Nutraceutical potential of olive pomace: insights from cell-based and clinical studies

Olive oil production yields a substantial volume of by-products, constituting up to 80% of the processed fruits. The olive pomace by-product represents a residue of significant interest due to the diverse bioactive compounds identified in it. However, a thorough characterization and elucidation of the biological activities of olive pomace are imperative to redirect its application for functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical purposes both for animals and humans. In this review, we examine data from experimental models, including immortalized human vascular endothelial cells, human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, non-tumorigenic human hepatoma cells, and murine macrophages alongside clinical trials. These studies aim to validate the safety, nutritional value, and pharmacological effects of olive pomace. In vitro studies suggest that biophenols extracted from olive pomace possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties that could be beneficial in mitigating cardiovascular disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, hepatosteatosis, and dry-eye disease. Protective effects against dry-eye disease were confirmed in a mouse model assay. Olive pomace used in the feed for fish and poultry has demonstrated the ability to enhance animals' immunity and improve nutritional quality of meat and eggs. Human clinical trials are scarce and have revealed minimal biological changes following the consumption of olive pomace-enriched foods. However, alterations in certain biomarkers tentatively suggest cardioprotective properties. The review underscores the value of olive pomace while addressing potential drawbacks and future perspectives, with a specific focus on the need for further investigation into the animal feed and human nutritional properties of olive pomace. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Global Health Survey of People Who Vape but Never Smoked: Protocol for the VERITAS (Vaping Effects: Real-World International Surveillance) Study

BACKGROUND

There is only limited information about the health effects of regular vaping. Research on the health status of people who used to smoke faces the challenge that previous smoking may have caused unknown health effects. Only studies of people who vape but have never smoked combustible cigarettes can enable the detection of harms attributable to vaping. Large prospective studies of well-characterized electronic cigarette users with and without a history of combustible cigarette smoking are warranted to establish the long-term effects of regular vaping on respiratory health.

OBJECTIVE

We will conduct a global cross-sectional survey of individuals from 6 world regions. Respiratory symptoms will be assessed using a validated questionnaire-the Respiratory Symptom Experience Scale (RSES). Current vapers who are nonusers of other tobacco or nicotine products will be compared with matched controls who are nonusers of vapes and other tobacco or nicotine products.

METHODS

This will be a multicountry, cross-sectional internet-based survey of 750 adults aged ≥18 years who satisfy the criteria for inclusion in either a cohort of people who exclusively vape and who are nonusers of other tobacco or nicotine products ("vapers cohort"; target N=500) or a cohort of nonvapers who are also nonusers of other tobacco or nicotine products ("controls cohort"; target N=250). The primary end point of the study is the RSES score. RSES scores of people in the "vapers cohort" will be compared with those of people in the "controls cohort." Additionally, the study will collect data to characterize patterns of vaping product use among the vapers cohort. Data collection will include information about the age initiation of using vape products, reasons for starting and continuing the use of vape products, specific types of products used, flavors and nicotine strengths of recently used products, as well as the frequency and intensity of product use in the past 30 days.

RESULTS

Participant recruitment started in April 2023, and enrollment was completed by November 2023 with 748 participants. Results will be reported in 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This will be the first study providing key insights into respiratory health effects associated with using electronic cigarettes in people who vape with no established use of combustible cigarettes or other tobacco or nicotine products.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/54236.

Can the household clean energy transition ameliorate health inequality? Evidence from China

China is actively encouraging households to replace traditional solid fuels with clean energy. Based on the Chinese Families Panel Survey (CFPS) data, this paper uses propensity scores matching with the difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of clean energy in the household sector on residents' health status, and whether such an energy transition promotes health equity by favoring relatively disadvantaged social groups. The results show that: (1) The use of cleaner cooking fuels can significantly improve residents' health status; (2) The older adult and women have higher health returns from the clean energy transition, demonstrating that, from the perspective of age and gender, the energy transition contributes to the promotion of health equity; (3) The clean energy transition has a lower or insignificant health impact on residents who cannot easily obtain clean energy or replace non-clean energy at an affordable price. Most of these individuals live in low-income, energy-poor, or rural households. Thus, the energy transition exacerbates health inequalities. This paper suggests that to reduce the cost of using clean energy and help address key issues in health inequality, Chinese government efforts should focus on improving the affordability, accessibility, and reliability of clean energy.

Lutein Production and Extraction from Microalgae: Recent Insights and Bioactive Potential

Microalgae have been reported to be excellent producers of bioactive molecules. Lutein is a pigment reported to have various beneficial effects for humans, and especially for eye well-being. In the current review, we summarize various methods that have been developed to optimize its extraction and bioactivities reported for human health. Several protective effects have been reported for lutein, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activity. This review also reports attempts to increase lutein production by microalgae by changing culturing parameters or by using pilot-scale systems. Genetic engineering lutein production is also discussed. Considering the increasing aging of the worldwide population will create an increased need for lutein, a viable economic and eco-sustainable method to produce lutein is needed to face this market demand.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Children and Adolescents and Association with Multiple Outcomes: An Umbrella Review

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been linked to numerous health benefits. This umbrella review aims to synthesize evidence from systematic reviews on the MD's impact on children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we included 11 systematic reviews focusing on the MD's effects on health outcomes, such as asthma, anthropometric measures, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers. The results indicate a protective role of the MD against childhood asthma due to its antioxidant-rich components. However, evidence for its impact on allergic conditions like rhinitis and eczema is inconclusive. Findings regarding anthropometric outcomes, particularly BMI, are limited and inconsistent. A positive correlation was observed between MD adherence and increased physical activity, improved physical fitness, quality of life, and reduced sedentary behavior. Additionally, the MD showed an inverse relationship with pro-inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits. The inconsistency in BMI findings and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of the MD warrant further longitudinal research. Future studies should explore the MD's impact on cognitive functions, academic performance, and mental health in this age group, highlighting the significance of establishing healthy eating habits early in life.

Aligning Santal Tribe Menu Templates with EAT-Lancet Commission's Dietary Guidelines for Sustainable and Healthy Diets: A Comparative Analysis

BACKGROUND

In the context of global shifts in food systems, this paper explores the unique dietary practices of the Santal tribe, an indigenous group in eastern India, to understand the health, nutrition, and sustainability aspects of their traditional food systems. This study evaluates the nutritional content of the Santal diet in comparison to the EAT-Lancet Commission's 2019 dietary guidelines for healthy and sustainable diets.

METHODS

The University of East Anglia, in collaboration with the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health in Cambridge, PRADAN; colleagues in India and local Santal youth, conducted nutritional analyses of traditional Santal recipes. Two menu templates, Kanhu Thali and Jhano Thali, were selected for comparative analysis based on their representation of diverse dietary practices within the Santal community. Nutritional data, including energy as well as the distribution of macronutrients and micronutrients, were compiled and compared with the EAT-Lancet guidelines.

RESULTS

The Santal menu templates (nutritionally complete meals) demonstrated alignment with EAT-Lancet recommendations in aspects such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, vegetables, plant-based protein sources, unsaturated fats, and limited added sugars. However, notable deviations included the absence of animal-based protein sources and dairy. The Santal diet showed high protein intake, largely from plant-based sources, and emphasised the importance of whole grains. Seasonal variations in nutritional content were observed between the two templates.

CONCLUSIONS

While the Santal diet aligns with some aspects of global dietary guidelines, there are notable deviations that underscore the complexity of aligning traditional diets with universal recommendations. The findings emphasise the need for culturally sensitive dietary recommendations that respect traditional diets while promoting sustainability. Research needs to support tailored global guidelines enshrining core principles of nutritional adequacy which are inter-culturally operable in order to accommodate cultural diversity, local practices, and seasonal variations, crucial for fostering sustainable and healthy eating habits in diverse sociodemographic contexts.

Recognition and detection technology for microplastic, its source and health effects

Microplastic (MP) is ubiquitous in the environment which appeared as an immense intimidation to human and animal health. The plastic fragments significantly polluted the ocean, fresh water, food chain, and other food items. Inadequate maintenance, less knowledge of adverse influence along with inappropriate usage in addition throwing away of plastics items revolves present planet in to plastics planet. The present study aims to focus on the recognition and advance detection technologies for MPs and the adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. MPs have rigorous adverse effect on human health that leads to condensed growth rates, lessened reproductive capability, ulcer, scrape, and oxidative nervous anxiety, in addition, also disturb circulatory and respiratory mechanism. The detection of MP particles has also placed emphasis on identification technologies such as scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical detection, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermo-analytical techniques, flow cytometry, holography, and hyperspectral imaging. It suggests that further research should be explored to understand the source, distribution, and health impacts and evaluate numerous detection methodologies for the MPs along with purification techniques.

Safety and protection of plasma donors: A scoping review and evidence gap map

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

As part of a large-scale project to safely increase plasma collection in Europe, the current scoping review identifies the existing evidence (gaps) on adverse events (AEs) and other health effects in plasmapheresis donors, as well as factors that may be associated with such events/effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched six databases and three registries. Study characteristics (publication type, language, study design, population, outcomes, associated factors, time of assessment, duration of follow-up, number and frequency of donations, convalescent plasma [y/n], setting and location) were synthesized narratively and in an interactive evidence gap map (EGM).

RESULTS

Ninety-four research articles and five registrations were identified. Around 90% were observational studies (57 controlled and 33 uncontrolled), and most of them were performed in Europe (55%) or the United States (20%). Factors studied in association with donor health included donor characteristics (e.g., sex, age) (n = 27), cumulative number of donations (n = 21), donation frequency (n = 11), plasma collection device or programme (n = 11), donor status (first time vs. repeat) (n = 10), donation volume per session (n = 8), time in donation programme (n = 3), preventive measures (n = 2) or other (n = 9).

CONCLUSION

The current scoping review provides an accessible tool for researchers and policymakers to identify the available evidence (gaps) concerning plasmapheresis donation safety. Controlled prospective studies with long-term donor follow-up are scarce. Furthermore, additional experimental studies comparing the health effects of different donation frequencies are required to inform a safe upper limit for donation frequency.

Endogenous Nitric Oxide Can Enhance Oxidative Stress Caused by Air Pollutants and Explain Higher Susceptibility of Individuals with Inflammatory Disorders

Air pollution causes morbidity and excess mortality. In the epithelial lining fluid of the respiratory tract, air pollutants trigger a chemical reaction sequence that causes the formation of noxious hydroxyl radicals that drive oxidative stress. For hitherto unknown reasons, individuals with pre-existing inflammatory disorders are particularly susceptible to air pollution. Through detailed multiphase chemical kinetic analysis, we show that the commonly elevated concentrations of endogenous nitric oxide in diseased individuals can increase the production of hydroxyl radicals via peroxynitrite formation. Our findings offer a molecular rationale of how adverse health effects and oxidative stress caused by air pollutants may be exacerbated by inflammatory disorders.

Exploring the Impact of Mining on Community Health and Health Service Delivery: Perceptions of Key Informants Involved in Gold Mining Communities in Burkina Faso

Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in natural resources but also faces widespread poverty. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals brought increased attention to resource extraction projects, emphasizing their development potential in extraction regions. While mining companies are required to conduct environmental impact assessments, their effect on the project-affected communities' health mostly lacks systematic management, and their consideration of community perspectives is insufficient. Between March and May 2019, qualitative research was conducted at three industrial gold mines in Burkina Faso. Thirty-six participants, including community leaders, healthcare providers, and mining officials, were interviewed through key informant interviews about their perceptions on the impacts of mining operations on health, health determinants, and health service delivery. Disparities in perceptions were a key focus of the analysis. Mining officials reported mainly positive effects, while healthcare providers and community leaders described enhancing and adverse health impacts without clear trends observed regarding the extent of the impacts on health determinants. The perception of predominantly positive health impacts by mining officials represents a potential risk for insufficient acknowledgement of stakeholders' concerns and mining-related effects on community health in affected populations. Overall, this study enhances comprehension of the complex interplay between mining operations and health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments, stakeholder involvement, and sustainable practices to mitigate negative impacts and promote the well-being of mining communities.

Elevated Lead, Nickel, and Bismuth Levels in the Peritoneal Fluid of a Peritoneal Endometriosis Patient without Toxic Habits or Occupational Exposure following a Vegetarian Diet

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), found as environmental contaminants, have been related to endometriosis disease. In this context, the peritoneal fluid (PF) matrix has been poorly studied despite its importance. PF is the environment in which endometriotic lesions reside and communicate with surrounding tissues including tissues and nerve cells. In this work, our investigation group reports the special case of a peritoneal endometriosis patient presenting elevated lead, nickel, and bismuth levels in PF. This patient reported following a vegetarian diet and no toxic habits or occupational exposure. In conclusion, the elevated levels of PTEs found may result from a vegetarian diet or an unidentified environmental exposure source. This report provides new insights regarding the possible etiology of endometriosis disease and potential biomarkers for its diagnosis in early stages, although additional research is needed.

Health and labor market effects of an unanticipated rise in retirement age. Evidence from the 2012 Italian pension reform

As retirement ages increase around the world, not all workers may be equally able to extend their working lives. In this article, we examine the health and labor market effects of an Italian pension reform that suddenly increased the normal retirement age up to 7 years for women and up to 2 years for men. To do this, we use linked labor and healthcare administrative data, jointly with survey data and difference-in-difference methods. Our results show that the reform was effective in postponing retirement among both genders, as pension claiming dropped substantially for older workers. However, there were also side effects as the reform significantly pushed previously employed men and women into unemployment and disability pension. Among women only, the reform also increased sick leave and hospitalizations related to mental health and injuries. These effects were driven by women with previously low health status, suggesting that undifferentiated and abrupt increases in pension age might harm more vulnerable workers. Coherently with the milder tightening of retirement age experienced by men, labor market responses were smaller in size, and they did not suffer any significant health effects.

PM2.5-Attributable Mortality Burden Variability in the Continental U.S

Epidemiologic studies have consistently observed associations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and premature mortality. These studies use air quality concentration information from a combination of sources to estimate pollutant exposures and then assess how mortality varies as a result of differing exposures. Health impact assessments then typically use a single log-linear hazard ratio (HR) per health outcome to estimate counts of avoided human health effects resulting from air quality improvements. This paper estimates the total PM2.5-attributable premature mortality burden using a variety of methods for estimating exposures and quantifying PM2.5-attributable deaths in 2011 and 2028. We use: 1) several exposure models that apply a wide range of methods, and 2) a variety of HRs from the epidemiologic literature that relate long-term PM2.5 exposures to mortality among the U.S. population. We then further evaluate the variability of aggregated national premature mortality estimates to stratification by race and/or ethnicity or exposure level (e.g., below the current annual PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards). We find that unstratified annual adult mortality burden incidence estimates vary more (e.g., ~3-fold) by HR than by exposure model (e.g., <10%). In addition, future mortality burden estimates stratified by race/ethnicity are larger than the unstratified estimates of the entire population, and studies that stratify PM2.5-attributable mortality HRs by an exposure concentration threshold led to substantially higher estimates. These results are intended to provide transparency regarding the sensitivity of mortality estimates to upstream input choices.

Risk perception among residents living near industries in Godawari Municipality of Lalitpur, Nepal

The industrial sector stands out as a significant contributor to environmental pollution. Those who reside in close proximity to industrial areas commonly harbor concerns about potential health and environmental hazards. This study aimed to find out the perception of risk and self-reported health impacts among individuals living near industries in Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur, Nepal. Conducted as a community-based cross-sectional study, it involved 270 households. Face-to-face interviews were employed, utilizing a pretested structured questionnaire. The study zone encompassed the communities of Godawari Municipality within a 3-kilometer radius of industrial sites. Specifically, stone mines, stone crushers, and brick kilns were purposefully selected, while study participants were randomly sampled using a random table. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, incorporating both univariate and bivariate techniques. Among those residing near industrial zones, a mere 9.6 % reported experiencing wheezing or whistling in the past 12 months. A substantial 36.3% consistently felt stressed due to industrial activities in their vicinity. Approximately half (51.9 %) of the participants indicated that the contaminated air in the area had adverse effects on human health. Furthermore, a palpable perception of elevated risk was associated with the proximity of industries (p<0.001). Over half of the participants perceived a notable risk stemming from the presence of industries near their homes, largely due to pollutants. These individuals also disclosed various health repercussions and expressed significant apprehension regarding their future well-being in the area. The implications of these findings are substantial, particularly for local-level planning and the development of industrial sites. Addressing the concerns surrounding people's heightened perception of risk from nearby industries is pivotal in fostering harmonious coexistence and informed decision-making.

Understanding college students' experiences using e-cigarettes and marijuana through qualitative interviews

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the contexts in which college students use e-cigarettes and marijuana, perceptions about the benefits and harms, and health effects of use.

PARTICIPANTS

College student e-cigarette and marijuana ever users (n = 20; 18-21 years old) from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System (TATAMS).

METHODS

Participants completed a one-hour long online interview about their experiences using e-cigarettes and marijuana. Thematic content analysis in NVivo identified prominent themes.

RESULTS

Vaping nicotine and marijuana were preferred and perceived as normal, trendy and useful in circumventing smoke-free campus policies. Preference for nicotine versus marijuana fluctuates during the academic school year in response to campus restrictions and work and school-related activities. College students commonly experienced health effects (shortness of breath, wheezing) attributed to vaping, did not perceive their use as very harmful, and perceived their use as a college-related phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings have implications for college-based health education, resources, and smoke-free policies.

Genetics, Nutrition, and Health: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention

The field of nutrition research has traditionally focused on the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on the body. However, it has become evident that individuals have unique genetic makeups that influence their response to food. Nutritional genomics, which includes nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, explores the interaction between an individual's genetic makeup, diet, and health outcomes. Nutrigenetics studies the impact of genetic variation on an individual's response to dietary nutrients, while nutrigenomics investigates how dietary components affect gene regulation and expression. These disciplines seek to understand the impact of diet on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. It provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the effect of diet on gene expression. Nutrients can cause the modification of genetic expression through epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. The aim of nutrigenomics is to create personalized diets based on the unique metabolic profile of an individual, gut microbiome, and genetic makeup to prevent diseases and promote health. Nutrigenomics has the potential to revolutionize the field of nutrition by combining the practicality of personalized nutrition with knowledge of genetic factors underlying health and disease. Thus, nutrigenomics offers a promising approach to improving health outcomes (in terms of disease prevention) through personalized nutrition strategies based on an individual's genetic and metabolic characteristics.

Meta-Analysis on the Health Effects Resulting from Evacuation or Relocation

OBJECTIVE

Evacuation and relocation are key actions used to protect the public in response to natural or technological disasters, but there are inherent risks to both. Unfortunately, these risks have not been fully quantified, which limits the ability of emergency managers and the public to effectively balance the risks and benefits of evacuation or relocation. This work provides quantitative data on the risks of health effects from displacement following evacuation or relocation.

METHODS

Researchers performed a literature review and meta-analysis of published studies and quantified risks of 14 different health effects, including both physical and socio-behavioral outcomes, from studies of 9 different disaster types.

RESULTS

The findings show statistically significant increases in 9 of the 14 health effects in displaced populations, indicating an increased likelihood of experiencing detrimental health effects compared with nondisplaced populations. A pooled analysis of all negative health effects found an odds ratio of 1.49 (95% confidence interval: 1.24-1.79), which shows a significant relationship between displacement and negative health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that evacuated or relocated populations have an increased risk of experiencing negative health effects associated with displacement. The broad number of disaster types included mean that findings are applicable to any emergency evacuation or relocation.

Plant-based proteins: advanced extraction technologies, interactions, physicochemical and functional properties, food and related applications, and health benefits

Even though plant proteins are more plentiful and affordable than animal proteins in comparison, direct usage of plant-based proteins (PBPs) is still limited because PBPs are fed to animals as feed to produce animal-based proteins. Thus, this work has comprehensively reviewed the effects of various factors such as pH, temperature, pressure, and ionic strength on PBP properties, as well as describes the protein interactions, and extraction methods to know the optimal conditions for preparing PBP-based products with high functional properties and health benefits. According to the cited studies in the current work, the environmental factors, particularly pH and ionic strength significantly affected on physicochemical and functional properties of PBPs, especially solubility was 76.0% to 83.9% at pH = 2, while at pH = 5.0 reduced from 5.3% to 9.6%, emulsifying ability was the lowest at pH = 5.8 and the highest at pH 8.0, and foaming capacity was lowest at pH 5.0 and the highest at pH = 7.0. Electrostatic interactions are the main way for protein interactions, which can be used to create protein/polysaccharide complexes for food industrial purposes. The extraction yield of proteins can be reached up to 86-95% with high functional properties using sustainable and efficient routes, including enzymatic, ultrasound-, microwave-, pulsed electric field-, and high-pressure-assisted extraction. Nondairy alternative products, especially yogurt, 3D food printing and meat analogs, synthesis of nanoparticles, and bioplastics and packaging films are the best available PBPs-based products. Moreover, PBPs particularly those that contain pigments and their products showed good bioactivities, especially antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial.

Assessment of Perceptions and Predictors Towards Consanguinity: A Cross-Sectional Study from Palestine

Background/Aim

Consanguinity represents a biological relationship between two individuals. In clinical genetics, it specifically refers to the marriage between individuals who are second cousins or closer. The aim of the study is to assess perceptions and their predictors among the Palestinian population towards consanguinity.

Methods

A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample was collected using convenience and snowball sampling methods, yielding a sample of 1008 participants. The perceptions towards consanguinity and its predictors were assessed using Chi-square test.

Results

The prevalence of consanguinity among married participants was 18.7% (N = 81/432), while it was 28.8% among their parents. Consanguinity rate was significantly low among the young age group (ie, <47 years old) and among participants whose mothers have undergraduate educational levels (P < 0.05). Other factors like parental consanguinity, educational level of participants, their father's educational level, and residency place showed no significant associations (P > 0.05). Rejection of consanguinity was significantly noted among young age participants, absence of parental consanguinity, the presence of children or family members with genetic disorders and female gender (P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants who indicated that they are governmental employees, those with 2000-5000 ILS monthly income, those who are married (P < 0.01), and those who indicated that their mothers are holders of postgraduate degree were significantly more likely to reject the idea of consanguinity (P < 0.05). Also, medical and/or scientific reasons were significantly associated with rejecting the idea of consanguinity (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Consanguinity prevalence has decreased among recent generations in Palestine, but it remains a significant challenge in Palestine. Therefore, educational and awareness programs about consanguinity and its health effects are effective strategies for reducing the consanguinity rate, especially for persons who are at the age of marriage.

Understanding Loneliness in Younger People: Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Loneliness Interventions

Loneliness affects the quality of life of people all around the world. Loneliness is also shown to be directly associated with mental health issues and is often the cause of mental health problems. It is also shown to increase the risk of heart diseases and other physical illnesses. Loneliness is studied both from the social and medical sciences perspectives. There are also interventions on the basis of health informatics, information and communication technologies (ICTs), social media, and other technological solutions. In the literature, loneliness is studied from various angles and perspectives ranging from biological to socioeconomical and through anthropological understandings of technology. From the ICT and technological sides, there are multiple reviews studying the effectiveness of intervention strategies and solutions. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive review on loneliness that engulfs the psychological, social, and technological studies of loneliness. From the perspective of loneliness informatics (ie, the application of health informatics practices and tools), it is important to understand the psychological and biological basis of loneliness. When it comes to technological interventions to fight off loneliness, the majority of interventions focus on older people. While loneliness is highest among older people, theoretical and demographical studies of loneliness give a U-shaped distribution age-wise to loneliness; that is, younger people and older people are the demographics most affected by loneliness. But the strategies and interventions designed for older people cannot be directly applied to younger people. We present the dynamics of loneliness in younger people and also provide an overview of the technological interventions for loneliness in younger people. This paper presents an approach wherein the studies carried out from the perspectives of digital health and informatics are discussed in detail. A comprehensive overview of the understanding of loneliness and the study of the overall field of tools and strategies of loneliness informatics was carried out. The need to study loneliness in younger people is addressed and particular digital solutions and interventions developed for younger people are presented. This paper can be used to overcome the challenges of technological gaps in the studies and strategies developed for loneliness. The findings of this study show that the majority of interventions and reviews are focused on older people, with ICT-based and social media-based interventions showing promise for countering the effects of loneliness. There are new technologies, such as conversational agents and robots, which are tailored to the particular needs of younger people. This literature review suggests that the digital solutions developed to overcome loneliness can benefit people, and younger people in particular, more if they are made interactive in order to retain users.

Trend over time on knowledge of the health effects of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use in Bangladesh: Findings from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Bangladesh Surveys

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco (ST) use are prevalent in Bangladesh. This longitudinal study examined how knowledge of the health effects of smoking and ST use in Bangladesh has changed overtime with the country's acceleration of tobacco control efforts.

METHODS

Data were analysed from the International Tobacco Control Survey, a nationally representative longitudinal study of users and non-users of tobacco (aged 15 and older) in Bangladesh, across four waves conducted in 2009 (n = 4378), 2010 (n = 4359), 2012 (n = 4223) and 2015 (n = 4242). Generalised estimating equations assessed the level of knowledge about harms of tobacco use across four waves. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed whether knowledge of health effects from cigarette smoking and ST use in 2015 differed by user group.

RESULTS

In 2015 survey, most tobacco users were aware that cigarette smoking causes stroke (92%), lung cancer (97%), pulmonary tuberculosis (97%) and ST use causes mouth cancer (97%) and difficulty in opening mouth (80%). There were significant increases in the total knowledge score of smoking related health harm from 2010 to 2012 (mean difference = 0.640; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.537, 0.742) and 2012 to 2015 (mean difference = 0.555; 95% CI 0.465, 0.645). Participants had greater odds of awareness for ST health effects from 2010 to 2015.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that increasing efforts of awareness policy interventions is having a positive effect on tobacco-related knowledge in Bangladesh. These policy initiatives should be continued to identify optimal methods to facilitate behaviour change and improve cessation of smoking and ST use.

Health-based strategies for overcoming barriers to climate change adaptation and mitigation

Climate change poses an unequivocal threat to the respiratory health of current and future generations. Human activities-largely through the release of greenhouse gases-are driving rising global temperatures. Without a concerted effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions or adapt to the effects of a changing climate, each increment of warming increases the risk of climate hazards (eg, heat waves, floods, and droughts) that that can adversely affect allergy and immunologic diseases. For instance, wildfires, which release large quantities of particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (an air pollutant), occur with greater intensity, frequency, and duration in a hotter climate. This increases the risk of associated respiratory outcomes such as allergy and asthma. Fortunately, many mitigation and adaptation strategies can be applied to limit the impacts of global warming. Adaptation strategies, ranging from promotions of behavioral changes to infrastructural improvements, have been effectively deployed to increase resilience and alleviate adverse health effects. Mitigation strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions can not only address the problem at the source but also provide numerous direct health cobenefits. Although it is possible to limit the impacts of climate change, urgent and sustained action must be taken now. The health and scientific community can play a key role in promoting and implementing climate action to ensure a more sustainable and healthy future.

A New Global Air Quality Health Index Based on the WHO Air Quality Guideline Values With Application in Cape Town

Objectives: This study developed an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) based on global scientific evidence and applied it to data from Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Effect estimates from two global systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to derive the excess risk (ER) for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2 and O3. Single pollutant AQHIs were developed and scaled using the ERs at the WHO 2021 long-term Air Quality Guideline (AQG) values to define the upper level of the "low risk" range. An overall daily AQHI was defined as weighted average of the single AQHIs. Results: Between 2006 and 2015, 87% of the days posed "moderate to high risk" to Cape Town's population, mainly due to PM10 and NO2 levels. The seasonal pattern of air quality shows "high risk" occurring mostly during the colder months of July-September. Conclusion: The AQHI, with its reference to the WHO 2021 long-term AQG provides a global application and can assist countries in communicating risks in relation to their daily air quality.

Toothpaste ingestion-evaluating the problem and ensuring safety: systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the ingestion of toothpaste and its sequelae. The study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 18 relevant publications. Eligible studies encompassed various designs and included both children and adults as the study population. Data extraction was carried out systematically, and relevant information on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were collected. The assessment of bias was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools showing variations of bias among the included studies. The overall risk of systemic toxicity was found to be low, and no severe or life-threatening events were reported in the included studies. Furthermore, some toothpaste formulations containing higher concentrations of fluoride were associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis. These findings have several implications for practice and policy. Healthcare providers and dental professionals should emphasize the importance of promoting safe toothpaste use, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children who are more prone to accidental ingestion. Public health campaigns and educational initiatives should aim to raise awareness about appropriate toothpaste usage and the potential risks. In addition, toothpaste manufacturers and regulatory bodies should consider revising guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of oral care products, including the appropriate concentration of active ingredients. Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of toothpaste ingestion, exploring potential interactions between different active ingredients, and evaluating the efficacy of current preventive measures.

Exposure to outdoor air pollution and risk of hospitalization for bronchiolitis in an urban environment: A 9-year observational study

BACKGROUND

Outdoor air pollution is supposed to influence the course of bronchiolitis, but the evidence is limited. The present study aimed at evaluating the role of outdoor air pollutants on hospitalization for bronchiolitis.

METHODS

Infants aged ≤12 months referred for bronchiolitis to our Pediatric Emergency Department in Bologna, Italy, from 1 October 2011 to 16 March 2020 (nine epidemic seasons) were retrospectively included. Daily concentrations of benzene (C6 H6 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5 ), and ≤10 μm (PM10 ), and the mean values of individual patient exposure in the week and the 4 weeks before hospital access were calculated. The association between air pollutants exposure and hospitalization was evaluated through logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2902 patients were enrolled (59.9% males; 38.7% hospitalized). Exposure to PM2.5 in the 4 weeks preceding bronchiolitis was identified as the main parameter significantly driving the risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.055 [1.010-1.102]). After stratifying by season, higher values of other outdoor air pollutants were found to significantly affect hospitalization: 4-week exposure to C6 H6 (Season 2011-2012, 4.090 [1.184-14.130]) and PM2.5 (Season 2017-2018, 1.282 [1.032-1.593]), and 1-week exposure to C6 H6 (Season 2012-2013, 6.193 [1.552-24.710]), NO2 (Season 2013-2014, 1.064 [1.009-1.122]), PM2.5 (Season 2013-2014, 1.080 [1.023-1.141]), and PM10 (Season 2018-2019, 1.102 [0.991-1.225]).

CONCLUSION

High levels of PM2.5 , C6 H6 , NO2 , and PM10 may increase the risk of hospitalization in children affected by bronchiolitis. Open-air exposure of infants during rush hours and in the most polluted areas should be avoided.

Reducing the risks of nuclear war - The role of health professionals

No abstract available.

Electronic Cigarette Harms: Aggregate Evidence Shows Damage to Biological Systems

Evidence of the harms of e-cigarettes has been unfolding slowly and has been documented in many reviews and reports worldwide. A narrative review of new evidence is presented since, as research has continued, newly aggregated evidence of the dangers of electronic cigarettes on the brain, heart, and lungs is vital to inform decisions on restricting the use of e-cigarettes. Several biomedical research databases were searched for electronic cigarette health effects, emphasizing reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Over 50 review studies, primarily in 2022 and 2023, illustrate some of the latest information on e-cigarette harms. Results show studies of respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular effects. Researchers call for expanding studies through new methods to elaborate on initial findings of multiple harms emerging in clinical investigations. Since the use of electronic cigarettes for adult cessation is not sanctioned in most countries, it is clear that health authorities see significant costs to the health of the general population if the promotion and use of electronic cigarettes occur worldwide. Regulatory action to control electronic cigarettes should consider the substantial evidence of electronic cigarette harm.

Microplastics in the Lung Tissues Associated with Blood Test Index

Microplastics (MPs) have received a lot of attention and have been detected in multiple environmental matrices as a new environmental hazard, but studies on human internal exposure to MPs are limited. Here, we collected lung tissue samples from 12 nonsmoking patients to evaluate the characteristics of MPs in human lung tissues using an Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. We detected 108 MPs covering 12 types in the lung tissue samples, with a median concentration of 2.19 particles/g. Most of the MPs (88.89%) were sized between 20 to 100 μm. Polypropylene accounts for 34.26% of the MPs in the lung tissues, followed by polyethylene terephthalate (21.30%) and polystyrene (8.33%). Compared with males and those living far from a major road (≥300 m), females and those living near the main road (<300 m) had higher levels of MPs in lung tissues, which positively correlated with platelet (PLT), thrombocytocrit, fibrinogen (FIB), and negatively related with direct bilirubin (DB). These findings help confirm the presence in the respiratory system and suggest the potential sources and health effects of inhaled MPs.

An Ecological Approach to Disaster Mitigation: A Literature Review

Disasters, whether natural or manmade, disrupt the functioning of communities, significantly impacting people's lives and health. To build community resilience, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends community preparedness, where multiple stakeholders work together. Disaster Preparedness Science Research (DPSR) similarly encourages the improvement of disaster relief outcomes. This literature review assesses the vulnerability of communities for prioritized intervention, summarizes disaster effects, and suggests the scope for improvement in disaster preparedness (DP). Twenty-one articles were reviewed based on disaster mitigation and economic factors from 90 studies identified through a PubMed search till September 2021. Vulnerable communities with higher hazard risks are identified by vulnerability indices (VI), including the Climate Risk Index, Environmental VI, and Socio-Economic VI. However, VI predicting one disaster may not predict another. Disaster behavioral response involves five phases. Disaster effects include medical, mental, environmental, and economic effects, as well as the unique recovery time from each domain effect. Medical effects include malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, heat stress, exacerbations of chronic conditions, infectious disease outbreaks, trauma, and death. Mental effects are post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, psychological distress, sleep problems, and suicides. Environmental effects include isolation, migration, injury to family members, life threats, and property damage. Loss of livelihood and property are associated with worse outcomes. Disaster recovery, which is seldom measured and not clearly defined, affects measurement and comparison across settings. A uniform validated VI, including multiple indicators assessing vulnerability to various disasters, is required. Livelihood restoration is integral to mental health recovery in some disaster types. Fund diversification, prioritized to the vulnerable and to each domain effect of disaster in the immediate post-disaster phase, expedites recovery. Later recovery investments focused on helping people rebuild their community enhance psychological outcomes. Promoting job insurance in highly vulnerable labor-based communities with high VI, wherein willing-to-pay is high, could facilitate faster recovery. DPSR should be encouraged.

Natural gas odorants: A scoping review of health effects

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Organosulfur compounds are intentionally added to natural gas as malodorants with the intent of short-term nasal inhalation to aid in leak detection. Regulatory exposure limits have not been established for all commonly used natural gas odorants, and recent community-level exposure events and growing evidence of indoor natural gas leakage have raised concerns associated with natural gas odorant exposures. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed scientific publications on human exposures and animal toxicological studies of natural gas odorants to assess toxicological profiles, exposure potential, health effects and regulatory guidelines associated with commonly used natural gas odorants.

RECENT FINDINGS

We identified only 22 studies which met inclusion criteria for full review. Overall, there is limited evidence of both transient nonspecific health symptoms and clinically diagnosed causative neurotoxic effects associated with prolonged odorant exposures. Across seven community-level exposure events and two occupational case reports, consistent symptom patterns included: headache, ocular irritation, nose and throat irritation, respiratory complaints such as shortness of breath and asthma attacks, and skin irritation and rash. Of these, respiratory inflammation and asthma exacerbations are the most debilitating, whereas the high prevalence of ocular and dermatologic symptoms suggest a non-inhalation route of exposure. The limited evidence available raises the possibility that organosulfur odorants may pose health risks at exposures much lower than presently understood, though additional dose-response studies are needed to disentangle specific toxicologic effects from nonspecific responses to noxious organosulfur odors. Numerous recommendations are provided including more transparent and prescriptive natural gas odorant use practices.

Dietary Fibre Intake in Chile: 13 Years after the Last National Report

BACKGROUND

The objective is to provide updated data on the intake of total dietary fibre in the population residing in Chile and to identify food sources that contribute most to its intake, as well as its association with different sociodemographic and nutritional status-related determinants.

METHODS

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a nationwide survey was applied to determine fibre intake using an instrument that has been previously validated in the resident population of Chile.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of a total of 1761 participants. Dietary fibre intake was 12.8 ± 7.1 g/day for the total population, and 90% of participants did not meet the recommendation, with no differences in consumption by sex, geographical area, and the urban/rural population. A lower consumption was found among participants with overweight and obesity. According to food groups, bread was the major contributor to fibre intake, providing 4.39 ± 3.05 g/day, followed by cereals (2.26 ± 2.80 g/day) and vegetables (1.85 ± 1.59 g/day).

CONCLUSIONS

90% of the population consume less fibre than recommended, and bread is the main food source; these data are critical for the development of strategies that are aimed at changing habits in order to improve diet quality.

Radon Exposure Concentrations in Finnish Workplaces

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the radon concentrations to which Finnish workers are exposed. Radon measurements were conducted as integrated measurements in 700 workplaces, supplemented by continuous radon measurements in 334 workplaces. The occupational radon concentration was calculated by multiplying the result of the integrated measurements by the seasonal correction factor and the ventilation correction factor (ratio between the working time and the full-time radon concentration obtained from continuous measurement). The annual radon concentration to which workers are exposed was weighted by the actual number of workers in each province. In addition, workers were divided into three main occupational categories (working mainly outdoors, underground, or indoors above ground). Probability distribution of the parameters affecting radon concentration levels were generated to calculate a probabilistic estimate of the number of workers exposed to excessive radon levels. With deterministic methods, the geometric and arithmetic mean radon concentrations in conventional, above-ground workplaces were 41 and 91 Bq m -3 , respectively. The estimated geometric and arithmetic mean annual radon concentrations that Finnish workers are exposed to were assessed as 19 and 33 Bq m -3 , respectively. The generic ventilation correction factor for workplaces was calculated as 0.87. Assessed with probabilistic methods, there are approximately 34,000 workers in Finland whose exposure to radon exceeds the reference level of 300 Bq m -3 . Although radon concentrations are generally low in Finnish workplaces, many workers are exposed to high levels of radon. Radon exposure in the workplace is the most common source of occupational radiation exposure in Finland.

Caffeine Consumption and Its Potential Health Effects on Saudi Adolescents in Jazan

Background Caffeine is the most popular product consumed globally in different types and amounts by various age groups. This study aimed to identify caffeine consumption patterns among adolescents in Jazan and explore related health effects. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan on adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age. The consumption of coffee and caffeinated products and their potential health effects were evaluated using a self-reported online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using software for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of 718 participants were enrolled in this study, with the age group of 16-18 years constituting the highest percentage (48.9%). Nearly 94% of the participants consumed coffee or caffeinated products, with 57% consuming the products infrequently. About 6.6% consumed coffee or caffeinated products more than three times daily, and about half of the participants used medium-sized cups. The most consumed type of caffeinated beverage was Arabic coffee, followed by tea, soft drinks, and Nescafe. Education level and age group showed a significant correlation with consumption patterns. The most common health effects of caffeine consumption were headaches, irregular sleep, and nausea, which were statistically related to age group, gender, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions Consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages was relatively high among adolescents in this study. Further research on the habits of Saudi adolescent consumers, particularly across different areas of the country, is required.

Functional and Nutritional Characteristics of Natural or Modified Wheat Bran Non-Starch Polysaccharides: A Literature Review

Wheat bran (WB) consists mainly of different histological cell layers (pericarp, testa, hyaline layer and aleurone). WB contains large quantities of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), including arabinoxylans (AX) and β-glucans. These dietary fibres have long been studied for their health effects on management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. NSP benefits depend on their dose and molecular characteristics, including concentration, viscosity, molecular weight, and linked-polyphenols bioavailability. Given the positive health effects of WB, its incorporation in different food products is steadily increasing. However, the rheological, organoleptic and other problems associated with WB integration are numerous. Biological, physical, chemical and combined methods have been developed to optimise and modify NSP molecular characteristics. Most of these techniques aimed to potentially improve food processing, nutritional and health benefits. In this review, the physicochemical, molecular and functional properties of modified and unmodified WB are highlighted and explored. Up-to-date research findings from the clinical trials on mechanisms that WB have and their effects on health markers are critically reviewed. The review points out the lack of research using WB or purified WB fibre components in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Fortification of chocolates with high-value-added plant-based substances: Recent trends, current challenges, and future prospects

High consumption of delicious foods, such as chocolates, is considered excellent snacks, capable of converting from health-threatening to great functional foods. The fortification of chocolates with high-value-added plant-based substances might improve their healthful effects, nutritional properties, and shelf life. Chocolate could be an effective carrier for plant-based substances delivery, and it could be an effective vehicle to treat and reduce the indications of disease, such as obesity, overweight, hypertension, stress, cardiovascular failure, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Referring to the recent studies in chocolate fortification with high-value-added plant-based substances, it seems that the recent trends are toward its therapeutic effects against noncommunicable diseases. Despite the undeniable functional effects of fortified chocolates, there are some challenges in the fortification way of chocolates. In other words, their functional characteristics, such as rheological and sensory attributes, may undesirably change. It seems that encapsulation techniques, such as spray drying, antisolvent precipitation, nanoemulsification, and liposomal encapsulation, could almost overcome these challenges. Thus, several studies focused on designing and fabricating nanoscale delivery systems with the aim of chocolate fortification, which is discussed.

Dithiothreitol-Measured Oxidative Potential of Reference Materials of Mineral Dust: Implications for the Toxicity of Mineral Dust Aerosols in the Atmosphere

Oxidative stress is a mechanism that might raise the toxicity of mineral dust aerosols. We evaluated the oxidative potential (OP) of four reference materials (RMs) of mineral dusts using dithiothreitol assay. The OP of the water-soluble fraction of the dust RMs accounts for 40%-70% of the OP of the total fraction. The values of total and water-soluble OP normalized by the surface area of insoluble particles showed agreement among the different dust RMs. The surface area of insoluble dust particles was therefore inferred as an important factor affecting the OP of mineral dust. Using the relation between total OP and the surface area of insoluble particles of the dust RMs, we estimated the total OPs of fine and coarse atmospheric mineral dust aerosols assuming a typical particle size distribution of Asian dust aerosols observed in Japan. Mass-normalized total OPs were estimated at 44 and 23 pmol min^-1 μg^-1 for fine and coarse atmospheric mineral dust particles. They closely approximate the values observed for urban aerosols in Japan, which suggests that mineral dust plume advection can lead to a marked increase in human exposure to redox-active aerosols, even far downwind from mineral dust source regions.

Postponed healthcare in The Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on self-reported health

Background

Healthcare services have been seriously disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which Dutch citizens have experienced postponed healthcare and how this affected their self-reported health. In addition, individual characteristics that were associated with experiencing postponed healthcare and with self-reported negative health effects were investigated.

Methods

An online survey about postponed healthcare and its consequences was developed, and sent out to participants of the Dutch LISS (Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences) panel (n = 2.043). Data were collected in August 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore characteristics associated with postponed care and self-reported negative health outcomes.

Results

Of the total population surveyed, 31% of the panel experienced postponed healthcare, either initiated by the healthcare provider (14%), on their own initiative (12%) or as a combination of both (5%). Postponed healthcare was associated with being female (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.32; 1.96), presence of chronic diseases (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.24; 1.95), high income (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48; 0.80) and worse self-reported health (poor vs. excellent OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.17; 7.11). Overall, 40% experienced temporary or permanent self-reported negative health effects due to postponed care. Negative health effects as a result of postponed care were associated with presence of chronic conditions and low income levels (p < 0.05). More respondents with worse self-reported health and foregone healthcare reported permanent health effects as compared to those with temporary health effects (p < 0.05).

Discussion

People with an impaired health status are most likely to experiencing postponed healthcare and negative health consequences as a result. Furthermore, those with negative health consequences decided to forego health by themselves more often. As part of long-term plans to maintain the accessibility of healthcare services, specific attention should be paid to reaching out to people with an impaired health status.

Emissions and Exposures Associated with the Use of an Inconel Powder during Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been linked to potential exposure-related health risks, however, there is a paucity of sufficient research. This study aimed to supply information regarding emissions and exposure during directed energy deposition (DED) AM using inconel 718, with the main constituents being nickel, chromium, and cobalt. By using standardized occupational hygiene methods, the measurement strategy consisted of a combined approach, including powder characterization, particle emission monitoring, and personal exposure monitoring of AM operators. Powder characterization of virgin and used powder indicated no significant difference in particle size, shape, or elemental composition. Particle number emissions ranged between 102 and 105 p/cm3 for submicron particles (<1 µm in size). There was no significant difference in the particle emission rate between the three phases of AM or the two types of DED machines (p > 0.05). The particle emission rate for submicron particles peaked at 2.8 × 109 p/min. Metals of concern to human health were detected during the AM process but were considerably lower than the relevant exposure limits. This study confirms particle emissions, predominantly in the submicron range, above the background concentration during DED AM and, although insignificant in terms of potential health effects, AM operators are exposed to detectable concentrations of the metal constituents of inconel.

Sustainable Strategies for Increasing Legume Consumption: Culinary and Educational Approaches

Legumes are nutrient-dense crops with health-promoting benefits. However, several barriers are associated with their consumption. Emerging issues including food neophobic tendencies or taboos, unclear dietary guidelines on legume consumption, health concerns, and socio-economic reasons, as well as long cooking procedures, adversely affect legume consumption frequency. Pre-treatment methods, including soaking, sprouting, and pulse electric field technology, are effective in reducing the alpha-oligosaccharides and other anti-nutritional factors, eventually lowering cooking time for legumes. Extrusion technology used for innovative development of legume-enriched products, including snacks, breakfast cereals and puffs, baking and pasta, represents a strategic way to promote legume consumption. Culinary skills such as legume salads, legume sprouts, stews, soups, hummus, and the development of homemade cake recipes using legume flour could represent effective ways to promote legume consumption. This review aims to highlight the nutritional and health effects associated with legume consumption, and strategies to improve their digestibility and nutritional profile. Additionally, proper educational and culinary approaches aimed to improve legumes intake are discussed.

Sanguisorba minor Scop.: An Overview of Its Phytochemistry and Biological Effects

Since ancient times, many plants have been cultivated for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The genus Sanguisorba has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2000 years. These species are distributed in temperate, arctic, or alpine areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Elongated, imparipinnate leaves and densely clustered flower heads are characteristics of the genus Sanguisorba. While Sanguisorba officinalis L. is mainly known for its significant medicinal applications, Sanguisorba minor Scop. is beginning to attract greater interest for its chemical composition and biological effects. Our research collected extensive information on Sanguisorba minor, including its history, taxonomy, habitat, and distribution, as well as its bioactive components and biological activities. In addition to electron microscopy of plant parts (root, stems, and leaves), which is described for the first time in the literature in the case of S. minor, the study also provides information on potential pests or beneficial insects that may be present. Our goal was to provide important information that will serve as a solid foundation for upcoming research on Sanguisorba minor Scop.

Evaluation of Primary DNA Damage in Young Healthy Females Based on Their Dietary Preferences

DNA damage is known to be associated with many adverse health outcomes, including cancer and chronic diseases, but also with the process of aging. Empirical evidence has shown that environmental exposures, such as certain lifestyle factors, can affect a variety of health-related biomarkers and also impact the stability of DNA through the upregulation of the antioxidant defense system and alteration of its repair capacity. In addition to exercising, diet is an important lifestyle factor that can affect the development of a variety of chronic diseases and growing evidence suggests that plant-based diets, including vegetarianism, may promote health, longevity, and well-being. Therefore, we aimed to assess the primary DNA damage in 32 young healthy females from Zagreb, Croatia, based on their dietary preferences. The participants were divided into two groups: vegetarians and non-vegetarians, where the non-vegetarian group was further divided into omnivores (traditional mixed diet) and pescatarians (consumption of fish and seafood). According to statistical analysis, the DNA damage measured in whole blood cells expressed as the % tail DNA was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vegetarians (3.6 ± 1.1%) compared to non-vegetarians (2.8 ± 1.0%). When further dividing the participants into specific sub-groups, lower DNA damage was observed amongst omnivorous subjects (3.2 ± 0.8%) compared to vegetarians, with the lowest DNA damage found in females practicing a pescatarian diet (2.4 ± 1.1%). Although a vegetarian diet can lead to a higher intake of specific vitamins and micronutrients, it can also lead to a deficiency of iron, calcium, and total proteins, which may affect genome stability and induce oxidative stress. Even though our results have shown that the pescatarian diet would be more beneficial in terms of maintaining DNA integrity, further research should be carried out to assess how specific dietary preferences affect DNA integrity on a larger scale.

[Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Tianjin]

Ambient air pollution is a dominant determinant of health. The health effects and economic losses due to air pollution are very important for decision-making. Since the implementation of the "Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan" and "blue sky defense war" policies, the air quality of Tianjin has changed significantly. Here, the health effects and economic losses attributable to ambient air pollution in Tianjin from 2013 to 2020 wereestimated. For the particulate matter which has complex components, we assessed the inhalation health risks of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM_2.5. The variation in the concentration of the main components of PM_2.5 was also analyzed. The results showed that improved air quality had positive health benefits. The health benefits from SO₂ were the highest among the six air pollutants, and 3786 deaths were avoided in 2020 compared to in 2013 due to lower SO₂ concentration. The economic losses caused by air pollutants ranged from several billion to ten billion yuan. Among the six air pollutants, particulate matter and ozone had higher health losses in recent years. The health risks of heavy metals and PAHs in PM_2.5 showed a decreasing trend. However, Cr(Ⅵ), As, Cd, and Ni in PM_2.5in the winter of 2020 still had respiratorysystem carcinogenic risk, whereas there was no health risk of PAHs in PM_2.5in 2019-2020. The concentrations of main components of PM_2.5 have decreased significantly. In the future, the reduction of health loss caused by air pollution depends on synergy governance of particulate matter and ozone and further research on health effects.

A New Advanced and Validated Method for the Determination of Potentially Toxic Metals and Trace and Ultra-Trace Elements in Peritoneal Fluid to Assess the Health Risks of Women with Gynecological Pathologies

Toxic metals found in the environment have been linked to female infertility and gynecological illnesses. Reliable analytical methods, such as inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), are necessary to determine the elemental composition of biological samples. Currently, the multielemental profile of peritoneal fluid (PF) samples has not yet been established. Due to the complexity of the PF matrix, an ICP-MS/MS-based method has been optimized to mitigate matrix effects and spectral interferences. A dilution factor of 1:4 was the best option to mitigate matrix effects while keeping sensitivity at an appropriate level. A collision gas (He) was useful to lower the extent of spectral interferences for ⁵⁶Fe, ⁵²Cr, ⁶³Cu, and ⁶⁸Zn. An intermediate validation test was performed to evaluate accuracy, achieving recoveries ranging from 90 to 110%. The method was validated in terms of intermediate precision, reproducibility, and trueness, with an expanded uncertainty lower than 15%. Afterward, it was applied to perform the multielemental analysis of 20 PF samples. The concentrations for major analytes were up to 151 µg L^-1. Meanwhile,²⁰⁹Bi, ¹¹¹Cd, ⁵²Cr, ⁵⁵Mn, ⁹⁵Mo, ⁶⁰Ni, ²⁰⁸Pb, ¹¹⁸Sn, and ⁵¹V were present at concentrations included within the 1-10 µg L^-1 range, while ⁵⁹Co and ¹³⁹La were found at concentrations below 1 µg L^-1.

A Multi-Pollutant and Meteorological Analysis of Cardiorespiratory Mortality among the Elderly in São Paulo, Brazil-An Artificial Neural Networks Approach

Traditionally, studies that associate air pollution with health effects relate individual pollutants to outcomes such as mortality or hospital admissions. However, models capable of analyzing the effects resulting from the atmosphere mixture are demanded. In this study, multilayer perceptron neural networks were evaluated to associate PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ concentrations, temperature, wind speed, and relative air humidity with cardiorespiratory mortality among the elderly in São Paulo, Brazil. Daily data from 2007 to 2019 were considered and different numbers of neurons on the hidden layer, algorithms, and a combination of activation functions were tested. The best-fitted artificial neural network (ANN) resulted in a MAPE equal to 13.46%. When individual season data were analyzed, the MAPE decreased to 11%. The most influential variables in cardiorespiratory mortality among the elderly were PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations. The relative humidity variable is more important during the dry season, and temperature is more important during the rainy season. The models were not subjected to the multicollinearity issue as with classical regression models. The use of ANNs to relate air quality to health outcomes is still very incipient, and this work highlights that it is a powerful tool that should be further explored.

Adaptation Resources and Responses to Wildfire Smoke and Other Forms of Air Pollution in Low-Income Urban Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study

Little is known about how low-income residents of urban communities engage their knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and resources to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke and other forms of air pollution. We interviewed 40 adults in Los Angeles, California, to explore their threat assessments of days of poor air quality, adaptation resources and behaviors, and the impacts of air pollution and wildfire smoke on physical and mental health. Participants resided in census tracts that were disproportionately burdened by air pollution and socioeconomic vulnerability. All participants reported experiencing days of poor air quality due primarily to wildfire smoke. Sixty percent received advanced warnings of days of poor air quality or routinely monitored air quality via cell phone apps or news broadcasts. Adaptation behaviors included remaining indoors, circulating indoor air, and wearing face masks when outdoors. Most (82.5%) of the participants reported some physical or mental health problem or symptom during days of poor air quality, but several indicated that symptom severity was mitigated by their adaptive behaviors. Although low-income residents perceive themselves to be at risk for the physical and mental health impacts of air pollution, they have also adapted to that risk with limited resources.

Electromagnetic Frequency Pollution in Malawi: A Case of Electric Field and Magnetic Flux Density Pollution in Southern Africa

In this study, electric field and magnetic flux density pollution levels were measured in southern Africa, a case of Blantyre City in Malawi, between 2020 and 2021. Sixty short-term measurements were performed using Trifield Electro Magnetic Frequency meter model TF2 in 30 different locations. Five high-population-dense sampling points were selected from school campuses, hospitals, industrial areas, markets, residential areas, and within the commercial and business center (CBC) of Blantyre. Electric field and magnetic flux density pollution monitoring was conducted between 10:00-12:00 h and 17:00-19:00 h for short-range analysis. Short-range results show that the maximum measured electric field pollution were 249.24 mV/m and 207.85 mV/m between 10:00-12:00 and 17:00-19:00 respectively, which are below the public limits of 4200.00 mV/m for public exposure. Similarly, maximum short-range results for magnetic flux density were 0.073 G and 0.057 G between 10:00-12:00 and 17:00-19:00 respectively which are below the public limits of 2 G for public exposure. Both measured electric and magnetic flux density were compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), World health organization (WHO), and Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE). It was determined that all measured values for both electric and magnetic flux density were smaller than set limits for non-ionizing radiation for both public and occupation health. More importantly, these background measurements establish a baseline for future changes to be compared against public safety.

Radiofrequency Exposure Levels in Greece

Medical Physics Department (Medical School, University of Thessaly) participated in a Greek National EMF research program (EDBM34) with the scope to measure and evaluate radiofrequency (RF) exposure (27-3000 MHz) in areas of sensitive land use. A thousand (1000) measurements were carried out at two "metropolitan locations" (Athens and Thessaloniki: 624 points) and several rest urban/rural locations (376 points). SRM 3006 spectrum analyzer manufactured by Narda Safety Test Solutions was used. The broadband mean electric field in metropolitan areas was 0.41 V/m, while in the rest of Greece was 0.36 V/m. In metropolitan areas, the predominant RF source was the TV and Radio FM signals (36.2% mean contribution to the total RF exposure level). In the rest areas, the predominant source was the systems of the meteorological and military/defensive service (31.1%). The mobile sector contributed 14.9% in metropolitan areas versus 12.2% in the rest of Greece. The predominant mobile source was 900 MHz in both cases (4.5% in metropolitan areas vs. 3.3% in the rest of Greece). The total exposure from all RF sources complied with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2020 safety guidelines [ICNIRP, 2020]. The maximum exposure level was 0.129% of the limit for the metropolitan areas vs. 0.110% for the rest of Greece. Nonremarkable differences between metropolitan areas' exposure and the rest of Greece. In most cases, new 5 G antennas will be added to the existing base stations. Thus, the total exposure may be increased, leading to higher safety distances. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Effects of intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields: a review of animal studies

PURPOSE

Many novel devices such as induction cookers or wireless power transfer produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the intermediate frequency (IF) range (300 Hz to 10 MHz) and it is very meaningful for summarizing the bioeffects of IF-EMF research, particularly animal studies. This review takes into account experimental studies that used murine models to study the health effects of exposure to IF-EMF. The analyses included here use data available in the literature published from January 1988 to August 2021 including the animal studies about general adverse effects, tumorigenic effects, and effects on developmental stages. The studies that linked IF-EMF exposure during pregnancy or neonatal stage to behavioral and cognition changes were included. Additionally, this review also covers the effects of IF-EMF on gene expression patterns in the brain, behavior patterns associated with learning and memory, and immune function.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most studies have suggested that IF-EMF is harmless, some adverse effects have been reported after exposure at developmental stages and prolonged exposure. Compared to extremely low frequency (ELF) or radiofrequency (RF) EMF bands, studies on health effects with more diverse perspectives of IF-EMF have not been conducted. Therefore, performing more research should be necessary using the latest biomedical tools. From this point of view, a comprehensive review of IF-EMF studies, particularly animal studies, will provide a valuable basis for further risk analysis in humans.

[Distribution Characteristics and Health Effects of Bioaerosols in Spring over Xi'an City]

A large amount of fluffy caktins appears in spring in Xi'an that may cause air pollution and lead to health risks such as asthma. In this study, bioaerosol, PM_2.5, and fluffy catkins were collected from different sample points (traffic site and campus site) in Xi'an in spring. The variations in bioaerosol, fluffy catkins, and the bacterial community structure were investigated using culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing methods. The results showed that the concentration of culturable bacteria was significantly higher (P=0.027) at the traffic site. The concentration of culturable bacteria at the traffic site was 2.7 times that of fungi, whereas the concentration of culturable fungi at the campus site was 1.4 times higher than that of bacteria. The peak concentrations of culturable bacteria and fungi appeared at 08:00 a.m. The size distribution of culturable bacteria showed a bimodal pattern, whereas that of culturable fungi showed a unimodal distribution. Soil and vegetation were the main sources of atmospheric microorganisms (85.9%), and Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in both fluffy catkins and PM_2.5, accounting for 91.3% (traffic site) and 99.1% (campus site) of the fluffy catkins. Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus were the dominant phyla in PM_2.5. Some genera were opportunistic pathogen bacteria in the fluffy catkins, such as Enterobacter and Pseudomonas, which can lead to infection and diarrhea risks. These results could provide fundamental data on potential health risks of spring-borne bioaerosols.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Other Health Effects of Dragon Fruit and Potential Delivery Systems for Its Bioactive Compounds

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus genus) has the potential for the prevention of diseases associated with inflammatory and oxidative processes. We aimed to comprehensively review dragon fruit health effects, economic importance, and possible use in delivery systems. Pubmed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched, and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. Studies have shown that pitaya can exert several benefits in conditions such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer due to the presence of bioactive compounds that may include vitamins, potassium, betacyanin, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid. Moreover, pitaya has the potential to be used in food and nutraceutical products as functional ingredients, natural colorants, ecologically correct and active packaging, edible films, preparation of photoprotective products, and additives. Besides the importance of dragon fruit as a source of bioactive compounds, the bioavailability is low. The development of delivery systems such as gold nanoparticles with these compounds can be an alternative to reach target tissues.