Increasing food insecurity among children is associated with poorer diet quality, unhealthy dietary patterns, and adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationships between food insecurity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, childhood obesity, and socio-demographic factors among school-aged children in Türkiye. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Türkiye, among 775 parents aged 18-65 and their children aged 6-14 who were attending primary and secondary school. Data were collected via an online survey. The questionnaire assessed demographic and socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measurements of parents and children, meal patterns, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and food insecurity status. Household food insecurity status was assessed using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and children's adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED). The obesity status of children was assessed using body mass index (BMI)- for-age percentile values from the WHO growth reference standards. Food insecurity was identified in 27.9% of households. Households experiencing food insecurity had larger household sizes, more children, and fewer employed individuals (p < 0.01). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among parents experiencing food insecurity, and parental BMI was significantly associated with food insecurity (p < 0.05). Among children, the food-insecure group had higher rates of overweight and obesity based on BMI-for-age classification (p < 0.05). No significant difference in total KIDMED scores was observed across food insecurity status or BMI categories (p > 0.05). In the regression analysis, the number of children and total income were significantly associated with household food insecurity (p = 0.001). This study shows that food insecurity among school-aged children in Türkiye remains an important public health issue. It was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in both parents and children, as well as with larger household size and lower socio-economic status. The findings indicate the need to assess childhood food insecurity and to implement targeted interventions for at-risk groups.
Mediterranean agricultural soils are exposed to increasing diffuse contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), particularly in insular environments where agriculture, urbanization and tourism coexist. Despite the widespread distribution of almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) orchards across the Mediterranean Basin, field-based studies assessing trace element behavior in this species remain scarce. This study evaluates trace element dynamics in almond-based agroecosystems on the island of Mallorca (Spain), integrating soil physicochemical characterization, plant tissue analysis and multivariate statistical approaches to assess the bioindicator potential of almond trees. Topsoil samples and almond stem and leaf tissues were collected across the main almond-growing areas of the island. Soils were moderately alkaline (mean pH ≈ 8.2) with high carbonate contents (∼40%), strongly limiting trace element mobility and bioavailability. Total PTE concentrations in soils were generally low to moderate (e.g., Pb mean 24.3 mg kg-1; Zn mean 68.6 mg kg-1), reflecting predominantly natural background levels. Trace element concentrations in almond tissues were also low, with Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) well below unity for all elements (e.g., <0.4), , indicating that Prunus dulcis does not behave as a metal accumulator under Mediterranean calcareous conditions. Soil-plant relationships differed markedly between organs. In stems, Pb and Cd were more related to soil contents, whereas Cd showed decoupling due to limited translocation. Mercury exhibited a distinct behaviour, with strong foliar enrichment (mean 28.3 μg kg-1 in leaves vs. 16.2 μg kg-1 in stems), consistent with diffuse atmospheric deposition. Overall, almond trees are not reliable indicators of soil contamination through bioconcentration, but their leaves may serve as effective bioindicators of atmospheric Hg pollution in Mediterranean agricultural and insular environments.
Coastal ecosystems are dynamic environments characterized by strong seasonal variability in physicochemical parameters and biological communities. In the western Mediterranean, the Region of Murcia (southeastern Spain) is characterized by notable biodiversity and ecological heterogeneity, encompassing diverse habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, seagrass meadows, and the Mar Menor, one of Europe's largest hypersaline lagoons. Within these systems, marine yeasts play critical ecological roles in organic matter recycling and produce metabolites of biotechnological and medical interest. This study presents the first comprehensive survey of culturable marine yeasts from the Mediterranean coast of the Region of Murcia. From seawater and sediment samples, 415 strains were identified via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequencing, revealing 90 species across 44 genera, including 78 known taxa and 12 potentially novel ones. Most isolates were assigned to the phylum Ascomycota (62%), primarily distributed among the classes Pichiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Dipodascomycetes, whereas Basidiomycota accounted for the remaining 38%, mainly comprising the classes Tremellomycetes and Microbotryomycetes. The genera most represented in both seawater and sediment were Rhodotorula and Candida, and approximately 10% of the isolates corresponded to stress-tolerant black yeast-like fungi (Aureobasidium spp., Hortaea werneckii, Exophiala oligosperma, and Zalaria alba), a group notable for its taxonomic novelty and valuable biotechnological traits. Culturable yeast assemblages displayed pronounced spatiotemporal variability, with diversity generally increasing during milder seasons and in areas influenced by anthropogenic activity, suggesting the combined effect of natural gradients and human-driven alterations. Representative strains exhibited broad enzymatic capabilities, producing extracellular cellulases, proteases, xylanases, amylases, chitinases, and pectinases, underscoring their ecological role in organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling. The findings provide novel insights into the taxonomic composition and metabolic potential of marine yeasts recovered from the Mediterranean Sea and set the basis for their future exploitation in industrial and environmental biotechnology.
The Réal Collobrier hydrological observatory, located in south-eastern France and managed by INRAE (formerly Cemagref) since 1966, is a benchmark site for regional hydro-climatology. Created by the Ministry of Agriculture, its initial objective is to improve understanding of hydrological processes in Mediterranean regions underlain by metamorphic soils. The observatory's catchment, situated in the Maures massif near the Mediterranean coast, is densely instrumented. Flow measurements are collected at the outlets of ten small forested nested catchments (ranging from 1.57 to 70 km²), including four headwater streams. A dense network of 15 rain gauges records rainfall data at a fine temporal scale. The dataset also includes climatological data, water temperature and soil data. The vegetation is dominated by forest communities on crystalline substrates (maquis of heath, cork oak, maritime pine, and chestnut). The geological formations are predominantly crystalline, with metamorphism increasing from east to west (from gneiss to schists and phyllites) [1]. Direct human influence has been negligible over the past 60 years, with land use and land cover remaining almost unchanged, except for a wildfire in 1990 that affected one small sub-catchment. All data presented in this article are available in the INRAE hydrological observatory's open database (https://bdoh.inrae.fr/). The article describes the long-term dataset collected at the observatory and the validation procedures. The raw dataset underwent quality control, gap filling, and homogenization procedures to ensure temporal consistency and to improve data reliability. This rigorous quality control process results in a robust dataset used for research purposes. This well-documented hydro-climatic information can significantly advance understanding of hydrological processes [2-6], help validate and evaluate models in Mediterranean environments [7-9]. Given the non-perennial nature of rivers in this area, these data are particularly useful for studying the origin of intermittent flow, as well as the start and end dates of flow period [10]. The hydrological dataset now spans 58 years, offring the opportunity to evaluate long-term hydrometeorological trends [11,12]. Since 2019, observations of soil moisture at several depths have been added, providing valuable information on soil water availability and vegetation dynamics. The Réal Collobrier catchment area is part of the SOERE-RBV (Long-Term Observation and Experimentation System for Environmental Research - Mountain Basin Networks), which belongs to the OZCAR research infrastructure [13], certified by AllEnvi (National Research Alliance for the Environment) (http://www.ozcar-ri.org/real-collobrier/).
Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is a shared biological pathway for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and clinical manifestations, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity-related complications, some cancers, and neurodegenerative conditions. Diet is a powerful modulator of inflammatory status. This summary article synthesizes mechanistic and clinical evidence linking LGCI to NCDs, with emphasis on the role of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) and outlines pragmatic prescription guidelines within precision and personalized nutrition bases. Meta-analytic evidence indicates that MedDiet interventions reduce interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β, with a trend toward lower C-reactive protein. The Mediterranean diet promotes beneficial shifts in gut microbiota (gut microbiome) composition, increasing short-chain fatty acid production and supporting epithelial barrier integrity, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, these data endorse the Mediterranean Diet as a primary cardiometabolic protective approach, emphasizing the importance of integrating straightforward, equity-focused strategies to translate biological potential into measurable benefits at the population level.
Submediterranean marcescent oak forests form a climatic ecotone highly exposed to increasing aridity across the Mediterranean Basin. Understanding how these vulnerable taxa were affected by past climatic shifts can help contextualize their sensitivity to ongoing changes. Here we used ensemble Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to infer the distribution dynamics of eight marcescent oak species from the Heinrich Stadial (~ 17 ka) to the present, and to explore their potential future trajectories for 2070 and 2100 under three SSP scenarios. Models calibrated with 12,450 filtered occurrences and high-resolution paleoclimate and CHELSA datasets performed well (AUC > 0.97), with precipitation and temperature seasonality emerging as key predictors. Hindcasts revealed contrasting east-west Quaternary histories, including episodes of expansion, contraction and partial stability linked to abrupt climate transitions such as the Heinrich Stadial and Younger Dryas. Future projections indicate widespread northward shifts and substantial suitability losses, especially under SSP5-8.5, with pronounced impacts on narrowly distributed taxa. By comparing past-to-present and present-to-future range shifts, we identify temporal coherence in species responses, showing that taxa with strong historical fluctuations tend to exhibit larger projected changes. Integrating past range dynamics provides an essential ecological baseline to interpret species-specific sensitivity and regional asymmetries. Our results refine the identification of potential climatic refugia and high-risk zones, offering a framework to prioritize conservation strategies for transitional oak forests in a rapidly warming Mediterranean Basin.
Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, Linnaeus, 1758) is an epipelagic fish commonly found in Moroccan Mediterranean waters. This study was aimed at studying the ecology by monitoring gonadal development and reproductive indices of T. trachurus populations along the eastern Moroccan Mediterranean coast over a 12-month period. For that, a total of 390 specimens were sampled, with total lengths ranging from 7.8 to 33.8 cm and weights from 3.78 to 310.52 g. Several reproductive indices were analyzed. Monthly monitoring of the gonado-somatic index (GSI) identified two spawning periods for T. trachurus: the first in late winter-early spring (February-April), and the second in summer (July-September), confirming that this species is a fractional spawner fish. The hepato-somatic index (HSI) followed a similar trend to GSI, reflecting the energy allocation for reproduction. The size at first sexual maturity (L50) was estimated at 23.5 cm for females and 22.5 cm for males, representing critical metrics for fisheries management, as they help set regulatory guidelines, such as minimum landing sizes, and are also a prerequisite for estimating spawning stock biomass. The overall sex ratio showed a predominance in favor of males (62%) over females (38%). These results represent a valuable contribution to a better understanding of the biology of T. trachurus, and to the implementation of stock assessment to ensure the sustainability of catches.
The African seahorse Hippocampus algiricus has been considered restricted to the eastern Atlantic coast of Africa, with occasional records in Macaronesian archipelagos. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Here, we report the first confirmed occurrence of this species in the Mediterranean Sea, based on photographic and video evidence. The specimen was identified using diagnostic morphological characters and morphometric analysis. This record represents a north-eastern range extension and aligns with ongoing tropicalization processes in the western Mediterranean driven by rising sea temperatures.
Leishmaniasis is an emerging opportunistic infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) living in Mediterranean endemic areas. However, the magnitude of the risk and treatment-related determinants remain unknown, and no controlled population-based studies have addressed this issue. We aimed to estimate the incidence of symptomatic Leishmania infection in IBD population and to identify associated clinical and therapeutic risk factors, particularly immunosuppressive treatments. An observational study was conducted in the Valencian Community (Spain) between 2015 and 2022, involving 16 hospitals. The study comprised 3 components: (1) a population-based retrospective cohort to estimate incidence of leishmaniasis in IBD patients; (2) a multicenter case series, to characterize clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes; and (3) a matched 1:2 case-control study, to identify factors associated with the infection. Cases were adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and confirmed symptomatic Leishmania (polymerase chain reaction [PCR], histology or culture). Controls were matched by sex, IBD subtype, and year of birth (±10 years). Immunosuppressive exposure at the index date was recorded. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of infection, with covariate selection guided by a directed acyclic graph. Eighty-two cases were identified: 80.5% cutaneous, 14.6% visceral, and 4.9% mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. The mean annual incidence was 0.464 per 1000 IBD patients, 13.2-fold higher than in the general population (0.0035 per 1000; P < .001). Comorbidities were more frequent among cases. Diagnosis often requires PCR, with ≥ 2 biopsies needed in 26.2% of patients. At infection, 90.1% of cases vs 44.5% of controls were receiving biologic therapy (P < .001). Anti-TNF exposure, combination therapy (biologic plus immunomodulator), and escalated biologic regimens were more frequent among cases (P < .001). Overall, 90.7% of patients achieved cure with first-line therapy; been systemic treatment reserved for refractory cutaneous disease. Differences were observed between continuation or withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy along first-line treatment (P-value = .036). In multivariable analysis, biologic therapy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 16.1; 95% CI, 4.56-57.1) and presence of comorbidities (adjusted OR 6.47; 95% CI, 1.66-25.2) were independently associated with infection. In the Mediterranean endemic areas, patients with IBD have a markedly increased risk of developing symptomatic leishmaniasis. Biologic therapy represents the principal driver of infection risk, underscoring the need for heightened clinical awareness and update guidance on opportunistic infections in endemic regions.
This data descriptor paper presents version 2.0 of the Database of Flood Fatalities in the Euro-Mediterranean Region (FFEM-DB 2.0), a multinational dataset documenting 3,737 flood fatalities that occurred from 1980 to 2024 across 16 territories (12 of which correspond to entire countries). FFEM-DB 2.0 substantially expands the spatial and temporal coverage of the previous release (FFEM-DB) by updating records through December 31, 2024, incorporating four additional study areas, and introducing a new event identifier that allows event-based analyses and comparison with international disaster databases. The database provides anonymized information on victims' profiles, accident locations, and fatality circumstances, enabling systematic investigation of demographic, behavioral, situational, and environmental factors associated with flood mortality at the scale of LAU (Local Administrative Units). Standardized data collection criteria and a harmonized classification methodology ensure consistency and comparability across regions beyond administrative boundaries, while also highlighting variations in data completeness across the study areas. Due to its open and scalable structure, FFEM-DB 2.0 enables continuous spatial expansion and temporal updates, providing a basis for monitoring and interpreting current trends in flood-related mortality across Europe and the Euro-Mediterranean region.
This study evaluated the suitability of the gonads of the sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis (Lamarck, 1816) as bioindicators for monitoring marine pollution. To this end, a suite of biomarkers including glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), metallothionein (Mt), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was investigated at four distinct stations in the Gulf of Annaba (Mediterranean Sea). Concurrently, the concentrations of five trace metals (zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel, and lead) and thirteen physicochemical parameters were measured. A multi-biomarker pollution index (MPI)was subsequently calculated to characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of coastal contamination. The results revealed that the eastern sector of the Gulf, near the El Mafrag River, exhibited the highest contamination levels, with a median multi-biomarker pollution index ranging between 41 and 44 (Level 4: moderately contaminated), and occasional peaks (MPI = 58) reaching Level 5 (highly contaminated) during certain months. Lower pollution levels were observed during the dry season (June, July, and August). Variation partitioning analysis indicated that physicochemical parameters were the main drivers of contamination variability in this coastal ecosystem, rather than trace metals. The multi-biomarker pollution index proved to be a robust and integrative tool for assessing anthropogenic impacts on coastal marine ecosystems, and S. granularis gonads are proposed as a reliable bioindicator for Mediterranean coastal monitoring programs.
Sunscreen products usually contain a wide range of substances, including inorganic and organic ultraviolet (UV) filters, which belong to the main groups of contaminants of emerging concern for marine ecosystems. Research on the effects of sunscreen pollution in the Mediterranean marine biota is scarce, limiting the information necessary to promote sustainable coastal tourism through environmental policies that protect priority species for conservation against potentially harmful substances. The impacts of sunscreen components on Posidonia oceanica were assessed through short-term (48 h) in situ field experiments, using bell jar chambers during July of 2023 in Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain. Environmentally relevant concentrations of a mixture of commercial sunscreens (6.08 mg*L-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3; 247 and 1115 ng L-1) and titanium dioxide (TiO2; 0.042 and 37.6 μg L-1) were tested against a control (without addition of contaminants). Both UV filters promoted greater respiration rates in P. oceanica than in the controls, resulting in a negative net carbon gain for the seagrass and reflecting reduced photosynthetic activity. Although the whole sunscreen mixture also induced respiration in the plants, the net primary productivity was higher under sunscreen addition, possibly enhanced by the nutrients released from the mixture. These filters also induced greater oxidative stress indicators, i.e., reactive oxygen species production in leaves under their respective highest concentrations and polyphenols concentrations increased at 1115 ng L-1 of BP-3. On the other hand, polyphenols content decreased with 0.042 μg L-1 of TiO2. Leaf chlorophyll concentrations were lower under commercial sunscreen exposure and at 0.042 μg L-1 of TiO2. However, the photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis was stimulated at 37.6 μg L-1 of TiO2. The N2 fixation associated with leaf epiphytes only responded to BP-3 addition, showing inhibition at 1115 ng L-1 compared to 247 ng L-1. Overall, our results point to negative impacts on the physiology of the seagrass, which are linked to the oxidative stress potentially induced by sunscreen pollutants. These findings provide pioneering in situ evidence on the potential hazards of UV filters for P. oceanica under a realistic short-term exposure window that captures the dynamics of sunscreen component in the natural environment.
The intensification of climate change poses significant challenges to viticulture, particularly in Mediterranean region. In this context, the development and implementation of sustainable practices that simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation are essential to ensure vineyard resilience. This study evaluated the combination of a short-term mitigation strategy, the foliar application of clinoptilolite zeolite, with a long-term adaptation approach based on varietal selection. The impacts of foliar zeolite applications on two-year-old grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) of Touriga Franca (TF) and Tinto Cão (TC) varieties were evaluated through the assessment of leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, primary and secondary metabolites, antioxidant capacity, and leaf histological parameters. Zeolite application mitigated heat stress in both varieties by decreasing leaf temperature, enhancing photochemical efficiency, and supporting photoprotection. Variety-specific responses were also notable. TF exhibited improved electron transport, gas exchange, and higher accumulation of soluble sugars, proline, and proteins, reflecting enhanced physiological plasticity. In turn, TC displayed higher intrinsic phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, adopting a more conservative water-use strategy. These findings highlight the combined role of short- and long-term agronomic practices to strengthen vineyard resilience under changing climate conditions.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by pyrin inflammasome dysregulation and chronic subclinical inflammation. Whether FMF carries an increased long-term burden of rheumatologic and autoimmune inflammatory disease is unclear. We evaluated baseline and long-term occurrence of rheumatologic and selected autoimmune comorbidities in FMF. This was a nationwide, retrospective, population-based matched-cohort study using electronic health records from Leumit Health Services in Israel (2001-2024). Patients with confirmed FMF were matched 1:4 with controls by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Rheumatologic and selected autoimmune comorbidities, including inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune thyroid disease, were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. Baseline prevalence and cumulative occurrence over up to 20 years were assessed, with a 12-month washout. A composite endpoint of any prespecified rheumatologic or autoimmune diagnosis was evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates, with false discovery rate correction. The cohort included 3324 FMF patients and 13,296 controls (mean age 24.5 years; 51% female). At baseline, FMF was associated with Behçet disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, osteoarthritis, and connective tissue disease (all q < 0.05). During follow-up, FMF was further associated with ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn's disease (adjusted odds ratios 1.31-12.7; all q < 0.05). Amyloidosis was markedly more frequent in FMF (1.26%vs. 0.015%; q < 0.001). The composite endpoint was higher in FMF (17.0%vs. 7.4%; adjusted odds ratio 2.18). FMF is associated with a selective, persistent excess of rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases despite colchicine, supporting long-term rheumatologic surveillance.
This study aimed to study adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) by patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). An observational study was conducted to assess adherence to the MedDiet by patients with POAG. Patients attended the Ophthalmology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "Georgios Gennimatas" in Athens, Greece. The study included completing an 11-item questionnaire validated by Panagiotakos et al. in person. A total of 355 volunteers successfully completed the questionnaires, 168 patients in the control group and 187 patients with glaucoma. In men with glaucoma, adherence to the MedDiet was low in 14 patients (14%), moderate in 67 (67%), and high in 19 (19%) cases. In women with glaucoma, adherence was low in 17 patients (19.5%), moderate in 52 (60%), and high in 18 (20.7%) cases. The overall adhesion to the MedDiet by patients with glaucoma is low in 16.6%, moderate in 63.6%, and high in 19.8% of the cases. According to the body mass index (BMI) classification, the patients categorized in the higher obesity level have lower adherence to the MedDiet (p = 0.025). Patients with glaucoma who have higher adherence to the MedDiet have lower weight, waist circumference, and fat mass (p < 0.05). Greek patients with POAG have moderate adherence to the MedDiet. Future research should focus on MedDiet intervention studies on glaucoma patients in order to assess its effects on modulating disease activities and processes.
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Lichens are excellent bioindicators of overall ecosystem health. The symbiotic nature of their thalli enables tracking changes in humidity, temperature, habitat disturbance and air pollution, often before larger plants do. Sensitive species usually show visible thallus damage, such as bleaching or changes in colour (including total or partial necrosis, and death of the photosynthetic component of the symbiosis), slow growth, and/or biases in reproductive strategies. Particularly, the extent to which these damages are associated with changes in the microscopic photosynthetic community inhabiting lichen thalli (phycobiota) remains poorly understood. Here, we combined Sanger and Illumina sequencing techniques to characterize the diversity and community structure of the eukaryotic phycobiome in selected epiphytic macrolichens showing different levels of thallus damage. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a high microalgal diversity, largely dominated by a few Trebouxia species, which are the most prevalent lichenized microalgae, accompanied by several low-abundance co-occurring genera. Notably, microalgal diversity peaked at intermediate levels of thallus damage. This pattern is consistent with disturbance-mediated modulation of microalgal community evenness rather than a categorical shift in symbiotic composition. These findings reveal previously unrecognized variability within the lichen phycobiota, providing new insights into the ecological dynamics and stress responses of these communities. In conclusion, our work offers a new perspective on the potential of lichens as sensitive bioindicators of air quality and ecosystem health.
Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental disorders that contribute significantly to global disability. While the MIND diet has demonstrated benefits in preventing Alzheimer's disease, its potential impact on mental health outcomes remains unclear. This study systematically reviews evidence on the association between adherence to the MIND diet and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to August 2025 to identify observational and interventional studies examining the relationship between the MIND diet and depression, anxiety, or stress. Twenty one eligible studies-including eleven cross-sectional designs-were included. Of the 21 studies, twelve reported a significant inverse association between adherence to the MIND diet and depression symptoms, seven found similar associations with anxiety, and three with stress. However, findings were inconsistent, likely due to heterogeneity in study design, assessment tools, and populations. Current evidence suggests that greater adherence to the MIND diet may be associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, but the overall quality and consistency of the evidence are limited. Well-designed longitudinal and clinical trials are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Vegetation is central to the functioning of ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and human livelihoods. However, it is highly sensitive to climate variability, land-use changes, and natural disturbances. Vegetation anomalies, or areas where plant growth significantly deviates from expected patterns, can indicate ecological stress, altered productivity and potential land degradation. Therefore, monitoring these anomalies is critical for understanding ecosystem resilience and informing sustainable management. This study examines vegetation anomalies in two adjacent hydrographic basins in southern Italy (Basilicata region) over a seven-year period (2017-2023), using Sentinel-2 imagery and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Selective Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to enhance the detection of localised temporal changes, reduce data dimensionality and extract key ecological signals, including seasonal dynamics, interannual variability and abrupt disturbances. The results reveal the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation anomalies across different ecosystems, emphasising the impacts of climate variability and land-use practices, such as land abandonment. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of multitemporal PCA in identifying significant deviations in vegetation dynamics. It offers a valuable framework for assessing the functionality, resilience, and management of ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
Terrestrial mosses are widely used to monitor atmospheric deposition. However, concurrent assessment of mercury (Hg) and nitrogen (N), two pollutants characterized by different spatial scales of influence, from global to local, remains limited. To address this gap, we assessed Hg and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) in pleurocarpous moss at 41 sites in Tuscany, central Italy. Concentrations of Hg ranged from 32 to 236 ng g-1 (median 64 ng g-1) with a regional upper baseline of 95 ng g-1 (median + 2×MAD). Concentrations of Hg tended to decrease with distance from the Mt. Amiata cinnabar district (ρ = -0.674, p < 0.001) but showed no correlation with elevation, moss N content, or δ15N. In contrast, moss δ15N (-4.16 ± 1.17‰) decreased significantly with altitude (ρ = -0.369, p = 0.017), consistent with attenuation of the lowland agricultural N-related signature at higher elevations. δ13C values (-30.77 ± 1.20‰) increased with elevation (ρ = +0.359, p = 0.021), suggesting that C isotope discrimination in mosses may provide complementary information on site water-stress conditions. MixSIAR modelling indicated that atmospherically processed N (traffic NOx and background wet deposition, considered jointly) accounted for almost the entire moss N budget, whereas the modelled contribution of direct agricultural NH3 was negligible (<1%). The δ15N signatures of these two processed pools are too similar to allow a reliable separation, so they are reported only as a combined term; this overall pattern remained stable across multiple sensitivity scenarios. Overall, the results of our study highlight the limitations of single-pollutant surveys in areas characterized by complex patterns of emissions and support the use of multiple proxies in biomonitoring.