Population Lives Research Articles

Study of the importance of plants with tubers and edible roots in the life of local populations in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve

This study focusing on root and tuber plants in the riverside villages of Nimba aims to promote the importance of roots and tubers in the lives of people living near the UNESCO heritage site, Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve. . The method of collecting data from resource people and the focus group through a questionnaire developed using the Kobocollect tool was used. The survey concerned 190 people including 79 women or 41.58% who were grouped into age groups with an interval of 5 years and the age group over 20 years was the most interested with 143 people or 75 .26% of respondents. Among all agricultural productions, cassava ranks first (42%), followed by taro (30%), sweet potato (18%) and yam (10%) the least cultivated due to lack of knowledge of its cultivation method, which allows us to affirm that roots and tubers have a primordial place in the nimba zone. The adaptation of these crops to the difficult conditions of the area, their nutritional energy value and their economic contribution deserve the encouragement of these crops despite the difference in yield between these four crops. So for the development of these cultures, authorities at all levels, NGOs, businesses etc. must strengthen the technical and financial capacity of producers, by forming groups or cooperatives, providing them with improved seeds and inputs.

Risk factors for COVID-19 infection among the German older adult population

Abstract Background There are scarce analyses on COVID-19 infection risk factors for the older adult population. This study aims to examine COVID-19 infection risk factors in the older adult general population. Methods The data for this analysis came from the population-representative Study on Health of Older People in Germany (Gesundheit65+) conducted by the Robert Koch Institute from 10/2021 to 08/2022. We considered information on COVID-19 infection status (self-reported infection confirmed by PRC test at least once vs. never), socio-demographic factors, health risk factors, and different face-to-face interactions. The analysis was restricted to 2,976 individuals aged 65+ years with complete infection status information. We assessed weighted prevalences and used univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate infection risk factors. Results The overall prevalence of infection was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, 6.0-8.7). Infection prevalences were significantly higher (compared to their respective reference group) among participants living in assisted living facilities (24.7% vs. 6.7%), individuals who got help to perform basic activities of daily living (10.8% vs. 6.8%), COVID-19 unvaccinated individuals (25.2% vs. 6.9%), individuals who did not meet family or friends in the last month (12.7% vs. 6.7%), and participants who did not smoke (7.8% vs. 2.6%). No other variable was significantly related to COVID-19 infection. In multivariable analysis, variables independently associated with higher odds ratio (OR) of COVID-19 infection were: living in an assisted living facility OR 3.6 (1.8-7.2), not being vaccinated against COVID-19 OR 4.6 (1.5-14.1), and not smoking OR 1.6 (1.1-2.6). Conclusions The preliminary results of this study align with the prevalence of COVID-19 infection found in concomitant studies. A noteworthy element of our study is the vaccine’s protective effect. The pandemic had a particularly detrimental effect on residents of assisted living facilities Key messages • Improvement in quality of care and infection preventive measures in nursing homes is necessary. • Pandemic preparedness must consider the need for help in the daily life of the older population.

A Comparative Study of Sensor Quantity and Data Granularity in AAL Systems for Activity Recognition

Abstract As populations age, the demand for non-intrusive elderly care solutions increases, highlighting the need for efficient AAL systems. Current research predominantly focuses on wearable sensors at high data frequencies. There is a critical gap in research in understanding the effectiveness of model performance using ambient sensors operating at varied granularities and with varied numbers of sensors. This study addresses this gap by investigating how sensor quantity and data frequency affect an artificial intelligence model’s ability to detect various activities of daily living. The methodology employs a quantitative, experimental design to systematically assess the performance of artificial intelligence models across sensor quantity and data frequencies. This assessment will be conducted through a multi-study approach involving different populations to ensure robust and generalizable findings. Each model’s efficacy will be evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation and GridSearchCV for rigorous hyperparameter tuning, employing diverse data aggregation and imputations techniques to maintain comprehensive analysis integrity. The primary goal of this research is to determine the optimal data granularity and number of sensors that maximize AI models’ ability to detect daily living activities while minimizing resource demands, thereby enhancing the sustainability and scalability of AAL systems. This work aims to advance the field of ambient sensing in elderly care, offering significant implications for designing and implementing future AAL technologies and potentially improving the quality of life for the elderly population. Key messages • The study explores the optimal configuration of data granularity and sensor quantity to maximize AI model efficiency in detecting activities of daily living among older adults. • The study investigates the impact of data frequency and sensor count on AI model performance in detecting daily activities, aiming to optimize Ambient Assisted Living systems for the elderly.

Stressful Events and Oral Health Related Quality of Life Aboard: A Longitudinal Study

Stressful events may affect self-perceived general and oral health. While the working environment is known to expose military personnel to chronic stress, oral health reports in these populations is limited. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association of Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQL) and stress in the military population aboard a training ship for 6 months. Three hundred and twenty-eight individuals were enrolled at baseline and three hundred and one at follow-up (six-month later). Completed questionnaires on Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) were assessed for analysis. Socio-demographic characteristics were also obtained. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis showed that PSS-14 predicted higher OHIP-14 scores at baseline and follow-up. At follow-up, besides PSS-14 (RR: 2.03; 1.42-2.90), being part of the crew group represented an increase of 87% on the OHIP-14 scores (RR:1.87; 1.27-2.74). Older individuals were 24% less likely to present higher OHIP-14 scores (RR:0.76; 0.58-0.99) than younger ones. OHRQL has worsened over time in this military population aboard (4.41±5.76 versus 5.95±6.88) and stress was an associated factor of that. The need to adjust management styles was highlighted as well as the need to prepare the staff to navigate stressful situations more effectively.

Digital health divide and digital technologies for treating substance-related disorders in Argentina

Abstract Argentina is a country located in the South American region with more than 45 million inhabitants. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, over 92% of the population lives in urban areas. Additionally, 47% households do not have access to computers, and 12% lack availability of the internet. The present case study demonstrates the effects of the digital divide regarding the use and access to digital technologies in patients who underwent virtual treatment for substance-related disorders in a mental health service in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. This treatment modality included virtual consultation with a psychologist and WhatsApp groups for mutual support. The data obtained is part of a larger research project aimed at evaluating access to digital healthcare treatment, quality of life and patient satisfaction with the use of digital tools for treating substance-related disorders. Participants were adults between 25 and 60 years. The majority of the patients who were surveyed presented cognitive impairment and unemployment status. Those who completed secondary school (79%), stated that virtual consultation was easy to conduct (83%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (63%). On the other hand, participants who only reached primary school (21%) declared that virtual consultation was easy to do (71%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (87%). Concerning access, 78% of participants answered that they have difficulties with the availability of digital devices (i.e., smartphones, computers, or tablets), internet connectivity and privacy at home or work for undergoing digital treatment.

Evaluating functional ability in older adults’ object retrieval behavior from kitchen furniture using OpenPose and REBA

The purpose of this study is to evaluate, through analysis, the ability of older persons to retrieve items from kitchen cabinets. To achieve this goal, data were collected from 128 valid questionnaires and supplemented with field research and user interviews. The study revealed that the elderly’s behavior in retrieving items from kitchen spaces is characterized by both high frequency and difficulty. For this experiment, a total of 42 participants, comprising 21 males and 21 females from the self-care elderly population in the Yangtze River Delta region, were recruited. Two different experimental settings were arranged: one with kitchen utensils arranged in a straight line and another with a purpose-made chest of drawers with varying heights. Video recordings using the Logitech C930C were utilized to capture the gestures and behaviors of the elderly while retrieving objects from the kitchen cupboards (cabinets). By employing a combination of the OpenPose model and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, which involves calculating human posture angles, REBA scores, and determining the risk level of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), a risk assessment framework for manual operations associated with WMSDs was developed. Using the angle data acquired from the user operation experiment as parameters, a gradient model of the elderly user’s operational capability was established. The findings indicated a significant impact of neck, trunk, and knee movements on the subjects (P < 0.001). The participants were able to distinguish between different levels of exertion, categorizing movements as ‘easy’, ‘moderate,’ or ‘strenuous.’ These results form the basis for a comfort gradient model for leaning over and retrieving items. Given the prevalent conditions of bone and joint degeneration and osteoporosis among the elderly population, it is evident that they face challenges when accessing items in the kitchen. Therefore, investigating the elderly’s execution abilities during the retrieval process becomes crucial. Understanding how different cabinet heights impact the joint angles of the elderly can be instrumental in optimizing cabinet designs for elderly users, thereby reducing their physical exertion in the kitchen and enhancing their comfort levels. This research holds significant value in improving the quality of life for the elderly population at home and fostering the advancement of elderly-friendly design principles.

The effect of unhealthy lifestyle on the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome: A life-guiding review.

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS), also known as sinoatrial node dysfunction, has been widely concerned by the medical community. The incidence rate of SSS is increasingly, which poses a great threat to public health. Through decades of repeated research in the medical field, great progress has been made in the pathogenesis of SSS and the interaction mechanism between SSS and other cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, we pay special attention to the mental stimulation factors under various pressures such as society and work, and the influence of smoking, drinking, and unhealthy diet on the pathogenesis of SSS. It also explains the mechanism of negative factors in the pathogenesis of SSS. These unhealthy lifestyle will lead to the occurrence of sinoatrial node disease and arrhythmia, and then induce SSS. Therefore, in the premise of increasing incidence rate of SSS and difficult to cure, how to avoid these harmful factors and ensure a healthy lifestyle is extremely important for preventing and treating SSS. This study also has guiding significance for the daily life of high-risk population of SSS and reducing the mortality of SSS patients.

Impact of HIV-Related Stigma on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, Engagement and Retention in HIV Care, and Transition to Adult HIV Care in Pediatric and Young Adult Populations Living With HIV: A Literature Review.

HIV-related stigma is associated with negative effects on mental health and lower health-related quality of life in pediatric and young adult populations living with HIV. We reviewed literature on the impact of HIV-related stigma on suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, engagement and retention in HIV care, and transition to adult HIV care in children, adolescents, and young adults living with HIV. PubMed and Embase® were searched for publications reporting relevant data published from January 1, 2012, to April 13, 2023. The output was not a systematic review; it was a targeted literature review. Overall, 67 studies were selected for analysis based on pre-specified criteria (eg, quality). Most quantitative studies supported negative associations between HIV-related stigma and ART adherence (n = 8/11), engagement and retention in HIV care (n = 3/4), and transition to adult HIV care (n = 2/3) in pediatric and young adult populations living with HIV. Qualitative studies reported that stigma was a barrier to ART adherence (n = 26), engagement and retention in HIV care (n = 18), and transitioning to adult HIV care (n = 11). Prominent interview themes across all topics included anticipated stigma, enacted stigma, and fear of HIV status disclosure. Results reaffirm that HIV-related stigma is a significant barrier to ART adherence, engagement and retention in HIV care, and transition to adult HIV care among pediatric and young adult populations living with HIV, potentially impacting virologic suppression, onward transmission, and longer-term health. Additional interventional studies are needed to evaluate and reduce the impact of stigma in these important populations.

Developing Independent Living Support for Older Adults Using Internet of Things and AI-Based Systems: Co-Design Study.

The number of older people with unmet health care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing health care systems worldwide. There are potentially great benefits to using the Internet of Things coupled with artificial intelligence to support independent living and the measurement of health risks, thus improving quality of life for the older adult population. Taking a co-design approach has the potential to ensure that these technological solutions are developed to address specific user needs and requirements. The aim of this study was to investigate stakeholders' perceptions of independent living and technology solutions, identify stakeholders' suggestions on how technology could assist older adults to live independently, and explore the acceptability and usefulness of a prototype Internet of Things solution called the NEX system to support independent living for an older adult population. The development of the NEX system was carried out in 3 key phases with a strong focus on diverse stakeholder involvement. The initial predesign exploratory phase recruited 17 stakeholders, including older adults and family caregivers, using fictitious personas and scenarios to explore initial perceptions of independent living and technology solutions. The subsequent co-design and testing phase expanded this to include a comprehensive web-based survey completed by 380 stakeholders, encompassing older adults, family caregivers, health care professionals, and home care support staff. This phase also included prototype testing at home by 7 older adults to assess technology needs, requirements, and the initial acceptability of the system. Finally, in the postdesign phase, workshops were held between academic and industry partners to analyze data collected from the earlier stages and to discuss recommendations for the future development of the system. The predesign phase revealed 3 broad themes: loneliness and technology, aging and technology, and adopting and using technology. The co-design phase highlighted key areas where technology could assist older adults to live independently: home security, falls and loneliness, remote monitoring by family members, and communication with clients. Prototype testing revealed that the acceptability aspects of the prototype varied across technology types. Ambient sensors and voice-activated assistants were described as the most acceptable technology by participants. Last, the postdesign analysis process highlighted that ambient sensors have the potential for automatic detection of activities of daily living, resulting in key recommendations for future developments and deployments in this area. This study demonstrates the significance of incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives in developing solutions that support independent living. Additionally, it emphasizes the advantages of prototype testing in home environments, offering crucial insights into the real-world experiences of users interacting with technological solutions.

Polish validation of the wisconsin stone quality of life questionnaire (POL-WISQoL)

PurposeUrolithiasis significantly affects patient quality of life, yet the global standard of care predominantly focuses on achieving a stone free status, often ignoring patient reported outcomes. Currently, there are no specific measures available to assess the quality of life in the Polish population suffering from kidney stones. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate the Polish version of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire.MethodsThe translation of WISQOL was carried out in accordance with the best available guidelines. Patients treated for kidney stones at a tertiary centre were recruited and completed both POL-WISQOL and SF36 questionnaires. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess internal consistency, inter-item and inter-domain correlations, as well as convergent and construct validity. Additionally, test-retest reliability was evaluated to ensure the accuracy and stability of the findings.ResultsA total of 102 participants fully completed both questionnaires and were included in the analysis. The translated survey demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s coefficient 0.967) and significant convergent validity (Spearman’s correlation = 0.847, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc analysis revealed a significant decline in WISQOL scores between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, thereby confirming tool’s construct validity.ConclusionPOL-WISQoL turned out to be a valid disease specific health related quality of life measuring tool. Its widespread utilisation has the potential to shift the standard of care towards patient centered outcomes.

Enhanced bone cement distribution in percutaneous vertebroplasty using a curved guide wire: a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundOsteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) severely affect the quality of life in the aged population. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) alleviates pain and stabilizes vertebrae, but suboptimal bone cement distribution can cause complications. Hence, this study aimed to clarify whether a new technique for PVP, using a curved guide wire, enhances the distribution of bone cement and improves clinical outcomes in patients with OVCF.MethodsPatients with single-segment OVCF underwent PVP or curved guide wire percutaneous vertebroplasty (C-PVP). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balanced the baseline characteristics. The primary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. The secondary outcomes included assessments of bone cement distribution, bone cement injection volume, radiological parameters, and general clinical results. Additionally, Complications and adverse events were documented.ResultsAfter PSM analysis, each group comprised 54 patients, which significantly reduced baseline differences. The C-PVP group showed better clinical outcomes compared to the traditional PVP group. One month after surgery, the C-PVP group had significantly lower VAS and ODI scores (p < 0.001). These improvements persisted at six months and the final follow-up. Additionally, bone cement distribution scores were better (p < 0.001), injection volume was higher (p = 0.03), leakage was less frequent (p = 0.02), and adjacent vertebral fractures occurred less frequently (p = 0.04) in the C-PVP group. Radiological parameters and overall clinical outcomes revealed no significant differences between the two groups.ConclusionThe use of curved guide wire in PVP significantly improves bone cement distribution and injection volume, resulting in better clinical efficacy in patients with OVCF.

Targeted non-invasive Metformin-Curcumin co-loaded nanohyaluosomes halt osteoarthritis progression and improve articular cartilage structure: A preclinical study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects the quality of life in elderly and young populations. Current therapies using corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs via parenteral or oral routes show limited ability to retard progression of the disease and achieve long term effectiveness and safety. Herein, the potential of MT-Cur combinatorial nano-formulations in OA management was explored for the first time. MT-Cur loaded nanohyaluosomes (MT-Cur-HL1) were designed for topical administration of the combined therapy in OA. The optimized MT-Cur-HL1 showed particle size 247.7 ± 3.7 nm, zeta potential −37.3 ± 0.4 mV; and entrapment efficiency (%EE) 70.22 %±0.303 and 76.7 %±0.077 for MT and Cur, respectively. MT-Cur-HL1 exhibited sustained drug release over 24 h and were stable over 3 months at 4 °C in terms of P.S., ZP and %EE. A detailed preclinical study, using MIA-induced osteoarthritis rat model, revealed the most significant anti-arthritic effect and halted OA progression of MT-Cur-HL1. This was proved to be mainly through the potentiation of p-AMPK signaling that ultimately led to suppression of its downstream TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway with subsequent reduction in MMP13 and ADAMTS5 induced chondrocytes degeneration. This study proved that this trajectory effectively promotes a significant improvement in the articular cartilage structure and reinforcement of joint mobility with an efficient antinociceptive effect. In conclusion, the novel MT-Cur coloaded nanohyaluosomes offer a promising non-invasive approach for the local management of OA.

Trends in Research on the Concept of Active Ageing: A Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: This study aims to provide insights into the scientific activity in the field by conducting a bibliometric analysis of studies examining the concept of active ageing in the Web of Science_WoS database. Methods: The research includes studies retrieved from the WoS database during a search conducted on September 2, 2023, containing keywords such as "active ageing," "active and healthy ageing," "healthy and active ageing," and "ageing well." The study examined various characteristics of these studies, including their type, publication frequency, relationship with sustainable development goals, country of origin, subject, journals, co-authors, author citations, and keywords. Bibliometric analyses were conducted using VOSviewer software. Results: Out of the 1740 studies retrieved, materials such as editorials, book reviews, and conference abstracts (n=423) were excluded, leaving a total of 1317 studies for database inclusion, comprising 1203 articles and 114 reviews. Among the 1160 studies on Sustainable Development Goals, 15 out of 17 goals were covered. It was determined that 71% of the studies addressed the "Healthy and Quality Life" goal. Spain had the highest number of publications (n=201), while the United Kingdom received the most citations (n=3073). According to bibliographic matching analysis, the Gerontologist journal was identified as the most influential journal in the field. Conclusion: The number and impact of research on active ageing have increased over time. The importance and impact of research in this field hold great potential to enhance the quality of life of the future elderly population and stimulate their societal contributions.

Impacts on Health, Environment and Quality of Life in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic Period

Objective: To investigate how the pandemic and the post-COVID-19 scenario may impact current and future plans in health (medical area), the environment, and the population's quality of life. Theoretical Framework: In 2019, the world began to live as a hostage to an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. As uncertainty reigns, the severity of the situation has shown that it could have social, health, educational, economic, and environmental aspects. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a bibliographic review based on books, cataloged scientific articles being published on digital platforms including Scientific Library Online (SciELO), Pubmed, Periódico Capes, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, using the descriptors: COVID-19; quality of life; environment; health; and their respective synonyms, in Portuguese and English, published between 2015 and 2024. The exclusion criteria used in this study were duplicate articles in more than one database, with similar titles and that did not cover the topic, as well as articles published before 2015 in Portuguese and English. The main aspects analyzed for inclusion were the year of publication, type of study, language, objectives and main findings, according to the relevance of the original and current topic. Therefore, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we made a cut of works published in the last 9 years and in the end 31 works were selected for the construction of this study. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that all social spheres were, and may still be, affected unequally by the pandemic, since it is a situation of unknown nature, which is intensified every day by globalization and social inequalities. Direct impacts on the economy and jobs, as well as indirect effects of learning losses among children who are out of school. In terms of health and the impact on quality of life, we found changes in mental health, with an increase in the diagnosis of depression among adults. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the fields of health, environment and education. These implications can cover areas of health promotion, economics and public and private management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing a current topic with extreme social relevance that prioritizes deepening knowledge in the area that has changed humanity the most in current times: the COVID-19 Pandemic. Furthermore, it analyzes the real impacts of this historical and unique moment in the global context, with a greater focus on health, the environment and the quality of life of the human population.

Hygienic Aspects of the Quality of Life of Residents of Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region

Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the need to conduct a scientific analysis of the quality of the country’s population life, improve the standard of citizens living through the implementation of medical measures, including medical and preventive work.The purpose of the work is to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality of life of urban and rural residents of the Yaroslavl Region based on physical and psychological well-being, determine the level of general health indicators of the working-age population, and analyze the role of organizational and preventive measures in improving the quality of life.Materials and methods. The SF‑36 questionnaire was used in the study to assess the quality of life. 600 residents (age (25.1±0.8) years) of Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region took part in the survey. The ratio of men and women was 50 % and 50 %, respectively.Results. It was revealed that the quality of life of rural residents has lower values compared to city residents. This difference is especially noticeable in indicators that are directly dependent on the emotional and physical state of a person.Discussion. The conducted comprehensive analysis shows that as a result, the assessment of the quality of life of the population of the respondents was based on their subjective understanding and perception of their own situation in life, which is also typical for studies in other regions of the country. The indicators of the general health of the rural population of working age indicated insufficient access to medical care and a low level of literacy of the population in matters of maintaining and strengthening their own health, as well as medical activity.Conclusion. Hygienic assessment of the quality of the population life in terms of physical and psychological well-being made it possible to identify a number of differences in the assessment of the quality of urban and rural areas residents life at Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region. Most of the considered characteristics of the quality of rural residents life had reliably significant low values in comparison with city residents.

Hygienic Aspects of the Quality of Life of Residents of Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region

Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the need to conduct a scientific analysis of the quality of the country’s population life, improve the standard of citizens living through the implementation of medical measures, including medical and preventive work.The purpose of the work is to conduct a comparative analysis of the quality of life of urban and rural residents of the Yaroslavl Region based on physical and psychological well-being, determine the level of general health indicators of the working-age population, and analyze the role of organizational and preventive measures in improving the quality of life.Materials and methods. The SF‑36 questionnaire was used in the study to assess the quality of life. 600 residents (age (25.1±0.8) years) of Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region took part in the survey. The ratio of men and women was 50 % and 50 %, respectively.Results. It was revealed that the quality of life of rural residents has lower values compared to city residents. This difference is especially noticeable in indicators that are directly dependent on the emotional and physical state of a person.Discussion. The conducted comprehensive analysis shows that as a result, the assessment of the quality of life of the population of the respondents was based on their subjective understanding and perception of their own situation in life, which is also typical for studies in other regions of the country. The indicators of the general health of the rural population of working age indicated insufficient access to medical care and a low level of literacy of the population in matters of maintaining and strengthening their own health, as well as medical activity.Conclusion. Hygienic assessment of the quality of the population life in terms of physical and psychological well-being made it possible to identify a number of differences in the assessment of the quality of urban and rural areas residents life at Yaroslavl and the Yaroslavl Region. Most of the considered characteristics of the quality of rural residents life had reliably significant low values in comparison with city residents.

Gingival inflammation and leukocyte-endothelium cell interactions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Given the link between chronic inflammation and periodontal pathologies and increased cardiovascular risk, this study aims to investigate if gingivitis exacerbates the inflammatory response and subclinical atherosclerotic markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For this case-control study, women were assigned to three groups: two PCOS groups (with and without gingivitis) and a control group. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were determined, along with periodontal parameters (probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL], bleeding on probing [BOP], plaque index, calculus index, and tooth loss), systemic and neutrophil inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], C-reactive protein [CRP], and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK]), systemic oxidative stress mediators (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and glutathione), soluble cellular adhesion molecules, and neutrophil-endothelium cell interactions (rolling flux, velocity, and adhesion). Of 104 women recruited, 68 had PCOS, 24 of whom presented gingivitis, and 36 were controls. PCOS patients presented altered sexual hormone, lipid, and carbohydrate profiles. Levels of systemic inflammatory markers, MPO, and soluble platelet selectin (sP-selectin) were higher, and glutathione levels were lower in PCOS patients. BOP, plaque, and calculus index values were higher in PCOS patients with gingivitis. Neutrophils from PCOS patients showed increased JNK and decreased adhesion under flow conditions, with reduced rolling velocity and increased rolling flux and cellular adhesion, all of which were more pronounced in those with gingivitis. BOP was independently associated with rolling velocity, rolling flux, and cellular adhesion. Neutrophils of PCOS patients with gingivitis exhibit hyperactivity, promoting interaction with the endothelium and potentially contributing to atherosclerotic disease. Currently, there is a high prevalence of diseases that affect tooth-supporting tissues (periodontal diseases) and negatively influence the oral health and quality of life of the adult population. These pathologies lead to movement of the teeth and impairment of chewing function, eventually resulting in the loss of teeth. In recent years, the concept of periodontal medicine has arisen and consists of studying how periodontal diseases can influence our general inflammatory system and how systemic inflammatory pathologies can affect our oral health. In the present study, we evaluate a group of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by alterations of sex hormones and lipid profile and weight gain (body mass index). Our results show a high prevalence of gum inflammation among women with PCOS, which affects the interaction of their leukocytes and endothelial cells. The leukocytes of these women are hyper-responsive, presenting greater endothelial adhesion, lower flow velocity and enhanced rolling compared to those in a PCOS group without gum inflammation or controls. This study has generated a new line of research to analyze how neutrophils from patients with gingivitis exhibit hyperactivity, which promotes their interaction with the endothelium, thus contributing to the development of atherosclerotic disease.

A study on the evolution of financial inclusion and financial stability in India based on the previous research works: A review paper

The study examines the relationship between financial stability and inclusion in the context of two significant economic shocks to India: the demonetization and the COVID-19 outbreak. The first section of the paper discusses the rise of financial inclusion and its importance in a country where a sizable percentage of the population lives in rural areas. Ensuring access to formal banking and financial services, or financial inclusion, is essential for reducing poverty, creating jobs, and fostering economic progress. Financial inclusion and financial stability are strongly related. Financial stability is the capacity to endure unanticipated financial shocks. This study centers on the effects of demonetization in 2016, which caused a cash crunch and made people rethink financial inclusion programs, which hastened their implementation. Similar to this, lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic forced a move towards digital financial inclusion, which increased the appeal of online financial services. The necessity of stability and financial inclusion for sustainable growth in a large country like India is emphasized in the conclusion. Ensuring that everyone, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, has access to financial services promotes social cohesion and a strong economy. In the end, inclusive practices' financial stability promotes national progress.

Unraveling the global economic and mortality effects of rising urban heat island intensity

The increasing severity of urban heat island (UHI) effects poses a significant concern in cities, where to over half of the world's population lives. We examine the pattern of surface UHI intensity (SUHII) and its effect on urban economic productivity and mortality across 171 countries from 2003 to 2018. Countries with heavy industrial/manufacturing bases and higher income levels face more significant economic repercussions from SUHII. Males experience higher mortality rates under comparable SUHII conditions. A unit increase in GNI correlates to a 23.2 % rise in SUHII's effect on GDP and a 5.5 % increase in its effect on mortality rate. A higher Socio-Demographic Index mitigates SUHII's impact on urban GDP. Moreover, the Gini index directly impacts SUHII more than it affects SUHII-related mortality through inequality. Reducing income inequality by one unit will increase the enhancing effect of SUHII on the mortality rate by 11.8 %. Our findings reveal a significant link between wealth disparity and amplified health risks associated with SUHII, potentially leading to new forms of urban inequality. The study highlights the importance of development status and economic composition in facing UHI-related challenges and recommends equitable strategies for policymakers and urban planners to mitigate UHI effects in diverse developmental contexts.

Investigating the effects of indoor lighting on measures of brain health in older adults: protocol for a cross-over randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe worldwide number of adults aged 60 years and older is expected to double from 1 billion in 2019 to 2.1 billion by 2050. As the population lives longer, the rising incidence of chronic diseases, cognitive disorders, and behavioral health issues threaten older adults’ health span. Exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and staying mentally and socially active can improve quality of life, increase independence, and potentially lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Nonpharmacological approaches might help promote such behaviors. Indoor lighting may impact sleep quality, physical activity, and cognitive function. Dynamically changing indoor lighting brightness and color throughout the day has positive effects on sleep, cognitive function, and physical activity of its occupants. The aim of this study is to investigate how different indoor lighting conditions affect such health measures to promote healthier aging.MethodsThis protocol is a randomized, cross-over, single-site trial followed by an exploratory third intervention. Up to 70 older adults in independent living residences at a senior living facility will be recruited. During this 16-week study, participants will experience three lighting conditions. Two cohorts will first experience a static and a dynamic lighting condition in a cluster-randomized cross-over design. The static condition lighting will have fixed brightness and color to match lighting typically provided in the facility. For the dynamic condition, brightness and color will change throughout the day with increased brightness in the morning. After the cross-over, both cohorts will experience another dynamic lighting condition with increased morning brightness to determine if there is a saturation effect between light exposure and health-related measures. Light intake, sleep quality, and physical activity will be measured using wearable devices. Sleep, cognitive function, mood, and social engagement will be assessed using surveys and cognitive assessments.DiscussionWe hypothesize participants will have better sleep quality and greater physical activity during the dynamic lighting compared to the static lighting condition. Additionally, we hypothesize there is a maximal threshold at which health-outcomes improve based on light exposure. Study findings may identify optimal indoor lighting solutions to promote healthy aging for older adults.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05978934.