Search Results (3,348)

Background/Objectives: Military Service Members (SMs) require optimal nutrition to support health, readiness, and job performance. However, they often fall short of meeting nutrition guidelines. This study aimed to determine the impact and feasibility of implementing the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) “Fueled to Fight^®” (F2F) nutrition program in non-appropriated fund (NAF) food venues. Objectives included evaluating changes in Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT) scores, feasibility of implementing and maintaining F2F strategies, and influence on customer purchasing patterns. Methods: Researchers conducted a pre-post interventional study from January to December 2024 at three NAF food venues across two USMC bases. F2F strategies, including identifying items using a stoplight color coding system (Green = healthy, Yellow = less healthy, Red = least healthy), menu revisions, food placement, promotion, and marketing, were implemented. Data included mNEAT assessments, sales reports, and stakeholder focus groups. Generalized Estimating Equations models were used to analyze sales data. Results: mNEAT scores increased across all venues post-intervention. Availability and sales of Green items increased, while sales of Red items decreased in some venues. Profit increased at all three food venues. Focus groups revealed feasibility and provided insights for future interventions. Conclusions: F2F interventions in NAF food venues are feasible and can positively impact the food environment and customer purchasing patterns without negatively affecting profit. This study highlights the importance of integrating nutrition programs into all military food venues, not just government-funded dining facilities, to support the nutritional fitness and readiness of SMs. Full article

Loneliness is a significant challenge for millions worldwide, with chronic loneliness having harmful effects on physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Cognitive distortions play an important role in perpetuating loneliness. Psychological interventions targeting such distortions have been effective at alleviating feelings of loneliness. However, less is known about which cognitive distortions are most prevalent among lonely individuals and how these distortions relate to loneliness and mental well-being. This exploratory study prescreened a Census-matched sample of 1000 U.S. adults for loneliness, then asked those in the top quartile (N = 237) to rate multiple patterns of cognitive distortion related to loneliness. Factor analyses identified six common and influential patterns of cognitive distortion (mindreading, future reward, catastrophizing, essentializing, deservedness, and externalizing). Essentializing was the most strongly endorsed factor, followed by mindreading and catastrophizing. Essentializing also evidenced the strongest correlation with loneliness. Additionally, the relationship between loneliness and participants’ stress was completely mediated by mindreading, catastrophizing, and essentializing. These findings highlight the importance of targeting specific cognitive distortions in loneliness interventions to effectively improve the mental well-being of lonely individuals. Full article

The goal of this study was to develop an automated monitoring system based on infrared thermography (IRT) for the detection of group-housed pig ears temperature. The aim in the first part of the study was to recognize pigs’ ears by using neural network analysis (SwinStar-YOLO). In the second part of the study, the goal was to automatically extract the maximum and average values of the temperature in the ear region using morphological image processing and a temperature matrix. Our dataset (3600 pictures, 10,812 pig ears) was processed using 5-fold cross-validation before training the ear detection model. The model recognized pigs’ ears with a precision of 93.74% related to threshold intersection over union (IoU). Correlation analysis between manually extracted and algorithm-derived ear temperatures from 400 pig ear samples showed coefficients of determination ($R^2$) of 0.97 for maximum and 0.88 for average values. This demonstrates that our proposed method is feasible and reliable for automatic pig ear temperature monitoring, serving as a powerful tool for early health warning. Full article

Background: Current food systems contribute significantly to poor public health and environmental degradation. With increasing rates of chronic disease and undernutrition globally and in the United States of America (U.S.), transforming food systems toward sustainability is a critical public health priority. Objectives: This narrative review aimed to summarize U.S. policies from the past decade relevant to sustainable food systems, focusing on four domains—availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability—proposed by the 22nd Annual Harvard Nutrition Obesity Symposium. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, U.S. Congress websites, and Google searches. Studies and policies published between 2013 and 2023 that addressed at least one of the four domains were included. Policies were reviewed according to their alignment with the policy lifecycle framework, encompassing formulation through implementation. Results: A review of the final 632 articles explained that, despite growing interest in sustainable food systems, there is a lack of comprehensive U.S. policies that address the four domains in an integrated manner. Most initiatives were limited in scope, often school-based, and not explicitly sustainability-focused. Food availability and accessibility policies exist but remain fragmented, while affordability and desirability domains are severely underrepresented. Few laws or bills have been enacted or evaluated for population-level or environmental outcomes. Conclusions: Transforming U.S. food systems requires more robust evidence-based policy development and evaluation. There is an urgent need for integrated multisectoral policy frameworks to ensure health, equity, and sustainability across all food system domains. Full article

Chainsaws are widely used in various occupational settings, including forestry, landscaping, farming, and by homeowners for tasks like tree felling, brush clearing, and firewood cutting. However, the use of chainsaws poses significant risks to operators and bystanders. This research quantified and compared occupational and nonoccupational injuries caused by contact with chainsaws and related objects during the period from 2018 to 2022. The emergency department and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) data were used to characterize the cause and nature of the injuries. Results suggest that for this five-year period an estimated 127,944 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for chainsaw-related injuries. More than 200 non-fatal and 57 fatal occupational chainsaw-involved injuries were found during the same period. Landscaping and forestry were the two industries where most of the occupational victims were employed. Upper and lower extremities were the most likely injured body parts, with open wounds from cuts being the most common injury type. The majority of fatal injuries were caused by falling objects such as trees and tree limbs while using a chainsaw. Our suggestions to reduce injuries include proper training and wearing personal protective equipment, as well as making sure any bystanders are kept in a safety zone away from trees being cut. Full article

Introduction: The wellbeing of humans and the planet is negatively impacted by unhealthy eating behaviors and excessive food waste. Mindfulness approaches have the potential to help people modify their behavior to achieve healthier outcomes. Pilot testing methods to sustainably support healthy eating and reduce food waste are essential for identifying effective ways to promote human and planetary health. Methods: A pilot study was conducted to test a virtual mindful eating program to improve eating behaviors and reduce food waste among a small sample of U.S. adults. Mixed-methods approaches were used to identify the efficacy of the piloted intervention on mindfulness, eating behaviors, and food waste while identifying participant perspectives of the mindful eating program. Results: Quantitative study outcomes indicated positive intervention effects on hunger/satiety cues and food appreciation. No significant intervention effects were detected on mindfulness or food waste. Qualitative findings highlighted participant reports of experiencing greater self-awareness, an improved relationship with food, and a sense of creativity with meal preparation. Conclusions: This pilot study tested a novel mindful eating program that improved eating behaviors related to hunger/satiety and increased food appreciation. The program was accepted by participants, but it did not increase mindfulness or reduce food waste. Future iterations of this mindful eating program will require modifications to test different approaches for increasing mindfulness and reducing food waste while expanding the positive effects on healthy eating. Full article

(1) The beach areas of Galveston, Texas, USA are heavily used for recreational activities and often experience elevated fecal indicator bacteria levels, representing a potential threat to ecosystem services, human health, and tourism-based economies that rely on suitable water quality. (2) During the span of 15 months (March 2022–May 2023), water samples that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-accepted alternative Beach Action Value (BAV) for enterococci of 104 MPN/100 mL were analyzed via microbial source tracking (MST) through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The Bacteroides HF183 and DogBact as well as the Catellicoccus LeeSeaGull markers were used to detect human, dog, and gull fecal sources, respectively. The qPCR MST data were then utilized in a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to assess human health risks. Additionally, samples collected in July and August 2022 were sequenced for 16S rRNA and matched with fecal sources through the Bayesian SourceTracker2 program. (3) Overall, 26% of the 110 samples with enterococci exceedances were positive for at least one of the MST markers. Gull was revealed to be the primary source of identified fecal contamination through qPCR and SourceTracker2. Human contamination was detected at very low levels (<1%), whereas dog contamination was found to co-occur with human contamination through qPCR. QMRA identified Campylobacter from canine sources as being the primary driver for human health risks for contact recreation for both adults and children. (4) These MST results coupled with QMRA provide important insight into water quality in Galveston that can inform future water quality and beach management decisions that prioritize public health risks. Full article

The quality of water in households can be affected by plumbing design and materials, water usage patterns, and source water quality characteristics. These factors influence stagnation duration, disinfection residuals, metal release, and microbial activity. In particular, stagnation can degrade water quality and increase lead release from lead service lines. This study employs numerical modeling to assess how combined corrosion control and flushing strategies affect lead levels in household taps with lead service lines under reduced water use. To estimate potential health risks, the U.S. EPA model is used to predict the percentage of children likely to exceed safe blood lead levels. Lead exceedances are assessed based on various regulatory requirements. Results show that exceedances at the kitchen tap range from 3 to 74% of usage time for the 5 µg/L standard, and from 0 to 49% for the 10 µg/L threshold, across different scenarios. Implementing corrosion control treatment in combination with periodic flushing proves effective in lowering lead levels under the studied low-consumption scenarios. Under these conditions, the combined strategy limits lead exceedances above 5 µg/L to only 3% of usage time, with none above 10 µg/L. This demonstrates its value as a practical short-term strategy for households awaiting full pipe replacement. Targeted flushing before peak water use reduces the median time that water remains stagnant in household pipes from 8 to 3 h at the kitchen tap under low-demand conditions. Finally, the risk model indicates that the combined approach can reduce the predicted percentage of children with blood lead levels exceeding 5 μg/dL from 61 to 6% under low water demand. Full article

To address the inefficiency of traditional concrete crack detection methods and the heavy reliance of supervised learning on extensive labeled data, in this study, an intelligent assessment method of concrete damage based on pseudo-label semi-supervised learning and fractal geometry theory is proposed to solve two core tasks: one is binary classification of pixel-level cracks, and the other is multi-category assessment of damage state based on crack morphology. Using three-channel RGB images as input, a dual-path collaborative training framework based on U-Net encoder–decoder architecture is constructed, and a binary segmentation mask of the same size is output to achieve the accurate segmentation of cracks at the pixel level. By constructing a dual-path collaborative training framework and employing a dynamic pseudo-label refinement mechanism, the model achieves an F1-score of 0.883 using only 50% labeled data—a mere 1.3% decrease compared to the fully supervised benchmark DeepCrack (F1 = 0.896)—while reducing manual annotation costs by over 60%. Furthermore, a quantitative correlation model between crack fractal characteristics and structural damage severity is established by combining a U-Net segmentation network with the differential box-counting algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that under a cyclic loading of 147.6–221.4 kN, the fractal dimension monotonically increases from 1.073 (moderate damage) to 1.189 (failure), with 100% accuracy in damage state identification, closely aligning with the degradation trend of macroscopic mechanical properties. In complex crack scenarios, the model attains a recall rate (Re = 0.882), surpassing U-Net by 13.9%, with significantly enhanced edge reconstruction precision. Compared with the mainstream models, this method effectively alleviates the problem of data annotation dependence through a semi-supervised strategy while maintaining high accuracy. It provides an efficient structural health monitoring solution for engineering practice, which is of great value to promote the application of intelligent detection technology in infrastructure operation and maintenance. Full article

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a globally widespread parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease with significant impact on both human and animal health. The current lack of safe and effective treatments underscores the need for new drugs. Earlier, thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) and their metal complexes have shown promising activities against T. gondii. This study evaluated a gold (III) complex C3 and its TSC ligand C4 for safety in host immune cells and zebrafish embryos, followed by efficacy assessment in a murine model for chronic toxoplasmosis. Methods: The effects on viability and proliferation of murine splenocytes were determined using Alamar Blue assay and BrdU ELISA, and potential effects of the drugs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were detected through daily light microscopical inspection within the first 96 h of embryo development. The parasite burden in treated versus non-treated mice was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the brain, eyes and the heart. Results: Neither compound showed immunosuppressive effects on the host immune cells but displayed dose-dependent toxicity on early zebrafish embryo development, suggesting that these compounds should not be applied in pregnant animals. In the murine model of chronic toxoplasmosis, C4 treatment significantly reduced the parasite load in the heart but not in the brain or eyes, while C3 did not have any impact on the parasite load. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of C4 for further exploration but also the limitations of current approaches in effectively reducing parasite burden in vivo. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

The 2025 avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak has highlighted the urgent need for rapidly generated health communication materials during public health emergencies. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems offer transformative potential to accelerate content development pipelines while maintaining scientific accuracy and impact. We evaluated an AI-generated health communication material on bird flu precautions among 100 U.S. adults. The material was developed using ChatGPT for text generation based on CDC guidelines and Leonardo.AI for illustrations. Participants rated perceived message effectiveness, quality, realism, relevance, attractiveness, and visual informativeness. The AI-generated health communication material received favorable ratings across all dimensions: perceived message effectiveness (3.83/5, 77%), perceived message quality (3.84/5, 77%), realism (3.72/5, 74%), relevance (3.68/5, 74%), attractiveness (3.62/5, 74%), and visual informativeness (3.35/5 67%). Linear regression analysis revealed that all features significantly predicted perceived message effectiveness in unadjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.0001), e.g., multivariate analysis of outcome on perceived visual informativeness showed β = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37–0.66, p < 0.0001. Also, mediation analysis revealed that visual informativeness accounted for 23.8% of the relationship between material attractiveness and perceived effectiveness. AI tools can enable real-time adaptation of prevention guidance during epidemiological emergencies while maintaining effective risk communication. Full article

The uMlazi River receives effluents from wastewater work before feeding the Shongweni Dam. However, local communities are consuming fish from this dam for protein supplements. This study was undertaken to investigate the metal concentrations in the water and sediment, the general health of Coptodon rendalli and Oreochromis mossambicus, and metal bioaccumulation. Sampling was conducted during the dry (July–August) and wet seasons (November and December) in 2021. Water was sampled using acid-pre-treated sampling bottles, whereas sediment was collected using the Van Veen grab at the inflow, middle, and dam wall. Fish were collected, and their tissues were digested using aqua regia. Metal concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). This data manuscript reports the physical parameters of the water and concentrations of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, selenium, and strontium in the water and sediment from the Shongweni Dam. Moreover, the fish morphometric data and metal concentrations observed in the muscle are also presented. This data could be used as baseline information on metal concentrations in the Shongweni Dam. Moreover, it provides insight into the potential impact of wastewater effluents on metal increases in freshwater bodies. Full article

Despite growing recognition of the role that social determinants of health (SDOHs) and health-related social needs (HRSNs) play in chronic disease, limited research has examined their associations with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in population-based studies. This cross-sectional study analyzed 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 37 U.S. states and territories to determine how financial hardship, food insecurity, employment loss, healthcare access barriers, and psychosocial stressors influence the prevalence of COPD. Weighted logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between COPD and specific SDOHs and HRSNs. Several individual SDOH and HRSN factors were significantly associated with COPD prevalence, with financial strain emerging as a particularly strong predictor. In models examining specific SDOH factors, economic hardships like inability to afford medical care were strongly linked to higher COPD odds. Psychosocial HRSN risks, such as experiencing mental stress, also showed moderate associations with increased COPD prevalence. These findings suggest that addressing both structural and individual-level social risks may be critical for reducing the prevalence of COPD in populations experiencing financial challenges. Full article

Background: Maternal and newborn health disparities remain a challenge in Puerto Rico, especially in underserved communities. Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy Start Initiative (HRSA), addresses these gaps through an integrated Networks of Care model known as Cuidado Compartido. Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico is a maternal, paternal, and child health program aimed at improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, mothers, fathers, newborns, and children in Puerto Rico, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Methods: This paper presents the Comienzo Saludable Puerto Rico program’s Cuidado Compartido model to integrate a network of healthcare providers and services across hospitals, community organizations, and families. This model aims to improve maternal and newborn/child health outcomes by focusing on the importance of integrated, hospital-community-based care networks. Results: Participants experienced significant improvements in key birth outcomes: low birth weight prevalence declined by 27.2% compared to the community baseline, premature birth rates decreased by 30.9%, and infant mortality dropped by 75%, reaching 0% by 2021 and remaining there through 2023. These results were complemented by increases in maternal mental health screening, paternal involvement, and breastfeeding practices. Conclusions: The Cuidado Compartido model demonstrates a scalable, culturally responsive strategy to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes. It offers critical insights for implementation in other high-need contexts. Full article