Health risk assessment of trace metal(loid)s in agricultural soils based on Monte Carlo simulation coupled with positive matrix factorization model in Chongqing, southwest China

This study aimed to investigate the pollution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risks associated with trace metal(loid)s(TMs) in the major agricultural producing areas in Chongqing, China. We analyzed the source apportionment and assessed the health risk of TMs in agricultural soils by using positive matrix factorization(PMF) model and health risk assessment(HRA) model based on Monte Carlo simulation. Meanwhile, we combined PMF and HRA models to explore the health risks of TMs in agricultural soils by different pollution sources to determine the priority control factors. Results showed that the average contents of cadmium(Cd), arsenic (As), lead(Pb), chromium(Cr), copper(Cu), nickel(Ni), and zinc(Zn) in the soil were found to be 0.26, 5.93, 27.14, 61.32, 23.81, 32.45, and 78.65 mg/kg, respectively. Spatial analysis and source apportionment analysis revealed that urban and industrial sources, agricultural sources, and natural sources accounted for 33.0%, 27.7%, and 39.3% of TM accumulation in the soil, respectively. In the HRA model based on Monte Carlo simulation, noncarcinogenic risks were deemed negligible(hazard index <1), the carcinogenic risks were at acceptable level(10^(-6)<total carcinogenic risk ≤ 10^(-4)), with higher risks observed for children compared to adults. The relationship between TMs, their sources, and health risks indicated that urban and industrial sources were primarily associated with As, contributing to 75.1% of carcinogenic risks and 55.7% of non-carcinogenic risks, making them the primary control factors. Meanwhile, agricultural sources were primarily linked to Cd and Pb, contributing to 13.1% of carcinogenic risks and 21.8% of non-carcinogenic risks, designating them as secondary control factors.

Farmers’ Knowledge and Awareness towards the Use of Agrochemicals in Vegetable Cultivation, Fako Cameroon

Agrochemicals are contemporary, omnipresent tool used in vegetable cultivation. Farmers’ knowledge and awareness of the proper usage of agrochemicals are critical for mitigating the negative effects on human health. This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the usage knowledge, risk awareness of toxicological and chemical classes, proper handling and use practices for agrochemicals homologated for use in vegetable farming, and the occurrence of health-related symptoms as a result of exposure among these farmers. The study included 93 vegetable growers from agricultural hotspot towns in Fako, southwest Cameroon. The field study, ran from November 2021 to December 2023, using a questionnaire to collect information on farmers demographic, and their knowledge of pesticide classes, and the related risk of associated with the handling of agrochemicals. Results show that all vegetable farmers, particularly those engaged in agribusiness, employ pesticide inputs to maximize production. Six pesticides, two fertilizer types, and one unknown substance were identified. While 23 active compounds were found, the most utilized were abamectin, emamectin (10.46%), dimethoate (9.30%,) and ethoprophos (8.13%). Two active chemicals, dimethoate and methalaxyl, are illegal yet remain in circulation. Toxicological classes I and II, with the greatest harmful effect on human health, were the most commonly utilized (64.27%). Thirty-nine percent of farmers never use personal protection equipment when working with agrochemicals, demonstrating a significant gap in knowledge and awareness of agrochemicals and their various applications and handling procedures in the field. The government should implement an intensive specialized educational program for on-field farmers with incentives in order to promote sustainable agriculture methods that ensure environmental and human safety.

A Study of Health Prescribing for Children with Tourette’s Disorders in Children’s Health Education Specialty Care Clinics

Objective:This study designs and implements the health prescription of children’s health education specialized nursing clinic based on the physical and mental characteristics of children with Tourette’s syndrome.Methods:Applying the evidence-based nursing model and nursing intervention theory based on the survey research by searching China Knowledge Network,Wanfang Database and Wipro Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database,the study collected the literature on the health prescription intervention research in children’s Tourette’s disorders health education in children’s health education of specialized nursing outpatient clinic for review and combined with the specialty characteristics to formulate“Children’s Tourette’s Disorder Health Education Prescription.”Results:Tourette’s syndrome in children is a common pediatric neurological disorder,mainly manifested as involuntary,rapid and repeated muscle twitching and vocal tics,which brings serious psychological pressure and life disturbance to the affected children.Conclusion:For children with Tourette’s syndrome,healthcare professionals should give enough care and understanding to the children and their parents,provide timely and effective health education to them,help them improve their bad behavioral habits,establish correct cognitive attitudes,enhance self-confidence,improve patient compliance,reduce the frequency of recurrence,reduce the incidence of complications and promote children’s physical and mental health development.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of Pig Disease Prevention of Smallholder Farmers and Village Animal Health Workers in Rural and Peri-Urban Cambodia

Biosecurity measures are essential for protecting pig health, however, these practices are not always utilized by smallholder farmers in Cambodia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices, in terms of pig biosecurity measures, of individual stakeholders involved in pig production in rural and peri-urban households in Cambodia. A survey tool was developed and administered using Kobotoolbox, an online electronic survey tool. Surveys were conducted in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Battambang during December 2017 to September 2018. There were 225 pig farmers, 43 village animal health workers (VAHWs), 3-district veterinarians (DVs), and 81 feed store owners enrolled in the study. Results showed that several biosecurity guidelines are not followed or well understood by farmers. Specific concerning practices included using natural boars, sharing pig equipment (e.g. scales), feeding kitchen waste, managing other livestock, handling manure, and not restricting access by visitors (VAHWs or DVs, boar owners, pig buyers, neighbors, and meat sellers). Thus, education of pig smallholder farmers and VAHWs on pig biosecurity is needed for improving pig health and production, economic value, and livelihood of smallholder farmers in Cambodia.

A nurse-led occupational health promotion program for farmers

Agrarian occupational health is a neglected primary health-care service in India.A nurse-led health promotion program is planned based on a Conceptual Model for the Occupational Health Nurse Specialist prepared by Ms.Janice Dees(1984)inspired from Orem’s self-care theory.The interventions included are range of motion exercise,progressive muscle relaxation technique,foot and palm massage,and literacy on safety practices.The wellness of field farmers is expected by following this program plan.

Health and Labor Productivity among Female Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of farmers＇ health on labor data was collected through a field survey of 290 rural households productivity of female farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Primary Descriptive statistics and estimation of efficiency following maximum likelihood estimation （MLE） procedure available in Frontier 4.1 were used to analyze the data. Results from the analyses showed that malaria has the highest prevalence level among female farmers in the study area followed by typhoid fever. The causes of sicknesses vary from cold, stress, mosquito bites and bad drinking water. Furthermore, the results showed that sicknesses affect the productivity of farmers by reducing their work capacity. Also, the distance to source of drinking water from home, source of drinking water, age, body mass index of farmers are also found to significantly affect the physical work output of farmers in the study area. The result shows that the distribution of farmers was highly skewed with about 99% of the farmers having their efficiency above 0.61. This indicates that majority of the farmers are technically efficient in the allocation of resources to crop production, The result also shows that the average efficiency was about 82.9%. Thus, the farmers＇ level of efficiency can be improved if there is a shift in the fi＇ontier, i.e. if factors contributing to inefficiency are adequately controlled. The study recommends the need to invest more on human capital especially health for there to be an improvement in rural productivity. Also, rural development policies should include health policies especially for women since it has a great influence on the household and emphasis should also be on preventive rather than curative health services.

Health Education for Farmers

News released from a National Workshop on Comprehensive Evalua-tion of the Status of Counties and Cities indicates that eighty counties and cities in the country have basically become well off,of which eighty percent are distributed in easter coastal areas.

Empirical Analysis on Rural Financial Development and Farmers' Income Increase in China

The growth of farmer＇s incomes is cIoseIy reIated to rural finance. The research analyzed the dynamic reIationship of rural financial deveIopment, efficiency and farmer＇s incomes based on VAR modeI, and the resuIts indicated that the ex-pansion of rural finance wouId stimuIate farmer＇s incomes in a Iong term, and the growth of rural financial efficiency significantIy improves farmer＇s incomes in a short term, instead of a Iong term. Hence, it is necessary to introduce more credit funds and social funds to rural areas, deepen rural financial system reform and acceIerate use rate of Ioan capital and enhance guidance for farmers and township enterprises in use of Ioan capitals.

Creation of "Regional Characteristic" in Planning and Design of Farmers' Residential Area at the South of Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River

After analysis of location feature of the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River and its construction of urban and rural integration,the paper pointed out harmonious combination between natural and artificial factors had been neglected in planning and design of farmers' residential area at the south of lower reaches of Yangtze River,"regional characteristic" losing,residential area in the form of "city community" and buildings in European style.In view of these problems,relevant planning and design thoughts and methods had been proposed as to how to create "regional characteristic" from the perspective of planning,architecture and landscape design.It discussed with emphasis the importance of construction base type and combination of environment with residential area construction;inspirations and design methods obtained from traditional architectures;and the content of landscape overall planning and specific design.It was hoped to enlighten designers to shoulder social and historical responsibility,make exploration unremittingly,and construct beautiful homelands for people.

The Impact of China's Fiscal Expenditure in Agriculture on Farmer's Income

Based on the account of the vital role which the national finance played in supporting agriculture,the thesis presents the current situation of financial support for agriculture in China,in terms of the limited scale and irrational structure of financial support expenditure in agriculture.On the basis of the brief introduction of the current level of Chinese farmers' income,the thesis discusses the effects of scale and irrational structure of financial support expenditure in agriculture on the farmers' income,according to the related data of financial support expenditure in agriculture and rural per capita net income.The results indicate that the calculating regression equation has a remarkable explanation power,reflecting the positive role of financial support expenditure in agriculture played by national finance in increasing the farmers' income.As regards the structure of financial support expenditure in agriculture at present,according to the proportion from high to low,the expenditure primarily consists of three parts from high to low in sequence as follows:productive expenditure and funds for public undertakings,capital construction expenditure,and rural relief expenditure plus science and technology funds.Such sequence deviates from the marginal production effects of financial support expenditure in agriculture and the correlation of farmers' income,which demonstrates the severe irrationality of the structure of financial support expenditure in agriculture.Corresponding countermeasures are put forward as follows:on one hand,we should continue intensifying the efforts to support agriculture financially in order to form a regular increase mechanism;on the other hand,we should adjust and optimize the structure of financial support expenditure in agriculture,and further crystallize the investment flows.

Higher vitamin D serum concentration increases health related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

AIM: To investigate the effect of vitamin D (VD) concentrations and VD supplementation on health related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Preventive health measures in inflammatory bowel disease

We aim to review the literature and provide guidance on preventive health measures in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Structured searches were performed in Pub Med,MEDLINE,EMBASE,Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 1976 to June 2016 using the following keywords:(inflammatory bowel disease OR Crohn's disease OR ulcerative colitis) AND(health maintenance OR preventive health OR health promotion). Abstracts of the articles selected from each of these multiple searches were reviewed,and those meeting the inclusion criteria(that is,providing data regarding preventive health or health maintenance in IBD patients) were recorded. Reference lists from the selected articles were manually reviewed to identify further relevant studies. Patients with IBD are at increased risk of developing adverse events related to the disease course,therapeutic interventions,or non-adherence to medication. Recent studies have suggested that IBD patients do not receive preventive services with the same thoroughness as patients with other chronic diseases. Preventive health measures can avert morbidity and improve the quality of life of patients with IBD. Gastroenterologists and primary care physicians(PCPs) should have an up to date working knowledge of preventive health measures for IBD patients. A holistic approach and better communication between gastroenterologists and PCPs with explicit clarification of roles will prevent duplication of services and streamline care.

Black soldier fly and gut health in broiler chickens:insights into the relationship between cecal microbiota and intestinal mucin composition

Background:The relationship between diet and intestinal microbiota and mucin composition appears to be fundamental for poultry gut health.The effects of insect meal(whose role as alternative feed ingredient is now well recognized)on gut microbiota and mucin composition have recently been reported in Tenebrio molitor-fed free-range and broiler chickens,but no data are currently available for Hermetia illucens(HI)-fed broilers.The present study evaluated the effects of dietary HI meal inclusion on cecal microbiota and intestinal mucin composition of broiler chickens.Results:A total of 256 male broiler chickens were allotted to 4 dietary treatments(control diet[C]and 5%,10%and 15%HI meal inclusion,with 8 replicate pens/treatment and 8 birds/pen)and slaughtered at 35 d of age(2 animals/pen,16 birds/diet).The cecal microbiota assessment by 16S rRNA amplicon based sequencing showed lower alpha diversity in HI15 chickens(Shannon,P<0.05)and higher beta diversity(Adonis and ANOSIM,P<0.001)in birds fed HI diets than C.Furthermore,HI15 birds displayed significant increase of the relative abundance of Proteobacteria phylum(False Discovery Rate[FDR]<0.05)when compared to HI10.L-Ruminococcus(Ruminococcus from Lachnospiraceae family),Faecalibacterium,Blautia and Clostridium genera were found to be characteristic of HI5 cecal microbiota(FDR<0.05),while broiler chickens fed HI10 and HI15 diets were characterized(FDR<0.05)by Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus(HI10)and Bacteroides,Roseburia and Helicobacter genera(HI15).Periodic-acid Schiff,Alcian Blue pH 2.5 and high iron diamine staining on small and large intestine also demonstrated lower mucin staining intensity in the intestinal villi of HI10 and HI15 birds than C(P<0.05).Conclusions:Dietary HI meal utilization at low inclusion levels(i.e.,5%)positively influenced either the cecal microbiota or the gut mucin dynamics in terms of selection of potentially beneficial bacteria and increase in villi mucins.However,high inclusion levels(in particular the 15%)may have a negative influence in terms of partial reduction of microbial complexity,reduction of potentially beneficial bacteria,selection of bacteria with mucolytic activity and decrease in villi mucins.

Patterns of medication use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the women’s health initiative;implications for decision-making practices of women and women’s health professionals

Background: The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) published findings in 2002 that changed the perception of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the reduction of cardiovascular risks. Menopausal women using HRT for the relief of vasomotor symptoms were advised to use the lowest possible dose of HRT over the shortest possible duration. Objective: This study sought to examine patterns of HRT use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the WHI among women at least 40 years of age. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 1367 women in the pre-WHI group and 6467 women in the post-WHI group using the U.S. General Electric (GE) Centricity electronic medical record database. Menopause diagnosis was assessed using ICD-9 codes. Clinical characteristics and medication use were assessed for women with at least 3 years of enrollment (1 year baseline, 2 years follow-up). Results: The proportion of women in the post-WHI group that initiated HRT was significantly less than that of women in the pre-WHI group (31.3% vs. 56.9%, respectively;p < 0.001). Combination HRT use declined significantly (21.9% pre-WHI cohort vs. 7.2% post- WHI cohort, p < 0.001) among increases in non-HRT use, namely SSRIs (15.2% pre-WHI cohort v. 22.3% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001) and tranquilizers (9.5% pre-WHI cohort v. 15.8% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the WHI 2002 publication made an impression on the perception of HRT’s role in the relief of menopausal symptoms. Decision-making on the part of women seeking treatment for vasomotor symptoms and women’s health professionals demonstrates that despite HRT precautions, women continue to exhibit a need for HRT use. This study’s findings suggest that women seeking treatment for menopausal symptom relief and women’s health professionals continue to work together to find the appropriate balance between therapy use and adherence to therapy use guidelines.

Thai men＇s health and sexual attitude

Men＇s health awareness, including the research and study of quality of life, sexual desires and risk factors, has increased worldwide. In Thailand, this advancement is made possible by cooperation, research and sponsorship from the local Thai community. This article aims to illustrate the sexual attitudes of Thai people, to determine the degree of erectile dysfunction （ED） and to investigate how to manage and cope with ED in a Thai community. We reviewed the relevant literature from Thai-based articles and surveys in regard to men＇s health, sexual attitudes, the prevalence of ED and common risk factors in the Thai community. The primary risk factor for ED in Thai men was age-related health decline and the presence of vascular disease. Most Thai men will seek consultation from their partner in regard to ED. The main presentation of metabolic disease in Thai patients was dyslipidemia. New selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not available for premature ejaculation in Thai communities. The debate in regard to malpractice compensation is an issue that should be closely monitored. There is currently a shortage of home care for the elderly in Thailand. The insights provided by the articles helped recruit the study patients and in turn, helped us gain knowledge that can be translated into improved men＇s health care in Thailand.

Contamination and human health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in topsoil and groundwater around mining and dressing factories in Chifeng,North China

Chifeng is a concentrated mining area for non-ferrous metal minerals,as well as a key prevention and control area for heavyduty enterprises.This situation necessitates an efective ecological and human health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s driven by the wide distribution of metal ore processing,mining,and smelting factories in Hexigten Banner and Bairin Left Banner.We conducted surveys to assess the levels of heavy metal(loid)s(Cr,As,Pb,Cd,and Hg)in the topsoil and groundwater of the areas.The results indicated that the concentrations of As,Cd,and Pb in partial soil samples exceeded the environmental quality standards of Grade II.Based on contamination assessments,such as geoaccumulation indices and pollution indices,we inferred that Cd,Pb,and As were primary pollutants in topsoil.Potential ecological risks when considered as part of the average risk indices(RI)are up to 1626.40 and 2818.76,respectively,in the two areas.Comparative analysis revealed that Cd posed a very high potential ecological risk,followed by As.Moreover,the evaluation showed that the three exposure pathways of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk followed a descending order:inhalation>ingestion>dermal contact,except for Pb.Arsenic in topsoil posed a potential non-carcinogenic risk to human health,while there were no adverse efects of As in groundwater.In addition,the average total carcinogenic risk for As in the two areas,as well as the risk of Pb in the topsoil of Bairin Left Banner and all the fve heavy metal(loid)s in groundwater,exceeded human tolerance.Pb–Zn mines caused higher human health risks.In addition,the tandem contamination of heavy metal(loid)s in soil and groundwater was not obvious.This research study provides a basis for pollution remediation to control heavy industry-induced ecological and health risks of heavy metal(loid)s.

Impact of the Changes in Women’s Characteristics over Time on Antenatal Health Care Utilization in Egypt (2000-2008)

Objectives: This study empirically assesses the impact of the changes in women’s characteristics, empowerment, availability and quality of health services on woman’s decision to use antenatal care (ANC) and the frequency of that use during the period 2000-2008. Study Design: The study is a cross-sectional analytical study using 2000 and 2008 Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys. Methods: The assessment of the studied impact is conducted using the Zero-inflated Negative Binomial Regression. In addition, Factor Analysis technique is used to construct some of the explanatory variables such as women’s empowerment, the availability and quality of health services indicators. Results: Utilization of antenatal health care services is greatly improved from 2000 to 2008. Availability of health services is one of the main determinants that affect the number of antenatal care visits in 2008. Wealth index and quality of health services play an important role in raising the level of antenatal care utilization in 2000 and 2008. However, the impact of the terminated pregnancy on receiving ANC increased over time. Conclusions: Further research of the determinants of antenatal health care utilization is needed, using more updated measures of women’s empowerment, availability and quality of health services. In order to improve the provision of antenatal health care services, it is important to understand barriers to antenatal health care utilization. Therefore, it is advisable to collect information from women about the reasons for not receiving antenatal care.

The Current Situation and Development of Grain Storage Technologies and Facilities for Chinese Farmers

In China, the quantity of farmer＇s grain storage covers about 40% of the total grain yield every year. While, the losses of farms＇ grain storage are up to 8%, which is due to the lack of grain storage facility and technology. The losses of farmer＇s grain storage could reach nearly 20 million tons every year. In this paper, the current situation and development of grain storage technology and facility for Chinese farmers were presented. And a series of policy and research work for reducing the losses of farms＇ grain storage was introduced. The large scale farmers are now developing quickly in China, the new storage warehouse and mechanized facility should be developed adaptively. So, the new storage technology and policy to meet the need of large scale farmers were also introduced in this paper.