Reduce Health Risks Research Articles

Exploring environmental sustainability in dentistry among students and educators in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesCreating environmentally sustainable healthcare culture within the dental field requires embedding the content in the dental curriculum at the undergraduate level. This study aimed to explore the current awareness and drivers among dental students and educators regarding environmentally sustainable dentistry (ESD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identify barriers and enablers to embrace it.MethodsA cross-sectional survey using online questionnaires was carried out in six undergraduate dental education institutes within the UAE. Data analysis included descriptive statistics.ResultsIn total 153 students and 53 educators participated in the survey. Most students and educators were not aware of any ESD content in their curricula. However, the majority of educators were familiar with the concept of ESD, while students were mostly unfamiliar or slightly familiar. Nonetheless, students largely agreed on its importance and their interest in learning it, as they viewed it relevant to their future practice. Educators agreed that the dental profession has a responsibility to be environmentally friendly and expressed their desire in introducing ESD content into the curricula. Several barriers were reported such as lack of knowledge, curricula space, educational resources, and time. Meanwhile, enablers included providing ESD capacity building, training and resources.ConclusionsThere was no explicit presence of ESD content in the dental curricula in the UAE. Despite the lack of adequate awareness on this topic among educators and more so among students, they both had positive views towards incorporating ESD into dental curricula. Overall, this study highlighted the importance of promoting ESD in dental programs. Clinical significance: ESD is gradually becoming a critical aspect of modern oral healthcare system. It has been mandated in the dental curricula in several regions globally. Embedding ESD in the UAE dental curricula would have several benefits for the environment as well as the future of the dental profession in the region. The clinical significance includes, but not limited to, improved treatment outcomes; patients, students and staff health and well-being; reduced health risks, and cost savings.

Quantitative evaluation of the impact of indoor relative humidity on deposition of aerosols generated during tooth grinding in a real-world clinical setting.

Exposure to aerosol particles generated from tooth grinding has a negative impact on the health of dental personnel. The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the impact of indoor relative humidity (IRH) on the deposition of these suspended particles in a well-controlled dental environment. In this study, a humidity control system was employed to effectively regulate and maintain indoor relative humidity (IRH). A novel computer-assisted numerical control system was developed to pre-treat the molar specimens, and accurately simulate clinical tooth grinding procedures. Each procedure was performed in triplicate, with an online real-time particle counter (ORPC; TR-8301, TongrenCo.) measuring aerosol production. All testing devices were controlled remotely. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn's post hoc test with Bonferroni correction, p < 0.05). The findings showed that with increasing IRH, the maximum peak concentration of aerosol particles decreased by 397% from 6.51 × 107 particles/m3 at 30% to 1.64 × 107 particles/m3 at 80%. The Kruskal-Wallis test results indicated a statistically significant effect of IRH on the aerosol increment (p < 0.05). Increasing the IRH level can effectively promote the deposition of aerosol particles, with a return to baseline within 15min after reaching 60% or above. Our study suggested that maintaining IRH above 70% during the cleaning process, allowing natural recovery to ambient humidity levels within 15min after cleaning, and taking basic precautions, may lead to an adequate reduction in the possible health risks of aerosol contamination.

Reducing non-communicable diseases among Palestinian populations in Gaza: A participatory comparative and cost-effectiveness modeling assessment.

We sought to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of potential new public health and healthcare NCD risk reduction efforts among Palestinians in Gaza. We created a microsimulation model using: (i) a cross-sectional household survey of NCD risk factors among 4,576 Palestinian adults aged ≥40 years old in Gaza; (ii) a modified Delphi process among local public health experts to identify potentially feasible new interventions; and (iii) reviews of intervention cost and effectiveness, modified to the Gazan and refugee contexts. The survey revealed 28.6% tobacco smoking, a 40.4% prevalence of hypertension diagnosis (with a 95.6% medication treatment rate), a 25.6% prevalence of diabetes diagnosis (with 95.3% on treatment), a 21.9% prevalence of dyslipidemia (with 79.6% on a statin), and a 9.8% prevalence of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (without known treatment). A calibrated model estimated a loss of 9,516 DALYs per 10,000 population over the 10-year policy horizon. The interventions having an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) less than three times the GDP per capita of Palestine per DALY averted (<$10,992 per DALY averted)(<$10,992 per DALY averted) included bans on tobacco smoking in indoor and public places [$34 per incremental DALY averted (95% CI: $17, $50)], treatment of asthma using low dose inhaled beclometasone and short-acting beta-agonists [$140 per DALY averted (95% CI: $77, $207)], treatment of breast cancer stages I and II [$730 per DALY averted (95% CI: $372, $1,100)], implementing a mass media campaign for healthier nutrition [$737 per DALY averted (95% CI: $403, $1,100)], treatment of colorectal cancer stages I and II [$7,657 per DALY averted (95% CI: $3,721, $11,639)], and (screening with mammography [$17,054 per DALY averted (95% CI: $8,693, $25,359)]). Despite high levels of NCD risk factors among Palestinians in Gaza, we estimated that several interventions would be expected to reduce the loss of DALYs within common cost-effectiveness thresholds.

Re-evaluating the Need for Routine Maximal Aerobic Capacity Testing within Fighter Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: There is a current belief in aviation suggesting that aerobic training may reduce G-tolerance due to potential negative impacts on arterial pressure response. Studies indicate that increasing maximal aerobic capacity (<mml:math id="ie1" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂ max) through aerobic training does not hinder G-tolerance. Moreover, sustained centrifuge training programs revealed no instances where excessive aerobic exercise compromised a trainee's ability to complete target profiles. The purpose of this review article is to examine the current research in the hope of establishing the need for routine <mml:math id="ie2" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing in air force pilot protocols.METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, the Aerospace Medical Association, and Military Medicine was conducted. Keywords related to "human performance," "Air Force fighter pilots," "aerobic function," and "maximal aerobic capacity" were used in various combinations. Articles addressing exercise physiology, G-tolerance, physical training, and fighter pilot maneuvers related to human performance were considered. No primary data collection involving human subjects was conducted; therefore, ethical approval was not required.RESULTS: The <mml:math id="ie3" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max test provides essential information regarding a pilot's ability to handle increased Gz-load. It assists in predicting G-induced loss of consciousness by assessing anti-G straining maneuver performance and heart rate variables during increased G-load.DISCUSSION: <mml:math id="ie4" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing guides tailored exercise plans, optimizes cardiovascular health, and disproves the notion that aerobic training hampers G-tolerance. Its inclusion in air force protocols could boost readiness, reduce health risks, and refine training for fighter pilots' safety and performance. This evidence-backed approach supports integrating <mml:math id="ie5" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing for insights into fitness, risks, and tailored exercise.Zeigler Z, Acevedo AM. Re-evaluating the need for routine maximal aerobic capacity testing within fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(5):273-277.

Natural Ventilation to Manage Ammonia Concentration and Temperature in a Rabbit Barn in Central Mexico

The concentration of ammonia (NH3) and the temperature of the air surrounding the rabbit habitat in the farm condition basic health processes such as breathing and feeding. The indoor climate in a rabbit farm is largely conditioned by the ventilation system (air conditioning). The objective of this study was to build a numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to evaluate, by numerical simulations, the air dynamics of a rustic farm. After the validation of the computational model, the thermal gradient and ammonia concentration were analyzed under three wind incidence angles (0°, 45°, and 90° with respect to the horizontal Z axis of the facility). The results of the simulations showed that, in the area occupied by the rabbits (AOR), the concentration of ammonia with respect to the source was reduced by 37.3% in the most favorable case (wind direction at 45°), and 21.2% in the least favorable case (wind direction at 0°), and the indoor temperature presented a maximum difference of 2 °C with respect to the outside temperature. Climate control is a more expensive cost in rabbit farm exploitation; dynamics modulation can serve as an auxiliary tool for reducing health risks in rabbits. The use of models based on fluid dynamics allowed us to understand the efficiency of the ventilation system, which must be increased to reduce the found temperature gradient. Through numerical simulation it will be possible to find alternatives to increase the ventilation rate.

Integrating quantitative microbiological risk assessment and disability-adjusted life years to evaluate the effects of urbanization on health risks for river recreationists

Urban rivers provide an excellent opportunity for water recreation. This study probabilistically assessed health risks associated with water recreation in urban rivers in the Bitan Scenic Area, Taiwan, by employing quantitative microbial risk assessment and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Moreover, the effects of urbanization on the health risks of river recreation induced by waterborne pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) were investigated. First, data on river E. coli levels were collected in both the Bitan Scenic Area and the upstream river section, and model parameters were obtained through a questionnaire administered to river recreationists. Monte Carlo simulation was then employed to address parameter uncertainty. Finally, DALYs were calculated to quantify the cumulative effects in terms of potential life lost and years lived with disability. The results indicated that the 90 % confidence intervals for the disease burden (DB) were 0.2–74.1 × 10−6, 0.01–94.0 × 10−6, and 0.3–128.9 × 10−6 DALY per person per year (pppy) for canoeing, swimming, and fishing, respectively, in the Bitan Scenic Area. Furthermore, urbanization near the Bitan Scenic Area approximately doubled the DB risks to river recreationists in upstream rural areas. At the 95th percentile, the DB risks exceeded the tolerances recommended by the World Health Organization (1 × 10−6) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1 × 10−4). The findings suggest that the simultaneous implementation of effluent sewer systems and best management practices can reduce health risks to river recreationists by at least half, reducing the DALY levels below 1 × 10−4 or even 1 × 10−5 pppy.

Removal performance of leonardite toward volatile organic compounds and toxic metals from landfill leachates

AbstractLeachate from municipal waste contains volatile organic compounds and potentially toxic metals. The leaching of which into water sources also jeopardizes access to clean water. Therefore, reducing the concentration of pollutants in leachate is important to reduce health risks and environmental pollution. In this study, the efficacy of granulated organic leonardite added to leachate from municipal waste in reducing the toxic concentrations of the leachate for different time points (30, 60, 90, and 120 min) at a shaking speed of 200 rpm was investigated. Results demonstrated that leonardite significantly removed various contaminants, including organic acids (71.16%), alcohols (74.31%), aldehydes (68.01%), esters (78.28%), ethers (81.03%), ketones (68.52%), hydrocarbons (84.25%), N compounds (78.56%), S compounds (80.67%), organic N (86.01%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (93.26%), NH4‐N (84.83%), NO3‐N (89.30%), SO4 (76.62%), PO4 (73.85%), organic C (50.07%), Hg (96.80%), Pb (95.99%), Cu (82.68%), Al (65.56%), total Cr (98.11%), Cd (99.28%), Li (96.31%), Ni (97.27%), and As (67.79%). The leonardite granules used in this study showed high adsorption and removal performance for organic/inorganic and volatile compounds in landfill leachate. These results indicate that leonardite can be a suitable adsorption material for leachate pretreatment. However, it is necessary to perform a durability test to use the material in the long term as a covering on landfills.

Synergistic emission reductions and health effects of energy transitions under carbon neutrality target

China's climate and environmental problems remained prominent. Energy transition was the key to improve climate and pollution, and it was at a critical period. Previous studies mostly focused on the impact of climate policies on the reduction of air pollutants and the environmental health impacts of individual sector or pathway policies. Thus, focusing on the synergistic abatement of CO2 and air pollutants and health effects of energy transition in carbon neutrality was significant for building beautiful and healthy China. LEAP-HEA model was constructed to project energy demand, CO2 and air pollutants, and assess energy transition's environmental health effects from 2020 to 2060. LMDI model was adopted to decompose the abatement contribution. Synergistic assessment index was used to estimate the coordinated abatement effects. Cost-effectiveness of energy transition and regional heterogeneity of PM2.5 toxicity were not considered. The results indicated: (1) energy demand would decrease and structure would be optimized significantly under deep energy transition scenario. (2) Deep energy transition could promote earlier realization of carbon neutrality. It would contribute significantly to CO2 and air pollutants abatement with strong synergistic effects. (3) Energy transition would reduce health risks with large economic benefits. Recommendations were proposed based on the conclusions.

Telemedicine for obesity management among United States adults: A systematic and meta-analysis of intervention studies.

Obesity is projected to affect 86% of United States adults by 2030. Recent data show a surge to 41.9%, with the highest proportion in the 40-59 age group (44.3%). Obesity is linked to various health issues and preventable deaths. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions for managing obesity in US adults aged 40 and above. Through a thorough Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis-guided search, 16 studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified. These studies employed diverse telemedicine technologies, including video-based and telephone sessions or a mixture of technologies. The analysis reveals a statistically significant mean difference of 0.93 in favor of telemedicine interventions for weight loss. Subgroup analysis suggests that intervention durations of 6-12 months and telephone-based sessions correlate with more substantial mean differences. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing obesity, emphasizing the importance of intervention type and duration. Study limitations include variability and potential biases. Customized telemedicine strategies have the potential to combat the obesity epidemic among older adults in the United States, offering guidance to healthcare professionals aiming to reduce health risks and enhance overall well-being.

Evaluation of pathogen spread risk from excavated landfill

Landfill is a huge pathogen reservoir and needs special attention. Herein, the distribution and spread risk of pathogen were assessed in excavated landfill scenario. The results show that landfill excavation will greatly increase the risk of environmental microbial contamination. The highest total concentration of culturable bacteria among landfill refuse, topsoil and plant leaves was found to be as high as 1010 CFU g−1. Total coliforms, Hemolytic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Enterococci, and Fecal coliforms were detected in the landfill surrounding environment. Notably, pathogens were more likely to adhere to plant leaves, making it an important source of secondary pathogens. The culturable bacteria concentration in the air samples differed with the landfill zone with different operation status, and the highest culturable bacteria concentration was found in the excavated area of the landfill (3.3 × 104 CFU m−3), which was the main source of bioaerosol release. The distribution of bioaerosols in the downwind outside of the landfill showed a tendency of increasing and then decreasing, and the highest concentration of bioaerosols outside of the landfill (6.56 × 104 CFU m−3) was significantly higher than that in the excavated area of the landfill. The risk of respiratory inhalation was the main pathway leading to infection, whereas the HQin (population inhalation hazardous quotient) at 500 m downwind the excavation landfill was still higher than 1, indicating that the neighboring residents were exposed to airborne microbial pollutants. The results of the study provide evidence for bioaerosols control protective measures taken to reduce health risk from the excavated landfill.

Effectiveness of behavior change and self-management theoretically-informed telehealth interventions for stroke secondary prevention: An overview of systematic reviews

Introduction Despite the increased use of telehealth interventions, low-level evidence supports their use for behavior change and self-management in stroke secondary prevention. Therefore, this overview of systematic reviews (SRs) critically appraises and consolidates the evidence about theoretically-informed telehealth interventions in stroke secondary prevention. Methods Two phases were conducted independently by two reviewers. Phase-1 included SRs contemplating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) implementing telehealth interventions with individuals post-stroke, targeting cardiovascular events, risk-reducing health behaviors or physiological risk factors. Phase-2 interrogated RCTs from these SRs that implemented theoretically-informed interventions. Best-evidence synthesis of published meta-analyses and new meta-analyses of theoretically-informed interventions were conducted. GRADE evidence was applied. Results In Phase-1 (15 SRs), best-evidence synthesis identified telehealth interventions as effective in reducing recurrent angina and recurrent stroke rates (both with very low GRADE), improving medication adherence (low GRADE), physical activity participation (very low GRADE), and blood pressure targets (very low GRADE), reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (moderate GRADE) and low-density lipoprotein levels (very low GRADE). In Phase-2 (14 RCTs), new meta-analyses identified theoretically-informed telehealth interventions as effective in improving medication adherence (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.13–0.64; I²: 72%, low GRADE) and healthy eating (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.15–0.60; I²: 38%, low GRADE), and decreasing SBP (MD: −9.19; 95%CI: −5.49 to −12.89; I²: 0%, moderate GRADE). Discussion Telehealth demonstrates utility in stroke secondary prevention, notably in SBP reduction. High-quality RCTs are required given the lack of current evidence supporting theoretically-informed telehealth interventions addressing primary outcomes of secondary prevention, and the low certainty evidence identified for health behavior change.

Investigating the Efficacy of Nutritional Status, Dietary Acumen, and Sugary Beverage Consumption Patterns in Secondary School Adolescents

Introduction: Excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of obesity and negatively affects nutritional health because they contain additional sugars and empty calories. Making well-informed decisions that prioritize nutrient-dense options enables people to reduce health risks and improve their general nutritional state. Objectives: The objectives of this study to is to assess the relationship between nutritional status, dietary knowledge and sugary beverage consumption habits among secondary school children in Lahore. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 384 secondary school children studying in public and private schools of Lahore, Pakistan and data was collected through a combination of 2 validated questionnaires, composed of 4 parts (personal information, frequency of sugary beverages consumed, sugary beverage consumption pattern and &amp; dietary knowledge). For BMI calculation, height and weight were measured. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 23. Results: The study reveals that 51.8% of the students in Pakistani secondary schools in Lahore fell within the normal BMI limit. The remainder, however, were malnourished; 13% of the adolescents were underweight, 21.6% were overweight, and 13.5% were obese. Furthermore, it was found that there was no significant relationship between dietary knowledge, use of sugary beverages, and nutritional status. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is evident that the consumption of sugary sweet beverages among the secondary school children of Lahore, Pakistan is significantly higher. Also, the burden of malnutrition and the body mass index is significantly high among these adolescents, associated with SSB consumption. However, BMI is no significantly related to dietary knowledge.

Exploratory Data Analysis Based Design and Implementation of Student Stress Detection Using Machine Learning Approaches

The administration of stress is fundamental in perceiving the degrees of stress that can prevent our own and social prosperity. As per the World Wellbeing Association, roughly one of every four people experience pressure related mental issues, prompting mental and financial issues, unfortunate working environment connections, and even self-destruction in serious cases. Guiding is a vital asset to assist people with adapting to pressure. While stress can't be totally kept away from, preventive measures can help with overseeing feelings of anxiety. At the moment, only experts in medicine and physiology can tell if someone is stressed or not. Nonetheless, the conventional technique for distinguishing pressure in view of self-revealed replies from people is untrustworthy. Using physiological signals to automate the detection of stress levels, a more accurate and objective strategy for reducing health risks and enhancing society's well-being is available. A significant social contribution that can improve people's lives is the detection of stress levels. The IT business has presented new advancements and items that guide in the recognition of feelings of anxiety in workers, which is basic in upgrading their presentation. Albeit a few associations offer emotional well-being plans for their workers, the issue stays testing to make due. The machine is subjected to exploratory data analysis (EDA) in order to determine its accuracy. EDA is utilized on dataset so individual boundaries will be broke down with exactness and plotted in graph.The organization of stress is central in seeing the levels of pressure that can forestall our own and social success. According to the World Prosperity Affiliation, around one of each and every four individuals experience pressure related mental issues, provoking mental and monetary issues, lamentable work space associations, and, surprisingly, implosion in serious cases. Directing is an essential resource for help individuals with adjusting to pressure. While stress can't be completely avoided, preventive measures can assist with supervising sensations of nervousness. At this time, only specialists in physiology and medicine can determine whether a person is stressed or not. Regardless, the regular method for recognizing tension considering self-uncovered answers from individuals is conniving. Utilizing physiological signs to robotize the discovery of feelings of anxiety, a more precise and objective procedure for decreasing wellbeing chances and upgrading society's prosperity is accessible. A critical social commitment that can further develop individuals' lives is the location of feelings of anxiety. The IT business has introduced new progressions and things that aide in the acknowledgment of sensations of nervousness in laborers, which is fundamental in redesigning their show. Yet a couple of affiliations offer close to home prosperity plans for their laborers, the issue stays testing to make due. The machine is exposed to exploratory information examination (EDA) to decide its precision. EDA is used on dataset so individual limits will be destitute down with precision and plotted in chart.

Anthracene degradation involved by antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase (ABM) in Comamonas testosteroni

It is well known that anthracene can cause serious health problems, which is why anthracene biodegradation as a method to reduce health risks has drawn the interest of researchers. However, antibiotic contamination in the environment can seriously affect the biodegradation of anthracene. In the present study, Comamonas testosteroni (CT1) had the highest degradation efficiency of anthracene (88.1%), and was still 46.6% when erythromycin concentration was 1/4MIC (8 μg mL−1). Also, compared to CK, the prokaryotic transcriptome analysis of CT1 in anthracene degradation revealed an up-regulated gene that encodes antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase (ABM) in both anthracene and anthracene-erythromycin groups. In addition, compared to strain CT1, the CtABM knockout mutant (CT-M) showed a significant decrease in anthracene degradation efficiency. In contrast, Escherichia coli (E.coli) DH5α transformed with CtABM (EM1) exhibited a faster degradation efficiency than DH5α. Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that compared to DH5α, EM1 had significant resistance to erythromycin. And the purified recombinant CtABM (rABM) had a specific activity of 2.53 μmol min−1·mg−1 protein based on the oxidation of anthracene at pH 7.5 and 35 °C. Additionally, compositional analysis identified 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol and 4-methylphthalaldehyde as anthracene metabolites by EM1, suggesting a novel anthracene degradation pathway.

Assessing emission-driven changes in health risk of source-specific PM2.5-bound heavy metals by adjusting meteorological covariates

Heavy metals (HMs) in PM2.5 gain much attention for their toxicity and carcinogenic risk. This study evaluates the health risks of PM2.5-bound HMs, focusing on how meteorological conditions affect these risks against the backdrop of PM2.5 reduction trends in China. By applying a receptor model with a meteorological normalization technique, followed by health risk assessment, this work reveals emission-driven changes in health risk of source-specific HMs in the outskirt of Tianjin during the implementation of China’ second Clean Air Action (2018–2020). Sources of PM2.5-bound HMs were identified, with significant contributions from vehicular emissions (on average, 33.4 %), coal combustion (26.3 %), biomass burning (14.1 %), dust (11.7 %), industrial boilers (9.7 %), and shipping emission and sea salt (4.7 %). The source-specific emission-driven health risk can be enlarged or dwarfed by the changing meteorological conditions over time, demonstrating that the actual risks from these source emissions for a given time period may be higher or smaller than those estimated by traditional assessments. Meteorology contributed on average 56.1 % to the interannual changes in source-specific carcinogenic risk of HMs from 2018 to 2019, and 5.6 % from 2019 to 2020. For the source-specific noncarcinogenic risk changes, the contributions were 38.3 % and 46.4 % for the respective periods. Meteorology exerts a more profound impact on daily risk (short-term trends) than on annual risk (long-term trends). Such meteorological impacts differ among emission sources in both sign and magnitude. Reduced health risks of HMs were largely from targeted regulatory measures on sources. Therefore, the meteorological covariates should be considered to better evaluate the health benefits attributable to pollution control measures in health risk assessment frameworks.

The health risk reduction of PM2.5 via a green curtain system in Taiwan

Green infrastructure can release oxygen, and capture particulate matter (PM), which can improve urban air quality and heat islands. This study aims to develop a green curtain to reduce PM2.5 through three-dimensional greening with a low preparation cost, low maintenance cost, high efficiency, and readily replaceable types. In this study, a green curtain system (GCS) was installed on a balcony with three plants, Chlorophytum comosum, Nephrolepis exaltata, and Nephrolepis pendula (Raddi) J. Sm, Another balcony without GCS was used as a control group for the study.The experiment demonstrated the efficacy of Greening Curtain Systems (GCS) on balconies in reducing PM2.5 exceedance time, particularly with 60 pots containing a mix of three plants, where Chlorophytum comosum showed notable effectiveness as a single protective plant. Leaf capture efficiency remained relatively unchanged even after 17 days without washing, attributed to the humidity of winter evenings and the evapotranspiration effect of the plants.Additionally, a health risk assessment, employing an attributable risk approach, was conducted to validate the effectiveness of PM protection measures in lowering occupants' health risks. Utilizing data on the correlation between all-cause mortality risk in individuals aged 65 and above and considering the delayed impact of atmospheric factors on human health, we employed a delayed nonlinear model to explore the exposure-response relationship. The results revealed that GCS successfully reduced the duration of high PM2.5 concentration during air pollution episodes by 15–18 μg/m3, thereby mitigating potential health risks associated with successive air pollution episodes.

HIV–A prognostic factor of tuberculous meningitis: A retrospective cohort study among adults in peninsular Malaysia

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Tuberculous meningitis is a major public health issue, despite showing low incidence, tuberculous meningitis causes substantial mortality. For better clinical management, identification of prognostic factors is crucial to reduce health risk of Malaysian society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors of adult tuberculous meningitis in peninsular Malaysia.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Materials &amp;amp; methods:&lt;/b&gt; Initially, a retrospective cohort study and one-year of follow-up period was carried out. In addition, a total of 217 adult tuberculous meningitis patients treated or had follow-up in four tertiary hospitals in peninsular Malaysia were recruited. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to perform multivariable analysis.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The overall survival probability of adult tuberculous meningitis was 36.8% with median survival time 244 days. Significant prognostic factors were Glasgow coma scale score (aHR=0.71, 95% CI=0.65, 0.76; p&amp;lt;0.001), HIV status (aHR=1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19, 3.15; p=0.008), headache (aHR=0.48, 95% CI=0.31, 0.76; p=0.002) and meningeal enhancement (aHR=0.47, 95% CI=0.30, 0.74; p=0.001), nausea (aHR=2.21, 95% CI=1.33, 3.66; p=0.002), and vomit (aHR=0.58, 95% CI=0.36, 0.93; p=0.023).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Evidently, the survival of among adults with tuberculous meningitis was low. Since HIV positive has a significant influence in mortality; early screening, diagnosis, and prompt treatment in this subgroup of patients play a key role in survival.

The European quest to reduce health risks associated with indoor tanning.

The European quest to reduce health risks associated with indoor tanning.

Assessing health risks from cooking oil fume leaks in residential cooking exhaust shaft system

Kitchens in multi-floor and high-rise buildings utilize shared cooking exhaust shaft systems (CESS) to exhaust cooking oil fumes (COF) outside. On each floor shaft, a backdraft damper is installed to control the COF flow. However, residents may be exposed to particulate matter pollution when COF in the shaft leaks through the dampers and infiltrates non-cooking kitchens (NC Kitchens). Previous studies rarely considered the airtightness of dampers and their impact on the health of non-cooking residents. Therefore, a multizone network model was used to simulate PM2.5 concentrations in NC Kitchens with different airtightness dampers, and the health risks to people in NC Kitchens were assessed. Measures to reduce health risks were analyzed. Results indicate that, for 33- and 18-floor CESS under high diversity, utilizing good dampers led to inhalation cancer risks exceeding 1 × 10−6, signifying potential health hazards. Conversely, the 6-floor CESS demonstrated negligible health risks. For 33- and 18-floor CESS, dampers with air leakages of 100 and 140 m3/(h·m2) at 250 Pa static pressure, respectively, are advised. Additionally, expanding the shaft dimensions from 500 mm × 400 mm to 700 mm × 700mm and 400 mm × 300mm to 400 mm × 600mm respectively, ensures health in NC Kitchens. These findings hold importance in improving damper airtightness, optimizing CESS performance, and safeguarding non-cooking residents’ health.

Is "tobacco harm reduction" possible? Other countries' experiences and perspectives, and how they could inform tobacco control in Japan

"Tobacco harm reduction" is defined as a method to minimize harm and risk of death and disease without eliminating tobacco and nicotine use. In Japan, where heated tobacco products (HTPs) are prevalent, the tobacco industry is progressively endorsing the concept of "tobacco harm reduction." Therefore, stakeholders in tobacco control must urgently share perspectives and experiences surrounding this issue. This discussion paper aimed to propose four requirements for effectively implementing "tobacco harm reduction" as a public health measure: (1) disease risk reduction, (2) cigarette smoking cessation, (3) no additional public health concerns, and (4) regulatory authorities held by health agencies, and compile information on them regarding nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and HTPs. Another aim was to summarize policies related to "tobacco harm reduction" adopted by an international organization (World Health Organization (WHO) and health authorities in foreign countries (the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Italy, and the Republic of Korea) to explore the implications of these requirements on Japan's approach. Regarding the first three requirements, scientific evidence indicated that e-cigarettes offers some level of risk reduction and can assist with cigarette smoking cessation. The potential uptake of e-cigarettes among youth and their possibility to serve as a gateway to combusted cigarette use is a concern, though a definitive causal link is yet to be established between the uptake of e-cigarette in youth and the subsequent use of different tobacco products. There is insufficient scientific evidence for any of the three requirements for HTPs. Regarding the official policies, WHO took the position that the same regulations should be applied to all tobacco products. Only the UK and USA officially established a health system based on the concept of "tobacco harm reduction"; even in Italy and the Republic of Korea, where HTPs are relatively widespread, health authorities denied any risk reduction by introducing HTPs. The UK officially adopted a smoking cessation policy with e-cigarettes. The USA established a modified risk tobacco product system under federal legislation enacted in 2009, whereas of June 2023, no HTP or e-cigarettes were recognized as explicitly reducing health risk. Regarding the fourth requirement, the UK and USA institutionalized "tobacco harm reduction" under health authorities' regulation independent of the tobacco industry. The introduction of a tobacco harm reduction policy in Japan should be considered only in line with health authorities' regulation and implementation of comprehensive tobacco control measures independent of the tobacco industry.