Health Concern Research Articles

Injury Characteristics and Risk Factors of Sport-Related Concussion Among High School Athletes in School-Sponsored Sports.

Over a million sport-related concussions (SRC) affect children annually in the United States, posing a significant public health concern. Limited data exist on the premorbid risk factors and injury characteristics of SRCs in high school athletes. This study aims to understand acute SRC injury characteristics and describe premorbid risk factors in high school athletes. Athletes (aged 14-19 years) from 19 central Illinois high schools participating in school-sponsored sports from 2009 to 2023 were included. Sports Concussion Assessment Tool evaluations were performed as part of preseason and postinjury evaluations. Injury characteristics, such as mechanism, setting, and symptoms, were described using all SRCs in the study period. Odds ratios (OR) were computed to determine risk factors using athletes with a baseline Sports Concussion Assessment Tool before SRC and nonconcussed athletes. In total, 4360 athletes were included (3953 without SRC; 407 with ≥1 SRC of whom 168 had a previous baseline). Overall, 24.2% of SRCs occurred in female athletes, and most SRCs occurred in competitions while playing American football (52.3%), soccer (20.4%), and basketball (7.6%). Blow/hit to the head was the most common mechanism. Headache was the most severe symptom (2.55 ± 1.51 [SD]), and symptoms of emotionality and nervousness/anxiety were significantly more severe in female athletes (P < .05). Students with previous concussions (OR 2.64 95% CI [1.81, 3.78]), previous hospitalization for head injury (OR 3.19 95% CI [1.9, 5.14]), headache/migraine disorders (OR 2.23 95% CI [1.29, 3.66]), and learning disabilities (OR 2.69 95% CI [1.47, 4.61]) had greater odds of SRC (P < .05). Lower odds of SRC were seen in athletes identifying as Black or African American (vs White) (OR 0.54 95% CI [0.32, 0.86]) and those attending larger (vs smaller) schools (OR 0.64 95% CI [0.46, 0.88]). Understanding SRC risk factors and characteristics in high school athletes is critical for developing prevention and management programs, guiding neurosurgeons in mitigating SRC risk, and informing return-to-play decisions.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Reducing Accidental Injury Risk in Stroke Patients: A National-Scale Cohort Study

BackgroundFalls among stroke patients pose a significant health concern, leading to injuries, reduced mobility, and functional limitations. Recent research has suggested the potential benefits of acupuncture in enhancing balance and motor function in stroke patients. However, large-scale, long-term studies on acupuncture's role in reducing the risk of accidental injuries are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate acupuncture's effectiveness in decreasing the risk of accidental injuries in stroke patients. Materials and methodsThis study employed a large-scale cohort design, utilizing data from the 2000 Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database (LGTD 2000) in Taiwan, covering two million individuals. The cohort comprised stroke patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2012, with follow-up periods of at least six years to estimate accidental injury incidence and risk. Acupuncture treatments during both inpatient and outpatient phases after stroke diagnosis were included. Accidental injury data, including vehicular accidents and falls, were extracted from specialized hospitalization records. Hazard ratios were calculated, adjusting for variables like comorbidities, hypnotic medication usage, and demographic factors. ResultA total of 108,196 newly diagnosed stroke patients were included in the final cohort, with 42,083 receiving acupuncture treatment and 66,113 not receiving acupuncture. The acupuncture group exhibited a significantly lower incidence rate of accidental injuries (10.2 per 1,000 person-years) compared to the non-acupuncture group (15.8 per 1,000 person-years). After adjusting for various covariates, the acupuncture group had a reduced risk of accidental injuries with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.51-0.92). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent protective effects of acupuncture across different patient profiles and treatment characteristics, including age, sex, comorbidities, and hypnotic medication usage. ConclusionThis study provides evidence supporting the potential of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the risk of accidental injuries among stroke patients. Regardless of stroke subtype, age, or comorbidity burden, acupuncture was associated with a lower risk of accidental injuries.

Prevalence of Depression Among Elderly Population in India - A Systematic Review &amp; Meta-Analysis

Background: Depression among the elderly is a global public health concern, impacting quality of life and overall well-being. However, there is a lack of recent systematic reviews or meta-analyses on its prevalence in India. This study aims to update this information through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The study utilized the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) as a screening tool for depression among individuals aged 60 and older in India, utilizing electronic databases for community-based cross-sectional studies from inception to date. Pooled prevalence with 95% CI was performed using R statistical software. Results: 23 community-based cross-sectional studies were included representing 13 Indian states, meeting the inclusion criteria. The combined prevalence of depression among the elderly was estimated to be 47% (95% CI: 0.39; 0.55), with significant heterogeneity observed among studies (I²=98%, p&lt;0.01). The study underscores the considerable depression issue among India's elderly population, emphasizing the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions. Conclusion: The meta-analysis reveals a high prevalence of depression among India's senior population, highlighting the need for targeted public health initiatives to address this growing crisis and support the mental health needs of the elderly.

Sex differences in the impact of lower respiratory tract infections on older adults’ health trajectories: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundLower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major global health concern, particularly among older adults, who have an increased risk of poorer health outcomes that persist beyond the acute infectious episode. We aimed to investigate the mid-term (up to 7 years) and long-term (up to 12 years) effects of LRTIs on the objective health status trajectories of older adults, while also considering potential sex differences.MethodsCohort data of adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) collected between 2001 and 2016 was analyzed. Information on LRTIs was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register, and objective health status was assessed using the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) which incorporates indicators of mild and severe disability, cognitive and physical functioning, and multimorbidity. The LRTI-exposed and -unexposed participants were matched using propensity score matching based on an expansive list of potential confounders. Mixed linear models were used to analyze the association between LRTIs and changes in HAT scores.ResultsThe study included 2796 participants, 567 of whom were diagnosed with a LRTI. LRTIs were independently associated with an excess annual decline of 0.060 (95% CI: -0.107, -0.013) in the HAT score over a 7-year period. The associations were stronger among males, who experienced an excess annual decline of 0.108 (95% CI: -0.177, -0.039) in up to 7-years follow-up, and 0.097 (95% CI: -0.173, -0.021) in up to 12-years follow-up. The associations were not statistically significant among females in either follow-up period.ConclusionLRTIs, even years after the acute infectious period, seem to have a prolonged negative effect on the health of older adults, particularly among males. Preventative public health measures aimed at decreasing LRTI cases among older adults could help in preserving good health and functioning in old age.

Prevalence of Chagas disease among Latin American immigrants in non-endemic countries: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChagas disease (CD), endemic in 21 Latin American countries, has gradually spread beyond its traditional borders due to migratory movements and emerging as a global health concern. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available data to establish updated prevalence estimates of CD in Latin American migrants residing in non-endemic countries. MethodsAa systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS via Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BVS), including references published until November 1st, 2023. Pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effect models. Heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square test and the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022354237). FindingsFrom a total of 1,474 articles screened, a total of 51 studies were included. Studies were conducted in eight non-endemic countries (most in Spain), between 2006 and 2023, and involving 82,369 screened individuals. The estimated pooled prevalence of CD in Latin American migrants living in non-endemic countries was 3.5% (95% CI: 2.5-4.7; I2: 97.7%), considering studies in which screening was indicated simply because the person was Latin American. Per subgroups, the pooled CD prevalence was 11.0% (95% CI: 7.7-15.5) in non-targeted screening (unselected population in reference centers) (27 studies); in blood donors (4 studies), the pooled prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.2-3.4); among people living with HIV Latin American immigrants (4 studies) 2.4% (95% CI: 1.4-4.3) and for Latin American pregnant and postpartum women (14 studies) 3.7% (95 CI: 2.4-5.6). The pooled proportion of congenital transmission was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.3-5.8). Regarding the participants’ country of origin, 7,964 were from Bolivia, of which 1,715 (21,5%) were diagnosed with CD, and 21,304 were from other Latin American countries of which 154 (0,72%) were affected. InterpretationCD poses a significant burden of disease in Latin American immigrants in non-endemic countries, suggesting that CD is no longer a problem limited to the American continent and must be considered as a global health challenge. FundingThis study was funded by the World Heart Federation, through a research collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG.

Methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in chicken carcasses, ready-to-eat chicken meat sandwiches, and buffalo milk

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing public health concern; however, there is limited information about MRSA and VRSA (Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus) among animal-origin food. Therefore, this study intended to elucidate the prevalence, enterotoxin existence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and antimicrobial resistance genes of S. aureus strains isolated from chicken carcasses, ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken meat sandwiches, and buffalo milk samples marketed in Mansoura City, Egypt. Of the 240 samples examined, 52.1 % were contaminated with S. aureus, with a mean count of 4.11 log10 CFU/g. A total of 250 isolates were verified as S. aureus by PCR targeting nuc gene, of which 39.2 % (98/250) harbored at least one S. aureus enterotoxin (SE) gene. The predominant SE genes were sea (61.2 %, 60/98), followed by sed (58.2 %, 57/98), sec (38.8 %, 38/98), and seb (27.6 %, 27/98). All isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, with an average MAR (multiple antibiotic resistance) index of 0.530. Four isolates exhibited resistance to all antimicrobial agents tested. Interestingly, 100 %, 76.4 %, 35.6 %, 30.8, 10.4 %, 6 %, and 1.6 % of isolates were resistant to penicillin, azithromycin, oxacillin, ceftaroline, vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin, respectively. Of the 250 S. aureus strains tested, 38 % were confirmed as MRSA by mecA gene, while 10.4 % were identified as VRSA by vanA gene. The high prevalence of MRSA and VRSA isolates among samples tested is worrisome. Hence, monitoring antimicrobial usage in veterinary medicine and applying strict hygienic measures during food handling and processing is imperative to prevent the spread of such resistant bacteria and protect public health.

Exposure assessment of the European adult population to deoxynivalenol – Results from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies

Mycotoxins are natural toxins produced by fungi that may cause adverse health effects thus constituting a public health concern. Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin affecting the immune system and causing intestinal disorders, was selected as a priority under the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Urinary total DON levels (tDON) of 1270 participants from six countries were used to characterize the internal exposure of the adult European population and identify the most relevant determinants of exposure. tDON concentrations’ P50 and P95 were in the range of 0.41–10.16 µg/L (0.39–9.05 µg/g crt) and 3.25–46.58 µg/L (2.12–33.50 µg/g crt) respectively. Higher tDON levels were observed for (i) male participants from France and Germany, (ii) samples collected in spring and summer, (iii) participants with a lower educational level, (iv) participants living in rural areas, (v) individuals without a job in France and Luxembourg, while in Portugal higher exposure was observed in working individuals, (vi) individuals with higher consumption of cereals and bread. The proportion of individuals with exposure levels exceeding the HBM-GV of 23 µg/L was 12.3 %, ranging from 0.8 % to 20.7 % in the individual countries. This study on mycotoxins exposure has used post harmonized questionnaire data and validated analytical methodologies for analysis and covered countries representing the four geographical regions of Europe, having produced much needed knowledge on the exposure of the European adult population to deoxynivalenol.

Association between hearing loss and gout based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization analysis

Hearing loss(HL) represents a significant public health concern. This study aimed to determine the association between hearing loss and gout and to elucidate the underlying causative mechanisms. Data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) basic databases. Initially, baseline characteristics of individuals with and without gout were compared. A nonlinear relationship between pure tone audiometry (PTA) values and gout prevalence was confirmed through restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve analysis. Subsequently, hearing loss was categorized into different levels based on PTA values, and multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the impact of varying degrees of hearing loss on the risk of gout. Finally, MR analysis was conducted to further elucidate the causal relationship between hearing loss and gout. A total of 3,258 individuals were included in this study, with a gout prevalence of 3.7%. Significant differences were observed between the gout group and the non-gout group in variables such as age, gender, blood uric acid level, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. RCS curve analysis revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between PTA values and gout risk, particularly when PTA values exceed a specific threshold, where the curve flattens. Based on different levels of hearing loss derived from PTA values, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that mild and moderate hearing loss significantly increased the risk of gout, remaining statistically significant after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio (OR) = 2.10–3.48, P < 0.05). MR analysis further confirmed the causal relationship between hearing loss and gout. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was employed as the primary method, revealing that both individuals with hearing difficulties (OR = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–0.999, P = 0.012) and those without hearing impairment (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, P = 0.012) exhibited a significant causal relationship with gout. Goodness-of-fit tests and sensitivity analyses were used to verify the reliability of the results. Hearing loss has a significant causal relationship with an increased risk of gout, providing a new perspective for the prevention and management of gout. Focused attention and prompt treatment of hearing loss, particularly mild and moderate hearing loss, may significantly reduce the risk of developing gout.

The global burden of enteric fever, 2017–2021: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2021

Enteric fever is a major public health challenge in developing countries. We conducted a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Diseases 2021 Study to provide updated estimates of enteric fever's burden. We presented estimates for incident cases and deaths, age-standardized incidence and mortality rates, years of life lost (YLLs), and case-fatality rates spanning the study period of 2017-2021, stratified by region, country, socio-demographic index (SDI), and age group. Random-effects Poisson regression for longitudinal data was used to estimate the association between SDI and case-fatality rates, adjusting for antimicrobial resistance patterns. In 2021, there were 9.3 million global cases of enteric fever (95% uncertainty interval: 7.3-11.9) and 107.5 thousand deaths (56.1-180.8). The age-standardized incidence rate decreased from 152/100,000 person-years (118-195) in 2017 to 128/100,000 person-years (100-163) in 2021, and the mortality rate decreased from 1.87/100,000 person-years (0.95-3.18) to 1.50/100,000 person-years (0.78-2.54). There were wide geographical differences, with South Asia contributing the most cases and deaths. Age-standardized incidence exceeded the threshold for "high burden" of enteric fever (100/100,000 person-years) in 23 countries in2021.Children under five accounted for 40% of deaths and 47% of YLLs, with incidence and mortality peaking during the second year. Case-fatality was highest in low SDI countries and showed a global trend toward reduction, except among children aged 1-4 years. After adjusting for the prevalence of multidrug resistance, fluoroquinolone non-susceptibility, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance, a higher SDI was associated with a lower case-fatality rate, with a 1.1% (0.7-1.7) reduction for each percentage point increase in SDI. Despite notable improvements, several countries still showed a high burden of enteric fever, which remains a significant global health concern, especially among children under five. Although enhancing water and sanitation systems is crucial, the most significant reductions in the global disease burden are likely to be achieved through broader vaccine coverage. This includes the use of typhoid conjugate vaccines, which are effective in infants and young children and offer extended protection, along with improved data collection and surveillance to guide vaccine distribution efforts across high-incidence areas. This work was partially supported by "Ricerca Corrente" funding from Italian Ministry of Health to IRCCSHumanitas Research Hospital.

Exploring Unique Patterns of Self-Injury Recovery: A Latent Profile Analysis.

As nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become an increasing public health concern, the last few years have seen the emergence of efforts to address NSSI recovery. Although many recovery efforts adopt a medical view of self-injury and focus on cessation of the behaviour, recovery can mean many different things to different people. In this study, we provide initial empirical validation of the self-injury recovery framework, by assessing whether different recovery profiles exist. Our sample comprised 733 participants with lived experience of NSSI (M age = 24.54, sd = 6.39). Participants completed self-report measures of constructs related to NSSI recovery and NSSI characteristics. Using latent profile analysis, we identified six unique profiles reflecting differences in thoughts/urges to self-injure, self-efficacy, social support, optimism, coping, underlying adversities, perceptions of scarring, disclosure, resilience and self-compassion. Multivariate analyses of variance confirmed these profiles differed according to NSSI characteristics such as frequency of NSSI, a self-assessment of recovery, the desire to self-injure or avoid self-injury and the number of people disclosed to. A homogenous sample and cross-sectional design limit generalisability of our findings across populations and across time. Our findings reinforce that recovery can take many different forms, with different factors being relevant to different individuals. Adopting a person-centred approach that centres an individual's lived experience and emphasises what is important to them in the recovery process offers opportunities for more empathic responses to self-injury and better outcomes for individuals who self-injure.

Cell Culture of a Swine Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus Strain

ABSTRACTHEV infection has become a global health concern. The study of HEV pathogenicity has been hindered by the lack of a suitable in vitro culture system. In the present research, we systematic demonstration of efficient replication of swine GT4 HEV in A549 cells, Huh‐7 cells, and HepG2/C3A cell lines. The results of the immunofluorescence assay and immunofluorescence confocal assay showed that swine GT4 HEV is efficiently replicated in three cell lines at 72 h postinoculation. Meanwhile, we also detected the virus titer quantified were increased at 2‐, 6,‐ and 11‐days postinoculation. Moreover, we successfully observed HEV virus particles in the cell suspension at 6 days postinoculation. This finding holds significance for advancing in vitro HEV studies.

Preparedness for caregiving among informal caregivers of people with dementia: A scoping review

IntroductionDementia is a global health concern, and informal caregivers often provide care for those affected. Caregiver preparedness is crucial for optimizing quality of life. However, knowledge about the determinants of caregiver preparedness is limited. PurposeThe aim of this scoping review was to identify the factors associated with preparedness for caregiving among informal caregivers of people with dementia. MethodologyThe review adhered to the methods from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies exploring the preparedness of informal caregivers of people with dementia were included in this review. Data were extracted from studies found in five major databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase. ResultsThe final review included twenty-three studies. Self-efficacy and confidence, resilience and self-conduct, knowledge, education and training, mutuality, mental health, less caregiving conflict, and mindfulness were associated with caregiver preparedness. ConclusionThis review identified a significant research gap in preparedness among caregivers of people with dementia. More research is essential to understand the factors associated with caregivers' preparedness. Recognizing these elements can inform tailored interventions, assisting informal caregivers in their caregiving transition and journey.

Targeting Insulin- and Calcium-related Pathways for Potential Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease and Diabetes

: Alzheimer's disease and diabetes are common disorders among the elderly population and have emerged as a major health concern. Both diseases pose considerable risks to one another. Diabetics have a significantly increased probability of getting Alzheimer's disease throughout their lifetime. These diseases are linked because, both share common risk factors such as impaired carbohydrate metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, mitochondrial dysfunction, and amyloidosis. Insulin is a vital hormone responsible for bringing extremely high glucose levels back to normal and its receptors available in the hippocampus help in enhancing cognitive function. Insulin resistance consequently serves as a link between both diabetes and AD. Similarly, amylin is another hormone secreted by the pancreas along with insulin. During diabetes, amylin gets oligomerized and forms a neurotoxic complex with Aβ inside the brain, which causes AD to develop. Along with these, another main mechanism influencing AD development is Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. Insulin production from the pancreas is generally aided by Ca2+, but in excess, it can cause dysregulation of many signaling pathways such as CaMKK2, CAMP, CREB, MAPK, STIM\Orai, etc. which can ultimately result in the pathogenesis of AD in diabetic people. In this review, we discussed in detail the pathogenesis of AD associated with diabetes and the mechanisms initiating their progression.

Exploring causal correlations between inflammatory cytokines and colorectal cancer: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global public health concern. Several observational studies have examined the association between inflammatory cytokines and the risk of colorectal cancer, but the findings have been inconsistent. In this study, we employed a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, primarily using the inverse variance weighted approach, to investigate the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and CRC. The forward MR analysis revealed a positive association between higher levels of interleukin (IL)-16 (OR: 1.37, P = .002), vascular endothelial growth factor (OR: 1.44, P = .001), and MIG (OR: 1.23, P = .040) with an increased risk of rectal cancer. Conversely, higher levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (OR: 0.80, P = .010) may potentially decrease the risk of colon cancer. In the reverse MR analysis, it was found that rectal cancer is linked to higher levels of IL-1b (OR: 0.93, P = .022), IL-1ra (OR: 0.90, P = .001), IL-5 (OR: 0.93, P = .022), IL-9 (OR: 0.93, P = .017), and TNF-a (OR: 0.91, P = .003). Additionally, colon cancer is associated with elevated levels of FGF-Basic (OR: 1.10, P = .028). Consistent results were also found in MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode analysis. Our study presents novel evidence supporting the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and CRC.

Auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs in patients with severe Powassan, Usutu, or Ross River virus disease.

Arboviral diseases are a growing global health concern. Pre-existing autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I interferons (IFNs) can underlie encephalitis due to West Nile virus (WNV) (∼40% of patients) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE, due to TBE virus [TBEV]) (∼10%). We report here that these auto-Abs can also underlie severe forms of rarer arboviral infections. Auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations of IFN-α2, IFN-β, and/or IFN-ω are present in the single case of severe Powassan virus (POWV) encephalitis studied, two of three cases of severe Usutu virus (USUV) infection studied, and the most severe of 24 cases of Ross River virus (RRV) disease studied. These auto-Abs are not found in any of the 137 individuals with silent or mild infections with these three viruses. Thus, auto-Abs neutralizing type I IFNs underlie an increasing list of severe arboviral diseases due to Flaviviridae (WNV, TBEV, POWV, USUV) or Togaviridae (RRV) viruses transmitted to humans by mosquitos (WNV, USUV, RRV) or ticks (TBEV, POWV).

Mapping punishment avoidance learning deficits in non-suicidal self-injury in young adults with and without borderline personality disorder: An fMRI study

IntroductionNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing public health concern among young adults in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Despite evidence linking NSSI to alterations in learning from reward and punishment, this area remains understudied, especially in non-clinical populations without borderline personality disorder (BPD). MethodsWe employed a modified version of the Probabilistic Stimulus Selection (PSS) task in two groups of young adults with recurrent NSSI, with (NSSI+BPD) and without BPD (NSSI), and an additional group of healthy controls (HC). While undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants were asked to choose between pairs of stimuli with different reward probabilities. In the training phase, they received probabilistic feedback and learned to identify the most rewarding option within fixed pairs. In the test phase, these learned stimuli were recombined into novel pairs, where participants' accuracy in selecting the most rewarding and avoiding the most punishing options reflected their ability to learn from reward and punishment, respectively. ResultsCompared to HC, participants in the NSSI and NSSI+BPD groups were less accurate at avoiding the most punishing options than at choosing the most rewarding options, and showed reduced activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) during punishment avoidance relative to reward selection. LimitationsThe modest sample size, descriptive rather than modeling approach, and absence of ecological momentary assessments may limit the results. ConclusionFindings suggest that reduced activation of the NAcc when avoiding loss may underlie difficulties in learning to avoid punishment in young adults with NSSI, regardless of the presence of BPD.

A holocellulose air filter with highly efficient formaldehyde adsorption prepared via low temperature pulping and partial dissolving from corn stalks

Emissions of particulate matter (PM) originating from industrial and agricultural incineration had emerged as a significant public health concern. Furthermore, the considerable annual production of straw remains underutilized, particularly in China. In this study, we proposed a novel approach for holocellulose air filter production from corn stalks via low-temperature anthraquinone pulping, partial dissolving, and high-speed shear-induced regeneration. About 61.40–78.23 % of hemicellulose in corn stalks was retained in holocellulose, furthermore, the delignification rate was up to 81.63–92.51 % after low temperature (<100 °C) alkaline exactment. Subsequently, holocellulose air filters (RHF) was prepared through regeneration with high-speed shear induced (25,000 rpm) and freeze-drying. The final air filters contained approximately 8.56–12.4 % hemicellulose, exhibiting a substantial adsorption capacity for low molecules such as formaldehyde. The results revealed remarkably low PM2.5 penetration ratio (0.12 %) and pressure drop (14.3 Pa) of the air filter, while exhibiting a remarkable formaldehyde adsorption capacity of 54.5 mg/g. Moreover, the characters of high crystallinity index and robust micro/nano-structure of regenerated cellulose were obtained. This study introduced an innovative and facile strategy for gaseous formaldehyde adsorption and introduced novel solutions for agricultural waste utilization.

Identifying Zoonotic Parasites in Domiciled and Non-Domiciled Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Within an Urban Zone of the Eastern State of Mexico.

There are over 42 million dogs in Mexico, with a significant population living on the streets, especially in the State of Mexico. These dogs can act as carriers of zoonotic pathogens, placing children and individuals with chronic diseases or immunodeficiencies at risk. To evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic parasites in feral and domestic dogs in the urban area of the eastern State of Mexico and assess their potential impact on public health. The study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 in the urban area located in the eastern region of the State of Mexico. A total of 134 samples of dog faces were collected through convenience sampling, from both domiciled and non-domiciled dogs. Fifty-one dogs were identified with Ancylostomatidae family (38.1%, 95% CI: 27.0%-52.1%), 10 with Toxocara spp. (7.5%, 95% CI: 3.6%-13.3%), 7 with Dipylidium caninum (5.5%, 95% CI: 2.1%-10.5%), 8 with Cystoisospora spp. (6.0%, 95% CI: 2.6%-11.4%), 6 with Giardia spp. (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.7-9.5%) and 2 positive cases for Hymenolepis spp. (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.2%-5.3%) were identified. This study highlights a public health concern related to non-domiciled dogs, which can serve as carriers of zoonotic parasites. Interactions among non-domiciled dogs, domiciled dogs and humans heighten the risk of transmission. Implementing prevention, control and awareness strategies is crucial to reduce the spread of these parasites.

Seropositivity of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen among hepatitis B surface antigen-negative vaccinated individuals aged 5-12 years in North West Ethiopia

BackgroundInfection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major global public health concern, especially in Ethiopia. Evidence suggests that some children in Ethiopia who have received hepatitis B vaccinations are still contracting HBV. ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to detect antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) among vaccinated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative individuals in North-West Ethiopia Methods and materialsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 children aged 5-12 years from April 2021 to November 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. After 3-5 ml of venous blood was drawn from each study participant, a serum sample was utilized to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression with a 95% CI was used to show the statistical association. ResultsThe total seropositivity of anti-HBc among vaccinated HBsAg-negative participants was 8/158 (5.1%) (95% CI: 2.0-9.0). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that children who had a previous history of blood transfusion were six times (AOR: 6.135, 95% CI: 4.063, 10.752) (P<0.006) more likely to develop anti-HBc. Moreover, children who had a previous history of surgery were five times (AOR: 5.116, 95% CI: 3.123, 8.718) (P<0.002) more likely to become anti-HBc seropositive. ConclusionThere was a significant seroprevalence of anti-HBc in our study area, suggesting possible exposure to the virus despite immunization.

Using random forest to identify correlates of depression symptoms among adolescents.

Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern, and studying its multifaceted factors using traditional methods possess challenges. This study employs random forest (RF) algorithms to determine factors predicting adolescent depression scores. This study utilized self-reported survey data from 56,008 Canadian students (grades 7-12) attending 182 schools during the 2021/22 academic year. RF algorithms were applied to identify the correlates of (i) depression scores (CESD-R-10) and (ii) presence of clinically relevant depression (CESD-R-10 ≥ 10). RF achieved a 71% explained variance, accurately predicting depression scores within a 3.40 unit margin. The top 10 correlates identified by RF included other measures of mental health (anxiety symptoms, flourishing, emotional dysregulation), home life (excessive parental expectations, happy home life, ability to talk to family), school connectedness, sleep duration, and gender. In predicting clinically relevant depression, the algorithm showed 84% accuracy, 0.89 sensitivity, and 0.79 AUROC, aligning closely with the correlates identified for depression score. This study highlights RF's utility in identifying important correlates of adolescent depressive symptoms. RF's natural hierarchy offers an advantage over traditional methods. The findings underscore the importance and additional potential of sleep health promotion and school belonging initiatives in preventing adolescent depression.