Health Research Articles

Environmental Impact of Wind Farms

The aim of this article is to analyse the global environmental impact of wind farms, i.e., the effects on human health and the local ecosystem. Compared to conventional energy sources, wind turbines emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, which helps to mitigate global warming. During the life cycle of a wind farm, 86% of CO2 emissions are generated by the extraction of raw materials and the manufacture of wind turbine components. The water consumption of wind farms is extremely low. In the operational phase, it is 4 L/MWh, and in the life cycle, one water footprint is only 670 L/MWh. However, wind farms occupy a relatively large total area of 0.345 ± 0.224 km2/MW of installed capacity on average. For this reason, wind farms will occupy more than 10% of the land area in some EU countries by 2030. The impact of wind farms on human health is mainly reflected in noise and shadow flicker, which can cause insomnia, headaches and various other problems. Ice flying off the rotor blades is not mentioned as a problem. On a positive note, the use of wind turbines instead of conventionally operated power plants helps to reduce the emission of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5), which are a major problem for human health. In addition, the non-carcinogenic toxicity potential of wind turbines for humans over the entire life cycle is one of the lowest for energy plants. Wind farms can have a relatively large impact on the ecological system and biodiversity. The destruction of animal migration routes and habitats, the death of birds and bats in collisions with wind farms and the negative effects of wind farm noise on wildlife are examples of these impacts. The installation of a wind turbine at sea generates a lot of noise, which can have a significant impact on some marine animals. For this reason, planners should include noise mitigation measures when selecting the site for the future wind farm. The end of a wind turbine’s service life is not a major environmental issue. Most components of a wind turbine can be easily recycled and the biggest challenge is the rotor blades due to the composite materials used.

The toll of prejudice: The longitudinal interplay between ethnic prejudice and well-being in adolescence

Ethnic prejudice has negative effects on the well-being of ethnic minorities. However, less is known about the consequences of holding negative attitudes toward diversity for ethnic majority youth in current multicultural societies. Across two studies, the current research examined the medium-term (Study I) and day-to-day (Study II) reciprocal associations between affective and cognitive prejudice and several well-being outcomes (i.e., subjective, psychological, and social well-being, physical health, and sleep) among ethnic majority adolescents. In Study I ( N = 1103; Mage = 15.66, 48.59% females), ethnic prejudice was found to be mostly linked longitudinally and concurrently to decreases in well-being indicators, although with a few exceptions, at both the within- and between-person levels. Conversely, in Study II ( N = 458; Mage = 15.59, 54.77% females), poorer subjective well-being and physical health were associated with increases in prejudice on the next day. Together, these findings suggest a spiraling effect whereby poor well-being leads to short-term increases in prejudice, which in turn contribute to medium-term decreases in well-being. Overall, this research highlights for the first time the intertwined nature of prejudice and well-being among ethnic majority youth and suggests the need to support adolescents in navigating the diversity of current societies.

Pesticide Residues in Cabbage and Nile Tilapia and Implications on Human Health and Ecosystems: A Case of Fogera District in Ethiopia.

Pesticides have posed health risks to consumers and the ecosystems in different parts of the world, including Ethiopia, and researchers recommend continual assessments of pesticide residues in food items and ecosystems to know the level of risks. This study aimed to quantify the pesticide residues in samples of cabbage and fish and their risks to humans and the ecosystems. The cabbage samples were collected from April to May 2023 from 3 market centers, and the fish samples were collected in June 2023 from two fish ponds of Fogera District of Ethiopia using appropriate sampling procedures, extracted using the modified QuEChERS methods, and analyzed using a triple quadrupole GC/MS technique to quantify the pesticide residues and level the risks to humans and the ecosystems. The findings of the present study confirmed that all the samples of cabbage and fish were contaminated with pesticide residues. More than 44% and 37% of pesticide residues detected in both cabbage and fish samples were organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides, respectively. Furthermore, 92.86% of the pesticide residues and 96.43% of the maximum pesticide residues in cabbage exceeded the MRL and the TQ set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The sum total hazard indices of the pesticide residues in the cabbage (22.320) and fish (43.071) were much higher than the threshold value. Though Fogera District is a potential area for fish production in ponds, agricultural pesticides are a threat to the sector. Establishing an efficient system of monitoring for the pesticide supply chain and application procedures, choosing the appropriate pesticide types, timing in spraying, and establishing pesticide-free buffer zones are crucial steps in mitigating the negative effects of pesticides in the area.

Comparison of HPLC with Tinia for hba1c measurement in diabetic and non-diabetic patient; a study from a tertiary care hospital of Baluchistan

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a disease with serious implications on human health ,is on continuous rise. It is the need of hour to find and establish the markers to measure its long term effects. Diabetes Control and Complication Trial has confirmed role of HbA1c in effective blood glucose level monitoring .New methods are being developed for measurement of HbA1c .Before using these methods, it is essential to analyze these methods for reliability .Therefore in our study we will compare and evaluate correlation and agreement between Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay TINIA and High Performance Liquid Chromatography HPLC for HbA1c measurement. Methods: Three hundred and ninety-four samples were analyzed simultaneously on Roche Cobas 501 and D-10 HbA1c analyzer by Bio-Rad for HbA1c level estimation. The results were entered into SPSS version 26 for method validation. This is an observational study conducted at Department of Pathology CMH Quetta from January 2022 to August 2023. Results: Inter and intra run coefficient of variation (CV) was within the allowable limit of 2 %. Mean difference between results of Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay TINIA and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography HPLC was very low with HPLC results slightly on higher side. For low control TINIA had between run CV of 0.3% (Low control) 0.8 % (High control) and within run CV of 0.3% (Low control), 0.6% (High control); while HPLC had between run CV of 0.6%(Low control) 1.8% (High control), and within run CV of 0.3% (Low control), and 0.7%. Linear regression analysis displayed high concordance and agreement between the results of both methods. Conclusion: Both methods have comparable results in HbA1c estimation.

Geochemical assessments and human health risk evaluations of selected farm soils within the Abuja metropolis, North-central, Nigeria

Toxin accumulations in agricultural soils decreases the crop quality and productivity, and threatens the safety of foods, which could cause adverse human health effects. This study assessed the risks associated with potential toxins in the agricultural soils obtained from Lugbe and Jikwoyi in Abuja, Nigeria. An analytical technique for absorption spectrophotometry was adopted, and human health risks were evaluated. Twenty soil samples were collected from two farmlands, and two control samples were taken on unpolluted sites at depths 5-20 cm from the surface at the average suspension of plant roots where the soil holds most plant nutrients and water at a space interval of 5 m. The soils generally had low mean concentrations of Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Co and moderately high mean concentrations of F, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Mo. The pattern of the pollutants reflected that the pollutants were majorly from anthropogenic activities, such as long-term fertilizer applications and other agrochemicals. The contamination indices revealed reassuringly low to moderate pollution risks to humans. The overall pollution loads suggested that the samples were largely unpolluted. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were within the safety limits for inhalation, dermal, and ingestion, which pose no significant risk to children and adults living in the vicinities of the farmlands. The cancer risks for inhalation were higher than dermal and ingestion, with Cr showing the highest values. The samples were slightly contaminated with potentially toxic metals, which could lead to increased phyto-accumulations, soil pollution, and groundwater contamination.

Hair and Saliva Endocannabinoid and Steroid Hormone Analysis by Liquid Chromatography Paired with Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Endocannabinoids are lipid neurotransmitters that play an important part in human health. Recent methods have found that quantification of endocannabinoids in hair and saliva samples is possible using liquid chromatography paired with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This chapter describes two simple sample preparation methods that can be used to prepare hair and saliva samples for analysis using LC-MS/MS. Our LC-MS/MS method can be applied to both hair and saliva samples and is sufficiently sensitive for endocannabinoid, as well as steroid hormone, quantification in both of these sample matrices. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of how this can be achieved and provides tips and tricks for troubleshooting problems users may experience.

Mediatization of medicine and health: dysfunctional aspects

In this article, based on the results of empirical research conducted by employees of the Faculty of Sociology, Doctor of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor T.V. Semina and graduate student A.A. Belov, the destructive influence of electronic and digital media on the health of Russian citizens is considered. In fact, we are talking about the “mediatization of medicine”, which is understood as “the process caused by the emergence of digital communication tools, as a result of which the masses have free access to medical information, and all issues related to human and social health are somehow mediated by electronic media”. The author emphasizes that quite often the media practices uncontrolled submission of quasi-medical information, signs of economic bias present in the media are expressed in the fact that the main source of income for the media is advertising, especially medicines and pharmaceuticals. At the same time, commercials advertising medicines on television are the most effective in influencing the audience. In 2019, T.V. Semina, Doctor of Sociology, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Sociology at Lomonosov Moscow State University, proved the destructive role of the media in the genesis of social conflict in the doctor–patient system. In April–July 2024, the author also undertook an empirical sociological study on the problems of constructing public health in the Russian Federation, in particular, the effectiveness of the impact of advertising materials placed in the media on the health-saving attitudes of Russians, he results of which are presented in the article. In general, the results of empirical studies conducted by T.V. Semina and confirmed by the author’s research convincingly prove the dysfunctionality of the media in relation to the health of Russian citizens, their negative impact on the consciousness of both healthy and sick people. The author emphasizes that it is not so difficult to protect health, but, unfortunately, many people do not even try to do this, guided by certain stereotypes imposed by the media. For example, that after a certain age, absolutely everyone has high blood pressure, overweight, hormonal and other disorders and should regularly take appropriate (widely advertised) medications or dietary supplements, the benefits of which have not been scientifically proven. Most importantly, the author notes, changes are needed in the development of self-preservation behavior among the population. The main task of the state is not only to develop an effective health care system, but also to promote a responsible attitude of citizens to their own health, which implies regular medical examinations, giving up bad habits, leading a healthy lifestyle involving “life on the move”, full sleep and cognitive activity.

Chemical analysis of toxic elements: total cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic and inorganic arsenic in local and imported rice consumed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rice consumption is a pathway for human exposure to toxic elements. Although rice is a major staple in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) there is limited published data about its toxic element composition. Both imported and locally grown Hassawi rice in Saudi Arabia were collected, digested then analysed by HPLC-ICP-MS for inorganic arsenic (i-As) and byICP-MS for As, Cd, Pb and Hg. Of these toxic elements, i-As was present at concentrations that might give rise to material concerns about human exposure and public health. Hassawi rice (mean 43 ± 5µg/kg) was found to have significantly lower concentrations of i-As than imported rice (mean 73 ± 8µg/kg). The estimated exposure of adults consuming imported rice in one KSA city reached 0.3µg/kg-bw/day, within the margin of safety of the recently withdrawn WHO PTWI for i-As of 2.1µg/kg-bw/day and higher than EFSA's 0.06µg/kg-bw/day skin cancer BMDL05.

Larvicidal activity of terpenes and their derivatives against Aedes aegypti: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the primary arthropod vector responsible for the transmission of dengue, which is present in more than one hundred countries. The application of synthetic larvicides is one of the most common strategies used for dengue control, but their prolonged use can cause larvicide resistance or tolerance, environmental damage, and have toxic effects on human and animal health. Thus, faced with this problem, there have been increasing efforts to find alternative larvicides against Ae. Aegypti. This search has been mainly focused on naturally occurring chemical compounds, driven by the evidence of their potential effectiveness, and by a desire to find more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safe alternatives to synthetic larvicides. Thus, the present study aimed to review the effects of terpenes and their derivatives on mortality of the Ae. aegypti larvae, focusing mainly on a lethal concentration of 50% (LC50), in addition to summarizing information on its mechanisms of action and effects on non-target organisms. We searched the main databases for studies published up to April 2024 using relevant keywords, and data were extracted and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Twenty-one articles describing 69 different terpenes and derivatives met the criteria of the review and meta-analysis. Among them, 76.8% were terpenoids and 23.2% terpenes. The LC50 ranged from 0.4 to 1628.2ppm. The present review and meta-analysis showed that the terpenes and terpenoids can be promising chemical templates for use in eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti.

A qualitative analysis of perceived risks and benefits of mosquito abatement and bite prevention strategies in Northeastern U.S. communities.

Mosquito-borne disease (MBD) incidence is increasing in the United States (U.S.), presenting an evolving health threat. Assessments of public perceptions have revealed limited awareness of MBDs among the U.S. population. Our team used focus groups to gain an in-depth understanding of risk perceptions regarding mosquito exposure and pesticide use, and benefit perceptions and motivators for bite prevention strategies. A total of 37 individuals participated in focus groups across 3 states: New Jersey (n = 14), New York (n = 15), and Massachusetts (n = 8). Most participants were unfamiliar with public mosquito control services and felt they were not at high exposure risk to any MBDs. Overall, participants were supportive of investing public funds for mosquito surveillance. However, participants across all focus groups expressed concerns over ecosystem health and long-term consequences of pesticide use for mosquito control. Participants in every focus group referenced a risk assessment that weighed the risk of MBD exposure against the use of chemical control: once participants perceived MBDs as negatively impacting human and/or animal health in their area, sentiment swung largely to supporting the use of pesticides. In the absence of an obvious MBD threat, participants preferred nonchemical control interventions. Participants felt communication from mosquito control agencies should be accessible, disseminated across multiple venues, and should include instructions for the public during spray events, resources for individual bite prevention, and information on control products used. Our research results can inform the development of improved, evidence-based MBD outreach and educational resources that are acceptable, actionable, and relevant to Northeast communities.

Mitochondrial Functioning: Front and Center in Defining Psychosomatic Mechanisms of Allostasis in Health and Disease.

There is increased awareness among basic and clinical scientists that psychological and social stress can have detrimental effects on physical, cognitive, and mental health. Data have been published indicating that social, economic, psychological, and physical environmental stress can influence behavior that has biological and physiological consequences-yet there are major gaps in understanding the physiological and cellular processes that drive increased morbidity and mortality. The potential role of mitochondria has been highlighted in psychosomatic medicine, as their functionality in various biological and physiological processes has earned recognition. This review outlines the essential role of mitochondria by considering the numerous intracellular, extracellular, and physiological functions it regulates that position the organelle as a central mediator in responses to psychological stress. We then connect these functions to mitochondrial allostasis and allostatic load for further examination of the limitations of mitochondria to an adaptive psychological stress response where mitochondrial allostatic load may eventually lead to systemic pathophysiology. This review emphasizes how chronic social, economic, and psychological stress can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and predispose individuals to poorer health outcomes and death. Mitochondrial capacity, function, and activity may therefore serve as biomarkers for identifying individuals at high risk for developing comorbid conditions related to their psychosocial environment.

Integrating informal and formal care: An innovative, scalable program blueprint.

People have infinite needs, including illness prevention, wellness, self-care, practical support, and quality of life. This article describes community-based, informal care programs that help people identify their needs, set goals, and organize networks of care to address their needs holistically in a way that can also significantly reduce healthcare costs. Approaches can be customized for primary care, home and community, hospice, and other care sectors to facilitate low-cost, high impact adoption. We provide a blueprint for programs that integrate informal and formal care across social, physical, and mental health domains as a key part of healthcare system transformation.

Environmental public health research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A blueprint for exposure science in a connected world.

Exposure science plays an essential role in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) mission to protect human health and the environment. The U.S. EPA's Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA) within the Office of Research and Development (ORD) provides the exposure science needed to characterize the multifaceted relationships between people and their surroundings in support of national, regional, local and individual-level actions. Furthermore, exposure science research must position its enterprise to tackle the most pressing public health challenges in an ever-changing environment. These challenges include understanding and confronting complex human disease etiologies, disparities in the social environment, and system-level changes in the physical environment. Solutions will sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. Our objectives for this paper are to review the role of CPHEA exposure science research in various recent decision-making contexts, to present current challenges facing U.S. EPA and the larger exposure science field, and to provide illustrative case examples where CPHEA exposure science is demonstrating the latest methodologies at the intersection of these two motivations. This blueprint provides a foundation for applying exposomic tools and approaches to holistically understand real-world exposures so optimal environmental public health protective actions can be realized within the broader context of a One Health framework. IMPACT STATEMENT: The U.S. EPA's Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment exposure research priorities reside at the intersection of environmental decision contexts and broad public health challenges. The blueprint provides a foundation for advancing the tools and approaches to holistically understand real-world exposures so optimal environmental protection actions can be realized. A One Health lens can help shape exposure research for maximum impact to support solutions that are transdisciplinary and must engage multiple sectors.

A Multi-Channel Handheld Diagnostic Device Based on Green Biomimetic Material for Point-of-Care Testing of Vitamin C in Human Fluids.

In the era of "Great Health", maintaining an appropriate level of vitamin C is crucial for human health as it directly impacts the proper functioning of the immune system. In this study, a handheld nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor based on biomimetic material prussian blue functionalized polydopamine is proposed for point-of-care testing (POCT) of vitamin C in human fluids. Particularly, Prussian blue, known as a bio-antidote, and polydopamine, a main component of cuttlefish ink, ensure the safety and reliability of home testing. The experimental results quantitatively demonstrate that this electrochemical POCT sensor enables rapid and accurate determination of vitamin C with a wide linear detection range from 0.2 to 200µm, a low limit of detection at 0.03µm, and high sensitivity at 0.33µAµm-1cm-2. More importantly, the performance evaluation using human urine and saliva samples confirms satisfactory accuracy and recovery rates for vitamin C determination by this electrochemical POCT sensor. Thus, the proposed handheld electrochemical POCT sensor holds potential utility as an affordable tool for VC determination and home-based healthcare.

Soil Physico-chemical Responses to Integrated Nutrient Management in Lentil Intercropped with Bhimal (Grewia optiva) in Agroforestry vs. Open Systems

The growing concern over health risks associated with the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in India, which have been linked to rising cancer cases, underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Integrated Nutrient Management offers a promising solution to enhance soil fertility and support crop health, especially for lentil cultivation within agroforestry systems. This study, conducted at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, examined the effects of INM on the soil’s physical and chemical properties when lentils were intercropped within a Grewia optiva (Bhimal) agroforestry system in the mid-hills region of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment evaluated various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including T1: Recommended Dose of Fertilizer, T2: Farmyard Manure, T3: Vermicompost, T4: Goat Manure, T5: 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer + 50% Farm yard manure, T6: 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer + 50% Vermicompost, T7: 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer + 50% Goat Manure, and T8: Control. These treatments were applied in plots both under the Bhimal-based agroforestry system (S1) and in open field conditions (S2), with three replications per treatment following a factorial randomized block design. Key physical parameters such as bulk density, particle density, porosity, and soil moisture were measured alongside chemical properties, including soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Data collected over two years was analyzed using R Statistical Software, revealing that INM significantly improved soil properties in the agroforestry system compared to the control. Notably, 100% FYM emerged as the most effective treatment, enhancing soil porosity, moisture, pH, and nutrient availability (N, P, and K). Improvements in soil structure and nutrient levels were particularly evident in the second year, positively impacting lentil growth and yield. The study highlights the potential of INM to promote sustainable, chemical-free agriculture in hilly areas, offering valuable recommendations for farmers and policymakers focused on sustainable agriculture. Specifically, 100% FYM is recommended for improving soil health and crop productivity in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh, providing a model for similar agro-ecological zones aiming to reduce chemical inputs and support human health.

The Prevalence of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant E. coli in Animals and Animal Products: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Biological contamination of foods is a serious problem for human health. Animal and animal products may be contaminated by these biological and chemical contaminants. One of the most important causes of foodborne illness in humans is Escherichia coli. Fluoroquinolones can be used as a suitable treatment for enteric infections in food-producing livestock. We aimed to evaluate the current status of resistance of E. coli strains isolated from animals and animal products to fluoroquinolone in Iran. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases from 2000 to Oct 2020. Nineteen studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria and analysis by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. Results: Based on the data analysis, The rates of antibiotic resistance in animal strains were as follows: Flumequine (75.1%), Enrofloxacin (55.2%), Danofloxacin (48.1%), Ciprofloxacin (48.4%), and Norfloxacin (52.9%). Next, the rates of quinolone resistance among E. coli strains isolated from animal products were Norfloxacin (45.5%), Ciprofloxacin (44.5%), and Enrofloxacin (60.9%). Based on the funnel plots and Egger's test, there was no significant publication bias. Conclusion: We finally concluded that antibiotic resistance in commensal E. coli is related to the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, especially fluoroquinolones.

Isolation of Bacillus Velezensis from Leepuram Sea Sediment and Its Bioactive Compound and Antimicrobial Activity

Research into marine bacteria in India for their potential active chemicals is essential for the creation of medications derived from marine sources. The objective of this research was to collect Bacillus velezensis from Leepuram Sea Sediment, test their antibacterial efficacy with the agar diffusion method, and find secondary metabolites by GC-MS spectroscopy.Traditional microbiological methods and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences were used to successfully identify Bacillus velezensis from sediment samples obtained in the Leepuram Sea, Kanyakumari. Using the agar well diffusion method, we tested the isolated metabolites for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the extract had a strong antibacterial effect, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria with zones of inhibition as large as 19 mm for E. coli and Pseudomonas.Bacillus velezensis produces secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential, according to this study. These metabolites may have useful uses in biocontrol, agriculture, and medicine. The implications of these results for human health and the creation of new antimicrobial drugs are likely to grow substantially when more worldwide research is carried out.

Food as a public service for people and pollinators: evidence-based insights from regenerative placemaking in New Zealand—the Waharoa living lab

ABSTRACT This action research project transformed a former bowling green into a public, inclusive, edible landscape in Waharoa, Aotearoa-New Zealand, where everyone is welcome to help themselves to fruits and vegetables free of charge and without being asked to work on the land. This 400 m2 Living Lab (LL) differs from community gardens, which are increasingly seen as privatising public land. The LL involved multi-stakeholder cooperation (government, community, and academia) and produced benefits that research participants perceived as transition pathways to more nutritious dietary choices, health education, and reduced criminality in a socially deprived region. The analyses of interviews, observations, and pollinator surveys conducted at the Waharoa LL (which confirmed that 14 visiting species were drawn by the LL) were coupled with insights from prior scholarship to put forward an approach to regenerative placemaking that articulates human and non-human perspectives and serves a planetary purpose combining human health and biodiversity benefits.

The effects of vitamin D levels on physical, mental health, and sleep quality in adults: a comprehensive investigation

BackgroundVitamin D, essential hormone for endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine functions. A billion people are deficient globally which contributing to numerous health issues. This study explores the link between vitamin D levels and sleep quality, impacting mental and physical health in adults.MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Nims Hospital, Jaipur, involving 484 adults’ participants. Blood samples were collected for serum 25(OH) D measurements. Data were gathered using the SF-36 and ISI questionnaires to assess health and sleep quality.ResultsHigher vitamin D levels were strongly linked to better physical health, including physical function (r = 0.642, p < 0.001), general health (r = 0.560, p < 0.001), and PCS score (r = 0.441, p < 0.001). Vitamin D also positively impacted social functioning (r = 0.096, p = 0.035) and was negatively related to ISI scores (r = −0.112, p = 0.014).ConclusionThe study highlights a strong link between higher vitamin D levels and improved physical and mental health, with significant negative correlation to ISI scores. This underscores the importance of adequate vitamin D for overall well-being. The findings call for urgent measures to address vitamin D deficiency and further research into its health impacts.

Effects of the CALM intervention on cancer-related fatigue and heart rate variability in NSCLC: a randomized trial.

To evaluate the effects of CALM intervention on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), quality of life (QOL), and heart rate variability (HRV) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A total of 153 NSCLC patients were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the CALM group and usual care (UC) group. Patients in the CALM group were received 6 CALM intervention sessions over a 12-week period and evaluated using CRF, QOL and HRV at baseline (T0) and after 2, 4, and 6 intervention sessions. The CALM group showed significant differences in total CRF, behavioral/daily life CRF, emotional/affective CRF, sensory/physical CRF, cognitive CRF and QOL before and after CALM intervention sessions (F = 643.47, F = 208.34, F = 354.52, F = 285.69, F = 334.29, F = 245.77, p < 0.001). The CALM group showed significant increases in standard deviation of normal R-R interval (SDNN) and high-frequency power (HF) (z = -4.94, p < 0.001,z = -4.30, p < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were observed between CRF and SDNN, HF and QOL across all participants. The CALM intervention had a positive impact on overall physical and mental health, fatigue reduction, quality of life and autonomic dysfunction in NSCLC patients. Heart rate variability may serve as an observational indicator of physical and mental health.