Preventive Actions Research Articles

Black raspberry modulates cecal and oral microbiome at the early stage of a dibenzo[def,p]chrysene-induced murine oral cancer model.

While tobacco smoking is a risk factor in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), only a fraction of smokers develop the disease. Compelling evidence shows that microbial community composition is associated with carcinogenesis, suggesting that the microbiome may play a role in cancer development of smokers. We previously showed that black raspberry (BRB) protects against OSCC induced by the tobacco constituent dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBP) altering genetic and epigenetic markers in a manner consistent with its cancer preventive activity. In the present study, we conducted a mouse experiment to investigate the effects of BRB and DBP individually and in combination on the oral and gut microbiota. DBP-induced DNA damage in the mouse oral cavity which is an essential step for the development of OSCC in mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that BRB significantly increased microbial diversity and shifted microbiome composition in the gut and oral cavity, whereas DBP had no significant effect. In both gut and oral microbiota, Akkermansia muciniphila was significantly reduced after BRB treatment; however, this was not consistent with pure culture in vitro assays suggesting that the impact of BRB on A. muciniphila may be mediated through indirect mechanisms including the host or other microbes. Indeed BRB, but not DBP, was found to modulate the growth kinetics of human gut microbes in vitro including lactic acid bacteria and Bacteroides spp. The results of the current study further emphasize the interplay of microbiome and environmental factors in the development and prevention of OSCC.

Education in lifestyle medicine for future physicians - a strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

There is a compelling need to improve all physicians' knowledge on lifestyle medicine (LM). This training needs to start early during medical education. This case report describes the feasibility and effects of integrating LM into an existing core curriculum of a Swedish undergraduate medical programme. A curriculum development project was organized using a six-step model: general needs assessment, targeted needs assessment, goals and objectives, educational strategies, implementation, and evaluation. New learning objectives regarding health, prevention and lifestyle medicine were formulated throughout the five-and-a-half-year programme. Learning activities and examinations were integrated in all courses with a structured progression and with focus on preventive activities in the workplace learning. The project was evaluated using student surveys of curricular quality, teacher survey of curricular content and integration in 2020, and an external review of adherence to the national qualitative target on preventive medicine. The project was executed during 2017-2018. Course evaluations and exit poll at graduation showed an overall high-quality student rating of education in prevention and in lifestyle counselling: on average, a score of 4.1/5 and 4.1/6, respectively. The teacher survey showed that over 70% of courses had a lasting increase in LM curricular content and that this content was to a large extent integrated into the existing course material. The external review concluded that the topic was well covered and integrated into the curriculum. LM could be successfully integrated into an existing medical programme curriculum with positive effects on student learning.

Binge drinking in American Indian Alaskan Native college attending students.

American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) populations have the highest rate of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Binge drinking is a known predecessor of AUD and is prevalent in college-attending populations. However, little is known about the prevalence and risk factors related to AIAN college student binge drinking. The current study examines prevalence of binge drinking and association with socio-demographic features, other substance use, exposure to discrimination and feelings of belonging within collegiate institutions. Data were collected by the Healthy Minds Study. Present analyses were restricted to 2- and 4-year college attending students in the 2021-2022 academic year who identified as AIAN (n = 1383). We used descriptive, bivariate and multivariate Poisson weighted models to evaluate distributions and associations of binge drinking, age, gender, socioeconomic status, degree program, military experience, substance use, sexual assault, discrimination, and feelings of belonging within the institution. In the prior 2 weeks, 26.3% of AIAN students reported binge drinking. Binge drinking commonly overlapped with other substance use. AIAN students aged 21-34 reported the highest rates of binge drinking, as did students pursuing bachelor's degrees. AIAN students who identified as trans or queer gender were less likely to report binge drinking, while across gender identities those reporting sexual assault or racial discrimination were more likely to report binge drinking in multivariate analyses. There are multiple factors associated with binge drinking, representing individual and contextual influences on AIAN students. Developing prevention and intervention activities to address overlap in substance use and high concurrence of sexual assault and binge drinking are critical. Additionally, colleges must make concerted efforts to reduce racial discrimination and be more inclusive of AIAN students to reduce institutional-based features that exacerbate risk.

A Review of Cutting-Edge Sensor Technologies for Improved Flood Monitoring and Damage Assessment

Floods are the most destructive, widespread, and frequent natural hazards. The extent of flood events is accelerating in the context of climate change, where flood management and disaster mitigation remain important long-term issues. Different studies have been utilizing data and images from various types of sensors for mapping, assessment, forecasting, early warning, rescue, and other disaster prevention and mitigation activities before, during, and after floods, including flash floods, coastal floods, and urban floods. These monitoring processes evolved from early ground-based observations relying on in situ sensors to high-precision, high-resolution, and high-coverage monitoring by airborne and remote sensing sensors. In this study, we have analyzed the different kinds of sensors from the literature review, case studies, and other methods to explore the development history of flood sensors and the driving role of floods in different countries. It is found that there is a trend towards the integration of flood sensors with artificial intelligence, and their state-of-the-art determines the effectiveness of local flood management to a large extent. This study helps to improve the efficiency of flood monitoring advancement and flood responses as it explores the different types of sensors and their effectiveness.

Characterizing caregiver attitudes to optimize pediatric vehicular heatstroke campaigns.

Since 1998; approximately 1,000 US children have died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH; i.e., children overheating in vehicles). As the frequency of cases have largely remained unchanged over time, there is a need for novel research that can inform effective PVH prevention efforts, such as awareness campaigns. The objective of this project was to characterize caregivers' opinions about existing PVH campaigns and thoughts about what future campaigns should look like. We conducted 4 virtual focus groups (16 participants total). Groups discussed broad childhood injury topics, as well as PVH. Groups also viewed existing communication campaigns for a variety of injury topics and provided their perspectives on what future campaigns focused on PVH should contain. All focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Two independent coders reviewed and coded transcripts, which were developed and applied using a directed-content approach. We then created code summaries, which were used to develop themes. Themes were: (1) PVH differs from other injuries, (2) Campaigns should be short, educational, practical, and include diverse populations/subjects, and (3) Campaigns should be placed where caregivers are with their children. Caregivers acknowledged they were misinformed about their PVH risk; providing them with real-world statistics changed their views about if they should adopt preventative actions. Participants voiced communicating this risk to caregivers with actions they can take to reduce their risk in future campaigns is important to promote widespread adoption of preventative measures. Based on results, we recommend future campaigns consider the IDEA framework when developing novel PVH campaigns.

Development and validation of VTE prevention beliefs questionnaire for neurosurgical hospitalized patients based on HBM: a cross-sectional study

Patients hospitalized for neurosurgical procedures are highly susceptible to venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is crucial to evaluate the prevention beliefs of VTE among neurosurgical inpatients and analyse the influencing factors. This research sought to create an instrument grounded in the Health Belief Model (HBM) to evaluate the beliefs about VTE prevention and the factors influencing these beliefs among neurosurgical inpatients. A questionnaire comprising 28 questions was designed, validated, and distributed offline to 386 neurosurgical inpatients through random sampling. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 27.0. The measurement model was assessed through reliability, validity, and confirmatory factor analyses. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to identify the factors influencing VTE prevention beliefs. Statistical significance was determined by P values less than 0.05. The questionnaire encompassed six constructs, all of which exhibited strong internal consistency along with solid convergent and discriminant validity. VTE prevention beliefs score among neurosurgical inpatients was 99.56 (SD = 10.11). Among the belief dimensions, the scoring rate of perceived benefits and cues to action ranked highest, while perceived barriers were the lowest. The influencing factors of VTE prevention beliefs were educational attainment (β = 0.343, P < 0.001), receipt of VTE knowledge education from healthcare providers (β = 0.214, P < 0.001), Personal history of VTE (β = 0.175, P < 0.001), surgical history (β = 0.116, P < 0.01), sources of VTE-related information (β = 0.113, P < 0.01) and method of paying medical expenses (β = 0.112, P < 0.05). The questionnaire showed strong reliability and validity, and the results indicating that neurosurgical inpatients hold moderate beliefs about VTE prevention. While they recognize its benefits, barriers to preventive behaviors persist. Addressing these barriers and enhancing self-efficacy through targeted education and interventions is key to improving VTE prevention awareness and actions.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: assessment and actions for nurses working in service users' homes.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons such as gas or coal. Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with high levels of mortality and morbidity, although the symptoms of exposure are non-specific and difficult to diagnose. Historically, healthcare professionals who work directly in service users' homes have faced a higher risk of exposure to environments contaminated with carbon monoxide. Despite improved heating engineering and greater protective legislation, there still remains a tangible risk for community nurses and service users, particularly in homes still using open fires, old heating systems and poorly maintained heating appliances. This article provides a scientific summary of carbon monoxide poisoning for nurses working in the community setting. It outlines evidence-based guidance on prevention and initial treatment actions, along with safety instructions to follow in the event of exposure to carbon monoxide.

Neutrophil Elastase, Neuron-Specific Enolase, and S100B Protein as Potential Markers of Long-Term Complications Caused by COVID-19 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Advanced Stage of Diabetic Nephropathy (NfT2DM)—Observational Studies

Despite numerous studies conducted by various research teams, predicting long-term outcomes (known as Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, PCS) that may result from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains challenging. PCS affects over a million people, primarily those with comorbid conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake research aimed at developing a predictive model for early diagnosis of PCS, which in turn would enable faster preventive actions. The aim of this study was to assess the value of measuring and attempt a quantitative evaluation using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests of three non-serum proteins, whose presence in the blood during COVID-19 was associated with severe disease progression: neutrophil elastase (NE), calcium-binding protein S100B, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The concentrations of these proteins were measured in blood serum samples collected before the COVID-19 pandemic from (1) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM); (2) advanced stage diabetic nephropathy (NfT2DM); (3) a healthy group; and in blood serum samples collected two years after recovering from COVID-19 from patients with (4) T2DM and (5) NfT2DM. It was found that elevated levels of NE and NSE were significantly more common (p &lt; 0.05) in patients with NfT2DM after recovering from COVID-19 compared to the other groups, while elevated levels of S100B were significantly more frequently observed in patients with T2DM after recovering from COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.05). Demonstrating differences in the prevalence of NE, NSE, and S100B in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 with T2DM and NfT2DM makes these proteins important components of the developing predictive model for early detection of PCS. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the significance of NE, NSE, and S100B in PCS in the context of T2DM and NfT2DM.

A survey of US and Caribbean veterinary schools reveals strengths and opportunities in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control activities.

To understand antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and infection prevention and control (IPC) activities in veterinary schools. An online survey was completed by representatives from American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges-accredited veterinary schools in the US and Caribbean prior to attending the Inaugural Small Animal Antimicrobial Stewardship Workshop for US Veterinary Schools. Responses were examined to identify patterns among AS and IPC activities and adherence to the AVMA core principles. Half (12 of 24) of the surveyed schools had an AS committee and most (79% [19 of 24]) had an IPC committee. Lack of dedicated staff time was a common barrier to AS (88% [21 of 24]) and IPC (75% [18 of 24]) reported by schools both with and without AS and IPC committees. Eleven of 24 schools (46%) reported performing at least 1 activity focused on each of the AVMA's 5 core principles of AS. Although 79% (19 of 24) of schools incorporate AS into preclinical curricula, training of clinical faculty (17% [4 of 24]), veterinary technicians and support staff (21% [5 of 24]), and house officers (42% [10 of 24]) is less common, despite these individuals engaging in teaching clinical-year veterinary students. Veterinary schools varied in established AS education and AS and IPC practices, though financial and human resources were a common barrier. A collaborative and cohesive approach to AS and IPC among schools to create sustainable frameworks for practice improvement will help combat the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. This is a critical action for settings where future veterinarians are trained.

Impacts of prescribed fire and mechanical shredding of aboveground vegetation for fire prevention on ecosystem properties, structure, functions and overall multi-functionality of a semi-arid pine forest

Ecosystem multi-functionality is a key concept when measured to protect forests from natural and anthropogenic disturbances, such as fire prevention techniques, must be adopted. Despite this importance, scarce studies have analysed the impacts of prescribed burning and aboveground vegetation management on ecosystem functions and overall multi-functionality. To fill this gap, this study has evaluated the changes in some ecosystem properties and structure (associated with soil characteristics and plant diversity, respectively), in important forest functions, and the overall ecosystem multi-functionality in a Mediterranean pine forest of Castilla La Mancha (Central Eastern Spain) under three site conditions: (i) undisturbed ecosystem; (ii) forest subjected to mechanical shredding of aboveground vegetation (hereafter “AVMS”); and (iii) forest treated as above and then with prescribed fire (“AVMS + PF”). The results of the study have shown that neither the PF nor AVMS have significantly modified the structure, properties and functions as well as the overall multi-functionality of the forest ecosystem. These slight impacts of the treatments are due to the low fire severity of the prescribed burning and the long time elapsed from the vegetation management. Among the studied ecosystem functions, organic matter decomposition (driven by the enzymatic activities and soil basal respiration), water cycle (influenced by soil water content and water infiltration), carbon stock (linked to soil organic matter) and biomass production decreased, when species richness and plant diversity increased. The study is useful to indicate the feasibility of forest management actions for fire prevention in delicate forest ecosystems of the Mediterranean environments.

Changes in the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in Sindh province, Pakistan: Findings from two sero-surveys in 2007 and 2019.

Pakistan harbours a large burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We utilised repeat sero-surveys to assess progress achieved towards hepatitis elimination in Pakistan. Multilevel logistic regression evaluated the change in HBV infection (HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive) prevalence and HCV exposure (HCV antibody (HCV-Ab)-positive) prevalence between two sero-surveys from 2007 and 2019 for Sindh province and associated risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated and population-attributable fractions (PAF) for modifiable risk factors for HCV exposure. The 2007 and 2019 surveys included 8855 and 6672 individuals. HBsAg prevalence decreased from 2.6% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 2.2-2.9) in 2007 to 1.1% (95% CI: 0.8-1.3) in 2019, while HCV-Ab prevalence increased from 5.1% (95% CI: 4.6%-5.5%) to 6.2% (95% CI: 5.6%-6.8%). The age and gender-adjusted HBsAg prevalence decreased by 80% (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4) among children and 60% (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.6) among adults over 2007-2019, while HCV-Ab prevalence decreased by 60% (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI:0.2-0.7) in children and increased by 40% (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7) in adults. HCV-Ab prevalence was lower in adults with secondary (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8) and higher (aOR = 0.5, 95%CI:0.3-0.8) education compared to illiterates and higher among adults reporting blood transfusion (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4), family history of hepatitis (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.9-3.3), past year medical injection (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6-2.7), being tattooed (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.9) and shaved by traditional barber (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.5). Modifiable risk factors accounted for 45% of HCV exposure, with medical injection(s) accounting for 38% (95%CI,25.7-48.4%). Overall HCV has increased over 2007-2019 in Sindh province, while HBV prevalence has decreased. Medical injections should be an important focus of prevention activities.

Vedic astrological factors for human immunodeficiency virus transmission within male individuals with sexual orientation as homosexual

Background: For almost more than 70 years, the modern science had labeled homosexuality as a mental disorder and was part of DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) until the fifth edition was released in the year 2013 and homosexuality was removed from the mental disorder list. Despite of the removal of homosexuality along with all kind of sexual orientation from mental disorder, it is still being considered taboo in the society. From Sanatana Dharma perspective, homosexuality is very well mentioned in multiple scriptures. In Vedic Astrology as well, this homosexuality along with diseases due to sexual intercourse is being described. In this modern era, one of the most common disease due to sexual intercourse is HIV. Although, HIV is considered relatively new transmission due to its first scientific mention in the late twentieth century, the symptoms and overall nature of this disease is clearly described in Vedic Astrology. Finding: This research paper is an extension of the existing research paper in the field of Vedic Astrology especially in the field of Vedic Astrology focusing on HIV transmission. A total of 314 HIV positive samples was collected from 18 countries selected from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa as well as Australia in order to have a coverage of all the continents. All these HIV positive people belong to LGBT community, to be very specific Gay (homosexuals) and have been identified as HIV transmission due to anal intercourse with another Gay partner. The Astrological Natal Chart were analyzed for all these 314 samples against the KIRAN sutra (5 thumb rules) to find the possibility of HIV based on the sutras i.e. rules. Out of 314 samples, 310 charts fit the criteria (KIRA sutra) mentioned in the KIRAN sutra for HIV transmission. 4 samples were not checked against the criteria (N) due to insufficient Nakshatra-Pada i.e. Constellation-Phase coverage along with the complex nature of the Nakshatra sutra i.e. N sutra of KIRAN sutra. The result indicates that the KIRAN sutra is very effective sutra even to identify the HIV transmission from male-to-male partner with an accuracy of 98.73% (310 cases out of 314 cases) using only 4 sutras i.e. KIRA. Conclusion: The research is an effort to raise awareness and to help males with homosexual orientation to identify whether they are highly prone to HIV or not using their Vedic Astrological Natal Chart so that they can take preventive action. A new yoga i.e. Samalaingika Yauna Sankramaṇa Yoga is being introduced in the field of Medical Astrology focusing on males with sexual orientation as homosexual, commonly known as Gay in LGBT community in order to support Gays living a HIV free life without judging their sexual orientation. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study introduces the application of the KIRAN sutra from Vedic Astrology as a predictive method for assessing HIV transmission risk in homosexual men, achieving an accuracy rate of 98.73%, along with the introduction of a new configuration, Samalaingika Yauna Sankramaṇa Yoga.

The sexual behaviors of young Polish women and their knowledge about contraception

Introduction. With the increasing trend of early sexual activity among adolescents, contraception has become a crucial topic. Poland ranks last in the Contraceptive Atlas, as the country with the poorest access to contraception methods and information. This results in a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young people, leading to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Adequate sexual education is a key element in promoting sexual health, enabling informed contraceptive choices based on medical knowledge. The responsibility for sexual education lies not only with parents but also with educators, pedagogues, doctors, and governmental bodies. Aim. To assess knowledge about contraception and investigate the sexual behaviors of women aged 15-25, comparing the results with available literature and indicating possible preventive actions in the studied area. Material and methods. An anonymous electronic survey was conducted among women aged 15-25 from across Poland. The survey was distributed on various internet groups, primarily comprising students. It included closed-ended questions verifying knowledge of the topic under study and a demographic section. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Statistica and Microsoft Excel. Results. The average age of sexual initiation among respondents was 17.84±1.96 years, with one-third of them yet to engage in sexual activity. The majority of respondents (58%) had 1 to 3 sexual partners, and with increasing age and education level, the percentage of those with a higher number of sexual partners increased. The most popular contraceptive methods among respondents were barrier methods, combined oral contraceptive pills, and a combination of barrier and hormonal methods. The main sources of contraceptive information for the respondents were the internet, gynecologists, and scientific literature. Almost all respondents were aware of the definition of contraception, but only half were aware of the Pearl Index. Less than half of the respondents could identify the most effective contraceptive method, while almost all correctly identified the least effective method. The knowledge of the majority of respondents was assessed as moderate, good, or very good. Conclusions. Despite the generally good knowledge of contraception among the majority of respondents, there are still gaps that need to be filled. Due to the progressively decreasing age of sexual initiation, education on contraception is a priority that will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases in the future.

Improving the Knowledge of the Pest Scaptocoris castanea Perty (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Cydnidae), Further Information for its Early Detection and Prevention Based on Ecological Niche Modeling

Scaptocoris castanea Perty is an important soil-borne pest that attacks roots of various crops in all its stages. In South America it is widely distributed and in North America there are two isolated records registered more than 40 years ago. Early detection and prevention are key features for pest management; therefore, having a detailed understanding of the life cycle and knowing how to identify all the stages of the invader is essential. Despite the importance of S. castanea in agriculture, there are no descriptions or illustrations to aid the identification of its nymphs so here we describe and illustrate the fifth instar. To prevent its expansion it is important to know where the species is and where it could get established. We explored if the North American records might belong to established populations and two possible scenarios could have occur either they were accidental catches or they belong to established populations adapted to novel climates as they are in regions where the environmental conditions are outside the range of those where the species is established. The regions we identified where it could get established and preventive actions should be taken are in Belize, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. Finally, the extent of the regions it could invade in the next two decades are very different depending on the capacity of the species to adapt to novel climates.

Prioritization of Evaluation Items for Industrial Accident Prevention Factors Using the Fuzzy TOPSIS Technique

With the rapid progress of industrialization, serious accidents have frequently occurred at industrial sites. Despite the existence of several laws and regulations for preventing industrial accidents, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, social criticism has been raised regarding their inefficiency. To address this issue, the Serious Accident Punishment Act was implemented. The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Safety and Health Agency have prepared and implemented various industrial accident prevention measures and programs; however, the number of industrial accidents has not decreased. Therefore, new evaluation criteria must be introduced when establishing policies or systems to prevent industrial accidents. This study introduces evaluation items used in Europe and the United States as industrial accident prevention items for assessing industrial accident prevention projects and proposes a plan to select priorities for these items by applying the fuzzy TOPSIS technique. Prioritization was determined by calculating four evaluation criteria and ten industrial accident prevention items using a 7-point linguistic scale. Our results allow for the simultaneous consideration of several industrial accident prevention items. Thus, various aspects of industrial accident prevention activities can be comprehensively evaluated, enhancing the effectiveness and execution of safety and health management, thereby helping to reduce industrial accidents.

Analisis Sistem dan Kebijakan Pendidikan Islam tentang Penggunaan Dana Bantuan Operasional Sekolah (BOS)

This article aims to analyze the Islamic education system and policy on the use of BOS funds. This study uses a literature study method with a systematic approach to identify and analyze relevant sources related to the research focus. The data source is taken from scientific journals, books, and academic publications published in the last 10 years, using an online database, namely Google Scholar. The collected data is analyzed qualitatively to identify the main themes and trends in related research. The results of the analysis show that the use of BOS funds is intended for all routine school operating costs, while construction costs do not come from BOS. Abuse in the management of BOS funds is found in several regions, the most frequent cases are the inflating of the number of students, misuse of funds, and even falsification of data and news which often include newspapers about the misappropriation of BOS funds. This can also be triggered by the current system, weak supervision and lack of community participation, thus causing the purpose of the BOS subsidy itself to be less and tend to reduce its usefulness. For this reason, preventive actions are needed from every institution and element of this nation for the progress and effective management of BOS funds

COVID time: Temporal imaginaries and pandemic materialities.

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, several ways of understanding time have emerged: what we may call 'COVID time'. Based on 40 qualitative online interviews in 2022 with Australians living across the continent, this article examines how people situated themselves and COVID-19 in historical time. It further explores how material aspects, place and space (or "pandemic materialities") factored into lived experiences and temporal imaginaries. We focus on how time-related concepts such as synchronisation and the definition of crises and events are interrelated in the participants' understandings of COVID as either over or a continuing crisis. The sociomaterial dimensions that served to alert people to risk and encourage them to engage in preventive action are identified as ways in which COVID time was experienced, remembered, understood and imagined. While some respondents claimed that the present moment was 'post-COVID', for others, the pandemic was far from over in 2022 and indeed stretched into the future. We use a sociomaterial lens to show how respondents portray the 'temporal technologies' and 'objectifications' of the event of COVID-19-the tangible materialisations of its temporal status as either relegated to the past or continuing as a mode of present and future crisis.

Suitable temperature indicator for adverse health impacts in sub-tropical cities: a case study in Hong Kong from 2010-2019.

Heat-health warning systems and services are important preventive actions for extreme heat, however, global evidence differs on which temperature indicator is more informative for heat-health outcomes. We comprehensively assessed temperature predictors on their summer associations with adverse health impacts in a high-density subtropical city. Maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures were examined on their associations with non-cancer mortality and hospital admissions in Hong Kong during summer seasons 2010-2019 using Generalized Additive Models and Distributed Lag Non-linear Models. In summary, mean and minimum temperatures were identified as strong indicators for mortality, with a relative risk(RR) and 95% confidence interval(CI) of 1.037 (1.006-1.069) and 1.055 (1.019-1.092), respectively, at 95th percentile vs. optimal temperature. Additionally, minimum temperatures captured the effects of hospital admissions, RR1.009 (95%CI: 1.000- 1.018). In stratified analyses, significant associations were found for older adults, female sex, and respiratory-related outcomes. For comparison, there was no association between maximum temperature and health outcomes. With climate change and projected increase of night-time warming, the findings from this comprehensive assessment method are useful to strengthen heat prevention strategies and enhance heat-health warning systems. Other locations could refer to this comprehensive method to evaluate their heat risk, especially in highly urbanized environments and subtropical cities.

Prevalence Rates and Predictors for Smoking Cigarettes Among Adolescents Attending School in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

Substance use is a growing problem among young people in sub-Saharan Africa who increasingly adopt the habit of smoking cigarettes. The aim was to analyse prevalence rates and identify predictors for cigarette smoking among school-attending adolescents in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. In June 2017, a survey questionnaire was implemented in 16 schools in a class-based, random sample of 2039 adolescents aged 14–19 (52% girls). The chi-square (p &lt; 0.05) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential explanatory variables for the dependent variables were introduced into a multinomial logistic regression model, and p-values were transformed to LogWorth values. The prevalence rate for lifetime smoking experience was 14.8%, 4.0% for occasional smoking (&lt;30 days), and 2.4% for daily smoking. The most significant predictors for cigarette smoking included having friends who smoke, being a boy, attending a private school, smoking initiation at a young age, other substance use, and violent behaviour. It is imperative to initiate preventive actions against smoking and other use of tobacco in Guinea-Bissau. Considering the significant impact of the peer group, policymakers need to engage young people in developing primary prevention strategies to curb the use of tobacco and other substances.

Life course prevention - challenges for public health lying ahead

Abstract Issue/problem Demographic and epidemiological transitions have now shifted the focus from vulnerable population groups onto the active population, in particular young adults. At the same time lessons from the covid-19 pandemic taught us about missing actions on the elderly. While the latter have shown compliance and have followed most preventative activities, we observe scepticism and reluctance in the young adults. Description of the problem The covid-19 pandemic showed that young to middle-aged adults were the most reluctant group to adhere to preventative measures but in complying to the recommendations concerning vaccination. Since European activities are now focusing on addressing determinants of NCDs and are hoping to mobilise all population strata, including young and middle-aged adults, it would be important to explore how this mindset might affect the overall attitude to prevention. Results Health policy should explore specifically the needs of young to middle-aged adults (e.g. ages 30 to 44) to list their specific needs, expectations from preventative activities. On the other hand, it would be necessary to find out about the concerns, reluctance, and objections. The interplay of these will play a significant role in acceptance of present and future preventative activities. Exploration on these topics presents the following challenges: 1. Multiple sources of information on given health problems; 2. Lack of structured accessible and well-understandable explanations of advantages and benefits; 3. Inappropriate communication by health professionals or agencies on their behalf; 4. Complexity of the problem, which is then translated into complex and not easily understood messages. Lessons Learning about the specific needs of young adults, their expectations from the health systems in terms of prevention and health care as these will shape their overall attitude to prevention and have an impact on their families, particularly children. Key messages • Knowledge about expectations, needs, concerns, and reserves with respect to prevention is essential for the future activities on prevention. • Involving young and middle-aged adults in the preparation of the future preventative activities for their population groups is essential.