Search Results (542)

Utah typically experiences 18 days with high fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) levels exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards per year. In August of 2022, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall convened an Indoor Air Quality Summit, during which experts in healthcare, industrial hygiene, and atmospheric science, among others, expressed the need to prioritize indoor air quality interventions more within the state. We conducted a furnace filter exchange pilot project that involved 11 families in Salt Lake City’s Westside. These families completed a survey regarding air quality-related concerns while researchers took air quality measurements—both inside and outside the residence. The goals of this pilot study were to gather data about the participants’ indoor and outdoor air quality perceptions, how frequently they changed their home air filters, and any barriers they experienced. In addition, this study developed a proof of concept demonstrating collecting preliminary indoor and outdoor air quality data and furnace filter deposition information alongside the survey. The survey results were limited by a small sample size (11 participants); however, among those sampled we found that residents are acutely concerned about outdoor air quality but are less worried about indoor air quality. We measured substantially lower indoor PM_2.5 levels compared to ambient air and found a wide range of filter replacement times from those less than a month to over two years. Our research team learned not only about indoor air quality conditions and resident perceptions, but also about the needs of community members including access to filters, health education, and the need to allow more time to build trust between researchers and residents. Full article

This paper describes the implementation of a rainwater harvesting and treatment system in an informal urban community in Bogotá, using a participatory methodology based on Service Learning (SL). The project began with a territorial diagnosis and community prioritization of needs, identifying access to water and its quality as the main issue. Together with the community, a system for rainwater capture, pretreatment, storage, and filtration was designed and built, adapted to local conditions. Monitoring of physicochemical and microbiological parameters across different climatic periods showed significant improvements in the quality of treated water, meeting national standards for most indicators. Simultaneously, an educational process was carried out through workshops and hands-on activities, strengthening local capacities and promoting hygiene and water management practices. The analysis highlights the system’s adaptability to climate variability, community ownership, and the replicability of the model. It concludes that the integration of appropriate technology, community participation, and education can effectively improve access to and quality of water in vulnerable urban contexts, contributing to quality of life and sustainable development. Full article

Football (soccer) is the world’s most widely played sport, but it carries a high incidence of traumatic injuries, particularly to the head, face, and lower limbs. Once regarded as a low-equipment discipline, the role of protective devices has expanded substantially in recent decades, both in injury prevention and in return-to-play strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution, typology, and materials of football protective equipment, with additional focus on regulatory frameworks, cultural acceptance, and illustrative cases from elite athletes. Shin guards remain the only mandatory device, yet the use of facial masks, headgear, braces, and orthoses is increasing, particularly following high-profile injuries. Advances in carbon fiber composites, thermoplastics, viscoelastic foams, and additive manufacturing have enabled lightweight, customized devices that balance protection with comfort and adherence. Beyond biomechanics, psychological reassurance, esthetics, durability, and hygiene strongly influence player compliance and perception. Despite this progress, critical challenges remain. Football lacks standardized testing protocols, clear certification pathways, and longitudinal studies on long-term outcomes. Evidence is particularly limited for youth athletes and newer categories of equipment. Looking ahead, the integration of wearable technologies, systematic hygiene and durability testing, and sustainable materials could transform protective gear into multifunctional tools for safety, monitoring, and performance optimization. Protective equipment in football has thus evolved into a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of medicine, engineering, psychology, and regulation. Future advances will depend on stronger collaboration between clinicians, researchers, governing bodies, and manufacturers to ensure safe, effective, and widely accepted protective solutions at all levels of the game. Full article

Sustainable aquaculture is increasingly vital to meet global protein demands while ensuring fish product safety and environmental stewardship from a One Health perspective. This review addresses fish hygiene as a comprehensive, multi-stage challenge encompassing water quality management, pathogen control, antimicrobial stewardship, feeding practices, humane slaughter, post-harvest handling, and monitoring systems. We examined current practices and technologies that promote hygienic standards and reduce contamination risks across production cycles. The integration of biosecurity measures and alternative health-promoting agents contributes to disease prevention and reduces reliance on antimicrobials. Responsible drug administration aligned with regulatory frameworks minimizes residues and antimicrobial resistance. Feeding strategies incorporating sustainable and safe ingredients further support fish health and product quality. Critical control points during slaughter and post-harvest processing ensure microbial safety and prolong shelf life. Advanced monitoring and traceability systems enable real-time oversight and enhance food safety assurance. Finally, certification programs and robust regulatory policies are essential to standardize practices and facilitate access to international markets. Collectively, these strategies foster sustainable aquaculture that safeguards public health, maintains ecological integrity, and supports economic viability. This holistic approach positions fish hygiene not as a final quality check, but as an integral, continuously managed component of responsible aquaculture production. Full article

This study investigates the motivations behind food businesses voluntary participation in certification programs and analyzes their non-conformance reports (NCRs). Health and nutrition food businesses lead in voluntary certification, averaging 5.65 NCRs per business, with common non-conformances primarily related to miscalibrated instruments. Meat processing businesses follow closely, with their main non-conformance being inadequate maintenance of environmental cleanliness. The primary motivation for seeking certification among these food businesses is driven by the requirements of international trade and export markets. Furthermore, from 2016 to 2023, businesses undergoing recertification demonstrated a significant reduction in NCRs, decreasing from an average of 11.17 to 5.17. Certification not only enhances food hygiene and safety management but also facilitates the efficient acquisition of export health certificates from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, we encourage all food businesses to engage in certification programs to elevate their hygiene and safety standards and thereby contribute to food safety assurance. Full article

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, including ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm disease, are among the most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. This study evaluates the disease burden of STH in China from 1990 to 2021 and projects trends to 2035. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database were utilized to analyze the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of STH infections in China from 1990 to 2021. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess trends over time, and a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to project the disease burden up to 2035. Results: From 1990 to 2021, the prevalence and DALYs of STH infections decreased significantly by 85.08% and 98.01% in China, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of STH infections dropped from 34,073.24/10⁵ to 4981.01/10⁵ with an EAPC of −6.62% [95% confidence interval (CI): −7.40%, −5.83%], and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) decreased from 1.77/10⁵ to 0.18/10⁵, with an EAPC of −14.05% (95% CI: −15.04%, −13.06%). Trichuriasis contributed to 78.85% of the total ASPR for STH, whereas hookworm disease accounted for 51.14% of STH’s ASDR. The highest disease burden due to STH peaked in the 5–9 years age group, with prevalence of 8030.05/10⁵ [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 5356.86/10⁵–11,662.62/10⁵] and DALYs rate of 2.99/10⁵ (95% UI: 1.56/10⁵−4.87/10⁵). The projected ASDR and ASPR of trichuriasis rose to 0.55/10⁵ and 5362.50/10⁵ by 2035. Conclusions: China has achieved remarkable reductions in the burden of STH infections over the past three decades. However, the predominance between the species has changed. The projected rebound in trichuriasis underscores the importance of sustained control efforts. To achieve the 2030 elimination target outlined in the WHO NTDs roadmap, it is crucial to integrate precision epidemiology with ongoing water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, targeted chemotherapy and health education. Full article

Access to clean, hygienic, and sufficient potable water is a concern in many countries. To ensure this, asset management, planning, and structured pipe renewal are crucial in providing an adequate level of service. However, there is a significant backlog in municipal pipe renewal, which needs to be addressed to raise the standard of potable water supply to an acceptable level in countries across most continents. Therefore, the objective of this research was to improve decision-making to reduce this backlog. Competent personnel are a scarce resource and not easily replaced. Standardized decision-making is considered an efficient approach to addressing the shortage of skilled personnel in pipe renewal. However, its effectiveness depends on its adaptability to the varying complexity and scale of such projects during implementation. This research is based on a literature review that explores decision theories, project definitions, and project models, and compares the typical characteristics of pipe renewal projects with those of other infrastructure projects. The research highlights that structured and standardized decision-making processes are essential to ensure appropriate asset management of the pipe network and sufficient pipe renewal. The main outcome of this research is a tailored project model that supports better front-end decision-making in pipe renewal projects through improved information flow. Full article

This article examines the integration of salutogenic design principles into the legal and regulatory framework for buildings in Poland, situating the analysis within a broader European and international context. The study combines a systematic literature review, a comparative analysis of Polish building law and technical conditions with international standards and empirical evidence from case studies and Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POE) conducted in hospitals, offices, and schools. This triangulated approach allowed for both qualitative and quantitative assessment of key salutogenic factors, including daylight access, acoustic comfort, air quality, thermal conditions, aesthetics, ergonomics, and opportunities for social interaction. The results demonstrate that Polish regulations continue to focus on minimum hygienic and safety requirements, thereby reflecting a pathogenic rather than salutogenic approach. While some factors—such as daylight and ventilation—are partially included, critical dimensions of psychosocial well-being remain underrepresented. By contrast, both European EN standards and voluntary frameworks such as WELL systematically incorporate broader salutogenic dimensions. Evidence from Polish POE studies further highlights gaps between regulatory compliance and actual user experiences, e.g., excessive hospital noise, insufficient lighting in operating rooms, and the absence of biophilic or therapeutic features. The discussion highlights challenges of measurability, economic feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance, while also emphasizing long-term health and social benefits. The conclusions recommend incorporating salutogenic principles into Polish law and sustainability policies, promoting pilot projects, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. In this way, buildings can evolve from merely preventing harm to actively supporting health, well-being, and resilience—aligning with global trends in human-centered sustainable design. Full article

Background: The benefits of Salvadora persica L. chewing stick as an oral hygiene tool have been extensively demonstrated in clinical studies worldwide. Nonetheless, there are wide variations in knowledge, awareness, and practice of these chewing sticks across different populations. This scoping review aims to synthesize current knowledge gaps and practice patterns to inform potential standardization of S. persica use. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted by using the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases, covering studies published up to June 2025. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included, involving diverse populations from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Knowledge, awareness, and practice of S. persica chewing sticks varied significantly by region, demographic group, and mode of use. Most studies evaluating awareness and knowledge reported that a lack of information on proper use leads to reduced practice. There was no standardized method of use reported. Behaviors varied in terms of preparation of the stick before use, frequency and duration of use, angle or technique during brushing, and storage methods after use. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive clinical guidelines and community health education programs to inform both the public and healthcare professionals about the use of S. persica chewing sticks–particularly in populations with limited access to other oral hygiene tools. Full article

Groundwater springs are an important source of drinking water in Lithuania; however, they are highly sensitive to microbial and chemical contamination. The aim of this study was to assess microbial and chemical contamination in springs from different regions of Lithuania. Five springs were analyzed: Kučgaliai, Smardonė, Salomėja and Žalsvoji (Biržai and Pasvalys districts, Northern Lithuania) and Svilė (Kelmė district, Central Lithuania). Water samples were collected four times a year—during spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and analyzed according to international standards. Chemical parameters included pH, nitrites, nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, and permanganate index, while microbiological analysis targeted Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and coliform bacteria. The results revealed substantial differences between karst and groundwater-fed springs. Karst springs were more vulnerable to fluctuations in contamination, with Smardonė exhibiting extremely high sulfate concentrations and significant microbial loads. In contrast, Kučgaliai, although located in a karst region, was covered and protected, and its water fully complied with hygiene standards. Groundwater-fed springs showed less variability but were still affected by surface sources. The highest microbial contamination was recorded in autumn and winter, coinciding with increased rainfall and reduced dilution capacity. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge in Poland and worldwide, associated with serious long-term health consequences. Effective prevention requires family-centered, evidence-based interventions that actively engage both children and their caregivers. This study presents the Finnish Smart Family practice—an evidence-based lifestyle counseling method developed by the Finnish Heart Association—and describes its adaptation and implementation in Poland as part of the EU Health4EUkids project. The study emphasizes the method’s practical utility for professionals working with families of children with obesity. Methods: The Smart Family approach is a structured lifestyle counseling method based on findings from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) that is grounded in health psychology and strength-based counseling principles. Unlike traditional counseling, which focuses mainly on information transfer, Smart Family promotes motivation, families’ active participation, and recognition of their strengths in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and oral hygiene. The method uses practical tools including the Smart Family card, other supporting materials, and dedicated online platforms for both families and healthcare providers. These tools enable families to self-assess their lifestyle, select discussion topics during visits, and set achievable goals while supporting professionals in initiating non-judgmental, collaborative conversations. In Poland, the program was adapted using culturally appropriate materials and professional training, followed by pilot implementation in primary healthcare and educational settings that included pre-implementation planning, practical training sessions, the application of intervention tools, and outcome evaluation. Results: Pilot implementation demonstrated high usability and effectiveness. The approach enabled non-judgmental, supportive engagement with families, facilitated active participation in setting health goals, and promoted sustainable lifestyle changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other health behaviors. Evaluation highlighted the importance of supporting program objectives at the national level, standardizing child healthcare practices, and engaging media and local authorities to create a supportive ecosystem. Conclusions: The Polish experience confirms that Smart Family is an evidence-based intervention that strengthens professional competence, provides practical tools for family-centered care, and supports the long-term prevention of child-hood obesity and related non-communicable diseases. Its integration into healthcare and educational settings offers a promising strategy for improving public health outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Orthodontic auxiliaries create plaque-retentive niches that may amplify biofilm accumulation and inflame adjacent soft tissues. While cross-sectional comparisons suggest higher palatal burden beneath acrylic elements, less is known about real-world patterns accumulated across years of routine care. We retrospectively evaluated periodontal and palatal outcomes, and, in a microbiology sub-sample, site-specific colonization, across three device types: molar bands, Nance buttons, and removable acrylic plates. Methods: We reviewed 2022–2025 records from a university orthodontic service, including consecutive patients aged 18–30 years with documented pre-placement and 6-month follow-up indices. Groups were bands (n = 92), Nance (n = 78), acrylic (n = 76). Standardized charted measures were abstracted: Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP%), probing depth (PD), and palatal erythema grade (0–3). A laboratory sub-sample (n = 174 visits) had archived swabs cultured for total aerobic counts (log₁₀ CFU/cm²) at the device, adjacent enamel, and palatal mucosa; Streptococcus mutans burden was available from qPCR (log₁₀ copies/mL). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar, except for longer wear at follow-up in Nance (10.1 ± 4.0 months) vs. bands (8.7 ± 3.2) and acrylic (6.9 ± 3.0; p < 0.001). At 6 months, device type was associated with greater worsening of PI and GI (both p < 0.001) and with higher palatal erythema (bands 0.7 ± 0.5; Nance 1.6 ± 0.8; acrylic 1.9 ± 0.7; p < 0.001). Microbiologically, palatal mucosal colonization was lowest with bands (3.3 ± 0.5), higher with Nance (4.9 ± 0.6), and highest with acrylic (5.0 ± 0.7; p < 0.001); S. mutans mirrored this gradient (p < 0.001). Palatal CFU correlated with erythema (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001) and ΔGI (ρ = 0.5, p < 0.001). In adjusted models, acrylic (OR 6.7, 95% CI 3.5–12.8) and Nance (OR 4.9, 2.5–9.3) independently predicted erythema ≥2; recent prophylaxis reduced odds (OR 0.6, 0.3–0.9). Conclusions: In this single-center cohort, palate-contacting designs were associated with higher palatal biomass and erythema than bands. These associations support device-tailored hygiene considerations and proactive palatal surveillance, particularly for acrylic components. Full article

Background: Healthcare-associated infections represent a significant public health problem, with a major impact on patient safety and quality of care. Nursing students play a central role in implementing infection prevention and control measures, yet the existing literature highlights gaps in their preparedness. Objective: To investigate nursing students’ knowledge of healthcare-associated infections, providing a comprehensive understanding of their level of awareness and identifying potential gaps that could guide improvements in nursing education. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycInfo, using predefined keywords and inclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility requirements. The articles were assessed for methodological quality using validated appraisal tools. Results: Across the included studies, nursing students demonstrated good knowledge of certain infection prevention measures, particularly standard precautions and hand hygiene. However, significant theoretical gaps were identified, especially regarding epidemiology, transmission mechanisms, and risk factors for healthcare-associated infections. Knowledge tended to improve with academic progression, clinical experience, and the use of active, contextualized teaching strategies. A consistent gap between theoretical understanding and practical application was observed. Conclusions: Nursing curricula should systematically integrate theory and practice, ensure alignment with validated international guidelines, and adopt active, practice-oriented teaching approaches. Strengthening these areas could improve nursing students’ infection prevention competencies, thereby enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Full article

Calf welfare is critically influenced by early-life husbandry practices and health conditions. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on key management practices affecting calf welfare, including calving, colostrum intake, milk feeding, water provision, weaning, housing, mutilations, and transport. A structured literature search was conducted in Web of Science and Scopus using general and topic-specific keywords, complemented by expert opinions from EFSA. Evidence-based recommendations are presented to improve calf welfare, emphasizing timely colostrum administration, biologically appropriate milk volumes, access to clean water from birth, gradual weaning, and stable social housing. Pain mitigation during disbudding and castration, along with strict biosecurity and hygiene, are essential to reduce disease risk. Despite advancements, significant knowledge gaps persist, including practical tools for on-farm colostrum assessment, optimal weaning protocols, the long-term impacts of early-life pain, and alternatives to current transport practices. The review highlights the need for standardized protocols, validated technologies, and enhanced training for farmers and veterinarians. Improving husbandry practices based on scientific evidence is essential to enhance calf health, productivity, and ethical sustainability in modern rearing systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral candidiasis is frequently encountered in pediatric populations, particularly in infants and toddlers, where the development of immunity and inconsistent oral hygiene contribute to disease susceptibility. While topical antifungal agents remain the standard of care, treatment challenges persist, especially regarding adherence and recurrence. Aloe vera, recognized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal healing properties, may offer therapeutic benefits when used in conjunction with standard regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of topical Aloe vera gel, when added to standard antifungal therapy, on reducing fungal load and improving treatment adherence in children with moderate oral candidiasis. Methods: A prospective controlled study was conducted among 54 children diagnosed with moderate oral candidiasis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard topical nystatin or nystatin in conjunction with Aloe vera gel over a 7 day treatment duration. Fungal load was assessed using colony-forming units (CFU) counts from oral swabs collected at baseline and day 7, analyzed via ANCOVA. Additional parameters included treatment adherence, compared using an independent t-test, and clinical recurrence at a 14-day post-treatment follow-up, assessed through logistic regression. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. By day 7, children in the Aloe vera group exhibited a greater reduction in fungal load compared to those receiving standard therapy alone. Adherence was significantly higher in the aloe group (92.73% vs. 89.21%; p < 0.0001). Regression analysis identified both baseline fungal burden and adherence as factors associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: The addition of Aloe vera gel to standard therapy may support a more effective fungal clearance and improved treatment adherence in children with moderate oral candidiasis, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment option. Given the single-center design, short follow-up, and underpowered recurrence analysis, these findings should be considered preliminary, pending confirmation in larger studies with symptom-anchored endpoints. Full article