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INTRODUCTION: As countries adapted their disaster responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa responded with an alert-level risk approach based on epidemiological principles that impacted all societal levels. We explored the everyday experiences of people in Cape Town whose basic needs were met and who could report on the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic control. Gaining insight into their perspectives contributes to knowledge that can inform policies and practices for managing future public health crises. METHODS: Community-Based Participatory Research principles guided the design and a series of facilitated dialogues with 18 research participants. The thematic analysis was deepened through two colloquiums with members of an overarching research consortium and a participant reflection workshop. FINDINGS: The pandemic impacted individuals, their interpersonal relationships, workplaces and communities, leading to societal processes such as stigma, virtue signalling and the subversion of mandates. The public health response had mixed reactions, with useful information about preventive measures being diluted by COVID-19 denialism and fake news. Health and other authorities were frequently perceived as out of touch with, and unresponsive to, the everyday realities of local communities. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the connectedness of people and the need to maintain and re-establish severed connections. A holistic approach to health care and promotion from social determinants of health and a community-engaged perspective may significantly increase the outcomes of public health responses. PARTICIPANT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: People with everyday experience of the COVID-19 pandemic-including community members, healthcare workers, case managers, carers and researchers-collaborated on the study design, interview schedule, data interpretation, analysis and refinement of this article.

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Background: The decline in the number of new HIV infections among adults has slowed down, gradually becoming the biggest obstacle to achieving the 2030 target of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Thus, a political declaration to ensure that 90% of people at high risk of HIV infection can access comprehensive prevention services was proposed by the United Nations General Assembly. Therefore, obtaining an accurate estimated size of high-risk populations is required as a prior condition to plan and implement HIV prevention services. The network scale-up method (NSUM) was recommended by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization to estimate the sizes of populations at high risk of HIV infection; however, we found that the NSUM also revealed underlying population characteristics of female sex workers in addition to being used to estimate the population size. Such information on underlying population characteristics is very useful in improving the planning and implementation of HIV prevention services. This is especially relevant for people who inject drugs, where in addition to stigma and discrimination, criminalization further hinders access to HIV prevention services. Objective: We aimed to conduct a further exploration of the public health implications of the NSUM by using it to estimate the population size, popularity ratio, and information transmission rate among people who inject drugs. Methods: A stratified 2-stage cluster survey of the general population and a respondent-driven sampling survey of people who inject drugs were conducted in the urban district of Taiyuan, China, in 2021. Results: The estimated size of the population of people who inject drugs in Taiyuan was 1241.9 (95% CI 1009.2-1474.9), corresponding to 4.4×10-2% (95% CI 3.6×10-2% to 5.2×10-2%) of the adult population aged 15-64 years. The estimated popularity ratio of people who inject drugs was 53.6% (95% CI 47.2%-60.1%), and the estimated information transmission rate was 87.9% (95% CI 86.5%-89.3%). Conclusions: In addition to being used to estimate the size of the population of people who inject drugs, the NSUM revealed that they have smaller-sized personal social networks while concealing their drug use, and these underlying population characteristics are extremely useful for planning appropriate service delivery approaches with the fewest barriers for people who inject drugs to access HIV prevention services. Therefore, more cost-effectiveness brings new public health implications for the NSUM, which makes it even more promising for its application.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric obesity and comorbidities related to insulin resistance continue to be a growing public health crisis. If lifestyle measures are unsuccessful, pharmacological and surgical interventions are offered. In this paper, we describe the driving force of the obesity crisis: hyperinsulinemia and the development of insulin resistance. We give historical background of key policy issues which have contributed to this pandemic as well as the physiologic mechanisms of insulin resistance. The prevalence of obesity will continue to rise unless the root cause of hyperinsulinemia is addressed. RECENT FINDINGS: Current research on insulin resistance demonstrates that a decreased consumption of carbohydrates is an effective first-line dietary intervention for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Evidence shows it is safe and beneficial. A low-carbohydrate eating pattern can be helpful to address pediatric obesity. However, there must be policy guardrails in place to ensure that this is a sustainable and viable option for children and their families. There must be a change in the nutritional environment to help individuals battle the chronic disease of obesity.

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This comprehensive review explores the intricate landscape of the neonatal skin microbiome, shedding light on its dynamic composition, developmental nuances, and influential factors. The neonatal period represents a critical window during which microbial colonization significantly impacts local skin health and the foundational development of the immune system. Factors such as mode of delivery and gestational age underscore the vulnerability of neonates to disruptions in microbial establishment. Key findings emphasize the broader systemic implications of the neonatal skin microbiome, extending beyond immediate health outcomes to influence susceptibility to infections, allergies, and immune-related disorders. This review advocates for a paradigm shift in neonatal care, proposing strategies to preserve and promote a healthy skin microbiome for long-term health benefits. The implications of this research extend to public health, where interventions targeting the neonatal skin microbiome could potentially mitigate diseases originating in early life. As we navigate the intersection of research and practical applications, bridging the gap between knowledge and implementation becomes imperative for translating these findings into evidence-based practices and improving neonatal well-being on a broader scale.

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BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular system involvement in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has gained great interest in the scientific community. MAIN BODY: Several studies reported increased morbidity and mortality among COVID-19 patients who had comorbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). COVID-19 may be associated with cardiovascular complications as arrhythmia, myocarditis, and thromboembolic events. We aimed to illustrate the interactions of COVID-19 disease and the cardiovascular system and the consequences on clinical decision as well as public health. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has negative consequences on the cardiovascular system. A high index of suspicion should be present to avoid poor prognosis of those presenting with unusual presentation.

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Microsporidia are composed of a highly diverse group of single-celled, obligate intracellular fungi that colonize an extremely wide range of other eukaryotes, among which Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species responsible for human microsporidiasis. Genotyping of E. bieneusi based on sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) has recognized ~500 genotypes in humans and a great variety of other mammals and birds. Those genotypes vary in genetic or hereditary characteristics and form 11 genetic groups in phylogenetic analysis of the ITS nucleotide sequences. Some of genotypes in Group 1 (e.g., D, EbpC, and type IV) and Group 2 (e.g., BEB4, BEB6, I, and J) have broad host and geographic ranges, constituting a major risk for zoonotic or cross-species transmission. By contrast, host specificity seems common in Group 3 to Group 11 whose members appear well adapted to specific hosts and thus would have minimal or unknown effects on public health. Multilocus sequence typing using the ITS, three microsatellites MS1, MS3, and MS7, and one minisatellite MS4, and population genetic analysis of Group 1 isolates reveal the occurrence of clonality, potential host adaptation, and population differentiation of E. bieneusi in various hosts. Nonetheless, it is still highly desirable to explore novel genetic markers with enough polymorphisms, to type complex or unstructured E. bieneusi populations of various host species and geographic origins, notably those belonging to Group 2 to Group 11. Additional population genetic and comparative genomic data are needed to elucidate the actual extent of host specificity in E. bieneusi and its potential impacts on zoonotic or interspecies transmission of microsporidiasis.

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There is much confusion and misinformation about the diagnosis of Lyme disease, as well as its treatment. This review explains why one cannot make a correct diagnosis of Lyme disease based on symptoms alone. It also provides evidence to support the validity of two-tier testing for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme disease. The public health consequences of failing to consider these issues are discussed.

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With advanced perinatal care and technology, survival among infants born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) has improved dramatically over the last several decades. However, adverse medical and neurodevelopmental outcomes for those born very preterm remains high, particularly at the lowest gestational ages. Public health plays a critical role in providing data to assess population-based risks associated with very preterm birth, addressing disparities, and identifying opportunities for prevention, including improving the health of reproductive-age women, before, during, and after pregnancy.

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 was first officially reported in Africa in 2006; thereafter this virus has spread rapidly from Nigeria to 11 other African countries. This study was aimed at utilizing data from confirmed laboratory reports to carry out a qualitative evaluation of the factors responsible for HPAI H5N1 persistence in Africa and the public health implications; and to suggest appropriate control measures. Relevant publications were sought from data banks and repositories of FAO, OIE, WHO, and Google scholars. Substantiated data on HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in Africa and in humans across the world were mined. HPAI H5N1 affects poultry and human populations, with Egypt having highest human cases (346) globally. Nigeria had a reinfection from 2014 to 2015, with outbreaks in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso throughout 2016 unabated. The persistence of this virus in Africa is attributed to the survivability of HPAIV, ability to evolve other subtypes through genetic reassortment, poor biosecurity compliance at the live bird markets and poultry farms, husbandry methods and multispecies livestock farming, poultry vaccinations, and continuous shedding of HPAIV, transboundary transmission of HPAIV through poultry trades; and transcontinental migratory birds. There is, therefore, the need for African nations to realistically reassess their status, through regular surveillance and be transparent with HPAI H5N1 outbreak data. Also, it is important to have an understanding of HPAIV migration dynamics which will be helpful in epidemiological modeling, disease prevention, control and eradication measures.

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INTRODUCTION: The Law on Tobacco Control and the Law on Advertisement prohibit the advertising of any tobacco product in Vietnam. Tobacco promotion and marketing are alsostrictly prohibited. However, the violation of tobacco adverting and promotion is still common in Vietnam. OBJECTIVES: This article aims at describing the exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion among the population aged 15+ years in Vietnam based on the data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2015 from the view of the community, identifying any possible associations between the exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion and other individual factors, and discussing its possible public health implications. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with the nationwide scale. Secondary data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2015 was explored and analyzed. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regressions were applied in the data analysis. RESULTS: The most common type of adults' exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion was points of sale (8.6%); 9.8% adults exposure to one source of tobacco advertising and 4.0% of them exposed to one source of tobacco promotion. Around 13.3% of Vietnamese adults were exposed to tobacco advertisement, while 2.0% were exposed to tobacco promotion, 5.3% were exposed to both tobacco advertising and promotion, and 16.6% were exposed to tobacco advertising or promotion. Gender, educational level, age, occupation, marital status, socioeconomic status, location (urban, rural), and current smoking status were associated with the exposure to tobacco advertising, tobacco promotion, tobacco advertising and promotion, and tobacco advertising or promotion. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Although there are comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotion in Vietnam, adults aged 15+ years still reported their exposure to tobacco advertising and promotion. There should be a strict enforcement of the ban on tobacco advertising and promotion in Vietnam.

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OBJECTIVES: The research purpose was to analyze data concerning chemical incidents in Poland collected in 1999-2009 in terms of health hazards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data was obtained, using multimodal information technology (IT) system, from chemical incidents reports prepared by rescuers at the scene. The final analysis covered sudden events associated with uncontrolled release of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures, which may potentially lead to human exposure. Releases of unidentified substances where emergency services took action to protect human health or environment were also included. RESULTS: The number of analyzed chemical incidents in 1999-2009 was 2930 with more than 200 different substances released. The substances were classified into 13 groups of substances and mixtures posing analogous risks. Most common releases were connected with non-flammable corrosive liquids, including: hydrochloric acid (199 cases), sulfuric(VI) acid (131 cases), sodium and potassium hydroxides (69 cases), ammonia solution (52 cases) and butyric acid (32 cases). The next group were gases hazardous only due to physico-chemical properties, including: extremely flammable propane-butane (249 cases) and methane (79 cases). There was no statistically significant trend associated with the total number of incidents. Only with the number of incidents with flammable corrosive, toxic and/or harmful liquids, the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant downward trend. The number of victims reported was 1997, including 1092 children and 18 fatalities. CONCLUSIONS: The number of people injured, number of incidents and the high 9th place of Poland in terms of the number of Seveso establishments, and 4 times higher number of hazardous industrial establishments not covered by the Seveso Directive justify the need for systematic analysis of hazards and their proper identification. It is advisable enhance health risk assessment, both qualitative and quantitative, by slight modification of the data collection system so as to enable the determination of released chemical concentration and exposed populations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):95-110.

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BACKGROUND: Antioxidant nutrients found in popularly consumed vegetables, including red beans, are thought to prevent diabetic complications. In this study, we assessed the frequency and contributing factors of intake of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, and we determined their impact on the prevention of diabetes-related cataract extraction. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, run in Congo among 244 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An intake of ≥three servings of vegetables rich in antioxidants/day, intake of red beans, consumption of fruit, and cataract extraction were considered as dependent variables. RESULTS: No patient reported a fruit intake. Intake of red beans was reported by 64 patients (26.2%), while 77 patients (31.6%) reported ≥three servings of vegetables rich in antioxidants. High socioeconomic status (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-12.5; P = 0.030) and moderate alcohol intake (OR = 4; 95% CI: 1.1-17.4; P = 0.049) were the independent determinants of eating ≥three servings of vegetables rich in antioxidants. Red beans intake (OR = 0.282; 95% CI: 0.115-0.687; P < 0.01) and eating ≥three servings of vegetables rich in antioxidants (OR = 0.256; 95% CI: 0.097-0.671; P = 0.006) were identified as independent and protective factors against the presence of cataracts (9.8% n = 24), whereas type 2 diabetes mellitus duration ≥3 years was the independent risk factor for cataract extraction (OR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.1-19.2; P < 0.001 in the model with red beans intake and OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 2.3-22.2; P < 0.001 in the model with ≥three servings of vegetables rich in antioxidants). CONCLUSION: Red beans intake and adequate quantity of intake of vegetables rich in antioxidants were found to be associated with reduced risk of cataract in these Congolese with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Education on nutrition and health promotion programs are needed to encourage people to eat vegetables and fruit.