Impact of Exercise on Depression in Older Adults:Potential Benefits,Risks,and Appropriate Application Strategies

As the global elderly population increases,depression within this group has become a significant public health concern.Although exercise has been recognized for its potential to improve depression in the elderly,the benefits,risks,and implementation strategies remain contentious.This review attempts to examine the impact of exercise on depression in older adults,including potential benefits,risks,and suggestions for application.Our analysis highlights the benefits of aerobic and resistance training,which can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.Despite these benefits,the review acknowledges the complexity of the exercise-depression interaction in the elderly,necessitating personalized exercise regimens.Potential risks,such as muscle and joint pain,are pointed out,emphasizing the importance of tailored,supervised exercise programs.The review calls for future research to focus on identifying the most effective types of exercise and regimens for this population,considering factors such as age,gender,and existing health conditions.Lastly,it advocates for the inclusion of exercise in comprehensive treatment plans for depression in older adults,viewing it as a promising step toward achieving holistic mental health care in a growing demographic.

Spatial distribution and potential ecological and health risks associated with heavy metals in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria

Artisanal gold mining,a labor-intensive and antiquated technique,is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world.However,artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy,environment,and society.This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals,as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site,Nigeria.Geographical Information System(GIS)and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities.The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94(±5.97)mg/kg for As,0.18(±0.54)mg/kg for Cd,0.11(±1.06)mg/kg for Co,14.32(±3.43)mg/kg for Cr,6.89(±0.64)mg/kg for Cu,48.92(±11.77)mg/kg for Fe,135.81(±30.75)mg/kg for Mn,5.92(±0.96)mg/kg for Ni,5.72(±1.66)mg/kg for Pb,and 13.94(±1.38)mg/kg for Zn.The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd.An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components(PCs)account for 70.008%of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals.The total potential ecological risk index(309.599)in the study area is high.Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment.Based on the study,the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10^(–4).Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer,with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10^(–4).The lowest exposure pathway,with the hazard index value of 0.68×10^(–4),indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer.This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of Xiawan Port based on modified potential ecological risk index

Modified potential ecological risk index （MRI） was proposed based on the potential ecological risk index （RI） and risk assessment code （RAC） by modifying an index. The modified index was relevant to the chemical speciation of heavy metals. Xiawan Port, a typical region contaminated by industrial production, was selected as a case study area. The total concentrations and chemical speciation of heavy metals in sediments of Xiawan Port were analyzed. The experimental data indicate that Xiawan Port is seriously polluted by heavy metals, especially by Cd. The risks of heavy metals are evaluated by RI, RAC and MRI, respectively. The resluts of MRI show that the risks of heavy metals are in the decreasing order of Cd〉Pb〉Cu〉Zn. Comparison of results by different methods reveals that MRI integrates the characters of RI and RAC. MRI is recognized to be useful for risk managemnt of heavy metals in sediments.

Soil Contamination by Heavy Metals and Evaluations on Potential Ecological Risks in an Antimony Mine

To study the status of soil quality in an antimony mine, soil samples were collected from different regions and the elements＇ contents of Sb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Ni and As were analyzed using single factor pollution index, Nemerow index and potential ecological risk index. The heavy metal contamination of soils were evaluated. The results showed that Nemerow index for each sampled point was less than 0.7, meaning a clean state. When potential ecological risk assessment was conducted, the sampled point was less than 150, belonging to light pollution.

DISTRIBUTION OF LEAD IN URBAN SOIL AND ITS POTENTIAL RISK IN SHENYANG CITY, CHINA

The horizontal and vertical distribution characteristics of Pb in urban soil of Shenyang City, China were investigated in this study. The range of Pb concentration in the soil was 22.02-2910.60mg/kg. The standard deviation was 443.07mg/kg, and coefficient of variation was 1.64. Tiexi District was seriously contaminated by lead. In general, Pb concentration in the soil decreased with distance from pollution source. Lead concentration varied in different functional areas with the order of industrial area>commercial area>residential area>suburb>reference area. Pb concentration decreased with the depth of soil profile. Both geo-accumulation index and ecological risk index were used to estimate the potential risk of soil Pb pollution in Shenyang City. The results showed that the high potential risk area included Tiexi District and traffic roads.

Potential Distribution of Alien Invasive Species and Risk Assessment:a Case Study of Erwinia amylovora in China

Alien invasive species represent a severe risk to biodiversity and economy, as in the case of fire blight （Erwinia amylovora）, a bacterial disease that originated in North America, which may be released into new locations by means of fruit trade. On the basis of the knowledge of Erwinia amylovora＇s biophysical characteristics and environmental data, the geographic information system （GIS） has been applied to determine areas where Erwinia amylovora can potentially invade China. Temperature and precipitation, during the blossoming period, are considered to be two critical factors affecting the Erwinia amylovora＇s suitable climatic zones. This spatial modeling approach was validated from a case study in Europe, where the occurrence of Erwinia amylovora has been proven. The model prediction agreed with the occurrence of the bacteria recorded in Europe, and the same procedure has been applied to produce a potential establishment area in China＇s two preferential apple cultivation regions, Bohai Bay region and Huangtu Altiplano region. It has been found that areas belonging to the high-risk category are more or less the main apple producing areas, accounting for their great economic importance in China. This methodology provides an initial baseline for assessment, prevention, and management of alien species that may become invasive under certain environmental conditions. In addition, this modeling approach provides a tool for policy makers to use, in making decisions on management practices where alien species are involved.

Heavy metal pollution and potential ecological risk in reclaimed soils in Huainan mining area

In order to determine the environmental quality condition of reclaimed soils inHuainan mining area, soil samples were collected from three representative mines, suchas Panyi Mine, Xinzhuangzi Mine and Datong Mine.The total concentration of Cd, Hg, Cu,Pb and As in the samples were analyzed.The potential ecological risk was used to evaluatethe heavy metals pollution.The investigation reveals that the reclaimed soils are contaminatedto a certain degree and the trace elements in coal gangue transferred to thesurface soil.The order of potential ecological risk is Cd>Hg>Cu>Pb>As; the pollution degreeof each sampling site is arranged in the following order: Xinzhuangzi Mine>DatongMine>Panyi Mine, and the multiform of heavy metals of potential ecological risk index is at357.35～484.62.

Potentially harmful metals,and health risk evaluation in groundwater of Mardan,Pakistan:Application of geostatistical approach and geographic information system

This study investigates the values of pH,total dissolved solids(TDS),elevation,oxidative reduction potential(ORP),temperature,and depth,while the concentrations of Br,and potentially harmful metals(PHMs)such as Cr,Ni,Cd,Mn,Cu,Pb,Co,Zn,and Fe in the groundwater samples.Moreover,geographic information system(GIS),XLSTAT,and IBM SPSS Statistics 20 software were used for spatial distribution modeling,principal component analysis(PCA),cluster analysis(CA),and Quantile-Quantile(Q-Q)plotting to determine groundwater pollution sources,similarity index,and normal distribution reference line for the selected parameters.The mean values of pH,TDS,elevation,ORP,temperature,depth,and Br were 7.2,322 mg/L,364 m,188 mV,29.6℃,70 m,0.20 mg/L,and PHMs like Cr,Ni,Cd,Mn,Cu,Pb,Co,Zn,and Fe were 0.38,0.26,0.08,0.27,0.36,0.22,0.04,0.43 and 0.86 mg/L,respectively.PHMs including Cr(89%),Cd(43%),Mn(23%),Pb(79%),Co(20%),and Fe(91%)exceeded the guideline values set by the world health organization(WHO).The significant R^(2)values of PCA for selected parameters were also determined(0.62,0.67,0.78,0.73,0.60,0.87,-0.50,0.69,0.70,0.74,-0.50,0.70,0.67,0.79,0.59,and-0.55,respectively).PCA revealed three geochemical processes such as geogenic,anthropogenic,and reducing conditions.The mineral phases of Cd(OH)_(2),Fe(OH)_(3),FeOOH,Mn_(3)O_(4),Fe_(2)O_(3),MnOOH,Pb(OH)_(2),Mn(OH)_(2),MnO_(2),and Zn(OH)_(2)(-3.7,3.75,9.7,-5.8,8.9,-3.6,2.2,-4.6,-7.7,-0.9,and 0.003,respectively)showed super-saturation and under-saturation conditions.Health risk assessment(HRA)values for PHMs were also calculated and the values of hazard quotient(HQ),and hazard indices(HI)for the entire study area were increased in the following order:Cd>Ni>Cu>Pb>Mn>Zn>Cr.Relatively higher HQ and HI values of Ni,Cd,Pb,and Cu were greater than one showing unsuitability of groundwater for domestic,agriculture,and drinking purposes.The long-term ingestion of groundwater could also cause severe health concerns such as kidney,brain dysfunction,liver,stomach problems,and even cancer.

Potentially toxic metal concentration,spatial distribution,and health risk assessment in drinking groundwater resources of southeast Iran

In this study, the concentration and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals(PTMs), including arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), lead(Pb), copper(Cu), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), and magnesium(Mg) in 23 wells and drinking groundwater distribution networks of Rafsanjan, located in southeast Iran were evaluated. Moreover, the assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation(MCS). The results showed that the concentrations of As and Pb in more than 99% and 23.46% of the study area, respectively, were higher than the maximum concentration level(10 μg/L). The mean concentration of other metals, including Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn in all drinking water resources was within the WHO standard level. The mean hazard quotient(HQ) for As in the age group of children was 9.246 and adults 2.972, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As in the study area. The lifetime cancer risk(LTCR) of As was 1.36 E-3 for adults and 1.52 E-2 for children, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As. The level of HQ and LTCR for Pb in both age groups was in the acceptable range. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the most effective variables were pollutant concentration and body weight(BW), respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that exposure to PTMs, especially As through drinking water in the study area can have significant effects on people’s health living in the area;therefore, it is necessary to treat and remove As from groundwater resources before drinking or using for domestic purpose.

Potential Ecological Risks of Heavy Metals in Soils of Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone

In this research, soil samples were collected from Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone to investigate heavy metal pollutions in this region and to evaluate the potential ecological risks of heavy metal pollutants based on Hakanson Potential Ecological Risk Indexes. According to the results, Hg was the primary heavy metal pollutant in Blue Economic Zone, followed by Cd, Cu, and Pb as prevalent pollutants. Heavy metals ranked in order of their pollution degrees are: Hg>Cd>Cu>Pb>Zn>Cr>As;the potential ecological risks of heavy metals follow the order of Hg>Cd>As>Pb>Cu>Cr>Zn. Heavy metal pollutions did exist in this region to a certain extent, and the percentage of potential ecological risk in “strong” and “severe” degree reached up to 13.75%. This composite risk characteristic was subject to the restriction of Hg and Cd mainly distributed in Laizhou-Zhaoyuan- Yantai, Muping-Rushan Goldmine, and other densely-populated regions, threatening the safety production of crops. The combined effects of geological background and human activities, e.g. gold mining and domestic pollutants, were the main causes of high potential ecological risks of heavy metals in local environment.

Beat-to-Beat Variability in Field Potential Duration in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Clusters for Assessment of Arrhythmogenic Risk, and a Case Study of Its Application

We established a QT interval assessment system that uses human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte clusters (hES-CMCs) in which the field potential duration (FPD) or corrected FPD (FPDc) was measured as an indicator of drug-induced QT interval prolongation. To investigate the applicability of the hES-CMC system to drug safety assessment, we investigated short-term variability in FPDc (STVFPDc) (beat rate rhythmicity) as a marker of torsadogenic risk. We investigated the FPDc and STVFPDc of hES-CMCs treated with hERG channel blockers (E-4031 or cisapride) or with our proprietary compounds X, Y, and Z. We also evaluated the electrocardiograms and hemodynamics of dogs treated with compound X, Y, or Z. The torsadogenic hERG channel blockers increased STVFPDc and prolonged FPDc. Compounds X, Y, and Z had hERG inhibitory activity. Compound X prolonged FPDc with increased STVFPDc, whereas compounds Y and Z tended to shorten FPDc in the hES-CMC system. In the in vivo canine study, compound X prolonged corrected QT (QTc), and compounds Y and Z tended to shorten QTc, showing a good correlation with the results in hES-CMCs. These findings suggest that combined assessment of FPDc and STVFPDc in the hES-CMC system increases the predictability of torsadogenic risk.

Rapid detection and risk assessment of soil contamination at lead smelting site based on machine learning

A general prediction model for seven heavy metals was established using the heavy metal contents of 207soil samples measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer(XRF)and six environmental factors as model correction coefficients.The eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost)model was used to fit the relationship between the content of heavy metals and environment characteristics to evaluate the soil ecological risk of the smelting site.The results demonstrated that the generalized prediction model developed for Pb,Cd,and As was highly accurate with fitted coefficients(R~2)values of 0.911,0.950,and 0.835,respectively.Topsoil presented the highest ecological risk,and there existed high potential ecological risk at some positions with different depths due to high mobility of Cd.Generally,the application of machine learning significantly increased the accuracy of pXRF measurements,and identified key environmental factors.The adapted potential ecological risk assessment emphasized the need to focus on Pb,Cd,and As in future site remediation efforts.

Contamination assessment,source apportionment and associated health risks of PTEs in agricultural soil under five land-use patterns in Sanya,China

To understand the levels of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)contamination in soils and their effects on human health from different agricultural land use in Sanya,China.128 soil samples(64 topsoil samples and corresponding subsoil samples)were collected from the five representative land-use patterns.Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),Atomic fluorescence spectrometry(AFS),and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES)were used to determine the content of PTEs(As,Cd,Hg,Cu,Cr,Ni,Pb,Zn,Co,Mo,Sb,and V).Correlation analysis and factor analysis were used to determine the source of PTEs.Geo-accumulation index(I_(geo)),hazard quotient(HQ),and total carcinogenic risk index(TR)were used to measure the PTEs contamination and its relative health impacts.Results showed that the average values of 12 PTEs in topsoil were higher than the Hainan soil geochemical baseline,showing different degrees of PTEs accumulation effect.The concentration of PTEs in the topsoil was lower than those in the subsoil except for Cd and Hg.The I_(geo)revealed that the major accumulated element in soils was As followed by Mo.Source apportionment suggested that parent materials and agricultural practices were the dominant factors for PTEs accumulation in the topsoil.Noncarcinogenic risks of soil samples from five land-use patterns presented a trend of paddy field>dry field>woodland>orchard>garden plot.However,the HQ values of 12 PTEs were less than the recommended limit of HQ=1,representing that there are no non-carcinogenic risks of PTEs for children and adults in the study area.The TR values are within 6.95×10^(-6)-1.38×10^(-5),which corresponds to the low level.Therefore the PTEs in the agricultural soil of the study area show little influence on the health status of the local population.

Heavy Metal Levels and Ecological Risk in Crude Oil-Contaminated Soils from Okpare-Olomu, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Crude oil spills have inflicted extensive disruption upon the Niger Delta ecosystem, resulting in crop loss and severe environmental damage. Such spills exacerbate heavy metal concentration within soil due to the presence of metallic ions. The Okpare-Olomu community has borne the brunt of crude oil pollution from illicit bunkering, sabotage, and equipment malfunction. This study targets an evaluation of ecological hazards linked to heavy metals (HMs) in crude oil impacted agriculturally soils within Okpare-Olomu in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. In this study, 24 topsoil samples were obtained from areas affected by crude oil pollution;the heavy metal content was evaluated through atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration ranges for HMs (mg/kg) in soil were: 24.1 - 23,174 (Cu);0.54 - 37.1 (Cd);9.05 - 54 (Cr);12 - 174 (Ni);18.5 - 8611 (Pb);and 148 - 9078 (Zn) at a soil depth of 0 - 15 cm. Notably, metal concentrations were recorded to be above permissible World Health Organization limits. Predominantly, Zn and Pb recorded higher heavy metal concentration when compared to other heavy metals analysed, notably at sampling points PT7 through PT24. Zinc and Pb contamination exhibited highly significant contamination factors, and contamination severity was evidenced across all sample points, signifying a grave risk level. Pollution load indices indicated pervasive extreme pollution levels. Geoaccumulation indices signaled moderate to strong pollution, mainly by Pb and Zn. Ecological risk assessments revealed variable levels of heavy metal contamination, from low to very high, with potential ecological risk reflecting markedly elevated levels. This study underscores the imperative for soil remediation to rectify ecological imbalances in agriculturally affected soil constituents.

Levels and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Longjiang Wetland in Binzhou City

Wetland is a unique habitat with great biodiversity and important ecological functions between land and water on the earth. With the irrational utilization of wetland resources, the ecological destruction and pollution of wetland are becoming more and more serious. To evaluate the pollution of heavy metals in the sediments of Longjiang Wetland in Binzhou City, chromium(Cr), copper(Cu), zinc(Zn), cadmium(Cd) and lead(Pb) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the sediments were 5.3–13.6, 5.6–15.0, 16.6–33.0, 0.1–0.4 and 7.9–24.9 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in Longjiang Wetland was lower than soil background values of Shandong Province and in lower level compared with those reported in sediments/soils of wetlands in some other locations. Based on geo-accumulation index(Igeo), Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb showed low levels of contamination at all stations, while Cd was observed at a moderate pollution degree. Potential ecological risk factor(E_r^i) and risk index(RI) values showed low ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments of the wetland.

Flood Risk Analysis and Flood Potential Losses Assessment

The heavy floods in the Taihu Basin showed increasing trend in recent years. In this work, a typical area in the northern Taihu Basin was selected for flood risk analysis and potential flood losses assessment. Human activities have strong impact on the study area’s flood situation (as affected by the polders built, deforestation, population increase, urbanization, etc.), and have made water level higher, flood duration shorter, and flood peaks sharper. Five years of different flood return periods [(1970), 5 (1962), 10 (1987), 20 (1954), 50 (1991)] were used to calculate the potential flood risk area and its losses. The potential flood risk map, economic losses, and flood-impacted population were also calculated. The study’s main conclusions are: 1) Human activities have strongly changed the natural flood situation in the study area, increasing runoff and flooding; 2) The flood risk area is closely related with the precipitation center; 3) Polder construction has successfully protected land from flood, shortened the flood duration, and elevated water level in rivers outside the polders; 4) Economic and social development have caused flood losses to increase in recent years.

Atmospheric deposition fluxes and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in Caohai Lake(Guizhou Province,China)

In this study,the sources of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)from atmospheric deposition in the waters of Guizhou’s Caohai Lake were investigated in addition to the potential risks to human health.Moss bags were used to enrich PTEs from atmospheric deposition,and eight monitoring sites that best represented geographic variation were established around Caohai Lake.Moss bags were collected and examined at every 3 months to identify spatiotemporal patterns of dry and wet atmospheric deposition of PTEs.Zn was the most abundant metal identified from deposition in Caohai(72.07%–95.94%),followed by Pb and Cd,while Hg was the least abundant(0.008%–0.354%).The contributions of wet deposition of PTEs were greater than those of dry deposition,and deposition during the heating season from December to April was greater than that between April to July.Hg was mainly derived from atmospheric dry deposition(65.38%–84.44%).Spatial distribution analysis indicated that atmospheric deposition was associated with the intensity of human activities and heating emissions.Exposure via hand-to-mouth contact accounted for over 99%of the total exposure risk although overall exposure was lower than threshold acceptable levels for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals,indicating an overall lack of risk towards human health.Nevertheless,the health risk from atmospheric deposition of PTEs in Caohai Lake may be reduced by focusing on Zn,Pb,and Cd deposition in rainfall and minimizing the hazards associated with hand-to-mouth exposure to PTEs.

Distribution, Mobility, and Health Risks Assessment of Trace Metals in River Sediments from Intense Agricultural Activity Areas in West Africa

The economy of West African countries is mainly based on agriculture. However, the trace metal(loid)s contamination status in rivers is relatively unknown in the region. In this work, 45 surface sediments collected from the Bandama, Comoé, and Bia Rivers in south and south eastern Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), were analyzed for total metal concentrations and chemical speciation. The results showed that the river sediments were considerably contaminated by Cd and moderately contaminated by As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Significant spatial variations were observed among the stations but not between the rivers. Metals Cd and Cu were likely to cause more ecological risks. The speciation analysis unravelled that the metal(loid)s partitioned mainly in the residual fraction, with the potential mobile fraction varying from 14% to 28%. The study calls for establishment of strict policies relative to the application of fertilizers and agrochemicals and mining activities to protect the environment and human health risks.

A Genetic Susceptibility Study of Lung Cancer Risk Potentially Associated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Inhalation Exposure

For lifetime non-smokers, lung cancer risk is mainly associated with inhalation exposure to air pollution. For the Chinese population, indoor air pollution due to solid fuel combustion has been the primary source of inhalation exposure for decades. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） are the by-products of incomplete combustion.

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2A6 is one of the potential factors determining tobacco-related cancer risk

While we studied pharmacokinetics of SM-12502 which was under development as an anti-PAF agent, we found three subjects showing a slow metabolic phenotype in its pharmacokinetics. Analyzing the genes for CYP2A6 from the three subjects, we discovered that the three subjects possessed the whole CYP2A6 gene deletion (CYP2A6*4C), a novel genetic polymorphism of the CYP2A6 gene. Genetically engineered Salmonella YG7108 cells expressing human CYP2A6 or CYP2E1 together with the NADPH-CYP reductase were established in our laboratory to compare the mutagen-producing capacity of these enzymes for various N-nitrosamines. We found that CYP2E1 was responsible for the metabolic activation of N-nitrosamines with relatively short alkyl chains, whereas CYP2A6 was involved in the metabolic activation of N-nitrosamines possessing relatively bulky alkyl chains such as a tobacco-specific nitrosamine, NNK, which has been known to cause lung tumor in rodents. Thus, to examine a hypothesis that individuals possessing the CYP2A6*4C have the reduced risk of lung cancer due to the lack of the capacity of the metabolic activation of certain carcinogens in tobacco smoke, a case-control study was performed.