Health Effects Research Articles

Assessment of the Physicochemical Properties of Ultrafine Particles (UFP) from Vehicular Emissions in a Commercial Parking Garage: Potential Health Implications.

Vehicular emissions are a major culprit in the rise of urban air pollution. The particulate matter (PM) emitted from vehicular sources includes primarily ultrafine particles (UFPs) with aerodynamic diameters less than 0.1 µm (PM0.1) and is linked to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Despite this knowledge, few exposure assessment studies exist that detail the physicochemical properties of PM in parking garages. In this study, airborne PM emitted by vehicles in a parking garage of a hospital in New Jersey was sampled, during winter and summer seasons, and physicochemically characterized. The results indicate that the mass concentrations of the UFPs in the garage were 2.51 µg/m3 and 3.59 µg/m3, respectively. These UFPs contained a large percentage of elemental carbon and toxic elements. They also contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), having deleterious health effects. An inhalation particle modeling revealed that 23.61% of these UFPs are deposited in the pulmonary region of the lung, translating to a dose of 10.67 µg for winter and 15.25 µg for summer, over a typical 40 h work week. These high deposited levels of UFPs and their complex chemistry levels further warrant the need for toxicological assessment of UFPs related to vehicular emissions.

Comparisons of mental health treatment frequency and risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth

Suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, or transitional age youth, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are among the top predictors of suicide. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of low versus high frequency mental health (MH) specialist visits at preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among adolescents and transitional age youth receiving combined psychotherapy and psychotropic medication treatment in a culturally-diverse community health system in the United States. Between 2010–2020, we identified 4,888 individuals (12–25 years) with MH disorders who received at least one outpatient psychotherapy visit and one psychotropic medication order during their index treatment month. In the 10–12 months following the index month, unadjusted STBs were higher (3.20 %; 95 % CI 0.49 %, 5.89 %; p < 0.001) in youth with consistently high frequency MH specialist visits (4.40 %) relative to low (1.20 %). After balancing time-varying covariates, STBs were lower, but not statistically different in the consistently high relative to low group (Diff=-1.93 %; 95 % CI -4.56 %, 0.70 %; p = 0.150). Such adjustment for confounding by mental health severity indicators may strengthen evaluations of community-based treatment in diverse populations, where conventional randomization is impossible.

Measurement of Health Services Vocational School Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors About Radon: Van Province Example

Almost 50% of the natural radiation that is constantly present in our environment is caused by radon gas and its short-lived decay products. Radon (222Rn) is a gas and can become trapped in closed spaces and rise to dangerous levels. Because 222Rn is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it is impossible to detect without special equipment and may not be perceived as a health risk by the public due to these properties. It is important to investigate individual risk perception in order to prevent the negative health effects of radon. In this study, which aimed to determine the knowledge and awareness of students studying in Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging Programs regarding radon gas, a survey consisting of 15 questions was applied to the participants. According to the findings, 54.2% of the participants stated that they had heard of radon and 51.1% stated that radon was harmful. The rate of those who responded that school was their source of information was 33.3%, and most of them were 2nd grade students. The rate of those who did not know the causes of radon in residences was 47%. Although the proportion of those who think that radon testing should be done in homes is high (86.3%), there are many who do not know how to test (94%). The study showed that the level of knowledge about radon among the participants is not high enough. Considering the carcinogenic effect of radon, there is a need to create more awareness among the members of the society.

What is the potential of walnut shell-derived carbon in battery applications?

The environmental implications of utilizing walnut shells (WSs) as a material for energy storage are complex, balanced between advancing technologies and improving efficiency. This review aims to address, for the first time, environmental concerns and health effects associated with this material by conducting an in-depth analysis of carbon materials derived from waste management systems. Beginning with a reevaluation of the structural characteristics, cellular morphology, and physicochemical properties of WSs, this study explores their potential for the efficient synthesis of carbon. By examining various methods for the production of WS-derived materials such as hard carbon, we demonstrate the multifaceted nature of WS biomass as a resource. Subsequently, we shift our focus to ion storage mechanisms in the carbon source (C-S), including storage sensitivity, ion intercalation in micropores, and layer intercalation. An electrochemical analysis of the carbon source reveals its potential applications in energy storage systems. Furthermore, life cycle analysis was employed to assess the environmental impact and economic viability of WS utilization. The findings of the analysis suggest that one of the most valuable attributes of WSs is their potential for creating more environmentally sustainable materials, encouraging researchers to promote the use of green components in sodium batteries. This review underscores, for the first time, the significance of WSs in the field of carbon energy storage and their potential to enhance future prospects. The substantial opportunities in this area warrant further research and development, highlighting the relevance of WS-derived materials in advancing sustainable energy storage solutions.

A Physically Constrained Deep-Learning Fusion Method for Estimating Surface NO2 Concentration from Satellite and Ground Monitors.

Accurate estimation of atmospheric chemical concentrations from multiple observations is crucial for assessing the health effects of air pollution. However, existing methods are limited by imbalanced samples from observations. Here, we introduce a novel deep-learning model-measurement fusion method (DeepMMF) constrained by physical laws inferred from a chemical transport model (CTM) to estimate NO2 concentrations over the Continental United States (CONUS). By pretraining with spatiotemporally complete CTM simulations, fine-tuning with satellite and ground measurements, and employing a novel optimization strategy for selecting proper prior emission, DeepMMF delivers improved NO2 estimates, showing greater consistency and daily variation alignment with observations (with NMB reduced from -0.3 to -0.1 compared to original CTM simulations). More importantly, DeepMMF effectively addressed the sample imbalance issue that causes overestimation (by over 100%) of downwind or rural concentrations in other methods. It achieves a higher R2 of 0.98 and a lower RMSE of 1.45 ppb compared to surface NO2 observations, overperforming other approaches, which show R2 values of 0.4-0.7 and RMSEs of 3-6 ppb. The method also offers a synergistic advantage by adjusting corresponding emissions, in agreement with changes (-10% to -20%) reported in the NEI between 2019 and 2020. Our results demonstrate the great potential of DeepMMF in data fusion to better support air pollution exposure estimation and forecasting.

Firefighters’ occupational exposure to air pollution: impact on COPD and asthma—study protocol

IntroductionFirefighting continues to be among the most hazardous yet least studied occupations in terms of the impact of exposure to occupational disease. In particular, firefighters are at increased risk of...

Effect of Fiber Drink Consumption Containing Glucomannan and Isomaltooligosaccharide on Digesta Profile and Gut Microbiota

Dietary fibers have long been recognized for their numerous health benefits, including supporting gut health, aiding in weight management, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Glucomannan, derived from konjac and porang tubers, has gained attention for its diverse health-promoting properties. However, its application in beverages is limited due to its high viscosity. Combining glucomannan with isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) is suggested to synergistically enhance functionality, particularly improving gastrointestinal health. This study investigates the functional effects of porang glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide-containing fiber drinks (GIFD) on body weight, feed intake, digesta profiles (digesta weight, moisture content, pH) and gut microbiota using in vivo method. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, including control, inulin, and 2 doses of glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide fiber drink (GIFD). Rats were fed with AIN-93M. Adaptation was carried out for 5 days followed by 28 days of intervention. Results indicate that GIFD consumption led to reduced feed intake, likely due to increased satiety effects and glucomannan’s gel-forming ability, resulting in lower body weight gain compared to other groups. While GIFD did not significantly alter digesta weight and moisture contents, it significantly decreased pH values. Analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) showed a shift in propionic acid levels, suggesting a beneficial effect on weight control. Moreover, GIFD treatment reduced abundance percentages of enteric bacteria like E. coli and Clostridium, possibly due to increased SCFA production. However, GIFD consumption did not significantly alter sIgA concentration, although there was a trend towards increased levels in GIFD-2, suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. Overall, it was indicated that porang glucomannan and IMO-containing fiber drinks has the potential to be used as beverages to support body weight regulation and to help maintaining digestive tract health. HIGHLIGHTS Glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide-containing fiber drinks (GIFD) reduced feed intake. Consumption of GIFD induced the shift of molar proportion of SCFAs suggesting beneficial health effect. GIFD treated groups showed lower abundance percentages of coli and Clostridium compared to control. GIFD is potential to be developed as weight management product. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation has additive health effects on SPPB and stair climbing in older adults: a scope review of randomized controlled trials.

This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation on skeletal muscle health in older individuals. We implemented a systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase, was conducted from the time of library construction to January 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including men and women aged 65 years or mean age 65 years; exercise training and vitamin D supplementation; outcomes of muscular strength, function, muscular power, body composition, and quality of life; and results compared with those of exercise intervention alone. The results showed 13 studies including 1483 participants were identified. The proportions of male and female sex were 22.05% and 77.95%, respectively. Exercise intervention methods included resistance exercises and multimodal exercise training. All vitamin D interventions involved supplementation with vitamin D3. A significant increase was identified in short physical performance battery (SPPB) and stair climbing but not in skeletal muscle mass, skeletal strength, the timed up and go (TUG) test, and gait speed in older adults after exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation. In conclusion，exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation has additive health effects on SPPB and stair climbing. Furthermore, when vitamin D was deficient at baseline, the combined effect of exercise and vitamin D intervention significantly increased the TUG and gait speed in older adults. In future RCTs on this topic, baseline vitamin D nutritional status, health condition, and sex should be considered.

Impact of microwave pretreatment on yield, quality and lipid composition of Acer truncatum Bunge seed oil

This study is to optimize microwave pretreatment of Acer truncatum seeds to enhance quality and production of Acer truncatum seed oil (ATSO). The optimum microwave power, microwave-treatment time, as well as microwave-treatment temperature were determined through single-factor and orthogonal experiments, and they were 600 W, 5 min, and 50℃, respectively, resulting in an ATSO yield of 35.2 %. The lipid components of ATSO extracted from non-microwave-treated as well as microwave-treated A. truncatum seeds were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by lipidomic analysis. Through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, 2005 lipid molecules belonging to 42 lipid subclasses were specified. The outcomes of lipidomic analysis demonstrated the microwave pretreatment of A. truncatum seeds not only increased levels of beneficial lipids in ATSO but also changed lipid composition of the oil, potentially enhancing the positive health effects of the oil. This research brings a scientific basis for improving the yield as well as quality of ATSO and helps in understanding lipid composition and health benefits of the oil, promoting the utilization of this valuable natural resource.

In vitro Cultured Meat: Nutritional Aspects for the Health and Safety of Future Foods

In vitro cultured meat is one of the future foods that might revolutionize meat production by allowing food manufacturers to sidestep traditional animal farming. Despite being in early development, in vitro cultured meat faces challenges such as technological limitations and consumer acceptance, hindering its market integration. Beyond being an ethical alternative to conventional meat, it resembles conventionally farmed meat, making it a focus on healthcare and food safety. From a health perspective, it theoretically presents intriguing possibilities in the fields of functional foods, tailored dietary therapy, and public health. In functional foods, its unique composition allows precise nutritional manipulation for specific dietary needs, aligning with personalized nutrition. In dietary therapy, in vitro cultured meat might offer customization for individuals with dietary restrictions or health conditions, providing a novel therapeutic avenue. From a public health standpoint, it holds promise in mitigating environmental and health challenges linked to conventional meat production, aligning with sustainability and disease prevention initiatives. However, the potential health risks of in vitro cultured meat include concerns about the use of genetically modified starting cells, fetal bovine serum, growth factors, scaffolding materials, and antibiotics during the production process. These additives may have unforeseen long-term health effects if not properly regulated. Additionally, in vitro cultured meat may lack some of the natural nutrients found in conventional meat, which could lead to nutritional imbalances. There are also uncertainties about how the texture and bioavailability of nutrients in in vitro cultured meat might affect digestion and absorption in the human body. Nevertheless, specific aspects of research in the field of in vitro cultured meat demand increased focus from researchers to guarantee the optimal safety standards. An in-depth study on safety-oriented research of in vitro cultured meat should be emphasized to ensure benefits for individual and public health. HIGHLIGHTS In theory, in vitro cultured meat offers potential as a novel solution for developing functional foods by allowing precise manipulation of nutritional content, enabling the creation of health-optimized products. In vitro cultured meat could help mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance by minimizing the need for antimicrobial agents, reducing overall exposure and the potential for the development and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Starting cells derived from genetically modified cells in the in vitro cultured meat may pose risks of allergenicity and contamination, as well as potential immune responses to novel proteins. Strict safety protocols and thorough testing are crucial to address these risks and ensure the final product is safe for consumption. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The effect of health on the marginal utility of consumption: Evidence based on household consumption expenditure

This study uses broad-based measures of household consumption and a utility proxy to estimate the effect of health on the marginal utility of consumption, utilizing data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (1994–2019). To do so, I estimate how an observed within-individual utility change associated with a health shock varies across individuals of different consumption levels. The results indicate that the marginal utility of consumption increases as health deteriorates. Specifically, the baseline estimates show that moving from a healthy state to a poor health state raises the marginal utility of consumption by approximately 4 percentage points. In relative terms, a one-standard-deviation increase in poor health is associated with a proportional increase of 22.7% to 29.4% in the marginal utility of consumption relative to the marginal utility in a healthy state. These findings are primarily driven by the increased marginal utility of luxuries rather than necessities, suggesting that certain types of goods offer greater utility in poor health and play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse impacts of health shocks.

Assessment of microplastics in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from a metropolitan city Lahore, Pakistan.

Ingestion of microplastic (MPs) in birds and its subsequent health effects has become one of the major environmental concerns. The current study is, therefore, designed to investigate the level of MPs in gastrointestinal tract of a semi-aquatic bird species, the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and characterize their types, color and chemical composition. Samples (n = 5) from dead individuals were first digested then separated on the basis of density followed by vacuum filtration prior to quantification of MPs through stereomicroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the chemical composition of MPs. Our results showed the highest level (mean ± S.D items/sample) of sheets (37.2 ± 9.6) followed by fibers (28.8 ± 15.3), fragments (12.8 ± 16.2), and microbeads (0.4 ± 0.5) in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egret. The most frequently detected color was transparent (23%), followed by brown (19%), white (18%), black (15%), and orange (10%), respectively. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyisobutylene, polyaramid, fiberglass and PTFE coated fiberglass fiber were characterized as the major constituent compounds of MPs in gastrointestinal tracts of cattle egrets. Highest concentrations of sheets and fibers MPs in gastrointestinal tract of cattle egrets reflect their greater sources and lowest degradation. Our results depict the elevated level of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle egrets which might be posing some serious health effects. The ingestion of MPs by birds is evidently associated with their declining populations which should be mitigated effectively to avoid future worst consequences.

The impact of environmental quality on mental health: an ecological study

PurposeA growing body of research suggests that exposure to natural environments has several mental health effects. This paper aims to evaluate whether countries with high-quality environments report fewer mental health disorders.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses secondary data from the Legatum Centre for National Prosperity. The data set consists of data from 167 countries collected between 2007 and 2023. The authors use panel data regressions to formally investigate the impact of environmental quality on mental health outcomes.FindingsThe results suggest that overall environmental quality is positively related to mental well-being. However, the connection between environmental quality and mental health varies depending on the specific environmental and mental health factors analysed. Specifically, the authors find that air quality and the quality of blue spaces are positively associated with emotional well-being. Furthermore, death by suicide is negatively correlated with air quality and the quality of a country’s green spaces. The authors find no evidence to suggest that environmental quality impacts the prevalence of depressive disorders in a country.Originality/valueIn contrast to previous studies that primarily focused on individual-level analyses, the research adopts an ecological approach. In addition, this study evaluates the relationship between mental health and a wide range of environmental factors, namely, emissions, air quality, ocean health, land use, forest and soil quality, freshwater quality and preservation efforts. This research further distinguishes itself by using a large panel database to investigate the impacts of the natural environment on mental health.

Wildfire-relevant woodsmoke and extracellular vesicles (EVs): Alterations in EV proteomic signatures involved in extracellular matrix degradation and tissue injury in airway organotypic models

Wildfires adversely impact air quality and public health worldwide. Exposures to wildfire smoke are linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary diseases. Critical research gaps remain surrounding the underlying biological pathways leading to wildfire-induced health effects. The regulation of intercellular communication and downstream toxicity driven by extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an important, understudied biological mechanism. This study investigated EVs following a wildfire smoke-relevant in vitro exposure. We hypothesized that woodsmoke (WS) would alter the proteomic content of EVs secreted in organotypic in vitro airway models. Exposures were carried out using a tri-culture model of alveolar epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells and a simplified co-culture model of alveolar epithelial cells and fibroblasts to inform responses across different cell populations. Epithelial cells were exposed to WS condensate and EVs were isolated from basolateral conditioned medium following 24 h exposure. WS exposure did not influence EV particle characteristics, and it moderately increased EV count. Exposure caused the differential loading of 25 and 35 proteins within EVs collected from the tri- and co-culture model, respectively. EV proteins involved in extracellular matrix degradation and wound healing were consistently modulated across both models. However, distinct proteins involved in the wound healing pathway were altered between models, suggesting unique but concerted efforts across cell types to communicate in response to injury. These findings demonstrate that a wildfire-relevant exposure alters the EV proteome and suggest an impact on EV-mediated intercellular communication. Overall, results demonstrate the viability of organotypic approaches in evaluating EVs to investigate exposure-induced biomarkers and underlying mechanisms. Findings also highlight the impact of differences in the biological complexity of in vitro models used to evaluate the effects of inhaled toxicants.

Microplastics in food and drink: perceptions of the risks, challenges, and solutions among individuals in the ‘farm-to-fork’ food chain

Public concerns about the potential effects of plastic pollution on human health are high, especially following evidence of microplastics (MPs) in food and drink. However, scientific evidence on human health effects is unclear, and knowledge gaps remain with respect to sources, pathways, and toxicity. But alongside ‘the public’ and ‘experts’ are various groups in the ‘farm-to-fork’ food chain whose voices are less heard, despite their unique insights into different issues. These ‘involved groups’ or ‘stakeholders’ include people in the harvesting/production, processing/packaging, distribution/hospitality, and regulation sectors. To harness their viewpoints, we conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with members of relevant groups along the food chain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using Thematic Qualitative Analysis. Although knowledge levels and beliefs about sources and pathways were diverse, interviewees echoed the wider public’s concerns about human health risks alongside low certainty about underlying processes. Feelings of powerlessness and frustration, and the unavoidability of (micro-)plastics were emphasized. The need for increased awareness and solution know-how was stressed, and systemic changes on the regulatory level were called for (e.g. bans, binding and economic regulations). Relevant conditions for policy acceptance were identified (e.g. feasibility, effectiveness, evidence of risk). Findings highlight the fact that system change requires all actors in a system to understand the issues and be willing to play their part in solutions. The feelings of powerlessness and disenchantment expressed by many involved in the current system suggest greater work is needed to systematically include these groups in solution-finding and decision-making initiatives.

Effect of a Concurrent Training Program with and Without Metformin Treatment on Metabolic Markers and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Individuals with Insulin Resistance: A Retrospective Analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance (IR), which is prevalent worldwide and has significant adverse health effects. Metformin is commonly prescribed as a pharmacological treatment. Physical exercise is also recognized as an effective regulator of glycemia, independent of metformin. However, the effects of inter-day concurrent training (CT)-which includes both endurance and resistance exercises-combined with metformin treatment on metabolic markers and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with IR remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 12-week inter-day CT program on metabolic markers and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight/obese individuals with IR, both with and without metformin treatment. Additionally, inter-individual responses to CT were examined. Data from the 2022-2023 Obesity Center database were retrospectively analyzed. According to the eligibility criteria, 20 overweight/obese individuals diagnosed with IR participated in a 12-week CT program (three weekly sessions: two endurance and one resistance exercise session). Participants were divided into three groups: the exercise group (E-G: n = 7, 32.86 ± 8.32 years, 85.2 ± 19.67 kg), the exercise-metformin group (E-MG: n = 6, 34.83 ± 12.91 years, 88.13 ± 12.66 kg), and the metformin-only control group (M-G: n = 7, 34.43 ± 13.96 years, 94.23 ± 13.93 kg). The M-G did not perform physical exercise during the 12 weeks but continued pharmacological treatment. Body composition, metabolic markers, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed before and after the 12-week CT program. A group-by-time interaction was observed for fasting insulin (F2,17 = 34.059, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.88), the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (F2,17 = 35.597, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.80), and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) (F2,17 = 4.541, p = 0.026, η2p = 0.348) following the CT program. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) showed significant improvements in the E-G (F = 4.888, p = 0.041, ∆+13.3%). Additionally, the percentage of fat mass (%FM) and body mass (BM) were significantly reduced across all groups (F = 125.244, p < 0.001 and F = 91.130, p < 0.001, respectively). The BM decreased by ∆-9.43% in the E-G (five responders, Rs), ∆+9.21% in the EM-G (5 Rs), and ∆+5.15% in the M-G (3 Rs). The %FM was reduced in the E-G by ∆-22.52% (seven Rs). Fasting insulin and the HOMA-IR significantly improved in both the E-G and EM-G, with fasting insulin showing a ∆-82.1% reduction in the E-G (five Rs) and a ∆-85% reduction in the EM-G (six Rs). Similarly, the HOMA-IR improved by ∆+82.6% in the E-G (three Rs) and by ∆+84.6% in the EM-G (six Rs). The 12-week inter-day concurrent training program, whether combined with metformin or not, was similarly effective in improving metabolic markers in patients with insulin resistance as metformin treatment alone. Both exercise groups demonstrated a significant reduction in insulin sensitivity and an increase in maximal fat oxidation. Meanwhile, exclusive pharmacological treatment with metformin markedly decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, and consequently, fat oxidation.

An exploratory study of household conditions and youth personal exposure to extreme heat during a heatwave in urban Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Extreme heat is the deadliest meteorological hazard and is increasingly affecting the southeastern United States. Health effects of extreme heat are often not felt for hours or days after exposure and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations (e.g., youth, minorities). Personal heat exposure research has focused on occupational and everyday heat exposure among adults. To date, heat exposure in teenage populations has not been investigated. This population has unique heat exposure patterns that result from lifestyles that include outdoor jobs (e.g., lifeguard) and participation in outdoor sports. Better understanding of these exposure patterns is needed to reduce youth exposure and illnesses during heat events. Likewise, there have been no studies comparing paired indoor home conditions with individual exposure. Participants (n = 10) wore sensors to collect six days of personal heat exposure data (temperature and humidity) and placed sensors in and around their homes to collect ambient household data. When comparing individual exposure with ambient outdoor conditions and household conditions, this study revealed that: 1) teenagers are less exposed to dangerous heat (> 37.8°C heat index) during the day; 2) teenagers are more exposed to dangerous heat (> 23.9°C temperature) at night; 2) some teenagers are exposed to long periods of high heat at night, which is typically a time for heat recovery; and 3) household temperatures are typically not representative of heat exposure. To better understand teen exposure, we recommend future research focus on larger, representative sample sizes, collecting exposure data during the school year, and comparing exposure between heatwave and normal summer conditions.

Features of causes of indirect certified disaster-related death in areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident: an observational study

ObjectivesTo investigate the details of disaster-related deaths due to the indirect health effects of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident following the Great East-Japan Earthquake in 2011 and...

A Literature Review of Indoor Air Quality: Sources, Health Effects, and Mitigation Strategies

Sustainable marketing has become an essential component for businesses aiming to meet growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility. This paper explores how companies can align their brand values with sustainability efforts to foster long-term customer loyalty and market competitiveness. It examines key sustainable marketing strategies, including eco-friendly product design, transparent communication, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity, as consumers are increasingly wary of "greenwashing" tactics and seek brands that genuinely prioritize environmental stewardship. Case studies from various industries demonstrate successful integration of sustainability into brand identity, resulting in enhanced brand reputation, consumer trust, and business growth. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholder engagement, sustainable supply chains, and marketing campaigns that educate consumers on eco-friendly choices. By aligning brand values with consumer expectations for environmental responsibility, companies can create a competitive advantage while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Socioeconomic inequalities in high-risk fertility behaviour among Nigerian women: A non-experimental population-based study.

High-risk fertility behaviour (HRFB) has adverse health, social and economic effects on women. An understanding of socioeconomic inequalities is needed to design effective interventions targeted to lower maternal morbidity and mortality due to HRFB. The objective was to quantify socioeconomic inequalities in HRFB among Nigerian women. This was a cross-section study that used population-based data. A sample of 21,792 Nigerian women aged 15-49 years from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey was analyzed. Percentage was employed in univariate analysis. In addition, concentration index was used to assess the extent of inequalities in HRFB. This was further decomposed to ascertain the explanatory components' relative contributions to the socioeconomic inequalities in HRFB. The weighted prevalence of HRFB (63.5%; 95% CI: 62.6-64.4%), included <18 years at childbirth (4.9%; 95% CI:4.5-5.3%), >34 years at childbirth (18.3%; 95% CI: 17.6-19.0%), >3 children birth order (49.6%; 95% CI: 48.7-50.5%) and <24 months at preceding birth interval (17.0% 95% CI: 16.3-17.6%) were estimated. Education (Contri: 50.3997%, Ec: 0.2771), wealth (Contri: 27.2811%, Ec: 0.2665), socioeconomic disadvantaged (Contri: 14.9163%, Ec: -0.0996), religion (Contri: 13.8636%, Ec: -0.0496), region (Contri: 11.1724%, Ec: 0.0711), partner education (Contri: 7.1351%, Ec: 0.2138), media use (Contri: 4.5064%, Ec: 0.1449) and family motility (Contri: 3.7890%, Ec: -0.0281) were positive contributors to HRFBs among Nigerian women. However, age (Contri: -14.6237, Ec: 0.0089) and history of contraceptive use (Contri: -8.7723, Ec: -0.2094) were negative contributors to HRFBs among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Women who have low socioeconomic level reported higher prevalence of HRFB. Targeted interventions are required to lower HRFB among Nigerian women from poor households and with no formal education. Women should get counselling and assistance from healthcare and educational institutions to help them adopt healthy sexual and reproductive practices.