Search Results (6,035)

Rapid urbanization and climate change have intensified flood risk and ecological degradation along urban riverfronts. Recent literature suggests that combining green and grey infrastructure can enhance resilience while delivering ecological and social co-benefits. This study analyzes and compares five riverfront projects in China and Spain, assessing how their tactic mixes operationalize three urban flood-resilience strategies—Resist, Delay, and Store/reuse—and how these mixes translate into ecological, social, and urban impacts. A six-phase framework was applied: (1) literature review; (2) case selection; (3) categorization of resilience strategies; (4) systematization and typification of tactics into green vs. grey infrastructure; (5) percentage analysis and qualitative matrices; and (6) comparative synthesis supported by an alluvial diagram. Across cases, Delay emerges as the structural backbone—via wetlands, terraces, vegetated buffers, and floodable spaces—while Resist is used selectively where exposure and erodibility require it. Store/reuse appears in targeted settings where operational capacity and water-quality standards enable circular use. The comparison highlights hybrid, safe-to-fail configurations that integrate public space, ecological restoration, and hydraulic performance. Effective urban riverfront resilience does not replace grey infrastructure but hybridizes it with nature-based solutions. Planning should prioritize Delay with green systems, add Resist where necessary, and enable Store/reuse when governance, operation and maintenance, and water quality permit, using iterative monitoring to adapt the green–grey mix over time. Full article

Objective: This study compares the brain protective effects of L-borneolum and its main components (a combined application of L-borneol and L-camphor) on the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). It also makes clear the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that link the neuroprotective effects of these compounds on IS to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), based on network pharmacology predictions. Furthermore, the study investigates the relationship between these compounds and the Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain-containing Protein 2A (MFSD2A)/Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) signaling axis. Methods: The MCAO/R model in rats was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of L-borneolum (200 mg/kg) and its main components combination of L-borneol and L-camphor (6:4 ratio, 200 mg/kg). Neurological scores, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining were performed to evaluate the neurological damage in the rats. Cerebral blood flow Doppler was applied to monitor the cerebral blood flow changes. Immunofluorescence analysis of albumin leakage and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to evaluate blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the optimal drug concentration. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) assays were employed to confirm the successful establishment of an in vitro BBB co-culture model. Network pharmacology was utilized to predict the biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components involved in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) by the main components of L-borneolum (L-borneol and L-camphor). Finally, immunofluorescence, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2A (MFSD2A), caveolin-1 (CAV-1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) in brain tissue and hCMEC/D3 cells. Results: Network pharmacology prediction indicated that L-borneolum and its main components (L-borneol and L-camphor) in the treatment of IS are likely associated with vesicle transport and neuroprotection. Treatment of IS with L-borneolum and its main components significantly decreased neurological function scores and cerebral infarction area, while alleviating pathological morphological changes and increasing the number of Nissl bodies in the hippocampus. Additionally, it improved cerebral blood flow, reduced albumin leakage, and decreased vesicle counts in the brain. The trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the co-culture model stabilized on the fifth day after co-culture, and the permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the co-culture model was significantly lower than that of the blank chamber at this time. RT-qPCR and Western blot results demonstrated that, compared to the model group, the expression of SREBP1 and MFSD2A significantly increased, while the expression of Cav-1 decreased. Conclusions: L-borneolum and its main components combination (L-borneol/L-camphor, 6:4 ratio) may exert a protective effect in rats with IS by improving BBB transport function through modulation of the MFSD2A/Cav-1 signaling pathway. Full article

Antibiotics represent a unique and diverse group of drugs, which are known to exert deleterious effects on non-target species and contribute to the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. With central inclusion on the EU Surface Water Watch List, and reported known affects in multiple model organisms, the importance of the sufficient monitoring of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has been highlighted. Most studies report the impact of individual antibiotics following exposure for a single generation in animals. In this study, we assessed the impact of four antibiotics with different modes of action (amoxicillin, trimethoprim, erythromycin, and sulfamethoxazole) and their mixture on the sentinel species Daphnia magna over three generations, via biochemical markers and a targeted metabolomic analysis of central metabolic pathways. No mortality was observed at 50 mg/L of each selected antibiotic and their composite mixture. Thus, a working concentration of 1 mg/L was chosen to progress this study. Results indicated that enzyme activity was particularly sensitive to exposure to amoxicillin and the mixture, whereas trimethoprim and the mixture induced the most metabolic changes in glycolysis and the TCA cycle. Additionally, the quaternary mixture had a stronger impact on the first generation of daphnids, altering the activity of β-galactosidase, glutathione S-transferase, and acid and alkaline phosphatase, suggesting that Daphnia can adapt to stress caused by antibiotics. Full article

Frequency-hopping (FH) communication is widely employed in modern wireless communication systems due to its strong resistance to interference. Accurate detection of FH signals is therefore essential for effective spectrum monitoring and reliable communication in complex electromagnetic environments. However, real-world electromagnetic environments are highly complex and dynamic, with substantial noise and multiple interfering signals coexisting. These conditions pose significant challenges to frequency-hopping signal detection, particularly in terms of low signal-to-noise ratios and co-channel interference. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a frequency-hopping signal detection method based on time–frequency cancellation and the Hough transform. The received signals are first preprocessed using time–frequency cancellation and singular value decomposition to suppress noise and fixed-frequency interference. Subsequently, the time–frequency characteristics of the preprocessed signals are extracted, and the time–frequency cancellation ratio is computed to perform an initial determination of the presence of frequency-hopping signals. To further reduce false detections caused by multiple interference sources, the Hough transform is applied to analyze the time–frequency spectrum in greater detail. By jointly exploiting the geometric and statistical characteristics of the signals, accurate detection of frequency-hopping signals is achieved. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method enables precise detection of frequency-hopping signals under challenging electromagnetic conditions. Full article

Background: Although Capacitive–Resistive Electric Transfer (TECAR) and vibration therapy (VT) are increasingly used in sports recovery, their effects on muscle oxygenation remain unclear. Objectives: This study compared the short-term influence of TECAR and VT on muscle oxygenation following eccentric exercise in young, active adults. We hypothesized that both interventions would support early metabolic recovery, as reflected by changes in muscle oxygenation, and potentially reduce the risk of musculoskeletal overuse. Methods: Forty-one young, recreationally active adults (age: 19 ± 2 years; height: 168 ± 9 cm; body mass: 63 ± 13 kg) were randomized into two groups: TECAR therapy and VT. Muscle oxygenation was assessed at baseline, post-exercise, and post-intervention using the arterial occlusion method with a MOXY muscle oxygenation monitor (Fortiori Design LLC, USA). The primary variables were mVO₂ (muscle oxygen consumption), ΔSmO₂ (change in oxygen saturation during occlusion), and ΔtHb (change in hemoglobin level during occlusion). Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc Tukey tests, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Eccentric exercise significantly reduced mVO₂ in both groups (VT: −0.18 ± 0.40 to −1.62 ± 0.70; TECAR: −0.12 ± 0.40 to −1.24 ± 0.70), indicating decreased metabolic demand. Following recovery, mVO₂ increased in both groups (VT: −0.86 ± 0.50; TECAR: −0.35 ± 0.40), with no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05). ΔSmO₂ also decreased after exercise (VT: −0.7 ± 0.4 to −3.2 ± 0.9; TECAR: −0.9 ± 0.6 to −3.45 ± 0.7). After recovery, ΔSmO₂ partially returned to baseline (VT: −2.6 ± 0.8; TECAR: −1.35 ± 0.4), with no significant between-group differences. ΔtHb increased following exercise in both groups (VT: 0.03 ± 0.04 to 0.13 ± 0.09; TECAR: 0.03 ± 0.04 to 0.15 ± 0.07) and decreased after recovery to similar levels (VT: −0.05 ± 0.05; TECAR: −0.06 ± 0.04; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both TECAR and VT were associated with improved muscle oxygenation during early recovery after eccentric exercise, as reflected by increases in mVO₂ and comparable ΔtHb responses. Although ΔSmO₂ tended to decrease more after VT, this difference was not statistically significant and should be interpreted cautiously. Overall, both modalities appear to be effective recovery-supporting strategies, while further controlled studies are needed to clarify their role in different athletic populations and exercise contexts. Full article

(1) Background: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the four principal foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Lm isolates from Jiaxing, China, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to enhance our understanding of their molecular epidemiology. (2) Methods: A total of 39 foodborne Lm isolates and 7 clinical Lm isolates were analyzed via WGS to identify resistance genes, virulence factors, lineage, sequence type (ST), and clonal complex (CC). Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) testing, and serotypes were confirmed via multiplex PCR. (3) Results: We found that 39 food isolates were mainly lineage II (66.67%), with 13 STs; ST8 was the dominant ST, and 2 new types, ST3210 and ST3405, were found. Among the seven clinical isolates, lineage I was dominant (57.14%), and ST87 was the dominant ST. Serotype 1/2a was dominant, accounting for 54.35%, followed by 1/2b, which accounted for 36.96%. The overall antimicrobial resistance rate was 13.04%, with a multidrug resistance rate of 2.17%. All strains harbored LIPI-1 and LIPI-2, and five strains carried LIPI-3 genes: one strain belonged to ST619 of lineage I, two strains belonged to ST224 of lineage I, and two strains belonged to ST11 of lineage II. (4) Conclusions: This study clarified the genotype and serotype characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in Jiaxing, as well as their molecular characteristics relating to drug resistance and virulence, thus providing a technical basis for improving exposure risk assessment of Listeria monocytogenes. Continuous monitoring, prevention, and control are recommended to further improve regional public health and safety. Full article

Problem Statement: Upper crossed syndrome (UCS), as first described by Janda, refers to a group of muscle imbalances in which tightness in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae dorsally cross with tightness in the pectoralis major and minor muscles, and weakness of deep cervical flexors cross ventrally with weakness of the middle and lower trapezius. Postural alterations from this dysfunction, including forward head, rounded shoulders, and scapular dyskinesis, contribute to upper-back and shoulder pain, particularly among office workers who spend long periods of the workday on a computer. Upper crossed syndrome is a significant contributor to both neck pain and shoulder pain among computer users, which have been rated at 55–69%, and 15–52%, respectively. Despite its prevalence, knowledge about UCS and its treatment remains spotty among primary care physicians. In addition, improvements in workstation ergonomics along with hourly work breaks may be considered as primary prevention strategies for UCS. Objectives: This narrative review examines and synthesizes evidence about the epidemiology and diagnosis of UCS, along with clinical recommendations for physiotherapeutic approaches to treatment. Ergonomic measures in the workplace, including changes in the design of computer workstations so that both the keyboard and monitor are at the proper heights to minimize the risk of long-term musculoskeletal disorders, are also critical. Methods: The first author, a Doctor of Behavioral Health, performed the initial literature search, which was reviewed by the second author, a PhD in sports injury epidemiology. The third author, a chiropractor and practice owner, provided clinical recommendations for stretching and strengthening exercises, which were also described in the literature. Discussion: While easily treatable when caught early, UCS may become resistant to noninvasive approaches over time, and more severe pathologies of the neck and shoulder, including impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, and cervicogenic headaches may result. Because there is no specific ICD code for UCS, it is important for physicians to recognize the early signs, consider them in the context of workplace-related injuries, and understand physiotherapeutic strategies for symptom resolution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistomes in hospital and community wastewater can provide valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), contributing to the advancement of the One Health approach. This study aimed to characterize and compare the resistome profiles of wastewater sources from a hospital and community. Methods: Longitudinal metagenomic analysis was conducted on wastewater samples collected from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (hospital) and a shopping mall (community) in Tokyo, Japan, between December 2019 and September 2023. ARG abundance was quantified using reads per kilobase per million mapped reads (RPKM) values, and comparative analyses were performed to identify the significantly enriched ARGs in the two sources. Results: A total of 46 monthly wastewater samples from the hospital yielded 825 unique ARGs, with a mean RPKM of 2.5 across all detected genes. In contrast, 333 ARGs were identified in the three shopping mall wastewater samples, with a mean RPKM of 2.1. Among the ARGs significantly enriched in the hospital samples, 23, including genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (nine groups) and β-lactam antibiotics (eight groups), exhibited significantly high RPKM values. No ARGs were found to be significantly enriched in the community wastewater samples. Conclusions: This study highlights the higher diversity and abundance of ARGs, particularly those conferring resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems, in hospital wastewater than in community wastewater. These findings underscore the importance of continuous resistome monitoring of hospital wastewater as part of the integrated One Health surveillance strategy. Full article

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections are a persistent public health issue causing excess death and economic impacts globally. Because AMR in clinical settings is often acquired from nonpathogenic bacteria that surround us, environmental surveillance must be better characterized. It has been well established that metals can co-select for bacterial AMR. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that compromised microbial community diversity may lead to community invasion by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Widespread legacy mining has led to acid mine drainage and metal contamination of waterways and sediments throughout the western United States, potentially compromising microbial community diversity while simultaneously selecting for AMR bacteria. Our study objectives were to survey metal contaminated sediments from the Bonita Peak Mining District (BPMD) in southwestern Colorado, USA, compared to sites downstream in Durango, CO for bacterial and ARG diversity. Sediment bacteria were characterized using 16S rRNA Ilumina and metagenomic sequencing. We found that overall, bacterial diversity was lower in metal-contaminated, acidic sites (p = 0.04). Metagenomic sequencing revealed 31 different ARGs, with those encoding for efflux pumps (mex and spe gene families) substantially more prevalent in the BPMD sites, elucidating a specific AMR marker fingerprint from the high metal concentration sediments. Raising awareness and providing antimicrobial tracking techniques to resource limited communities could help provide information needed for better antibiotic use recommendations and environmental monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often remain symptomatic despite optimized triple inhaled therapy. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-4 receptor alpha subunit, thereby inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. Evidence from randomized trials supports dupilumab for add-on treatment of type 2-high COPD, but data referring to short-term effectiveness in clinical practice are quite limited. Methods: We conducted an observational, compassionate-use study enrolling 13 consecutive outpatients with eosinophilic COPD (blood eosinophils ≥ 300 cells/µL) receiving add-on biologic therapy with dupilumab 300 mg every two weeks. Clinical (CAT, mMRC), functional (spirometry and body plethysmography), and inflammatory parameters (blood eosinophils/basophils, fibrinogen, FeNO) were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. Safety was monitored after injection in a clinical setting, as well as via weekly phone follow-up. Results: Participants (84.6% male; mean age 67.08 ± 11.42 years) experienced rapid and clinically meaningful improvements at four weeks. CAT score decreased from baseline 21.40 ± 6.22 to 14.00 ± 5.58 (p < 0.001) and mMRC scale from 2.90 ± 0.73 to 1.80 ± 0.63 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ increased from baseline 1.35 ± 0.65 L to 1.59 ± 0.84 L (p < 0.05), and FVC from 2.36 ± 0.92 L to 2.83 ± 1.11 L (p < 0.01). A marked lung deflation was observed: indeed, residual volume declined from baseline 4.17 ± 1.98 L to 3.47 ± 2.07 L (p < 0.05), with a concomitant reduction in specific effective airway resistance (from baseline 3.15 ± 1.77 to 2.43 ± 1.44 kPa·s; p < 0.05) associated with significant increases in mid-expiratory flow (FEF₂₅₋₇₅: from baseline 0.62 ± 0.38 to 0.86 ± 0.71 L/s; p < 0.05) and peak expiratory flow (3.80 ± 1.40 to 4.48 ± 1.79 L/s; p < 0.01). Type 2 inflammatory biomarkers changed as follows: blood eosinophil count fell from baseline 390.0 ± 43.75 to 190.0 ± 65.47 cells/µL (p < 0.001); blood basophil number decreased from baseline 37.50 ± 13.89 to 26.25 ± 13.02 cells/µL (p < 0.001); plasma fibrinogen lowered from baseline 388.4 ± 54.81 to 334.9 ± 72.36 mg/dL (p < 0.01); FeNO levels dropped from baseline 23.95 ± 18.10 to 14.00 ± 2.04 ppb (p < 0.0001). Dupilumab was well tolerated, and no treatment-related serious adverse events or discontinuations were detected. Conclusions: Within an exploratory context of daily medical activity referring to eosinophilic COPD already treated with maximal inhaled therapy, we found relevant therapeutic effects of a four-week add-on treatment with dupilumab. In particular, our patients manifested rapid improvements in symptoms, airflow limitation, and lung hyperinflation, paralleled by significant decrements of type 2 inflammatory signatures. Such encouraging results were associated with a favorable short-term safety profile. However, larger and longer studies are necessary to corroborate these preliminary findings. Full article

Eyespot is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat in the Czech Republic. As part of a long-term study (2015–2024), the occurrence, population structure, and pathogenic variability of Oculimacula yallundae and Oculimacula acuformis were investigated. In total, 356 O. yallundae, 24 O. acuformis, and 33 mixed cultures were collected and identified using PCR. The study also included small-plot inoculation trials (2022–2023) to assess the response of widely grown winter wheat cultivars. Disease severity was evaluated visually, pathogen DNA was quantified using qPCR, and the presence of the resistance gene Pch1 was determined with the STS marker Xorw1. In addition to these analyses, monitoring of fungicide resistance to two commonly used fungicides (fluxapyroxad and prothioconazole) was performed. The results showed significant differences among cultivars and seasons. Genotypes carrying Pch1—including Annie, Campesino, Illusion, KWS Donovan, LG Absalon, and Pallas—exhibited the lowest levels of infection, whereas Mercedes and Dagmar were the most susceptible. The qPCR reliably detected and distinguished both pathogens, with O. yallundae occurring at higher concentrations. Fungicide sensitivity testing revealed EC₅₀ values (mean ± SD) of 0.09 ± 0.13 μg·mL⁻¹ for fluxapyroxad and 0.30 ± 0.22 μg·mL⁻¹ for prothioconazole, indicating that eyespot pathogens remain largely sensitive, with only minor signs of reduced sensitivity. Full article

Flow sensing is essential in biomedical engineering, industrial process control, and environmental monitoring. Conventional sensors, while accurate, are often constrained by high fabrication costs, complex processes, and limited design flexibility, restricting their use in disposable or rapidly customizable applications. This paper presents a novel ultra-low-cost airflow sensor fabricated entirely through fused deposition modeling 3D printing. The device employs a cantilever-based structure printed with PETg filament, followed by the deposition of a conductive ABS piezoresistive layer in a two-step process requiring no curing or post-processing. Experimental characterization reveals that the sensor operates in an ultra-low pressure range of 0.88–26.68 Pa, corresponding to flow velocities of 1.2–6.6 m/s. The sensor achieves a sensitivity of 967 Ω/Pa, a resolution of 9.27 Pa, and a detection limit of 83.27 Pa, with a total resistance change of approximately 51.5 kΩ. This kilo-ohm-scale response enables direct readout via a digital multimeter without requiring Wheatstone bridges or instrumentation amplifiers. The minimalist design, combined with sub-5 min fabrication time and material cost below $0.05, positions this sensor as an accessible platform for disposable, scalable, and resource-constrained flow monitoring applications in both biomedical and industrial contexts. Full article

Aspergillus fumigatus, a saprophytic fungus, causes aspergillosis, primarily affecting the immunocompromised. The efficacy of triazole antifungals is compromised by resistance that has developed both clinically and environmentally. Widespread agricultural use of similar triazole fungicides selects for resistant genotypes, leading to potential food contamination and compromising treatment. This study assessed the presence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in minimally processed food items commonly consumed in Brazil. A total of 25 commercial samples, including black pepper, yerba mate, and green coffee beans, were collected from different regions. Forty-two A. fumigatus isolates were recovered and screened for susceptibility to agricultural and clinical triazoles by determining EC₅₀ values for tebuconazole (0.04–0.7 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.06–0.5 µg/mL), and voriconazole (0.07–0.15 µg/mL). Sequence analysis of the CYP51A gene revealed the presence of M172V mutation, none of which are associated with resistance. Microsatellite genotyping indicated high genotypic diversity and genetic relatedness among isolates from different food sources. Although no azole-resistant phenotypes were identified, the consistent recovery of A. fumigatus from products not directly exposed to azole fungicides highlights the need for continued surveillance. Agricultural environments remain critical hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of resistance, reinforcing the importance of integrated One Health strategies in antifungal resistance monitoring. Full article

Endometriosis is traditionally conceptualized as a pelvic lesion–centered disease; however, mounting evidence indicates it is a chronic, systemic, and multifactorial inflammatory disorder. This review examines the molecular dialog between ectopic endometrial tissue, the immune system, and peripheral organs, highlighting mechanisms that underlie disease chronicity, symptom variability, and therapeutic resistance. Ectopic endometrium exhibits distinct transcriptomic and epigenetic signatures, disrupted hormonal signaling, and a pro-inflammatory microenvironment characterized by inflammatory mediators, prostaglandins, and matrix metalloproteinases. Immune-endometrial crosstalk fosters immune evasion through altered cytokine profiles, extracellular vesicles, immune checkpoint molecules, and immunomodulatory microRNAs, enabling lesion persistence. Beyond the pelvis, systemic low-grade inflammation, circulating cytokines, and microRNAs reflect a molecular spillover that contributes to chronic pain, fatigue, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation, and emerging gut–endometrium interactions. Furthermore, circulating biomarkers—including microRNAs, lncRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and proteomic signatures—offer potential for early diagnosis, patient stratification, and monitoring of therapeutic responses. Conventional hormonal therapies demonstrate limited efficacy, whereas novel molecular targets and delivery systems, including angiogenesis inhibitors, immune modulators, epigenetic regulators, and nanotherapeutics, show promise for precision intervention. A systems medicine framework, integrating multi-omics analyses and network-based approaches, supports reconceptualizing endometriosis as a systemic inflammatory condition with gynecologic manifestations. This perspective emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, and individualized patient care, ultimately moving beyond a lesion-centered paradigm toward a molecularly informed, holistic understanding of endometriosis. Full article

Eldana saccharina Walker is a major sugarcane pest in South Africa, primarily controlled with chemical insecticides, though resistance threatens their effectiveness. Laboratory bioassays at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute evaluated the baseline susceptibility of E. saccharina to six concentrations of Coragen^® (chlorantraniliprole). Mortality and larval weight data were analysed using probit analysis to determine LC₅₀ and LC₉₅ values and assess growth inhibition. Mortality and weight reduction increased with concentration, with the highest concentration causing 79% mortality. Full article