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34 pages, 2268 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Selenium Remediation from Aqueous Systems: State-of-the-Art Technologies, Challenges, and Prospects
by Muhammad Ali Inam, Muhammad Usman, Rashid Iftikhar, Svetlozar Velizarov and Mathias Ernst
Water 2025, 17(15), 2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152241 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
The contamination of drinking water sources with selenium (Se) oxyanions, including selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), contains serious health hazards with an oral intake exceeding 400 µg/day and therefore requires urgent attention. Various natural and anthropogenic sources are responsible for high Se concentrations [...] Read more.
The contamination of drinking water sources with selenium (Se) oxyanions, including selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)), contains serious health hazards with an oral intake exceeding 400 µg/day and therefore requires urgent attention. Various natural and anthropogenic sources are responsible for high Se concentrations in aquatic environments. In addition, the chemical behavior and speciation of selenium can vary noticeably depending on the origin of the source water. The Se(VI) oxyanion is more soluble and therefore more abundant in surface water. Se levels in contaminated waters often exceed 50 µg/L and may reach several hundred µg/L, well above drinking water limits set by the World Health Organization (40 µg/L) and Germany (10 µg/L), as well as typical industrial discharge limits (5–10 µg/L). Overall, Se is difficult to remove using conventionally available physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies. The recent literature has therefore highlighted promising advancements in Se removal using emerging technologies. These include advanced physical separation methods such as membrane-based treatment systems and engineered nanomaterials for selective Se decontamination. Additionally, other integrated approaches incorporating photocatalysis coupled adsorption processes, and bio-electrochemical systems have also demonstrated high efficiency in redox transformation and capturing of Se from contaminated water bodies. These innovative strategies may offer enhanced selectivity, removal, and recovery potential for Se-containing species. Here, a current review outlines the sources, distribution, and chemical behavior of Se in natural waters, along with its toxicity and associated health risks. It also provides a broad and multi-perspective assessment of conventional as well as emerging physical, chemical, and biological approaches for Se removal and/or recovery with further prospects for integrated and sustainable strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)
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18 pages, 5315 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Improvements in Derived Storm Events from Version 07 of GPM IMERG Early, Late, and Final Data Products over North Carolina
by Elizabeth Bartuska, R. Edward Beighley, Kelsey J. Pieper and C. Nathan Jones
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2567; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152567 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 203
Abstract
In North Carolina (NC), roughly 1 in 4 residents rely on private wells for drinking water. Given the potential for flooding to impact well water quality, which poses serious health hazards to well users, accurate near real-time precipitation estimates are vital for guiding [...] Read more.
In North Carolina (NC), roughly 1 in 4 residents rely on private wells for drinking water. Given the potential for flooding to impact well water quality, which poses serious health hazards to well users, accurate near real-time precipitation estimates are vital for guiding outreach and mitigation efforts. GPM IMERG precipitation data provides a solution for this need. Previous studies have shown that IMERG version 06 performs well throughout NC for capturing event totals. This study investigates changes in precipitation performance from IMERG version 06 to version 07 in NC and surrounding regions. There was significant improvement pertaining to errors quantifying the magnitude of precipitation events; the mean error in event precipitation decreased 75–85%, bias decreased 65–80%, and the root mean square error decreased 15–30% for Early, Late, and Final products as compared to event totals from in situ precipitation gauges. V07 shows improved performance during events in colder conditions, in mountainous regions, and with higher, prolonged intensities. During Hurricane Florence (September 2018), v07 improved precipitation estimates in regions with higher rainfall totals. These findings demonstrate the potential of the IMERG v07 Early and Late data products for the creation of accurate and timely flood models in emergency response applications. Full article
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13 pages, 726 KiB  
Article
Bilirubin Metabolism and Thyroid Cancer: Insights from ALBI and PALBI Indices
by Jong Won Shin, Jae Woong Sull, Nguyen Thien Minh and Sun Ha Jee
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071042 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the association between bilirubin subtypes (total, indirect, and direct bilirubin) and thyroid cancer risk, with a particular focus on stratified analyses using the ALBI (Albumin-Bilirubin) and PALBI (Platelet-Albumin-Bilirubin) indices by sex, smoking and drinking status, and age under 50 [...] Read more.
Background: This study evaluated the association between bilirubin subtypes (total, indirect, and direct bilirubin) and thyroid cancer risk, with a particular focus on stratified analyses using the ALBI (Albumin-Bilirubin) and PALBI (Platelet-Albumin-Bilirubin) indices by sex, smoking and drinking status, and age under 50 years. Methods: Data were obtained from 133,596 participants in the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II) cohort. During a mean follow-up period of 13.55 years, 2314 cases of thyroid cancer (ICD-10: C73) were identified. Serum bilirubin levels and ALBI and PALBI indices were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by age, sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption status to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In women, indirect bilirubin showed the strongest inverse association with thyroid cancer risk. ALBI and PALBI indices based on indirect bilirubin also demonstrated significant associations. A 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in indirect bilirubin was associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99), and the ALBI index similarly showed an inverse association (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99). In contrast, the PALBI index was positively associated with thyroid cancer risk (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.20). Among women who had never smoked, significant associations were observed for indirect bilirubin (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–1.00), ALBI (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86–1.00), and PALBI (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05–1.23). In analyses stratified by alcohol consumption, the PALBI index was associated with increased thyroid cancer risk in non-drinkers, former drinkers, and ever drinkers, with respective risk increases of 15%, 18%, and 9%. Conclusions: In women, indirect bilirubin was significantly and inversely associated with thyroid cancer risk, and the ALBI and PALBI indices incorporating indirect bilirubin showed consistent results. These findings suggest that indirect bilirubin may play a critical role in the metabolic pathways underlying thyroid cancer in women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Basis and Oxidative Stress of Thyroid Diseases)
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18 pages, 451 KiB  
Article
Differential Effects of Hazardous Drinking on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Outcomes Across Two Prolonged Exposure Treatment Formats
by Casey L. Straud, Kiara H. Buccellato, Edna B. Foa, Lily A. Brown, Carmen P. McLean, Tabatha H. Blount, Richard P. Schobitz, Bryann B. DeBeer, Joseph Mignogna, Brooke A. Fina, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Christian C. Schrader, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Vanessa M. Jacoby, Wyatt R. Evans, Brett T. Litz, Eric C. Meyer, Barbara L. Niles, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Terence M. Keane and Alan L. Petersonadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070954 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for hazardous drinking, which often complicates treatment and affects trauma-focused psychotherapy outcomes. The present study is an exploratory, secondary analysis investigating differential effects of prolonged exposure (PE) among those with and without hazardous [...] Read more.
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for hazardous drinking, which often complicates treatment and affects trauma-focused psychotherapy outcomes. The present study is an exploratory, secondary analysis investigating differential effects of prolonged exposure (PE) among those with and without hazardous drinking and whether treatment outcomes varied across these groups as a function of PE format. Data used were from a randomized controlled trial that examined two daily, compressed formats of PE treatment for PTSD (massed and intensive outpatient program) in military personnel and veterans (N = 234). Individuals without hazardous drinking had greater PTSD symptom reductions compared to those with hazardous drinking (d = 0.42, p = 0.001). However, the hazardous drinking group also demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD (d = 1.46, p < 0.001) following treatment, as well as in the number of drinks per week (d = 0.63, p = 0.025) at the 6-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in treatment engagement based on drinking classification and outcomes did not vary based on PE format. The findings suggest that PE is an appropriate treatment for individuals with PTSD and hazardous drinking. However, group differences in PTSD symptom reductions indicate concurrent hazardous drinking reduces treatment benefits of PE. Full article
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13 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
Human Health Risk Assessment of Phenolic Contaminants in Lake Xingkai, China
by Liang Liu, Jinhua Gao, Yijun Sun, Yibo Sun, Handan Liu, Hongqing Sun and Guangyi Mu
Water 2025, 17(13), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132037 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Cresols are aromatic organic compounds widely used in industrial and agricultural production. They have been detected in large quantities in aquatic environments, posing health risks such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal stimulation, and chronic neurological effects. In this study, we investigated the exposure concentration [...] Read more.
Cresols are aromatic organic compounds widely used in industrial and agricultural production. They have been detected in large quantities in aquatic environments, posing health risks such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal stimulation, and chronic neurological effects. In this study, we investigated the exposure concentration of cresols in the water bodies of Lake Xingkai (i.e., Daxingkai and Xiaoxingkai Lakes) during four typical hydrological periods (30 April, 22 June, 5 September, and 1 November 2021), assessed the human health risk from phenolic contaminants using the mean value method, and determined the health risk of adult cresol exposure in the Lake Xingkai watershed based on local population exposure parameters. This study developed a water environmental pollution health risk assessment model based on the methodology proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). It further evaluated the health risks to humans posed by phenolic pollutants via the drinking water pathway. The results revealed that the concentration range of cresols in water bodies was between 5.91 × 10−1 ng·mL−1 and 6.68 ng·mL−1. The adult drinking water health risk values of cresols in the Lake Xingkai watershed were between 3.15 × 10−4 and 3.57 × 10−3, and all water samples from the 10 sites had hazard quotient (HQ) values less than 1, indicating that the non-carcinogen risk was small or negligible. The cresol HQ value in the water of Xiaoxingkai Lake was 4.6 times that found in Daxingkai Lake. Full article
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13 pages, 1288 KiB  
Article
A Novel Synthesis of Highly Efficient Antimicrobial Quaternary Ammonium Pyridine Resin and Its Application in Drinking Water Treatment
by Huaicheng Zhang, Haolin Liu, Wei Wang, Fengxia Dong, Yanting Zuo, Shouqiang Huang, Daqian Zhang, Ji Wu, Shi Cheng and Aimin Li
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131885 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Multifunctional water-treatment materials urgently need to be developed to avoid normal organic matter, inorganic anions, resistant bacteria, and hazardous disinfection by-products in conventional drinking water treatment strategies. While quaternary ammonium pyridine resins (QAPRs) possess porous adsorption structures and incorporate antibacterial groups, enabling simultaneous [...] Read more.
Multifunctional water-treatment materials urgently need to be developed to avoid normal organic matter, inorganic anions, resistant bacteria, and hazardous disinfection by-products in conventional drinking water treatment strategies. While quaternary ammonium pyridine resins (QAPRs) possess porous adsorption structures and incorporate antibacterial groups, enabling simultaneous water disinfection and purification, their limited bactericidal efficacy hinders broader utilization. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the structure-dependent antimicrobial mechanism in QAPRs is crucial for improving their antibacterial performance. Hexyl (C6) was proved to be the optimal antibacterial alkyl in the QAPRs. A new antibacterial quaternary ammonium pyridine resin Py-61 was prepared by more surficial bactericidal N+ groups and higher efficient antibacterial hexyl, performing with the excellent antibacterial efficiency of 99.995%, far higher than the traditional resin Py-6C (89.53%). The antibacterial resin Py-61 completed the disinfection of sand-filtered water independently to produce safe drinking water, removing the viable bacteria from 3600 to 17 CFU/mL, which meets the drinking water standard of China in GB5749-2022 (<100 CFU/mL). Meanwhile, the contaminants in sand-filtered water were obviously removed by the resin Py-61, including anions and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The resin Py-61 can be regenerated by 15% NaCl solution, and keeps the reused antibacterial efficiency of >99.97%. As an integrated disinfection–purification solution, the novel antibacterial resin presents a promising alternative for enhancing safety in drinking water treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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21 pages, 3040 KiB  
Article
Drinking Water and Sanitation Safety Planning for Medical Facilities: An Innovative PoU Approach for a Water System Description Using Ecomaps
by Lara Kamm, Ralf M. Hagen, Nico T. Mutters, Ricarda M. Schmithausen, Ruth Weppler and Manuel Döhla
Environments 2025, 12(7), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070217 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 518
Abstract
Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSP) in buildings serve to identify health hazards associated with the drinking water system. Sanitation Safety Plans (SSP) fulfill the same purpose for the sewage system. Water Safety Plans (WSP) include DWSPs, SSPs, and water systems like gray water [...] Read more.
Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSP) in buildings serve to identify health hazards associated with the drinking water system. Sanitation Safety Plans (SSP) fulfill the same purpose for the sewage system. Water Safety Plans (WSP) include DWSPs, SSPs, and water systems like gray water and firefighting water. WSPs are based on a high-quality description of the water systems. This paper presents a new methodology for describing water systems. In contrast to previous approaches, the system description begins at the point where the water is consumed. These points of use are described using ecomaps, which are then supplemented with information about the pipe network. This approach makes it possible to fulfill four relevant premises: (1) the system description includes all essential parts of the drinking water installation, (2) the system description is possible with usual equipment, (3) the system description can be carried out with the least possible additional personnel costs, and (4) the system description is controllable, versionable, changeable, and forgery-proof. The ecomaps created in this way are suitable for the next step within the WSP framework, namely hazard and risk assessment. In addition, the ecomaps can be integrated into a quality, occupational safety, or environmental management system. Aspects of water security can be added to enable the ecomaps to be used as the basis for a total integrated water management system. Full article
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27 pages, 5969 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of the Severity of Alcohol Use Disorder Based on Electroencephalography Using Unsupervised Machine Learning
by Kaloso M. Tlotleng and Rodrigo S. Jamisola
Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2025, 9(7), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc9070170 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1586
Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of the severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and alcohol drinking experiments by utilizing power spectral density (PSD) and the transitions that occur as individuals drink alcohol in increasing amounts. We use data [...] Read more.
This paper presents an analysis of the severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and alcohol drinking experiments by utilizing power spectral density (PSD) and the transitions that occur as individuals drink alcohol in increasing amounts. We use data from brain—computer interface (BCI) experiments using alcohol as a stimulus recorded from a group of seventeen alcohol-drinking male participants and the assessment scores of the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT). This method investigates the mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of AUD using the three key domains of AUDIT, which are hazardous alcohol use, dependence symptoms, and severe alcohol use. We utilize the EEG spectral power of the theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands by observing the transitions from the initial to the final phase of alcohol consumption. Our results are compared for people with low-risk alcohol consumption, harmful or hazardous alcohol consumption, and lastly a likelihood of AUD based on the individual assessment scores of the AUDIT. We use Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH) to cluster the results of the transitions in EEG signals and the overall brain activity of all the participants for the entire duration of the alcohol-drinking experiments. This study can be useful in creating an automatic AUD severity level detection tool for alcoholics to aid in early intervention and supplement evaluations by mental health professionals. Full article
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19 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
Associations of Body Mass Index and Lifestyle Factors with Suicidal Ideation, Planning, and Attempts Among Korean Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Haitao Wang and Kyung-O Kim
Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121470 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
Background: Unhealthy lifestyles constitute significant risk factors for adolescent suicide, and their detrimental effects may persist from adolescence into adulthood. This research study sought to examine how Body Mass Index (BMI), alongside various lifestyle behaviors among teenagers in Korea, correlates with suicidal thoughts, [...] Read more.
Background: Unhealthy lifestyles constitute significant risk factors for adolescent suicide, and their detrimental effects may persist from adolescence into adulthood. This research study sought to examine how Body Mass Index (BMI), alongside various lifestyle behaviors among teenagers in Korea, correlates with suicidal thoughts, the formulation of suicide plans, and actual suicide attempts. Methods: The research examined unprocessed information collected during the 2022 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), which was administered by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Lifestyle factors associated with suicidal behavior were selected as independent variables. The sample was stratified according to BMI for further analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between lifestyle factors and the risk of adolescent suicide. Results: The analysis identified significant correlations between unhealthy dietary patterns, hazardous drinking behavior, smoking, and a sleep duration of less than 5 h, all of which were associated with a heightened suicide risk among adolescents. Notably, underweight adolescents who had a sleep duration of less than 5 h demonstrated a markedly elevated risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 2.391, 95% CI [1.035–5.525]). Among overweight adolescents, frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with both suicidal planning (OR = 1.850, 95% CI [1.133–3.020]) and suicide attempts (OR = 1.958, 95% CI [1.024–3.742]). Importantly, hazardous drinking behavior was strongly associated with suicide attempts (OR = 2.277, 95% CI [1.132–4.580]). Non-smoking behavior exhibited a significant relationship with a decreased likelihood of suicidal ideation (OR = 0.706, 95% CI [0.507–0.983]) and suicidal planning (OR = 0.528, 95% CI [0.299–0.930]). Furthermore, among obese adolescents, non-smoking behavior significantly decreased the risk of suicidal ideation compared to smoking (OR = 0.514, 95% CI [0.297–0.887]). Conclusions: The study revealed that the combined impact of unhealthy behaviors—smoking, eating an unhealthy breakfast, sleeping for less than 5 h, and hazardous drinking behavior—significantly affect suicide-related behaviors in adolescents. The interaction between BMI and lifestyle factors is a critical determinant of these behaviors. Specifically, sleep health exerts a substantial influence on suicide-related behaviors in underweight adolescents, while smoking strongly correlates with suicidal behaviors in overweight and obese adolescents. Targeted attention to the interplay of smoking, diet, sleep, and alcohol consumption with BMI is crucial for the early detection and prevention of adolescent suicide. Full article
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19 pages, 1224 KiB  
Review
Environmental Impact of Wastewater on Surface and Groundwater in Central Asia
by Marzhan S. Kalmakhanova, Assel A. Kurtebayeva, Zhanna T. Tleuova, Bagdat Satybaldiev, Seitzhan A. Orynbayev, Arindam Malakar, Helder T. Gomes and Daniel D. Snow
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125370 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 664
Abstract
This review aims to increase attention on present water quality issues on Central Asia, finding gaps in the literature on ways to address treatment needs, and help ensure future use of Central Asia surface waters and groundwater for all beneficial uses. Central Asia [...] Read more.
This review aims to increase attention on present water quality issues on Central Asia, finding gaps in the literature on ways to address treatment needs, and help ensure future use of Central Asia surface waters and groundwater for all beneficial uses. Central Asia is a landlocked region known for its harsh climatic conditions and scarce water resources, despite being home to some of the world’s largest internal drainage basins. The available literature suggests that increasing salinity has rendered water unsuitable for irrigation and consumption; hazardous trace elements are found throughout Central Asia, most often associated with mining and industrial sources; and that legacy pesticides influence water quality, particularly in agriculturally influenced basins. This study also focuses on the effects of municipal and industrial wastewater discharge. Additionally, the impact of inadequately treated wastewater on water resources is analyzed through a review of available data and reports regarding surface and groundwater quantity and quality. Given the challenges of water scarcity and accessibility, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming increasingly important, offering a valuable alternative that necessitates careful oversight to ensure public health, environmental sustainability, and water security. However, due to insufficient financial and technical resources, along with underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, many urban areas lack adequate wastewater treatment facilities, significantly constraining their safe and sustainable reuse. Proper management of wastewater effluent is critical, as it directly influences the quality of both surface and groundwater, which serve as key sources for drinking water and irrigation. Due to their persistent and biologically active nature even at trace levels, we discuss contaminants of emerging concern such as antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and modern agrochemicals. This review thus highlights gaps in the literature reporting on impacts of wastewater inputs to water quality in Central Asia. It is recommended that future research and efforts should focus on exploring sustainable solutions for water quality management and pollution control to assure environmental sustainability and public health. Full article
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11 pages, 203 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Relationship Between Human Papillomavirus Status and Overall Survival in Patients with Tongue Cancer
by Chayanit Kritpracha, Peesit Leelasawatsuk, Virat Kirtsreesakul, Pasawat Supanimitjaroenporn, Jarukit Tantipisit and Manupol Tangthongkum
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060780 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
An increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with tongue cancer despite lacking traditional risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut use. The potential role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in these cases has drawn attention, although its prognostic significance remains unclear. [...] Read more.
An increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with tongue cancer despite lacking traditional risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut use. The potential role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in these cases has drawn attention, although its prognostic significance remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study, conducted in Southern Thailand, aimed to investigate the association between HPV status and overall survival in tongue cancer. Medical records of 186 patients treated between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. HPV status was determined, and patients were categorized into HPV-negative, HPV-positive with other risk factors, and HPV-positive without known behavioral risk factors. Survival outcomes were compared using the log-rank test, and independent prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 9.6%, predominantly HPV16, HPV33, and HPV18. Although no significant differences were observed in 3-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, or recurrence-free survival among the groups, multivariable analysis revealed that HPV-positive patients without known behavioral risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, or betel nut use) had poorer overall survival (hazard ratio 3.54, p = 0.045). The observed associations warrant further research into the prognostic role of HPV in tongue cancer among non-smoking, non-drinking populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
11 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
The Role of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Activities of Daily Living Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Shu-Min Lai, Ling Kuang, Xu-Lian Tang, Cheng-Shen Qiu, Hong-Xuan Huang, Dan-Qing Liao, Hong-Min Li, Li-Ying Du, Zhi-Yuan Xiong, Bing-Yun Zhang, Hao-Jie Chen and Zhi-Hao Li
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101732 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 664
Abstract
Background: The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and activities of daily living (ADL) disability remains unclear. Our study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between hsCRP concentrations and the risk of ADL disability, while also identifying potential modifiers of this association [...] Read more.
Background: The association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and activities of daily living (ADL) disability remains unclear. Our study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between hsCRP concentrations and the risk of ADL disability, while also identifying potential modifiers of this association in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: We conducted a prospective study involving 16,342 participants aged 50 years and older (mean age: 64 ± 10 years) from the Health and Retirement Study. To investigate the longitudinal association between hsCRP and the risk of ADL disability, we employed Cox proportional hazard regression models, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. Subgroups analyses were further conducted to examine interactions across factors such as gender, age, body mass index, smoking status, and drinking status. Results: This study involved a follow-up of 125,858 person-years (median of 8 years; interquartile range: 4–12 years), revealing a total of 4579 incidents of ADL disability. The highest hsCRP concentration was significantly associated with ADL disability after adjustment for covariates (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25; confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–1.36). The associations between hsCRP and the risk of ADL disability seemed to be somewhat stronger among individuals aged < 65 years and with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (both p for interaction < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that elevated hsCRP concentrations are associated with an increased risk of ADL disability in middle-aged and older adults. HsCRP appears to serve as a biomarker for ADL disability, particularly among individuals with obesity and middle-aged adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Nutrition)
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18 pages, 2322 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metal Contamination of Guizhou Tea Gardens: Soil Enrichment, Low Bioavailability, and Consumption Risks
by Zhonggen Li, Xuemei Cai, Guan Wang and Qingfeng Wang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101096 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 726
Abstract
The content and health impact of harmful heavy metals in agricultural products from strong geological background concentration areas have received increasing attention. To investigate the impact of soil heavy metal contamination on the tea plantation gardens of Guizhou Province, a major tea-producing area [...] Read more.
The content and health impact of harmful heavy metals in agricultural products from strong geological background concentration areas have received increasing attention. To investigate the impact of soil heavy metal contamination on the tea plantation gardens of Guizhou Province, a major tea-producing area with strong geological background concentrations in China, a total of 37 paired soil–tender tea leaf samples (containing one bud and two leaves) were collected and analyzed for eight harmful heavy metals. The results showed that the average contents of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, and Tl in the surface soil (0–20 cm) were 0.26, 23.9, 37.9, 0.29, 75.9, 37, 2.78, and 0.84 mg/kg, respectively. The majority of the soil Hg, As, Pb, Sb, and Tl levels exceeded their background values for cultivated land soil in Guizhou Province to some extent. The geo-accumulation index revealed that Sb and As are the main pollutants of tea garden soil. The average contents of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, and Tl in the tea leaves were 4, 49, 310, 55, 717, 12,100, 30, and 20 μg/kg (on a dry weight basis), respectively, all of which were significantly lower than their national recommended limits for tea. The bioconcentration factors of these eight heavy metals in tea leaves were relatively low when compared with those in soil, ranging between 0.003 (for As) and 0.603 (for Ni). The health risk assessment indicated that the total hazard quotient (THQ) due to drinking tea was in the order of Tl > Ni > As > Pb > Cd >Sb > Hg > Cr, with both the THQ for each heavy metal and the health risk index (HI) being less than 0.29, indicating that the risk of exposure to these heavy metals through drinking Guizhou green tea is low. Although some harmful heavy metals are present in the tea garden soil of Guizhou, their bioavailability for young tea leaves is extremely low. This may be related to the physical and chemical properties of the soil, such as the high proportion of organic matter (up to 9%) which strongly binds with these elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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23 pages, 7994 KiB  
Article
Hydrogeochemical and Geospatial Insights into Groundwater Contamination: Fluoride and Nitrate Risks in Western Odisha, India
by Subhasmita Barad, Rakesh Ranjan Thakur, Debabrata Nandi, Dillip Kumar Bera, Pramod Chandra Sahu, Priyanka Mishra, Kshyana Prava Samal and Bojan Ðurin
Water 2025, 17(10), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101514 - 16 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1045
Abstract
Fresh groundwater is essential for sustaining life and socio-economic development, particularly in regions with limited safe drinking water alternatives. However, contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources poses severe health and environmental risks. This research examines the health risks linked to groundwater quality in [...] Read more.
Fresh groundwater is essential for sustaining life and socio-economic development, particularly in regions with limited safe drinking water alternatives. However, contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources poses severe health and environmental risks. This research examines the health risks linked to groundwater quality in the agroeconomic region of Boudh district, Odisha, India, where residents depend on untreated groundwater due to limited access to alternative sources. A total of 82 groundwater samples were analyzed during pre- and post-monsoon of the year 2023 using multivariate statistical methods (PCA, correlation analysis) to determine pollutant sources and regulatory factors, while XRD was employed to characterize fluoride-bearing minerals in associated rock samples. Fluoride concentrations range from 0.14 to 4.6 mg/L, with 49% of samples exceeding the WHO limit of 1.5 mg/L, which raises significant health concerns. Nitrate levels fluctuate between 1.57 and 203.51 mg/L, primarily due to agricultural fertilizers. A health risk assessment (hazard quotient and hazard index) indicates that 63% of samples fall into the low-risk category, 21% into moderate-risk, and 16% into high-risk. Children (HI = 29.23) and infants (HI = 19.51) are at the greatest health risk, surpassing that of adult males (HI = 12.2) and females (HI = 11.2). Findings provide scientific evidence for policymakers to implement groundwater protection and remediation strategies. Immediate interventions, including water quality monitoring, defluoridation measures, and community awareness programs, are essential for ensuring long-term water security and public health. Full article
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13 pages, 834 KiB  
Perspective
Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and the Risk of Psoriasis: A Large Prospective Cohort Study
by Xinxing Peng, Xiangzi Li, Jiayu He, Min He, Ning Ning, Li Chen, Ping Yao, Yuhan Tang and Yanyan Li
Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091473 - 27 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: The sales of ultra-processed food (UPF) are rapidly increasing worldwide, and there have been reports linking UPF consumption to several chronic diseases. However, there is limited prospective evidence exploring the impact of UPF on inflammatory skin diseases. Objectives: This study investigates the [...] Read more.
Background: The sales of ultra-processed food (UPF) are rapidly increasing worldwide, and there have been reports linking UPF consumption to several chronic diseases. However, there is limited prospective evidence exploring the impact of UPF on inflammatory skin diseases. Objectives: This study investigates the association between UPF intake and the incidence of psoriasis using data from the UK Biobank. Methods: UPFs were assessed based on the NOVA classification in this large prospective study. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to estimate the association between UPF intake and the incident risk of psoriasis. Inflammation score (INFLA-score) and body mass index (BMI) were chosen as mediators to examine the mediation effect. Substitution analysis was performed to estimate the psoriasis risk when replacing the absolute amount of UPF with an equivalent weight of unprocessed or minimally processed food. Results: This study enrolled 121,019 participants aged 40–69 years from the UK Biobank. Over a 12-year (median) follow-up period, 1043 participants developed psoriasis. In the fully adjusted model, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for psoriasis across increasing quartiles of UPF consumption were 1.00 (reference), 1.07 (0.89, 1.28), 1.19 (1.00, 1.42), and 1.23 (1.03, 1.47), respectively (p for trend = 0.016). Factors such as age, sex, BMI, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity level, and Townsend Deprivation Index (TDI) did not significantly modify this association (p interaction > 0.05). The INFLA-score and BMI explained 6.5% (p = 0.012) and 30.5% (p < 0.001) of the association between UPF consumption and psoriasis risk, respectively. Replacing 20% of UPF weight in total diet with an equivalent proportion of unprocessed or minimally processed foods was associated with an 18% reduction in psoriasis risk (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72–0.94; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that increased UPF consumption is associated with a higher risk of psoriasis. This provides valuable dietary guidance for preventing psoriasis and its related comorbidities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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