International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

Female phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of the protozoan parasites Leishmania spp. In Iran, Leishmania major and L. tropica are the causative agents of cutaneous Leishmaniasis. This epidemiological and descriptive cross-sectional study took place in 2021 to determine how sand flies are distributed in Hasanabad and Hossein-Abad, located in eastern Isfahan province, central Iran. Sand flies were screened for Leishmania DNA by semi-nested PCR and sequencing to discriminate between species. Overall, 363 collected sand flies were identified morphologically, among which 161 (44.4%) and 202 (55.6%) were from Hasanabad and Hossein-Abad, respectively; the most significant number was caught from outdoor places. Also, 34.4% and 65.6% of the sand flies were female and male, respectively. The most prevalent sand fly species were Phlebotomus papatasi (52.6%), followed by Ph. caucasicus (30.6%), Sergentomyia sintoni (13.2%), Sergentomyia spp. (1.9%), and the rest unknown (1.7%). Eight of sixty (13.33%) molecularly analyzed sand flies, including six Ph. papatasi and two S. sintoni, were infected with L. major, of which all were collected from outdoor environments in July.

The study investigates how bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may lead to obesity (OB) by identifying molecular mechanisms and suggests a new research approach for examining the health effects of chemical toxins. Researchers identified 237 potential targets associated with BPA exposure and OB using CTD, STITCH, DrugBank, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. Analysis with STRING and Cytoscape revealed 10 key targets, including INS, IL-6, AKT1, and PPARG. Enrichment analysis via the DAVID database indicated that these targets are primarily involved in PI3K-Akt and Insulin signaling pathways. These findings indicate that BPA may contribute to the occurrence and development of OB by influencing apoptosis, proliferation, inflammatory signaling, and insulin resistance. Molecular docking showed strong binding of BPA to INS, IL-6, AKT1, and PPARG, with molecular dynamics simulations revealing a stable complex of BPA and PPARG. This study offers insights into BPA's role in OB and supports efforts to prevent and treat OB diseases linked to exposure to BPA-containing plastic products and certain BPA-inundated environments.

Exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) is linked to ischemic heart disease (IHD), but research on burden in China and across socio-demographic index (SDI) regions is limited. Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we used joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort model to analyze the trend in deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of IHD attributable to SHS in China and five SDI regions from 1990 to 2021. Results showed that the age-standardized rates of death and DALY in China remained at a high level, and declined more slowly compared to the five SDI regions. The increasing trends in IHD death and DALY rates were found among Chinese men aged 25-94 and women aged 80-94, while the rates decreased in the five SDI regions. The period and cohort effects indicated a larger decline in deaths and DALYs among Chinese women than men, with the largest reduction in high SDI region. The population attributable fraction for IHD deaths and DALYs due to SHS in China decreased from 8.82% and 9.71% in 1990 to 7.45% and 8.09% in 2021, but remained the highest level compared to the five SDI regions. The findings highlight the need to reduce SHS exposure, especially among men and the elderly in China.

Few studies have found an association between extreme temperature events and an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (IS). We examined associations between extreme temperature events (heat waves, cold spells) and recurrent IS risk in Tianjin, China (2019-2020), using a time-stratified case-crossover design, while evaluating greenness's moderating role. Significant heat wave effects peaked at lag 8, with severe intensity events increasing IS recurrence risk by 39.8% (OR = 1.398, 95% CI:1.032-1.894). Cold spell impacts peaked at lag 3, with moderate intensity cold spells elevating risk by 20.3% (OR = 1.203, 95% CI: 1.052-1.377) and severe intensity cold spells elevating risk by 98.2% (OR = 1.982, 95% CI: 1.407-2.791). Greenness modified these associations: low-greenness areas strengthened heat wave effects(lag9:OR = 2.309,95%CI:1.024-5.209) but weakened cold spell impacts(OR = 1.557,95%CI:1.037-2.340), whereas high-greenness areas attenuated heat wave links(lag8:OR = 1.402,95%CI:1.022-1.924) and nullified cold spell associations. Age and sex disparities emerged - younger individuals and males showed higher susceptibility to heat waves, while older individuals and males were more vulnerable to cold spells. The findings highlight greenness as a potential modifier of extreme temperature events-related IS recurrence risks and underscore demographic-specific vulnerabilities.

This study investigates the impact of flood events on leptospirosis incidence and mortality in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The study compared monthly data from 2007 to April 2024 (before flood) with data from 67 days following the flood event in May 2024. Data indicate significant fluctuations in confirmed cases and deaths across the years, with a notable increase in leptospirosis cases and mortality rates following the 2024 flood events. These findings suggest that floods potentiate the spread of leptospirosis due to contaminated water sources. The most affected demographic was the 20-59 age group, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Establishment of emergency medical services, implementing robust disease prevention measures, and enhancing healthcare and sanitation infrastructure are necessary to mitigate the health impacts of future floods. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies to safeguard public health against increasingly frequent extreme climate events.

This cross-sectional study examined the one-year prevalence of respiratory symptoms (RS) and the influence of home and out-of-school factors among 1,033 schoolchildren (aged 9-12) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. PM_2.5 levels were also monitored in schools near major roads and residential areas. Near major roads and in residential areas the prevalence of wheezing was 20.6% and 16.9% and that of rhinitis 55.7% and 61.5%, respectively. Neither differed significantly between areas. PM_2.5 concentrations were monitored hourly using air quality monitors utilizing light-scattering technology. The geometric means of daily mean PM_2.5 concentration in schools adjacent to a major road and schools within the residential area were 61.2 μg/m³ and 31.0 μg/m³, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding, positive associations (aOR [95% CI]) of wheezing and rhinitis, respectively, were seen with exposure to secondhand smoke (1.70 [1.21-2.39] and 1.67 [1.27-2.19]), frequent truck traffic (1.97 [1.22-3.17] and 1.61 [1.13-2.28]), daily traffic congestion (1.57 [1.10-2.22] and 1.33 [1.03-1.73]) and participation in extra classes (1.71 [1.24-2.35] and 1.37 [1.07-1.76]). Wheezing alone was associated with nightly air conditioning use (2.27 [1.47-3.49]) and residential proximity to factories (1.72 [1.10-2.71]). Targeted interventions are needed to improve air quality in both school and home environments in HCMC.

This study assessed the risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in breastfed babies in Hamadan (Iran). The breast milk of 100 mothers was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy. According to the results, Pb intake had the lowest HQ among the harmful heavy metals. There was concern about the non-carcinogenic risk of As in more than 5% of the babies. Evaluation of THQ showed that all the babies were at risk of non-carcinogenic disorders developed by PTEs, and a higher concern for babies between 0 and 2 months was observed compared to the other groups. The elevated intake of Fe at early ages was likely due to Fe supplementation by mothers to compensate for the iron loss after delivery. Interestingly, HQ of Fe dropped dramatically in babies between 4 and 6 months. The highest concern about carcinogenicity was related to Cd intake, so only 5% of 2-4-month-old babies were at moderate risk of Cd carcinogenicity. Other heavy metals, including Ni, Cr, and As, showed a similar scenario.

Multiple drug-resistant bacterial infections have led to an increasing need for an effective disease outbreak response system, such as the One Health platform. While interactions among humans, animals, and ecosystems are crucial and inevitable for survival, the intercommunity transfer of drug resistance genes and the resulting diseases are matters of concern. The concept of bacterial predation and its application in different fields have attracted interest as a natural alternative to traditional antibiotics. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, an obligate bacterial predator, preys on a wide range of other bacteria, regardless of their antibiotic resistance status. The present study reviews the potential ability of one of the best studied bacteria among the Bdellovibrio and Like Organisms (BALOs) group B. bacteriovorus, as a One Health solution for pathogen control, delving into its role in interconnected sectors of human, animal, and environmental health, highlighting its prospects as a significant contributor to the One Health approach. Although in vivo animal studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of B. bacteriovorus in reducing bacterial burdens in various infection models, clinical trials have not yet been conducted. Understanding the molecular bases of predatory strategies and clinical studies may help in the development of a revolutionary biocontrol agent, such as One Health Solution, for treating infections.

In Malaysia, 43%-70% of household wastewater is greywater, with characteristics influenced by lifestyle, fixtures, and weather. It is often discharged untreated, posing environmental and health risks. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and key factors influencing greywater management among rural residents in Perak, Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to April 2023, involving 121 participants selected via the Linear Time Function sampling method. Data were analyzed using a structured questionnaire and Chi-square analysis, revealing a significant association between knowledge and attitudes toward greywater management, with higher awareness linked to more positive perceptions and willingness to adopt proper practices (p < 0.001). Additionally, individuals with better knowledge were more likely to engage in systematic greywater disposal methods, such as using septic tanks instead of direct discharge (p = 0.006). The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in designing community-driven greywater management strategies that enhance public awareness, improve infrastructure, and support sustainable water resource management. Further research is recommended to investigate the underlying factors influencing community attitudes and behaviors toward greywater management, particularly the socio-cultural, economic, and perceptual barriers that contribute to the knowledge-to-practice gap in rural areas.

This study investigated the relationship between maternal behaviours, environmental exposures, and the levels of melamine and bisphenols (BPs), including bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol A-F (BPAF), and bisphenol S (BPS), in breast milk. Mothers provided information on cosmetic use, food packaging, and dietary habits, while breast milk samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. BPAF, BPS, and BPF were detected in 32.3%, 33.8%, and 20% of samples, respectively, while melamine was present in all samples (mean: 32.3 ± 16.7 ng/mL). Seven samples (10.8%) contained all three BPs, while 49.2% had none. Higher BPAF and BPF levels were observed in breast milk from mothers aged 30-34. Makeup use was associated with elevated BPAF levels (p = 0.013), while sunscreen use was correlated with increased BPF (p = 0.040) and melamine (p = 0.010) levels. Storing oil in plastic containers was linked to higher BPS levels. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to personal care products and food packaging materials significantly influences BPs and melamine levels in breast milk. The results highlight the importance of considering both behavioural and environmental factors when assessing chemical exposure during breastfeeding. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of these exposures on infant health.