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Keywords = human activity density (HAD)

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21 pages, 1199 KB  
Article
Integrating Space Syntax and Drone-Based Monitoring for City Metabolism Analysis in Suburban Public Spaces
by Weronika Mazurkiewicz, Justyna Borucka, Anna Rubczak and Justyna Wieczerzak
Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6440; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136440 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Suburban areas increasingly shape contemporary urbanisation, yet public-space dynamics in these environments are weakly represented by conventional urban indicators. This study examines suburban public-space use as a behavioural dimension of urban metabolism, understood here as the observable patterns of human movement, activity, and [...] Read more.
Suburban areas increasingly shape contemporary urbanisation, yet public-space dynamics in these environments are weakly represented by conventional urban indicators. This study examines suburban public-space use as a behavioural dimension of urban metabolism, understood here as the observable patterns of human movement, activity, and co-presence occurring within suburban public spaces. It addresses the limited ability of density- or infrastructure-based measures to capture everyday spatial practices in dispersed, car-oriented settings. While urban metabolism research has expanded beyond material and energy flows, empirical evidence linking configurational accessibility with directly observed public-space behaviour in suburban contexts remains limited. To address this gap, we integrate district-scale space syntax analysis with site-scale UAV-based observation across five public spaces in and around Gdańsk, Poland. Based on a dataset comprising 30 standard observation sessions conducted in September and October 2024, spatial syntax indicators (integration and choice) were used to characterise configurational accessibility and support location selection, while UAV monitoring captured traffic intensity, stationary presence, diversity of activities, and temporal rhythms of use. The results reveal distinct behavioural metabolic profiles shaped by interactions between spatial configuration, functional programming, and temporal dynamics. These profiles vary depending on the function of public spaces and dominant modes of movement (pedestrian or vehicular). The study demonstrates that suburban urban metabolism cannot be interpreted through configurational accessibility or residential density alone. By linking space syntax measures with a repeatable UAV observation protocol, the proposed framework supports comparative assessment of suburban public-space performance and informs planning interventions aimed at suburban transformation and improved accessibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
18 pages, 17523 KB  
Article
Combined Electromagnetic Fields Mitigate Unloading-Induced Bone Loss by Enhancing Osteogenic Responses via Multiphysics-Induced Mechanotransduction
by Chao Cai, Shenghang Wang, Junyu Liu, Mengxuan Zheng, Weihao Ren, Fengyi Xue, Xin Zhang, Bo Zong, Jiancheng Yang, Weikang Sun, Zhihua Li, Tinghua He, Xiaotong Zhang and Peng Shang
Cells 2026, 15(13), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15131138 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Unloading-induced bone loss is a major medical challenge during long-duration human spaceflight, largely driven by suppressed osteoblast-mediated bone formation, and practical countermeasures are needed. Electromagnetic stimulation has shown benefits for bone repair, and its non-invasiveness supports potential space use; however, its single-modality efficacy [...] Read more.
Unloading-induced bone loss is a major medical challenge during long-duration human spaceflight, largely driven by suppressed osteoblast-mediated bone formation, and practical countermeasures are needed. Electromagnetic stimulation has shown benefits for bone repair, and its non-invasiveness supports potential space use; however, its single-modality efficacy remains limited. Here, we investigated a combined electromagnetic field (CEMF) integrating a static magnetic field (SMF, 0.4–0.6 T) and a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF, 0.38 ± 0.19 mT) to attenuate unloading-related bone loss and examine field-induced mechanical stimulation. Finite-element simulations mapped magnetic flux density, field gradient, induced current density, and Lorentz force density in bone tissue. CEMF was evaluated in vivo in hindlimb unloading (HLU) mice and in vitro in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. CEMF improved bone mineral density, trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, and mechanical properties in HLU mice, with increased osteoblast number and mineral apposition rate. In vitro, CEMF promoted osteogenic differentiation and upregulated COL1A1 and RUNX2. Transcriptome analysis suggested activation of ECM–integrin mechanical signaling and the PI3K–AKT pathway. These findings indicate that CEMF-induced multiphysics stimulation enhances osteogenic responses and may serve as a complementary, non-invasive countermeasure for spaceflight-associated bone loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Magnetic Biology and Bioelectromagnetic Technology)
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16 pages, 6963 KB  
Article
Exosomal MALAT1 from Rapid Electrical Stimulation-Treated Atrial Fibroblasts Activates Autophagy by Downregulating miR-204-5p and Upregulating LC3B
by Su-Kiat Chua, Bao-Wei Wang, Ying-Ju Yu, Wei-Jen Fang, Chiu-Mei Lin, Cheng-Yen Chuang and Kou-Gi Shyu
Cells 2026, 15(12), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15121126 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 112
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is strongly associated with atrial structural remodeling driven by activated cardiac fibroblasts. Autophagy has been implicated in AF-related atrial remodeling; however, the non-coding RNA mechanisms that govern autophagic activation in atrial [...] Read more.
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is strongly associated with atrial structural remodeling driven by activated cardiac fibroblasts. Autophagy has been implicated in AF-related atrial remodeling; however, the non-coding RNA mechanisms that govern autophagic activation in atrial fibroblasts under rapid electrical stress remain poorly understood. Methods: Human cardiac fibroblasts from adult atria (HCF-aa) were subjected to rapid electrical stimulation (RES) at 0.5 V/cm and 10 Hz. Expression levels of exosomal metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), cytoplasmic miR-204-5p, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm direct molecular interactions. The functional roles of MALAT1 siRNA, miR-204-5p mimics/antagomirs, rapamycin, and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on LC3B expression and autophagic activation were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy for LC3B puncta formation. Results: RES significantly induced exosomal MALAT1 expression in a voltage- and time-dependent manner, peaking at 2 h post-stimulation, while cytoplasmic MALAT1 levels remained unchanged. Cytoplasmic miR-204-5p exhibited an initial transient rise followed by a significant decline at 2 h, inversely correlating with peak MALAT1 levels. LC3B mRNA and protein expression subsequently increased, peaking at 6 and 16 h, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-204-5p directly binds both the MALAT1 transcript and the 3′-UTR of LC3B mRNA. MALAT1 knockdown augmented miR-204-5p levels and suppressed LC3B expression, while miR-204-5p overexpression attenuated RES-induced LC3B upregulation and LC3B puncta accumulation. Conversely, miR-204-5p inhibition further enhanced autophagic activation, as evidenced by increased LC3B puncta density. Conclusions: In HCF-aa subjected to RES, MALAT1 functions intracellularly as a competing endogenous RNA to putatively sequester miR-204-5p, thereby de-repressing LC3B expression and promoting autophagic activation. Concurrent exosomal secretion of MALAT1 may additionally serve as a paracrine signal to neighboring cells, though this requires future conditioned-media transfer experiments to confirm. Full article
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13 pages, 962 KB  
Article
Incremental Effectiveness of a Second Varicella Vaccine in Children: A Prospective Cohort Study in Anhui, China
by Kun Xuan, Tao Li, Zhenqiu Zha, Shujie Zhou, Feiyang Song, Yu Chai, Xianwei Luo, Xingya Pang, Qingru Li, Fanhong Meng, Zuozhi Xiang, Chaoyin Zhu, Tao Wang, Haiyan Wu, Xiaofeng Huang, Yang Li and Jihai Tang
Vaccines 2026, 14(6), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14060544 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 147
Abstract
Background: Varicella remains a common vaccine-preventable disease in China. Although Anhui Province recommended a two-dose varicella vaccine (VarV) schedule in 2021, real-world evidence on the incremental benefit of the second dose is limited. Methods: A prospective cohort study among children aged 1–12 years [...] Read more.
Background: Varicella remains a common vaccine-preventable disease in China. Although Anhui Province recommended a two-dose varicella vaccine (VarV) schedule in 2021, real-world evidence on the incremental benefit of the second dose is limited. Methods: A prospective cohort study among children aged 1–12 years was conducted in Anhui Province from July 2022 to August 2025. Children aged 1–3 years who had received one dose of the human diploid cell line-based (SV-1) VarV and children aged 4–12 years whose second dose was the SV-1 VarV were enrolled in the exposed group and were compared with children who had no history of VarV and those who had received only one dose of the VarV, respectively. Varicella cases were collected through active follow-up and surveillance systems. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) and incremental VE were estimated as [1 − relative risk (RR)] × 100%, where the RRs were calculated based on the incidence densities of breakthrough varicella. Results: Overall, 50,054 participants were finally enrolled, contributing 125,351.5 person-years and 105 valid cases. The VE in children aged 1–3 years was 79.1% (95%CI: 42.8–92.4%). Among children aged 4–12 years, the incremental VE was 65.0% (95%CI: 41.9–78.9%), with incremental VEs of 60.1% (95%CI: 22.3–79.5%) for ages 4–6 years and 72.7% (95%CI: 37.8–88.0%) for ages 7–12 years. Conclusions: One-dose SV-1 VarV provided substantial protection in young children, and a second dose conferred significant additional protection in children aged 4–12 years, supporting strengthened implementation of the two-dose strategy and catch-up vaccination among school-aged children. Full article
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23 pages, 2184 KB  
Article
A Hybrid Topological–Metric Clustering Framework Based on Persistent Homology: TCSI, HTCI, and NHTSI
by Nurhan Halisdemir, Yunus Güral and Mehmet Gürcan
Axioms 2026, 15(6), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms15060457 (registering DOI) - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 106
Abstract
While classical clustering methods, particularly k-means, produce powerful and practical solutions based on metric distances between data points, they can be limited in complex, nonlinear, and structurally disordered datasets. This study proposes a hybrid topological–metric clustering framework, referred to as Hybrid-NHTSI, that integrates [...] Read more.
While classical clustering methods, particularly k-means, produce powerful and practical solutions based on metric distances between data points, they can be limited in complex, nonlinear, and structurally disordered datasets. This study proposes a hybrid topological–metric clustering framework, referred to as Hybrid-NHTSI, that integrates persistent homology-based structural information into the clustering update process. The method is based on the Topological Cluster Separation Index (TCSI), a persistent homology (PH)-based metric for topological separation. In addition to TCSI, the proposed framework uses the Normalized Topological Cluster Separation Index (NTCSI), the Hybrid Topological Clustering Index (HTCI), and the Normalized Hybrid Topological Separation Index (NHTSI) to evaluate clustering performance from both geometric and topological perspectives. In the proposed approach, while the topological separation between clusters is increased, intra-cluster geometric scattering is controlled by a regularization term. This formulation enables the extraction of clusters that are consistent not only topologically but also geometrically. The performance of the method was evaluated on synthetic circles-and-moons benchmark datasets under different noise and overlap levels, and on the UCI Human Activity Recognition real sensor dataset. The experimental results showed that DBSCAN achieved the strongest overall performance on the density-favorable synthetic benchmark, which is consistent with the nonconvex and density-separable structure of the data. However, Hybrid-NHTSI produced higher NTCSI, HTCI, and NHTSI values than classical metric/geometric baselines such as k-means, Spectral Clustering, and Agglomerative Clustering. Pairwise statistical comparisons based on NHTSI confirmed that these improvements were significant against several competing methods. In the real-data experiment, although Spectral Clustering achieved the highest ARI value, Hybrid-NHTSI obtained the highest NTCSI, HTCI, and NHTSI values and significantly outperformed all competing methods in terms of NHTSI. The findings demonstrate that considering both metric and topological information together, rather than relying solely on metric or topological information, provides a more structurally informed evaluation and optimization mechanism for complex clustering problems. Accordingly, the proposed method should not be interpreted as a universally superior clustering algorithm across all metrics, but rather as a topology-aware hybrid refinement framework that enriches metric-based clustering with persistent homology. Full article
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17 pages, 43376 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Coupling Dynamics of Ecological Quality and Human Activity Intensity in China’s Huai River Basin: A Multi-Dimensional Assessment Framework (2012–2024)
by Hedong Wang, Xiaoyu Hu, Yunpeng Xu, Haoyu Hu, Yuandong Zou, Jianbao Huang, Tianyu Zeng, Yitong Chen, Zhiyin Mo, Di Shi, Lina Wang, Xinrui Yu and Chunliu Luo
Land 2026, 15(6), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15061064 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 140
Abstract
Understanding how ecological quality and human activity co-evolve in densely populated watersheds is essential for sustainable land management, yet spatially explicit long-term evidence remains limited. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics and coupling coordination between ecological quality and multi-dimensional human activity intensity in [...] Read more.
Understanding how ecological quality and human activity co-evolve in densely populated watersheds is essential for sustainable land management, yet spatially explicit long-term evidence remains limited. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics and coupling coordination between ecological quality and multi-dimensional human activity intensity in the Huai River Basin (approximately 269,000 km2) from 2012 to 2024. An Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI) was constructed by integrating EVI, wetness, dryness, land surface temperature, and a salinity index through annual principal component analysis. A composite Human Activity Intensity (HAI) index combining nighttime light, built-up intensity, and population density was derived with objectively determined weights. The coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and a pixel-level four-quadrant classification were then applied to characterize the human–environment interaction. Results showed that the basin-wide mean IRSEI declined from 0.564 in 2012 to 0.516 in 2020, before recovering to 0.566 in 2024, while HAI increased moderately by 16.9%. CCD improved slightly from 0.451 to 0.480, indicating limited but positive coordination gains. Four-quadrant transitions revealed that high-ecology, low-activity areas expanded, low-ecology, low-activity areas contracted, whereas low-ecology, high-activity zones persisted as stable pressure cores. These findings demonstrate that ecological recovery and human activity intensification can coexist spatially, but persistent high-pressure areas require targeted management interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergistic Integration of Transport, Land, and Ecosystems)
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20 pages, 1690 KB  
Review
Mitochondrial Adaptations to Exercise Training in Equine Skeletal Muscle: A Narrative Review
by Vlad Cocioba, Paula Nistor, Daniel George Bratu, Șerban Blaga, Bianca Cornelia Zanfira, Călin Mircu and Ioan Huțu
Life 2026, 16(6), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16061008 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
The horse represents one of the most physiologically specialized athletic mammals, capable of sustaining both high-intensity and prolonged exercise. Central to this remarkable performance capacity is the metabolic adaptability of skeletal muscle and its mitochondrial network. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence from [...] Read more.
The horse represents one of the most physiologically specialized athletic mammals, capable of sustaining both high-intensity and prolonged exercise. Central to this remarkable performance capacity is the metabolic adaptability of skeletal muscle and its mitochondrial network. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence from equine, human, and rodent studies on exercise-induced mitochondrial remodeling in equine skeletal muscle. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using terms related to equine exercise physiology, mitochondrial biology, and skeletal muscle metabolism. Preference was given to peer-reviewed original research and review articles. Mitochondria regulate oxidative phosphorylation, substrate oxidation, redox signaling, and cellular responses to metabolic stress induced by exercise. Training induces extensive mitochondrial adaptations, including mitochondrial biogenesis, remodeling of the respiratory chain, enhanced oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, and increased metabolic flexibility. These adaptations are believed to contribute to improvements in aerobic capacity, delayed fatigue onset, and enhanced recovery following exercise, although direct mechanistic evidence in horses remains limited. In equine skeletal muscle, mitochondrial plasticity is closely linked to muscle fiber composition and the distribution of oxidative and glycolytic fibers. Exercise-induced signaling pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Ca2+-dependent kinases, and the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic remodeling. In addition, mitochondrial dynamics, including fusion, fission, and mitophagy, maintain mitochondrial quality and functional efficiency during repeated training stimuli. Experimental studies in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses demonstrate that training has been associated with increases in mitochondrial density and respiratory capacity in equine skeletal muscle, contributing directly to improved aerobic performance and metabolic efficiency. However, mitochondrial adaptations must be interpreted within the broader context of musculoskeletal adaptation, as metabolic improvements may occur faster than structural adaptation of tendons and ligaments. This review synthesizes current knowledge on exercise-induced mitochondrial remodeling in equine skeletal muscle, while highlighting the limited mechanistic evidence available in horses and the need for more standardized longitudinal studies. Full article
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26 pages, 10654 KB  
Article
Supply–Demand Matching of Ecosystem Services in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas and Its Driving Mechanism: From the Perspective of the “Water–Energy–Food” Nexus
by Bingsheng Fu, Guoqing Li, Dongkai Lin, Guoxing Huang, Jinhuang Lin, Jixing Huang and Youquan Ouyang
Land 2026, 15(6), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15061050 - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 188
Abstract
The water–energy–food (WEF) system acts as a critical nexus of social–ecological systems. However, rapid urbanization has intensified the regional imbalance in the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ESs). Clarifying the spatiotemporal matching of ecosystem services supply and demand (ESSD) within the WEF [...] Read more.
The water–energy–food (WEF) system acts as a critical nexus of social–ecological systems. However, rapid urbanization has intensified the regional imbalance in the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ESs). Clarifying the spatiotemporal matching of ecosystem services supply and demand (ESSD) within the WEF framework and revealing the driving mechanisms behind such imbalances are essential to formulating reasonable zoning schemes and targeted optimization strategies for the coordinated development of the regional WEF system. Taking Zhejiang Province as a case study, this research uses water yield (WY), carbon sequestration (CS), and grain production (GP) to characterize the WEF nexus system. It uses the InVEST model to assess WY and CS, applies spatial allocation methods to characterize GP, and integrates socioeconomic data to quantify the demand for the above three ESs. All indicators were standardized and integrated with equal weights to further clarify the comprehensive levels of ESSD. By integrating the Geodetector and K-Means clustering methods, the study analyzes the supply–demand matching of ecosystem services and its driving mechanisms in Zhejiang Province during this period, thereby exploring ecological management zoning and optimization strategies within the WEF system. The study findings indicate that: (1) From the supply perspective, Zhejiang Province’s WY services demonstrate a trend of elevated activity in the southwest and diminished presence in the northeast; high values for CS services are predominantly found in the vegetation-rich areas of the northwest, while high values for GP services are clustered in the northern Zhejiang Plain; from the demand perspective, high values for all three ESs in Zhejiang Province are primarily located in economically active, densely populated urban areas. (2) The correlation between ESSD within Zhejiang Province’s WEF system exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity and is driven by the combined effects of natural and socioeconomic factors, with the interaction between these two factors often producing a synergistic effect. Specifically, annual average precipitation and population density are the dominant factors influencing WY services, NDVI and human footprint are the dominant factors influencing CS services, and population density and GDP are the dominant factors influencing GP services. (3) From 2000 to 2020, the supply–demand ratio for comprehensive ESs in Zhejiang Province generally followed a pattern of being lower in the east and higher in the west. The supply–demand imbalance of ESs intensified in the core areas of eastern cities, whereas the western regions maintained a relatively sound supply–demand balance. (4) The study classifies the counties in Zhejiang Province into four ecological management zones—ecological stable zones, ecological conservation zones, ecological control zones, and ecological restoration zones—and explores differentiated approaches to optimizing these zones and implementing control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of the Landscape Capital and Urban Capital—Second Edition)
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18 pages, 1537 KB  
Article
Dietary Guanidinoacetic Acid Improves Meat Tenderness and Antioxidant Capacity in Rabbits via Modulating Muscle Fiber Characteristics and Fat Metabolism
by Yanhui Liang, Xi Chen, Xiaoyu Fan, Yingmei Zhang, Shengnan Wang, Xiaojia Wu, Yingle Wei, Changmao Wei, Yichen Lin, Qinghua Liu and Changchuan Ye
Animals 2026, 16(12), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121827 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 191
Abstract
As the direct biosynthetic precursor of creatine, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) exerts a pivotal regulatory role in energy homeostasis and protein metabolism. Rabbit meat has garnered increasing global recognition as a healthy food source, characterized by its outstanding high-protein and low-fat nutritional profile. Accordingly, [...] Read more.
As the direct biosynthetic precursor of creatine, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) exerts a pivotal regulatory role in energy homeostasis and protein metabolism. Rabbit meat has garnered increasing global recognition as a healthy food source, characterized by its outstanding high-protein and low-fat nutritional profile. Accordingly, the optimization of rabbit meat quality has attracted growing attention from both consumers and animal production practitioners. In the present study, we evaluated the impacts of dietary GAA supplementation on meat quality traits, in vivo antioxidant capacity, muscle fiber characteristics, and fatty acid metabolism in New Zealand white rabbits. A total of 960 male New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to two age groups: 40-day-old group and 60-day-old group (40 ± 2 days, 1.19 ± 0.09 kg; 60 ± 2 days, 1.82 ± 0.15 kg). Within each age group, rabbits were randomly allocated to a control diet or a diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg GAA (CON-40, GAA-40, CON-60, GAA-60). After a 45-day feeding period, two-way ANOVA revealed that GAA supplementation significantly reduced shear force (p < 0.01, diet main effect) and muscle fiber density (p < 0.01, diet main effect), with an age-dependent effect on shear force (age × diet interaction, p < 0.05). Moreover, GAA enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity, as indicated by increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.01) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), while no significant effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected under the current experimental conditions. GAA also regulated the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (FAS, HSL, ACC) in intramuscular and perirenal fat, indicating its regulatory effect on fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, dietary GAA supplementation improves rabbit meat tenderness and antioxidant capacity, with no negative effects on growth performance. These findings confirm that GAA has the potential to serve as a nutritional strategy to improve rabbit meat quality, supporting the development of rabbit meat as a functional food for human consumption. Full article
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20 pages, 10264 KB  
Article
Human Activities and Wildfires: The Impact of Forest Roads, Trails, and Forest Management on Wildfire Occurrence
by Youn Yeo-Chang, Se-Eum Lee, Soo-Jin Lee and Hyo-Rin Kim
Fire 2026, 9(6), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9060246 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 394
Abstract
The risk of wildfires is increasing due to high temperatures and dry weather conditions caused by climate change. Outbreaks and spread of wildfires are usually conditioned by weather, topography, and fuel characteristics. In the Republic of Korea (hereafter, the ROK), most wildfires are [...] Read more.
The risk of wildfires is increasing due to high temperatures and dry weather conditions caused by climate change. Outbreaks and spread of wildfires are usually conditioned by weather, topography, and fuel characteristics. In the Republic of Korea (hereafter, the ROK), most wildfires are caused by anthropogenic factors rather than natural ones. However, the current forest fire forecasting system being operated in the ROK does not account for anthropogenic factors. To analyze the impact of human and physical factors on wildfire occurrence, a binary logistic regression model was constructed using data from the Gangwon and Gyeongbuk provinces from January 2022 to August 2025. The dependent variable was defined as the occurrence of a wildfire, while the independent variables comprised meteorological, seasonal, stand, and anthropogenic factors. To address multicollinearity, variables with high correlation coefficients were excluded from the independent variables, which were selected by three estimating approaches, including logistic regression and two machine learning techniques (namely, Random Forest and XGBoost). With machine learning, the variables with high feature importance were identified. The explanatory power of the logistic regression analysis with independent variables selected by the machine learning models was about 1.3 times higher than that of the model using variables adjusted solely for multicollinearity. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that weather and coniferous forests are the most important factors fostering wildfires, while the mean stand age was the most significant factor in hindering wildfires. Among the anthropogenic factors, forest road density acted as a suppressor of wildfire spread rather than a promoter of occurrence. Conversely, trail density tends to increase the risk of wildfire occurrence. Among forest management activities, plantation forests may increase the risk of forest fires, although this remains uncertain. These findings suggest that preventing wildfires requires a paradigm shift in forest resource management policies, including extending forest rotation ages and converting coniferous forests to broadleaf forests. Meanwhile, it also indicates the need to restrict the expansion of hiking trails and improve regulations regarding hiker access and behavior to prevent wildfires. Full article
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19 pages, 7705 KB  
Article
Effects of Early Life Exposure to the Insecticide Cyfluthrin on Cognitive Dysfunction in Offspring of Rats: Mechanisms of Action
by Yuwen Fang, Long Li, Honghui Li, Jun Wang, Yulu Chen, Siqi Wang, Haoxuan Gao, Huifang Yang and Wensi Ni
Toxics 2026, 14(6), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060500 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 330
Abstract
The present investigation was designed to assess how perinatal contact with the pyrethroid insecticide cyfluthrin (CY) influences cognitive performance in developing rat progeny and to clarify the contributing cellular events through examination of neuroinflammatory processes alongside pyroptotic and apoptotic pathways. An experimental framework [...] Read more.
The present investigation was designed to assess how perinatal contact with the pyrethroid insecticide cyfluthrin (CY) influences cognitive performance in developing rat progeny and to clarify the contributing cellular events through examination of neuroinflammatory processes alongside pyroptotic and apoptotic pathways. An experimental framework involving CY administration during gestation was implemented using Sprague–Dawley (SD) dams, with subsequent monitoring of placental parameters and neonatal outcomes. Once offspring reached postnatal day twenty-one, their behavior was characterized via a battery consisting of the open field paradigm, novel object recognition task, and the Morris water navigation test. Hippocampal tissue architecture and fine structural details were visualized by employing hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and Nissl substance labeling. Protein and transcript abundances for pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6), synaptic constituents (postsynaptic density protein-95, PSD-95; synaptophysin, SYP), and pyroptotic machinery components (NLRP3, GSDMD, Caspase-1) within hippocampal homogenates were quantified through immunoblotting and real-time quantitative PCR procedures, and the spatial distribution of these molecules was validated via immunohistochemical detection. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. The results demonstrated that gestational CY exposure led to reduced placental weight and diameter, decreased blood sinus area in the labyrinth zone, lower offspring birth weight, and impaired catch-up growth. Behavioral tests revealed that CY-exposed offspring exhibited diminished spontaneous locomotor activity, impaired novel object recognition memory, and significant deficits in spatial learning and memory. Pathological analysis showed disorganized neuronal arrangement and reduced Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region. Compared to the control group, CY exposure markedly upregulated the protein expression of TNF-α and IL-6, downregulated PSD-95 and SYP, activated the NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1-mediated pyroptotic pathway, and increased the expression of the apoptotic protein Caspase-3, culminating in a significant increase in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, early-life exposure to cyfluthrin impairs cognitive function in offspring, an effect closely associated with the induction of hippocampal neuroinflammation and the activation of pyroptotic and apoptotic pathways. These findings provide novel toxicological evidence for a more comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks posed by CY exposure in human populations. Full article
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18 pages, 2673 KB  
Article
Interactive Effects of Temperature and Nutrient Conditions on Growth and Virulence Factor Expression of Staphylococcus aureus Under Model Food-Relevant Environments
by Zuo Hu, Hisaya K. Ono, Zhihao Zhu, Shouhei Hirose, Yukiko Hara-Kudo, Shaowen Li and Dong-Liang Hu
Foods 2026, 15(12), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15122062 - 7 Jun 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of foodborne intoxication through the production of heat-stable enterotoxins (SEs) and is also an important opportunistic pathogen of humans and livestock. Meat and meat products are major vehicles for this pathogen because their protein-rich composition supports bacterial [...] Read more.
Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of foodborne intoxication through the production of heat-stable enterotoxins (SEs) and is also an important opportunistic pathogen of humans and livestock. Meat and meat products are major vehicles for this pathogen because their protein-rich composition supports bacterial growth and toxin production. However, the combined effects of temperature and nutrient composition on S. aureus growth and virulence expression under food-relevant conditions remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the interactive effects of temperature and nutritional context on the growth and virulence-associated phenotypes under model food-relevant environments with the reference strain S. aureus FRI-S6. Bacterial growth, biofilm formation, staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA, SEB), and hemolytic activity were evaluated at 25 °C and 37 °C in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium supplemented with NaCl, glucose, or tryptone to simulate diverse food-relevant conditions. Growth was generally faster at 37 °C, whereas glucose-supplemented cultures at 25 °C reached higher cell densities during prolonged incubation. Biofilm formation increased at 37 °C in BHI and glucose conditions. SEA production was enhanced at 37 °C under NaCl and tryptone, but at 25 °C in glucose-rich conditions. In contrast, SEB production and hemolytic activity were consistently higher at 37 °C, particularly in the presence of tryptone and glucose. These findings demonstrate the strong interaction between temperature and nutrient composition in shaping S. aureus virulence in food environments and provide important insights for food safety risk assessment and highlight practical implications for controlling enterotoxin production in meat products and other foods during storage and processing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meat and Meat Products: Quality, Safety, and Consumer Perception)
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15 pages, 2733 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide Changes During COVID-19 Lockdowns Using Cloud-Based Remote Sensing: Evidence from Central America
by Nestor Erick Anibal Caal Suc, Henry Antonio Pacheco Gil, Martha Ruthilia Godoy Morales, Víctor Manuel Lobos Morales, Amado Adalberto López Bautista, Carlos A. Rivas and Rafael María Navarro-Cerrillo
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(11), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18111850 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 559
Abstract
The large-scale mobility restrictions implemented worldwide in response to the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic led to short-term reductions in anthropogenic emissions, providing an opportunity to explore atmospheric pollutant responses to large-scale changes in human activity and mobility patterns. Although numerous studies have reported air [...] Read more.
The large-scale mobility restrictions implemented worldwide in response to the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic led to short-term reductions in anthropogenic emissions, providing an opportunity to explore atmospheric pollutant responses to large-scale changes in human activity and mobility patterns. Although numerous studies have reported air quality improvements during lockdowns, most rely on ground-based monitoring networks and focus on developed regions, leaving gaps in less-studied areas such as Central America. This study evaluates spatiotemporal changes in tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) across Central America before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns using satellite-based remote sensing. High-resolution NO2 vertical column density (VCD) data from the TROPOMI instrument onboard Sentinel-5P were processed using Google Earth Engine. Percentage variations were calculated using the March–May 2020 lockdown period as a reference within the 2019–2021 analysis period. Results indicate reductions in NO2 across several high-density departments, particularly in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, with decreases of 20–30% and localized negative variations below −40%. In contrast, Nicaragua exhibited comparatively limited changes, while a gradual recovery in NO2 concentrations was observed during 2021. The observed patterns suggest a potential association between NO2 variability and changes in anthropogenic activity during the COVID-19 period, while also highlighting the importance of considering meteorological influences in regional atmospheric assessments. The results further demonstrate the potential of cloud-based Earth observation platforms for atmospheric monitoring in data-scarce tropical regions. Full article
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26 pages, 12478 KB  
Article
Depth Distribution of Microplastics Contamination and Associated Risks in Homestead Farming Soils from Industrial and Non-Industrial Regions of Bangladesh
by Afia Sultana, Qingyue Wang, Miho Suzuki, Christian Ebere Enyoh, Md. Sohel Rana, Weiqian Wang and Anunobi Chinazo Ndidiamaka
Micro 2026, 6(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro6020042 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 344
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems has emerged as a critical environmental concern, particularly in agricultural soils influenced by anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the depth-wise distribution, polymer composition, and associated ecological and human health risks of MPs in homestead agricultural soils across [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems has emerged as a critical environmental concern, particularly in agricultural soils influenced by anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the depth-wise distribution, polymer composition, and associated ecological and human health risks of MPs in homestead agricultural soils across four regions of Bangladesh representing different levels of industrialization: Narayanganj (old industrial), Savar (moderate industrial), Gazipur (emerging industrial), and Mymensingh (non-industrial). Soil samples were collected from two depth intervals (0–20 cm and 21–50 cm), and MPs were extracted using density separation, identified through microscopic analysis, and characterized via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. A diverse range of MP morphologies and polymers was detected, with irregular particles and fragments dominating the composition. Polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most abundant polymers, reflecting widespread domestic, industrial, and agricultural plastic usage. MP abundance was consistently higher in surface soils, indicating dominant surface inputs, although vertical migration into subsoil layers was evident. Spatial analysis revealed higher MP contamination in industrial regions, particularly Narayanganj and Savar, compared to the non-industrial reference site. Ecological risk assessment indicated low risk levels across all regions; however, significant spatial variability was observed. Human exposure assessment demonstrated that inhalation was the primary pathway, followed by dermal contact and ingestion, with children exhibiting higher exposure levels than adults. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and carcinogenic risk estimates remained below acceptable thresholds, suggesting minimal immediate health risks. Nevertheless, the persistence, mobility, and cumulative nature of MPs highlight potential long-term concerns. Therefore, this study provides comprehensive insights into the sources, distribution, and risks of MPs in homestead agricultural soils and underscores the need for improved waste management practices, sustainable agricultural strategies, and long-term monitoring to mitigate environmental and human health impacts. Full article
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37 pages, 1650 KB  
Review
Anti-Inflammatory Interleukins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
by Greta Gujytė, Giedrė Rapševičiūtė, Aleksandra Černiakova, Ieva Petrauskaitė, Agnė Liuizė and Aušra Mongirdienė
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 5030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27115030 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 268
Abstract
In recent years, the study of interleukins (ILs), crucial cytokines involved in inflammation, has garnered significant attention within coronary artery disease including atherosclerosis. This review provides a detailed overview of anti-inflammatory ILs, elucidating their functions within the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We examine aspects [...] Read more.
In recent years, the study of interleukins (ILs), crucial cytokines involved in inflammation, has garnered significant attention within coronary artery disease including atherosclerosis. This review provides a detailed overview of anti-inflammatory ILs, elucidating their functions within the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We examine aspects of all the known anti-inflammatory ILs role in atherosclerosis, the direct impact of these ILs on the inflammation; endothelial, smooth vascular cells and macrophage’s function; and their interactions with signaling pathways and molecules. The potential for diagnostic possibilities and targeted drug therapy to modulate anti-inflammatory ILs activity in atherosclerosis was explored. Taken together, findings from recent studies suggest that the main pathways through which ILs exerts its anti-inflammatory effects are: (1) taking part in the regulation of cholesterol transport or oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) phagocytosis (IL-1Ra and IL-36Ra—indirectly); (2) affecting different blood cells’ participation in the inflammation (monocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages); (3) taking place in the remodelation of the arterial wall (affecting smooth muscle and endothelium cells). Overall, IL-35, IL-37, and IL-38 appear to be the most promising for modulation of signaling pathways in experimental works and could be investigated as treatment targets. Recombinant IL-10 is investigated in experimental models as therapeutic tool. IL-1Ra is started being translated into clinical practice already. IL-13 and IL-19 are the least studied. It turns out that anti-inflammatory ILs are unlikely to serve as diagnostic markers for atherosclerosis due to their limited specificity and inconsistent associations with disease progression, as well as insufficient validation in large human cohorts. Moreover, key challenges related to delivery, dosing, and safety remain unresolved. Full article
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