Standardization of meibomian gland dysfunction in an Egyptian population sample using a non-contact meibography technique

AIM:To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)parameters,using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici(CSO)machine,in an Egyptian population sample.METHODS:Observational,cross-sectional,analytic study,in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included.Both upper lids were examined,using“Sirius CSO”machine.Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss(MGL),which was calculated by the software of the machine.RESULTS:Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%,and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%.Thirty-four volunteers(32.7%)had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid,and 67.3%had second-degree loss.One volunteer(1%)had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid,28(26.9%)had first-degree loss,and 75(72.1%)had second-degree loss.Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age,but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age.There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye(P=0.036)and in left eye(P=0.027).CONCLUSION:Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL.MGL is diagnosed in 100%of apparently normal individuals;26.9%-32.7%of which have first-degree MGL,and 67.3%-72.1%have second-degree MGL.

Impact of Plastic Waste on the Human Health in Low-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Background: Plastic pollution is the accumulation of waste composed of plastic and its derivatives all over the environment. Whether in the form of visible garbage or microparticles, as it slowly degrades, plastic pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic habitats and the wildlife that call them home, whether through ingestion, entanglement or exposure to the chemicals contained in the material. Unfortunately, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of plastic waste on human health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: We searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) and gray literature, following the preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), for the impact of plastic waste on human health in developing countries. We included quantitative and qualitative studies written in English and French. We assessed the quality of the included articles using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: A total of 3779 articles were initially identified by searching electronic databases. After eliminating duplicates, 3167 articles were reviewed based on title and abstract, and 26 were selected for full-text review. Only three articles were retained. The three articles dealt with practices likely to lead to oral exposure to plastic chemicals in human health, as well as the level of awareness of participants concerning the possible impact of plastic on human health, namely, the use of plastic baby bottles, the use of microwaves to cook food and reheat precooked food, the use of plastic bottles to store water in the refrigerator, water purifier containers with plastic bodies and plastic lunch boxes, the reuse of plastic bags and the inadequacy of treatment facilities. Conclusion: Plastic waste poses different risks to human health at every stage of its life cycle. Hence, strategies must be adopted to raise public awareness of the dangers of plastic waste to their health. Trial registration: The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42023409087).

Spatial Morphology Evolution Characteristics Analysis of the Resident Population Distribution in Henan, China

The population spatial distribution pattern and its evolving pattern play an important role in regional allocation of social resources and production factors, formulation of regional development plans, construction of a better life society, and promotion of regional economic development. Based on the resident population statistics data of Henan province from 2006 to 2021, with county as the basic study unit, the paper studies the spatial morphology characteristics and its evolution patterns of resident population distribution, by using spatial analysis methods such as population distribution center, standard deviation ellipse, and spatial auto correlation analysis. The results show that: the resident population spatial distribution shows unbalanced state, the population agglomeration areas mainly distribute in the northeast part and north part, where the resident population growth rate is significantly higher than other regions, over time, this trend is gradually becoming significant. The resident population distribution has a trend of centripetal concentration, with the degree and trend of centripetal gradually strengthening. The resident population distribution has obvious directional characteristics, but the significance is not high, the weighted resident population average center is approximately located at (4.13740˚N, 113.8935˚E), and the azimuth of the distribution axis is approximately 11.19˚. The population distribution has obvious agglomeration characteristics, with the built-up areas of Zhengzhou and Luoyang as their centers, where have a significant siphon effect on the surrounding population. The southern and southwestern regions in the province form a relatively stable belt area of Low-Low agglomeration areas.

Study on Influencing Factors of Mental Health of Mobile Young White-Collar Workers in China

Mobile young white-collar workers not only have the characteristics of mobile young people,but also have the characteristics of general white-collar workers.Under the influence of both,their mental health may be suffering from“double disadvantage”.So,based on an ecological model of the stress process,this paper tries to use the data of the questionnaire on the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers in Zhejiang Province to explore the influence of some factors in the middle workplace and residence place on the mental health of micro individuals.The results show that:(1)The working environment with high control and low freedom and the workplace discrimination against the mobile status will have a negative impact on the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers;(2)Financial anxiety in daily life will lead to a decline in the mental health level of mobile young white-collar workers;(3)Good organizational support and neighborhood social relations can significantly relieve life pressure,so as to effectively improve the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers.It can be seen that we also need to pay more attention to the mental health of mobile young white-collar workers in order to improve their situation.

Comparison of Community Health between Rural and Urban Areas in View of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Perspective through a Literature Review

The progressive aging of society is expected to lead to the development of effective integrated community-based care system considering the characteristics based on community environments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced population health worldwide. This study aimed to examine disparities in population health and health-related factors between rural and urban communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL for articles published up to September 2022 with the following search terms: community health, rural, urban, and COVID-19. A total of 105 articles were identified, of which three articles with a cross-sectional quantitative research design met the inclusion criteria. Two articles focused on mental health, and among them, one recognized a significant disparity between rural and urban areas. Four health-related factors in view of the COVID-19 pandemic in rural and urban areas were perceived, including knowledge, behavior, lifestyle, and social support. And, two factors: health-related knowledge and health-related behavior, were perceived as the significant disparities between rural and urban during the COVID-19 pandemic. The further efforts will be needed to pursue effective integrated community-based care system during and post-COVID-19, taking into account community environment at both community and individual levels.

Leadership,communication,and science:three pillars essential to public health emergency response and closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations

Globally,there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades.High rates of morbidity,occasionally mortality,and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics.One of the epidemics that has significantly increased morbidity and mortality worldwide is the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)pandemic.HIV has a disproportionately negative impact on key populations.Strong leadership,effective communication,and sound science are necessary for public health emergency(PHE)responses to be successful.These three PHE response pllars are also essential for bridging the HIV response gap among key populations in the setting of restrictive laws.In this review,we explored the importance of these three pillars of successful PHEs responses,and how they are essential to closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations.Leaders must make decisions and instil a sense of authority in the populace during PHEs to foster trust and confidence.Leaders should base their choices on scientific evidence.Effective communication during PHEs should be proactive,polite,imaginative,innovative,and constructive.To address gaps in the HIV response among key populations,leaders must create a supportive environment for effective communication and scientific research,communication should be used to raise awareness of HIV and to dispel stigma and discrimination,while science should provide evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions amongkey populations.

Effectiveness Analysis on the Physical Activity and the Health Benefit of a Community Population Based Program

Objective To evaluate the community-based health promotion effect of physical activity. Methods The residents aged 28 and above from two communities in Gongshu District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang province, were randomly selected and recruited for the multi-strategy and comprehensive physical activity intervention. Questionnaire survey, physical check up and blood biochemistry were conducted. Results After this two-year intervention, the time of the participant spent on weekly physical activity of moderate intensity increased from 464 min to 542 min （P〈0.05）, with an average increase of 78 min. Time spent in walking every week increased from 533 min to 678 min （P〈0.05）, with an average increase of 245 min. The body weight, waistline, blood pressure and heart rate all reduced significantly （P〈0.05）; the vital capacity increased significantly （P〈0.05）; and the related biochemical indicators were also improved. Conclusion Comprehensive and evidence-based physical activity interventions targeting community population can improve the levels of physical activity, related body measurement and biochemical indicators.

Awareness of initiative practice for health in the Chinese population:A questionnaire survey based on a network platform

BACKGROUND In 2016,the Chinese government issued the Healthy China 2030 plan,which also produced the initiative practice for health(IPFH)concept.However,people’s knowledge and awareness of the IPFH are unclear.AIM To investigate awareness of IPFH in the Chinese population and explore the relevant influential factors.METHODS An internet-based self-designed questionnaire survey was used to collect respondents’demographic characteristics and awareness of health and the IPFH from March 26 to April 18,2020.IPFH consciousness was assessed by the scores for different related questions.The Student’s t test,the Chi-square test,and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the differences and influencing factors.RESULTS A total of 2678 valid questionnaires were collected.Of the respondents,973(36.3%)had heard of the IPFH concept.In addition,89.5% of participants agreed with the view that the IPFH is beneficial to improving quality of life,and over half thought that a regular schedule,a reasonable diet,tobacco and alcohol control,a cheerful mood,specific life goals and plans,taking the initiative to accept health-related education and implement health knowledge,good interpersonal relationships,and regular physical examinations were closely related to the IPFH.The majority of respondents paid attention to their health and usually obtained health-related knowledge via social media and were also willing to promote the IPFH.Most of the participants underestimated the role of hospitals,family doctors,and health managers in promoting the IPFH.Age,monthly income,and medical-related work experience were the influencing factors for IPFH awareness.CONCLUSION The Chinese population has limited knowledge of the IPFH.People with strong IPFH awareness are older,earn more,and have medical-related work experience.

Overview of the South African mine health and safety standardization and regulation systems

Outlined the South African mine health and safety regulatory framework,in- cluding the roles of government,tripartite council,service agencies,mine enterprises, rescue stations and workers unions,analyzed the institutional structures of South African mine health and safety standardization,including the South African standard and specifi- cation systems and standard development processes,and characterized the South African mine health and safety standardization and regulation systems.Intended to provide some suggestions for the transformation and improvement of mine health and safety standardi- zation and regulation systems in China or in similar situations.

The Effect of Brown Coal Mining on the Environment and Health of the Population in Northern Bohemia (Czech Republic)

Coal mining has proven negative impacts on the landscape and health of inhabitants. Solid dust particles and SO2, which are the main polluting substances in coal mining and burning, are the main causes of diseases in areas with intensive coal mining. This contribution deals with areas in the Czech Republic which have the greatest problems in this regard, being North Bohemia (Chomutov, Most, Teplice and ústí nad Labem districts). It is an area with considerable anthropogenic activity, mainly due to the intensive mining of brown coal, which has a direct effect on the health of the inhabitants of the entire ústí nad Labem region. Along with the growing number of inhabitants, energy consumption demands are constantly increasing. Nevertheless, it’s important to focus primarily on renewable energy sources, which will ensure the sustainable development of the environment and society. At the same time, the question arises, which energy sources can potentially be utilized here after mining ends (2052). In terms of geography, wind energy has the greatest potential in this area. This and associated issues are dealt with by the project “Sustainable Forms of Management in an Anthropogenically Burdened Region” at the Faculty of Environment at the University of Jan E. Purkyně in ústí nad Labem.

The Study of Health Effects of Vinyl Chloride AirPollution on Population

A series of indicators, including serum lysozyme activity, G-banding chromosome aberration (G-banding CA) analysis, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), chromosome aberration (CA), T-lymphocyte transformation rate (TcTR),-GT, GPT and AKP, were employed in the present survey among occupationally vinyl chloride (VC) exposed workers and inhabitants living in VC polluted area in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) factory. The results showed that the serum lysozyme (S-LZM) activities in Group 3 (adult inhabitants exposed to 0.20 mg/m3 VC for at least 8 years), Group 2 (workers exposed to 4.1 mg/m3for at least 7 years occupationally), Group 1 (workers exposed to 25.7 mg/m3 for at least 2 years) were significantly higher than control. G-banding CA analysis showed that the total chromosome breakage rates in both Groups 1 and 2 were higher, but no difference existed between Group 3 and control. Only Group 1 was observed having higher SCEs, CA level and lower TcTR than control. AKP levels in Groups 1 and 2 were higher than control,but noγ-GT and GPT differences were found among groups. The study also suggests that G-banding CA analysis is more sensitive than CA and SCEs

Exploring the Perspectives of Healthcare Providers on Providing HIV Prevention and Treatment Services for Key Populations in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study

Background: The overall HIV prevalence and incidence in Rwanda have decreased significantly in the past decade. However, opposite trends are seen among key populations (KP). The HIV prevalence among sex workers is as high as 51% and continues to rise. While the HIV prevalence among KP remains high, their adherence to treatment is low. Healthcare providers play a vital role in KP’s access and adherence to HIV treatment. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers on providing HIV services to key populations in Rwanda. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with nurses, doctors, social workers, and psychologists who provide HIV services to KP in public health facilities in Rwanda. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. All data were analyzed thematically using Dedoose. Results: Interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare providers. Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews: healthcare providers’ intrinsic feelings affect the ways they provide HIV services to key populations, key populations face a multitude of challenges related to accessing treatment and preventing the spread of HIV, and a more comprehensive and sensitive approach should be used to improve HIV services for key populations. Conclusion: Healthcare providers expressed difficulties in providing services to key populations and identified a lack of adherence to treatment and prevention guidelines, structural barriers, KP’s lack of trust in the healthcare system, and the discrimination and abuse KP face as challenges to effective HIV prevention and treatment. More comprehensive services including clinical, financial, and psychosocial support from trusted sources are needed. Some important policy changes are essential to facilitate access to HIV services for KP.

Refrigerators Enter a New Era of Health Preservation Frestech initiates the establishment of China's first standard for household sterilization refrigerators

On November 30, 2007, the China Association for Standardization (CAS) held a press conference at Beijing Diaoyutai State Guest House. Leaders from the China Household Electric Appliance Research Institute, the China Household Electric Appliance Association, and the China Consumers' Association attended and made speeches.……

Health Disparities among the Western, Central and Eastern Rural Regions of China after a Decade of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programming

Summary： Health disparities between the western, central and eastern regions of rural China, and the impact of national health improvement policies and programming were assessed. A total of 400 counties were randomly sampled. ANOVA and Logistic regression modeling were employed to estimate differ- ences in health outcomes and determinants. Significant differences were found between the western, central and eastern rural regions in community infrastructure and health outcomes. From 2000 to 2010, health indicators in rural China were improved significantly, and the infant mortality rate （IMR）, mater- nal mortality rate （MMR） and under 5 mortality rate （U5MR） had fallen by 62.79%, 71.74% and 61.92%, respectively. Central rural China had the greatest decrease in IMR （65.05%）; whereas, western rural China had the greatest reduction in MMR （72.99%） but smallest reduction in U5MR （57.36%）. Despite these improvements, Logistic regression analysis showed regional differences in key health outcome indicators （odds ratios）： IMR （central： 2.13; western： 5.31）, U5MR （central： 2.25; western： 5.69）, MMR （central： 1.94; western： 3.31）, and prevalence of infectious diseases （central： 1.62; western： 3.58）. The community infrastructure and health outcomes of the western and central rural regions of China have been improved markedly during the first decade of the 21st century. However, health dis- parities still exist across the three regions. National efforts to increase per capita income, community empowerment and mobilization, community infrastructure, capacity of rural health facilities, and health literacy would be effective policy options to attain health equity.

Role of traditional Chinese medicine in the initiative practice for health

To achieve awareness of the initiative practice for health concept in the Chinese population,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)doctors should popularize TCM culture and knowledge among young people,people with a low level of education,in low-income populations,and in rural populations.

The Internet of Things and Next-generation Public Health Information Systems

The Internet of things has particularly novel implications in the area of public health. This is due to (1) The rapid and widespread adoption of powerful contemporary Smartphone’s;(2) The increasing availability and use of health and fitness sensors, wearable sensor patches, smart watches, wireless-enabled digital tattoos and ambient sensors;and (3) The nature of public health to implicitly involve connectivity with and the acquisition of data in relation to large numbers of individuals up to population scale. Of particular relevance in relation to the Internet of Things (IoT) and public health is the need for privacy and anonymity of users. It should be noted that IoT capabilities are not inconsistent with maintaining privacy, due to the focus of public health on aggregate data not individual data and broad public health interventions. In addition, public health information systems utilizing IoT capabilities can be constructed to specifically ensure privacy, security and anonymity, as has been developed and evaluated in this work. In this paper we describe the particular characteristics of the IoT that can play a role in enabling emerging public health capabilities;we describe a privacy-preserving IoT-based public health information system architecture;and provide a privacy evaluation.

Developed Fall Detection of Elderly Patients in Internet of Healthcare Things

Falling is among the most harmful events older adults may encounter.With the continuous growth of the aging population in many societies,developing effective fall detection mechanisms empowered by machine learning technologies and easily integrable with existing healthcare systems becomes essential.This paper presents a new healthcare Internet of Health Things(IoHT)architecture built around an ensemble machine learning-based fall detection system(FDS)for older people.Compared to deep neural networks,the ensemble multi-stage random forest model allows the extraction of an optimal subset of fall detection features with minimal hyperparameters.The number of cascaded random forest stages is automatically optimized.This study uses a public dataset of fall detection samples called SmartFall to validate the developed fall detection system.The SmartFall dataset is collected based on the acquired measurements of the three-axis accelerometer in a smartwatch.Each scenario in this dataset is classified and labeled as a fall or a non-fall.In comparison to the three machine learning models—K-nearest neighbors(KNN),decision tree(DT),and standard random forest(SRF),the proposed ensemble classifier outperformed the other models and achieved 98.4%accuracy.The developed healthcare IoHT framework can be realized for detecting fall accidents of older people by taking security and privacy concerns into account in future work.

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Water-Borne Diseases: A Comparative Study on Taltali Upazila of Barguna District

Objectives: To determine the economic challenges brought on by water-borne illnesses as a result of climate change. In addition to identifying potential access to safe drinking water during climate change and potential health hurdles brought on by water-related diseases, it is important to learn how to reduce the spread of water-borne diseases. Methods: A mixed method design was adopted to evaluate this research, and probability sampling, more specifically simple random sampling, was used to select to sample from the target population. The study was conducted in Taltali upazila of the Barguna district, and data was collected from 384 respondents;among them, 5 respondents were selected for the key informant interview. The research project began in June 2022 and was completed in December 2022. Results: 41.4% of respondents said they suffer from dysentery, 22.4% said the expense of treating water-borne diseases has increased as a result of climate change, and 37.8% said they must travel great distances to obtain clean drinking water. Currently, 41.7% of individuals utilize tube-well water, compared to 19.3% five to ten years ago, and 27.4% have been taught that water filtration helps reduce the spread of water-borne diseases. Conclusions: People’s vulnerability to climate change in the study area is a result of factors such as rapid population increase, unequal access to resources, food insecurity, a long distance to collect water, inadequate medical facilities, a lack of poverty, and a weak health system.