Health Research Articles

Social and Environmental Injustice of Plastic Pollution: Report of the Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health

Social and Environmental Injustice of Plastic Pollution: Report of the Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health

INTERCAMBIO: Promoting mental and physical health in changing working environments (climate change, sustainable work, and green jobs)

INTERCAMBIO: Promoting mental and physical health in changing working environments (climate change, sustainable work, and green jobs)

Epidemiology and Human Health Risk Assessment in the IRIS Program

Epidemiology and Human Health Risk Assessment in the IRIS Program

Human Health Impacts of Energy Transitions Across the United States Among Sociodemographic Subpopulations in the Year 2050

Human Health Impacts of Energy Transitions Across the United States Among Sociodemographic Subpopulations in the Year 2050

Evaluating Human Health Risks Associated with Groundwater Chemical Exposure in a Rural Community of San Antonio, Uruguay

Evaluating Human Health Risks Associated with Groundwater Chemical Exposure in a Rural Community of San Antonio, Uruguay

A perspective from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists: how your epidemiologic analyses can inform human health risk assessment

A perspective from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists: how your epidemiologic analyses can inform human health risk assessment

Human health risk due to heavy metal contaminated water exposure in a coastal area of Northern Vietnam

Human health risk due to heavy metal contaminated water exposure in a coastal area of Northern Vietnam

Strengthening the Consideration of Social Susceptibility/Vulnerability in Human Health Risk Assessment: Data and Methodological Needs

Strengthening the Consideration of Social Susceptibility/Vulnerability in Human Health Risk Assessment: Data and Methodological Needs

Investigation of combined environmental exposures, mental health symptoms and physical health conditions and dementia risk in a diverse US sample

Investigation of combined environmental exposures, mental health symptoms and physical health conditions and dementia risk in a diverse US sample

Exploring the role of dreams: insights from recent studies.

Dreaming has only recently become a topic of scientific research. This review updates current findings on dream studies, emphasizing recent research on the neural mechanisms of dreaming. Additionally, it summarizes new evidence on the functional role of dreams, including insights from studies on dreams and nightmares during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Recent advances on the neural basis of mental activity during sleep have shifted towards dream-related phenomena, such as dream experiences in relation to parasomnias and hypnagogic hallucinations. Although some findings are consistent with the main models explaining dream recall (i.e., continuity hypothesis; activation hypothesis), some results contrast with the role of parieto-occipital region in dream experience. Moreover, recent findings - related to COVID-19 pandemic - underlined that dream experiences could express emotion regulation processes as well as provide a simulation of reality to prepare for future dangerous or social interactions. Overall, we highlighted the intricate interplay between brain regions in dreaming and suggest that dreams serve multiple functions, from reflecting waking-life experiences to simulating adaptive responses to threats. Understanding the neural bases and functions of dreaming can provide valuable insights into human mental health, nevertheless, further research is needed.

Loneliness as health risk: anarrative review

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as asignificant health risk. This review provides an overview of current research on the impact of loneliness on mental and physical health. The findings indicate that loneliness is asignificant risk factor of both mental and physical health. Previous reviews focusing on mental health effects reveal that loneliness is associated with the onset of depression, social anxiety, and cognitive decline. Furthermore, loneliness can impede recovery from mental disorders in general, which can be partly attributed to the bidirectional interplay between loneliness and mental health. Regarding physical health, consequences of loneliness have been mostly studied in relation to cardiovascular diseases. Loneliness predicts the onset of cardiovascular diseases and impedes recovery from them. Reviews also highlight that loneliness enhances the likelihood of suicidality and mortality. However, this article also points out the shortage of longitudinal studies, complicating the investigation into how loneliness causally affects future health problems. The health implications of loneliness outlined in this review, some of which are irreversible and can induce suffering and impairment, underscore the importance of interventions aimed at alleviating loneliness as apreventive strategy against both mental and physical illnesses.

Probiotics intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy: a review from proposed mechanisms to future prospects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the metabolic diseases with the highest morbidity rates in the world. Probiotics have positive health impacts on human health and a considerable amount of research has demonstrated their beneficial effects in treating T2DM. However, probiotic intervention in T2DM has complex mechanisms because the pathogenesis of T2DM is complex. This review summarized the mechanisms of probiotic intervention in diabetes from the perspective of diabetes pathogenesis. First, the objectives of probiotic intervention in diabetes aimed at the intestinal tract reparative effects, pancreatic function, host metabolism and self-recovery were comprehensively reviewed. Next, we concluded the clinical application status of ingested probiotics in patients with T2DM, and an obvious imbalance exists between theoretical probiotic research and clinical applications. Finally, we summarized the emerging research on probiotic interventions in T2DM and analyzed the literature in this regard, including next-generation probiotics; suggestions for probiotics consumption with the aim of diabetic complications; as well as the association between novel mechanisms of diabetes remission with the potential for probiotic intervention. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the potential role of probiotics, from proposed mechanisms to prospects in relieving T2DM.

Postsynthetically Modified Cationic, Robust MOF Featuring Selective Separation of Carboxylate-Containing Pharmaceutical Drugs from Water at Neutral pH: Elucidation of the Adsorption Mechanism by Theory and Experiments.

The escalating levels of hazardous pharmaceutical contaminants, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in groundwater reservoir surfaces and surface waterway systems have prompted substantial scientific interest regarding their potential deleterious effects on both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Extraction of those pollutants from wastewater is quite challenging. Hence, the development of economic, sustainable, and scalable techniques for capturing and removing those pollutants is crucial to ensure water safety. Herein, we demonstrate a physicochemically stable, reusable, porous Hf(IV)-based cationic metal-organic framework (MOF), namely, 1'@MeCl for the aqueous phase adsorption-based removal of NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen) from the wastewater environment. The highly positively charged surface of the 1'@MeCl MOF enables it to selectively extract more than 99% of diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen contaminants within less than 30 s. With fast adsorption kinetics, very high adsorption capacities (Qe) were achieved at neutral pH for diclofenac (482.9 mg/g), naproxen (295.9 mg/g), and ibuprofen (219.5 mg/g). Moreover, the influence of changes in pH and coexisting anions on the adsorption property of the 1'@MeCl MOF was studied. Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency of 1'@MeCl in different real water environments was ensured by performing diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen adsorption from tap, river, and lake water. Moreover, a 1'@MeCl-anchored cellulose acetate-chitosan membrane was developed successfully to demonstrate the membrane-based extraction of diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen from contaminated water. Furthermore, a molecular-level mechanistic study was performed through experimental and computational study to propose the plausible adsorption mechanisms for diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen over the surface of 1'@MeCl.

Review on anti-microbial resistance patterns of staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic cow’s milk: Ethiopian context

Aim of this paper is to review antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from mastitic cow milk in Ethiopia between 2013- 2023. S. aureus causes chronic intramammary infections, causing financial losses and challenging antimicrobial therapy globally. In Ethiopia meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of bovine mastitis was 47.6% showing S. aureus as the major isolates accounting for 13.4% and 16.5% of clinical and subclinical mastitis. In Ethiopia, there are indication of the misuse of antibiotics coupled with the rapid spread of resistant bacterial nature and inadequate surveillance, which contributed to the problem. According to this review resistance profile of S. aureus studied in Ethiopia, the bulk of tested isolates showed alarmingly high levels of resistance to widely used antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of mastitis, particularly penicillin G and tetracycline. Variuos studies warned low susceptibility of S. aureus to commonly used antimicrobials such as penicillin G and tetracycline as a great concern because this antibiotic represents the main antibiotic group recommended for staphylococcal mastitis infection in Ethiopia. If essential steps to stop the indiscriminate use of antibiotics are not implemented, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus could rise posing major risks to both animal and human health. Therefore, conducting regular antimicrobial sensitivity testing before treatment helps select effective antibiotics which reduce the development of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Further studies should be conducted to detect antimicrobial resistant strains, continiuos surveillance and monitoring of S. aureus to prevent the spread of milk-borne drug-resistant strains throughout communities.

Characteristics of Sleep Disturbance and Comparison Across Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Workers.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) suffered from a heavy mental health burden during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to explore the differences in sleep disturbance in three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan among HCWs. Moreover, factors associated with sleep disturbances in the third wave were investigated. This study, with three waves of cross-sectional surveys, recruited first-line and second-line HCWs. The level of sleep disturbance and related demographic variables were collected through self-report questionnaires. Differences in sleep disturbance across the three waves were compared with analysis of variance. Factors associated with the level of sleep disturbance were identified using univariate linear regression and further used for multivariate stepwise and bootstrap linear regression to identify the independent predictors. In total, 711, 560, and 747 HCWs were included in the first, second, and third waves, respectively. For first-line HCWs, sleep disturbance was significantly higher in the third wave than in the first wave. The level of sleep disturbance gradually increased across the three waves for all HCWs. In addition, sleep disturbance was associated with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anxiety about COVID-19, vaccine mistrust, and poorer physical and mental health among first-line HCWs. Among second-line HCWs, sleep disturbance was associated with younger age, depression, PTSD symptoms, lower preference for natural immunity, and poorer physical health. The current study identified an increase in sleep disturbance and several predictors among HCWs. Further investigation is warranted to extend the application and generalizability of the current study.

Exploring the interplay of abstinence self-efficacy, locus of control, and perceived social support in substance use disorder recovery.

Substance use disorder (SUD) poses a significant public health challenge globally, with substantial impacts on physical and social well-being. This study investigates the interplay between abstinence self-efficacy (ASE), locus of control (LOC), perceived social support (PSS), and various socio-demographic and psychosocial factors among individuals undergoing SUD rehabilitation. Researchers obtained permission from drug rehabilitation centers in Assam, India, and conducted orientation programs for prospective participants. A total of 144 participants, aged 18-65 years, predominantly from rural areas participated in the study. Data was collected through one-to-one interviews, covering socio-demographic history, drug abuse, and administering scales for ASE, LOC and PSS. Collected data underwent digitization and subsequent descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Significant associations were found between ASE and socio-demographic variables, family dynamics, and drug use history, highlighting the importance of considering these factors in SUD rehabilitation. Disturbed family relationships were linked to diminished ASE and higher risk of relapse, emphasizing the role of family support in recovery. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between ASE and LOC, suggesting that individuals with higher ASE tend to have a more internal locus of control, which positively influences recovery outcomes. Moreover, positive correlations were found between ASE and PSS, particularly from family members, underscoring the importance of social support in fostering recovery. Regression analysis further elucidated the relationships between ASE, LOC, and PSS, emphasizing the predictive value of LOC and the impact of family support on ASE. Findings of this study have several implications for developing targeted interventions aimed at strengthening ASE, promoting internal locus of control, and enhancing social support systems.

An All-in-One Array of Pressure Sensors and sEMG Electrodes for Scoliosis Monitoring.

Scoliosis often occurs in adolescents and seriously affects physical development and health. Traditionally, medical imaging is the most common means of evaluating the corrective effect of bracing during treatment. However, the imaging approach falls short in providing real-time feedback, and the optimal corrective force remains unclear, potentially slowing the patient's recovery progress. To tackle these challenges, an all-in-one integrated array of pressure sensors and sEMG electrodes based on hierarchical MXene/chitosan/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/polyurethane sponge and MXene/polyimide (PI) is developed. Benefiting from the microstructured electrodes and the modulus enhancement of PDMS, the sensor demonstrates a high sensitivity of 444.3 kPa-1 and a broad linear detection range (up to 81.6kPa). With the help of electrostatic attraction of chitosan and interface locking of PDMS, the pressure sensor achieves remarkable stability of over 100000 cycles. Simultaneously, the sEMG electrodes offer exceptional stretchability and flexibility, functioning effectively at 60% strain, which ensures precise signal capture for various human motions. After integrating the developed all-in-one arrays into a commercial scoliosis brace, the system can accurately categorize human motion and predict Cobb angles aided by deep learning. This study provides real-time insights into brace effectiveness and patient progress, offering new ideas for improving the efficiency of scoliosis treatment.

Green infrastructure and community health: exploring the characteristics of campus users in three university towns in Texas

ABSTRACT Green infrastructure in college campuses and their surrounding communities can bring public health benefits. Using green infrastructure measures in three university towns in Texas, United States, this study explores if and how green infrastructure can impact the physical and mental health status of university campus users in the community. Campus users were estimated as the number of visitors to campus using the SafeGraph mobility data, green infrastructure was measured with land cover and Landsat 8 satellite images, and health status was measured with the CDC health status data. The results of spatial error models suggest a significant moderating effect of tree canopy coverage indicating that green infrastructure could potentially benefit campus users’ health. This gives indirect evidence supporting the health-significant roles of the campus environment. For city planners and policymakers, increasing tree canopy coverage stands out as a promising green infrastructure planning and management strategy that can contribute to the health of campus users/communities.

Autism Severity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Oral Health: A Comparative Study of Adolescents in the United States.

Dental health significantly influences overall child physical well-being, academic success, and psychosocial development. This paper explores the intersection of a range of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) functionality, multiple types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and dental health in adolescents. The purpose is to investigate the independent and interactive effects of ASD severity and ACEs on dental outcomes. Data from the 2018 and 2019 National Surveys of Children's Health were analyzed, focusing on 28,263 adolescents (ages 11-17). Logistic regressions assessed associations between ASD severity (mild, moderate, severe), cumulative number of ACEs, and dental outcomes (teeth condition, cavities or bleeding gums, check-ups, cleanings). Covariates included demographic and socioeconomic factors. Controlling for covariates, severe autism independently increased the odds of poor teeth (odds ratio = 6.17), cavities or bleeding gums (OR = 3.76), no previous year check-up(OR = 2.94), and no previous year cleaning (OR = 4.20). Higher ACE scores also independently increased the odds of all dental outcomes. Interactions revealed a cumulative effect of multiple ACEs on poor dental outcomes only for adolescents with severe levels of autism. This study illuminates the heightened vulnerability of adolescents with severe autism and a history of ACEs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Multidisciplinary strategies integrating dental care and mental health support within tailored interventions are crucial for improving dental health and access for older youth with low functioning autism. While these findings provide valuable insights, the cross-sectional design and reliance on parental reports necessitate cautious interpretation.

Evaluation of the Pollution by the Potentially Toxic Elements in the Topsoils of a Semi-Industrial Zone, Northwestern Iran

ABSTRACT Various industries, including cement production, petrochemical processing, and power plants, exert significant environmental impacts on their surroundings. The close proximity of these industries within the study area underscores the critical need to investigate soil pollution of potentially toxic elements and elucidate possible pollution sources and associated risks. The present study involved taking 44 topsoil (0–10 cm) samples of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd) Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) concentrations, which their mean concentration were found to be 11.29, 0.46, 15.89, 67.36, 44.36, 79.93, 8.50 and 68.27 mg kg−1, respectively. Comparison with the baseline values stated in local and international soil quality guidelines has indicated higher As, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni concentrations. The soil pollution indices of the geoaccumulation index, pollution index, pollution load index, and enrichment factor pollution have evaluated the pollution status of the study area to be uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, moderately polluted, polluted, deficient enrichment to moderate enrichment classes, respectively. Ecological and health risks that involved the application of the single index of ecological risk, potential ecological risk, hazard quotient, hazard index, and cancer risk have revealed that the study area was ecologically in a low-risk state with an average potential ecological risk value of 90.38, while carcinogenic (10−6-10−4) and non-carcinogenic risks (>1) were also found to be in a tolerable range for human health. Possible pollution sources were identified using multivariate statistics and further confirmed and visualized by the spatial distribution maps obtained from the deterministic interpolation method of inverse distance weighting. These analyses have suggested that the soil pollution which its existence was confirmed by the related indices and comparisons, to the potentially toxic elements of Cr and Ni can be possibly attributed to the petrochemical and power plants, to Cd could be appointed to cement plant, and to Cu could be associated with agricultural activities. It has also been found that arsenic was determined to be a common pollutant among the three main industries.