Health Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Physical Education and Health Outcomes in China, Japan, and India

A Comparative Study of Physical Education and Health Outcomes in China, Japan, and India

An Alternative and Complementary Approach to Stress Caused by Sleep Deprivation: A Review

Lack of sleep is a prevalent issue in contemporary society, often leading to considerable stress that negatively affects physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Traditional treatments, like drug therapies, are effective but often come with side effects, risks of dependency, and limited long-term benefits. Consequently, alternative and complementary methods are becoming more popular as viable, holistic solutions for alleviating stress resulting from sleep deprivation. These techniques encompass mindfulness-based practices, herbal remedies, dietary changes, physical exercise, and mind-body therapies. This paper examines the evidence backing these alternative methods and their mechanisms in reducing stress while improving sleep quality and overall wellness. Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) addresses the cognitive misconceptions tied to sleep deprivation, reducing stress while encouraging healthier sleep patterns. Complementary technologies, including biofeedback and wearable sleep monitors, further assist in managing stress by supplying real-time information to enhance interventions.

Empowering Lives through Water Sustainability: Assessing the Impact of Limited Access on Irula Women in Thethampakkam, Pondicherry

Abstract: This study investigates the challenges of water sustainability in Thethampakkam, Pondicherry, with a focus on the daily lives of 117 Irula women residing in the village. The research highlights the significant difficulties these women face in accessing clean drinking water, as the majority rely on public standposts located 101-150 meters from their homes. Limited water access disrupts their daily routines, causing delays in cooking, late arrivals at school or work, and exacerbating physical violence. These challenges underscore the critical role water access plays in the socio-economic and physical well-being of the Irula community. The findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions to improve the quality of life for the women and their families, fostering equity and resilience within the community

Ghrelin alleviates liver fibrosis by triggering HSCs ferroptosis via regulating injured hepatocyte-derived exosomal LncMALAT1/GPX4 pathway.

Ghrelin reduced the profibrotic effect of IHC-Exo in liver fibrosis by regulating lncMALAT1/GPX4 pathway mediated HSCs ferroptosis. Triggering HSCs ferroptosis via GHR-IHC-Exo may become a novel strategy to alleviate the progression of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is the end stage of the continuous progression of a variety of chronic liver diseases. With the continuous action of various pathogenic factors, hepatic stellate cells in the liver are activated and produce a large amount of collagen fibers that are deposited in the liver, resulting in obvious damage to liver tissue and leading to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, which seriously affects human health. However, there are still clear and effective drugs approved for the treatment of liver fibrosis, so it is important to explore the possible mechanisms of liver fibrosis treatment. In previous studies, researchers found that exosomes secreted by injured hepatocytes promote the progression of liver fibrosis. In our study, we found that the role of exosomes in promoting liver fibrosis progression was attenuated after pretreatment with Ghrelin. This provides an important theoretical basis for the use of Ghrelin in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

E-waste landscape on the environment and human health: A bibliometric analysis

Electronic waste (e-waste) has become relevant to the impact on the environment and human health. The mass production of equipment and devices makes them more affordable for consumers and promotes, in exchange, a short time of use and disposal growth. In this regard, the present work conducted a literature mini-review based on bibliometric analysis, using the SCOPUS database to obtain records of research articles from 2019 up to date. The purpose is to grasp an overview of the impact of e-waste on the environment and health. Therefore, the study revealed works that addressed such topics and identified the journals with the most articles published in this period. Moreover, the analysis exhibits the research collaboration among authors, countries, and highly cited authors, highlighting the contribution of developing countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Vietnam and exposing the current trends and future directions to mitigate this worldwide concern. The reviewed works emphasized the relevance of employing sustainable methods and supporting the circular economy at the disposal of e-waste. They also highlighted the need for creating and implementing policy and regulation frameworks, especially in developing countries, in parallel with encouraging corporate and consumer responsibility in e-waste management to raise awareness about eco-friendly practices and promote a greener and healthier future.

The impact of smartphones on mental health of children and adolescents in west India

The rising prevalence of smartphone usage among children and adolescents in West India presents significant challenges for mental health and developmental outcomes. This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of smartphones on individuals aged 10-19, focusing on mental health, physical well-being, and social development. A mixed-methods systematic review of literature published between 2019 and 2023 reveals nuanced insights into the interplay of socio-cultural factors, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes. Positive effects such as improved access to educational tools and communication are contrasted against negative consequences, including increased anxiety, depression, and diminished physical activity. This article identifies key themes, provides recommendations for mitigating adverse effects, and underscores the importance of balanced smartphone usage in promoting healthy development.

Sustained public health protection also via haloacetic acids monitoring

Haloacetic acids present in drinking water originate from chlorinated disinfection interacting with organic matter and bromide ions. We delve into the tangled web of these pollutants and monitor levels of five key elements: mono-, di-, trichloroacetic acid, and mono- and dibromoacetic acid. Our research reveals not only the numbers, but also their impact on human health, from skin reactions to oncological diseases. European Union legislation sets a maximum concentration of 60 μg/l, which governs our study in the vibrant Bratislava region, where almost three quarters of a million inhabitants live in four dynamic districts: Bratislava, Pezinok, Malacky and Senec. This study provides data from a comprehensive analysis of 281 samples from 2019 to 2024. We examine more than just numbers. Our findings reveal not only overall disinfection methods, but also shed light on the unique presence of each haloacetic acid (as the analyte of interest) over time. Our results, visualized through tables and graphs, paint a vivid picture of water quality dynamics.

The correlation between parental education level and emotional disorders among female adolescents in high schools in Surabaya

According to WHO data (2022), in 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or approximately 970 million individuals worldwide, lived with mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. Poor emotional conditions can affect an individual's physical health, with one of the impacts on female adolescents being irregular menstrual cycles. Female adolescents can detect emotional disorders early, which highlights the importance of environmental support, particularly the role of parents. Mothers with higher education levels are likely to play a significant role in family decision-making. This study aimed to examine the correlation between parental education levels and emotional disorders among female adolescents in high schools in Surabaya. The study employed a quantitative analysis method with an observational design and a cross-sectional approach. Data were collected from female adolescents aged 15–17 years in high schools in Surabaya using cluster random sampling. The data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed p-values of 0.174 and 0.350 (p-value > 0.05), indicating no significant correlation between parental education levels and emotional disorders among female adolescents aged 15–17 years in high schools in Surabaya. Future research should further explore factors related to emotional disorders to reduce the prevalence of such cases.

Health-related quality of life after liver transplantation

Background: Mongolian citizens in need of liver transplant treatment have been receiving the treatment abroad since 2004, and in Mongolia since 2011. As the number of years of life after liver transplantation increases, it is important to better understand the factors that influence patient’s quality of life during those years, and what can be done to modify them. (1) Quality of life reflects how the interaction between socio-economic and environmental factors influences social and human development. (2) Studies on work capacity have shown that 6% of people after liver transplantation are classified as unable to work based on functional and international disability assessments, (3) while 23-61% are fully employed after liver transplantation. (4)(5) There is a lack of research examining the physical, psychological, and social well-being of patients after liver transplant treatment in Mongolia. Methods: Data were collected from 144 liver transplant cases using descriptive research design and questionnaire method. The study used the SF-36 Health Assessment Questionnaire, which was grouped into 8 groups and the scores were averaged according to the scale. The results of the study were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software using Pearson’s Chi-square test for differences between groups. Results: Of the total 144 cases included in the study, 81 (56.3%), were male and 63 (43.8%) were female. By age group, 120 (83.3%) are between the ages of 19-60, or working age, and 24 (16.7%) are over 60. Employment after liver transplantation was 41 (28.5%) full-time, 19 (13.2%) part-time, 84 (58.3%) unemployed or there was no statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.024), of which 62 (43%) were willing to work, 17 (12%) were unwilling to work, and 65 (45%) were unknown (0.173) with no statistically significant difference. When assessing health-related quality of life, physical activity was 65.7±27.1, health-related limitations 38.5±40.1, psychological limitations 41.9±43.0, pain 65.5±27.2, psychological average 71.7±19.2, physical energy average 57.8±21.2, moderate, social participation average 68.1±20.6, and health change 85±22.2, indicating that citizens who underwent liver transplant treatment had good health-related quality of life and health change indicators. Conclusion: People who have undergone liver transplant treatment have good health-related quality of life and health-related changes.

Assessment of sleep quality and its impact on the mental well-being of adolescents

Background: Sleep is vital for brain development, body healing, production of repair molecules, and long-term memory formation. Poor sleep quality in adolescents can lead to psychological problems such as depression, stress, and anxiety, which can negatively affect daily life and academic performance. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure optimal sleep quality for optimal brain function. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep patterns and mental health in adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, measuring sleep quality with PSQI and stress, anxiety, and depression with the DASS-Y questionnaire among 350 students from different middle colleges and private schools. Results: A study found that 13-15 year old have a higher prevalence of poor sleep (83%) while 16-18 year old have more balanced sleep (51% poor, 49% good). Nearly half of the 350 participants experienced poor sleep quality, with stress, anxiety, and depression being the most common. The study found a significant relationship between sleep quality and (mental health). Conclusion: Sleep deprivation increases mental illness vulnerability, highlighting the need for healthy sleep habits. Clinical pharmacists collaborate with medical professionals to improve adolescents' physical and psychological health through techniques and counseling, promoting good sleep habits.

Case report: Holistic approach to pregnant adolescents

Introduction: Teenage pregnancy is a global health problem with significant impacts on physical, mental, social, and economic health. In Indonesia, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy reaches 10%, with East Java recording a higher rate (12%). Factors such as lack of sexual education, limited access to contraceptives, social stigma, and low family support exacerbate this condition. Case Report: A 14-year-old adolescent girl in Surabaya experienced an unplanned pregnancy and faced limited family support and economic problems. During pregnancy, she experienced eating disorders, anxiety, and limited access to health services. A holistic approach was taken by a midwife, nutritionist, and psychologist, including family counseling, nutrition education, and planning for delivery by caesarean section to prevent complications. Discussion: Teenage pregnancy involves biological, psychosocial, and economic factors. Family and health professional support is essential to reduce the risk of complications such as anemia, preterm labor, and mental health disorders. 5 A holistic approach includes nutrition education, psychological counseling, and family and community support to improve the quality of life of mothers and babies. Continuity of Care (COC) ensures continuity of care from pregnancy, labor, to postpartum. Conclusion: A holistic approach and COC are effective in addressing the challenges of teenage pregnancy with a focus on the following aspects keywords.

The effects of childhood trauma on bullying - mental health

Bullying is the systematic abuse of power and is defined as aggressive behavior or intentional harm-doing by peers that is carried out repeatedly and involves an imbalance of power. Being bullied is still often wrongly considered a ‘normal rite of passage’. This review considers the importance of bullying as a major risk factor for poor physical and mental health and reduced adaptation to adult roles, including forming lasting relationships, integrating into work, and being economically independent. Bullying by peers has been mostly ignored by health professionals but should be considered as a significant risk factor and safeguarding issue. In addition, the present relationship between childhood trauma and the risk of bullying, in any of the capacity to either become a target, a bully or both, is explained. The review also considered the differences between direct, relational, and cyberbullying, as well as the effects on both the target, self, and the perpetrator. Particular emphasis is placed on the cumulative response and the possible consequences of bullying in the future, including the emotional state in the form of anxiety, depression, cutting oneself, and thoughts about suicide, but only among those children who face bullying every day. Through emphasizing the intricate processes and the broad impacts of bullying, this paper supports a much-engaged approach towards such issues as: early identification of bullying; the use of school-based prevention methods, and helping the students who have been bullied.

A critical review on effects of artificial sweeteners on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal health.

Artificial sweeteners have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional sweeteners, driven by the growing concern over sugar consumption and its associated rise in obesity and metabolic disorders. Despite their widespread use, the safety and health implications of artificial sweeteners remain a topic of debate, with conflicting evidence contributing to uncertainty about their long-term effects. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal health. Our analysis of in vitro experiments, animal models, and clinical trials reveals that artificial sweeteners can alter the composition and abundance of gut microbes. These changes raise concerns about their potential to affect overall gut health and contribute to gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, artificial sweeteners have been shown to influence the production of metabolites by gut bacteria, further impacting systemic health. The findings suggest that artificial sweeteners may have complex and sometimes contradictory effects on gut microbiota. While some studies indicate potential benefits, such as reduced caloric intake and weight management, others highlight detrimental effects on microbial balance and metabolic functions. The inconsistent results underscore the need for further research to comprehensively understand the physiological impacts of various artificial sweeteners on human health. Future studies should aim for long-term, well-controlled investigations to clarify these relationships, ensuring evidence-based guidelines for the safe use of artificial sweeteners in diet management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Self-Management in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Illness: An Evolutionary Analysis of the Concept.

To increase conceptual clarity regarding the self-management of school-age children and adolescents with chronic illnesses in a community context. Concept Analysis: Rodgers' evolutionary approach. Search conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane, Web of Science, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis. Thirty-one articles were identified, published between 2004 and 2023. Followed the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines-Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020. Self-management in children and adolescents with chronic illness, in school age, in a community context, consists of a process of acquiring knowledge and beliefs that promote the self-efficacy of this population in developing skills to face needs inherent to the health condition. Promoting self-management goes beyond simply educating for skill acquisition. Participants with stronger beliefs in their ability to control their behaviours are more successful in self-management. The activation of resources that position the child as an agent of change is recommended. It contributes to the development of strategies that promote self-management across different healthcare disciplines, focusing on education and change, but also on psychological encouragement to foster confidence in change. Competent self-management during childhood promotes autonomy, empowerment, and control of the condition, with consequent physical and emotional well-being, quality of life, family stability, and social development. There was no direct contribution from patients or the public in this work (literature review).

Insecure food additive sensing with photonic crystal fibre in terahertz regime

Food security and the challenges of food sterility, storage, chemical additives, enzymes, and microorganisms are critical due to their direct impact on human and animal health. Advanced monitoring technologies are essential for ensuring food safety and promoting eco-friendly practices. Early detection and real-time monitoring of sensitive substances, chemicals, biomolecules, and hazardous agents are vital. This research introduces a photonic crystal fibre (PCF) nanosensor designed for detecting food additives. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, the sensor’s numerical performance was analyzed with test analytes—saccharin, sorbitol, and butyl acetate—across a wavelength range of 0.8 to 3 THz. The sensor demonstrated high sensitivities of 88.90%, 90.85%, and 86.95%, and low confinement losses of 5.05 × 10−08, 6.05 × 10−08, and 5.40 × 10−08 dB/m at 1 THz. These results confirm the sensor’s effectiveness for real-time detection and its potential for enhancing food safety standards through precise, eco-friendly monitoring.

Qualitative evaluation of the Rehabilitation Exercise and psycholoGical support After COVID-19 InfectioN (REGAIN) randomised controlled trial (RCT): ‘you are not alone’

BackgroundThis qualitative evaluation was embedded in the Rehabilitation Exercise and psycholoGical support After COVID-19 InfectioN (REGAIN) study, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for those with post-COVID-19 condition (‘long COVID’) after...

Evaluation of the genotoxic and transformation potential induced by asbestos compared to cleavage fragments

The World Health Organization has confirmed that asbestos fibres are carcinogenic, claiming that asbestos-related diseases should be eradicated worldwide. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and tremolite are regulated asbestiform mineral phases. However, in nature, asbestos minerals occur either in a fibrous and asbestiform (original morphology characterized by high length-to-width ratio and provided of high tensile strength and flexibility) or fibrous but not asbestiform appearance. This study used human epithelial cancer cells (A549) and a mouse fibroblast cell line (Balb/c 3T3) to compare the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of a sample of amphibole asbestos with samples of fibrous not asbestiform named cleavage fragments (CV) obtained by grinding non-asbestiform amphiboles. The results showed that exposure of alveolar lung cells to asbestos and elongated mineral particles, in the habit of cleavage fragments (CF) derived from the grinding of non-asbestiform amphiboles and serpentines, causes cytotoxic effects, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage. Moreover, CF obtained from an actinolite schist induces a transformation effect in the Balb/c 3T3 model. Together, these findings highlight the importance of considering CF as a potential threat to human health since it can cause genotoxic damage by triggering cellular transformation processes that overlap with the mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis processes of asbestos.

Potential toxic elements in breakfast cereals in the Kurdistan region, Iraq

ABSTRACT Potential toxic elements are substances that can accumulate in foodstuffs and pose risks to human health even at low levels, or when their levels exceed safety thresholds. A total of 78 breakfast cereals were purchased from the Kurdistan region, Iraq. Their PTE levels were analysed and associated health risks were calculated. The levels of As, Cd, Pb, Cu and Cr ranged from 0.055 ± 0.02–0.12 ± 0.05 mg/kg, 0.024 ± 0.009–0.08 ± 0.03 mg/kg, 0.015 ± 0.003–0.12 ± 0.06 mg/kg, 1.93 ± 0.5–3.9 ± 0.1 mg/kg and 0.36 ± 0.02–0.84 ± 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The PTE levels were mostly below the Codex Alimentarius maximum limits, except in 11 samples, which exceeded the limits for As, Cd and Pb. Risk assessment data of HQ and HI (below 1) showed no non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children. However, due to the high levels of As, Cd and Pb in some samples, continuous monitoring is advisable to ensure the constant quality of these products.

Review of pretreatment and analytical methods for environmental endocrine disruptors: Phthalates.

Phthalates, known as phthalate esters (PAEs), are among the most ubiquitous pervasive env7ironmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), extensively utilized globally in various facets of modern life due to their irreplaceable role as plasticizers. The exponential production and utilization of plastic goods have substantially escalated plastic waste accumulation. Consequently, PAEs have infiltrated the environment, contaminating food and drinking water reservoirs, posing notable threats to human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of research advancements in PAE detection and identifies key focal points from 2000 to 2022, utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection. Sample pretreatment and analytical methodologies for PAEs are examined based on bibliometric analysis findings. Pretreatment methods mainly include dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE), magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE), molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Laboratory analytical methods such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatograph (LC) and immunoassay have been described. Additionally, a discussion on the advantages and challenges of rapid on-site detection methods, in comparison to traditional approaches, is presented in alignment with the evolving demands of PAEs detection. Based on the current research progress, future studies can focus on the demand of rapid detection of PAEs.

Cognitive Benefits of Open-Skill Sports in Childhood: Evidence from the ABCD Study.

Sports participation in childhood is known to benefit physical health, but its impact on cognitive development, particularly comparing open-skill and closed-skill sports, is less understood. This study analyzed baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, comprising 11,869 children aged 9-10 years. Participants were categorized into open-skill sports group (OSG), closed-skill sports group (CSG), and non-sport group (NSG). Cognitive performance was assessed using seven tasks from the NIH Toolbox, covering executive function, processing speed, and language domains. Group differences were examined using ANCOVA, controlling for sex, race, parental education, income, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), body mass index (BMI), and total time spent in activities. In the final analytical sample of 9,898 ABCD participants, the OSG outperformed both the CSG and NSG on executive function tasks, including the Flanker task (p < .01) and List Sorting Working Memory task (p < .01). No significant group differences were found on tasks assessing processing speed, or language domains. Our findings suggest that participation in open-skill sports may be associated with enhanced cognitive performance in childhood, particularly in executive function and working memory. These results support the idea that dynamic and cognitively demanding activities could play a role in cognitive development during key developmental periods.