Advances in research on relationship between indoor artificial light at night and human health / 环境与职业医学

With the acceleration of global urbanization, the intensity and coverage of artificial light at night (ALAN) are increasing, and its service duration is obviously prolonged. ALAN exposure is not only related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular, metabolic, sleep, myopia, and mental diseases, but also may induce cancer. Previous studies have focused on the health effects of outdoor ALAN, but people spend more than 80% of their lives indoors, hence it is of great significance to understand the relationship between indoor ALAN and population health to create a healthy indoor environment and protect the health of the population.

Aeroallergen sensitization patterns among patients with chronic rhinitis with or without concomitant asthma

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the differences in the pattern of allergen sensitization in CR individuals without or with asthma, according to asthma severity. Methods A total of 1066 adults were evaluated. Asthma and chronic⁄allergic rhinits were identified by specialists, questionnaries and skin-prick test. The phenotypic characterization was avaliable from skin-prick test to an aeroallergen extended panel, total IgE and pulmonary function. Using questionnaires and clinical evaluation, participants were classified into the groups: chronic rhinitis alone (CRA) and chronic rhinitis + asthma, the latter subdivided into CR + mild asthma (CRMA) and CR + moderate to severe asthma (CRMSA). Aerollergen sensitization was defined by a positive prick test to one or more allergens associated with nasal symptoms and/or asthma. The association between CR and asthma was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. The evidence of effect modification of pattern of sensitization in CR on the association with asthma severity and outcomes was examined by introducing interactions terms in the logistic regression models adjusting for confounders. Results Frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens was higher in association with asthma in comparison to CRA (CRMA 70.4%; CRMSA 65.0%; CRA 47.0%; p= 0.000). Similarly, the presence of asthma was associated to aeroallergen multiple sensitization (51.5%) (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27-3.50). Additionally, the sensitization to mites, cockroaches, animal epithelium, grasses, and molds, were higher in asthma (56.8%, 24.3%, 12%, 7.13% and 10.3%, respectively). Sensitization to Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum and dog epithelium was exclusive in asthma groups. A concomitant asthma diagnosis was directly associated with a positive allergen sensitization at least one allergen (62.7%, OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.80-3.34) and polissensitization (51.5%, OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27-3.50). Conclusion Asthma is associated with multiple allergen sensitization among patients with CR. Some unique profiles of aeroallergen sensitization were observed in patients with CR and asthma. Nevertheless, no difference was found in the sensitization in relation to asthma severity, which suggest atopy is not the main underlying mechanism for asthma severity among patients with CR. Level of evidence: Level 3.

Culturable microbiological profile of a non-sterile drugs pharmaceutical production environment

Abstract For places where non-sterile drug production occurs, regulatory bodies recommend monitoring of the environmental bioburden. This procedure provides information regarding possible microbiological risks to which the products may be exposed, so that subsequent action measures may be implemented. The aim of the present work was to quantify and characterize the microorganisms present in Grade D (ISO 8) cleanrooms of a Brazilian pharmaceutical industry, identifying any possible seasonal climatic influences on these environments. Sampling was performed by surface and air monitoring, over 12 months during the year 2019, in rooms that were in operation. For both sampling methods, no statistically significant differences in bacteria and fungi counts were found between months or seasonal periods. Microorganisms that presented higher incidence included Staphylococcus epidermidis (15%) and Micrococcus spp. (13%), common to the human microbiota, and the fungi Cladosporium sp. (23%) and Penicillium sp. (21%), typical of the external environment. The results showed that microbial contamination in the Grade D cleanrooms was within the permissible maximum levels and remained similar throughout the year. Microbiological quality control in the clean areas of the pharmaceutical industry investigated was considered effective, with regular maintenance being necessary to keep bioburden levels controlled.

To Study the Effect of Interventions to Reduce the Indoor Air Pollution in Asthmatic Children of Rural India

Background: Around 2.6 billion people cook their food using biomass fuel (BMF), kerosene oil, and coal fuel, by which each year, 4 million people die prematurely from household air pollution or by this inefficient cooking practices. So, this study was planned to measure the effect of interventions of cooking fuel (BMF to LPG) to reduce the indoor air pollution in asthmatic children of rural India. Methods: Prospective observational study was done by door-to-door survey, among school-age children. Households of asthmatic children were encouraged to change their cooking fuel to more secure and were followed up for a period of 9 months. The intervention was in the form of a change of cooking fuel (from BMF to LPG) and proper education. The levels of indoor pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) were measured before and after 3 months of follow-up. Result: A total of 56 asthmatic children from 42 households were followed-up for the following 9 months at every 3 months visit. The mean age was 9.27 ± 3.94 years with an equivalent sex ratio. There was at least one smoker in 73.81% of households of asthmatic children. Nearly, 45% of children were living in 101–500 square yard area and 67.86% with the inhabitation of ? 3/room. The level of all particulate matter decreased significantly at 3 months (p < 0.05). At 3, 6, 9 months of follow-up, respiratory symptoms and morbidity significantly diminished. Conclusion: The change in cooking fuel to more secure was found to be one of the factors decreasing indoor pollutants and respiratory symptoms/morbidity among asthmatic children in rural areas.

Glucometric Guardianship

This communication conceptualizes, defines and describes glucometric guardianship, as a means of ensuring optimal glycemic management. We define glucometric guardianship as the process of ensuring appropriate measurement, monitoring and analysis of glucose levels, so as to ensure alertness in glycemic management, and agility in anticipating and detecting suboptimal glycemic parameters, and responding to them. This paper hopes to draw attention to the need for glucometric science, encourage debate and discussion and facilitate research on the topic.

Investigation and analysis of indoor radon concentration of urban residents in Shiyan, China / 中国辐射卫生

@#<b>Objective</b> To monitor the indoor radon concentration of urban residents in Shiyan, China, and to analyze the related influencing factors. <b>Methods</b> From April to July, 2019, RSKS standard detectors were used to measure the indoor radon concentration of 125 households in Shiyan, and the results were analyzed. <b>Results</b> The indoor radon concentration of residents in Shiyan showed a skewed distribution, ranging from 13.8 to 145 Bq/m³, and <i>M</i> (<i>P</i>₂₅,<i>P</i>₇₅) was 38.3 (29.0,62.0) Bq/m³. The estimated annual effective dose of radon and radon daughters from inhalation was 0.52-5.50 mSv, and <i>M</i> (<i>P</i>₂₅,<i>P</i>₇₅) was 1.45 (1.10, 2.36) mSv, which was consistent with literature. Building structure (<i>H</i> = 14.10, <i>P</i> < 0.001), floor (<i>H</i> = 24.41, <i>P</i> < 0.001), and geographical region (<i>H</i> = 8.963, <i>P</i> < 0.05) were influencing factors of indoor radon concentration, and the differences were significant. <b>Conclusion</b> The indoor radon concentration of urban residents in Shiyan is lower than the national standard limit. However, in daily life, it is still necessary to take appropriate measures to reduce the concentration of indoor radon as much as possible.

Fipronil and its metabolites in indoor dust in Shenzhen in 2020 -2021: analysis of residual levels and temporal variations / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the residual level of FPMs in indoor dust samples in Shenzhen from 2020 and 2021, and to analyze its temporal distribution characteristics. Methods In the present study, indoor dust samples (n=193) from residential buildings in Shenzhen. were collected to analyze the temporal variation characteristics of FPMs. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine the concentrations of FP and its four major metabolites (fipronil-sulfone, fipronil-sulfide, fipronil-desulfinyl, and fipronil-amide; abbreviated as FP-SFO, FP-SFI, FP-DES, and FP-AM) in the samples. The sum of the concentrations of FP and its four metabolites was represented as additive mass concentration (ΣFPMs). Additionaly, Wilcoxon test was performed to determine the temporal distribution differences of FPMs’ concentrations. Results From 2020 to 2021, the concentration of ΣFPMs for the in door dust samples in Shenzhen ranged from 0.51 to 4 415 ng/g (median: 18.8ng/g). FP, FP-SFO AND FP-SFI were the major target analytes in the sample with detection rates of 90.60%，86.20% and 75.40%, respectively. The detection rates of other metabolites were low (≤ 44.3%). Analysis of the temporal variation trend of FPMs’ concentrations showed that there was no significant difference in the levels of ΣFPMs between warm season（spring and summer）and cold season（autumn and winter）in the indoor dust samples from 2020 to 2021(2.38 vs 2.84ng/g , P > 0.05). However , the concentrations of FP-SFI and ΣFPMs in the indoor dust samples collected from 2021 showed an significantly increasing trend compared with 2020（1.02 vs 1.89 , 17.80vs. 20.10 ng/g , P < 0.05). Conclusion From 2020 to 2021 , the detection level of FPMs in indoor dust in Shenzhen is relatively high and shows an upward trend , with no obvious seasonal difference. However, whether the residual level of FPMs in indoor dust poses a risk to human health needs further study.

Associations between indoor volatile organic compounds and nocturnal heart rate variability of young female adults: A panel study / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the association between short-term exposure to indoor total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) among young female adults.@*METHODS@#This panel study recruited 50 young females from one university in Beijing, China from December 2021 to April 2022. All the participants underwent two sequential visits. During each visit, real time indoor TVOC concentration was monitored using an indoor air quality detector. The real time levels of indoor temperature, relative humidity, noise, carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter were monitored using a temperature and humidity meter, a noise meter, a carbon dioxide meter and a particulate counter, respectively. HRV parameters were measured using a 12-lead Holter. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association between the TVOC and HRV parameters and establish the exposure-response relationships, and two-pollutant models were applied to examine the robustness of the results.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of the 50 female subjects was (22.5±2.3) years, and the mean body mass index was (20.4±1.9) kg/m2. During this study, the median (interquartile range) of indoor TVOC concentrations was 0.069 (0.046) mg/m3, the median (interquartile range) of indoor temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, noise level and fine particulate matter concentration were 24.3 (2.7) ℃, 38.5% (15.0%), 0.1% (0.1%), 52.7 (5.8) dB(A) and 10.3 (21.5) μg/m3, respectively. Short-term exposure to indoor TVOC was associated with significant changes in time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters, and the exposure metric for most HRV parameters with the most significant changes was 1 h-moving average. Along with a 0.01 mg/m3 increment in 1 h-moving average concentration of indoor TVOC, this study observed decreases of 1.89% (95%CI: -2.28%, -1.50%) in standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals (SDNN), 1.92% (95%CI: -2.32%, -1.51%) in standard deviation of average normal to normal intervals (SDANN), 0.64% (95%CI: -1.13%, -0.14%) in percentage of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50), 3.52% (95%CI: -4.30%, -2.74%) in total power (TP), 5.01% (95%CI: -6.21%, -3.79%) in very low frequency (VLF) power, and 4.36% (95%CI: -5.16%, -3.55%) in low frequency (LF) power. The exposure-response curves showed that indoor TVOC was negatively correlated with SDNN, SDANN, TP, and VLF when the concentration exceeded 0.1 mg/m3. The two-pollutant models indicated that the results were generally robust after controlling indoor noise and fine particulate matter.@*CONCLUSION@#Short-term exposure to indoor TVOC was associated with significant negative changes in nocturnal HRV of young women. This study provides an important scientific basis for relevant prevention and control measures.

The incidence of artificial stone-related silicosis among interior decoration workers in different countries / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

In this paper, 177 cases of artificial stone-related silicosis in interior decoration workers from Israel, Spain, USA, Italy and Australia were analyzed. Interior decoration workers were from small businesses (or workshops), engaged in kitchen and/or bathroom artificial stone countertops cutting, grinding, polishing and other reprocessing. In the working environment, the content of crystalline silica in artificial stone was more than 70%, and the concentration of silica dust exceeded the relevant standards. Most workplaces used dry cutting without ventilation and dust removal and other dust-proof measures, and most workers did not wear qualified respiratory protective equipment. Taking comprehensive measures such as wet operation, ventilation and dust removal, and individual protection can effectively prevent the occurrence of artificial stone-related silicosis.

An investigation of indoor radon concentrations and estimation of public exposure doses in Yinchuan, China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To primarily investigate the indoor radon concentrations in the urban and rural dwellings in Yinchuan, China, and to estimate the effective dose. Methods A total of 67 dwellings, which included 49 urban households and 18 rural households in Yinchuan, were selected to cumulatively measure the indoor radon concentrations for more than 3 months using solid state nuclear track detection. Results The arithmetic mean, geometric mean, median, and range of indoor radon concentrations in urban and rural areas in Yinchuan were 64 Bq/m3, 59 Bq/m3, 57 Bq/m3, and 25-172 Bq/m3, respectively. Surveillance sites with an indoor radon concentration higher than 100 Bq/m3 accounted for 7.5%. Indoor radon concentrations in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas. Indoor radon concentrations were highest in winter and lowest in summer. The effective dose of indoor radon exposure among residents in Yinchuan was 1.86 mSv/a. Conclusion The results of indoor radon concentrations measured in this investigation in Yinchuan are significantly higher than those measured in the 1990s. The annual effective dose is higher than the mean levels in the world and China.

Indoor Air Quality Assessment in the Office of the Transformer Manufacturing Factory in Selangor, Malaysia

@#Introduction: As humans spend 90% of their time inside, indoor air quality (IAQ) is critical for occupant health. The primary concern associated with low IAQ is its impact on employees’ health, comfort, and productivity. In accordance with the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 (ICOP IAQ 2010), a ten-parameter assessment was conducted in the office of the transformer manufacturing factory in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: The measured parameters are temperature, air movement, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (CH2 O), particulate matter (PM10), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), total fungal count (TFC), and total bacterial count (TBC). This study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches by distributing questionnaires (N = 42), and measuring the indoor air quality parameters with integrated equipment at selected stations and comparing them to the ICOP IAQ 2010 standard. Results: A majority of the measures, with the exception of air movement, CO2 , and TBC, complied with the ICOP IAQ 2010 standards. The one-way ANOVA test showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) for the parameters of temperature, PM10, and TVOCs. The ChiSquare test revealed that sleepiness was a symptom of the sick building syndrome, affecting both male and female employees the most frequently and significantly. Conclusion: Air movement, CO2 , and TBC values that did not meet ICOP IAQ 2010 requirements revealed poor IAQ at the study site, which could have a negative influence on the employees’ health. To cut down on air pollution, the improvement on the ventilation system should be done to reduce the risks to the employees’ health.

Indoor radon concentration and its changing trend in northeastern China / 中国辐射卫生

@#<b>Objective</b> To investigate the indoor radon concentration and its changing trend in northeastern China. <b>Methods</b> We measured indoor radon levels cumulatively for over three months by solid state nuclear track detection in a total of 261 houses in multi-story or high-rise buildings in Shenyang, Changchun, Harbin, Heihe, and Yichun in northeastern China. The measurement lasted one year in Changchun for seasonal changes. <b>Results</b> The average indoor radon concentration in the five cities was 88 Bq/m³, ranging from 12 to 558 Bq/m³. The indoor radon concentrations were ≤ 100 Bq/m³ in 75.1% of the houses, and ≤ 300 Bq/m³ in 97.7% of the houses. The indoor radon concentration increased with the age of buildings. The indoor radon concentration was highest in winter, and it was higher in summer than in autumn and spring. <b>Conclusion</b> The indoor radon concentration in northeastern China increased compared with the data of 1980s and 1990s. It is highest in the winter heating season, and higher in summer than in spring and autumn. Indoor radon exposure deserves attention.

#covidisairborne: produção e circulação de evidências sobre a transmissão da covid-19 / #covidsairborne: production and circulation of evidence on covid-19 transmission

Esta tese investiga a produção e circulação de evidências científicas sobre a transmissão do SARS-CoV-2, com ênfase no debate científico em torno da transmissão viral por aerossóis e a implicação de diferentes entendimentos nas práticas de prevenção adotadas ao redor do mundo. De cunho etnográfico, a pesquisa foi conduzida a partir da hashtag #covidisairborne, de importante repercussão entre cientistas e ativistas na rede social Twitter, e analisou diversos materiais digitais como artigos científicos, entrevistas, newsletters e tuítes publicados sobre o tema na rede conforme circulavam no campo, além de acompanhar o trabalho de um laboratório de pesquisa em aerossóis. A chegada da covid teria intensificado a disputa em torno das formas de transmissão viral, transformando-a em questão pública com repercussão nas práticas de proteção disseminadas durante a pandemia. Diante das evidências científicas relacionadas à transmissão, os fatos científicos se apresentam de forma contextual e implicada em distintos discursos e intenções para a condução da crise sanitária. A pandemia de covid teria acelerado o reconhecimento da qualidade do ar interno como um problema de saúde pública que chama a atenção para o ar que respiramos, e as estratégias para a mitigação dos riscos associados ao "novo normal" precisam ser informadas por princípios de justiça social e direito à saúde. (AU)

This work investigates the production and circulation of scientific evidence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on the scientific debate surrounding aerosol viral transmission and the implications of different understandings in prevention practices adopted around the world. Ethnographically driven, the research was conducted from the hashtag #covidisairborne, which had significant repercussion among scientists and activists on the social media platform Twitter, and analyzed various digital materials such as scientific articles, interviews, newsletters, and tweets published on the network as they circulated in the field, as well as following the work of an aerosol research laboratory. The advent of covid is said to have intensified the dispute over the modes of viral transmission, turning it into a public issue with repercussions on the disease prevention practices disseminated during the pandemic. In the face of scientific evidence related to transmission, scientific facts present themselves in a contextual manner and are implicated in different discourses and intentions for managing the health crisis. The covid pandemic is said to have accelerated the recognition of indoor air quality as a public health issue that draws attention to the air we breathe, and strategies for mitigating risks associated with the "new normal" need to be informed by principles of social justice and the right to health. (AU)

Idades de referência dos atletas medalhados nos campeonatos de Portugal de atletismo: estudo de 30 anos (1990-2019) / Reference ages of medallists at the Portuguese athletics championships: a 30-year study (1990-2019)

RESUMO Segundo a literatura, um inventário preciso da distribuição das idades de melhor desempenho nas diferentes disciplinas do atletismo pode proporcionar uma informação ímpar na altura de se produzirem planos e programas de treino de longo prazo para eventos ao mais alto nível. O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar a idade de melhor desempenho dos atletas participantes nos campeonatos de Portugal de atletismo, com referência às disciplinas e setores que caracterizam a competição. Foram consideradas todas as participações medalhadas (pista coberta - PC, n = 2310; ar livre - AL, n = 3161). Os intervalos de confiança para a idade média dos atletas medalhados foram obtidos com recurso ao método de Equações de Estimação Generalizadas. Os resultados indicaram a média de idades, (i) PC, mais baixa no salto com vara feminino (21.60 anos) e no salto em comprimento masculino (24.42 anos), e mais elevada nos 3000 m marcha feminino (25.18 anos) e nos 5000 m marcha masculino (29.70 anos); (ii) AL, mais baixa no salto em comprimento feminino (22.90 anos) e nos 200 m masculino (23.46 anos), e mais elevada nos 5000 m feminino (27.55 anos) e 10000 m marcha masculino (32.23 anos). Os resultados sugerem que as idades de melhor desempenho ocorrem (i) PC, entre os 23 e os 24 anos nas atletas femininas, e os 24 e os 25 nos atletas masculinos; (ii) AL, entre os 23 e os 25 anos nas atletas femininas, e os 24 e 26 anos nos atletas masculinos. O conhecimento objetivo das idades de melhor desempenho nos campeonatos de Portugal de atletismo, por sexo e disciplina, poderá ser uma informação útil para uma gestão eficiente de talentos e das carreiras desportivas.

ABSTRACT According to the literature, a precise inventory of the distribution of the best-performing ages in the different athletics disciplines can provide unique information when producing long-term training plans and programs for events at the highest level. This study aims to identify the age at which athletes participating in the Portuguese athletics championships performed best, with reference to the disciplines and sectors that characterize the competition. All medal-winning participations were considered (indoor track and field, n = 2310; outdoor track and field, n = 3161). Confidence intervals for the average age of medal-winning athletes were obtained using the Generalized Estimating Equations method. The results indicated that the average ages were (i) Indoor track and field - lower in the women's pole vault (21.60 years) and men's long jump (24.42 years), and higher in the women's 3000 m run (25.18 years) and men's 5000 m race walk (29.70 years); (ii) Outdoor track and field - lower in the women's long jump (22.90 years) and men's 200m (23.46 years), and higher in the women's 5000 m (27.55 years) and men's 10000 m race walk (32.23 years). The results suggest that the best-performing ages are (i) Indoor track and field - between 23 and 24 years old in female athletes and 24 and 25 years old in male athletes; (ii) Outdoor track and field - between 23 and 25 years old in female athletes, and 24 and 26 years old in male athletes. Objective knowledge of the best-performing ages in the Portuguese athletics championships by gender and discipline could be useful information for efficient talent and career management.

Parental, gestational, and early-life exposure to indoor environmental hazardous factors on allergic rhinitis among preschool children in Urumqi City: a case-control study

Abstract Objective Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease associated with impaired quality of life and heredity. This study aimed to investigate the association of allergic rhinitis in preschool children with exposure to indoor environment-related factors early in life. Methods In August 2019, the authors implemented a study among 2020 preschool children in Urumqi City using a case-control design. The study included parental reports for the occurrence of AR in children, parental history of respiratory disease, and indoor environmental correlates of maternal exposure from 1 year prior to pregnancy until the child's age of 0-1 year. Results Mode of birth (cesarean section) (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02∼1.67), father with AR (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 2.08∼3.44), mother with AR (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.88∼4.74), mother with asthma (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.18∼8.20), and mother with newly purchased furniture in the parents' residence during pregnancy (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03∼2.14) were risk factors for AR in children. Conclusions The focus of allergic rhinitis should be on children with a family history of AR and asthma and cesarean delivery. Primary prevention efforts for AR in preschool children are avoiding exposure of children to indoor environmental hazardous factors early in life.

Prevalence and indoor environment risk factors of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi, China

Abstract Objective To investigate the indoor environmental risk factors to provide measures for the prevention and control of otitis in preschool children. Method In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to preschool children aged 2-7 years from 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi City in August 2019. Multiple regression was run to predict influence factors for otitis media in preschool children. Result A total of 8153 valid questionnaires were collected. After adjusting for age, the prevalence of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi was 13.1%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that previous antibiotic treatment, treatment with one to two antibiotics before 1 year of age, presence of walls with aqueous or latex paint, use of carpet floor bedding in rooms, newly decorated homes of mothers before pregnancy, purchase of new furniture for homes of children at 0-1 year of age, and presence of flowering plants in the residence of children at 0-1 years of age were all identified as risk factors for the development of otitis in children. Conclusion Parents should also pay attention to indoor living environments, and reduce indoor renovation in the homes of children during their growth and development, which can positively improve children's indoor living environment, thus effectively preventing otitis in preschool children.

Microbiome and virome on indoor surfaces of an Antarctic research ship

BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on microbial diversity in indoor environments of ships, as well as the role of the microbiome and its ecological interconnections. In this study, we investigated the microbiome and virome present on the internal surfaces of a polar ship in different stages (beginning, during, and at the end) of the Brazilian Antarctic expedition in order to evaluate abundance of microorganisms in different periods. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS We used shotgun metagenomic analysis on pooled samples from sampling surfaces in the ship's interior to track the microbial diversity. FINDINGS Considering the total fraction of the microbiome, the relative abundance of bacteria, eukaryotes, viruses, and archaea was 83.7%, 16.2%, 0.04%, and 0.002%, respectively. Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial phyla, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Concerning the virome, the greatest richness of viral species was identified during the middle of the trip, including ten viral families after de novo assembly: Autographiviridae, Chrysoviridae, Genomoviridae, Herelleviridae, Myoviridae, Partitiviridae, Podoviridae, Potyviridae, Siphoviridae, and Virgaviridae. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study contributed to the knowledge of microbial diversity in naval transportation facilities, and variations in the abundance of microorganisms probably occurred due to factors such as the number of passengers and activities on the ship.

Impacto do uso de produtos de tabaco aquecido (HTP) na qualidade do ar em ambientes fechados / Impact of the use of heated tobacco products (HTP) on indoor air quality

Resumo Introdução: Os produtos de tabaco aquecido (HTP) têm ganhado popularidade nos últimos anos. No entanto, tem-se questionado sobre os danos que provocam na saúde, em especial aos impactos decorrentes da exposição a suas emissões. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o impacto do uso de HTPs em ambientes internos/fechados na qualidade do ar e/ou na saúde das pessoas expostas passivamente, por meio de uma revisão sistemática de estudos originais. Métodos: Realizou-se busca bibliográfica nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval Sistem (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e SCOPUS. As etapas de seleção, extração dos dados e avaliação do risco de viés dos estudos foi realizada em dupla, de forma independente, e as divergências foram resolvidas por consenso. Resultados: Foram selecionados 21 estudos, incluídos nesta revisão. Os resultados indicam que os produtos de tabaco aquecido são fonte de poluição ambiental decorrente da emissão de material particulado. Conclusão: Os produtos de tabaco aquecido produzem emissões que podem expor as pessoas às substâncias tóxicas emitidas no ambiente fechado, assim como outros produtos de tabaco.

Abstract Introduction: Heated tobacco products (HTP) have gained popularity in recent years. However, questions have been raised about the damage they cause to health, especially the impacts resulting from exposure to their emissions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the use of HTPs indoors on air quality and/or the health of passively exposed people, through a systematic review of original studies. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) and SCOPUS databases. Results: 21 studies were selected and included in this review. The results indicate that heated tobacco products are a source of environmental pollution due to the emission of particulate matter. The stages of selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment of the studies were performed in pairs, independently, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Conclusion: Heated tobacco products produce emissions that can expose people to toxic substances emitted indoors, just like other tobacco products.

Wind-driven roof turbines' effectiveness in enhancing household ventilation: a potential tool to reduce tuberculosis infection

Background: South Africa's overburdened healthcare systems have led to criticism of its unsustainable tuberculosis management interventions. In 2011, the National Department of Health implemented an outpatient, decentralised care model, but this increased costs and jeopardised the long-term viability of prevention measures. Home confinement is now recognised as a viable intervention option, when combined with safety precautions such as ventilation and medical support. However, little is known about the risk of infection in this context. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of wind-driven roof turbines in enhancing ventilation and their potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a residential setting. Methods: Eight houses were selected and divided equally into intervention (wind turbines installed) and control groups, using a pairwise comparison method. The CO2 decay method was used as a proxy to determine ventilation in the houses. The wind-driven roof turbines' potential to lower the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was stochastically evaluated using the Wells-Riley mathematical model. Results: During two seasons, installation of a roof turbine resulted in twofold ventilation rates compared to the control houses. Consequently, the WellsRiley model predicted a twofold reduction in the probability of infection in the intervention compared to the control households. Conclusion: Low-cost, low-maintenance wind-driven roof turbines are effective in increasing ventilation in houses, and should be considered as an additional layer of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other infections in residential settings.

Evaluación de la exposición a Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos, salud renal y respiratoria en población indígena de Tocoy, San Antonio, S. L. P, México / Evaluation of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, renal and respiratory health in the indigenous population of Tocoy, San Antonio, S. L. P, México

Resumen La contaminación del aire interior es un problema de salud pública, ya que afecta a unos 2.600 millones de personas en todo el mundo que siguen cocinando con combustibles sólidos como la madera, los residuos de las cosechas, etc. Esta exposición aumenta el factor de riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas. La población indígena es muy susceptible a estar expuesta a mezclas de contaminantes del humo de leña como los Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs) debido a los métodos tradicionales de cocción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la exposición a HAPs por medio de 10 metabolitos hidroxilados en orina de la población indígena de la Huasteca Potosina, mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas; por otro lado, la salud renal y pulmonar fueron evaluadas con una prueba general de orina y la toxina urémica Indoxil sulfato, esta fue evaluada por medio cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento, y la función pulmonar con una espirometría. Los resultados indican la presencia de metabolitos hidroxilados en el 89,47% de las muestras de orina, los más frecuentes fueron el 1-OH-PIRENO, el 1,2-OH-NAFTALENO. El Indoxil sulfato se presentó en el 100% de las muestras y la media era de 193,4 ± 91,85 gg/L En cuanto a la salud pulmonar, los resultados indican que algunos sujetos presentan patrones respiratorios regulares e irregulares. Estos resultados indican que la población se encuentra expuesta de manera crónica a una mezcla de contaminantes en el aire que podría producir el desarrollo de daño en los pulmones y los riñones y aumentar el riesgo al desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas.

Abstract Interior air pollution is a public health concern, it affects about 2.6 billion people around the world who still cook using solid fuels such as wood, crop wastes, among others. This exposition increases the risk of the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The indigenous population is very susceptible to being exposed to mixtures of pollutants from the wood smoke such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to traditional methods of cooking, heating and waste burning. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the exposure to PAHs through the application of 10 hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in the urine of the indigenous population from the Huasteca Potosina, this by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and to assess renal health of the population at the time of the study, with a general test of urine and through the uremic toxin Indoxyl Sulfate (IS), this by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the and pulmonary health with spirometry. The results indicate the presence OH-PAHs in 89.47% of the urine samples, the most frequent metabolites were 1-OH-PYRENE, 2-OH-NAPTHALENE. IS was present in 100% of the samples in mean concentrations of 193.4 ± 91.85 gg/L. For pulmonary health, the results indicate some subjects have regular and irregular respiratory patterns. These results indicate that the population is highly exposed to a mixture of pollutants in the air that might damage the lungs and kidneys and increase the risk of NCDs development.