A study on smart phone use and its perceived health effects among the adolescents attending Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata

Background: Smartphone usage is gradually escalating among Indian adolescents, which is having adverse consequences on their health and well-being. Awareness regarding adverse health impacts of smartphone usage among adolescents is thus necessary. Aims and Objectives: This study assessed the smartphone usage pattern and perception regarding its health effects among adolescents attending adolescent friendly health clinic (AFHC) at Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 adolescents from January to March 2023 at AFHC of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata selected by systematic random sampling technique. Pre-designed self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Factors associated with the duration of smartphone usage were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Smartphone was used by all the study participants (n = 187). A significant proportion has utilized smartphones for >3-year duration, whereas 114 (60.9%) used them for 1–2 h per day and 56 (29.9%) used them for ?3 h per day. The major adverse health impacts of smartphone usage perceived by the participants were eye symptoms (64.2%), headache (50.8%), and neck pain (46.5%). Gender (?2=12.98, df = 2, P = 0.0012), type of residence (?2 = 7.98, df = 2, P = 0.018), and socioeconomic status (?2 = 34.96, df = 2, P < 0.001) were factors significantly associated with the duration of smartphone usage per day. Conclusion: Smartphone should be optimized to protect the physical and mental well-being of adolescents. Motivation and counselling regarding the adverse effects of smartphone usage is should be given the utmost priority. Generating awareness among parents at the community level through field health workers is also the need of the hour.

Advances in the effects of exposure to bisphenol A and its analogues during pregnancy on maternal and infant health / 国际儿科学杂志

Bisphenol A(BPA)as a typical environmental endocrine disruptor, has been widely used in daily consumer goods.It has reproductive, developmental, neurotoxicity and other biological toxicity, so it is gradually replaced by bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol AF and other analogues.Studies have shown that BPA and its analogues can enter the human body through many ways, have been detected in human blood, urine, placenta, breast milk, amniotic fluid and other tissue samples, and transmitted to the fetus, causing a variety of toxic effects, thus affecting the health of pregnant women and fetuses, and may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery, abortion, low birth weight and so on.This article reviews the ways and current situation of exposure to BPA and its analogues during pregnancy in recent years, and its effects on maternal and fetal health, and puts forward reasonable suggestions for maternal and infant health from the point of view of exposure to adverse environmental factors, so as to provide inspiration for future research.

Results of occupational health examination for gas station workers / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the occupational health status of gas station workers, to analyze the characteristics of early health damage, and to provide a reference for the occupational health monitoring of workers in this industry. Methods The gas station workers who underwent occupational health examination in an occupational health examination institution in Tianjin in 2021were selected as the research subjects. The examination results were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 381 gas station workers were included in this study, with a sex ratio of male to female of 1.40:1. The top three tests with abnormal results from high to low were abdominal color Doppler ultrasound (39.63%), urine routine (29.13%), and blood pressure (23.62%). The detected fatty liver accounted for 74.83% of abnormal abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. Analysis of abnormal results of different genders showed that the detection rate of abnormal blood pressure, fatty liver and liver function in males was higher than that in females (χ2=16.40, 25.40, 15.98，P＜0.05), the detection rate of high GGT in males was significantly higher than that in females (χ2=16.04，P＜0.05）. The detection rate of abnormal urine routine in females was higher than that in males (χ2=12.85，P＜0.05), and the positive rate of urine white blood cells and blood in urine were significantly higher I women than those in men (χ2 =16.80, 11.66，P＜0.05). The abnormal detection rate of electrocardiogram of gas station workers increased with age (χ2=28.02，P＜0.05), and the abnormality of high blood pressure showed an increasing trend with age and working years（χ2=25.00, 15.26，P＜0.05). Conclusion The long-term exposure of gas station workers to chemical toxic substances such as organic solvents and benzene series and physical factors such as high temperature in summer and low temperature in winter will have a certain impact on health. It is suggested that employers should reasonably arrange their work systems and carry out occupational health monitoring in a targeted manner.

Recent advances in research on population health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation / 中国辐射卫生

Due to the continuous development of nuclear power technology and the wide application of ionizing radiation in China, an increasing number of occupational groups and the general public have been exposed to the low-dose ionizing radiation environment. Consequently, research has focused on related health effects (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects). There is no consensus on the health effects of long-term low-dose ionizing radiation exposure on populations. This article reviews the health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation identified worldwide to provide a scientific basis for investigating the mechanisms of such effects and developing population protection strategies.

Research progress on effects of radiation exposure during pregnancy on offspring health / 中国辐射卫生

With social development and technology progress, there is an increasing use of daily electronic products and radioactive medical devices, which increases the risk of exposure to radiation in medical practices, daily life activities, and work. Notably, the effects of radiation exposure on pregnant women and their offspring have attracted increasing attention. Comprehensive and accurate assessment and intervention of the effects of radiation exposure on pregnant women and their offspring are of great significance to reduce birth defects and achieve eugenics. This article reviews the effects of radiation exposure during pregnancy on offspring health based on animal experiments and clinical studies, and describes the possible mechanisms, so as to provide the basis for further studies.

Abordajes metodológicos y conceptuales en investigaciones sobre el conflicto armado colombiano y la ruralidad. Un análisis pertinente para la salud pública

Objetivo: Identificar los tipos de estudios realizados sobre el conflicto armado colombiano, sus campos interdisciplinares, métodos y técnicas, así como las concepciones acerca de conflicto armado y ruralidad utilizados en los mismos, y su pertinencia para la salud pública. Metodología: En esta investigación, de índole cualitativa y metateórica, se efectuó una revisión narrativa, para lo cual se empleó un protocolo de búsqueda de artículos, con criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se incluyeron artículos y trabajos de investigación existentes en bases de datos y repositorios institucionales, los cuales fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido. Resultados: En su mayoría, los estudios analizados provienen de repositorios institucionales universitarios y, en términos disciplinares, surge de las ciencias sociales, humanas y políticas. Por consiguiente, los métodos investigativos utilizados son mayormente los acuñados en dichas disciplinas, como el etnográfico y las historias de vida, aunque se presentan métodos correlacionales y experimentales. Pocos trabajos utilizan referentes conceptuales o teóricos explícitos sobre el conflicto armado y la ruralidad, lo que genera inquietudes académicas, éticas y políticas respecto a las formas en que se comprenden y abordan las realidades en estos temas. De 101 trabajos analizados, solo 7 pertenecen el campo de la salud, y de estos, únicamente 1 al campo de la salud pública. Este hallazgo resulta notable, dados los múltiples efectos que ha generado el conflicto sobre la salud y la vida de diferentes grupos de la población colombiana. Conclusión: Los efectos de la violencia, las guerras, los conflictos y sus efectos sobre la salud poblacional han sido objeto de interés de organismos internacionales y nacionales, y de algunos académicos del campo de la salud pública. Se hace necesario un mayor protagonismo de la salud pública frente a los efectos del conflicto colombiano sobre la población.

Objective: To identify the types of studies conducted on the Colombian armed conflict, their interdisciplinary fields, methods, techniques, as well as the conceptions of armed conflict and rurality used in these studies and their relevance for public health. Methodology: In this qualitative and meta-theoretical study, we conducted a narrative review, which involved using a search protocol for selecting papers following inclusion and exclusion criteria. We included articles and research papers subjected to content analysis that were found in institutional repositories and databases. Results: Most of the analyzed studies are from university institutional repositories and, in disciplinary terms, from social, human, and political sciences. Thus, the research methods that are used are primarily those coined in these fields, such as the ethnographic and life stories methods, although correlational and experimental methods are also included. Few works use explicit conceptual or theoretical references to armed conflict and rurality. This generates academic, ethical, and political concerns regarding how the realities of these issues are understood and addressed. Of the 101 papers we analyzed, only 7 belong to the field of healthcare, and of these, only 1 belongs to the field of public health. This finding is noteworthy, given the multiple effects that the conflict has had on the health and lives of various groups of the Colombian population. Conclusion: The effects of violence, wars, conflicts, and their effects on population health have been the subject of interest of international and national bodies and of some academics in the field of public health. There is a need for a stronger role of public health in addressing the effects of the Colombian conflict on the population.

Objetivo: Identificar os tipos de estudos realizados sobre o conflito armado colombiano, seus campos interdisciplinares, métodos e técnicas, assim como as concepções sobre o conflito armado e a ruralidade neles utilizados e sua pertinência para a saúde pública. Metodologia: Nesta pesquisa, qualitativa e metateórica, foi realizada uma revisão narrativa, em que se empregou um protocolo de busca de artigos, com critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Incluíram-se artigos e trabalhos de pesquisa existentes em bases de dados e repositorios institucionais, que foram submetidos a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Em sua maioria, os estudos analisados provêm de repositórios institucionais universitários e, em termos disciplinares, surge das ciências sociais, humanas e políticas. Por conseguinte, os métodos de pesquisa usados são mormente os próprios dessas disciplinas, como o etnográfico e as historias de vida, mesmo que apresentem métodos correlacionais e experimentais. Poucos trabalhos usam referentes conceptuais ou teóricos explícitos sobre o conflito e a ruralidade, o que gera inquietudes acadêmicas, éticas e políticas ao redor das formas em que se compreendem e abordam as realidades nesses temas. De 101 trabalhos analisados apenas 7 pertencem ao campo da saúde, e desses, unicamente 1 ao campo da saúde pública. Esse achado resulta notável, por causa dos efeitos que o conflito tem gerado na saúde e na vida de diferentes grupos da população colombiana. Conclusão: Os efeitos da violência, as guerras, os conflitos e seus efeitos na saúde populacional tem sido objeto de interesse de organismos internacionais e nacionais, e de alguns acadêmicos do campo da saúde pública. É necessário um maior protagonismo da saúde pública perante os efeitos do conflito colombiano na população.

Prevalence of metal levels above the reference values in a municipality affected by the collapse of a mining tailings dam: Brumadinho Health Project / Prevalência dos níveis de metais acima dos valores de referência em município atingido pelo rompimento de barragem de rejeitos da mineração: Projeto Saúde Brumadinho

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and manganese above the reference values (RV) in the population of Brumadinho, after the rupture of the mining tailings dam and to verify the factors associated with these levels. Methods: Baseline study of a prospective cohort, in a representative sample of 3,080 residents (aged 12 and over) in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. Exploratory variables (age, sex, skin color, household income, smoking and place of residence) were collected using a questionnaire and the levels of As, Cd and Hg in urine and Pb and Mn in blood were evaluated using the technique of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of prevalence of levels above the reference for metals was made, according to the exploratory variables. Multiple logistic regression analyzes were used to investigate the association between altered levels of metals and characteristics evaluated. Results: Concentrations above RV were found in 38.08% of the population for Mn, 33.37% for As, 5.04% for Pb, 0.76% for Hg and 0.17% for Cd. There was a significant association between age group and levels of Mn and Pb; and between place of residence and As level. Conclusion: The results show a high prevalence of levels above the reference for Mn, As and Pb, with small differences in relation to the other variables, suggesting that it is an exposure distributed throughout the municipality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência dos níveis dos metais arsênio, cádmio, mercúrio, chumbo e manganês acima dos valores de referência (VR) na população de Brumadinho, após o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de mineração, e verificar os fatores associados a esses níveis. Métodos: Estudo da linha de base de uma coorte prospectiva, em amostra representativa de 3.080 residentes (12 anos ou mais de idade) de Brumadinho, Minas Gerais. As variáveis exploratórias (idade, sexo, cor de pele, renda domiciliar, tabagismo e local de residência) foram coletadas por questionário, e os níveis de As, Cd e Hg na urina e de Pb e Mn no sangue foram avaliados pela técnica de espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivamente acoplado. Fez-se a distribuição das prevalências de níveis acima da referência para os metais, segundo as variáveis exploratórias. Análises de regressão logística múltipla foram utilizadas para averiguar associação entre os níveis alterados de metais e as características avaliadas. Resultados: Encontraram-se concentrações acima do VR em 38,08% da população para Mn, 33,37% para As, 5,04% para Pb, 0,76% para Hg e 0,17% para Cd. Houve associação significativa entre a faixa etária e os níveis de Mn e Pb; e entre o local de residência e o nível de As. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram elevada prevalência de níveis acima da referência para Mn, As e Pb, com pequenas diferenças em relação às demais variáveis, sugerindo se tratar de uma exposição distribuída em todo o município.

Brumadinho Health Project: methodological aspects and epidemiological profile of participants in the cohort baseline / Projeto Saúde Brumadinho: aspectos metodológicos e perfil epidemiológico dos participantes da linha de base da coorte

ABSTRACT: Objective: To present the methodological aspects of the Brumadinho Health Project and to describe the epidemiological profile of participants in the baseline cohort. Methods: Prospective, population-based cohort study in a representative sample of residents (aged 12 and over) of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, after a mining tailings dam failure. Information for the baseline was collected in 2021, two years after the mining tailings dam collapsed, including sociodemographic, health and service use aspects, among others. Prevalence estimates of health outcomes were described in Brumadinho, as well as in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey. All analyses were performed in the software Stata 17.0, considering the sampling weights and design effect. Results: 3,080 (86.4%) residents participated in the study, most of them being females (56.7%) and with a mean age of 46.1 years. The diseases more frequently reported were arterial hypertension (30.1%), high cholesterol (23.1%) and depression (22.5%), similarly to what was observed in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte and Minas Gerais, although the prevalence in Brumadinho was higher. At least one medical appointment and one hospitalization occurred in 75.2% and 9.4% of residents in the past year, respectively. Conclusion: It is important to monitor health, physical and mental conditions of residents after the occurrence of a disaster of this magnitude. This information can contribute with risk management of these processes, not only in the affected municipality, but also in other areas where populations are at risk of major disasters.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Apresentar os aspectos metodológicos do Projeto Saúde Brumadinho e descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos participantes da linha de base da coorte. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva, de base populacional, em amostra representativa dos residentes (12 anos ou mais de idade) de Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, após rompimento de barragem de rejeitos de mineração. As informações para a linha de base foram coletadas em 2021, dois anos após o rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de mineração, incluindo aspectos sociodemográficos, de saúde, uso de serviços, entre outros. Foram descritas prevalências de desfechos em saúde em Brumadinho, bem como na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte e em Minas Gerais, utilizando os dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2019. Todas as análises foram realizadas no Stata 17.0, considerando-se os pesos amostrais e o efeito de delineamento. Resultados: Participaram 3.080 (86,4%) moradores, sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (56,7%) e com média de idade de 46,1 anos. As doenças referidas mais frequentes foram hipertensão arterial (30,1%), colesterol alto (23,1%) e depressão (22,5%). Pelo menos uma consulta médica e uma hospitalização no último ano ocorreram em 75,2% e 9,4% dos entrevistados, respectivamente. Conclusão: É importante o monitoramento das condições de saúde, físicas e mentais, após ocorrência de um desastre dessa magnitude. Esse conhecimento poderá contribuir para a gestão de risco desses processos não só no município atingido, mas em outras áreas nas quais as populações estão sob risco de grandes desastres.

Current health status of high-radon exposure miners in a typical non-uranium mine in Jiangxi Province, China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the health status of high-radon exposure miners in a typical non-uranium mine in Jiangxi Province, China. Methods A general survey was conducted to investigate the basic situation and awareness rate of radon among underground miners aged ≥ 40 years, and the occupational health examination and low-dose lung computed tomography scan were carried out. Results The awareness rate of radon among miners working down the mine was only 3.70%. The peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration analysis showed an aberration rate of 0% per 100 cells. The peripheral blood lymphocyte micronucleus test showed an abnormal rate of 0.02‰. Ophthalmic examinations (slit-lamp examination of the lens, the vitreous body, the fundus) showed no abnormality. The abnormal rate of leukocyte count was 3.70%, and the detection rate of small lung nodules was 48.15%. Conclusion The high-radon exposure minors had a high detection rate of small lung nodules, and lack knowledge of radon. It is urgent to strengthen the publicity and education on the hazards of radon and the prevention and control of occupational diseases.

Revisión del impacto del sector ladrillero sobre el ambiente y la salud humana en México / Environmental and human health effects caused by the Mexican bricks factories

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el trabajo precario en el sector ladrillero de México, sus efectos en salud e intervenciones. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sobre el sector ladrillero, así como su impacto en la salud y los estudios de exposición que se han realizado en México en bases de datos y sitios gubernamentales con restricción de idioma inglés y español. Las palabras claves utilizadas fueron "trabajo precario", "contaminación por ladrilleras", "efectos en salud" e "intervenciones". Resultados: Existen pocos trabajos que señalen la exposición ambiental y biológica en el sector ladrillero del país. Se encontraron diversas intervenciones en el sector para reducir los impactos ambientales y de salud, sin embargo, no se enfocan directamente en el trabajador y sus familias. Conclusión: Las zonas ladrilleras presentan altos niveles de contaminación. Se requiere de información que refleje la exposición a mezclas de sustancias tóxicas en trabajadores, familias y población aledaña a estas zonas.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the precarious conditions of the workers on the Mexican brick sector and their effects on health and possible intervention projects. Materials and methods: A review of databases and government sites (with English and Spanish language restrictions) was carried out to correlate the human health injury caused by the bricks factories' pollution. Exposure and health impact studies carried out in Mexico were analyzed. Keywords corresponding "precarious work", "brick pollution", "health effects" and "interventions" were used in the database search. Results: We found only a few studies that described environmental and biological effects caused by the brick sector in Mexico. Regarding intervention programs published until this year, our analysis indicates that these projects have the aim to reduce the environmental impacts but not ameliorate the health of the brick factories workers and their families. Conclusions: High levels of pollution were described in brick factories' areas. New studies are required to explore the effects of mixtures toxic substances over health workers, his families, and surrounding factories' population.

Air pollution and children's health-a review of adverse effects associated with prenatal exposure from fine to ultrafine particulate matter

BACKGROUND@#Particulate matter (PM), a major component of ambient air pollution, accounts for a substantial burden of diseases and fatality worldwide. Maternal exposure to PM during pregnancy is particularly harmful to children's health since this is a phase of rapid human growth and development.@*METHOD@#In this review, we synthesize the scientific evidence on adverse health outcomes in children following prenatal exposure to the smallest toxic components, fine (PM@*RESULTS@#Maternal exposure to fine and ultrafine PM directly and indirectly yields numerous adverse birth outcomes and impacts on children's respiratory systems, immune status, brain development, and cardiometabolic health. The biological mechanisms underlying adverse effects include direct placental translocation of ultrafine particles, placental and systemic maternal oxidative stress and inflammation elicited by both fine and ultrafine PM, epigenetic changes, and potential endocrine effects that influence long-term health.@*CONCLUSION@#Policies to reduce maternal exposure and health consequences in children should be a high priority. PM

Efectos en la salud de los sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina (SEAN) / Health Effects of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (SEAN)

Resumen Sin lugar a dudas, el tabaquismo continúa siendo la principal causa de enfermedad, discapacidad y muerte prematura a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, el advenimiento de los nuevos sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina (SEAN), entre los que destaca el cigarrillo electrónico, ha tenido un crecimiento explosivo y en algunos países ha desplazado a los cigarrillos de tabaco, especialmente entre los jóvenes que se sienten atraídos por sus llamativos sabores y por el despliegue de tecnología que se utiliza en su diseño y funcionamiento. Los SEAN surgieron inicialmente en 2003 como una supuesta ayuda para dejar de fumar, a 16 años de esta fecha no hay estudios clínicos que confirmen su superioridad sobre los medicamentos existentes para tal fin: terapias de reemplazo de nicotina, bupropión y vareniclina, ni sobre las terapias psicológicas como la racional emotiva y la cognitivo conductual. Por el contrario, se han acumulado gran cantidad de evidencias sobre el efecto deletéreo que tienen sobre la salud de los consumidores, el riesgo que representan es indudable y esto se confirma por reportes recientes de Centros de Control de Enfermedades de los Estados Unidos (CDC) que señalan 2,172 casos hospitalizados con enfermedad pulmonar aguda y 42 muertes por esta causa, siendo el 79% personas menores de 35 años. Este brote de enfermedad pulmonar ha determinado que se plantee la prohibición de los SEAN en Estados Unidos. Asimismo, la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aprobó la venta de los cigarrillos híbridos o heets que utilizan tabaco calentado, los cuales ya están disponibles en nuestro país. No cabe duda de que como profesionales del área de la salud nuestra obligación es informar con evidencias científicas sobre los riesgos que representan los SEAN para sus consumidores, asimismo debemos aprender de la historia del tabaquismo para poder prevenir la morbimortalidad asociada con estos nuevos productos del tabaco.

Abstract Without a doubt, smoking continues to be the leading cause of disease, disability, and premature death worldwide. However, the advent of the new Electronic Administration Systems of Nicotine (SEAN), among which the electronic cigarette stands out, has had explosive growth and in some countries has depleted tobacco cigarettes, especially among young people who feel attracted by its striking flavors and the deployment of technology that is used in its design and operation. The SEANs initially emerged in 2003 as a supposed help to quit smoking, at 16 years from this date no clinical studies are confirming their superiority over existing medications for this purpose: nicotine, bupropion and varenicline replacement therapies, or over psychological therapies such as emotional and cognitive-behavioral rational. On the other side, a large amount of evidence has been accumulated on the deleterious effect they have on the health of consumers, the risk they represent is unquestionable and this is confirmed by recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control of the United States (CDC) that indicate 2142 hospitalized cases with acute lung disease and 42 deaths from this cause, 79% being people under 35 years. This outbreak of lung disease has determined that the ban on SEAN in the United States will be planted. Also, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the sale of hybrid cigarettes or "Heets" (Heat-not-burn tobacco products), which uses heated tobacco, and are now available in our country. There is no doubt that as health professionals, we must inform with scientific evidence about the risks that SEANs pose to their consumers, we must also learn from the history of smoking to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with these new tobacco products.

Effects of internet and social media use among medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: The launch of many free low cost data packages has put India on the global map for large scale consumption of mobile data leading to exponential usage of social media. Internet has both positive and negative advantages on its users. Excessive use of social media is affecting the lifestyle of youth moreover, statistics show that addiction to social media resulted in increased health problems and change in behavior. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the pattern of internet and social media use and its physical and psycho-social effects on the medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in a rural area using self-administered pretested questionnaire using Google forms. The descriptive statistical analysis of data was performed in the form of mean, standard deviation, percentages, and proportions. Results: The number of male and female participants was 184 (44.4%) and 230 (55.6%), respectively. Almost 37% of students spend more than 4 h on internet daily and 56% students responded that they visit social media more than 6 times/day. Headache, sleep disturbances, and burning sensation of eyes and neck pain were the prominent disabling symptoms. One hundred and twenty-seven (30.7%) students sleep for <6 h and 64.8% students stay up late to access internet and 43.9% students check social media immediately after waking up. Conclusion: Time spent on internet, social media to perform online access can be very productive but compulsive internet and social media use can have negative impact on physical and psycho-social health.

Advances in research of effects of ambient ultrafine particles on human health / 上海预防医学

Particulate matters are primary pollutants and ubiquitous in most urban areas of China and prove to be an acknowledged risk to human health, whose degree of harm is realated to the particle size.Ultrafine particles (UFPs) with its diameter less than 0.1 μm may have greater adverse health effects compared with larger ones as fine particulate matters(PM10)and (PM2.5).However, there have been fewer studies and insuffient evidence in this regard.In this review, we analyze recent population-based studies on UFPs exposure and its health impacts and elucidate associations of UFPs exposure with subclinical endpoints changes so as to promote the awreness of UFPs and provide reference for its further research.

Advances in research on toxicity and dietary exposure of aluminum / 公共卫生与预防医学

In recent years, the use of aluminum-containing additives in the food has received wide public attention. Many studies have shown that excessive exposure to aluminum can cause health damage to human body. This paper will review and evaluate the research progress of aluminum toxicity, domestic and international dietary aluminum exposure assessment, and the feasibility of the control measures on the aluminum intake, to provide relevant evidence for the health risk assessment of aluminum in food.

Microorganisms in Biostimulants

In March 2016, the EU Commission presented a proposal for new regulations on fertilising material. The regulation includes product rules for a wide range of organic and inorganic products. Microbial biostimulants is one of the categories of products that are included. Biostimulants, in the draft EU regulation, are defined as fertilising materials that affect nutrient processes independently of the product's own nutrient content and with the purpose of improving nutrient utilisation, tolerance for abiotic stress or quality of the crop. Positive list in which species of these bacterial genera are listed: Azotobacter spp, Rhizobium spp., Azospirillum spp and Mycorrhizal fungi are a part of the regulation. Since the import and use of these organisms are the responsibility of both the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency, they asked VKM to submit a joint report on effects on health (humans, plants and animals), biodiversity and dispersal, quality of agricultural land and on soil environment. Conclusions: Health risks: Based upon our literature review, we have found no indication of any specific diseases in plants, animals or humans induced by the discussed microorganisms. A few reported cases of human disease are caused through wound infections or injections in immunocompromised patients. These represent a situation where any microorganism may induce infections and is not specific for the agents discussed in this report. In summary, the risk of any disease caused by the discussed microorganisms is considered negligible. Environmental risks: In soil the biodiversity, competition, adaptation and functional redundancy of microorganisms are extremely high. This means that introduced microorganisms have a very small chance for establishing, and even less so for affecting biodiversity and soil functioning. Introduction of nitrogen fixing species or fungi that can transport P to plants (mycorrhiza) will lead to an increase in the primary production. However, even a large increased activity for these processes will not outcompete naturally occurring symbiotic N-fixation or growth of inherently non-mycorrhizal plant species. Thus, the risks associated with introduced non-pathogenic microorganisms are very low.

Efectos del cambio climático en la salud de la población colombiana / Efectos del cambio climático en la salud de la población colombiana

El cambio climático es uno de los fenómenos ambientales que se ha atribuido a la actividad humana, el cual ha afectado las actividades económicas, el bienestar de la población y los ecosistemas. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo identificar y describir los efectos directos e indirectos del cambio climático en la salud de la población que reside en Colombia a través de los casos de morbilidad y mortalidad asociados a la variabilidad climática, eventos climáticos e hidrometeorológicos en Colombia. Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico retrospectivo y descriptivo. En esta investigación se llevó a cabo la revisión de la página oficial de 33 revistas científicas nacionales del área Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud indexadas en el Índice Bibliográfico Nacional Publindex. Los resultados indican que las altas precipitaciones, sequías y las fluctuaciones de temperaturas tienen efectos en la trasmisión de enfermedades por vectores. La contaminación atmosférica está relacionada con el aumento de consultas por infecciones respiratorias y las altas temperaturas son consideradas un factor de riesgo en personas con diagnóstico por enfermedades cerebrovasculares y cardiacas.

Climate change is one of the environmental phenomena attributed to human activity, which has affected economic activities, population welfare and ecosystems. This study aims to identify and describe the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the health of the population residing in Colombia through morbidity and mortality associated with variability climate, climate and hydrometeorological events in Colombia. A retrospective and descriptive bibliometric study was conducted. This research carried out the review of the official website of 33 national scientific journals in the area of Medical and Health Sciences indexed in the Publindex National Bibliographic Index. The results indicate that high rainfall, drought and temperature fluctuations have effects on vector disease transmission. Air pollution is associated with increased respiratory infections and high temperatures are considered a risk factor in people diagnosed with cerebrovascular and heart disease.

Research progress of ambient air pollution and human health in China / 中华预防医学杂志

As one of the major environmental and health problems in China, ambient air pollution has attracted substantial public concerns. This paper reviews the current evidence on air pollution and population health in China, including acute health effect studies, chronic health effect studies, disease burden, and interventions studies. Future research directions are also discussed.

Riesgos en salud laboral asociados al uso de un bioinsecticida con esporas de Beauveria bassiana y Trichoderma lignorum / Labor health risks associated with the use of a bioinsecticide with spores of Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma lignorum / Riscos de saúde do trabalho associados ao uso de bioinsecticida com esporos de Beauveria bassiana e Trichoderma lignorum

RESUMEN El uso de bioinsecticidas para el control de plagas que atacan cultivos con efectos negativos al medio ambiente, es un tema que viene trabajándose a nivel mundial como una alternativa para evitar la contaminación los efectos sobre la salud de los trabajadores del sector agrícola. En este sentido y para controlar la hormiga arriera, se ha creado un bioinsecticida a base de esporas filamentosas de dos hongos entomopatógenos como el Beauveria bassianay el Trichoderma lignorum. En la presente revisión sistemática de literatura se pretende identificar los efectos en la salud que pueden presentar los componentes de la formulación del bioinsecticida, entre ellos, las esporas filamentosas componente principal, los posibles efectos al medio ambiente y los beneficios socioeconómicos por su uso, hallándose datos de enfermedades como abscesos, queratitis y alergias respiratorias de las personas inmunocomprometidas. En investigaciones realizadas se identificó que las esporas filamentosas pueden ingresar al cuerpo humano por vía aérea o mucosa dado su tamaño aproximado de 0,28 μm pueden llegar hasta los alveolos pulmonares. Ambientalmente los efectos ecológicos son positivos además por las ventajas económicas por eso de este tipo de productos agroecológicos.

ABSTRACT The use of bioinsectidas for the control of pests that attack crops with negative effects to the environment is an issue that has been working worldwide as an alternative to avoid contamination the effects on the health of workers in the agricultural sector: In this sense and to control the arriera ant, a bioinsecticide based on filamentous spores of two entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Trichoderma lignorum has been created. In the present systematic literature review, the aim is to identify the health effects that the components of the bioinsecticide formulation may have, including the principal component filamentous spores, the possible effects on the environment and the socioeconomic benefits due to its use, being data on diseases such as abscesses, keratitis and respiratory allergies of immunocompromised people. In investigations carried out it was identified that the filamentous spores can enter the human body by air or mucosa given their approximate size of 0.28 μm can reach the pulmonary alveoli. Environmentally the ecological effects are positive, as well as the economic advantages of this type of agroecological products.

RESUMO O uso de bioinsectidas para o controle de pragas que atacam as colheitas com efeitos negativos para o meio ambiente é uma questão que tem trabalhado em todo o mundo como alternativa para evitar a contaminação dos efeitos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores no setor agrícola. Neste sentido e para controlar a formiga arriera, foi criado um bio-insecticida com base em esporos filamentosos de dois fungos entomopa-togênicos como Beauveria bassiana e Trichoderma lignorum. Na presente revisão sistemática da literatura, o objetivo é identificar os efeitos sobre a saúde que os componentes da formulação de bioinsecticidas podem ter, incluindo o principal componente de esporos filamentosos, os possíveis efeitos sobre o meio ambiente e os benefícios socioeconómicos devido ao seu uso, sendo dados sobre doenças como abcessos, queratites e alergias respiratórias de pessoas imunocomprometidas. Na pesquisa realizada, foi identificado que os esporos filamentosos podem entrar no corpo humano por via aérea ou mucosa, dado que seu tamanho aproximado de 0,28 μm pode atingir os alvéolos pulmonares. Ambientalmente, os efeitos ecológicos são positivos, bem como as vantagens económicas deste tipo de produtos agroecológicos.

Risk Assessment of "Other Substances" – Inositol

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has, at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet; NFSA), assessed the risk of "other substances" in food supplements and energy drinks sold in Norway. VKM has assessed the risk of doses given by NFSA. These risk assessments will provide NFSA with the scientific basis while regulating the addition of “other substances” to food supplements and other foods. "Other substances" are described in the food supplement directive 2002/46/EC as substances other than vitamins or minerals that have a nutritional and/ or physiological effect. It is added mainly to food supplements, but also to energy drinks and other foods. In this series of risk assessments of "other substances", VKM has not evaluated any potential beneficial effects from these substances, only possible adverse effects. The present risk assessment is based on previous risk assessments of inositol and articles retrieved from a literature search. According to information from NFSA, inositol is an ingredient in energy drinks sold in Norway. NFSA has requested a risk assessment of 10 mg/100 ml inositol in energy drinks. Drinking patterns reflecting a high acute intake, a mean chronic intake and a high chronic intake were assessed. Inositol (CAS no. 6917-35-7) is a sugar alcohol. Among the nine possible stereoisomers, myo inositol (CAS no. 87-89-8) is the most abundant. The name inositol is frequently used as a synonym for myo -inositol. Inositol occurs naturally in all organisms including humans, and is an important component in all human cells. Inositol-containing lipids and phosphates are required for various structural and functional processes, including membrane formation, signalling, membrane trafficking and osmoregulation. Endogenous production of inositol in humans amounts to about 4 g/day (about 57 mg/kg bw per day in a 70 kg adult) (EFSA, 2014). The total dietary intake of inositol in adults is estimated to range between 500 to 1000 mg/day (about 7-14 mg/kg bw per day). Inositol added to energy drinks in Norway denotes the compound myo -inositol, according to information from NFSA. M yo -inositol is a water-soluble compound naturally occurring in the cells of all living organisms including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. Certain plant (fruits and vegetables) and foods from animals contain inositol, and seeds of cereals and legumes show high levels of the inositol storage form, phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate). With regard to hazard identification and characterisation of inositol, most of the adverse effects observed in several human studies were related to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, flatulence, loose stools and diarrhoea. Drinking patterns reflecting a high acute intake, a mean chronic intake and a high chronic intake were assessed for energy drinks containing 10 mg inositol per 100 ml, for the age groups children (3 to <10 years and 10 to <14 years), adolescents (14 to <18 years) and adults (≥18 years). For the high acute drinking pattern, the intake was estimated to be 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2000 ml/day for children (3 to <10 years), children (10 to <14 years), adolescents (14 to <18 years) and adults (>18 years), respectively. For the mean chronic drinking pattern, the intake was estimated to be 58, 65, 64 and 71 ml/day for children (3 to <10 years), children (10 to <14 years), adolescents (14 to <18 years) and adults (≥18 years), respectively. For the high chronic drinking pattern, the intake was estimated to be 163, 180, 210 and 320 ml/day for children (3 to <10 years), children (10 to <14 years), adolescents (14 to <18 years) and adults (≥18 years), respectively. The data on toxicity of inositol was very limited. The human study with the longest exposure at highest doses (3 months treatment at maximum tolerated dose) that was available for risk assessment was a clinical study of 40-74 year old smokers with bronchial dysplasia, from which a NOAEL of 18 g/day of myo -inositol was established (Lam et al. 2006). VKM estimated the margins of exposure (MOE) based on the NOAEL established in this study. The MOE is the ratio of the NOAEL value to the exposure. An acceptable MOE value for a NOAEL-based assessment of inositol based on a human study is ≥10, taking into account a factor 10 for the interindividual variation between humans in toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. Due to the uncertainty regarding the relevance of the study by Lam et al. (2006) for the general healthy population, an additional safety factor of 3 was used. Therefore, an acceptable MOE value was 30. For all age groups, the MOE values were in the range of 857 to 2570 for mean chronic intake and in the range of 367 to 857 for high chronic intake of energy drinks, respectively, i.e. far above the acceptable MOE value of 30. Since neither the sub-optimal human study by Lam et al. (2006) or the animal studies in rodent models of chronic diseases available were on healthy subjects, as a supplement to the MOE values calculated from the human study, comparisons with endogenous production and amounts in food of inositol were also performed. No studies specifically on children (3 to <10 years and 10 to <14 years) and adolescents (14 to <18 years) were identified. Based on the included literature there was no evidence indicating that age affects tolerance or endogenous production of inositol. Therefore, in this risk characterisation a tolerance and an endogenous production of inositol as for adults, based on body weight, was assumed for these age groups. For the high acute drinking pattern, and for the mean chronic and the high chronic drinking patterns all estimated intakes of inositol from energy drinks containing 10 mg/100 ml were far below the endogenous production (57 mg/kg bw per day), and also below the dietary intake (7-14 mg/kg bw per day). VKM concludes that it is unlikely that the exposure to inositol from the high acute, the mean chronic or the high chronic drinking patterns causes adverse health effects in children (3 to <10 years and 10 to <14 years), adolescents (14 to <18 years) and adults (≥18 years).