Invisible Killer Research Articles

A Study on Prevalence of Hypertension Among Patients Attending OPD of National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, India.

Introduction: Hypertension is the leading modifiable cause of premature death and hence World Health Organization (WHO) has made it one of its global prevention priorities. It is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. The prevention and treatment of hypertension imposes a significant public health challenge owing to its related morbidity and mortality as well as the expense to society. Hypertension is referred to as a silent and an invisible killer and affects at least 1.4 billion people globally. Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated. Methodology The research design was an institution based single centered, observational descriptive study, cross sectional in design and was carried out for a duration of 28 days (4 weeks) from 01.06.2024 to 29.06.2024. The study was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Regimenal therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru. All people above 21 years of age attending OPD constituted study population. In present study, 524 patients were included in the study. The diagnosis of hypertension was done as per WHO guidelines. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. Results: The study revealed that prevalence of hypertension was 35.87% in the study population. In the present study, 53.20% of diagnosed hypertensive patients were females and rest 46.80% were males. Majority of diagnosed hypertensive patients (39.89%) belonged to the age group of above 60 years. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension is significantly increasing at a greater pace globally as well as in India. Periodic screening and raising awareness about hypertension in general population is necessary to reduce the prevalence of the disease and thereby the associated morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Hypertension, WHO, Prevalence, SPSS, OPD patients.

Place de la PSA dans l’exploration des cancers de la prostate Role of PSA in Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer (CaP) is a common malignant tumor, particularly among middle-aged and older men. Often dubbed the "invisible killer," it generally remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making early diagnosis crucial. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is the gold standard biomarker for the screening and monitoring of prostate cancer. This article provides an update on the analytical characteristics of this biomarker, highlighting its advantages and limitations. We will examine the interpretation of PSA results as well as derived indices, such as the free/total PSA ratio and the Prostate Health Index (PHI). These tools are essential in the management and care of prostate cancer. In addition to traditional biomarkers, this article also presents non-classical biomarkers whose potential use for managing this disease could prove interesting.

A Study on a Health Impact Assessment and Healthcare Cost Calculation of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Residents under PM2.5 and O3 Pollution

Excessive fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are invisible killers affecting our wellbeing and safety, which cause great harm to people’s health, cause serious healthcare and economic losses, and affect the sustainable development of the social economy. The effective evaluation of the impact of pollutants on the human body, the associated costs, and the reduction of regional compound air pollution is an important research direction. Taking Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) as the research area, this study constructs a comprehensive model for measuring the healthcare costs of PM2.5 and O3 using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) as its basis. First, this study establishes a health impact assessment model and calculates the number of people affected by PM2.5 and O3 exposure using the health impact function in the BTH region. Then, the willingness to pay (WTP) and cost of illness (COI) methods are used to estimate the healthcare costs inflicted by the two pollutants upon residents from 2018 to 2021. The calculation results show that the total healthcare costs caused by PM2.5 and O3 pollution in BTH accounted for 1%, 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.3% of the regional GDP in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Based on the research results, to further reduce these high healthcare costs, we propose policy suggestions for PM2.5 and O3 control in the BTH region.

Effect of sleep on blood pressure among adults of urban slums: A Cross sectional study

Introduction: Hypertension, the “Silent, Invisible killer” - is a modern day’s universal epidemic. The adult populations in slum area are more vulnerable for hypertension as they are so busy in the fulfilment of even day to day basic needs and care, family commitments and economic stress. Aim and objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among the adults (25-44 years) and to study the effect of sleep on blood pressure levels. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was carried among adults aged between 25 to 44 years residing in the slums of Meerut District. 30 Cluster Sampling technique was used. The slum was selected as a cluster unit. During the visit by house-to-house survey, members of the family were listed and eligible person were interviewed and examined. Data collected on a structured and pretested questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among those who had sleep duration of >8 hours per day was 44.8% followed by 20.1% and 17.5% among those who had 7-8 hours and less than 7 hours of sleep time respectively. It was found that 24.2% monophasic sleep pattern follower were hypertensives while the prevalence was 19.4% in biphasic pattern. Conclusion: Majority (55.4%) had a sleep duration between 7-8 hours, followed by 33.9% and 10.7% with <7 hours and >8 hours of sleep time respectively. Majority (61.3%) of the study population were having monophasic sleep pattern, while 36.3% were biphasic and 2.4% were multiphasic.

Using web GIS to promote stakeholder understanding of scientific results in sustainable urban development: A case study in Bergen, Norway

AbstractThis paper highlights the importance of improving stakeholder understanding of environmental factors such as air quality and the urban heat island effect to achieve sustainable development goals. While accurate spatial and temporal environmental data are critical for sustainable solutions, the challenge lies in translating complex environmental information for non‐specialists. To solve this problem, we propose using web GIS storytelling as a powerful tool for communicating and disseminating information about the environment. This paper aims to show example of implementation of a web‐based geographic information system (GIS) on our case study in Bergen, Norway. This platform “Web GIS Bergen, air quality and thermal comfort” was created as an open portal. This document explains the components of the platform, their rationale, and implementation, which includes important steps. They involve the collection of relevant environmental data, including modeling results and remote sensing data. Futhermore, the design and interface of the platform has been carefully considered to provide a user‐friendly experience based on interactive maps and storytelling. Combining data visualization and storytelling, the platform promotes a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental data, including “invisible killers” such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect, which significantly affect sustainable development. The strategic integration of this web‐based GIS platform in Bergen can serve as an attractive model for other urban areas looking for practical tools for sustainable development, engaging stakeholders for a healthier and more sustainable urban future.

The Invisible Killer: Investigating the Lack of Research on Smog in Pakistan

Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, is a major public health hazard in Pakistan, although it has gotten little attention and research. Despite the negative impacts of smog on the population, there is a dearth of studies and data on the subject, making it difficult for politicians and public health professionals to properly comprehend the issue and design effective solutions. Smog hurts public health
 in Pakistan, with research attributing it to an increase in respiratory infections and mortality. However, a paucity of study makes it difficult to completely comprehend the scope of the problem and its impact on the community. The purpose of this article is to highlight the critical need for additional study and data collection on the issue of smog in Pakistan and its effects on public health. We also emphasize the need for the government to prioritize this issue and take steps to alleviate the consequences of smog on the population.

Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.

A novel approach for active and synchronous removal of fire-generated CO based on Co-La0.1 catalyst: From lab-scale to full-scale tests

CO is an invisible killer that severely threatens the safety of trapped personnel in fire disasters. The existing CO removal approaches are passive and ineffective, which could not satisfy the emergency rescue needs. An active and synchronous CO removal approach (ASCR) based on catalytic oxidation is proposed. By spraying dry powder extinguishant and catalyst powder, the isolation layer and oxidation layer are formed on the fuel surface. CO removal is achieved by both combustion suppression and CO oxidation methods. The synthesized Co-La0.1 catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity, thermal stability, and selectivity, which met the application requirements of the ASCR approach. The results of lab-scall tests demonstrated that the CO concentration in the smoke flow decreased from 135 ppm to 0 ppm immediately once employing the ASCR approach. Full-scale tests in the confined tunnel further verified the practical application performance. With spraying 2 kg extinguishant and 0.9 kg catalyst powder, CO concentration increased merely by ∼ 20 ppm within 50 min, which was far lower than that without taking any disposal measures (∼800 ppm). This approach can effectively control the CO concentration below the safety threshold in fire disasters and is significant for emergency rescue.

Precision Public Health Opportunity: Heat-Associated Mortality Greater among Pilgrims during Hajj

Precision Public Health Opportunity: Heat-Associated Mortality Greater among Pilgrims during Hajj

Discipline Hopping for Environmental Solutions: An Art-Science Collaboration

The two disciplines of art and science have long been identified as separate research fields, often presumed as adopting strikingly different working practices. It can be considered however, that notions of process, experimentation, attention to detail, rigour and curiosity are all commonly shared components. The sharing of ideas and methodologies between artists and scientists have allowed for significant insights, innovation, and research engagement. Air pollution is an invisible killer, with much of the world's population breathing polluted air every day without being able to see it. The visualisation of air pollution is therefore of great importance for public understanding and motivation to improve air quality policies. This paper will uncover what an art-science collaboration can bring to both creative and academic research of air pollution and why interdisciplinary practice should be encouraged. Additionally, we can consider how effective an art and science hybrid is for engaging and affecting audiences. 

"Invisible Killer": Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

"Invisible Killer": Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

“Invisible Killer”: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

“Invisible Killer”: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

“Invisible Killer”: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

“Invisible Killer”: Seasonal Allergies and Accidents

Blowin' in the Wind of an Invisible Killer: Long-Term Exposure to Ozone and Respiratory Mortality in the United States

Blowin' in the Wind of an Invisible Killer: Long-Term Exposure to Ozone and Respiratory Mortality in the United States

Natural products: potential therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an invisible killer among cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which has seriously threatened the life of quality. The complex pathogenesis of AS involves multiple interrelated events and cell types, such as macrophages, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and immune cells. Currently, the efficacy of recommended statin treatment is not satisfactory. Natural products (NPs) have attracted increasing attention with regard to their broad structural diversity and biodiversity, which makes them a promising library in the demand for lead compounds with cardiovascular protective bio-activity. NPs can preclude the development of AS by regulating lipid metabolism, ameliorating inflammation, stabilizing plaques, and remodeling the gut microbiota, which lays a foundation for the application of NPs in clinical therapeutics.

Solid Air: Invisible Killer: Saving Billions of Birds from Windows.

Solid Air: Invisible Killer: Saving Billions of Birds from Windows.

Analysis of the Low-Carbon, Environmental-Friendly, Energy-Saving, and Emission-Reduction Evaluation Model of Urban Rail Transit Based on the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Passenger Flow

The development of the urban economy and the effect of linkage radiation are inseparable from the urban transportation system’s efficient operation. In the context of the new era, environmental pollution caused by economic development has gradually become an invisible killer that endangers human health and the atmospheric environment. It is a pillar industry of economic development, a key part of urban infrastructure construction, and a necessary guarantee for urban residents to travel and live, and it is important to develop a low-carbon, environmental-friendly, energy-saving, and emission-reduction potential for urban transportation systems. On the basis of a large number of literature research, this paper attempts to establish the role of an urban rail transit system in energy conservation and emission reduction in three aspects: residents’ travel behavior, ground transportation operation, and low carbon, energy conservation, and reduced emission under the influence of the urban rail transit system. Based on the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of urban rail transit passenger flow, a relatively complete energy-saving and emission-reduction evaluation model is established. Through case analysis, it is verified that the model can effectively evaluate the effect of energy saving and emission reduction under different rail transit settings and its spatial and temporal distribution characteristics, and provides ideas and technical guidance for multidimensional quantitative analysis of urban rail transit carbon environmental protection, energy conservation, and emission reduction.

The Impact of Fine Particulate Matter 2.5 on the Cardiovascular System: A Review of the Invisible Killer.

Air pollution exerts several deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounting for 80% of all premature deaths caused by air pollution. Short-term exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) leads to acute CVD-associated deaths and nonfatal events, whereas long-term exposure increases CVD-associated risk of death and reduces longevity. Here, we summarize published data illustrating how PM2.5 may impact the cardiovascular system to provide information on the mechanisms by which it may contribute to CVDs. We provide an overview of PM2.5, its associated health risks, global statistics, mechanistic underpinnings related to mitochondria, and hazardous biological effects. We elaborate on the association between PM2.5 exposure and CVD development and examine preventive PM2.5 exposure measures and future strategies for combating PM2.5-related adverse health effects. The insights gained can provide critical guidelines for preventing pollution-related CVDs through governmental, societal, and personal measures, thereby benefitting humanity and slowing climate change.

Perfect Broadband Sound Absorption on a Graphene-Decorated Porous System with Dual-3D Structures.

Noise is a threat to human life quality and an invisible killer that causes many chronic diseases. The vast majority of porous sound absorbers are single-phased, which limits their sound absorption potential. Herein, a graphene-decorated porous system (GDPS) prepared using the immersion-hydrothermal-freezing self-assembly method is reported as an efficient sound absorber based on its unique consecutive double three-dimensional (dual-3D) structure. Due to the increased tortuosity and other gain effects, the novel structure can achieve the perfect broadband absorption at a wide bandwidth in which the sound absorption coefficient exceeds 0.9 easily. Within the effective thicknesses, the widest perfect absorption bandwidth of 814-6400 Hz is realized. Moreover, a higher graphene concentration and the addition of a polymer are found to be able to decrease the absorption frequency to the lowest values of 1979 and 1544 Hz, respectively. The design of a unique dual-3D structure opens up new strategies and applications to use graphene aerogels in noise and vibration applications.

Driver Drowsiness Detection and Alert System Development Using Object Detection

Fatigue driving is an invisible killer in car accidents and one of the main causes of traffic accidents. In order to reduce traffic accidents caused by driving fatigue, this research has developed a safety assist device to prevent such traffic accidents. In this research, a non-contact driver drowsiness detection and alert system is established in the vehicle cabin. The real-time facial image of the driver is obtained through the camera installed in front of the driver, and then the image is input to the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 embedded module. YOLO (You Only Look Once) object detection algorithm is used to detect the opening and closing of the driver's eyes, and by processing the eye area, to determine whether the driver is currently awake or fatigued while driving. The driver drowsiness detection and alert system established in this research can be applied to the vehicle interior environment to monitor the driving status. When the driver is fatigued, the system will simultaneously emit sound and light signals to promptly warn such dangerous driving behaviors. It can prevent the driver from continuing to drive when fatigued, and ensure driving safety.