Increase In Population Research Articles

Integrating social, climate and environmental changes to confront accelerating global aging

IntroductionThe global increase in the aging population presents critical challenges for healthcare systems, social security, and economic stability worldwide. Although the studies of the global rate of aging have increased more than four times in the past two decades, few studies have integrated the potential combined effects of socio-economic, climatic, and environmental factors.MethodsWe calculated the geographic heterogeneity of aging population growth rates from 218 countries between 1960 and 2022. Public databases were then integrated to assess the impacts of seven global stressors: socio-economic vulnerability, temperature, drought, seasonality, climate extremes, air pollution, and greening vulnerability on growth rates of aging population (a totally 156 countries). Linear regression models were primarily used to test the statistically significant effects of these stressors on the rate of aging, and multiple model inference was then used to test whether the number of stressors exceeding specific thresholds (e.g., > 25, 50, and 75%) was consistently significant in the best models. The importance of stressors and the number of stressors exceeding thresholds was verified using random forest models for countries experiencing different population aging rates.ResultsOur analysis identified significant heterogeneity in growth rates of aging population globally, with many African countries exhibiting significantly lower aging rates compared with Europe. High socio-economic vulnerability, increased climate risks (such as high temperature and intensive extreme climate), and decreased environmental quality were found to significantly increase growth rates of the aging population (P < 0.05). The positive combined impacts of these stressors were diminished at medium–high levels of stressors (i.e., relative to their maximum levels observed in nature). The number of global stressors exceeding the 25% threshold emerged as an important predictor of global aging rates. Demographic changes in regions with relatively rapid aging (e.g., Africa and Asia) are more sensitive to climate change (e.g., extreme climate and drought) and the number of global stressors, and regions with low to medium rates of aging (e.g., Europe and the Americas) are more sensitive to socio-economic vulnerability and environmental stability (e.g., drought, green fragility and air pollution).ConclusionsOur findings underscore that policy tools or methods must be developed that consider the holistic dimension of the global factor. Further investigations are essential to understand the complex interactions between multiple stressors and their combined effects on global aging.

A bio‐reactive transport model for biomethanation in hydrogen underground storage sites

AbstractUnderground biomethanation, which relies on the subsurface microbial activity to convert hydrogen and carbon dioxide into methane, is a promising approach to support carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology. The process involves injecting hydrogen with captured CO2 into depleted oil and gas reservoirs or aquifers colonized by hydrogenotrophic methanogens that can convert these two substrates into methane. Despite the attractiveness of this technology, there are still uncertainties about the efficiency of the conversion process, particularly the impact of microbial parameters. To investigate the efficiency of the hydrogen conversion process, we relied on a bio‐reactive transport model that can mimic microbial growth and decay, consumption of substrates, and transport of reactants and products. It was found that the methane concentration peaks near the injection well when the hydrogen fraction is in the range of 75% to 80% of the injected gas composition. In addition, a noticeable hydrogen sulfide concentration can be produced due to sulfide ions in the brine. Using the Kozeny‐Carman relation, an attempt was made to correlate microbial growth with reduced porosity and permeability. It was then revealed that substrate consumption by microbes leads to a drastic increase in the microbial population in the subsurface, which can reduce the petrophysical properties of the reservoir, especially in the near wellbore area. The results obtained from a series of parametric analyses showed that the hydrogen concentration in the injected gas, pressure, well spacing, and injection rate are some of the most important parameters contributing to the biomethanation process. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Biochar for wastewater treatment: Addressing contaminants and enhancing sustainability: Challenges and solutions

In recent years, biochar has gained interest for its potential use in treating and removing contaminants from domestic, municipal, and industrial wastewater. When applied in fixed filter columns (BFCs), biochar can effectively immobilize, filter, and recover contaminants with high treatment efficiency. On average, COD removal is 80 %, nutrient removal is 71 % for nitrogen-ammonium and 57 % for phosphorus-phosphate, and pathogen reduction averages 2.4 log10 units. These results vary depending on factors such as the biochar's surface area, the conditions under which it was pyrolyzed, and operational parameters like hydraulic loading and retention time. Biochar addresses limitations in traditional wastewater treatment by leveraging adsorption, ion exchange, and biological degradation mechanisms. The larger surface area and functionalized surface of engineered biochar make it particularly effective in treating diverse pollutants, including heavy metals, nutrients, and emerging contaminants, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As the global population and industrial activities increase, there is a pressing need for sustainable wastewater treatment technologies. Biochar addresses this need and serves as a waste valorization tool, contributing to bioenergy production, soil improvement, and other applications. The present review focuses on improving biochar's performance and durability in real-world applications by addressing challenges like physical degradation. It also proposes strategies to enhance biochar's properties and reuse potential.

DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL TEMPORARY WASTE DISPOSAL SITES IN THE ALANG-ALANG LEBAR SUB-DISTRICT PALEMBANG USING THE P-CENTRE LOCATION PROBLEM AND P-MEDIAN PROBLEM MODELS

The rapid development of Palembang City comes with an increase in population and a proportionate increase in waste. Providing Temporary Waste Disposal Sites (TWDS) with ideal locations is one way to address the waste problem in Palembang City. The location of the existing TWDS could be more regular and optimal. The problem of determining the optimal TWDS location can be solved by optimization science, as classified in the Set Covering Problem (SCP) model. The SCP model is divided into the -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models. This study aims to determine the optimal locations for TWDS in the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District, Palembang City, by comparing the results of the p-Center Location Problem and p-Median Problem models. Initially, the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District had 33 TWDS. After formulating the Set Covering Location Problem and Maximal Covering Location Problem models, we obtain the optimal solution, which we then solve using the -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models. Based on the results and discussion, the optimal TWDS can meet the demand of each village in the Alang-Alang Lebar Sub-District. The -Center Location Problem and -Median Problem models produce the same optimal TWDS, namely TWDS Pramuka 2 Street and around, TWDS Colonel Sulaiman Amin Street, TWDS Talang Kelapa Ujung, and TWDS Beside Soekarno Hatta Street. This study recommends using both models to determine the optimal TWDS.

Alterations in Endogenous Stem Cell Populations in the Acute Phase of Blast-Induced Spinal Cord Injury.

Blast-induced spinal cord injury (bSCI) is prevalent among military populations and frequently leads to irreversible spinal cord tissue damage that manifests as sensorimotor and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Clinical recovery from bSCI has been proven to be multifactorial, as it is heavily dependent on the function of numerous cell populations in the tissue environment, as well as extensive ongoing inflammatory processes. This varied recovery process is thought to be due to irreversible spinal cord damage after 72 hours post-injury. Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries has long been investigated due to these cells' proliferative nature, ability to enhance neuro-regeneration, neuroprotection, remyelination of axons, and modulation of the immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, this study hypothesizes that the impaired function after injury is due to a lack of specific ectoderm and neural stem cell population activity at the injury site. This study aimed to elucidate changes in endogenous stem cell patterns by evaluating immunohistochemical staining densities of various stem cell markers using a preclinical thoracolumbar bSCI model. Analysis was performed 24-, 48-, and 72 hours following blast exposure. Behavior tests to assess sensory and mechanical functions were also performed. The following Cluster of differentiation (CD) markers CD105, CD45, CD133, and Vimentin, Nanog homebox (NANOG), and sex determining region Y HMG-box 2 (SOX2) positive cell populations were significantly elevated with trending increases in Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in the thoracolumbar region of spinal cord tissue at 72 hours following bSCI (p < 0.05). Behavior analyses showed significant decreases in paw withdrawal thresholds in the hind limbs and changes in locomotion at 48- and 72 hours post-injury (p < 0.05). The significant increase in mesenchymal, pluripotent, and neural stem cell populations within the thoracolumbar region post-injury suggests that migratory patterns of stem cell populations are likely altered in response to bSCI. Behavioral deficits were consistent with those experienced by military personnel, such as increased pain-like behavior, reduced proprioception and coordination, and increased anxiety-like behavior post-bSCI, which underlines the translational capabilities of this model. While further research is vital to understand better the intrinsic and synergistic chemical and mechanical factors driving the migration of stem cells after traumatic injury, increased endogenous stem cell populations at the injury site indicate that stem cell-based treatments in patients suffering from bSCI could prove beneficial.

Emerging Roles of Nanozymes in Plant and Environmental Sectors.

The demand for food has increased dramatically as the global population increases, putting more strain on the sustainability of agriculture. To fulfill this requirement, it is imperative to develop brand-new technologies. The application potential of nanozymes in the plant and environmental sectors is progressively becoming apparent as a result of their effective enzymatic catalytic activity and the distinctive characteristics of nanomaterials, including size, specific surface area, optical properties, and thermal properties. Herein, we systematically analyze the catalytic mechanisms of nanozymes with different enzyme-mimetic activities and summarize their applications in improving crop yields by regulating ROS levels and enhancing stress resistance and detecting and removing hazardous pollutants. Finally, we thoroughly analyze the challenges faced by nanozymes regarding size, design, application, economy, and biosafety and look forward to their future development directions to better serve sustainable agriculture.

Assessing the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on China’s carbon emissions

AbstractThe gradual adjustment of fertility and retirement policies in China has social benefits in terms of coping with population aging. However, the environmental consequences of these policies remain ambiguous. Here we compile environmentally extended multiregional input–output tables to estimate household carbon footprints for different population age groups in China. Subsequently, we estimate the age-sex-specific population under different fertility policies up to 2060 and assess the impacts of fertility and retirement policies on household carbon footprints. We find that Chinese young people have relatively higher household carbon footprints than their older counterparts due to differences in income by age group. Relaxing fertility policies and delaying retirement age are associated with an increase in population (and labour supply) and thus increases in household carbon footprints, with the majority of these increases from the fertility side. These results may help policymakers understand interactions among those measures targeting population aging and climate action.

Sociodemographic correlates of fear-related attitudes toward the wolf (Canis lupus lupus). A survey in southeastern Norway

The recent increase in the grey wolf Canis lupus population in Norway has led to an intense debate about the management of this species. A telephone survey of fear-related attitudes toward the wolf was conducted in four counties in south eastern Norway. 52% claimed that they not at all, or to a small degree, would become concerned about their own or their family’s safety when being outdoors if wolves were living in their area, while 31% said they clearly would become more concerned. 36% of the sample expressed that they definitely would become more careful when walking in the fields and forest, 25% partly agreed to this, while 38% said they would not become more careful. 25% said they were very much afraid of wolves, 30% were somewhat afraid, while 43% were not afraid at all. Generally, women, the elderly, persons with short education, and rural inhabitants expressed more negative, fear-related attitudes than did other sociodemographic groups. Parents with young children expressed more fear of wolves compared to equally old parents without children at home, but this finding applied only to residents in the city. People who had a dog in their household were less afraid of wolves than those who did not have a dog; this applied only to rural residents. In general, the level of self-reported fear and concern equals what has been found in Sweden and Finland, but the attitudes found in Norwegian rural areas were more negative than attitudes of rural residents in Sweden. The results are discussed on the background of evolutionary/genetic, cultural, and political influences.

Stress and Coping Behavior Exhibited by Family Members Toward Long-Term Care Facility Residents While Hospitalized.

With the increase in the elderly population, institution-based care has become another option for elderly people. In Changhua, Taiwan, the number of long-term institutions has doubled in the past decade, and more families are choosing to send their elders to institutions for care. However, there is stress induced by having to care for these elders when they come back to their family members when hospitalized. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the stress and coping behaviors of family members in regard to hospitalized long-term care facility residents and identify relevant factors that affect and predict the stress and coping behaviors exhibited by these family members. In this study, a quantitative and cross-sectional survey was conducted using the convenience-sampling method; family members of long-term care facility residents hospitalized in a regional hospital in central Taiwan were selected as the research participants and a total of 162 family members were admitted. The data were collected in the form of questionnaires including basic information and data on the stress and coping behaviors of the family members. The data were collected and coded by using SPSS 22.0 to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The standard average score of total stress for family members was 57.03 points, which corresponds to a moderate level. The four perceptions of stress by family members were, in order, physiological, life, psychological, and economic. Furthermore, family income, work status, and the relationship between residents of the family members and physiological, psychological, and economic factors had predictive power for their problem-oriented coping behaviors, with an explanatory power of 59.6%. Life aspects, gender, marital status, and the number of hospitalizations in half a year had significant predictive power for the family members' emotion-oriented coping behaviors, with an explanatory power of 19.0%. The family members had high levels of stress, especially physical stress, and the total scores of stress perception were higher for those who were younger than 39 years old and had no rotating family members. Additionally, the coping behavior of the main caregiver was mainly problem-oriented. The results of this study may serve as a reference that can help nursing staff in clinical or long-term care facilities to provide or develop effective and individualized services for family members of facility residents.

Yield Yield loss and economic threshold estimates for pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in late maturing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

Pod borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] is a major biotic constraint to global pigeonpea production. The farmers largely apply synthetic insecticides to control this pest in pigeonpea. The study was conducted to quantify yield losses and estimate economic thresholds for H. armigera. The late maturing cultivar, IPA-203 was infested with different larval densities to determine the insect density-yield loss relationships. The yield response was variable and grain yield declined with increasing larval density from 1–5/plant. Yield loss of 4.56 kg/ha was evident for each unit increase in larval population. Economic threshold estimates indicated that the control measures for pod borer in IPA 203 cultivar should be initiated at an insect density of ≈1 larva/2 plants or at 3% pod damage to avoid the economic crop losses. The damage potential and economic threshold estimates are prerequisite for integrated pest management and reducing production costs (Alves et al. 2017). Present results indicated that relatively low infestations of H. armigera can cause significant yield reduction in pigeonpea hence intensive monitoring and timely control measures are necessary. Based on present economic threshold estimates, the farmers could decide the timing and kind of control measures to be initiated against pod borer in late pigeonpea cultivars to avert the economic losses.

Socioeconomic disparities and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Although socioeconomic status (SES) is considered a risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), few studies have examined this association. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of CCVDs across different SES groups over a 12-year period in a representative Korean population. We analysed 47 745 economically active adults aged ≥30 and <65 years from 97 622 patients in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-18), where a new independent sample of the population was examined each year. We categorised the participants into four groups based on education level and income. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and CCVD, including angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke, was analysed at four-year intervals. Average age, urban residence, white-collar occupation, and body mass index >30 increased, whereas CCVD prevalence did not change significantly (P = 0.410) over the study period. Low education (odds ratio (OR) = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.47, P < 0.001) and low income (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.02-1.28, P = 0.017) were significant determinants of CCVD in addition to existing traditional risk factors. CCVD prevalence was significantly higher in both the low-education and low-income groups compared to the high-education and high-income groups every four years, with no significant change in this gap over the study period (P = 0.239). Despite the increase in the elderly population and the prevalence of obesity, the incidence of CCVDs in Korea has remained unchanged. Individuals with low education or low income had a significantly higher prevalence of CCVD, with the lowest SES group, defined by both low education and low income, consistently having the highest prevalence of CCVDs.

Utilizing intricate care networks: An ethnography of patients and families navigating palliative care in a resource-limited setting.

The increase in non-communicable disease burdens and aging populations has led to a rise in the need for palliative care across settings. In resource-limited settings such as Indonesia, however, notably in rural areas, there is a lack of professional palliative care. Little is known about specific palliative care navigation, as previous studies have mostly focused on cancer care navigation. A locally tailored approach is crucial. To explore how patients and families navigate palliative care and the problems they experience. An ethnographic study using in-depth interviews and observations, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Interviews with 49 participants (patients, family caregivers, and health professionals) and 12 patient-family unit observations in Banyumas, Indonesia. Patients and families navigated palliative care through different strategies: (1) helping themselves, (2) utilizing complementary and alternative medicine, (3) avoiding discussing psychological issues, (4) mobilizing a compassionate and advocating community, and (5) seeking spiritual care through religious practices. Our participants used intricate care networks despite limited resources in navigating palliative care. Several problems were rooted in barriers in the healthcare system and a lack of palliative care awareness among the general public. Local primary health centers could be potential palliative care leaders by building upon pre-existing programs and involving community health volunteers. Cultivating a shared philosophy within the community could strengthen care collaboration and support.

Endemic maintenance of human-related hepatitis E virus strains in synurbic wild boars, Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Spain

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), shared by humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, is an emerging global public health threat. Because wild boars are a major reservoir of HEV, the new zoonotic interfaces resulting from wild boar population increase and synurbization significantly contribute to increasing the risk of zoonotic transmission of HEV.This study characterizes HEV strains of synurbic wild boars and assesses their relationship with sympatric human and domestic swine HEV strains. We analyzed the faeces of 312 synurbic wild boars collected from 2016 to 2021 in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (BMA), where there is a high density of wild boars, and found 7 HEV-positive samples among those collected between 2019 and 2020. The molecular analysis of these isolates, along with 6 additional wild boar HEV isolates from a previous study, allowed us to establish a close phylogenetic relationship between these HEV strains and human HEV isolates from sympatric blood donors and domestic pigs from Catalonia. HEV-positive wild boar samples belonged to piglet, juvenile and yearling individuals, but not adults, indicating the endemic maintenance of HEV in the wild boar population of the BMA by naïve young individuals. All wild boar HEV isolates in this study classified within HEV genotype 3.The results show, for the first time, a close molecular similarity between the HEV strains endemically maintained by the synurbic wild boars in the BMA and citizens from the same area and period. The data could also indicate that HEV infection presents a seasonal and interannual variability in wild boars of BMA. Further investigation is required to unveil the HEV transmission routes between synurbic wild boars and sympatric citizens. These findings can serve in other synurbic wildlife-human interfaces throughout the world.

Determining Potential Groundwater Recharge Zones in the North Gujarat Region of Gujarat State Using Techniques of Geoinformatics and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

The rapid increase in population and industrialization has significantly raised the consumption of groundwater resources for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. This study aims to develop groundwater recharge potential zone maps to assist in the construction of artificial recharge structures in the North Gujarat Region of Gujarat, India. An integrated approach of remote sensing (RS), geographical information system (GIS), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) were used to achieve this goal. Influencing factors of groundwater availability included geology, soil, lineament density, slope, rainfall, land use/land cover, geomorphology, and drainage density, were analyzed to delineate potential groundwater recharge zones. each influencing parameter was determined by using Saaty's Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and sub-parameters were ranked according to the AHP scale. A weighted overlay analysis tool in ArcGIS software was employed to map the groundwater recharge potential zones in the North Gujarat region. The classified results of the recharge potential area in the study area consist of excellent (9.93%), good (27.90%), moderate (17.58%), poor (3.92%), and very poor (0.92%) These findings provide valuable insights for effectively planning and managing groundwater resource development in the region.

Black-Spot Identification from Ramol Cross Road to Kathwada Cross Road

Road accidents are a vital issue that is occurring all over the world. Accident severity is increasing with the exponential increase in vehicle population. Accident leads to disability, pain, suffering, grievous injuries, hospitalization expenditure, damage to health and property, social suffering, general degradation of the environment, and, in extreme cases, death. This study aims to identify black spots in the selected stretch involving four major intersections from Ramol crossroad to Kathwada crossroad of Ahmedabad. Data collection consists of collecting past accident data from traffic police station headquarters. The collected data are categorized into fatal accidents, grievous significant accidents, and minor accidents. The data is analyzed using the accident data collected, the Weighted Severity Index (WSI) method, and the PTV Visum software. WSI is estimated for the accident data for the year 2019-2023. By accident analysis, seven black spots were identified in this study. Inspecting the road stretch noted several issues and probable causes of accidents were identified. Poor road conditions, including cracks and potholes, affect road safety. Improper road markings and signs are one of the causes of accidents. The audited road stretch includes recommendations to prevent the number and severity of accidents.

The impact of lethal and sub-lethal exposure of emamectin benzoate on populations of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions

Emamectin benzoate is an avermectin bio-insecticide commonly used for managing several insect pests including Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major polyphagous pest of many cultivated crops. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of emamectin benzoate on the fitness of S. litura populations exhibiting differential susceptibility to insecticide. The selection process and all the bioassays were carried out using 6-day-old 2nd instar larvae of S. litura. A field-collected population of S. litura was divided into two groups: one selected with emamectin benzoate for eight generations (EB-Sel) and the other kept unexposed (Unsel-Lab) to insecticide in the laboratory. An increase in resistance ratio from 1.71-fold in the F1 generation to 22.54-fold in the F8 generation of the EB-Sel population was observed compared to the Unsel-Lab (F8) population. The EB-Sel and Unsel-Lab populations were treated with their respective lethal and sub-lethal concentrations which resulted in an extended development period, decreased larval survival, and adult emergence along with increased morphological abnormalities in adults. Significant reductions were observed in both male and female longevity, fecundity, egg hatching, net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ) in EB-Sel and Unsel-Lab populations. Higher concentrations of the insecticide also reduced the relative fitness (Rf) of S. litura larvae, with maximum effect at LC50 of the EB-Sel population where the Rf value was 0.32 compared to the Unsel-Lab population. Both populations have been affected by emamectin benzoate exposure, however, the impact was more pronounced in the EB-Sel population indicating fitness costs. Our results suggested the fitness cost linked to emamectin benzoate resistance in S. litura which might favor managing insecticide resistance by reducing the frequency of resistant alleles by removing selection pressure. Consequently, our research provides significant insights to devise better pest management strategies for S. litura.

Emerging Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System in the Past Decade: A Literature Review.

Invasive fungal infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) are a major health concern worldwide associated with high mortality rates. Their increased incidence is largely due to an increase in the vulnerable immunocompromised population, changing environmental factors, and development of more accurate diagnostic methods. The aim of this article is to identify fungal causes of CNS infections that are recently emerging or have the potential to become emerging pathogens in the near future, as well as their clinical characteristics, including: Candida auris, Trichosporon spp., Blastomyces spp., Sporothrix spp., Talaromyces marneffei, Lomentospora prolificans, and Scedosporium spp. A review of the literature in PubMed in the last ten years was conducted to identify central nervous system infections caused by each of these fungi. The review identified 10 cases caused by C. auris, 5 cases by Trichosporon spp., 82 cases by Blastomyces spp., 36 cases by Sporothrix spp., 21 cases by T. marneffei, 22 cases by Lomentospora prolificans, and 42 cases by Scedosporium spp. The exact burden of these diseases remains difficult to ascertain, but their apparent rise underscores the urgent need for improved diagnostic, treatment, and management strategies against CNS fungal pathogens to improve outcomes against these life-threatening infections.

Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle in Persons with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease.

Due to the continuous aging of the population and consequent increase in dementia, focus on its prevention is of growing importance for public health. Since effective pharmacological treatments are not yet available, other determinants of cognitive decline have become fundamental. Several studies have indicated that the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is associated with reduced incident cognitive decline and dementia, but few studies have been conducted in persons already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We age-matched 73 patients with mild-moderate AD with 73 controls (mean age for the whole group = 76.5 ± 6.5; 67.5% women). The cases had a significantly lower adherence to the MedDiet and lower physical activity vs. controls, where only one participant (1.4%) had a high adherence to the MedDiet among cases compared to 5.5% among controls, while 52.5% of the cases had a moderate adherence to the MedDiet vs. 82.2% in controls. In multivariate analysis, only the presence of AD was significantly associated with a lower adherence to the MedDiet vs. controls. Other factors examined (gender, age, physical activity level, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy) were not significantly associated with adherence to the MedDiet. Thus, AD patients had a low adherence to the MedDiet and very low physical activity. Public health strategies aimed at promoting the Mediterranean diet and physical activity for older people should be a priority.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of Korean red ginseng extract as immune-enhancer in Vietnamese adults: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Purpose: To investigate the safety and immune-enhancing effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract in Vietnamese adults. Methods: Participants in this randomized, placebo-controlled double-blinded study were administered either 960 mg of KRG extract (n = 51) or placebo capsules (n = 50) for 12 weeks at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam. The KRG extract was standardized to contain 5.27 mg of 3 ginsenosides (Rg1, Rb1, and Rg3) per gram. Blood samples for assessment of treatment effectiveness were collected from the subjects on days 21 and 84. Immune cytokines were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples for safety assessment, hematological and biochemical variables, and urinalysis were performed at the beginning and end of the intervention (days 21 and 84, respectively). Results: The KRG group showed a significant increase in lymph T cell % at the end of the 12-week intervention (p &lt; 0.001). There were significant decreases in numbers of white blood cells (WBC) and natural killer (NK) cells in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in populations of WBC and NK cells between the 2 groups. Serum concentrations of cytokines, i.e., TNF-α, β, γ; IFN- α, γ; IL-1β and 4β were decreased in the KRG group when compared to baseline values. There were no probable or definite adverse events (AEs) related to KRG. A total of 9 participants (4 in KRG group and 5 in placebo group) tested positive for COVID-19 during the trial. Conclusion: The KRG extract-induced increase in population of T-cells and reductions in cytokine levels following a 12-week exposure may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients.

Coupling Relationships and Driving Mechanisms of Water–Energy–Food in China from the Perspective of Supply and Demand Security

The rapid increase in population and economy, coupled with accelerated urbanization, is placing immense pressure on the water–energy–food (WEF) system. In this context, the water–energy–food nexus framework has emerged, recognizing the interdependencies and interactions among water, energy, and food systems, with the aim of optimizing resource management through cross-sectoral collaboration to promote sustainable development. Understanding the spatio-temporal differentiation patterns of the WEF nexus and elucidating the driving mechanisms behind changes in their coupling relationships is essential. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring the security of each subsystem and enhancing the overall sustainability of interconnected systems through coordinated efforts. To address these challenges, this study first established evaluation indicators for water, energy, and food security to quantify their levels and spatio-temporal dynamics. Subsequently, the degrees of coupling coordination within the WEF nexus were calculated. Finally, the WEF nexus’s spatial correlations were analyzed by using a spatial autocorrelation model. Spatial econometric models then identified key factors affecting its coordination. The results revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in water, energy, and food security across mainland China’s provinces. From 2002 to 2022, water security improved substantially in 87% of the provinces, while energy security began to improve in the eastern regions following a phase of high consumption. Food security saw significant enhancements, particularly in Inner Mongolia and the northeastern provinces. The overall coupling coordination of the WEF nexus improved across 30 provinces, progressing toward primary coordination. However, Henan and Anhui provinces experienced fluctuations in WEF nexus coordination. Spatial correlation analysis showed upward trends and increased clustering in WEF nexus coordination. Factors such as economic development and population positively influenced coordination, while economic agglomeration, education, and effective irrigation area had negative effects. This study elucidates the complex interconnections and key influencing factors within the WEF nexus, providing a reference framework and practical recommendations for equitable resource management.