Nevin Manimala

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2025 Jul 9;22(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s12966-025-01786-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) include guidelines for meat consumption, they most often do not explicitly include environmental considerations. For instance, in France, FBDG recommend consuming no more than 500 g of red meat and 150 g of processed meat per week. This study uses modeling to investigate the range of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) that can be achieved under FBDG compliance.

METHODS: The study analyzed data collected in 2014 from 29,413 NutriNet-Santé participants to assess their adherence to the French FBDG. GHGe, cumulative energy demand (CED), and land occupation (LO) for organic and conventional foods were obtained from the DIALECTE database. First, diets adequate in nutrients, culturally acceptable, and consistent with FBDG were modeled while minimizing or maximizing GHGe. Then, the spectrum of diets between minimum and maximum GHGe was explored while minimizing total departure from the observed diet with a gradual constraint on GHGE using the same other constraints. Environmental, economic (monetary cost), nutritional, and health criteria (Health risk score denoting long-term risk for health associated with diet) were then estimated for each diet.

RESULTS: The average observed adequacy to FBDG was low (19%, SD = 25%) and GHGe were 4.34 (SD = 2.7%) kgCO2eq/d. Under nutritional, acceptability and FBDG constraints, the GHGe range of the diets varied from 1.16 to 6.99 kgCO2eq/d, depending up to ∼ 85% on the level of meat consumption. A similar shape was observed for CED, LO, and Health Risk Score, but costs were consistently higher than in the observed diet, and exhibited a U-shape. A greater proportion of organic foods was noted in the lower-emission diet; however, this proportion was low in the meat-rich, high-emission diet. At isoenergetic diets, the diet with the lowest emissions had more vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based substitutes.

CONCLUSIONS: While French dietary guidelines contribute, on average, to mitigating climate change and promoting health, this study emphasizes levers in recommended food consumption to more efficiently reduce diets’ GHGe and points to total meat as the critical issue to better account for pressure on climate change. Other environmental pressures should also be taken into account when designing dietary guidelines.

PMID:40634968 | DOI:10.1186/s12966-025-01786-9

BMC Womens Health. 2025 Jul 9;25(1):337. doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03894-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the association between daily sitting time and breast cancer in obese women, and further examine the mitigating role of physical activity in this relationship.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2020 were used. Subjects were divided into four groups based on the duration of daily sitting time (< 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, and > 8 h). Survey-based logistic regression models, smooth curve fitting, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.

RESULTS: A total of 9706 obese females (mean age 50.28 years) were included in the study. Breast cancer was reported by 271 (2.8%) individuals. In the fully adjusted model, compared with those with < 4 h of daily sitting time, ORs (95%CI) for breast cancer were 1.61 (95%CI: 1.41-5.33, p = 0.001) in group with 4 to 6 h of sitting, 1.86 (95%CI: 1.35 to 4.52) in group with 6 to 8 h, and 2.21 (95%CI: 1.36-4.95, p = 0.008) with > 8 h per day. Of note, the detrimental effects of prolonged sedentary behavior on increased prevalence of breast cancer were only found in physically inactive group, but not in physically active group. Smooth curve fitting showed a positive dose-response relationship between daily sitting time and breast cancer in total participants and physically inactive group. Furthermore, obese women aged 60 years or older, non-Hispanic white, and with more than a high school education, post-menopause, and with higher obesity levels were more likely to be affected by sedentary behavior.

CONCLUSION: Prolonged daily sitting time is associated with increased prevalence of breast cancer in obese women and being physically active may mitigate this association. Prospective studies are needed to further examine this association.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

PMID:40634967 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-025-03894-x

BMC Public Health. 2025 Jul 9;25(1):2419. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23602-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Energy poverty, characterized by inadequate access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, is a pressing issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with profound implications for health outcomes and healthcare utilization. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, energy poverty disproportionately affects rural and low-income households, exacerbating health disparities and limiting access to healthcare services. This study investigates the impact of energy poverty on health outcomes and healthcare-seeking behaviour. Specifically, it examines the likelihood of illness or injury, the duration of illness as an indicator of healthcare access, and the probability of consulting health practitioners, providing evidence to guide targeted policy interventions.

METHODS: The study utilized data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) to examine energy poverty and health outcomes. The Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) was calculated to measure energy poverty among a sample of 7,460 households. Health outcomes were assessed based on the incidence and duration of illness or injury and healthcare-seeking behaviors. To analyze these relationships, econometric models such as binary logistic regression and Poisson regression were employed, with robustness checks conducted using the Lewbel Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) method to address potential endogeneity. The analysis was performed using STATA 18 software.

RESULTS: The study finds that energy poverty is significantly associated with a higher probability of experiencing illness or injury (0.063, p < 0.01), while paradoxically linked to shorter illness duration (-1.299, p < 0.10). Among poor households, energy poverty significantly reduces the likelihood of consulting a healthcare practitioner (-0.036, p < 0.10). Lewbel 2SLS estimates confirm these patterns, showing a robust positive effect on illness incidence (0.181, p < 0.05) and a significant negative impact on healthcare utilization (-0.137, p < 0.10). These findings underscore energy poverty’s dual burden: increasing health risks while limiting timely access to care, particularly for the poor.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the critical effect of energy poverty on health outcomes in Ghana, particularly among the poorest and most vulnerable populations. Addressing energy poverty requires integrated policies that enhance access to clean and affordable energy while also improving healthcare services and public health education. Targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, including subsidies for clean energy technologies and energy-efficient appliances, are essential. This study calls for a nuanced approach that aligns energy access with public health goals, aiming to improve well-being and reduce health disparities in Ghana.

PMID:40634955 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23602-6

BMC Complement Med Ther. 2025 Jul 9;25(1):246. doi: 10.1186/s12906-025-04991-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression is a prevalent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. The Wuling capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine, is often utilized for treating depression, and this herbal medicine has been used to treat those PD patients with depression. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Wuling capsule in treating mild depression in patients with early PD.

METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial included 160 patients with early PD who presented with a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) score between 8 and 17 at the time of admission. The trial was conducted across five hospitals in China from December 2021 to March 2024. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either Wuling capsule (0.99 g orally three times daily) or a placebo (0.99 g orally three times daily) for a duration of 12 weeks. Additional treatment according to established clinical guidelines.The primary outcome measure was the change in HAMD score. All statistical analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, among the 160 patients with early PD and depression, 80 were assigned to the Wuling capsule group and 80 to the placebo group, with the median age of 70.5 (IQR,67.00-75.00) years and 77 (48.13%) were male. Patients in the Wuling capsule group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in depression severity compared to the placebo group at multiple time points: week 4 (difference, – 1.21 [95% CI, -2.38 to -0.04; P = 0.042]), week 8 (difference, – 1.41 [95% CI, -2.81 to -0.02; P = 0.047]), and week 12 (difference, – 1.46 [95% CI, -2.89 to -0.04; P = 0.044]). Adverse events were reported in 3 of 80 patients (3.75%) in the Wuling capsule group and 3 of 80 patients (3.75%) in the control group (P = 1), indicating no significant difference.

CONCLUSION: This randomized clinical trial demonstrated that treatment with Wuling capsule over a 12-week period effectively reduced HAMD score in patients with mild depression associated with PD and the treatment was well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; registration number: ChiCTR2100046195; prospectively registered on May 9th, 2021.

PMID:40634949 | DOI:10.1186/s12906-025-04991-y

Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Jul 8;220:118412. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of heavy metals in marine organisms is an increasing concern due to their potential impacts on ecosystem health and food safety. Scyliorhinus canicula has been proposed as a potential biomonitor owing to its benthic habits, high abundance, and philopatric behaviour, which may make it suitable for tracking metal contamination in commercial fish species. This study compares the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in the muscle tissues of two demersal species, S. canicula and Merluccius merluccius, collected from the western Mediterranean. Samples (n = 45 per species) were obtained from commercial bottom trawl fisheries and analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The results revealed significant interspecific differences in Cu and Cd concentrations (p < 0.001), with S. canicula exhibiting higher mean values (Cu: 0.383 ± 0.099; Cd: 0.011 ± 0.003 mg·kg^-1 ww) compared to M. merluccius (Cu: 0.188 ± 0.060; Cd: 0.005 ± 0.003 mg·kg^-1 ww). Although Pb concentrations were generally higher in M. merluccius (0.050 ± 0.017 mg·kg^-1 ww) than in S. canicula (0.036 ± 0.015 mg·kg^-1 ww), this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Strong positive correlations in Pb (r = 0.833, p = 0.004) and Cd (r = 0.817, p = 0.005), and a moderate correlation in Cu (r = 0.633, p = 0.038), suggest that both species are exposed to similar contamination sources. Variability in metal accumulation may be influenced by differences in diet, physiology, and species-specific metabolic pathways. Given the strength of these interspecific correlations, S. canicula shows strong potential as a biomonitor for assessing heavy metal contamination in M. merluccius, and potentially in other commercially important fish species-thereby contributing to more effective marine pollution monitoring strategies.

PMID:40633156 | DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118412

Waste Manag. 2025 Jul 8;205:114982. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114982. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the combined effect of blast furnace slag (BFS) and rice husk ash (RHA) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for oil well cementing applications across a wide temperature range. A simplex-centroid mixture design was used to formulate slurries with 0-50 % BFS and RHA replacement by weight of cement. Mechanical and microstructural properties were evaluated after curing at 47 °C (low-temperature) and 300 °C (high-temperature). At 47 °C, BFS-rich formulations showed superior performance, with the 50 % BFS slurry achieving a compressive strength of 48.89 MPa, significantly higher than the 39.64 MPa of the control slurry. Conversely, at 300 °C, RHA was crucial for mitigating strength retrogression. The 50 % RHA formulation reached 16.79 MPa, while the control sample’s strength dropped to 4.65 MPa. Formulations combining both wastes, such as 10 %BFS-40 %RHA, also demonstrated robust performance (11.87 MPa), exceeding the industry benchmark for high-temperature wells. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed the statistical significance of these effects, and response surface models quantified the distinct contributions of each SCM. The novel contribution of this work is the systematic evaluation of the synergistic interaction between industrial (BFS) and agricultural (RHA) waste streams to create a versatile cement system. This study demonstrates the potential to develop a single, waste-derived cement formulation viable for both low and high-temperature well conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional practices. While results are based on laboratory conditions, they provide a strong basis for future field-scale validation.

PMID:40633131 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114982

Bioconjug Chem. 2025 Jul 9. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5c00073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The development of nucleic acid therapies has enabled access to treatments for several diseases previously thought untreatable, yet effective and safe delivery remains a hurdle. The benefit of synthetic vehicles lies in their modularity in optimizing performance and safety. Herein, we present a novel biodegradable polycarbonate alternative to the nondegradable synthetic and viral vectors often utilized in commercial gene therapies. This PC system leverages ring-opening polymerization of a cyclic carbonate to produce polymers (∼20 kDa) with pendant allyl groups compatible with thiol-ene click post-polymerization modification. The derivatization of the parent polymer enables a direct comparison of the pendant groups without molecular weight and dispersity variables. These pendants include 2-(dimethylamino)ethanethiol hydrochloride (DMA) as the cation and one of three hydrophilic modifiers: mercaptopropanol (OH), thioglycolic acid (COOH), and methoxy polyethylene glycol thiol (PEG), which modulate cellular membrane interaction, charge density, and sheathing properties. This family of vehicles forms stable polymer-mRNA complexes (polyplexes), confirmed via dynamic light scattering and gel electrophoresis. In vitro screening assays showed minimal cytotoxic effects with HEK293T (human embryonic kidney) and A549 (human lung cancer) cells, resulting in a statistically significant viability improvement over the polymer control, JetPEI. Coupling the viability with expression values of EGFP-encoded (enhanced green fluorescent protein) mRNA, in vitro delivery efficiency shows the polycarbonate performance on par with JetPEI in nearly all cases while offering degradation via hydrolysis. Overall, this modular polycarbonate scaffold improves cell viability and maintains performance similar to that of positive controls while featuring modularity and degradability.

PMID:40633113 | DOI:10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5c00073

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(3):395-402. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202503115.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study the trends in the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during 2020-2024 in the rear region of Ukraine, in the city of Volodymyr, and assess the impact of internal displacement on the spread of infectious diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis in Volodymyr Hospital (Volodymyr, Ukraine) was conducted using data from the official clinical registry and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for 2020-2024. Comparative literature and statistical data from infection prevention programmes were also analyzed.

RESULTS: Results: The decline in officially reported new HIV infections (from 29 in 2020 to 7 in 2024) contrasted with a marked increase in the number of ELISA-tested cases of hepatitis B and C (7,974 and 6,705 in 2024, respectively). Internally displaced persons (IDPs) accounted for a significant proportion of new diagnoses after 2022, including 22 HBV and 17 HCV cases in 2022. The discrepancy between laboratory results and official reporting suggests underdiagnosis. Additionally, Poisson regression analysis demonstrated that IDP status was a significant factor for increased risk of blood-borne infections.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Military conflict and population displacement significantly exacerbate the problem of blood-borne infections. Countries with successful infection control systems, such as Canada and the Netherlands, have implemented universal HBV vaccination, national HCV elimination strategies, and mobile care for vulnerable populations. These examples highlight the need to replicate such models in conflict-affected regions. National plans should be based on international recommendations, such as the WHO Global Health Strategy 2022 and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s viral hepatitis elimination roadmap.

PMID:40633082 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202503115

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(3):361-366. doi: 10.36740/Merkur202503110.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study the complexing ability of pectins obtained from various vegetable and fruit raw materials with metal ions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The content of metals was determined by the atomic emission method (SHIMADZU ICPE-9820 spectrometer); heavy metal measurement methods used were MІ.С3.7.2.01-017 and MІ.С3.7.2.01-018. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0.0.0 program; correlation analysis was conducted using the Kendall Tau-b method.

RESULTS: Results: It was found that the highest complexing ability towards the mixture of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ ions was demonstrated by low-esterified sugar beet pectin (r=0,600; p<0.01). Citrus (r=0,312; p<0.01), quince (r=0,292; p<0.01), and apple (r=0,271; p<0.01) pectins also exhibited high complexing rates, while pumpkin (r=0,214; p<0.01) and carrot (r=0,156; p<0.01) pectins had slightly lower rates. In addition, pectin is found in smaller quantities in carrots and pumpkins than in sugar beet, citrus fruits, quince, and apples. To improve nutritional characteristics, reduce allergenicity, and maintain high complexing ability of the final product, the authors proposed a combination of raw materials from sugar beet and pumpkin, enriched with apple pectin and/or pectincontaining products and juices of pumpkin and apples.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: It was established that the highest complexing ability in relation to a mixture of lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and copper ions is possessed by low-esterified sugar beet pectin. The addition of this pectin to apple pectin and/or pectin-containing apple products and juices increases the potential nonspecific detoxification properties of the final food product.

PMID:40633077 | DOI:10.36740/Merkur202503110

Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2025;53(3):336-339.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To investigate the rate of clinical significant and insignificant Prostate Cancer (PC) in patients with initial high grade and low grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 286 patients with PIN, 152 patients with HGPIN and 134 patients with LGPIN. During 3 year follow-up prostate rebiopsies with 6 months interval were performed. Each PC case was assessed in relation to its clinical significance according to such Epstein criteria as PSA density < 0,15, Gleason score < 7, number of cores positive for tumour < 3, no more than 50% involvement by tumour in every single core.

RESULTS: Results: During 3-year follow-up in 75 (26,2%) of 286 patients with PIN was detected PC (64 (42,1%) patients with HGPIN and in 11 (8,2%) patients with LGPIN). General estimation of clinical insignificant PC cases that were detected in patients with prior PIN amounted 12 (16%) patients. The majority of patients, namely 63 (84%) had clinical significant PC. Among 11 PC cases in patients with LGPIN 4 (36,4%) cases were insignificant. The rate of insignificant PC in HGPIN was 8 (12,5%). Statistically valid difference between HGPIN and LGPIN in rate of insignificant PC, that was 23,9% was determined.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions: PIN is a cancer precursor that progresses into PC in 26,2% of cases during 3-year follow-up. The rate of clinically insignificant PC in patients with PIN was in 23,9% more in patients witn LGPIN than in patients with HGPIN.

PMID:40633073