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Health Promotion International Jun 2024The health promotion literature that considers how scientific evidence can be effectively communicated tends to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of communication... (Review)
Review
The health promotion literature that considers how scientific evidence can be effectively communicated tends to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of communication materials. This has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding effective knowledge translation processes. This study explores the process, reasoning and practices for developing books for children that incorporate evidence-based information to aid understanding of scientific evidence about health and environmental or natural disasters. This study is informed by a systematic review of the literature combined with responses to an email interview with authors of books for children. Nine published studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-two authors responded to the email survey (25% response rate, following 86 invitations). We report seven key findings to guide the development of health-promoting books for children: (i) understand the needs and expectations of the audience, (ii) articulate the topic and research evidence, (iii) assemble a team with a mix of content knowledge and creative expertise, (iv) format should be chosen to suit the user group and guided by the creative team, (v) early testing with children and their support system is crucial, (vi) develop a dissemination strategy to reach the user group and (vii) engage in reflexivity through evaluation of effectiveness of messaging. The current investigation can guide the process, reasoning and practice of developing books for children that incorporate evidence about health and environmental disasters.
Topics: Humans; Child; Books; Health Promotion; Research Personnel; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 38722020
DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae035 -
BMJ Open May 2024Incomplete combustion of solid fuel and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) are the primary causes of indoor air pollution (IAP), potentially leading to detrimental... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Incomplete combustion of solid fuel and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) are the primary causes of indoor air pollution (IAP), potentially leading to detrimental effects on individual mental health. However, current evidence regarding the association between IAP and depression remains inconclusive. This study aims to systematically investigate the evidence regarding the association between IAP and the risk of depression.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
DATA SOURCES
Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE for available studies published up to 13 January 2024.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included all cohort studies published in English that aimed to explore the relationship between IAP from solid fuel use and SHS exposure and the risk of depression.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The association between IAP and depression was calculated using pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I value, and the effect estimates were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models depending on the results of homogeneity analysis.
RESULTS
We included 12 articles with data from 61 217 participants. The overall findings demonstrated a significant association between IAP exposure and depression (RR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.31), although with substantial heterogeneity (I=75%). Subgroup analyses based on pollutant type revealed that IAP from solid fuel use was associated with a higher risk of depression (RR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.26; I=62%; 5 studies, 36 768 participants) than that from SHS exposure (RR1.11, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.41; I=80%; 7 studies, 24 449 participants). In terms of fuel use, the use of solid fuel for cooking (RR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.31; I=58%; 4 studies, 34 044 participants) and heating (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.27; I=65%; 3 studies, 24 874 participants) was associated with increased depression risk.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies indicated an association between exposure to IAP and depression.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022383285.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollution, Indoor; Depression; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Cohort Studies; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38719299
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075105 -
BMJ Open May 2024Climate change is a major global issue with significant consequences, including effects on air quality and human well-being. This review investigated the projection of...
OBJECTIVES
Climate change is a major global issue with significant consequences, including effects on air quality and human well-being. This review investigated the projection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributable to air pollution under different climate change scenarios.
DESIGN
This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. A population-exposure-outcome framework was established. Population referred to the general global population of all ages, the exposure of interest was air pollution and its projection, and the outcome was the occurrence of NCDs attributable to air pollution and burden of disease (BoD) based on the health indices of mortality, morbidity, disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost and years lived with disability.
DATA SOURCES
The Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE and EBSCOhost databases were searched for articles published from 2005 to 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
The eligible articles were evaluated using the modified scale of a checklist for assessing the quality of ecological studies.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers searched, screened and selected the included studies independently using standardised methods. The risk of bias was assessed using the modified scale of a checklist for ecological studies. The results were summarised based on the projection of the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution.
RESULTS
This review included 11 studies from various countries. Most studies specifically investigated various air pollutants, specifically particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM), nitrogen oxides and ozone. The studies used coupled-air quality and climate modelling approaches, and mainly projected health effects using the concentration-response function model. The NCDs attributable to air pollution included cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease, stroke, ischaemic heart disease, coronary heart disease and lower respiratory infections. Notably, the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution was projected to decrease in a scenario that promotes reduced air pollution, carbon emissions and land use and sustainable socioeconomics. Contrastingly, the BoD of NCDs was projected to increase in a scenario involving increasing population numbers, social deprivation and an ageing population.
CONCLUSION
The included studies widely reported increased premature mortality, CVD and respiratory disease attributable to PM. Future NCD projection studies should consider emission and population changes in projecting the BoD of NCDs attributable to air pollution in the climate change era.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023435288.
Topics: Humans; Noncommunicable Diseases; Air Pollution; Climate Change; Environmental Exposure; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Disability-Adjusted Life Years
PubMed: 38719294
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079826 -
Journal of Applied Biomaterials &... 2024Despite the development of implant-supported prostheses, there are still patients for whom conservative treatments such as resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs)... (Review)
Review
Despite the development of implant-supported prostheses, there are still patients for whom conservative treatments such as resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) are more appropriate. This study's objective was to analyze the available research on full-ceramic RBFDPs. In this study, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published in English between 2010 and 2020. A total of 14 studies were reviewed based on the eligibility criteria. The results showed that using a cantilever design with one abutment had an advantage over two abutments. Additionally, it was proposed that preparations designed with retentive aids, such as a proximal box, groove, and pinhole, could improve RBFDP survival rates. IPS e.max ZirCAD, In-Ceram alumina, and zirconia CAD/CAM were the most commonly used framework materials. Most studies used air abrasion, salinization, or hydrofluoric acid for surface treatment. Adhesive resin cements were the most frequently used type of cement. The survival rate of In-Ceram ceramics (85.3%-94.8%) was lower than that of In-Ceram zirconia and IPS e.max ZirCAD. Debonding, followed by framework fracture, was the leading cause of failure. Following 3-10 years follow-up, the survival percentage of all-ceramic RBFDPs ranged from 76% to 100%. Although RBFDPs have demonstrated satisfactory success as a conservative treatment, long-term follow-ups and higher sample sizes in clinical research are required to gain more reliable outcomes on the clinical success rate of various RBFDP designs.
Topics: Humans; Ceramics; Resin Cements; Dental Porcelain; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; Denture, Partial, Fixed, Resin-Bonded; Zirconium
PubMed: 38706266
DOI: 10.1177/22808000241250118 -
Globalization and Health May 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are estimated to be the leading cause of global death. Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to public health worldwide. It is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are estimated to be the leading cause of global death. Air pollution is the biggest environmental threat to public health worldwide. It is considered a potentially modifiable environmental risk factor for CVDs because it can be prevented by adopting the right national and international policies. The present study was conducted to synthesize the results of existing studies on the burden of CVDs attributed to air pollution, namely prevalence, hospitalization, disability, mortality, and cost characteristics.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify studies, without time limitations, up to June 13, 2023. Exclusion criteria included prenatal exposure, exposure to indoor air pollution, review studies, conferences, books, letters to editors, and animal and laboratory studies. The quality of the articles was evaluated based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Assessment Form, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and Drummond Criteria using a self-established scale. The articles that achieved categories A and B were included in the study.
RESULTS
Of the 566 studies obtained, based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 92 studies were defined as eligible in the present systematic review. The results of these investigations supported that chronic exposure to various concentrations of air pollutants, increased the prevalence, hospitalization, disability, mortality, and costs of CVDs attributed to air pollution, even at relatively low levels. According to the results, the main pollutant investigated closely associated with hypertension was PM. Furthermore, the global DALY related to stroke during 2016-2019 has increased by 1.8 times and hospitalization related to CVDs in 2023 has increased by 8.5 times compared to 2014.
CONCLUSION
Ambient air pollution is an underestimated but significant and modifiable contributor to CVDs burden and public health costs. This should not only be considered an environmental problem but also as an important risk factor for a significant increase in CVD cases and mortality. The findings of the systematic review highlighted the opportunity to apply more preventive measures in the public health sector to reduce the footprint of CVDs in human society.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Air Pollution; Cost of Illness; Environmental Exposure; Hospitalization; Prevalence
PubMed: 38702798
DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01040-0 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Jan 2024Influenza is the first infectious disease that implements global monitoring and is one of the major public health issues in the world. Air pollutants have become an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Influenza is the first infectious disease that implements global monitoring and is one of the major public health issues in the world. Air pollutants have become an important global public health issue, in recent years, and much epidemiological and clinical evidence has shown that air pollutants are associated with respiratory diseases.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched articles published up to 15 November 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Database of Chinese sci-tech periodicals, and Wanfang Database. The search strategies were based on keyword combinations related to influenza and air pollutants. The air pollutants included particulate matter (PM, PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O). Meta-analysis was performed using the R programming language (R4.2.1).
RESULTS
A total of 2926 records were identified and 1220 duplicates were excluded. Finally, 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We observed a significant association between partial air pollutants (PM, NO, PM and SO) and the incidence risk of influenza. The RRs were 1.0221 (95% CI: 1.0093~1.0352), 1.0395 (95% CI: 1.0131~1.0666), 1.007 (95% CI: 1.0009~1.0132), and 1.0352 (95% CI. 1.0076~1.0635), respectively. However, there was no significant relationship between CO and O exposure and influenza, and the RRs were 1.2272 (95% CI: 0.9253~1.6275) and 1.0045 (95% CI: 0.9930~1.0160), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to PM, NO, PM, and SO was significantly associated with influenza, which may be risk factors for influenza. The association of CO and O with influenza needs further investigation.
PubMed: 38694869
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14678 -
PloS One 2024Air pollution has several negative health effects. Particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant that is often linked to health adversities. PM2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Air pollution has several negative health effects. Particulate matter (PM) is a pollutant that is often linked to health adversities. PM2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5μm) exposure has been associated with negative cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. However, the impact of PM10 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10μm) exposure is often overlooked due to its limited ability to pass the alveolar barrier. This study aims to assess the association between PM10 exposure and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) amongst adults (≥18 years of age) as this has been poorly studied.
METHODS
The study protocol was published on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023409796) on March 31, 2023. Literature searches were conducted on 4 databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Web of Science) on January 17, 2023, for studies looking at associations between PM and MI. English studies from all time periods were assessed. Studies selected for review were time-series, case-crossover, and cohort studies which investigated the risk of MI as an outcome upon PM10 exposure. The quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane's Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data for different risk outcomes (risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR)) and 3 lags was meta-analyzed using an inverse variance statistical analysis using a random effects model. The pooled effect sizes and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported in forest plots.
RESULTS
Among the 1,099 studies identified, 41 were included for review and 23 were deemed eligible for meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that there is an increased risk (OR = 1.01; 95% CI:1.00-1.02) of MI with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 after a lag 0 and lag 1 delay.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that PM10 exposure is associated with an increased risk of MI. This can aid in informing environmental policy-making, personal-level preventative measures, and global public health action.
Topics: Myocardial Infarction; Humans; Particulate Matter; Environmental Exposure; Adult; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38691568
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301374 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Apr 2024There is insufficient systematized evidence on the effectiveness of individual intranasal medications in allergic rhinitis (AR).
BACKGROUND
There is insufficient systematized evidence on the effectiveness of individual intranasal medications in allergic rhinitis (AR).
OBJECTIVES
We sought to perform a systematic review to compare the efficacy of individual intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines against placebo in improving the nasal and ocular symptoms and the rhinoconjunctivitis-related quality of life of patients with perennial or seasonal AR.
METHODS
The investigators searched 4 electronic bibliographic databases and 3 clinical trials databases for randomized controlled trials (1) assessing adult patients with seasonal or perennial AR and (2) comparing the use of intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines versus placebo. Assessed outcomes included the Total Nasal Symptom Score, the Total Ocular Symptom Score, and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. The investigators performed random-effects meta-analyses of mean differences for each medication and outcome. The investigators assessed evidence certainty using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.
RESULTS
This review included 151 primary studies, most of which assessed patients with seasonal AR and displayed unclear or high risk of bias. Both in perennial and seasonal AR, most assessed treatments were more effective than placebo. In seasonal AR, azelastine-fluticasone, fluticasone furoate, and fluticasone propionate were the medications with the highest probability of resulting in moderate or large improvements in the Total Nasal Symptom Score and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Azelastine-fluticasone displayed the highest probability of resulting in moderate or large improvements of Total Ocular Symptom Score. Overall, evidence certainty was considered "high" in 6 of 46 analyses, "moderate" in 23 of 46 analyses, and "low"/"very low" in 17 of 46 analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Most intranasal medications are effective in improving rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. However, there are relevant differences in the associated evidence certainty.
PubMed: 38685482
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.04.016 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods... (Review)
Review
Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods in examining airborne bacteria and fungi in healthcare facilities. In January 2024, a comprehensive electronic search was carried out in esteemed databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing carefully selected keywords such as ((bacteria) OR (virus) OR (fungi)) AND (aerosol) AND ((hospital) OR (healthcare) OR (dental office)) AND ((molecular) OR (PCR) OR (NGS) OR (RNA) OR (DNA) OR (metagenomic) OR (microarray)), following the PRISMA protocol. The review specifically targets healthcare environments with elevated concentrations of pathogenic bacteria. A total of 487 articles were initially identified, but only 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The study disclosed that the prevalent molecular methodology for appraising aerosol quality encompassed the utilization of the PCR method, incorporating either 16S rRNA (bacteria) or 18S rRNA (fungi) amplification techniques. Notably, five diverse molecular techniques, specifically PFGE, DGGE, SBT, LAMP, and DNA hybridization methods, were implemented in five distinct studies. These molecular tests exhibited superior capabilities compared to traditional bacterial and fungal cultures, providing precise strain identification. Additionally, the molecular methods allowed the detection of gene sequences associated with antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, molecular testing offers significant advantages over classical microbiological culture, providing more comprehensive information.
Topics: Fungi; Aerosols; Bacteria; Air Microbiology; Humans; Health Facilities
PubMed: 38673740
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084154 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024(1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of bone bruises in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of bone bruises in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the location of the bruises relative to the tibia and femur. Understanding the relative positions of these bone bruises could enhance our comprehension of the knee loading patterns that occur during an ACL injury. (2) Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies that evaluated the presence of bone bruises following ACL injuries. Study selection, data extraction, and a systematic review were performed. (3) Results: Bone bruises were observed in 3207 cases (82.8%) at the lateral tibia plateau (LTP), 1608 cases (41.5%) at the medial tibia plateau (MTP), 2765 cases (71.4%) at the lateral femoral condyle (LFC), and 1257 cases (32.4%) at the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Of the 30 studies, 11 were able to assess the anterior to posterior direction. The posterior LTP and center LFC were the most common areas of bone bruises. Among the 30 studies, 14 documented bone bruises across all four sites (LTP, MTP, LFC, and MFC). The most common pattern was bone bruises appearing at the LTP and LFC. (4) Conclusions: The most frequently observed pattern of bone bruises was restricted to the lateral aspects of both the tibia and femur. In cases where bone bruises were present on both the lateral and medial sides, those on the lateral side exhibited greater severity. The positioning of bone bruises along the front-back axis indicated a forward shift of the tibia in relation to the femur during ACL injuries.
PubMed: 38671817
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040396