Search Results (659)

This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and individuals’ health status, healthcare utilization, socio-demographic characteristics, and health behaviors in a large representative sample from Northern Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1227 participants (47.4% males, mean age 49.94 ± 14.87 years) from Thrace, Greece, selected through a two-stage stratified sampling method. According to the Greek version of IPAQ, participants were classified as inactive/insufficiently active, sufficiently and highly active. Data on socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related variables were collected through structured interviews. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of physical activity on subjects’ characteristics using SPSS ver. 19. Half of the participants (49.8%) were inactive/insufficiently active, 418 participants (34.1%) were sufficiently active, and 198 participants (16.1%) were highly active. In univariate analysis, smoking (p < 0.001), higher coffee consumption (p = 0.002), higher adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < 0.001), napping during the day (p = 0.017) and short sleep duration (p < 0.001) were associated with lower prevalence of high activity. In adjusted analyses, sufficiently active participants had a lower risk for bad self-rated health (aOR = 0.63), hypertension (aOR = 0.41), dyslipidemia (aOR = 0.42), diabetes (aOR = 0.53), obesity (aOR = 0.61), cardiovascular diseases (aOR = 0.43), anxiety (aOR = 0.65), depression (aOR = 0.56), daily sleepiness (aOR = 0.62), poor sleep quality (aOR = 0.71), as well as for primary (aOR = 0.54) and secondary (aOR = 0.40) healthcare utilization compared to inactive participants. Higher-intensity physical activity did not enhance these beneficial effects of sufficient activity on subjects’ characteristics. Physical inactivity significantly compromises health across multiple domains. Promoting even moderate-intensity physical activity may reduce chronic disease burden and healthcare utilization. Full article

Using the near-space platform to conduct radiometric calibrations of ocean color sensors is a promising method for refining calibration precision, but there is knowledge gap about the radiance contributions above near-space over the open ocean. We used the radiative transfer (RT) model (PCOART) to assess the contributions (L_R) of the upwelling radiance received at the near-space balloons to the total radiance (L_t) measured at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). The results indicated that the L_R displayed distinct geometric dependencies with exceeding 2% across most observation geometries. Moreover, the L_R increased with wavelengths under the various solar zenith angles, and the L_R values fell below 1% only for the two near-infrared bands. Additionally, the influences of variations in oceanic constituents on L_R were negligible across various azimuth angles and spectral bands, except in nonalgal particle (NAP)-dominated waters. Furthermore, the influences of aerosol optical thicknesses (AOTs) and atmospheric vertical distributions on L_R were examined. Outside glint-contaminated areas, the atmosphere-associated L_R variations could exceed 2% but declined substantially as AOTs increased under most observation geometries. The mean height of the vertically inhomogeneous layer (h_m) significantly influenced L_R, and the differences in L_t could exceed 5% when comparing atmospheric vertical distributions following homogeneous versus Gaussian-like distributions. Finally, the transformability from near-space radiance to L_t was examined based on a multiple layer perceptron (MLP) model, which exhibited high agreement with the RT simulations. The MAPD averaged 0.420% across the eight bands, ranging from 0.218% to 0.497%. Overall, the radiometric calibration utilizing near-space represents a significant innovation method for satellite-borne ocean color sensors. Full article

Improper disposal of granite sawdust from stone processing and heavy metal-containing tailings sand can pose severe threats to the environment and human health. Based on their physicochemical properties, granite sawdust was used to synthesize a zeolite-based stabilizer (GFAS) for immobilizing lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in tailings waste. The stabilizer was prepared through an alkali fusion–hydrothermal method, followed by phosphoric acid modification. Characterization by XRD, SEM-EDS, and BET revealed that GFAS possesses a Na-P1 zeolite structure (Na₆Al₆Si₁₀O₃₂) with a micro-mesoporous texture and a specific surface area of 35.00 m²/g, representing a 10-fold increase over raw sawdust. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of GFAS reached 57.08 cmol⁺/kg, a 116-fold enhancement. The stabilization mechanism involved synergistic physical adsorption, chemical precipitation (e.g., Pb₃(PO₄)₂, Zn(OH)₂), and ion exchange. This study presents a sustainable “waste-treats-waste” strategy for effectively reducing the mobility of heavy metals in tailings waste, thereby contributing to the remediation of seepage from tailings pond foundations. Full article

This study estimates the levels of chemical contamination and the responses of biochemical and cytogenetic biomarkers in Unio pictorum from the Nemunas River after a large-scale fire at a tire storage and processing warehouse (in October 2019), as well as after the subsequent discharge of partially cleaned water used for firefighting. The impact of firefighting water (FW) on the River Nemunas ecosystem was assessed. Elevated levels of trace metals (Pb, Cu, Co, Cr, Al, Zn) in U. pictorum mussels collected downstream from the wastewater treatment plant (WTP) discharger were measured in the first year after the accident. Genotoxic aberrations in gill cells were significantly more frequent in mussels collected downstream of the WTP discharger, along with higher frequencies of cytotoxic damage and changes in acetylcholinesterase activity. PAH metabolite concentrations, including naphthalene (Nap) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(α)P), were also elevated in haemolymph in U. pictorum gathered downstream from the discharger, but differences were not statistically significant. The total sum of 16 PAH concentrations in mussels collected in 2021 and 2022 was over 5 times higher than those in 2020, and the profile of accumulated metals shifted, with Ni, Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations decreasing while Zn increased significantly. Mussel haemolymph in 2021 contained the highest levels of B(α)P-type PAH metabolites, indicating increased oxidative stress and neurotoxic impact. The results of chemical analysis and the values of genotoxic aberrations determined in gill cells of U. pictorum collected in 2021 and 2022 indicate an increase in PAH contamination and geno-cytotoxic impact compared to the results of 2020; these changes might be related to the gradual cancellation of COVID-19 restrictions and restoration of routine activities. The study provided an opportunity to demonstrate the unique response of a less anthropogenically stressed ecosystem to the extreme impact of contamination related to the fire on the tire recycling plant. Full article

Disruption of myelin in Alzheimer’s disease has been observed by various approaches including histology, proteomics, and white matter hyperintensities in T2 FLAIR images. Since lipids are essential myelin components, we aimed to monitor N-acylphosphatidylserines (NAPSs), unique brain lipids that are altered by neuronal stress. NAPS 52:1 (PS 36:1-N16:0) was the dominant NAPS in both gray and white matter. Relative levels of NAPS 52:1 were 2.5 times higher in the periventricular white matter (PVWM) than in the hippocampus and were reduced to approximately 50% of control in both brain regions in subjects with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). To monitor potential alterations in metabolic precursors of NAPS 52:1, we also measured the following: (1) phosphatidylcholine (PC) 36:1, which can undergo base exchange with N-acylserine (NASer) 16:0 to form NAPS 52:1; (2) phosphatidylserine (PS) 36:1, which can undergo N-acylation with palmitic acid (FA 16:0); and (3) diacylglycerol 36:1, which can be a precursor for both PC 36:1 and PS 36:1. These analyses found that only the relative levels of PS 36:1 were decreased and only in the PVWM. Next, we evaluated NASer 16:0, which can be released from NAPS 52:1 by phospholipase D. This is an N-acyl amino acid with neuroprotective properties. NASer 16:0 was found to be present at trace levels and could only be reliably monitored in the PVWM in which relative levels were decreased in LOAD subjects. In summary, reductions in NAPSs and NASer in the PVWM are lipid biomarkers of disruptions in myelin in LOAD. These data, in conjunction with our previous report of decrements in the levels of neocortical ether-PS in LOAD, suggest that these combined alterations in serine glycerophospholipid metabolism may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in dementia. Full article

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as salicylic acid (SAL), aspirin (ASP), ketoprofen (KET), and naproxen (NAP), are widely used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. For this reason, they are frequently detected in aquatic environments and have a negative impact on many aquatic organisms. In this study, walnut shell biochar (WSB) was used as an adsorbent for the removal of NSAIDs from water. The removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals was highly dependent on various parameters such as pH, contact time, sorbent dosage, and drug concentration. The studies conducted showed that WSB was able to remove as much as about 98% of pharmaceuticals. The maximum adsorption capacities of ASP, SAL, KET, and NAP were 20.92, 33.55, 39.84, and 172.41 mg/g, respectively. The equilibrium data for the investigated drugs showed a better fit to the Freundlich model than the Langmuir model. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit to the kinetic data. The results of the present study show that WSB could be applied as an eco-friendly and cost-effective biosorbent for the removal of drugs from the NSAID group from aqueous solutions. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), as one of the important greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has a significant impact on global climate change. Its emissions are significantly regulated by land use changes, especially in ecologically fragile semi-arid areas. However, there is still a lack of systematic analysis on the key biotic and abiotic factors through which different land use patterns affect N₂O emissions. Therefore, this study focuses on four typical land use types in the Loess Plateau of central Gansu: Picea asperata (PA), Medicago sativa (MS), Abandoned land (AL), and Wheat field (WF). Static box gas chromatography was used to monitor soil N₂O flux in situ, and multidimensional analysis was conducted based on soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, and nitrogen cycling functional genes. Based on the observational data from the 2024 growing season (April to October), Research findings show that the cumulative emissions of N₂O from wheat fields increased significantly by 26.4%, 19.4%, and 39.8% compared to medicago sativa, abandoned land, and picea asperata, respectively. Mechanism analysis reveals that picea asperata promote nitrogen fixation and absorption in soil through higher soil water content and organic carbon content, as well as enrichment of Proteobacteria and high expression of nrfA and napA genes, thereby inhibiting N₂O production and emissions. The wheat fields, on the other hand, have significantly increased N₂O emissions due to the increased abundance of amoA_B, nxrB, and nirK functional genes and enhanced urease activity, which promote nitrification and denitrification processes. The Partial Least Squares Path Model (PLS-PM) further confirmed that nitrification functional genes are key driving factors for N₂O emissions. This study systematically reveals the microbial and biochemical pathways involved in regulating N₂O emissions through land use in semi-arid regions, providing a theoretical basis for regional nitrogen cycle management and climate mitigation. Full article

Anticipation of stressful events can impair sleep quality. In a recent study, we reported that anticipating a stressful task before a nap led to negative changes in sleep parameters, particularly at the end of the nap. In our previous study, we compared stress anticipation with the anticipation of relaxation; thus, the observed effects may have been amplified by sleep quality improvements in the relaxation condition. In the current study, we aimed to replicate these findings using an alternative neutral control condition. The data from a newly collected sample (n = 31) were compared with the data from our previous study (n = 33) using identical analyses. The results reveal an opposite pattern from our previous study: participants in the neutral control condition showed poorer sleep (longer sleep onset latency, reduced slow-wave sleep, and lower SWA/beta ratio) compared to those anticipating stress. In a direct comparison of both studies, sleep parameters in the stress conditions were highly similar across the two studies, suggesting that the divergent outcomes are driven by differences in the control conditions. The temporal dynamic changes observed in our previous study could not be replicated. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering control conditions in experimental sleep research and suggest that even “neutral” instructions can evoke anticipatory effects. Moreover, the observed benefits of anticipating post-sleep relaxation highlight opportunities for relaxation-based interventions to improve sleep quality. Full article

Bimetallic alloys are widely used as heterogeneous catalysts due to their unique physico-chemical properties for improving catalytic reactions. Typically, the structures of alloy catalysts are inherently dynamic under gas environments, which plays a crucial role in their catalytic activity, stability and selectivity. One method of enhancing the catalytic performance of bimetallic nanomaterials is, therefore, to tune or control the surface structure of the nanomaterials, and tremendous progress has been made in this area in the past decade. In this review, we primarily focus on the dynamic structure evolution of binary noble metal alloy catalysts influencing their catalytic performance during the thermal catalytic reaction. First, we summarize the advantage of binary noble metal alloy catalysts and their structure correlation with catalysis. Then, we examine how the structure of precious-metal-based alloy catalysts evolves in response to varying gas environments and the resulting structures impacts on heterogeneous catalytic activity. Further, the advanced characterizing techniques, i.e., in situ scanning/transmission electron microscopy (in situ S/TEM) and near-ambient pressure scanning tunneling microscopy (NAP-STM) are outlined for visualizing these structural evolutions. Finally, we summarize the remaining challenges and outlooks for the future in this research field and offer the potential direction of rational design catalysts with high energy-efficient and sustainable catalytic processes. Full article

Eutrophication threatens vulnerable plateau lakes, yet the gene-level microbial processes behind spatial heterogeneity of sediment carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) cycling and their environmental driver remain unclear. This study first applies the high-throughput Quantitative Microbial Ecology Chip (QMEC) to quantify 71 functional genes involved in geochemical cycling in sediment of a large Chinese plateau lake, Erhai, aiming to elucidate how environmental factors shape the spatial distribution and coupling patterns of these genes. The results revealed that total functional gene abundance exhibited a pronounced south-to-north decline, with key genes (rbcL, mct, nirS, nosZ, phoD, pqqC and yedZ) being significantly higher in the southern sector (p < 0.05). Lignocellulose-degrading genes (abfA, xylA and mnp) exceeded 10⁶ copies g⁻¹ and were significantly enriched in the south, indicating faster organic-matter turnover. Denitrification dominated the nitrogen cycle, with nirS-type denitrifiers being overwhelmingly prevalent; genes associated with nitrate reduction (napA, narG) were also significantly more abundant in the south. Sediment total phosphorus (TP) was significantly correlated with genes involved in carbon fixation, methane production, nitrogen fixation and sulfur metabolism (Mantel test, p < 0.05), suggesting that TP is a key driver of microbial nutrient cycling in Erhai sediment. Furthermore, co-abundance of these functional genes was observed across all sites (Spearman correlation, p < 0.05), which in turn implies potential coupling of the major elemental cycles. Accordingly, the differentiation of the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycling genes and metabolic potential in the different sectors reveals heterogeneous microbial regulation of Erhai’s endogenous nutrient cycling. It highlights precision and differentiated management as a key for large lake restoration. Full article

Ocular surface (OS) and dry eye (DE) symptoms are frequent ophthalmic complaints influenced by climate and pollution related with acute and chronic ocular surface symptoms. This study assessed their association with environmental conditions in São Paulo metropolitan area (2016–2020), including air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, ozone (O₃), particulate matter (PM), using IQVIA eye drop sales data and Google search trends. Sympathomimetic decongestant sales correlated with higher temperature (r = 0.434, p = 0.0021), UV radiation (r = 0.643, p < 0.0001), and ozone (r = 0.491, p = 0.0004). Artificial tears and lubricants correlated with ozone (r = 0.452, p = 0.0012) and with searches for “red eye” (r = 0.505, p = 0.0005) and “stye” (r = 0.599, p < 0.0001). To address multicollinearity, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied, with the first two components (PC1 and PC2) explaining 87.3% of variance. Regression models using these components were significant for decongestant sales and “stye” searches. Eye drop sales and search trends thus emerge as potential indicators of OS and DE symptoms, reflecting environmental conditions and informing prevention strategies. Full article

Dogs are often viewed as family members, and many owners describe them as “fur babies.” However, little is known about how women with and without children perceive and practice caregiving toward their dogs, and how these experiences relate to parenting. This qualitative study explored the meanings of dog and child caregiving among 28 dog-owning women (13 mothers and 15 childless) through semi-structured interviews. All participants had lived with their dog for at least one year. Thematic analysis identified five main themes: (1) emotional meanings and motivations of caregiving, (2) practical caregiving and daily routines, (3) responsibility and dependency, (4) social relationships and support, and (5) life course perspectives. Both mothers and non-mothers described their dogs as sources of joy, companionship, and unconditional love. Women without children often saw their dogs as child substitutes, while mothers stressed the greater responsibility and permanence of raising children. Dog ownership and parenting influenced social life and work differently: dogs often increased social interaction and offered flexibility, whereas children introduced stricter routines and reduced spontaneity. Overall, dogs fulfilled important emotional and caregiving needs, particularly among women without children, but did not replace the unique social and moral responsibilities of parenting. Full article

Amine-functionalized polysiloxanes, due to the presence of amino moieties, can be used for the extraction of toxic metal ions from wastewater, as supports for metallic catalysts, stabilizers for metal nanoparticles, macromolecular biocides, or as self-healing materials. In the present work, we studied poly(hydromethylsiloxane) (PHMS) networks functionalized with three amines: N-allyaniline (Naa), N-allylcyclohexylamine (Nach), and N-allylpiperidine (Nap). They were prepared using two procedures. The first one was a two-step process in which the previously cross-linked PHMS was reacted with the amine. The second, one-step method involved simultaneous PHMS cross-linking and reaction with the amine. FTIR and ²⁹Si MAS-NMR spectroscopic investigations, as well as elemental analysis, allowed us to conclude that the one-step method was more advantageous. It ensured higher PHMS networks functionalization degrees and hindered hydrolysis/condensation of Si-H/SiOH groups side processes, which were related to the basicity of the studied amines and significant in the two-step procedure. Full article

Kaolin from the Donigazza deposit (NW Sardinia, Italy) was used to investigate the mechanisms of zeolite crystallization under alkaline hydrothermal conditions. The starting material, composed mainly of kaolinite and opal-CT with minor quartz and low iron content, was reacted with NaOH solutions (1–5 mol L⁻¹) at 100 °C for 12–168 h. XRD analyses revealed the formation of zeolitic and related phases, including NaP1, NaP2, analcime, sodalite, and cancrinite, with zeolite contents reaching up to 100%. The extent of kaolinite dissolution varied with both NaOH concentration and reaction time, with complete transformation occurring at ≥3 mol L⁻¹ and ≥48 h. SEM imaging showed idiomorphic crystals (100 nm–10 μm) and globular nanoparticles (<50 nm), likely Na-Al-Si gels. Phase distribution reflected evolving solution chemistry, particularly changes in the Si/Al ratio due to differential dissolution of opal-CT and kaolinite. Crystallization proceeded via both classical (monomer addition) and non-classical (particle attachment) pathways, influenced by supersaturation, gel composition, and reaction kinetics. The transition from NaP1 to NaP2, and the development of metastable phases, indicate kinetic control consistent with Ostwald’s step rule. These results provide insights into the complex dynamics of zeolite formation from natural aluminosilicate precursors in alkaline environments. Full article

Ethiopia is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in Africa, with agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster risk management highly exposed to climate variability and change. This study examines the role of climate services in supporting climate change adaptation in Ethiopia by combining analyses of historical climate trends, future projections, national policy frameworks, and survey data from both users and providers of climate information. Results show that rainfall and temperature time-series exhibit significant variability, with increasing frequency of droughts and rising temperatures already threatening livelihoods and food security. Climate projections indicate continued warming and uncertain but increasingly extreme rainfall patterns, underscoring the urgency of adaptation. National strategies—including the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy, Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I and II), and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP-ETH)—highlight the centrality of climate services in guiding adaptation across sectors. Survey findings reveal that climate services provided by the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) are widely valued, particularly seasonal climate predictions, but challenges persist in accessibility, capacity, infrastructure, and alignment with user needs. Despite high satisfaction levels among users and providers, gaps remain in technical expertise, dissemination mechanisms, and service co-production. Strengthening climate services—through improved technical capacity, institutional coordination, and user-driven design—will be critical for enhancing Ethiopia’s resilience. The lessons drawn are also relevant to other African countries where climate services can play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science and climate-resilient development. Full article