Increased Health Risks Research Articles

Evaluation of medical equipment maintenance and skilled manpower requirement among private dental centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A pilot study.

Adequate equipment maintenance is necessary to ensure efficient dental care facilities and satisfactory medical equipment performance. This study aimed to assess maintenance practices and manpower adequacy in private dental centres (DCs) across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate equipment maintenance and manpower strength based on international and national standards. Thirty-three private DCs were visited in-person with the designed questionnaire to conduct the study. The Chi-square test and t-test were performed. Only 21 dental centres had a scheduled maintenance plan for medical equipment, whereas the rest had no plan. Furthermore, only 22 DCs maintained equipment maintenance records, while 11 DCs did not have any records. Additionally, the study found a lack of trained personnel to handle medical equipment and overall inadequate maintenance practices. Significant differences were observed between the responses for many questions (p< 0.05). These findings increase health risks to both the patient and the user. To address these issues, DC administrators should implement stricter measures to adhere to local DCs standards and hire qualified personnel who can periodically maintain and repair medical equipment.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Composites for the Adsorption Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Water.

The increasing health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment highlight the importance of implementing effective removal techniques. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing persistent organic pollutants. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are capable of removing PFASs from water through adsorption techniques. However, there is still constructive discussion on the potential of MOFs in adsorbing and removing PFASs for large-scale engineering applications. This review systematically investigates the use of MOFs as adsorbents for the removal of PFAS in water treatment. This primarily involved a comprehensive analysis of existing literature to understand the adsorption mechanisms of MOFs and to identify factors that enhance their efficiency in removing PFASs. We also explore the critical aspects of regeneration and stability of MOFs, assessing their reusability and long-term performance, which are essential for large-scale water treatment applications. Finally, our study highlights the challenges of removing PFASs using MOFs. Especially, the efficient removal of short-chain PFASs with hydrophilicity is a major challenge, while medium- to long-chain PFASs are frequently susceptible to being captured from water by MOFs through multiple synergistic effects. The ion-exchange force may be the key to solving this difficulty, but its susceptibility to ion interference in water needs to be addressed in practical applications. We hope that this review can provide valuable insights into the effective removal and adsorption mechanisms of PFASs as well as advance the sustainable utilization of MOFs in the field of water treatment, thereby presenting a novel perspective.

Vaccinations in patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder receiving an immunosuppressive agent: a best practice implementation project.

Immunosuppressed patients face increased health risks due to infections such as influenza or COVID-19. Scientific evidence supports improved health-related outcomes in this patient population, such as reduced hospitalizations, with up-to-date vaccinations. The project setting, a community-based rheumatology clinic, did not have a vaccination record specific to the needs of immunosuppressed patients, which may lead to a suboptimal immunization status in these patients. This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices regarding the use of vaccinations in patients diagnosed with autoimmune disorders receiving immunosuppressive agents. This project used the JBI evidence implementation framework to promote best practices regarding vaccination. Two audit criteria were identified using a JBI Evidence Summary. Baseline audits identified gaps between the evidence and current practice. Barriers to best practice were then identified, and strategies implemented. Post-implementation audits measured changes in compliance. Baseline audits revealed 67% compliance with the two best practices. Barriers included a lack of provider awareness of the current vaccination recommendations for immunosuppressed patients and a lack of customizable vaccine records. Strategies to address these barriers included educating providers about current national vaccination recommendations and implementing a new patient vaccination history intake form. Post-implementation audits revealed 83% compliance, with a 16% increase from baseline. This evidence-based implementation project enhanced best practices by educating providers and implementing an updated patient vaccination history form. Recommendations include the improved compliance with the use of the new form and to assess the effectiveness and usability of a customizable electronic form that interfaces with the clinic's electronic medical records.

Exposure risks of lead and other metals to humans: A consideration of specific size fraction and methodology

Particle size is a critical influencing factor in assessing human exposure risk as fine particles are generally more hazardous than larger coarse particles. However, how particle composition influences human health risk is only poorly understood as different studies have different utilised different definitions and as a consequence there is no consensus. Here, with a new methodology taking insights of each size fraction load (%GSFload), metal bioaccessibility, we classify which specific particle size can reliably estimate the human exposure risk of lead and other metals. We then validate these by correlating the metals in each size fraction with those in human blood, hair, crop grain and different anthropogenic sources. Although increasing health risks are linked to metal concentration these increase as particle size decrease, the adjusted-risk for each size fraction differs when %GSFload is introduced to the risk assessment program. When using a single size fraction (250–50 µm, 50–5 µm, 5–1 µm, and < 1 µm) for comparison, the risk may be either over- or under-estimated. However, by considering bulk and adjusting the risk, it would be possible to obtain results that are closer to the real scenarios, which have been validated through human responses and evidence from crops. Fine particle size fractions (< 5 µm) bearing the mineral crystalline or aggregates (CaCO3, Fe3O4, Fe2O3, CaHPO4, Pb5(PO4)3Cl) alter the accumulation, chemical speciation, and fate of metals in soil/dust/sediment from the different sources. Loaded lead in the size fraction of < 50 µm has a significantly higher positive association with the risk-receptor biomarkers (BLLs, Hair Pb, Corn Pb, and Crop Pb) than other size fractions (bulk and 50–250 µm). Thus, we conclude that the < 50 µm fraction would be likely to be recommended as a reliable fraction to include in a risk assessment program. This methodology acts as a valuable instrument for future research undertakings, highlighting the importance of choosing suitable size fractions and attaining improved accuracy in risk assessment results that can be effectively compared.

Safe inhalation pipe provision (SIPP): protocol for a mixed-method evaluation of an intervention to improve health outcomes and service engagement among people who use crack cocaine in England

BackgroundOver 180,000 people use crack cocaine in England, yet provision of smoking equipment to support safer crack use is prohibited under UK law. Pipes used for crack cocaine smoking are often homemade and/or in short supply, leading to pipe sharing and injuries from use of unsafe materials. This increases risk of viral infection and respiratory harm among a marginalised underserved population. International evaluations suggest crack pipe supply leads to sustained reductions in pipe sharing and use of homemade equipment; increased health risk awareness; improved service access; reduction in injecting and crack-related health problems. In this paper, we introduce the protocol for the NIHR-funded SIPP (Safe inhalation pipe provision) project and discuss implications for impact.MethodsThe SIPP study will develop, implement and evaluate a crack smoking equipment and training intervention to be distributed through peer networks and specialist drug services in England. Study components comprise: (1) peer-network capacity building and co-production; (2) a pre- and post-intervention survey at intervention and non-equivalent control sites; (3) a mixed-method process evaluation; and (4) an economic evaluation. Participant eligibility criteria are use of crack within the past 28 days, with a survey sample of ~ 740 for each impact evaluation survey point and ~ 40 for qualitative process evaluation interviews. Our primary outcome measure is pipe sharing within the past 28 days, with secondary outcomes pertaining to use of homemade pipes, service engagement, injecting practice and acute health harms.Anticipated impactSIPP aims to reduce crack use risk practices and associated health harms; including through increasing crack harm reduction awareness among service providers and peers. Implementation has only been possible with local police approvals. Our goal is to generate an evidence base to inform review of the legislation prohibiting crack pipe supply in the UK. This holds potential to transform harm reduction service provision and engagement nationally.ConclusionPeople who smoke crack cocaine in England currently have little reason to engage with harm reduction and drug services. Little is known about this growing population. This study will provide insight into population characteristics, unmet need and the case for legislative reform.Trial registration: ISRCTN12541454 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12541454

Characterizing Opioid Withdrawal Experiences and Consequences Among a Community Sample of People Who Use Opioids

Background Opioid withdrawal symptoms are a highly salient and consequential health condition experienced by people who use opioids (PWUO). This study utilized qualitative interviews to explore opioid withdrawal experiences and consequences among PWUO in Los Angeles County, USA. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 PWUO (aged 27–63 years) between May 2021 and May 2022. Participants self-reported opioid and injection drug use in the last 30 days. We employed an inductive thematic approach to systematically code and synthesize textual interview data. Results Participants experienced withdrawal symptoms frequently, with many going to great lengths to avoid them. Withdrawal pain was described as incapacitating and interfered with PWUO’s ability to sustain regular employment and ensure stable housing. Avoiding withdrawal was described as influential in driving decisions to continue using opioids. Mechanisms for managing withdrawal included using other substances to the point of sedation. PWUO who transitioned from heroin to fentanyl use revealed more frequent, painful, and faster onset of withdrawal symptoms. Adverse withdrawal experiences and fear of precipitated withdrawal from buprenorphine were barriers to treatment initiation and continuation. Conclusion Withdrawal symptoms among PWUO increase health risk. Improved strategies to treat opioid withdrawal are urgently needed. Solutions such as safe supply and intentional opioid withdrawal interventions (educational trainings, withdrawal comfort kits) are needed to improve withdrawal management and reduce opioid-related harm.

Historical and future health burden attributable to PM2.5 exposure in China

PM2.5 is one of the major pollutants in China and poses threats to human health. To better estimate the health burden caused by long-term PM2.5 exposure, we use PM2.5 data from high-resolution TAP (Tracking Air Pollution in China) database and CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) models to quantify premature mortalities attributed to PM2.5 pollution in China during the historical (2001–2019) and future (2030, 2045 and 2060) periods. Sensitivity experiments are also designed to explore the respective impacts of baseline mortality, population size, age structure, and PM2.5 concentration on health burden. Results show that population-weighted PM2.5 concentration in China over the last 19 years is 57.5 μg m−3, significantly higher than the unweighted value of 33.4 μg m−3. The national average premature mortalities attributable to long-term exposure to PM2.5 during 2001–2019 are 2363 (95%CI: 1991–2712) thousand, with severe health damage over Central China (454 (95%CI: 384–519) thousand), North China Plain (442 (95%CI: 375–503) thousand), and Yangtze River Delta (406 (95%CI: 343–465) thousand). The significant increase in premature mortalities in China during 2001–2005 (+213 thousand yr−1) is attributed to the growth in population size and the exacerbation of PM2.5 pollution, while the decrease in premature mortalities during 2013–2019 (−59 thousand yr−1) is primarily owing to the improvement in PM2.5 air quality. Future improvements in medical care and decreases in PM2.5 concentrations will help to alleviate the health burden in China. However, compared to 2019, national premature mortalities are projected to increase, especially during 2030–2060 with significant trends of +116∼+181 thousand yr−1 under different scenarios. The severe aging population in the future is the primary factor contributing to the increased health risks. In conclusion, severe PM2.5 pollution in China during the last 19 years has resulted in a large number of premature deaths, which will be further aggravated by population aging in the future. Therefore, it is imperative to implement more stringent air quality control measures to mitigate future health hazards associated with PM2.5 pollution.

Vaporized Δ9-THC in utero results in reduced birthweight, increased locomotion, and altered wake-cycle activity dependent on dose, sex, and diet in the offspring

AimsPreclinical studies have found that chronic ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) treatment is directly associated with weight gain when introduced during adolescence and adulthood, but the effect of prenatal THC is unclear. Clinical studies have demonstrated prenatal exposure to THC is a prospective predictor of increased health risks associated with obesity. Our study aims to examine prenatal THC impact on obesity risks in males and females throughout adolescence using a clinically relevant inhalation model. MethodsPregnant rats were exposed to one of the following from gestational day 2 through birth: 10 mg THC, 40 mg THC, or air. Daily 10-min inhalations were conducted in each animal from 0900 to 1200. Offspring from each treatment group were given either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet (ND). Food and bodyweights were collected daily, while circadian activity, locomotion, and exercise were measured periodically (PND 21–60). Pregnancy weight gain and birth weight were collected to determine early-life developmental effects. ResultsRats prenatally treated with low-dose THC (LDTHC) generally had lower dark-cycle activity compared with control counterparts, but this altered activity was not observed at the higher dose of THC (HDTHC). In terms of open-field activity, THC doses displayed a general increase in locomotion. In addition, the LDTHC male rats in the ND showed significantly greater exploratory behavior. Prenatal THC had dose-dependent effects on maternal weight gain and birth weight. ConclusionsOverall, our findings indicate there are some activity-related and developmental effects of prenatal THC, which may be related to obesity risks later in life.

The mechanics of risk adjustment and incentives for coding intensity in Medicare.

To study diagnosis coding intensity across Medicare programs, and to examine the impacts of changes in the risk model adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2024. Claims and encounter data from the CMS data warehouse for Traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries and Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees. We created cohorts of MA enrollees, TM beneficiaries attributed to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and TM non-ACO beneficiaries. Using the 2019 Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) software from CMS, we computed HCC prevalence and scores from base records, then computed incremental prevalence and scores from health risk assessments (HRA) and chart review (CR) records. We used CMS's 2019 random 20% sample of individuals and their 2018 diagnosis history, retaining those with 12 months of Parts A/B/D coverage in 2018. Measured health risks for MA and TM ACO individuals were comparable in base records for propensity-score matched cohorts, while TM non-ACO beneficiaries had lower risk. Incremental health risk due to diagnoses in HRA records increased across coverage cohorts in line with incentives to maximize risk scores: +0.9% for TM non-ACO, +1.2% for TM ACO, and + 3.6% for MA. Including HRA and CR records, the MA risk scores increased by 9.8% in the matched cohort. We identify the HCC groups with the greatest sensitivity to these sources of coding intensity among MA enrollees, comparing those groups to the new model's areas of targeted change. Consistent with previous literature, we find increased health risk in MA associated with HRA and CR records. We also demonstrate the meaningful impacts of HRAs on health risk measurement for TM coverage cohorts. CMS's model changes have the potential to reduce coding intensity, but they do not target the full scope of hierarchies sensitive to coding intensity.

Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling Mediates Gastritis and Gastric Cancer.

The stomach is a crucial digestive organ in the human body, highly susceptible to inflammation or pathogen invasion, which can lead to various gastric diseases, including gastric cancer. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first line of defense against pathogen invasion. TLR4, a member of the TLRs family, recognizes pathogen and danger-related molecular patterns to induce inflammatory responses. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant factor in gastric health, and TLR4 recognizes H. pylori -LPS to trigger an inflammatory response. Downstream TLR4 signaling generates proinflammatory cytokines that initiate inflammation in the gastric mucosa. In addition, TLR4 gene polymorphisms can increase health risks. This study aims to investigate the contribution of TLR4 to the inflammatory response in gastric diseases and the relation between TLR4 and H. pylori, TLR4 gene polymorphisms, and how TLR4 affects gastric diseases' possible pathways to provide further insight for future prevention and clinical treatment strategies.

The Diwali festival: short-term high effect of fireworks emissions on particulates and their associated empirically calculated health risk assessment at Bhubaneswar city.

This article elucidates the role of the short-term combustion of firecrackers and sparklers as a significant source of atmospheric pollutants that deteriorate ambient air quality and increase health risks during the popular Diwali festival. The study was conducted at Bhubaneswar during the festive celebration in early November 2021 (4th Nov) and late October 2022 (24th Oct) to assess the level of particulates (PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentration) and the relative health risks associated with them. PM2.5 (113.83µg/m3) and PM10 (204.32µg/m3) showed significant rises on D-day at all seven different sites that exceeded the NAAQS in 2021. From 2021 to 2022, an overall decrease in PM2.5 (41%) and PM10 (36%) was observed. On D-day, the total concentration of quantified metals in PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be 4.83µg/m3 5.97µg/m3 (2021) and 5.08µg/m3 5.18µg/m3 (2022) respectively. The AQI during both years (2021-2022) was found to be high for PM2.5 (unhealthy) and PM10 (moderate), but it was markedly goodfor all other pollutants on the scale. The overall population in the study area were under a significant health risk was observed in the overall population as PM surpassed the threshold concentration amid the festivities for consecutive years, with PM2.5 being more potent than PM10. The total excess health risk in 2022 was found to be decreased lower by ~ 88% from 2021 on D-day. But, metal exposure (through inhalation) in children were more compared to the adults for both the years. However, the exposure risk of both children and adults were high in the year 2022 with inhalation of metals like K, Al, Ba, Fe and Ca found in higher concentration and directly emitted from the firecrackers.

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness with HDL and LDL Levels in Overweight Female Student

Background: Indonesia is now facing overweight problem as one of the major nutritional problems. It occurs due to excessive fat in the body. The distribution of body fat from subcutaneous fat can increase health risks such as dyslipidemia, one of which is characterized by abnormal High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between subcutaneous fat thickness and HDL LDL levels in overweight students at Universitas Darussalam Gontor. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The research subjects were 50 overweight adult women aged 18-25 years using the Lemeshow formula selected using consecutive sampling while the data analysis using the Chi-Square test. Data taken includes body fat percentage from measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat folds using a skinfold caliper measuring instrument, and checking the lipid profile from HDL and LDL levels. Results: The average thickness of subcutaneous fat in overweight female students was 32% body fat with high category (64%). The average HDL level was classified as normal (70%), while the LDL level was classified as high (58%). The results of the analysis test on the relation between subcutaneous fat thickness and HDL levels showed no significant difference with HDL levels (p-value = 0.199 [&gt;0.05]). While there is a significant relationship between the subcutaneous fat thickness and LDL levels with a p-value of 0.042 (&lt;0.05). Conclusions: There is no significant relationship between subcutaneous fat thickness and HDL level contrarily, there is a relationship between subcutaneous fat thickness and LDL levels. Monitoring the thickness of subcutaneous fat needs to be done as a form of controlling LDL levels.

Exploring Genetic Variation in Brassica rapa for Improved Yield and Fatty Acid Profiles

Brassica rapa is one of the most widely cultivated oilseed crops and is known for a variety of benefits across the globe. Brassica rapa is one of the key Brassica species. Together with significant oil concentrations, it is distinguished by a high concentration of macro and micronutrients. Oilseed rape cultivars have high amounts of erucic acid and glucosinolate which may increase health risks. The current study was carried out in 2021 in the research area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The goal of the experiment was to find Brassica rapa accessions with improved yield and fatty acid-related characteristics from the germplasm by screening and choosing them. One hundred accessions of B. rapa were screened for better yield and fatty acid-related traits in a randomized complete block design. Data were obtained for many morphological and fatty acid-related characteristics. Analysis of variance, mean comparison, correlation, and principal component analysis were performed on the recorded data. Three testers; 26240, 26283, and 26215 and ten lines; 28244, 40961, 40970, 40975, 40977, 40978, 40979, 40980, 40981 and 40982 were selected on a mean performance basis. The highest mean value was shown by 40975, and 40977 lines for most of the traits. The findings demonstrated that there was significant genetic variation in the oil content and mix of fatty acids across the species under study. This suggests that the oil extracted from the seeds of these lines may be appropriate for both industrial and human use. The selected accessions should be further assessed for various yield and fatty acid-related traits to modify their value for edible purposes. They may also be utilized as a favourable germplasm in the breeding program.

Active Social Media Use and Health Indicators Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults.

Purpose: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals may receive social support through active use of social media (i.e., posting and interacting). This study examined associations between active social media use, social support, and health indicators in a large sample of SGM adults in the United States. Methods: Data were derived from the 2017 wave of The PRIDE Study, a national cohort study of SGM health. SGM-identified adults reporting social media use (N = 5995) completed measures of active social media use, social support, depressive symptoms, cigarette smoking, hazardous drinking, sleep, and physical activity. Regression models examined main and interactive effects of active social media use and social support on health indicators. Results: The sample reported a moderate level of active social media use (mean [M] = 3.2 [1.0], scale = 1-5) and relatively high social support (M = 16.7 [3.3], scale = 4-20); 31.8% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Participants with greater active social media use were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.26), cigarette smoking (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.01-1.22), insufficient sleep (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.06-1.21), and physical inactivity (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02-1.15) than those with less active social media use. Active social media use did not significantly interact with social support to predict any health indicators (p values >0.159). Conclusions: Among SGM adults, active social media use was associated with several negative health indicators. Active social media use may increase health risks, or SGM adults with poor health may actively use social media to maintain social connections. Moderate active social media use may be compatible with health.

Assessing GHG emissions of food consumption towards low-carbon transformation in China

Food is the link between sustainable development and human nutrition and health. The unreasonable diet structure not only increase health risks, but also increases GHG emissions. However, existing dietary guidelines concentrate on human nutritional intake requirements, without considering the impact on GHG emissions. Here, we measure China's food GHG emissions at four stages. We find that emissions from the production and processing stages are higher than those from the transportation and marketing stages for all the food types. Three fifths of provinces have higher GHG emissions from plant-based foods than from animal-based foods due to different dietary habits. By comparing different dietary guidelines, we propose a Low-carbon Health Dietary Guideline (LDG) that fully considered nutritional and emission reduction targets, and tailor the diet to suit differences in age, race, gender and income. The results show that under the LDG diet, food-related GHG emissions of China in 2050 are 167 Mt. CO2-eq, 19% less than under Business as Usual (BAU) and 34% less than under Chinese Dietary Guidelines (CDG).

Beverage industry TV advertising shifts after a stepwise mandatory food marketing restriction: achievements and challenges with regulating the food marketing environment.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are heavily advertised globally, and SSB consumption is linked to increased health risk. To reduce unhealthy food marketing, Chile implemented a regulation for products classified as high in energies, sugar, saturated fat or sodium, starting with a 2016 ban on child-targeted advertising of these products and adding a 06.00-22.00 daytime advertising ban in 2019. This study assesses changes in television advertising prevalence of ready-to-drink beverages, including and beyond SSB, to analyse how the beverage industry shifted its marketing strategies across Chile's implementation phases. Beverage advertisements were recorded during two randomly constructed weeks in April-May of 2016 (pre-implementation) through 2019 (daytime ban). Ad products were classified as 'high-in' or 'non-high-in' according to regulation nutrient thresholds. Ads were analysed for their programme placement and marketing content. Chile. From pre-regulation to daytime ban, child-targeted, daytime and total ads decreased by 51·8 percentage points (p.p.), 51·5 p.p. and 61·8 p.p. for high-in products and increased by 62·9 p.p., 54·9 p.p. and 61·8 p.p. for non-high-in products (Ps < 0·001). Additionally, total ready-to-drink beverage ads increased by 5·4 p.p. and brand-only ads (no product shown) by 7 p.p. After the regulation implementation, 'high-in' ads fell significantly, but 'non-high-in' ads rose and continued using strategies targeting children and being aired during daytime. Given research showing that advertising one product can increase preferences for a different product from that same brand and product categories, broader food marketing regulation approaches may be needed to protect children from the harmful effects of food marketing.

MINIMISING HEALTH RISKS AND ENHANCING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OCCUPANTS’ SAFETY IN NIGERIA

Housing as an essential component of human life has not been given prominence in global health. Meanwhile, housing conditions can significantly impact the physical, mental, and social well-being of residents. In Nigeria, poor housing habitability is a threat to public health which has exacerbated building-related illnesses (BRI), and triggered outbreaks of infectious diseases among the residents. This research examined the quality of housing and habitability provision in Nigeria with a view to minimise health risks and enhance the residents’ physical, mental, and social well-being. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 respondents to solicit relevant data for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the collated data at various levels of the research. Findings indicate a significant effect of poor housing conditions such as inadequate ventilation, dampness, and overcrowding on the wellbeing of occupants in dwellings, which lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases such as respiratory illnesses, allergies, and psychological distress. The study concludes that inadequate and poor housing quality promote poor building habitability, causing outbreak of infectious diseases and increased health risk for occupants. The study recommends that authorities in the housing sector should provide policies to ensure adequate and well-constructed housing for adequate habitation, promoting health and safety of occupants and reducing the rate of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Also, there should be continuous public enlightenment among the people on the health implications of their living conditions to minimise health risk. Keywords: Building habitability, diseases outbreak, health risk, residential houses, occupants safety, Nigeria

Disease avoidance threatens social cohesion in a large-scale social networking experiment

People tend to limit social contacts during times of increased health risks, leading to disruption of social networks thus changing the course of epidemics. To what extent, however, do people show such avoidance reactions? To test the predictions and assumptions of an agent-based model on the feedback loop between avoidance behavior, social networks, and disease spread, we conducted a large-scale (2,879 participants) incentivized experiment. The experiment rewards maintaining social relations and structures, and penalizes acquiring infections. We find that disease avoidance dominates networking decisions, despite relatively low penalties for infections; and that participants use more sophisticated strategies than expected (e.g., avoiding susceptible others with infectious neighbors), while they forget to maintain a beneficial network structure. Consequently, we observe low infection numbers, but also deterioration of network positions. These results imply that the focus on a more obvious signal (i.e., infection) may lead to unwanted side effects (i.e., loss of social cohesion).

Ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on europium-organic frameworks for selective and quantitative detection of cerium ions

BackgroundDue to the unavoidable use of cerium in daily life, the accumulation of cerium in the environment increases health risks for humans. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a chemical sensing technology for the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of cerium ions. ResultsIn this research work, a novel two-dimensional chain structure of a europium-based metal organic framework (Eu-MOF) [Eu2(tcpa)(Htcpa)2] was synthesized by using 3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2TCPA) as the ligand and europium nitrate as the metal source. The results of powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis show that the synthesized Eu-MOF has excellent chemical and thermal stability. When the Eu-MOF suspension was excited by ultraviolet light at 292 nm, four fluorescence emissions were observed at 420, 595, 620 and 705 nm. It was particularly interesting that when cerium ions (Ce3+/Ce4+) were added to the Eu-MOF suspension, the fluorescence intensity at 420 nm was enhanced, while the fluorescence at 620 nm was quenched. On this basis, a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for detecting cerium ions was constructed, which has a good linear relationship in the range of 0.05–15 μM and a detection limit of 16 nM. The plausible mechanism of the change in the fluorescence characteristics of Eu-MOF caused by cerium ions was discussed in detail. Through the study of fluorescence lifetime and ultraviolet absorption, it was proven that the mechanism of Ce3+-quenching Eu-MOF fluorescence is the inner filter effect. Photoinduced electron transfer and internal filtering effects lead to fluorescence quenching at 620 nm, while redox reactions lead to fluorescence enhancement of the ligand at 420 nm. SignificanceThe proposed ratiometric fluorescence sensor was successfully employed for the detection of cerium ions in real water samples, confirming that it can be used as an alternative method for the detection of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in environmental samples.

High-throughput absolute quantification sequencing reveals the adaptive succession and assembly pattern of plastisphere communities in municipal sewer systems: Influence of environmental factors and microplastic polymer types

Municipal sewer systems have received increasing attention due to the magnitude of the microplastic stock and its potential ecological impacts. However, as a critical aspect of the adverse impacts, little is known about the plastisphere that forms in these engineered environments. Using high-throughput absolute quantification sequencing, we conducted a systemic study combining field survey and laboratory batch test to explain the general plastisphere pattern and the role of environmental and polymeric factors in driving plastisphere succession and assembly there. We demonstrated the capacity of microplastics to support high levels of microbial colonization, increasing by 8.7–56.0 and 1.26–5.62 times at field and laboratory scales, respectively, despite the less diverse communities hosted in the resulting plastisphere. Sediment communities exhibited higher diversity but greater loss of specific operational taxonomic units in their plastisphere than in the wastewater. The former plastisphere had primarily an enhanced methanogenesis-oriented metabolic network linked to hydrolysis fermentation, hydrogen-producing acetogenesis, and denitrification, while the latter had a pronounced niche partitioning and competitive interaction network. Exogenous substrate flux and composition were key in stimulating plastisphere community growth and succession. Furthermore, the high nitrogen baseline facilitated alternative niche formation for plastisphere nitrifiers and denitrifiers, and the plastisphere pathogens associated with denitrification and plastic biodegradation functions increased significantly. The aerobic state also promoted a 1.71 times higher colonizer load and a denser interaction pattern than the anaerobic state. Selective filtering by polymers was evident: polyethylene supported higher plastisphere diversity than polypropylene. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms driving colonizer loads and the adaptive succession and assembly of the plastisphere in such a typically hydrodynamic and highly contaminated environment. The results help to fill the knowledge gap in understanding the potential role of microplastics in shaping the microecology of sewers and increasing health risks and substrate loss during sewer transfer.