Potential Health Risk Factors Research Articles

Ergonomic Evaluation Of Farm Women’s Drudgery In Rice Production System: Current Research Trends

Women are the backbone of agricultural workforce but worldwide her hard work has mostly been unpaid. She does the most tedious and back-breaking tasks in agriculture, animal husbandry and homes. Farmwomen’s participation was crucial in various operations such a sowing/transplanting (86%), weeding (84%), storage of grains (78%), land preparation (72%), cleaning seed for sowing (70%), gap filling (68%), manure and fertilizer application (68%), harvesting (64%), and threshing and winnowing (62%).During the peak season of sowing and harvesting rural women spend 8-9 hours in the field. Women’s contribution to the operations related to wheat and rice cultivation is significantly higher than that of men in terms of man days of work done. All of these activities contribute to anincrease in the physiological costs and physical loads to a great extent. It also causes unbalancing of the body with heavy workloads. Musculoskeletal disorders are common among farm workers especially lower and upper back disorders due to bending and squatting body posture in manual rice transplanting and uprooting activity. Considering the above facts and point of view, it was proposed to investigate changes in the physiological responses and perceived exertion due to heavy workloads and body postures in rice production system. to better understand how the manual rice production system activity perform, identify potential health risk factors, and gain insight into the health effects of the task.

Molybdenum is not a risk factor for changes in serum testosterone

Molybdenum is a bio-essential trace nutrient, and elevated urinary molybdenum has been implicated as correlating with lower testosterone levels in men. To properly address the contention that molybdenum constitutes a potential health risk factor, we reviewed statistical research findings on molybdenum exposure and somatic levels in humans in a biological plausibility context, which is an indispensable component of reliable risk factor determination. Our analysis applied advanced nonparametric statistical modeling that expands linear regressions to include more potential variables and common confounders. The analysis shows that previously published negative molybdenum-testosterone associations no longer retain statistical relevance. In place of molybdenum as a stressor responsible for lowered testosterone levels, body mass index, age, related hormone variability, and underlying global downward trends in testosterone are shown to be the factors responsible for this effect.

Systemic Biomarkers and Liver Morphology in Rats during Chronic Low-Dose Toxicant Administration against the Background of Vitamin Deficiency.

Liver morphology, intensity of apoptosis, and activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes were studied in a chronic model experiment in rats receiving a mixture of 6 pesticides against the background of life-long diets with adequate and insufficient supply of water-soluble vitamins. The dose of each pesticide in the mixture did not exceed the acceptable daily intake (1 ADI). It was found that chronic exposure to low doses of anthropogenic toxicants in combination with permanent vitamin deficiency provokes a number of liver changes, such as increased apoptosis activity, cytochrome P450 system depletion, steatosis, and inflammatory infiltration, which is a potential health risk factor.

Relationship between Body Mass Index and Muscle Strength, Potential Health Risk Factor at Puberty

According to some studies, muscle strength (F) is a predictor of health when this motor quality is associated with body mass index (BMI). Based on this statement, our study aims to find out if there is a significant relationship between the two variables, in the context in which the BMI was determined on 160 subjects, selected from students aged 12-15 and who were subsequently included in 4 subcategories: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. For the assessment of muscle strength, we used handgrip strength and standing long jump (broad jump) (respecting the EUROFIT methodology). The results show a moderate positive relationship between the level of muscle strength development and BMI (rho = .44, p ≤ .01; rho = .43, p ≤ .01). Our data shows that there is a significant, moderate-intensity connection between BMI and strength development, the subjects with excess weight (overweight and obese) having lower strength values compared to normal-weight subjects. Although some authors consider that only the relationship between BMI and strength does not provide conclusive data for predicting the health of adolescents, the results of our study still confirm the existence of an inverse relationship between BMI and muscle strength at overweight and obese subjects. Because the studies on this direction are not very numerous yet, we consider that other observational studies with a larger sample size, especially longitudinal and prospective studies, are necessary.

Correlations between Insomnia and Sex, Work Experience, Shift and Body Max Index in Italian Nurses: A Scoping Profile Statement.

The present study aimed to assess any association existing between insomnia according to sex, work experience, shift and BMI values in Italian nurses. An "ad hoc" questionnaire was created and administered online in October 2020. Data collected included: sex, years of work experience, shift work per day, BMI values, and insomnia levels. A total of 341 Italian nurses were enrolled. Of these, 277 (81.23%) were females and n=64 (18.77%) males. No significant differences were assessed between ISI levels and sex, BMI scores, work experience and shift (p=.098; p=.978; p=.561; p=.222, respectively). Significant and inverse correlation was assessed between ISI values and sex (p=.019), BMI values (p=.033). While, no significant correlations were assessed between ISI levels and work experience (p=.805) and shift (p=.962), respectively. However, work experience reported significant correlations between BMI classes (p>.001) and shift (p<.001). Data suggested potential health risk factors for the nursing workforce, associated with weight gain and developing Metabolic Syndrome. Therefore, the essence of the nursing profession could affect work performance and cause problems in the family and social life, as well as stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irregular sleep patterns.

New Information on the Mechanisms Underlying the Neurotoxicity Caused by Methylmercury and Manganese

Toxic elements are extensively distributed in the Earth’s crust and individuals may be exposed to several of them. Indeed, exposure to toxic elements such as mercury (Hg) can be a potential health risk factor of health, mainly by ingestion of fish containing methylmercury (MeHg). On the other hand, essential elements such as manganese (Mn) play an important role in physiological process in human body. In this regard, it is well known that MeHg and Manganese have neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. Therefore, we discuss the effects of Methylmercury and Manganese on cell signaling pathways in this review, as these effects may contribute to the molecular mechanisms underlying Methylmercury and Manganese -induced neurotoxicity.

A review of microplastics pollution and its remediation methods: Current scenario and future aspects

Global plastic production and its use have been omnipresent since the early 19th century. The disposal of plastics undergoes breakdown due to various physicochemical and biological factors that trigger the formation of microplastics (MPs). Due to their hydrophobic properties, structural stability, and functional groups, it is difficult to degrade in natural habitat. The presence of their large surface area also helps to resist the decay of MPs. This review summarizes the recent trends and development of MPs degradation. The method includes biodegradation, various types of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalytic oxidation, photo-degradation, and electrochemical oxidation, and also discussed the potential health risk factors of MPs and their degradation products. Most of the methods achieved nearly satisfactory performance that degraded the MPs into CO2, H20, and also secondary microplastic particles with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under laboratory conditions, which have been studied by various researchers. It is also evident that the degradation of MPs has many challenges, therefore finding a sustainable approach is an urgent need to deal with the issue of global microplastic pollution. Some suggestions have been highlighted such as toxicity detection of remaining MPs particles after degradation, and analysis of secondary metabolites of microbes secreted during bioremediation that may have a negative impact on the environment. The selective and specific implementation of microbes and photo-catalyst that degrade MPs into useful and nontoxic components.

Mycobiota and mycotoxins in various kinds of vegetables and fruits as potential health risk factors for consumers - summary of a multiyear study.

Between 2015-2020, the concentrations and diversity of filamentous fungi as well as the levels of mycotoxins in 4 classes of vegetables and fruits were studied in samples from farms located in eastern Poland. The short communication summarizes the results with the use of statistical analysis and indicates the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of the produce contaminated with fungi and/or mycotoxins. The concentrations of filamentous fungi in all examined samples were moderate (2.813 - 4.146 log10 CFU g -1). The highest values were noted in root vegetables, whereas the lowest values in fruit vegetables. The mycobiota revealed a marked biodiversity (67 species and 33 genera). Penicillium and Fusarium prevailed in the mycobiota of root vegetables, whereas Cladosporium and Alternaria in the remaining classes. Most of identified species (88.1%) were described as potentially pathogenic. The importance of mycotoxins as a potential health risk factor for vegetable consumers, was confirmed by the detection of a high prevalence (>55%) of total aflatoxin (AFT). The level of AFT in berry fruits was significantly higher than in other classes. The high prevalence (58.5%) of deoxynivalenol was noted in raspberries. Filamentous fungi present in the examined vegetables and fruits may pose a potential health risk for consumers due to a high prevalence of potentially pathogenic species, mostly those producing mycotoxins.

Prior sleep-wake behaviors are associated with mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic among adult users of a wearable device in the United States

ObjectivesTo characterize objective sleep patterns among U.S. adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess for associations between adverse mental health symptoms and (1) sleep duration and (2) the consistency of sleep timing before and during the pandemic. DesignLongitudinal objective sleep-wake data during January-June 2020 were linked with mental health and substance use assessments conducted during June 2020 for The COVID-19 Outbreak Public Evaluation (COPE) Initiative. SettingAdult users of WHOOP—a commercial, digital sleep wearable. ParticipantsAdults residing in the U.S. and actively using WHOOP wearable devices, recruited by WHOOP, Inc. InterventionThe COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation. MeasurementsAnxiety or depression symptoms, burnout symptoms, and new or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions. ResultsOf 4912 participants in the primary analytic sample (response rate, 14.9%), we observed acutely increased sleep duration (0.25 h or 15 m) and sleep consistency (3.51 points out of 100) and delayed sleep timing (onset, 18.7 m; offset, 36.6 m) during mid-March through mid-April 2020. Adjusting for demographic and lifestyle variables, participants with persistently insufficient sleep duration and inconsistent sleep timing had higher odds of adverse mental health symptoms and substance use in June 2020. ConclusionsU.S. adult wearable users displayed increased sleep duration, more consistent sleep timing, and delayed sleep onset and offset times after the COVID-19 pandemic onset, with subsample heterogeneity. Associations between adverse mental health symptoms and pre- and mid-pandemic short sleep duration and inconsistent sleep timing suggest that these characteristics warrant further investigation as potential modifiable mental health and substance use risk factors.

Quantitative Risk Analysis on Rail Transportation of Hazardous Materials

The hazardous nature of the chemical materials is of significant concern in the economic viability of rail transportation globally. The potential risks of these materials to cause severe health impairments and catastrophic accidents have been widely studied and reported. Moreover, several models have been employed for assessing the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials by rail. However, a more holistic, quantitative, and robust model should incorporate more potential risk-triggered criteria, especially those causing severe health loss and devastating consequences like vapor cloud explosion. This study develops a risk assessment model by incorporating potential health risk factors and the obstacle circumstances. The potential risk factors are population density, route distance from residential areas, and the availability of sensitive third parties for health consequences. The proposed model utilizes Bayesian networks for causality modeling of the material release scenarios and fuzzy set theory for estimating the health effects and severity impact coefficient. Finally, individual risk curves and safe distances from the railway are developed. A real rail system for gasoline transportation in Tehran is investigated to evaluate the model’s effectiveness. The study provides panoramic leverages for risk-managed decision-making for safely transporting hazardous material by rail.

Occupational health problems and major risk factor profile of non communicable diseases among workers in the Aquaculture industry in Visakhapatnam.

ABSTRACTBackground:Globally the rapid growth of the aquaculture sector has generated a huge work force posing significant risks to the workers due to the combined effect of the exposure to hazards at the workplace and unhealthy lifestyle.Aim and Objectives:To study the morbidity profile of workers in the aquaculture industry in terms of the occupational health problems and risk factors of non-communicable diseases.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 workers in five aquaculture farms. Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data regarding the occupational health problems and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was collected by using a pre-designed pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from workers. The blood pressure and random blood sugar levels were measured at the time of the interview.Results:Most of the participants were in the age group 18-66 years and 94% were males. Major occupational health problems reported were musculoskeletal (56.3%), neurological (48.1%), stress related (46.7%), injuries (43%), skin infections (23%). Regarding risk factors for NCDs- 16.3% were current smokers, 51.1% were alcoholics, 50.4% had a sedentary lifestyle, <1% consumed fruits and vegetables. Among participants, 65.2% had central obesity, 28.2% were hypertensive, 9.6% were diabetic. The on-site evaluation showed that most of the aquaculture farms lack safety measures.Conclusion:The study identified potential occupational health problems and risk factors for non-communicable diseases among workers in aquaculture farms. The deficiencies in the safety measures at the workplace were also identified through on site evaluation. Hence there is a need to educate the workers regarding healthy lifestyle and safety at work place. There is a need to overcome organizational challenges at the workplace by adopting safety measures for a better working environment and to reduce the significant risk of exposure to hazards.

Disparities in Hospitalized Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations Between American Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites.

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high in American Indian (AI) populations, as are diabetes and obesity, which are common COPD comorbidities. However, COPD research among AI populations is limited. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate potential health disparities and risk factors among AI and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients with COPD exacerbations hospitalized at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center between July 2001 and June 2020. Demographics, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected. A total of 76 AI patients and 304 NHW patients were included. AI patients had more comorbidities than did NHW patients (4.3 versus.3.1, p<0.001). In multiple variable analyses, AI race was associated with higher odds of needing intensive care unit (ICU) care ( odds ratio [OR], 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36--4.16, p=0.002) and invasive mechanical ventilator use (OR, 2.75, 95% CI, 1.42-5.29, p=0.002). AI race was also associated with longer ICU stays compared with NHWs (OR, 1.43, 95% CI, 1.18--1.73, p<0.001). The average number of days on mechanical ventilator support increased by 137.3% for an AI patient compared to an NHW patient (p<0.001). AI race was not associated with discharge to other health facilities (OR, 0.98, 95% CI, 0.52-1.83, p=0.944). AI patients were more likely than NHW patients to need ICU care and ventilator support, have longer ICU stays, and more days on mechanical ventilator support. More studies are needed to identify reasons for these disparities and effective interventions to reduce them.

Intestinal Infarction in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series.

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a potential health risk factor continues to spread worldwide. Although common symptoms include headache and respiratory symptoms, some studies have suggested that COVID-19 may cause coagulation disorders and thrombolytic events, disrupt blood flow to the visceral organs, and cause some complications such as mesenteric ischemia. The authors reported four cases of acute mesenteric ischemia associated with COVID-19 confirmed in patients hospitalized in Imam Reza Hospital (a COVID-19 referral center in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran). The authors described the pathological findings that may be associated with this infection. The authors collected clinical data, imaging, microscopic, and operative findings of four patients with severe COVID-19 infection and evidence of intestinal necrosis. These four cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia simultaneously showed intestinal necrosis during the infection process, indicating a relationship between coronavirus and mesenteric vascular events. Physicians should be aware of thrombosis symptoms in the digestive system in patients with severe COVID-19.

Heavy metal contaminated soil, water, and vegetables in northeastern Iran: potential health risk factors.

This study was designed to measure the concentrations of heavy (Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn) metals in water, soil, and frequently edible leafy vegetables in the Iranian population and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk in consumers. The samples of soil, water, and vegetables were collected from forms near the Tehran-Mashhad highway in Neyshabur, Iran. The content of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn were 5.56, 3.35, 4.74, 2.95, and 5.27mg/kg, respectively. Lead concentration in all of the vegetable samples was higher than the permissible value endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) / Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In contrast, the concentrations of all the other heavy metals in the samples were less than the maximum permissible levels recommended by WHO/FAO. Similarly, the water and soil samples were highly contaminated by Lead. The hazard quotient (HQ) of all the heavy metals was distinctively less than one, and it did not exceed 0.3 in any of the age groups. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risk for nickel was only higher than the recommended value, especially in women. While it seems that consuming vegetables has no acute health risk related to heavy metals, long-term and regular ingestion of the vegetables are likely to make cancer risk. Besides, due to the high concentration of Pb in soil and vegetables, regular and integrated assessment of heavy metals in soil, water, and food is necessary.

Melatonin alleviates hippocampal GR inhibition and depression-like behavior induced by constant light exposure in mice

Light pollution has become a potential health risk factor worldwide. Chronic exposure to constant light (CCL) leads to depressive-like behavior, yet the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, mice exposed to CCL for 3 weeks exhibited depression-like behaviors, with decreased melatonin in plasma and increased oxidative stress in hippocampus. Meanwhile, CCL-exposed mice showed elevated plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels and diminished glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation in hippocampus. Concurrently, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) was inactivated with increased phosphorylation at Ser9. The interrelationship of GSK3β and GR was clarified in mouse hippocampal neuron (HT-22) cells. GSK3β inhibitor CHIR-99021 induced GR inhibition with diminished phosphorylation, while GR inhibitor RU486 did not affect GSK3β expression or phosphorylation. Furthermore, GSK3β-mediated GR inhibition was reproduced in vitro in HT-22 cells treated with melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole and H2O2 in combination. Finally, melatonin reversed GSK3β-mediated GR inhibition in hippocampus and improved CCL-induced depression-like behavior in mice. These results indicate that CCL induces melatonin deficiency and oxidative stress in hippocampus, which in turn leads to GSK3β-mediated GR inhibition and depression-like behavior in mice.

Climate Characteristics as Potential Risk Factors for the Population Health of the Krasnoyarsk Region. Part 1

Summary. Introduction: A human health risk assessment is the process to estimate the nature and probability of adverse health effects in humans who may be exposed to various environmental factors. The purpose of the study was to analyze climatic parameters as potential health risk factors for the population of some municipalities of the Krasnoyarsk Region. Methods: We processed meteorological data of the state monitoring network in the Krasnoyarsk Region including the average, maximum, and minimum air temperatures measured every three hours in an automatic mode in accordance with a generally accepted international protocol. Climate characteristics were identified using the method of long-term distribution of average daily temperatures. To assess the climatic features of the Krasnoyarsk Region, we considered such parameters as the average seasonal temperature, dates of air temperature stable transition through zero, temperature waves, extreme daily temperature changes, and bioclimatic indices. Results: We analyzed climate characteristics as potential health risk factors for the population of six cities of the Krasnoyarsk Region (Achinsk, Kansk, Krasnoyarsk, Lesosibirsk, Minusinsk, and Norilsk) for the period from 1919 to 2019. Conclusion: Our findings may be used to establish the relationship between a combination of climatic factors and ambient air quality indices and morbidity and mortality of the local population; they can also contribute to predicting death rates in the region.

Extreme traveler.

Although they may pose a serious health risk or may even turn out to be life-threatening, extreme sports, i.e. high-risk physical activities of varied difficulty, are growing in popularity among international travelers in recent years. Extreme sports encompass a wide range of activities such as scuba diving, rafting, surfing, bungee jumping and mountaineering. It is not unusual for travelers to engage in extreme sports far off the beaten path, in destinations where environmental conditions are difficult and specialist healthcare is not easily available. Therefore, before taking the decision to engage in any form of adventurous activity, travelers should be encouraged to take certain precautionary measures. The most important are: identification of potential health risk factors related to travel or the activity itself, physical conditioning and fitness training prior to travel (depending on the type of activity) and prophylaxis (a travel health kit, mandatory and recommended vaccinations, a pre-travel consultation to assess a person's fitness to travel and identify any potential contraindications for certain types of adventure sports, a comprehensive travel insurance policy). The article focuses on popular extreme sports, common risk factors associated with extreme activities as well as the recommended prophylaxis and precautionary measures.

Health Risks among Farmers Exposed to Pesticides in Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundChemical pesticides, regardless of their inherent hazard, are used intensively in the fast changing agricultural sector of Ethiopia. This study is aimed to assess illness patterns and potential health risks among farmers exposed to pesticides in rural villages of Jimma district, Southwest Ethiopia, from February to June 2019.MethodsCommunity based cross-sectional study was conducted in 195 randomly selected rural farmer households. Data were collected with an interview method using structured questionnaires. Data compilation, categorization, processing and analysis was made with the help of SPSS version 20.ResultsResult showed that all of the farmers enrolled in the study had symptoms of illness after pesticide application. The symptoms were headache (36%), nausea (21%), vomiting (20%), skin and eye irritations (10% each), and other discomforts (3%) which are most likely because of acute poisoning. Several potential health risk factors were identified among the farmers exposing them to pesticides in this study. These included lack of awareness, unable to use personal protective equipment (PPE), absence of formal training, a causal attitude and unsatisfactory safety practice about pesticide application and handling.ConclussionsIntervention programs targeting the frequently seen illnesses and their possible risk factors are suggested to reduce burden of illness in the farmers. Further work with rigorous statistical approch is also needed to test illness relationship with risk factors.

Addition of Coriander during Fermentation of Korean Soy Sauce (Gangjang) Causes Significant Shift in Microbial Composition and Reduction in Biogenic Amine Levels.

The microflora of Korean soy sauce (gangjang) play an important role in maintaining its quality and safety. Hence, it is important to study the microflora and the possible approaches to improve their composition. In this study, the effect of adding coriander during soy sauce fermentation on the microflora and biogenic amines was evaluated using metagenomics and 1H NMR analyses, respectively. The β-diversity showed a clear distinction between the microbiota of the coriander and control groups. Microbial composition analysis revealed noticeable shifts, as Firmicutes abundance was significantly higher in the coriander group (91.77%) than that in the control (38.78%). The dominant bacterial family in the coriander group was the Bacillaceae (57.94%), while Halomonadaceae was dominant in the control group (49.77%). At the species level, Chromohalobacter beijerinckii dominated the microbial community in the control group (49.54%), but not (4.43%) in the coriander group. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the Bacillaceae and several other bacterial families, including Halomonadaceae, which indicated a possible antagonism and partly explained the reduction in Chromohalobacter abundance in the coriander group. The levels of the biogenic amines histamine, putrescine, and tyramine, which are considered potential health risk factors, were significantly lower in the coriander soy sauce than those in the control sauce. The results of this study suggest that the addition of coriander during Korean soy sauce fermentation is beneficial, as coriander significantly reduces the levels of biogenic amines and the bacteria that produce them.

An Investigation Into the Effects of Long-Term 50-Hz Power-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Hematogram, Blood Chemistry, Fibrosis, and Oxidant Stress Status in the Liver and the Kidney From Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Power-frequency electromagnetic fields (PF-EMFs) at 50 Hz are potential health risk factors. This study aimed to explore the effects of long-term exposure to 50-Hz PF-EMFs on general physiological conditions in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. During a 24-week exposure period, the body mass and water and food intake of the animals were recorded regularly. The hematologic parameters were detected every 12 weeks, and blood chemistry analyses were performed every 4 weeks. After sacrifice, morphology was identified by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Fibrosis-related gene expression and oxidative stress status were also detected. Compared with the control group, exposure to 30, 100, or 500 μT PF-EMF did not exert any effect on body mass, food intake, or water intake. Similarly, no significant differences were found in hematologic parameters or blood chemistry analyses among these groups. Furthermore, morphological assays showed that exposure to PF-EMFs had no influence on the structure of the liver or kidney. Finally, fibrosis-related gene expression and oxidative stress status were unaltered by PF-EMF exposure. The present study indicates that 24 weeks of exposure to PF-EMFs at intensities of 30, 100, or 500 μT might not affect hemograms, blood chemistry, fibrosis, or oxidative stress in the liver or kidney in SD rats. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.