Preparedness,knowledge,and perception of nursing students about climate change and its impact on human health in India

Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activities related to climate change,so that future nurses are empowered to become climate change advocates.

Ethics of Human Resources Management in the Cameroonian Health System, Medical Nomadism and the Ineffectiveness of the Fight against High Blood Pressure

Context/objectives: The fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a long-term undertaking, which requires available, motivated and well-managed human resources (HR). The administrative management of skills on both qualitative and quantitative levels is one of the essential functions of a health system. To better implement policies of fight against High Blood Pressure (HBP) and other chronic diseases, it is important to establish strategies to retain health personnel. This loyalty requires favorable working conditions and consideration of the contribution-reward couple. Good working conditions are likely to reduce the phenomenon of medical nomadism;conversely, poor HR management can contribute to their exodus towards exotic “green pastures”, thus leading to an additional crisis in the Cameroonian health system. The fight against HBP is a complex, multifaceted and multifactorial reality that requires appropriate management model for all types of resources mainly HR. The main objective of this research is to show the impact of poor management of human resources in Cameroon health system on medical nomadism and the ineffectiveness of the fight against High Blood Pressure. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey among five hundred (500) health facilities in the center region of Cameroon has been conducted. A stratified probabilistic technique has been used, and the number of health facilities to be surveyed has been determined using the “sample size estimation table” of Depelteau. The physical questionnaires have been printed and then distributed to data collectors. After data collection, the latter were grouped during processing in Excel sheets. The Chi-square test was used for data with a qualitative value and that of Kolmogorov-Sminorf for data with a quantitative value to assess the normality and reliability of data. The Crochach’s Alpha reliability test allowed us to have a summary of the means and variances and then to search for intragroup correlations between variables. Descriptive analysis was possible with the XLSTAT 2016 software. Results: 43.60% of Health Facilities (HF) managers were unqualified. 82.20% of HF managers have staff in a situation of professional insecurity. They are mainly contractual (49.00), decision-making agents (24.40%), casual agents (08.80). The proportion of unstable personnel is average of 22.00% and very unstable, 12.00%.

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).

Arsenic and fluoride co-enrichment of groundwater in the loess areas and associated human health risks:A case study of Dali County in the Guanzhong Basin

This study aims to reveal the occurrence and origin of typical groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area of the Guanzhong Basin—a Neogene faulted basin.Key findings are as follows:(1)Groundwater samples with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations collected from the loess area and the terraces of the Weihe River accounted for 26%and 30%,respectively,of the total samples,with primary hydrochemical type identified as HCO_(3)-Na.The karst and sand areas exhibit relatively high groundwater quality,serving as preferred sources for water supply.It is recommended that local governments fully harness groundwater in these areas;(2)groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area and the alluvial plain of rivers in Dali County is primarily distributed within the Guanzhong Basin,which represents the drainage zone of groundwater;(3)arsenic and fluoride in groundwater originate principally from natural and anthropogenic sources;(4)the human health risk assessments reveal that long-term intake of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations pose cancer or non-cancer risks,which are more serious to kids compared to adults.This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in loess areas.

A study on the cognitive status of human papillomavirus among adult males in Tianjin based on the health belief model

Background:To understand the health beliefs and knowledge of human papillomavirus among adult males in Tianjin.Methods:An online questionnaire survey was conducted from 18 January 2023 to 6 March 2023 using snowball sampling method.Analyze the health belief scores and human papillomavirus(HPV)and HPV vaccine knowledge scores of adult males in Tianjin,and analyze their influencing factors.Results:A total of 388 adult males in Tianjin were surveyed,with an average total score of 3.23±0.04 for their health beliefs.Among them,the average scores for perceived severity,perceived susceptibility,perceived impairment,perceived benefit,and self-efficacy were 3.41±1.05,2.37±1.20,2.96±1.00,3.51±0.90,and 3.36±1.08,respectively.Multiple linear regression analyses showed education was a factor influencing health beliefs.The average total score of knowledge is 64.09±15.62,with 277 people scoring above 60,and a pass rate of 71.4%.Through multiple linear regression analysis,education level,emotional status,whether disease testing has been done,and whether family and friends have been diagnosed with HPV positive are the main influencing factors.Conclusion:The awareness rate of HPV among adult males in Tianjin is still acceptable,but there are still misconceptions.The overall level of health beliefs is moderate,and the perceived susceptibility level is low.It is necessary to strengthen health education on HPV related knowledge for males and improve their cognitive level.

Development of Human Rights-Based Practices in Psychiatry from People Living with Mental Health Problems During Involuntary Hospitalization or Treatment - A Secondary Publication

This article presents the research protocol of an interpretative phenomenological study that aims to understand the lived experiences of coercion and human rights-based practices in psychiatry from the perspectives of people living with mental health problems during involuntary hospitalization or treatment.This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis design.In-depth,one-on-one interviews along with a socio-demographic questionnaire were conducted with approximately 10 participants.Data analysis was followed by an iterative and hermeneutic emergence coding process.By centering human rights-based practices on the lived experiences of people living with mental health problems who encountered coercion,this study highlighted the contributing and limiting factors to the recognition of human rights in nursing practices.This study also promoted the development of nursing knowledge and practices that can significantly contribute to an individual’s recovery process.

Epidemiological, laboratory, diagnostic and public health aspects of human brucellosis in western Iran

Objective:To determine brucellosis's epidemiologic,laboratory,diagnostic and public health features considering brucellosis is endemic in Azna County,western Iran.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was investigated on 43 patients with brucellosis in Azna County. The subjects were the patients with symptoms correspondent with brucellosis and positive Wright and 2ME tests. A questionnaire about demographic,epidemiological and laboratory findings was filled in. Afterwards,patients were treated using usual antimicrobial drugs regimen. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16.Results:Forty-three subjects were found to be positive in laboratory tests. Incidence of Brucellosis was 59.31 per hundred thousand population. About 34.9% of patients were female and 65.1%male. Nearly 95.2% of human cases were living in rural and 4.8%in urban areas. Around 20.9%of patients had history of animal contact. The commonest transmission was unpasteurized dairy products(79.1%). The most contagious seasons were summer and spring(60.3%). The most common age group was 15-24(27.9%),and about 60.5%of the patients were between 15-44 years old. Disease was more common among housewives(30.2%) and farmers(20.9%). The majority of the patients had Wright test titre=1:320(54.1%) and 2ME test titre=1:160(56.1%) in serological titration.Doxycycline with Rifampin was used for treatment of the greatest of patients(60.4%).Conclusions:In order to control this zoonotic disease,close cooperation of health and veterinary organizations is necessary.

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.

Accumulation of Nitrate in Vegetables and Its Possible Implications to Human Health

In recent times, there are two kinds of completely opposite viewpoints about the impacts of nitrate on human health. To further objectively understand the effects of nitrate on human health, both of harmfulness and possible benefits of nitrate to human body., it is discussed in this review from the aspects of nitrate accumulation in vegetables, the source of nitrate ingested into human body, and the transformation of nitrate in human body, as well as the pathogenesis and physiological functions of nitrate metabolism.

Health and Economic Impacts of Air Pollution in China: A Comparison of the General Equilibrium Approach and Human Capital Approach

In China, combustion of fossil fuels and biomass has produced serious air pollution that does harm to human health. Based on dose-response relationships derived from epidemiological studies, the authors calculated the number of deaths and people with health problems which were thought to be attributable to China＇s air pollution in the year of 2000. In order to estimate the corresponding economic impacts from the national point of view, the general equilibrium approach was selected as an analysis tool for this study. A computable general equilibrium （CGE） model was constructed involving 39 sectors and 32 commodities. The human capital approach （HCA） was also used for comparison. The economic burden of disease for people estimated by HCA was equivalent to 1.26‰ （ranging from 0.44‰ to 1.84‰） of China＇s gross domestic product （GDP）. China＇s GDP loss estimated by the general equilibrium approach reached 0.38‰ （ranging from 0.16‰ to 0.51‰）. The difference between the two approaches and the implications of the results were discussed.

One-step cell biomanufacturing platform:porous gelatin microcarrier beads promote human embryonic stem cell-derived midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell differentiation in vitro and survival after transplantation in vivo

Numerous studies have shown that cell replacement therapy can replenish lost cells and rebuild neural circuitry in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.Transplantation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells is a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease.However,transplanted cells can be injured by mechanical damage during handling and by changes in the transplantation niche.Here,we developed a one-step biomanufacturing platform that uses small-aperture gelatin microcarriers to produce beads carrying midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells.These beads allow midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell differentiation and cryopreservation without digestion,effectively maintaining axonal integrity in vitro.Importantly,midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell bead grafts showed increased survival and only mild immunoreactivity in vivo compared with suspended midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell grafts.Overall,our findings show that these midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell beads enhance the effectiveness of neuronal cell transplantation.

Microalgae:A potential alternative to health supplementation for humans

Microalgae has been consumed in human diet for thousands of years.It is an under-exploited crop for production of dietary foods.Microalgae cultivation does not compete with land and resources required for traditional crops and has a superior yield compared to terrestrial crops.Its high protein content has exhibited a huge potential to meet the dietary requirements of growing population.Apart from being a source of protein,presence of various bio-active components in microalgae provide an added health benefit.This review describes various microalgal sources of proteins and other bio-active components.One of the heavily studied group of bio-active components are pigments due to their anticarcenogenic,antioxidative and antihypertensive properties.Compared to various plant and floral species,microalgae contain higher amounts of pigments.Microalgal derived proteins have complete Essential Amino Acids(EAA)profiles and their protein content is higher than conventional sources such as meat,poultry and dairy products.However,microalgal based functional foods have not flooded the market.The lack of awareness coupled with scarce incentives for producers result in under-exploitation of microalgal potential.Application of microalgal derived components as dietary and nutraceutical supplements is discussed comprehensively.

Human Health Risk Assessment Model of Organic Pollution in Groundwater:Shijiazhuang Industrial Zone

In this study, a risk-based management model is developed and applied to an industrial zone. The models proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Han Bing have been improved by adding a residual ratio of volatile organic compounds （VOC） after boiling and deleting the related parameters in half-life. Using this improved model, an integrated process was used to assess human health risk level in the study area. Compared with water quality analysis, the results highlight the importance of applying an integrated approach for decision making on risk levels and water protection. The results of this study demonstrated that： （1） Compared with these permissible level standards in China （GB 3838-2002） and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations of the United States, the residents＇ daily life had not been affected by the groundwater in this area （except for relative bad water quality of HB3-4 and HB3-6）; （2） The typical detected organic contaminants of all groundwater samples were chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethene, and the pollution sources were mainly industrial sources by preliminary investigations; （3） As for groundwater, the non-carcinogenic risk values of all samples do not exceed the permissible level of 1.0 and the carcinogenic risk values are relatively lower than the permissible level of 1.00E-06 to 1.00E-04; （4） Drinking water pathway of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene mainly contribute to increasing the health risk of residents＇ in study areas; （5） In terms of non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk, the health risk order for drinking water pathway and dermal contact pathway was： drinking water pathway 〉 dermal contact pathway.

Influence of Probiotic Fermented Fruit and Vegetables on Human Health and the Related Industrial Development Trend

The paper briefly discusses the relationship between chronic diseases and gut health,and points out that an imbalance of intestinal microflora and an inadequate intake of dietary fiber are two important causes of chronic diseases.This paper also summarizes the research status of probiotic fermented fruit and vegetables,and discusses the main achievements of our group in this field and future developments of the related industry.The application of fermentation technology to fruit and vegetable processing and the development of a series of probiotic fermented fruit and vegetable products not only increase the added value of fruit and vegetables,but also organically combine probiotics and their active metabolites with prebiotics(dietary fiber,etc.),thereby promoting intestinal health as well as preventing and relieving chronic diseases.Fermentation technology provides a new approach to the study of the effect of probiotics on human health,and will have a revolutionary influence on probiotic application and on the fruit and vegetable processing industry.Thus,fruit and vegetable fermentation technology has excellent market potential.

Effects of dietary fiber on human health

Dietary fiber(DF)is believed to provide important health benefits and it has become a research hotspot.DF exists in most natural foods,including fruits(16.74%-91.24%),vegetables(6.53%-85.19%),grains(9.76%-69.20%)and so on.DF has different physicochemical properties such as water holding capacity(WHC)(2.01-25.03 g/g),water swelling capacity(WSC)(0.95-23.90 mL/g),oil holding capacity(OHC)(0.65-29.00 g/g),glucose adsorption capacity(GAC)(0.17-4.65 mmol/g),cholesterol adsorption capacity(CAC)(0.03-37.10 mg/g)and viscosity,which make it exhibits different physiological functions such as reducing the risk of obesity,diabetes,cancer,and intestinal diseases.On the basis of consulting related databases,the physicochemical properties of DF and its derived physiological functions are reviewed.It is found that DF has effect on the prevention and treatment of obesity due to good WHC,WSC,OHC and CAC.Good GAC can relieve the symptoms of diabetes.The physicochemical properties of WHC and WSC can reduce the risk of cancer.The WHC,WSC and viscosity are beneficial to intestinal health.

Spatial Distribution and Potential Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater from Mbour-Fatick Area, Western Central Senegal

This study aims to delineate the spatial distribution of nitrate and fluoride in groundwater and to estimate the non-carcinogenic risks using the human health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Forty-two samples were collected from wells and boreholes and analyzed for nitrate, fluoride and other water quality parameters. Results of the study indicate that fluoride and nitrate concentrations vary respectively from 0.13 to 9.41 mg·L−1 and from 0.13 to 432.24 mg·L−1 with respective median values of 2.65 and 13.85. About 69% of groundwater samples exceed the allowable limit (1.5 mg·L−1) of fluoride for drinking water. Spatial distribution of fluoride shows high concentrations in certain localities with values ranging from 6.74 mg·L−1 to 9.41 mg·L−1. The spatial distribution of nitrate indicates that the majority of water samples (87.18%) have nitrate concentrations lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard guideline value of 50 mg·L−1. Assessment of non-carcinogenic risks associated with intake of polluted groundwater in local populations indicates that 82.05% and 87.18% of groundwater samples have a THI > 1 in adults and children, respectively. However, the highest THI value (15.87) was recorded for children suggesting that children face greater non-carcinogenic risks than adults. The results of this study can be used as a support by the policymakers and practitioners to develop appropriate policies for effective and sustainable groundwater management and to monitor human health implications.

Arsenic Accumulation in Rice:Sources,Human Health Impact and Probable Mitigation Approaches

The human body loading with arsenic(As)through rice consumption is a global health concern.There is a crucial need to limit As build-up in rice,either by remediating As accumulation in soils or reducing As levels in irrigation water.Several conventional approaches have been utilized to alleviate the As accumulation in rice.However,except for some irrigation practices,those approaches success and the adoption rate are not remarkable.This review presents human health risks posed due to consumption of As contaminated rice,evaluates different biomarkers for tracing As loading in the human body,and discusses the latest advancement in As reducing technologies emphasizing the application of seed priming,nanotechnology,and biochar application for limiting As loading in rice grains.We also evaluate different irrigation techniques to reduce As accumulation in rice.Altering water management regimes significantly reduces grain As accumulation.Bio-and nano-priming of rice seeds improve germination and minimize As translocation in rice tissues by protecting cell membrane,building pool around seed coat,methylation and volatilization,or quenching harmful effects of reactive oxygen species.Nanoparticle application in the form of nano-adsorbents or nano-fertilizers facilitates nano-remediation of As through the formation of Fe plaque or sorption or oxidation process.Incorporating biochar in the rice fields significantly reduces As through immobilization,physical adsorption,or surface complexation.In conclusion,As content in cooked rice depends on irrigation source and raw rice As level.

Environmental influence in the forested area toward human health: incorporating the ecological environment into art psychotherapy

This study on the development of a psychotherapy program based on the relationship between forests and human health focused on actively considering the natural ecological environment. This study categorized and compared an art psychotherapy program that simply moved to an outdoor space and a forest-art therapy program that actively utilized the forest environment as a medium. The characteristics of the natural environment, such as openness, change, and diversity, shortened the amount of time participants took to develop a rapport and open up and played a vital role in recovering mental health. After a bold attempt at integrating forest environment and art psychotherapy by going beyond outdoor art therapy, there were significant results pertaining to improvements in mental disorders in today’s society, including stress vulnerabilities, depression, anxiety, and aggression. The research results verified that the developed forest-art therapy method had greater efficacy in relation to both the Stress Vulnerability-Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale and the Stress Vulnerability-Self-Regulation Scale.

Effectiveness of onsite and online education in enhancing knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus pre-and postexposure prophylaxis

BACKGROUND Enhancing awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP)and postexposure prophylaxis(PEP)is vital to curb human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)spread.High-risk behaviors prevalent among sexually transmitted infection clinic outpatients underscore the need for increased PrEP/PEP education in this group.AIM To investigate the effects of both onsite and online health education on the knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP and PEP among individuals receiving PEP services.METHODS Participants were drawn from a cohort study on PEP service intervention at an STD/AIDS outpatient clinic in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals in Beijing,conducted from January 1 to June 30,2022.Health education was provided both onsite and online during follow-up.Surveys assessing knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP/PEP were administered at baseline and again at 24 wk post-intervention.RESULTS A total of 112 participants were enrolled in the study;105 completed the follow-up at week 24.The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP significantly increased from 65.2%and 69.6%at baseline to 83.8%and 82.9%at the end of the intervention(both P<0.05).Similarly,those with adequate knowledge of,and willingness to use,PEP increased from 74.1%and 77.7%at baseline to 92.4%and 89.5%at week 24(P<0.05).Being between 31 years and 40 years of age,having a postgraduate degree or higher,and reporting a monthly expenditure of RMB 5000 or more were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of PrEP and PEP(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION The findings show that both onsite and online health education significantly improved the knowledge of,and increased willingness to use,PrEP and PEP in individuals utilizing PEP services.

Influence of Space Environments in System Physiologic and Molecular Integrity: Redefining the Concept of Human Health beyond the Boundary Conditions of Earth

Space travel since the 1960s has led to a number of physiological alterations to homeostasis in astronauts. Extensive variation in the pattern of responses observed has led a concerted effort to develop countermeasures to overcome such changes and restore homeostasis, and thus “health” is defined as more “Earth-like”. These adaptations to a space environment by a species which evolved and normally exists in the 1 g environment, the geomagnetic field, and background radiation of Earth are viewed as threats to health as defined by the conditions of Earth. Exposure to space can lead to alterations in genomic stability and epigenetic signatures, alterations which could redefine “health” and responses to risks for loss of health for those who will return to Earth. In contrast, in the future individuals born in non-Earth space environments will likely develop an integrated metabolic set point defined by those conditions. They will thus be shaped by both the local environments, and space-associated genomic/epigenomic alterations to their parents. Therefore, such an altered set point for those born and raised in non-Earth space environments will potentially have physiological and molecular consequences which may lead to either new evolutionary adaptation, or to compromise of long term health due to drastically altered set points for integrated physiologic function which is at odds with the evolutionary history of humans. The implications of the two options will be critical for defining “health” in altered environments encountered during space ventures, as well as providing insights into the regulation of human integrity at the physiological level. Therefore, the definition of “health” is dependent on the boundary conditions surrounding development and maturation, and is a dynamic concept.