Search Results (289)

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death in Bangladesh, disproportionately affecting low socio-economic status (SES) populations. This review, guided by the WHO Social Determinants of Health framework and Rockefeller-Lancet Planetary Health Report, examined how social, economic, and ecological factors link SES to TB burden. The first literature search identified 28 articles focused on SES-TB relationships in Bangladesh. A second search through snowballing and conceptual mapping yielded 55 more papers of diverse source types and disciplines. Low-SES groups face elevated TB risk due to smoking, biomass fuel use, malnutrition, limited education, stigma, financial barriers, and hazardous housing or workplaces. These factors delay care-seeking, worsen outcomes, and fuel transmission, especially among women. High-SES groups more often face comorbidities like diabetes, which increase TB risk. Broader contextual drivers include urbanisation, weak labour protections, cultural norms, and poor governance. Recommendations include housing and labour reform, gender parity in education, and integrating private providers into TB programmes. These align with the WHO End TB Strategy, UN SDGs and Planetary Health Quadruple Aims, which expand the traditional Triple Aim for health system design by integrating environmental sustainability alongside improved patient outcomes, population health, and cost efficiency. Future research should explore trust in frontline workers, reasons for consulting informal carers, links between makeshift housing and TB, and integrating ecological determinants into existing frameworks. Full article

Urban areas are at the forefront in addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Among the key responses are nature-based solutions, which are increasingly being integrated into policy frameworks but which require strong community engagement for their effective implementation. This paper presents the findings of surveys conducted within the Place Lab in Katowice, Poland, an initiative developed as part of an international project and used as a participatory tool for co-creating and implementing green infrastructure. The project applies both place-based and people-centred approaches to support European cities in their transition towards regenerative urbanism. Place Lab activities encourage collaboration between local authorities and residents, enhancing awareness and fostering participation in environmental initiatives. The survey data collected during the project allowed for the evaluation of changes in public attitudes and levels of engagement and for the identification of broader societal phenomena that may influence the implementation of nature-based solutions. The findings revealed, for instance, that more women were interested in supporting the project, that residents tended to be sceptical of governmental actions on climate change, and that views were divided on the trade-off between urban infrastructure such as parking and roads and the presence of green areas. Furthermore, questions of responsibility, awareness, and long-term commitment were frequently raised. Building on the survey results and the existing literature, the study proposes a set of indicators to assess the contribution of citizen participation to the adoption of nature-based solutions. While the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change impacts can be assessed relatively directly, evaluating civic engagement is more complex. Nevertheless, when conducted transparently and interpreted by experts, indicator-based assessment can offer valuable insights. This study introduces a novel perspective by considering not only drivers of engagement but also the obstacles. The proposed indicators provide a foundation for evaluating community readiness and commitment to nature-based approaches and may be adapted for application in other urban settings and in future research on climate resilience strategies. Full article

Studying consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable certification labels and preferences in consumption is a relevant issue for policymakers. Several studies have revealed a positive WTP a premium price for many certified products. The aim of this paper is to assess an overview of Italian consumers’ WTP for eight different sustainable certification labels and to collect information about their consumption preferences and perceptions in consumption. Participants were selected by stratified simple random sampling, using regional distribution, gender, and age as stratification criteria, to obtain a representative sample of n = 3600. Eight ordered logit models were estimated to understand how consumer sociodemographic characteristics influence the price premium. The results show important differences in WTP among different certification labels; a higher WTP emerged for ethical certifications than for environmentally focused labels. Younger individuals; women; and those with higher education, income and life satisfaction, as well as consumers in southern regions, were significantly more willing to pay premiums for certified products. However, a key finding for policymakers is that the stated price premium consumers are willing to pay falls significantly short of the actual higher costs of these products in supermarkets. Furthermore, insights into consumer perceptions and preferences revealed that quality and origin are perceived as key price drivers, while method of production holds less importance. It also emerged that consumers primarily seek a balance between quality and price, with only a small segment prioritizing certified products. Full article

Metastatic breast cancer (BC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Its progression is influenced by extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by BC cells, which modulate distant tissue environments to promote metastasis. We previously identified the oncogenic protein Kindlin-2 (K2) as a key driver of BC metastasis, including its role in the nucleus in regulating cell senescence. Here, we investigated whether K2-containing EVs facilitate both autologous (cancer-to-cancer) and heterologous (cancer-to-stroma) communication to promote metastasis. We found that 10–15% of EVs from metastatic BC cells contained K2, while this subpopulation was nearly absent in the EVs from K2-knockout (KO) cells, indicating selective packaging. These EVs transferred K2 to recipient K2-KO cells, where they accumulated in the nucleus. Using a 3D tumorsphere assay, we showed that K2+ EVs enhanced cancer cell invasiveness. Moreover, K2+ EVs activated fibroblasts into a cancer-associated phenotype, increasing α-SMA and FAP expression. Conditioned media from these activated fibroblasts further boosted cancer cell invasion. These results show that EV-associated K2 is actively transferred to recipient cells and regulates metastasis through nuclear signaling, suggesting K2+ EVs are critical mediators of BC progression and potential targets for therapy. Full article

The empowerment of rural women through sustainable entrepreneurship is pivotal for fostering economic development and social transformation in developing communities. This study examines the impact of university social responsibility (USR) programs on strengthening sustainable entrepreneurship among rural women, emphasizing the mediating role of economic empowerment. Utilizing a structural equation model (SEM), we explore causal pathways between USR interventions, entrepreneurial capacities, and the sustainability of rural businesses. Key dimensions analyzed include economic resources, social networks, and psychological self-efficacy, as well as their interrelation with community development. The findings demonstrate that multidimensional USR programs integrating technical training, social support, and economic resources significantly enhance entrepreneurial resilience and value chain integration. Notably, the analysis reveals that economic empowerment mediates the relationship between USR programs and business sustainability, with improvements in community participation and ICT quality identified as critical drivers. Furthermore, the post-intervention results highlight a shift from technology access challenges to a focus on ICT content quality and psychosocial development, reflecting maturity in community adaptation and resource utilization. This research provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of USR programs in catalyzing sustainable transformations in rural contexts. The results offer actionable insights for designing targeted interventions that integrate technical, social, and economic dimensions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable entrepreneurship and rural development theory. Full article

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Metastasis—the dissemination of tumor cells to distant organs—is the primary driver of breast cancer-related deaths, often leading to organ dysfunction and treatment resistance. While sentinel lymph nodes are the initial site of metastasis, the molecular mechanisms driving lymphatic spread are still not well understood. Multifarious questions remain on the role, requirement, and significance of the lymphatic system in the context of the distant metastasis of breast cancer. To address these questions, this review explores the recent advancements achieved in studies related to the molecular processes behind lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer, highlighting the tumor microenvironment’s role in supporting circulating tumor cells. We also examine the key molecular pathways involved in metastatic progression by analyzing the cellular, genetic, and physiological factors that drive lymphatic metastasis. The insights gained may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to prevent or mitigate breast cancer metastasis. Full article

Exploring international travel behavior helps to understand the diverse factors that motivate travelers across cultures and demographics, offering valuable insights into their unique travel patterns and preferences. This paper examines generational differences in motivational drivers and travel preferences among Slovak women, focusing specifically on their international travel behavior. The study investigates how different generations (X, Y, Z) influence various aspects of travel, including travel preferences for domestic versus foreign destinations, seasonal preferences, transportation choices, travel companions, travel arrangements, and motivation levels. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 269 Slovak women. The hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests. While some factors, such as transportation choices and travel companions, appear unaffected by generational identity, others—such as seasonal preferences, travel arrangements, and certain motivations (e.g., fun, pilgrimage, and education)—show clear generational differences. These findings contribute to a better understanding of women’s travel patterns and offer practical insights for tourism professionals aiming to develop more personalized and effective tourism offerings for diverse women travelers. Full article

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, impacting over half a million women annually. The primary cause is a persistent infection with hr-HPV, which disrupts various cellular processes crucial for normal function. This disruption leads to genetic instability, including changes in the expression of microRNAs and their corresponding host genes, with far-reaching consequences for cellular regulation. Researchers have widely utilized high-throughput technologies to analyze gene expression in cervical cancer, aiming to identify distinct molecular signatures of microRNAs and genes through genomic analysis. However, discrepancies among studies have been noted, possibly due to variations in sample collection, technological platforms, and data processing methods such as normalization and filtering. Therefore, it is essential to synthesize findings from diverse studies to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms of regulatory genetic networks involved in the initiation and progression of cervical cancer. This review examined the evidence detailing the role of microRNA signatures and their target genes in cervical carcinogenesis and disease advancement. The accumulated data suggest the presence of widespread regulatory genetic networks active in both precancerous and cancerous cervical cells, potentially acting as key drivers of this malignancy. Identifying these molecular genomic signatures could open new avenues for developing therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer, particularly in the realm of precision medicine. Full article

Intersectional oppression and invisibility are primary drivers of cognitive and mental health disparities that affect Black women’s wellness. Older Black women additionally experience compounding effects of ageism, which may place them at increased risk for a decline in cognitive functioning and mental wellness. To date, limited strengths-based, culturally relevant programming has focused on aging Black women. Fewer have incorporated Black women elders into conversations on Black liberation and the transformational change needed to create possible futures rooted in equity, healing, and health. This manuscript describes the inception and development of Radical Imagination, a creative aging program for Black women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over ten weeks, 42 Black women (M age = 73.6, SD = 6.20; range: 58–85 years old) participated in the program, which incorporated brain and mental health education, art-making, storytelling, and photography. Grounded in principles of Afrofuturism and radical healing, participants explored past narratives of Black women and created a collective vision for a future that centers on Black women’s needs. Approximately 54.8% of participants attended more than one workshop. Upon program completion, exit surveys indicated that participants reported a moderate level of hopefulness about their ability to shape the future. Respondents reported overall satisfaction with the workshop series. We conclude with reflections on our process and recommendations for ways to support aging Black women using Afrofuturism and the arts. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, ranking first among men and second among women for both incidence and mortality. Surgery remains the primary treatment for early-stage, resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), encompassing stages I and selected cases of stage IIIB. For patients with stage II to III disease, as well as some stage IB tumors, neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapies are recommended. It is well recognized that specific driver gene mutations play a critical role in tumor progression and aggressiveness, and patients with these genetic alterations may benefit from targeted treatment approaches. These alterations are referred to as “druggable”, “targetable”, or “actionable”, representing specific targets for personalized treatments. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are now the preferred first-line treatment for patients harboring mutations in EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF. Additionally, targeted therapies exist for patients with alterations in RET, ERBB2, KRAS, MET, and NTRK, either for those who have received prior treatments or as part of ongoing clinical trials. The success of targeted therapies is reshaping treatment approaches for NSCLC with targetable driver gene alterations, both in early-stage and locally advanced settings. This review focuses on current therapeutic strategies that combine targeted therapies with surgical resection in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring actionable driver gene alterations. Full article

This study investigates the transfer of rural land contracting rights in Shandong Province, China, employing a mixed methods approach that integrates qualitative policy analysis and quantitative multiple linear regression models based on panel data from 16 prefecture-level cities (collected in 2010–2022). The findings demonstrate that land transfer optimizes resource allocation, enhances agricultural output efficiency, and serves as a critical mechanism for advancing agricultural modernization and rural revitalization. Key drivers, such as agricultural modernization and industrial development, significantly promote land transfer, particularly in coastal areas, while challenges like non-standardized contracts and inadequate farmer protections persist. The study proposes targeted strategies, including strengthening agricultural modernization, enhancing farmer income through non-agricultural industries, and improving institutional frameworks to stabilize the land transfer market. Additionally, it highlights the potential role of rural social workers in addressing contentious issues such as women’s rights, displacement, and access to resources, ensuring equitable and sustainable rural development. These measures aim to accelerate agricultural modernization, promote rural economic growth, and enhance the competitiveness and social well-being of rural areas, providing a robust foundation for policy formulation. Full article

Socioeconomic factors have led an increasing number of women to postpone childbirth, thereby elevating the risks of reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and chromosomal abnormalities. While diminished oocyte quality is a well-established contributor to age-related infertility, endometrial dysfunction also plays a pivotal role. Optimizing both oocyte quality and endometrial health is essential for enhancing reproductive outcomes. Although aging has been defined by twelve hallmarks, research specifically addressing age-related changes in endometrial function remains limited. This review examines the process of endometrial aging, with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial function. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published up to 31 January 2025. Endometrial aging is driven by multiple biological mechanisms, most notably the decline in endometrial receptivity. Key contributing factors include hormonal dysregulation, chronic inflammation, cell cycle arrest, genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Among these, mitochondrial dysfunction emerges as a central driver of the aging process. Endometrial senescence, precipitated by irreversible mitochondrial impairment, may underlie the progressive decline in reproductive potential. Elucidating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging provides critical insights into the molecular basis of fertility decline, particularly through its impact on endometrial receptivity. Full article

Investigating the correlation between patient dimensions (Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, height) and radiation dose, the study also assesses the impact of the isocenter on dosage and X-ray tube. This retrospective study analyzed 258 consecutive three-phase liver CT exams (135 women, 123 men) performed on a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge scanner between January 3 and December 15, 2023. BMI, weight, height, maximum abdominal width (from topograms), and vertical isocenter status were extracted using the Dose&Care system and Horos software. BMI strongly correlated with total DLP in abdomen-plus-pelvis scans (r = 0.70) and moderately in abdomen-only scans (r = 0.54). Liver-phase DLP correlations were weaker (r = 0.44 and r = 0.28, respectively). Abdominal width showed similar associations with total DLP (r = 0.67 and r = 0.64) and liver-phase DLP (r = 0.41 and 0.37). Vertical mis-centering did not significantly affect total DLP (p = 0.174 and p = 0.705) or tube load. Patient size—not minor deviations from the isocenter—is the principal driver of radiation dose in multiphase liver CT. Automated, size-adapted protocols and restriction of scan range to clinically essential regions can preserve image quality while minimizing unnecessary radiation in routine practice. Full article

Midkine (MDK) is a multifunctional protein that is secreted into the extracellular space. It functions as a cytokine or growth factor, modulating a variety of signaling pathways implicated in angiogenesis, antitumor immunity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. MDK overexpression has been documented in a variety of cancers, including those that affect women. MDK mediates its effects through activation of key signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3, which are pivotal for cell cycle progression, survival, and maintenance of stemness. Obesity and estrogen signaling, a known critical driver of women’s cancer, further elevate the levels of MDK. MDK’s effects are mediated by a variety of membrane receptors, such as integrins, protein tyrosine phosphatase ζ (PTPζ), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 2 (Notch2). Recently published studies have indicated that MDK is a potential therapeutic target and a biomarker for the progression of women’s cancer. In this review, we have provided a concise summary of the most recent papers that have examined the potential biomarker and therapeutic utility of MDK signaling in women’s cancer. Full article

Background: The Amazon region possesses vast natural and anthropogenic ecosystems within a hydroclimatic environment conducive to the proliferation of arboviruses associated with infectious diseases in the human population, notably dengue fever, which poses a recurrent and significant public health challenge. Objective and Methods: We wished to update the dengue mapping for the state of Pará (eastern Amazon) using municipality-level secondary data between 2010 and 2024, including epidemiological information. Furthermore, the seasonal effects of soil and atmospheric meteorological variables (ERA5 reanalysis) on the annual municipal incidence of dengue were statistically analyzed through correlation and cluster-based regression methods. Results: Dengue mapping identified key areas over the central, southwest, and southeast parts of Pará, with eleven municipalities exhibiting extreme dengue counts exceeding 300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The epidemiological profile in these cities with worsening transmission showed a higher incidence in adults aged 20–39 years old (39%) and a predominance among women (54%). The majority of dengue cases occur during the rainy season (January to May), accounting for 69% of annual cases, when the climate conditions maximize vector proliferation. The statistical analyses highlighted the significant and spatially heterogeneous influence of regional climate variables on the dengue transmission cycle. Conclusions: This study advances our understanding of climatic drivers of dengue in the Amazon and provides relevant evidence to support region-specific surveillance and control strategies. Full article