Search Results (252,243)

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

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated neurological disorder that primarily affects young adults and is frequently accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, both of which significantly diminish patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the effect of two oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), fingolimod and cladribine, on mental health and QoL in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The aim of the study was to compare levels of depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in RRMS patients treated with fingolimod or cladribine, and to evaluate their associations with clinical and radiological parameters. Materials and Methods: Eighty RRMS patients aged 18 to 50 years with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 3.0 or less, no recent disease relapse, and no history of antidepressant use were enrolled. Forty patients were treated with fingolimod and forty with cladribine. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). QoL was evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis QoL-54 (MSQOL-54) instrument. Additional clinical data, including MRI-based lesion burden, EDSS scores, age, disease duration, and occupational status, were collected. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding HDRS and HARS scores (p > 0.05). However, patients treated with fingolimod had significantly higher scores in the Energy/Fatigue subdomain (7.55 ± 2.02 vs. 6.56 ± 2.57, p = 0.046) and Composite Mental Health (CMH) score (64.73 ± 15.01 vs. 56.00 ± 18.93, p = 0.029) compared to those treated with cladribine. No significant differences were found in the independent items of the MSQOL-54. A negative correlation was identified between total lesion load and QoL scores. Conclusions: Although fingolimod and cladribine exert comparable effects on depression and anxiety levels, fingolimod may be associated with better mental health outcomes and reduced fatigue in RRMS patients. Furthermore, lesion burden and clinical parameters such as age and EDSS score may independently influence QoL, regardless of the DMT used. Full article

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly employed as mulch in agriculture to boost crop yields. However, its toxicity is often overlooked. Due to its chemical stability, resistance to degradation, and the inadequacy of the recycling system, PVC tends to persist in farm environments, where it can decompose into microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs). The radish (Raphanus sativus L.) was chosen as the model plant for this study to evaluate the underlying toxic mechanisms of PVC NPs on seedling growth through the integration of multi-omics approaches with oxidative stress evaluations. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, the shoot lengths in the 5 mg/L and 150 mg/L treatment groups decreased by 33.7% and 18.0%, respectively, and the root lengths decreased by 28.3% and 11.3%, respectively. However, there was no observable effect on seed germination rates. Except for the peroxidase (POD) activity in the 150 mg/L group, all antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in the treated root tips than in the control group. Both transcriptome and metabolomic analysis profiles showed 2075 and 4635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the high- and low-concentration groups, respectively, and 1961 metabolites under each treatment. PVC NPs predominantly influenced seedling growth by interfering with plant hormone signaling pathways and phenylpropanoid production. Notably, the reported toxicity was more evident at lower concentrations. This can be accounted for by the plant’s “growth-defense trade-off” strategy and the manner in which nanoparticles aggregate. By clarifying how PVC NPs coordinately regulate plant stress responses via hormone signaling and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, this research offers a scientific basis for assessing environmental concerns related to nanoplastics in agricultural systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Platelets play a role in bone metabolism and fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the association between platelet indices and the derived systemic immune inflammation index (SII) with fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Methods: Platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit, percentage of large platelets (P-LCR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, and the SII, calculated as (NxP)/L, where N, P, and L represented neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes counts, respectively, were evaluated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 124 women (mean age 68.4 ± 9 years) were stratified into two groups based on the median platelet count; the “lower platelet count group” (n = 58) had a count of 200,000 (174,000 to 226,000), while the “higher platelet count group” (n = 66) had a count of 281,500 (256,500 to 308,500). The higher platelet count group showed a higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.08) and lower lumbar spine BMD (0.773 vs. 0.83 gr/cm², p = 0.03). By dividing the participants into two groups with higher SSI (950,848.6 ± 746,097.99) (n = 61) and lower SII (355,751.2 ± 88,662.6) (n = 63), the group with the higher SII showed the higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01). Univariate regression analysis revealed correlations between chronological age and PDW (r = 0.188, p = 0.047), and P-LCR (r = 0.208, p = 0.03), as well as associations between vitamin D status and P-LCR (r = −0.301, p = 0.034), and between SII and hip fracture risk (r = 0.12, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Platelet count and SII were associated with fracture risk in postmenopausal women undergoing osteoporosis assessment. Given their reproducibility and cost-effectiveness, these markers warrant further investigation in future prospective studies focused on bone fragility. Full article

The rise in online learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to greater use of synchronous hybrid learning (SHL) in higher education. SHL allows simultaneous teaching of in-person and online learners through videoconferencing tools. Previous studies have identified various benefits (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., student engagement) to SHL. Whilst systematic reviews have emerged on this topic, few studies have considered the experiences of staff. The aim of this review was threefold: (i) to better understand how staff experiences and perceptions are assessed, (ii) to understand staff experiences in terms of the benefits and challenges of SHL and (iii) to identify recommendations for effective teaching and learning using SHL. In line with the PRISMA guidance, we conducted a systematic review across four databases, identifying 14 studies for inclusion. Studies were conducted in nine different countries and covered a range of academic disciplines. Most studies adopted qualitative methods, with small sample sizes. Measures used were typically novel and unvalidated. Four themes were identified relating to (i) technology, (ii) redesigning teaching and learning, (iii) student engagement and (iv) staff workload. In terms of recommendations, ensuring adequate staff training and ongoing classroom support were considered essential. Additionally, active and collaborative learning were considered important to address issues with interactivity. Whilst these findings largely aligned with previous work, this review also identified limited reporting in research in this area, and future studies are needed to address this. Full article

Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) is a globally significant aquatic pathogen responsible for severe economic losses in aquaculture. While the S. iniae infection often exhibits distinct seasonal patterns strongly correlated with water temperature, there is limited knowledge regarding the temperature-dependent immune evasion strategies of S. iniae. Our results demonstrated a striking temperature-dependent virulence phenotype, with significantly higher A. latus mortality rates observed at high temperature (HT, 33 °C) compared to low temperature (LT, 23 °C). Proteomic analysis revealed temperature-dependent upregulation of key virulence factors, including streptolysin S-related proteins (SagG, SagH), antioxidant-related proteins (SodA), and multiple capsular polysaccharide (cps) synthesis proteins (cpsD, cpsH, cpsL, cpsY). Flow cytometry analysis showed that HT infection significantly reduced the percentage of lymphocyte and myeloid cell populations in the head kidney leukocytes of A. latus, which was associated with elevated caspase-3/7 expression and increased apoptosis. In addition, HT infection significantly inhibited the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but not nitric oxide (NO) production. Using S. iniae cps-deficient mutant, Δcps, we demonstrated that the cps is essential for temperature-dependent phagocytosis resistance in S. iniae, as phagocytic activity against Δcps remained unchanged across temperatures, while NS-1 showed significantly reduced uptake at HT. These findings provide new insights into the immune evasion of S. iniae under thermal regulation, deepening our understanding of the thermal adaptation of aquatic bacterial pathogens. Full article

Understanding the carbon emission efficiency of apple production (APCEE) is critical for promoting green and low-carbon agricultural development. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of APCEE in China remain inadequately explored. This study employs life cycle assessment, super-efficiency slacks-based measures, and a panel Tobit model to evaluate the carbon footprint, APCEE, and its determinants in China’s two major production regions from 2003 to 2022. The results reveal that: (1) Producing one ton of apples in China results in 0.842 t CO₂e emissions. Land carbon intensity and total carbon emissions peaked in 2010 (28.69 t CO₂e/ha) and 2014 (6.52 × 10⁷ t CO₂e), respectively, exhibiting inverted U-shaped trends. Carbon emissions from various production areas show significant differences, with higher pressure on carbon emission reduction in the Loess Plateau region, especially in Gansu Province. (2) The APCEE in China exhibits a W-shaped trend (mean: 0.645), with overall low efficiency loss. The Bohai Bay region outperforms the Loess Plateau and national averages. (3) The structure of the apple industry, degree of agricultural mechanization, and green innovation positively influence APCEE, while the structure of apple cultivation, education level, and agricultural subsidies negatively impact it. Notably, green innovation and agricultural subsidies display lagged effects. Moreover, the drivers of APCEE differ significantly between the two major production regions. These findings provide actionable pathways for the green and low-carbon transformation of China’s apple industry, emphasizing the importance of spatially tailored green policies and technology-driven decarbonization strategies. Full article

Trachypteris picta (Pallas, 1773) is a significant pest that can cause serious damage to poplars and willows. To assess the impact of climate change on the suitable habitats of T. picta, this study conducted a comparative analysis of its global suitable habitats using climatic factors, global land use type, and global vegetation from different periods, in combination with the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The results indicate that the annual mean temperature (Bio01), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11), precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19), and isothermality (Bio03) are the four most important climate variables determining the distribution of T. picta. Under the current climate conditions, the highly suitable areas are primarily located in southern Europe, covering an area of 2.22 × 10⁶ km². Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitat for T. picta is expected to expand and shift towards higher latitudes. In the 2050s, the SSP5-8.5 scenario has the largest suitable area compared to other scenarios, while the SSP2-4.5 scenario has the largest suitable area in the 2090s. In addition, the centroids of the total suitable areas are expected to shift toward higher latitudes under future climate conditions. The results of this study provide valuable data for the monitoring, control, and management of this pest. Full article

Urban tourism has evolved into a complex adaptive system, where unregulated expansion disrupts the ecological balance and intensifies resource stress. Understanding the dynamic evolution and resilience mechanisms of the tourism ecological health network (TEHN) is essential for supporting sustainable urban tourism as a coupled human–natural system. Using Shanghai as a case study, we applied the "vigor–organization–resilience–services" (VORS) framework to evaluate ecosystem health, which served as a constraint for constructing the TEHN, using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model for the period from 2001 to 2023. A resilience framework integrating structural and functional dimensions was further developed to assess spatiotemporal evolution and guide targeted enhancement strategies. The results indicated that as ecosystem health degraded, particularly in peripheral areas, the urban TEHN in Shanghai shifted from a dispersed to a centralized structure, with limited connectivity in the periphery. The resilience of the TEHN continued to grow, with structural resilience remaining at a high level, while functional resilience still required enhancement. Specifically, the low integration and limited choice between the tourism network and the transportation system hindered tourists from selecting routes with higher ecosystem health indices. Enhancing functional resilience, while sustaining structural resilience, is essential for transforming the TEHN into a multi-centered, multi-level system that promotes efficient connectivity, ecological sustainability, and long-term adaptability. The results contribute to a systems-level understanding of tourism–ecology interactions and support the development of adaptive strategies for balancing network efficiency and environmental integrity. Full article

We investigated the protective properties of ultrathin laminated coatings, comprising three pairs of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ sublayers with coating thicknesses < 150 nm, deposited on AISI 310 stainless steel (SS) and Si (100) substrates at 80–500 °C by atomic layer deposition. The coatings were chemically etched and subjected to corrosion, ultrasound, and thermal shock tests. The coating etching resistance efficiency (R_e) was determined by measuring via XRF the change in the coating sublayer mass thickness after etching in hot 80% H₂SO₄. The maximum R_e values of ≥98% for both alumina and titania sublayers were obtained for the laminates deposited at 250–400 °C on both substrates. In these coatings, the titania sublayers were crystalline. The lowest R_e values of 15% and 50% for the alumina and titania sublayers, respectively, were measured for laminate grown at 80 °C on silicon. The coatings deposited at 160–200 °C demonstrated a delay in the increase of R_e values, attributed to the changes in the titania sublayers before full crystallization. Coatings grown at higher temperatures were also more resistant to ultrasound and liquid nitrogen treatments. In contrast, coatings deposited at 125 °C on SS had better corrosion protection, as demonstrated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a standard immersion test in FeCl₃ solution. Full article

Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of a machine-learning (ML) model based on clinical features and radiomics from [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT images to differentiate between infected and non-infected intracavitary vascular grafts and endografts (iVGEI). Methods: Three ML models were developed: one based on pre-treatment criteria to diagnose a vascular graft infection (“MAGIC-light features”), another using radiomics features from diagnostic [¹⁸F]FDG-PET scans, and a third combining both datasets. The training set included 92 patients (72 iVGEI-positive, 20 iVGEI-negative), and the external test set included 20 iVGEI-positive and 12 iVGEI-negative patients. The abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in the PET/CT scans were automatically segmented using SEQUOIA and TotalSegmentator and manually adjusted, extracting 96 radiomics features. The best-performing models for the MAGIC-light features and PET-radiomics features were selected from 343 unique models. Most relevant features were combined to test three final models using ROC analysis, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: The combined model achieved the highest AUC in the test set (mean ± SD: 0.91 ± 0.02) compared with the MAGIC-light-only model (0.85 ± 0.06) and the PET-radiomics model (0.73 ± 0.03). The combined model also achieved a higher accuracy (0.91 vs. 0.82) than the diagnosis based on all the MAGIC criteria and a comparable sensitivity and specificity (0.70 and 1.00 vs. 0.76 and 0.92, respectively) while providing diagnostic information at the initial presentation. The AUC for the combined model was significantly higher than the PET-radiomics model (p = 0.02 in the bootstrap test), while other comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of ML models in supporting diagnostic decision making for iVGEI. A combined model using pre-treatment clinical features and PET-radiomics features showed high diagnostic performance and specificity, potentially reducing overtreatment and enhancing patient outcomes. Full article

Schistosoma mansoni infection is associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, but its systemic metabolic effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate changes in the serum lipidomic profile associated with S. mansoni infection and parasite load in individuals from an endemic area. This cross-sectional analysis was nested within a longitudinal cohort study conducted in northeastern Brazil. Parasitological diagnosis and quantification were performed using the Kato–Katz technique. A total of 45 individuals were selected and divided into three groups: high parasite load (HL), low parasite load (LL), and uninfected controls (NegE). Serum samples were analyzed using mass-spectrometry-based lipidomics. The most abundant lipid subclasses across all groups were phosphatidylcholines (PC), triacylglycerols (TAG), and phosphatidylethanolamines (PE). However, individuals in the HL group exhibited distinct lipidomic profiles, with increased levels of specific phosphatidylinositols (PI) and reduced levels of certain TAG species compared to the NegE group. These changes may reflect host–parasite interactions and immune–metabolic alterations driven by intense infection. Our findings suggest that S. mansoni infection, particularly at higher parasite burdens, can influence the host’s serum lipid profile and may contribute to metabolic disturbances in endemic populations. Full article

Research highlights a growing demand for active, experiential learning methods in higher education, especially in teacher education. While the benefits of parental involvement (PI) are well-documented, Hungary lacks tools to effectively prepare teacher trainees for fostering family–school cooperation. This study addresses this gap by introducing a custom-designed board game as an innovative teaching tool. The game simulates real-world challenges in PI through a cooperative, scenario-based framework. Exercises are grounded in international and national research, ensuring their relevance and evidence-based design. Tested with 110 students, the game’s educational value was assessed via post-gameplay questionnaires. Participants emphasized the strengths of its cooperative structure, realistic scenarios, and integration of humor. Many reported gaining new insights into parental roles and strategies for effective home–school partnerships. Practical applications include integrating the game into teacher education curricula and adapting it for other educational contexts. This study demonstrates how board games can bridge theory and practice, offering an engaging, effective medium to prepare future teachers for the challenges of PI. Full article

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections necessitate extraction and subsequent pacing interventions. Conventional methods after removing the infected CIED system involve temporary or semi-permanent pacing followed by delayed permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Leadless pacemakers (LPs) may offer an alternative, allowing immediate PPM implantation without increasing infection risks. Our objective is to evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of LP implantation during the same procedure of CIED extraction, compared to conventional two-stage approaches. Methods: Pacemaker-dependent patients with systemic or pocket infection undergoing device extraction and LP implantation during the same procedure at Sheba Medical Center, Israel, were compared to a historical group of patients undergoing a semi-permanent (SP) pacemaker implantation during the procedure, followed by a permanent pacemaker implantation. Results: The cohort included 87 patients, 45 undergoing LP implantation and 42 SP implantation during the extraction procedure. The LP group demonstrated shorter intensive care unit stay (1 ± 3 days vs. 7 ± 12 days, p < 0.001) and overall hospital days (11 ± 24 days vs. 17 ± 17 days, p < 0.001). Rates of infection relapse and one-year mortality were comparable between groups. Economic analysis revealed comparable total costs, despite the higher initial expense of LPs. Conclusions: LP implantation during CIED extraction offers significant clinical and logistical advantages, including reduced hospital stays and streamlined treatment, with comparable safety and cost-effectiveness to conventional approaches. Full article