce its occurrence. Results: DKA risk is influenced by younger age, socioeconomic disadvantage, rural residence, misdiagnosis, and limited access to specialized care. Sustained public awareness and community-based education reduce DKA incidence, whereas short-term campaigns show transient effects. Structured screening programs, including TrialNet and TEDDY, demonstrate near-elimination of DKA among monitored children. Teplizumab delayed progression from stage 2 to stage 3 T1D by a median of approximately 24 months in the original TN-10 trial, with extended follow-up demonstrating a median delay of 32.5 months. It is approved for individuals with stage 2 T1D aged ≥ 1 year and has recently gained approval for selected patients with newly diagnosed T1D, expanding opportunities for early disease modification. Global networks such as INNODIA strengthen prevention through coordinated biomarker-driven research. Conclusions: Reducing DKA at T1D onset requires integrated, sustained strategies combining public awareness, systematic autoantibody screening, structured follow-up, and access to emerging immunotherapies. Coordinated care across primary providers, pediatric endocrinologists, and research networks is essential to advance a proactive, prevention-oriented model of pediatric T1D care. Full article

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic hemoglobinopathy in which hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerizes on deoxygenation, leading to sickling of red blood cells (RBCs) and driving the acute vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). With curative (transformative) therapies inaccessible to most patients in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, where burden is highest, optimizing acute VOC care is a priority; yet oxygen is given reactively, after hypoxemia is documented, not at symptom onset when polymerization is most interruptible. We conducted a structured narrative review integrating HbS polymerization kinetics, clinical studies of oxygen-based therapies, trial protocols, and home-care implementation evidence (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; 1974–2026). When RBCs release oxygen, HbS does not solidify at once: a brief pause, the nucleation delay phase (t_D), precedes polymerization and sickling. Because t_D falls steeply as deoxygenated hemoglobin rises (inversely, to its ~30th–50th power), a small early gain in oxygen saturation (~5–10%) lengthens it many-fold, opening a short window, roughly 30 min from onset, during which oxygen may abort a crisis. The clinical message is that timing, not dose, is decisive: oxygen at the first symptoms may prevent a crisis that the same oxygen, given later, cannot. Standard, high-flow, hyperbaric, and inhaled nitric-oxide modalities help in selected hospital settings, and the DREPADOM model shows community delivery before hospital arrival is feasible and safe. The central argument is precision in timing, not quantity: starting oxygen at symptom onset could turn a low-cost, universally available treatment into a crisis-aborting one for patients beyond the reach of curative therapy. We advance this as a mechanistically grounded but clinically untested hypothesis; regional implementation trials in the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa are urgently warranted. Full article