Search Results (20,879)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a global health burden. Beyond classical pathogens, dermatophytes are increasingly identified within sexually linked transmission networks. Genital dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of the genital area, primarily caused by anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes. Recently, Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII and Trichophyton indotineae have emerged as clinically significant dermatophytes, increasingly linked to human-to-human and sexually associated transmission within highly interconnected sexual networks. These infections are often marked by inflammatory, persistent, and treatment-refractory presentations, with prominent genital involvement and rising antifungal resistance—particularly to terbinafine—posing growing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) has recently emerged as a novel preventive strategy for bacterial STIs, involving the administration of 200 mg doxycycline within 24–72 h after activities associated with increased infection exposure, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. While effective in reducing infections such as syphilis and chlamydia, its broader implementation raises concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. Chemsex is an increasingly prevalent behavioural phenomenon, defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances during sexual activity to enhance or prolong the experience, particularly among MSM. It is associated with multiple adverse effects, including increased STI transmission, substance dependence, drug toxicity, psychological disturbances, and significant challenges in treatment adherence and healthcare engagement. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically oriented overview of emerging trends in STIs, with a particular focus on dermatophyte infections as pathogens with potential sexually associated transmission, alongside evolving prevention strategies and behavioral factors influencing transmission. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and chronic low-grade inflammation, while conventional therapies are often limited by adverse effects and suboptimal adherence. This narrative review aims to evaluate the chemical composition and mechanistic effects of bioactive compounds derived from Allium species in the context of PCOS. A comprehensive analysis of the literature was performed, focusing on organosulfur compounds and polyphenols, with emphasis on their structure, reactivity, transformation pathways, and biological activity, integrating findings from preclinical and clinical studies. The evidence indicates that key compounds, including allicin, ajoene, and diallyl sulfides, exert biological effects through modulation of redox balance, inhibition of inflammation-related signaling, and regulation of insulin signaling pathways, while also influencing steroidogenesis and androgen synthesis. Polyphenolic compounds contribute primarily through antioxidant mechanisms related to their structural features. However, the current evidence remains limited by the scarcity of large-scale, long-term human clinical trials, particularly in women with PCOS, which restricts definitive conclusions regarding clinical efficacy, optimal dosing, safety, and long-term therapeutic applicability. Overall, Allium species represent a promising source of multitarget bioactive compounds for PCOS management, and understanding the chemical basis of their activity is essential for optimizing their therapeutic potential and guiding future research. Full article

Urbanization underscores the critical role of the built environment in shaping human health outcomes. Recently, technology-driven assessment enables a more precise, dynamic, and objective evaluation of individuals’ biobehavioral responses to built environments and their health. However, existing reviews are limited to single technologies, single health outcomes, or specific environmental features. As a result, this narrative review summarizes 269 studies (2003–2025) to examine how such technology-driven methodologies capture the effects of built environments on psychophysiological well-being. Findings reveal a four-stage evolution in methodology from subjective evaluations and single-device monitoring to integrated subjective-objective measures and, more recently, multimodal synergistic frameworks. Accordingly, based on a technology-driven assessment of biobehavioral responses, this review synthesizes a dual-pathway framework linking the built environment to health: (1) psychological responses are mediated through emotion-arousal mechanisms, encompassing 22 key emotions across both positive and negative valences; and (2) physiological outcomes are influenced by behavioral–psychological mediation and direct environmental exposure, encompassing six categories that span from subclinical dysfunction to clinical disease risk. This review thereby provides a framework derived from the reviewed evidence that connects built environments to health through measurable biobehavioral pathways, directly supporting human-centered urban design and assessment. Full article

Trillium camschatcense, a plant renowned for its ecological and medicinal value, is predominantly found in the temperate forests of East Asia. However, its habitat is increasingly threatened from climate change, habitat fragmentation, and intensified human activities. In this study, the Maxent (Maximum Entropy) model was used to assess the current ecological suitability of T. camschatcense based on historical climate data (1970–2000), and further simulate its potential distribution shifts under multiple future climate change scenarios to predict long-term habitat variation trends across northeast China.All modeling and spatial mapping analyses were performed using MaxEnt and ArcGIS 10.8.1 software. Drawing upon 93 known distribution points and 26 pertinent environmental variables covering climate, soil, and elevation, we built species distribution models for both present and future periods to pinpoint the crucial environmental factors influencing its distribution. Our findings revealed that elevation, soil nitrogen content, seasonal temperatures, annual precipitation, mean temperature during the coldest quarter, and mean diurnal temperature range were the primary factors influencing the distribution of T. camschatcense. Notably, highly suitable habitats were predominantly concentrated in Baishan City and the southwestern region of Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province. This insight offers valuable scientific guidance for the conservation planning, sustainable utilization, and potential introduction and cultivation of T. camschatcense. Furthermore, targeted conservation strategies can help identify climate refugia and protect climatically stable habitats for the long-term persistence and resilience of the species under continuous global warming. Full article

Preterm birth is associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes later in life. This increased risk is partly due to interrupted brain development during critical early periods. Early nutrition is a key factor that can influence both brain growth and the development of the gut microbiota, which plays an important role in overall health. Evidence shows that human milk, including fortified human milk, supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria help protect the immature intestine, reduce inflammation, and support normal development. In contrast, formula feeding, frequent use of antibiotics, and perinatal stress, common conditions for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units, can disturb the normal development of the gut microbiota. These factors may lead to dysbiosis, a state in which harmful bacteria become more dominant. Early changes in gut microbiota may affect brain development through the gut–brain axis. This communication system connects the gut and the brain through immune responses, metabolic products, and hormonal pathways. Disruption of this system during early life may have long-term effects on cognitive, motor, and behavioral development. Both clinical and experimental studies suggest that improving early nutrition may support better neurodevelopmental outcomes. Nutritional strategies such as optimizing protein and energy intake and using probiotics or prebiotics may help promote a healthier gut microbiota and support brain development. In conclusion, early nutrition in preterm infants plays a crucial role during a sensitive period of brain development. By supporting healthy gut microbiota formation, early nutritional interventions may help improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the relationship between early nutrition, gut microbiota development, and later neurodevelopment in preterm neonates. Full article

Metropolitan hinterlands are zones of intense urban–rural factor flows and spatial restructuring, where understanding rural settlement evolution is crucial for revealing human–land relationship transformations. Taking Changsha County, the core hinterland of the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan metropolitan area in central China, as a case study, we integrated landscape pattern indices, kernel density estimation, centroid migration, the Optimal Parameters-based Geographical Detector (OPGD), and Geographically Weighted Random Forest (GWRF) to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of rural settlements from 1990 to 2020 and identify the factors associated with the spatial differentiation of rural settlement scale in 2020. The results showed that: (1) The scale of rural settlements continuously expanded, with the total area increasing by 69.7% while patch density declined by 26.7%, exhibiting a “dense south, sparse north” pattern. High-value kernel density zones progressively clustered toward the southwestern concentric zone, and the settlement centroid persistently migrated toward the urban core. (2) The output value of secondary and tertiary industries per unit area, NDVI, and living facility adequacy were identified as the core driving factors; GDP per capita, distance to cropland, and distance to major roads also exerted notable effects, and strong synergistic interactions were detected among these factors. (3) GWRF-SHAP analysis revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity: NDVI exhibited a south-promotion, north-suppression bidirectional effect; distance to cropland showed the most stable positive influence; road proximity was significant only at transportation hubs; the output value of secondary and tertiary industries displayed a polarized “central driving, north–south suppression” pattern; and socioeconomic factors generally stimulated expansion in suburban areas while inhibiting it in remote hinterlands. This spatial divergence can be interpreted through the “south-industry, north-agriculture” structure: suburban industrial corridors are associated with externally oriented attraction, whereas remote agricultural hinterlands are more closely related to endogenous, resource-based upgrading. The study proposes a compound explanatory framework of “natural baseline constraints–locational guidance–socioeconomic dominance,” providing a scientific basis for differentiated spatial governance of rural settlements in metropolitan hinterlands. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inappropriate medication storage and disposal are recognized public health concerns and represent a relevant source of environmental exposure to pharmaceutical compounds, with potential implications for ecosystem and human health. Identifying population-level determinants of these behaviors is essential to support targeted interventions and risk mitigation strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted using a structured survey administered to Brazilian adults. The questionnaire assessed medication storage practices, disposal behaviors, and prior exposure to guidance on appropriate medication handling. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of appropriate disposal practices. Results: A total of 475 participants were included in the analysis. Although awareness of the environmental impact of improper medication disposal was high, inappropriate practices remained prevalent. Multivariate logistic regression identified educational level as the primary independent determinant of appropriate disposal practices (p < 0.001), while no significant associations were observed for age or gender (p > 0.05). Lack of prior guidance was frequent and may represent a relevant population-level exposure influencing unsafe behaviors. Conclusions: The findings highlight a gap between awareness and practice and identify key sociodemographic determinants influencing medication disposal behaviors. From an environmental epidemiology perspective, improper disposal may contribute to the dissemination of pharmaceutical residues in water systems, representing an indirect but widespread exposure pathway. Targeted public health strategies focusing on high-risk groups are needed to promote safe medication handling and reduce environmental and health risks. Full article

Microplastic contamination is a growing environmental concern in coastal ecosystems, particularly on recreational beaches where human activities may influence plastic inputs. This study investigated microplastic abundance and particle characteristics across five recreational zones along Hatwanakorn Beach in the Gulf of Thailand, focusing on fine-scale variability within a spatially continuous beach system and across management regimes. Supratidal sediments were collected using a quadrat-based approach, and polymer types were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Fibers were the predominant particle type, followed by fragments, and most particles were classified as large microplastics (1–5 mm). Significant spatial differences in abundance were observed among recreational zones (Kruskal–Wallis test, χ² = 13.37, p = 0.0096). At the management regime scale, a negative binomial generalized linear model also indicated significant differences (χ² = 30.58, p < 0.001), with higher abundance in the Hatwanakorn Forestry Research and Student Training Station (HWK Station) and Community regimes than in the National Park regime. These results indicate that microplastic distribution can be spatially heterogeneous even within a continuous recreational beach system, underscoring the importance of accounting for fine-scale spatial variability when assessing microplastic contamination in coastal environments. Full article

Wire harness assembly is a highly manual job performed on formboards. Augmented reality (AR)-assisted wiring operations can improve work efficiency and reduce operator workload. However, investigations into the effects of AR-assisted wiring assembly on operator performance remain in the preliminary stage. To investigate how different AR wire harness modes support novice operators in completing assembly tasks effectively, this exploratory laboratory study examined the impacts of AR instruction modes for single-route conditions on assembly performance (task time and number of assembly errors), gaze behavior using eye-tracking data, and subjective experience measured with the NASA-TLX (Task Load Index) as a post-experiment questionnaire in a controlled laboratory environment. Three wire path visualization modes, i.e., static color mode (SCM), dynamic color mode with flashing display (DCM-FD), and dynamic color mode with segment display (DCM-SD), were implemented for monitor-based, AR-assisted wiring instruction on a formboard. The results reveal a substantial influence of the wire path visualization modes on task time under our controlled experimental conditions: the SCM group achieved an 18% shorter task time than the other two groups, with a statistically significant difference. This finding contradicts the existing observations in the mechanical assembly domain. For gaze behavior, an analysis of the eye-tracking data indicated that the number of switches in the SCM group was the lowest among the three groups, with a marginally significant difference from the DCM-FD group for both low- and high-complexity wiring tasks during the laying phase. Additionally, the total fixation time of the three groups showed a significant difference for low- and high-complexity tasks with a large effect size; the SCM group exhibited the shortest total fixation time across all tasks. No significant differences in the number of assembly errors and users’ perceived workload were observed among the three groups. These findings can serve as a reference for guiding the visual style design in AR-assisted wiring systems for training novice operators in human-centric Industry 5.0 and achieving a decrease in overall workload and improved task performance. Full article

Fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus (O. fragrans)) extract is known to influence neurophysiological responses through inhalation, yet research on concentration-dependent effects and sex-specific variations remains insufficient. This study utilized an electronic nose (E-nose), electroencephalography (EEG), and standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) to characterize the volatile profiles and neurophysiological impacts of O. fragrans at 3% and 5% concentrations. E-nose analysis identified 48 volatile compounds, with chemometric modeling (PCA, HCA) showing clear discrimination between concentrations. EEG results demonstrated that inhalation induced significant concentration-dependent changes—specifically increasing sedation-related alpha waves and decreasing tension-related gamma waves—with 5% O. fragrans eliciting more widespread cortical responses than the 3% concentration. Notably, no significant sex-related differences were observed in general EEG patterns; however, sLORETA revealed that 5% inhalation specifically suppressed high beta and gamma activities in male participants within Brodmann areas 13, 21, 22, and 44, regions associated with emotional and multisensory processing. In conclusion, this study successfully quantified the relationship between volatile profiles and human brain responses using an integrated biomimetic and neurophysiological approach. These findings provide objective evidence that O. fragrans inhalation, particularly at 5%, modulates neural oscillations toward a relaxed state, offering valuable data for olfactory perception and potential applications as functional volatile compounds. Full article

Heptamethine cyanine fluorophores are widely used in NIR imaging, due to their excellent photophysical properties. In the present work, new meso-ethoxy substituted heptamethine carbocyanine fluorophores 6a–c were prepared by replacing the meso-chlorine atom on a cyclohexenyl-bridged scaffold through a base-driven S_RN1 substitution reaction with an ethoxy group. Once isolated, the compounds were examined in several solvents to study how strongly the medium influenced their absorption, emission, and brightness. The fluorophores absorbed in the 755–770 nm range and showed their strongest fluorescence in ethanol, whereas their emissions were heavily quenched in buffer solutions. Calculations of the HOMO and LUMO energies supported the observed data. A comparison with indocyanine green (ICG) under continuous light exposure showed that fluorophores 6a–c degraded more slowly and maintained their absorbance for a considerably longer period. Having long hydrophobic alkyl chains raised the hypothesis that they could act as sensors for bovine serum albumin (BSA), which is known for its hydrophobic pockets. Therefore, they were tested for BSA binding both in silico and in cuvette. Fluorophore 6b produced a clear optical response when BSA was added, giving both a red shift and an increase in absorbance and fluorescence. Quantitative analysis of the fluorophore 6b–BSA interaction revealed a dissociation constant (K_d) of 0.75 μM and an apparent binding stoichiometry of approximately 1:1 (Hill coefficient n = 1.25), confirming high-affinity, single-site binding. Using the linear range of the fluorescence titration, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for BSA were determined to be 1.9 and 6.0 μM, respectively. Selectivity experiments demonstrated that fluorophore 6b does not exhibit fluorescence enhancement in the presence of collagen or human parvalbumin, confirming its selectivity toward BSA. These observations suggest that introducing an alkoxy group at the meso-position can improve carbocyanine fluorophores properties and achieve high photostability, with significant potential for various biomedical applications. Full article

Exercise-induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) serve as crucial signaling molecules for training adaptation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inflammatory resolution, rather than being mere markers of oxidative damage. Chronic or excessive high-dose antioxidant supplementation may suppress these vital redox-sensitive pathways. Consequently, this narrative review examines food-based antioxidant strategies as approaches for redox modulation, meaning support for recovery and redox homeostasis without indiscriminately suppressing exercise-induced redox signals that may contribute to training adaptation, while emphasizing the distinction between whole-food matrices and isolated supplements. A structured literature search was conducted across major electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. The search focused on intersecting themes of exercise physiology, redox biology, and sports nutrition. The reviewed evidence includes short-term human intervention studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies examining tart cherry, berries, pomegranate, cocoa, green tea, beetroot, extra virgin olive oil, and Mediterranean-style dietary patterns. Overall, the evidence suggests that these food-based strategies may influence recovery-related outcomes through mechanisms extending beyond direct radical scavenging, including inflammatory regulation, vascular function, and gut-derived metabolism; however, the strength and consistency of findings vary by food source, outcome, dose, timing, study population, dietary matrix, and bioavailability. Current literature does not support universal, fixed daily antioxidant use. Food-based strategies appear most appropriate during periods of elevated recovery demands, such as heavy training blocks, congested competition, muscle damage, or environmental stress. Food-based antioxidant nutrition should therefore be interpreted as a conceptual, evidence-informed approach to periodized and context-specific recovery support, rather than as a universal or evidence-graded guideline, because much of the available evidence derives from short-term and heterogeneous intervention studies. These strategies should complement foundational sports nutrition practices (energy availability, macronutrient distribution, hydration, and sleep) when balancing the preservation of long-term training adaptations with the need for acute recovery. Full article

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Prosperity Cluster (SDGs 7–11) represents a multidimensional framework linking economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and resilient development. This review critically examines the interconnections among Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), with the aim of exploring how these goals collectively contribute to sustainable prosperity. Adopting a structured literature review methodology informed by PRISMA principles, the study synthesizes peer-reviewed and gray literature collected from major academic databases and institutional sources. The findings indicate that progress toward the prosperity-oriented SDGs remains uneven across regions due to disparities in governance quality, technological capacity, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. Renewable energy transitions, digital innovation, circular economy initiatives, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning emerge as critical drivers of long-term prosperity, while inequality, weak institutional coordination, inadequate human-capital investment, and uneven access to technology remain major barriers. The review further demonstrates that progress in one SDG strongly influences outcomes in others, emphasizing the importance of integrated and policy-coherent approaches rather than isolated sectoral actions. Conceptually, the paper advances the understanding of the “Prosperity Cluster” by positioning dynamism, equity, and environmental stewardship as mutually reinforcing dimensions of sustainable development. The study concludes that achieving sustainable prosperity requires governance systems capable of balancing economic competitiveness with environmental responsibility and social justice. Greater international cooperation, inclusive policymaking, and investment in resilient infrastructure and human capital are essential to ensure that prosperity benefits present and future generations without leaving vulnerable populations behind. Full article

As a key energy base in China, the Yellow River Basin sees its energy transition and carbon peaking status closely linked to the timeline for achieving the dual carbon goals. Yet the energy transition across the Yellow River Basin remains arduous, and staged breakthroughs in carbon peaking are hard to achieve. Against this backdrop, digital technology offers new approaches to addressing this challenge. This study empirically investigates 99 cities at or above the prefectural level across the Yellow River Basin during 2013–2024. It analyzes the mechanisms of digital technology in the energy transition and applies the Kaya identity to predict carbon peaking times for these cities under different scenarios. The findings show that digital technology facilitates the energy transition across the Yellow River Basin by strengthening innovation in renewable energy technologies and investment in human capital. Moreover, carbon peaking pressure plays a positive moderating role in digital technology’s influence on the energy transition across the Yellow River Basin. Notably, digital technology boosts the energy transition across the Yellow River Basin more significantly in downstream areas and non-resource-based and non-traditional industrial base cities. Meanwhile, while digital technology can significantly promote local energy transition, it also produces negative spatial spillover effects. Finally, compared to the baseline scenario, cities across the Yellow River Basin reach carbon peaking earlier under the accelerated energy transition scenario. Full article

Background: Diagnostic communication influences patient understanding, adherence, and shared decision-making in high-burden cardiometabolic disease and high-stakes oncologic care. However, scalable training models that allow standardized, repeatable practice and competency benchmarking remain limited. This study examined whether undergraduate medical students demonstrated higher diagnostic communication scores after completing a structured generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted simulation program across three clinically distinct diagnostic disclosure scenarios. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-arm, pre–post educational study in undergraduate medical students completing AI-assisted diagnostic communication training across T2DM, obesity, and breast cancer scenarios. Students underwent baseline in-person assessments with standardized human simulated patients, completed 10 asynchronous AI-assisted encounters per scenario using standardized scenario-specific prompts and automated feedback, and then completed post-intervention in-person assessments. Scenario order was randomized. Performance was scored live by two physician raters using an adapted 24-item, eight-domain rubric. Cross-scenario analyses included three-scenario completers (n = 56; scenario-specific paired samples up to n = 77). Without a control group, analyses were interpreted as within-student pre–post associations rather than causal effects. Results: Students demonstrated higher post-test total rubric scores across all scenarios. Mean (SD) within-student changes were +24.26 (25.05) for T2DM, +26.17 (20.67) for obesity, and +36.31 (17.70) for breast cancer. Positive pre–post changes were observed across communication domains, with variation by clinical context. Exploratory analyses suggested limited cross-scenario gain-score associations and heterogeneous response patterns. Conclusions: Generative AI-assisted simulation was associated with higher post-intervention diagnostic communication scores across three diagnostic disclosure scenarios. The single-arm design precludes causal attribution and does not exclude testing effects, rubric familiarization, maturation, or concurrent clinical learning. Controlled studies are needed to determine its comparative educational value. Full article