Calls for better integration of climate and health policy agendas are increasingly common to enhance synergies and minimize conflicts. This article explores U.K. policy actors' perspectives on the current status and potential for more effective integration. 43 semi-structured interviews with individuals working in climate change, health, their intersection, and adjacent policy areas were transcribed and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Most participants agreed that climate and health policies require further integration to increase support for climate policy and maximize health benefits. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the growing significance and scale of climate change impacts on human health, practical policy integration remains limited due to, inter alia, siloed decision-making, resource constraints, and short-term thinking. Opportunities for integrating these agendas include emphasizing co-benefits, leveraging the scale of the National Health Service (NHS), and learning from devolved governments. Proposed strategies to improve policies and outcomes involve enhanced cross-sector coordination, dedicated resources, fit-for-purpose evidence development, and enhanced community engagement. A better-resourced, holistic approach addressing the wider determinants of health and prioritizing vulnerable populations could significantly improve climate and health policy outcomes. The 10 Year Health Plan for England offers opportunities to build on established cross-government climate commitments and consider how co-benefits from illness prevention can be achieved most effectively. There is considerable potential to further integrate climate policy and health policy with clear perceived advantages. While long-standing barriers exist, promising opportunities are emerging.
The integration of mobile health (mHealth) technologies for continuous, real-time monitoring of physiological and behavioural signals, in concert with detailed measurement of environmental exposures, holds transformative potential for advancing personalized health risk assessment and enabling more effective treatment and intervention. In this protocol, I introduce a multimodal mobile monitoring system specifically designed to capture and integrate data on individual behaviour (daily activities and travel), respiratory function, physiological parameters and environmental exposures. The system combines mobile health devices and portable environmental sensors with GPS-enabled smartphone-based applications to generate synchronized, high-resolution data streams. These data are processed through a smart mobile phone application by incorporating physiological parameter calculation (e.g., physical activity intensity, respiratory rate) and external urban environmental data (e.g., urban green spaces, street view maps), after which a machine learning-based alert system was deployed to provide actionable insights into respiratory health, daily activities and mobility patterns, and exposure to risk factors. The protocol provides comprehensive and detailed guidance on hardware setup, software configuration, data acquisition procedures, and analytical workflows necessary for deploying the Multimodal Mobile Monitoring of Behaviour, Respiration, and Exposures (air pollution, noise, light, heat, greenness, etc.) for Treatment and Health Evaluation (M3-BREATHE) in both controlled clinical experiments and real-world contexts. This forward-looking M3-BREATHE platform establishes a scalable, non-invasive, and cost-efficient approach to longitudinal environment-mobility-health (E-M-H) monitoring, linking individual-level precision health in everyday life with long-term health intelligence at the population scale.
Heavy metals (HMs) contamination and acidification lead to soil degradation, which has negative impacts on soil health and crop growth. However, high-activity silicon (Si) has been received little attention in soil for improving degraded soil health. This study elucidated the mechanism by which highly active silicon improves degraded soils through soil incubation experiments. The results showed that the application of high-activity silicon-based materials effectively supplemented the available silicon in the soil, exceeding the guideline value (95 mg/kg). After application amendment, the soil pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and available nutrients of K, Ca, and Mg significantly increased; simultaneously, the available phosphorus (P) content increased, attributed to P release and soil P transformation. The activities of soil urease and catalase significantly increased, while acid phosphatase activity decreased. The application of high-activity silica-based conditioners effectively reduced the available forms of Pb and Cd. However, in short-term wet - dry cycle and one-year wet - dry cycle, the passivation performance weakened, and the longer the treatment duration, the greater the degree of weakening, indicating that the passivation performance of high-activity silica-based materials for heavy metals decreases in long-term remediation processes, which the mechanism is mainly attributed to available Si loss. Improvements in soil environmental quality and increases in nutrient availability effectively promote rice seedling growth, enhance photosynthetic capacity, and reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in rice plants. This work contributes to the future restoration of degraded soil function and health.
Identifying primary pollutants and key health effects of complex pollutant exposure is challenging. Metabolomics may offer new insights into the comprehensive health impacts of e-waste exposure. Serum samples from 37 e-waste-exposed and 31 reference participants were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics. Significantly altered metabolites were identified using OPLS-DA models and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney tests. Spearman correlation and Mediation analyses were conducted to validate the pollutant - metabolite - subclinical biomarker pathways. A total of 33 significantly changed metabolites were identified in exposed group, indicating apparent metabolic differences from the control subjects. Among these, 9 were amino acids (AAs) and derivatives. Nine were environmental pollutants (derivatives), including 6 pesticide metabolites, all of which were elevated in the e-waste exposed group. Mediation analysis found potential key metabolites, most were AAs (derivatives), whose biological functions are related to the nervous system. Potential primary pollutants included rare earth elements (REEs), Dechlorane Plus (DPs), and pesticides. Potential major health outcomes involved oxidative stress, the endocrine system, and the nervous system. Thus, the nervous system may be a major primary target of health effects. This study demonstrated metabolic differences between e-waste exposed and reference healthy participants in the metabolic level. It suggests the metabolomic approach can be used to characterize the comprehensive health impacts in the complex pollutants' exposure scenario. The significant pollutant - metabolite - subclinical biomarker pathways preliminarily screened the potential primary pollutants, potential key metabolites, and potential major health outcomes. These results may provide directions and priorities of the future work and provide the scientific basis for pollution control and health protection in the Taizhou e-waste dismantling area.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been linked to nonspecific health complaints, known as sick building syndrome (SBS). This cross-sectional study explored the association between common factors affecting IAQ and the prevalence of SBS among adult residents in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA), Saudi Arabia. Data on SBS symptoms and related factors, including demographic information, housing characteristics, and environmental conditions were collected from 726 residents using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between these factors and SBS. The overall prevalence of SBS in this study was 48.2%, with skin symptoms the most frequently reported, followed by general, respiratory, and eye symptoms. Factors associated with SBS included pet ownership, mold, cockroaches, passive smoking, tile flooring, home renovations, and accumulated dust. Although the cross-sectional design and the reliance on self-reported data may present limitations, these findings highlight a potential health risk in Saudi homes. Preventive measures are needed to improve IAQ in household environments, thereby reducing the risk of SBS and other related health effects.
Immune checkpoints maintain immune homeostasis, but their dysregulation can impair antitumor immunity and promote tumor immune evasion. Accumulating evidence indicates that metals and metalloids are important modulators of immune checkpoint signaling; however, their underlying mechanisms and broader implications for human health have not been systematically synthesized. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus through March 2026 to identify peer-reviewed studies examining metal- and metalloid-associated changes in immune checkpoint expression or function in human, animal, and experimental models. Current evidence suggests that metals and metalloids modulate immune checkpoints in a highly context-dependent manner, with the strongest support for effects on the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, whereas evidence for other checkpoints remains limited. Mechanistically, these effects converge on remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, oxidative stress, hypoxia signaling, inflammatory signal transduction, and tumor suppressor and protein homeostasis pathways, thereby influencing T-cell exhaustion, tumor immune evasion, and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Emerging clinical evidence further suggests that trace-element status, particularly zinc- and copper-related measures, may have value as candidate biomarkers in immuno-oncology. However, most evidence remains preclinical, and direct human evidence linking metal- and metalloid-associated checkpoint dysregulation to systemic adverse health outcomes or clinically actionable interventions is still limited. Overall, this review connects exposure biology with cancer immunology and identifies metal- and metalloid-associated immune checkpoint modulation as a plausible contributor to altered tumor immunity and a priority for future translational and population-based research.
This study examined stakeholder perceptions of gaps in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation efforts across different sectors and career stages, with the goal of generating insights to support prioritization of One Health interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of AMR stakeholders using a structured questionnaire between October and November 2025. Stakeholders were recruited through international networks across 33 countries on 5 continents. Respondents listed the top three areas in AMR mitigation efforts that they perceived as receiving insufficient attention but require greater focus to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacterial infections. We performed thematic analysis, calculated weighted priority scores, conducted an Impact-Effort Matrix analysis, and applied Fisher's exact tests to examine associations between themes, professional sector and career stages. Among 103 respondents, participants spanned nine professional sectors and four career stages. Antimicrobial stewardship (18.8%, weighted score 119) and Environmental AMR and Waste (16.5%, weighted score 108) were the most frequently cited perceived gaps. Impact-Effort Matrix analysis identified four priority areas as Quick Wins (stewardship, IPC, surveillance, and animal health, accounting for 45.7% of impact), two Major Projects (environmental AMR, R&D), three Fill-ins (awareness, One Health, other/cross-cutting), and three Hard Slogs (access, financing, policy). No significant associations were observed between perceived mitigation gaps across professional sector and career stages. The emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship among stakeholders highlights a perceived disconnect between stewardship policy adoption and on-the-ground practice. The Impact-Effort Matrix provides a decision-support tool that may assist policymakers and funders in prioritizing One Health interventions.
Estuarine sediments are both critical sinks and potential secondary sources of heavy metals, with environmental risks determined not only by total concentrations but critically by geochemical speciation. The eastern Lingdingyang, a highly industrialized urban-estuarine interface in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, remains largely understudied despite decades of intense anthropogenic stress. This study analyzed total and 0.1 M HCl-extractable labile concentrations of seven priority heavy metal(loid)s (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As) in 132 surface sediment samples collected in the eastern coastal waters of Lingdingyang. Enrichment factor (EF) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models were applied for source apportionment, while an integrated risk framework coupling the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines (CSQG), Risk Assessment Code (RAC), and a four-quadrant classification was employed to evaluate potential ecological and screening-level human health risks. Results revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity with marked north-south decreasing gradients for Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd, with hotspots concentrated in Jiaoyi Bay, Maozhou River estuary and adjacent Shajing-Fuyong Industrial Parks. Four major sources were quantified: PCB manufacturing and electroplating (38.2%), electronics and chemical industries (26.7%), historical coal combustion (18.5%), and natural lithogenic weathering (16.6%). Cd, Cu, and Zn exhibited high labile proportions and strong total-labile correlation. ~ 9.85% of stations were classified as priority control sites, with Cu dominating non-carcinogenic risks and Cd driving widespread potential carcinogenic risks. These findings fill a critical regional research gap and provide robust geochemical evidence for targeted pollution mitigation in industrialized coastal zones.
Climate change has emerged as a major public health challenge, with significant implications for respiratory diseases such as asthma. Environmental factors, including air pollution, aeroallergens, and extreme weather events, are closely linked to asthma exacerbations, yet the global research landscape on this topic remains fragmented. This study aimed to systematically map research trends, hotspots, and emerging frontiers in the field of climate change and asthma over the past two decades. Publications from January 1, 2005, to March 31, 2025, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using a defined search strategy. Only articles and reviews in English were included, resulting in a final dataset of 1033 publications. CiteSpace was employed for bibliometric analysis, including coauthorship, cocitation, and keyword co-occurrence mapping, as well as cluster and burst detection, to identify influential contributors, collaborative networks, and thematic evolution. Annual publications increased steadily, peaking in 2024. The United States and China were the most prolific countries, with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, and Columbia University among the leading institutions. Key research hotspots included climate-related environmental exposures (e.g., PM2.5, ozone, and temperature variability), allergen dynamics (e.g., pollen, ragweed, and fungal spores), vulnerable populations (particularly children), and public health impacts. Emerging frontiers encompassed interdisciplinary integration, predictive modeling, mechanistic studies focusing on oxidative stress and immune regulation, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite progress, challenges remain in integrating asthma-specific measures into climate-health policies, conducting long-term multinational studies, and advancing translational research. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the global research landscape on climate change and asthma, revealing thematic evolution from allergen and epidemiological studies toward mechanistic and policy-oriented research. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing global data sharing, and embedding asthma prevention into broader climate mitigation and adaptation frameworks will be critical for reducing the respiratory health burden in a changing climate.
Achieving universal health coverage is a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on equitable access to quality health services and minimising financial hardship. While strategies often target the demand-side, supply-side barriers such as travel time and facility-level constraints are often overlooked. Accurately quantifying who is affected by these barriers and identifying their locations and specific barriers is critical to improving service delivery. This study examines these barriers in Mali, a country with significant health system challenges exacerbated by high fertility rates and political instability. Using the WHO's Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System, we conduct an analysis of the geographic accessibility of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services. Our aim is to estimate the number of people affected by supply-side barriers by using a geographic accessibility model that calculates travel time to facilities with ART services. The analysis applies a least-cost path algorithm to assess accessibility, where ART services are defined as accessible within 2 hours travel time. People within this range with available services have access while those outside are geographically constrained. For those within 2 hours but without ART access, we identified and quantified facility-specific barriers. The results show that nearly 2.7 million Malians do not have timely access to ART within 2 hours. For about 70%, distance is the main barrier, while the rest face facility-level issues such as the fact that the service is not being planned in the facility, lack of medical supplies and lack of training. This study offers important insights for targeted interventions to scale up ART provision and provides a scalable model for other health services and contexts.
Food insecurity and child mental health difficulties frequently intersect, yet the mechanisms and pathways connecting them remain underexplored in resource-limited settings. This study developed a contextually grounded explanatory model to examine these relationships within a single rural Ugandan setting. We conducted 12 focus group discussions with 36 teachers across four schools in Masaka district, drawing on their sustained observations of children's food insecurity and mental health difficulties across a nine-month timeframe. Data were analysed using realist thematic analysis, supported by iterative coding, nine consensus meetings and member checking. Three interrelated pathways were identified. In the social causation pathway, food insecurity, manifested through hunger-related stress, food-related stigma and irregular or inadequate meals, preceded and contributed to mental health difficulties. In the social drift pathway, preexisting mental health difficulties among caregivers and/or children disrupted household functioning and food provision, increasing vulnerability to food insecurity. A bidirectional pathway captured recursive processes in which food insecurity and mental health difficulties co-evolved and reinforced one another over time. These pathways shaped children's mental health and educational engagement within school environments. The findings offer context-specific insights that may inform research in similar settings. They also highlight the potential value of integrated, multi-level interventions, while underscoring the need for longitudinal and intervention research.
This study aims to explore environmental factors associated with parasite infections in faecal samples collected from wild boar populations, by analysing the prevalence, intensity, and abundance of parasite communities across two Italian ecosystems: the alpine environment in the Orco Valley (Gran Paradiso National Park) and the Mediterranean lowland in the Maremma Regional Park. Seasonal faecal samples were collected from November 2023 to July 2025 along systematic transects in both study areas. Samples were analysed using the Mini-FLOTAC technique to quantify parasite eggs and (oo)cysts, and prevalence, intensity, and abundance were calculated. Environmental variables, including elevation, land use, temperature, precipitation, and season, were linked to each sample. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were fitted to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on parasite presence and abundance. Parasite communities were dominated by Eimeria spp., gastrointestinal strongyles, and Metastrongylus spp., whereas other taxa (e.g., Balantioides coli, Capillaria spp., Cystoisospora sp.) were sporadic. Significant differences in intensity and/or abundance of dominant taxa were observed between the two areas. Models based on infection abundance, rather than presence, revealed environmental associations: Metastrongylus spp. abundance decreased with increasing elevation, possibly reflecting constraints on intermediate host availability; while gastrointestinal strongyles abundance was lower in open natural habitats, reflecting microclimatic influences on larval survival. This study highlights associations between habitat characteristics and parasite community structure in wild boar populations, providing insights into the environmental factors potentially influencing parasite transmission across heterogeneous landscapes.
Well-balanced plant-based diets can promote health and reduce environmental impact. However, evidence from interventional studies remains limited. This pilot intervention study aimed to provide exploratory insights into potential challenges associated with the EAT-IT dietary pattern, an adaptation of the EAT-Lancet Healthy Reference Diet. Nine subjects (mean age 26 ± 2 years, 5 females) participated in a 6-week randomized controlled cross-over trial. Participants followed two isocaloric interventions: the EAT-IT dietary pattern and a control diet based on the Italian Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Dietary intake was recorded using 7-day food records. Anthropometric measurements and metabolic parameters were collected according to standardized and validated protocols. Gut microbiota was analyzed through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and taxonomic profiling. Acceptability was evaluated via a validated questionnaire. Nutritional analysis showed that the EAT-IT pattern significantly increased fiber intake from 11.3 ± 5.2 to 15.1 ± 4.2 g/1000 kcal and ω-6 fatty acid intake from 5.7 ± 2.2 to 6.6 ± 1.9 g/day (p < 0.05 for interaction). Regarding metabolic markers, a significant within-group reduction (p < 0.05) was observed for fasting insulin (8.4 ± 2.2 to 6.5 ± 2.2 µU/mL) and HOMA1-IR (2.0 ± 0.6 to 1.5 ± 0.5). Changes in gut microbiota were also observed, specifically an increase in Bacteroides and a decrease in Coriobacteriaceae. While generally well-accepted, participants reported a higher perceived effort for EAT-IT, particularly regarding legume preparation. Despite the small sample size, this pilot study offers relevant insights into key aspects of sustainable plant-based diets, underscoring the necessity for further investigation.
Although there is no evidence for adverse health effects from non-ionising electromagnetic fields (EMFs) exposure below legal limits, this concern is widespread among the general population. School teachers and nursery school teachers are considered multipliers of health-related information as they impart knowledge to parents and children. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the risk perception regarding EMFs among these professional groups. The extent to which school teachers and nursery school teachers are in contact with questions concerning EMFs and health in their work has not been investigated. Nor is there any knowledge about the information level of school teachers and nursery school teachers regarding EMFs. Data on teachers' perception regarding EMFs is important though to meet information needs. A cross-sectional study among school teachers and nursery school teachers in Germany was carried out in 2024, combining an online survey (N = 1400) with focus groups (N = 29). We calculated prevalence estimates for participants' risk perception, subjective information level, and EMFs relevance in everyday work with correction for non-response. Furthermore, we conducted a latent class analysis to identify types of EMFs risk perception. A third of all participating school teachers (32%) and nursery school teachers (33%) indicated that, in their view, EMF exposure below legal limits may cause adverse health effects. Five types of risk perception concerning EMFs were identified using latent class analysis, with the high risk perception class comprising 11% of the participants. Many school teachers (56%) and nursery school teachers (77%) perceived themselves as poorly informed about EMFs. The group discussions provided deeper insights and supported these findings. The interviews revealed that both professional groups had concerns about the health effects of EMFs. Knowledge of scientific evidence concerning EMFs and health was low. Moreover, the discussions revealed a desire for more information on EMFs and health. A notable proportion of school teachers and nursery school teachers indicated considerable risk perception towards EMFs. Most participants indicated low subjective information levels, expressing a need for information on EMF health effects. Communication formats tailored to this target group should be developed and evaluated.
As a highly toxic heavy metal, cadmium (Cd) is widely distributed in the coastal environments of the Bohai Sea, posing significant ecological and health risks. This is of particular concern for Sebastes schlegelii, a rockfish species commonly found along the Bohai coast and consumed by local populations. In this study, juvenile S. schlegelii were randomly assigned to three groups (control, 5 and 50 μg/L Cd) for a 14-day exposure period, followed by analysis of Cd bioaccumulation, as well as metabolomic and proteomic profiling. ICP-MS analysis indicated dose-dependent Cd bioaccumulation in the whole body, with 0.11 ± 0.07 μg/g dry weight in the 5 μg/L group and 0.38 ± 0.09 μg/g dry weight in the 50 μg/L group (9.5-fold higher than the control, p < 0.05). An iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis determined 168 differentially expressed proteins, while 1H NMR-based metabolomic profiling identified 34 metabolites with significant alterations. Integrated analysis of the proteomic and metabolomic data provided insights into the molecular responses of juvenile rockfish to Cd exposure. Specifically, metabolomic results indicated significant alterations in key metabolites, including lactate, phosphocholine, adenosine triphosphate, alanine, and inosine in the Cd-treated groups. Proteomic analysis further suggested that Cd exposure was associated with immune and oxidative stress responses, neurotoxicity, cellular damage, and disruptions in critical metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid and lipid metabolism. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of integrating proteomics and metabolomics to characterize molecular responses to Cd stress in juvenile S. schlegelii.
Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Despite its growing clinical significance, its true global prevalence remains unclear. This systematic review identifies the key risk factors, epidemiological trends, and clinical challenges associated with mucormycosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to analyze global case reports, underlying predisposing conditions, and regional variations in disease manifestation. The leading risk factor in developed nations is hematological malignancies, while uncontrolled diabetes mellitus dominates in regions like India. Environmental and climatic factors influence fungal exposure and disease progression. Diagnosis remains challenging due to nonspecific symptoms, contributing to delayed treatment and poor outcomes. Early recognition of risk factors and improved diagnostic strategies are critical to reducing mucormycosis-related mortality. Public health initiatives must prioritise awareness, especially in high-risk populations. Further research is needed to address gaps in treatment and prevention.
Male infertility contributes to nearly half of all infertility cases worldwide and is closely linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine imbalance, and environmental toxicant exposure, all of which impair spermatogenesis and sperm function. Interest in naturally derived bioactive compounds has increased due to their potential multitarget therapeutic effects and relatively favorable safety profiles. Acetyl-eugenol, a structural derivative of eugenol found in Syzygium aromaticum and other aromatic plants, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities in experimental studies. This review critically evaluates the potential role of acetyl-eugenol in male reproductive health, focusing on its pharmacological properties and proposed mechanisms of action. Available preclinical evidence suggests that acetyl-eugenol may reduce oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses, and modulating inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB signaling. It may also contribute to the preservation of testicular structure and function, including protection of Sertoli and Leydig cells. However, current evidence remains limited and is derived predominantly from in vitro and animal studies, with very limited direct evidence in humans. Many proposed reproductive benefits are inferred from studies involving eugenol or related compounds rather than acetyl-eugenol specifically. In addition, conflicting findings regarding dose-dependent toxicity, insufficient pharmacokinetic data, and the absence of standardized clinical studies limit definitive conclusions regarding efficacy and safety. Overall, acetyl-eugenol represents a promising candidate for mitigating oxidative stress-associated male reproductive dysfunction, but its therapeutic potential remains preliminary. Further well-designed experimental and clinical studies are necessary to clarify its mechanisms, safety profile, and translational relevance in male infertility management.
The presentation of mood disorders that involve agitation and anxiety in patients with cognitive loss represent significant challenges for the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additional concerns rest with the rising lifespan and aging of the global population with expectations that over the next two decades more than 50 percent of the elderly population will suffer from mental health disease and at least 30 million of these individuals will also succumb to cognitive loss with AD. Although current treatments for mood disorders and cognitive loss can have a multi-modal approach with behavioral therapy, cognitive training sessions, physical exercise, nutritional care, environmental changes, and disease modifying agents, these therapies are primarily symptomatic in nature that do not halt disease progression and possess risks for further nervous system insults. Given these consideration, novel work that addresses the shared underlying pathways for mood disorders and cognitive loss with autophagy and related mechanisms of programmed cell death, aging and cellular senescence, perivascular system dysfunction, inflammatory microglial cell dynamics, oxidative stress, metabolic pathways that involve diabetes mellitus and apolipoprotein E, the gut microbiota, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonism, innovative diagnostic strategies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning can offer rewarding avenues for the innovative development of therapeutic strategies that address disease onset and progression of these disorders. These pathways that oversee mood disorders and cognitive are both critical and complex in their intimate relationships and warrant in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms that can influence biological outcome for clinical translation.
Atopic diseases arise from an immunological imbalance where regulatory mechanisms are unable to preserve or restore homeostasis, leading to chronic inflammatory conditions affecting epithelial organs. This may involve homeostasis, deficient or insufficient regulatory T cells (Tregs) or other aberrant regulatory mechanisms. Type 2 (T2) immunity is a conserved response that evolved to combat large helminth parasites (worms), venoms, and toxins involving both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Many T2 cytokines and alarmins act to recruit and activate innate and adaptive immune cells, and they also lead to mucous production, hyperplasia, and tissue remodeling. These responses were designed to enhance expulsion of parasites, repair the barrier and elicit protective mechanical reflexes such as scratching or coughing. Today, with reduced parasitic exposure serving as an opposing influence on T2 immunity, it is hypothesized that T2 responses may be triggered by low amounts of environmental stimuli in genetically susceptible individuals, leading to unchecked T2 inflammation and atopic diseases at multiple barrier surfaces. This paper reviews the evidence linking host T2 immunity with T2 inflammatory mechanisms in atopic diseases and explores the hypothesis that these diseases may be perpetuated from a central imbalance between Th2 vs. Th1, Th3, and Tregs, influenced by tissue-dependent, local environmental-insult-driven innate cell responses, interconnected by a cycle of self-amplifying cytokine signaling.
The increasing coexistence of microplastics and metals in agricultural soils poses a profound threat to ecosystem health, yet the mechanisms through which combined pollution affects nitrogen cycling remain poorly understood. This study investigated the influence of three polylactic acid (PLA) particle sizes (4 mm, 150 μm, and 500 nm) at a concentration of 1%, individually and in combination with cadmium (Cd, 3.0 mg/kg), on nitrogen transformation in the pea-soil system. Results showed that nano-PLA significantly promoted pea growth, for example, increasing biomass by 11.6% (3.19 g), compared to Control. Additionally, the combination of 4 mm PLA and Cd significantly altered the distribution of nitrogen in the soil-plant system, enhancing the accumulation of NO₃⁻-N in both peas (15.28 g/kg, 68.2%) and soil (4.36 mg/kg, 4.4%). PLA increased Cd bioaccumulation in peas (1.76-4.06 mg/kg) relative to Control (0.62 mg/kg), showing a significant negative correlation between soil Cd availability and PLA particle size (r = -0.9, p < 0.01). PLA-Cd altered microbial community assembly through stochastic processes, increased the abundance of nitrogen-cycling genes (e.g., nirK and amoA) by 1.8-7.5 fold, and enhanced gene co-occurrence network complexity. Mechanistically, PLA-Cd mitigated Cd-induced oxidative stress and photosynthetic inhibition in peas, and modified soil properties (e.g., available phosphorus) to influence microbial communities. This microbial shift stimulated the expression of nifH gene, enhancing nitrogen fixation. This soil-microbe-plant interplay clarifies the mechanism by which PLA-Cd co-exposure regulates the nitrogen cycling, providing critical insights for ecological risk assessment of compound pollution in agricultural systems.