Health perception, health conditions, and smoking cessation in Brazil

Background Smoking cessation is strongly associated with motivational factors. It is possible that individuals who have successfully stopped smoking have different conditions and judgments about their own health. Objective To evaluate the relationship between tobacco-related diseases, health perception, and successful smoking cessation in Brazil. Method Cross-sectional observational study using data from the 2013 National Health Survey (PNS - 2013). Sociodemographic and health-related variables were considered in this study. Logistic regression modeling was carried out considering smoking cessation as outcome. Results Successful smoking cessation attempt was associated with age (OR=2.9, p=0.004), marital status (OR=1.69, p<0.001), level of education (OR=1.34, p<0.001), socioeconomic status (OR=1.58, p<0.001), census status (OR=1.07; p<0.001), access to pro-tobacco advertising (OR=1.74, p<0.001), anti-tobacco campaigns (OR=3.30; p<0.001) and, in particular, living with other smokers (OR=9.65; p<0.001). Conclusion Knowledge about sociodemographic and census status variables is relevant to the assessment of future specific health promotion policies.

Identifying interior design strategies for healthy workplaces – a literature review

Purpose It is widely recognized that interior office space can affect health in several ways. Strategic and evidence-based design, including explicit design objectives, well-chosen design solutions and evaluation of results, aid realization of desired health effects. Therefore, this paper aims to identify possibly effective interior design strategies and accompanying design solutions and to provide examples of effectiveness measures. Design/methodology/approach A literature sample of 59 peer-reviewed papers published across disciplines was used to collect examples of workplace design features that have positively influenced workers’ well-being. The papers were grouped by their health objective and design scope successively and their theoretical assumptions, measures and findings were analyzed. Findings Four main workplace design strategies were identified. Design for comfort aims at reducing or preventing health complaints, discomfort and stress, following a pathogenic approach. It has the longest tradition and is the most frequently addressed in the included papers. The other three take a salutogenic approach, promoting health by increasing resources for coping with demands through positive design. Design for restoration supports physical and mental recovery through connections with nature. Design for social well-being facilitates social cohesion and feelings of belonging. Design for healthy behavior aims at nudging physical activity in the workplace. Originality/value By drawing complementary perspectives and offering examples of design solutions and effectiveness measures, this paper encourages workplace designers, managers and researchers to take a transdisciplinary and evidence-based approach to healthy workplaces. It also serves as a starting point for future empirical research.

Challenges and Prospects of Plant-Derived Oral Vaccines against Hepatitis B and C Viruses

Hepatitis B and C viruses chronically affect approximately 3.5% of the global population, causing more than 800,000 deaths yearly due to severe liver pathogenesis. Current HBV vaccines have significantly contributed to the reduction of chronic HBV infections, supporting the notion that virus eradication is a feasible public health objective in the near future. In contrast to HBV, a prophylactic vaccine against HCV infection is not available yet; however, intense research efforts within the last decade have significantly advanced the field and several vaccine candidates are shortlisted for clinical trials. A successful vaccine against an infectious disease of global importance must not only be efficient and safe, but also easy to produce, distribute, administer, and economically affordable to ensure appropriate coverage. Some of these requirements could be fulfilled by oral vaccines that could complement traditional immunization strategies. In this review, we discuss the potential of edible plant-based oral vaccines in assisting the worldwide fight against hepatitis B and C infections. We highlight the latest research efforts to reveal the potential of oral vaccines, discuss novel antigen designs and delivery strategies, as well as the limitations and controversies of oral administration that remain to be addressed to make this approach successful.

The association between body mass index and the oral Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes profiles of healthy individuals

Introduction: Microbiome status is considered an important factor that contributes to obesity. Investigations have shown that the oral microbiome comprises a vast array of bacterial species that can influence human health. Objective: To determine the association between the presence of the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes and the body mass index (BMI) status of normal, overweight and obese subjects in Duhok, Iraq. Additionally, to investigate the composition of oral Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes profiles for individuals with different BMI statuses. Methods: A total of 155 saliva samples were collected from participants in Duhok, Iraq. Bacterial genomic DNA was then extracted from the collected saliva. The presence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla was detected via polymerase chain reaction. Results: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were detected in 63.2 and 37.4% of the population, respectively. Differences in the carriage rates of oral Firmicutes in overweight (78%) and obese individuals (83%) were statistically significant when compared to normal weight individuals (36%) (P<0.0001). The percentage rates of Bacteroidetes in obese individuals (26.4%) was statistically significant when compared to normal weight individuals (50.8%) (P=0.0078). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratios (obese=3.1, overweight=2.5 and normal weight=0.7) were higher with increasing BMI. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio growing with increasing BMI. High rates of Firmicutes could serve a role in the development of obesity. Further studies are required to clarify the exact relationship between oral bacteria and obesity, which could lead to a promising therapeutic method for improving the physical health of humans.

Procedimento de segurança para manuseio de nanomateriais em laboratórios

Introdução: a nanotecnologia vem propiciando uma revolução tecnológica na engenharia mundial. Dentre os nanomateriais mais utilizados, os nanotubos de carbono (NTC) se destacam por suas diversas propriedades excelentes e específicas. Entretanto, as implicações a saúde de usuários que manipulam os nanotubos de carbono estão longe de serem compreendidas e cercadas de incertezas. Métodos: estudo exploratório-descritivo, baseado em uma breve contextualização acerca dos nanotubos de carbono e da nanotoxicologia, em busca de compreender as principais características morfológicas deste material, e os principais danos causados à saúde dos trabalhadores. Objetivo: propor um procedimento de segurança para manuseio de nanomateriais em laboratórios. Resultados: os laboratórios que manipulam esse tipo de tecnologia devem ser dotados de instalações específicas e possuir procedimentos operacionais que busquem controlar a exposição e a contaminação aerotransportada. Conclusão: a compatibilização da cadeia comercial e a segurança do trabalho devem ser consideradas para nanomateriais, ou seja, o diálogo entre fabricante, fornecedor, usuário final e profissionais de saúde e segurança do trabalho (SST) é de suma importância para o desenvolvimento da nanotecnologia segura. Introduction: nanotechnology has led to a technological revolution in world engineering. Among the most used nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNT) stand out for their excellent and specific properties. However, the health impacts of users who manipulate carbon nanotubes are far from being understood and surrounded by uncertainties. Methods: exploratory-descriptive study based on a brief contextualization about carbon nanotubes and nanotoxicology, in an attempt to understand the main morphological characteristics of this material, and the main damages caused to workers' health. Objective: a safety procedure for handling nanomaterials in laboratories was proposed. Results: Laboratories that handle this type of technology must be equipped with specific facilities and have operational procedures that seek to control exposure and airborne contamination. Conclusion: the compatibility of the commercial chain and work safety must be considered for nanomaterials, that is, the dialogue between manufacturer, supplier, end user and and occupational health and safety professionals is of paramount importance for the development of safe nanotechnology.

Covid-19. Diseño antropométrico de silla y escritorio para recibir clases de posgrado en línea.

Introduction. The Covid-19 pandemic toppled the global economy and common ways of working, forcing students and teachers to take classes online in conditions that are not ergonomically suitable for their health. Objective. Anthropometrically design a chair and desk for a group of students receiving online graduate classes and mitigate ergonomic risk. Methods. It began by determining the real dimensions of the main anthropometric elements that determine a group of professionals who study online and then applying percentile calculations to choose the best dimension of 14 parts of a chair and a desk that mitigates the level of ergonomic risk. Results. From the application of the calculation of the percentiles for a population of 35 students considering a class mark (m) of 6 for 14 anthropometric dimensions that coincide with 14 important parts of the design, the following dimensions were chosen: seat height 42.49 cm, space between legs and table 17.39 cm, seat depth 44.68 cm, table height 53.93 cm, armrest height 22.81 cm, upper back width 43.49 cm, table top depth 60 , 17cm, bottom table depth 70.43 cm, distance allowing mobility 93.64 cm, width of seat base 38.91 cm, distance between armrests 45.88 cm, height of seat back 60.93 cm . Conclusion. An ergonomic workspace was designed considering real anthropometric dimensions for a group of graduate students studying in teleworking conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

THE CLINICAL TREATMENT OF SPORTS TO RELIEVE THE DIFFICULTY OF FALLING ASLEEP

ABSTRACT Introduction: Difficulty falling asleep is connected to the malfunctioning of the sleep and wakefulness mechanism of the human body caused by various reasons. There are a series of adverse reactions resulting from abnormal or poor quality of sleep during sleep per se. This symptom severely affects an individual's physical condition and mental health. Objective: To explore the effect of physical exercise on patients with difficulty falling asleep. Methods: Mathematical statistics were used to analyze 60 patients with difficulty falling asleep. We divided the patients into a sports group and a control group. The patients in the sports group took sports training, while the control group did not. After two weeks of intervention and comparison, we used mathematical statistics to evaluate the groups’ cognitive function. Results: After physical exercise, the patient's sleep quality was higher and sleep disorders were reduced. Conclusion: Physical activity is a simple and popular way of exercising. It is effective in improving the cognitive function of patients with difficulty falling asleep. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES IN RELIEVING THE CURRENT STATE OF DEPRESSION

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise has become a common method at home and abroad as a means of psychotherapy and mental health. Objective: Observing the current situation and characteristics of physical exercise and depressive disorders and examining the influence of physical exercise on depressive disorders in the human body. Methods: The article compares and analyzes the relationship between human physical exercise and the level of depression and body self-esteem from the perspective of psychology. Results: The incidence of depression is higher. There are significant differences in the attitude towards physical exercise and the degree of depression in the three types of subjects in the study. Physical exercise is conducive to the relief of depression. Conclusion: Physical exercise is one of the effective ways to improve the depressive state of the human body. The effect of an exercise has no relation with the specific exercise method selected. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Transmission event of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant reveals multiple vaccine breakthrough infections

Importance: Vaccine breakthrough by an emergent SARS-CoV-2 variant poses a great risk to global public health. Objective: To determine the SARS-CoV-2 variant responsible for 6 cases of vaccine breakthrough. Design: Nasopharyngeal swabs from suspected vaccine breakthrough cases were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR for Wuhan-Hu1 and Alpha variant. Positive samples were then sequenced by Swift Normalase Amplicon Panels to determine the causal variant. Setting: Transmission event occurred at events surrounding a wedding outside of Houston, TX. Two patients from India, likely transmitted the Delta variant to other guests. Participants: Following a positive SARS-CoV-2 qPCR test at a third-party site, six fully vaccinated patients were investigated. Three males and three females ranged from 53 to 69 years old. One patient suffered from diabetes while three others were classified as overweight. No significant other comorbidities were identified. None of the patients had a history of failed vaccination.