To analyze the effect of integration of medical and preventive services on the prevention and control of public health emergencies in China, and to provide a scientific basis for improving prevention and control capabilities. The coupling coordination degree was used to calculate the comprehensive scores for the integration of medical and preventive services in 31 provincial-level administrative areas from 2018 to 2023. The incidence rates of Category A and B infectious diseases were selected as the explained variables for prevention and control effectiveness, and a panel model was used to analyze the effect of these scores on the prevention and control of public health emergencies during the same period. The comprehensive scores for the integration of medical and preventive services in China from 2018 to 2023 were 0.558, 0.567, 0.574, 0.578, 0.577, and 0.579, respectively. Areas such as Guangdong and Shandong had comprehensive scores above 0.94, while areas including Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia had comprehensive scores below 0.23. The comprehensive score for the integration of medical and preventive services in China was statistically significant at the 0.05 level (t = -1.102, p < 0.05), with a regression coefficient of -227.428. This indicates that the integration of medical and preventive services had a significant negative impact on the public health emergencies. The comprehensive score in the eastern region was statistically significant at the 0.01 level (t = -3.339, p < 0.01), with a regression coefficient of -703.139. This indicates that the eastern region had a significant negative impact on the public health emergencies. The central and western regions did not pass the significance level test. Regional disparities in the integration of medical and preventive services in China are relatively obvious. The integration of medical and preventive services significantly affected the prevention and control of public health emergencies. The effect of the integration of medical and preventive services on the prevention and control of public health emergencies showed regional differences.
To search, evaluate, and synthesize the best available evidence for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This study summarizes the key recommendations of evidence-based nursing for the prevention and management of PPH in obstetrics, aiming to guide clinical practice. The PIPOST framework was employed to comprehensively define the evidence-based question across six dimensions: Population, Intervention, Professionals, Outcome, Setting, and Type of evidence, ensuring scientific rigor and relevance. A top-down systematic search was conducted following the "6S" pyramid evidence model, encompassing authoritative international and domestic resources, including computerized decision support systems, guideline repositories, professional society websites, and major databases. Diverse evidence types, such as clinical decisions, guidelines, and systematic reviews, were included to provide comprehensive coverage of PPH prevention strategies. The quality of the eligible literature was rigorously appraised, and the guidelines were evaluated using the for Appraisal of Guidelines Research, Evaluation, and Education Development II instrument to ensure reliability and validity. Key information related to PPH prevention was then extracted. Finally, the evidence was graded based on quality and reliability to provide a clear foundation for evidence-based practice and assist healthcare professionals in selecting appropriate interventions. Thirteen publications were ultimately included, comprising two guidelines, two expert consensuses, one evidence summary, three nursing and survey studies, one systematic review, and three review articles. Twenty-three best practice recommendations for PPH prevention and management were systematically synthesized across 11 domains: risk assessment, anemia management, health education, mode of delivery selection, oxytocin administration, active management of the third stage of labor, labor control, vital signs monitoring, vaginal blood loss monitoring, uterine contraction monitoring, and psychological care. Clinical administrators bear significant responsibility and should focus on refining the emergency management protocols for severe PPH. Therefore, it is crucial to vigorously promote the standardization and systematic training of healthcare professionals. Through diverse training formats and specialized courses, the professional competence and practical skills of clinical staff in preventing and managing PPH can be effectively enhanced. This enables more effective handling of PPH cases in clinical practice, potentially reducing its incidence and associated mortality, thereby providing a more robust safeguard for maternal health. By systematically searching and synthesizing authoritative domestic and international resources, this study summarizes 23 best practice recommendations for PPH prevention and management. This assists nursing staff in conducting better nursing assessments, diagnoses, and planning, formulating scientific and effective nursing interventions, improving workflows, and addressing existing and potential patient problems, thereby promoting scientific and effective clinical nursing practice. Applicable to parturients with bleeding tendencies, for the prevention of PPH, and to assist healthcare workers in developing scientific and effective medical and nursing measures.
Digital health education may help reduce health-information inequality in underdeveloped rural areas, but evidence remains limited on how rural residents encounter health information across different media environments and how digital access, usability, engagement, and self-reported preventive behavior are interrelated. This study examined media-use ecologies and cross-sectional associations among digital access and skills, digital health information engagement, and self-reported preventive behavior among rural adults in Guizhou, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,265 adult rural residents recruited from five selected counties/districts in Guizhou Province using a multistage non-probability sampling design. Latent class analysis was used to characterize health-information media-use ecologies based on nine indicators of information channels and social media platforms. Regression-based cross-sectional association models examined associations among digital access and skills, perceived ease of understanding digital health content, lower operational difficulty, digital health information engagement, attitudes and willingness toward health education, and self-reported preventive behavior, adjusting for sex, age, education, income, and media-use ecology. Five media-use ecologies were identified, reflecting different combinations of offline interpersonal/professional channels, traditional media, and digital platforms. Residents in omnichannel and short-video/social-platform-centered ecologies reported higher digital health information engagement, whereas those in the offline village doctor/traditional channels ecology reported the lowest engagement. Higher digital access and skills were associated with stronger engagement, and this association was attenuated after accounting for perceived ease of understanding and lower operational difficulty. Greater engagement was associated with more frequent self-reported preventive behavior, and this association was attenuated after accounting for attitudes toward health education and willingness to adopt new forms of health education. In this non-probability adult sample from selected rural sites in Guizhou, digital health inequality was reflected not only in unequal access to devices and networks, but also in differences in understanding, usability, engagement, and self-reported preventive behavior. The findings should be interpreted as cross-sectional associations among field-feasible indicators rather than evidence of causal mechanisms.
Personalized prevention is an important component of personalized medicine, tailoring interventions to the biological, behavioral, sociocultural and environmental characteristics of individuals for the prevention of disease onset, progression and recurrence. Despite its potential, personalized preventive interventions (PPI) remain less commonly implemented in clinical practice. This study explored the main barriers to a broader adoption of PPI in European healthcare systems. A multi-stakeholder consultation involving citizens/patients, health professionals, researchers, and policymakers was conducted using a sequential mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, semi-structured interviews with key informants representing different stakeholder groups were conducted. The thematic analysis of interview findings, complemented by insights from a review of the literature, informed the development of an online survey implemented in the second phase of the study. Twenty-six interviews and 270 complete surveys were analyzed. Stakeholders identified barriers across three main domains: (1) healthcare systems, (2) implementation, and (3) awareness, education, and literacy. Key barriers associated with limited PPI adoption included the predominant focus of health strategies on treatment over prevention, unresolved ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI), limited awareness and knowledge of personalized prevention among both professionals and citizens, and the lack of appropriate cost-benefit evaluation models. Findings highlight interconnected barriers that may impact a broader PPI adoption across healthcare system, governance, implementation, and awareness-related domains. Continued stakeholder dialogue and engagement, alongside efforts to address awareness and governance-related challenges, may support the broader integration of PPI into European healthcare systems.
Pneumoconiosis remains a significant public health issue. Given its substantial harm to patients and society, effective prevention is crucial. The study aimed to investigate the current status systematically and the influencing factors of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis among Chinese college students, thereby providing evidence-based recommendations for targeted intervention strategies. A cross-sectional online study was conducted based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model between September and October 2025. We conducted a nationwide, anonymous survey using stratified random sampling by educational level and geographic region, involving 1,795 students from 84 universities across 33 Chinese provinces. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of demographic factors on the KAP model. Students demonstrated a moderate overall KAP level across the assessed domains (overall KAP score: 66.93 ± 10.76) with limited knowledge (61.79 ± 16.75) and practical engagement (67.65 ± 13.53), but relatively positive attitudes (72.45 ± 9.92). Non-Han status (β = -0.072), Non-Medical disciplines (β = -0.062), residence in the Northern (β = -0.066), Northwestern (β = -0.073), Southwestern (β = -0.066), or Northeastern (β = -0.062), Good health status (β = 0.094), and higher self-rated knowledge levels (all p < 0.001) were significant predictors. These findings reveal significant gaps in knowledge and practice among university students. They provide a critical evidence base for developing targeted curricular interventions and health promotion strategies within higher education to improve occupational health literacy.
Early hospital discharge has shifted complex care to domestic settings, increasing the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). This review evaluates home care HAI prevalence, risk factors, and preventive challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search identified original studies on adult home care patients. Methodological quality was assessed using the RTI Item Bank and MMAT. Ten studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Findings suggest that the overall prevalence of HAIs in the home care setting varies widely depending on reporting criteria and specific populations, also highlighting a critical epidemiological shift. In fact, up to 56% of home-managed HAIs were imported from previous hospitalizations thus actively introducing Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)—such as ESBL-producing E. coli and Clostridium difficile—into the community setting. The prolonged use of invasive medical devices (e.g., urinary catheters, implantable ports), combined with severe chronic comorbidities like dementia, diabetes, and hypoalbuminemia, strongly amplifies infection risks. Furthermore, adherence to standard Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols is frequently hindered by structural barriers, including a lack of cleanliness (85.4%) and space (77.1%). In this unregulated setting, the capability and education of informal caregivers act as primary determinants of infection outcomes. The home care environment is increasingly vulnerable to severe HAIs. Mitigating these risks requires the development of setting-specific IPC guidelines and the formal integration of caregiver education into public health policies. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024594811, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42024594811).
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are often preventable and cause significant morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of data on HAIs in low- and middle-income countries. This study surveyed Dominican Republic hospitals, revealing that 60% had Infection Prevention, and Control (IPC) programs, but gaps remain in IPC committees, training, data tracking, and reporting.
To overcome the poor colloidal stability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and combine ginseng polysaccharide bioactivity with nano selenium advantages for ulcerative colitis prevention. Ginseng polysaccharide functionalized SeNPs (GP-SeNPs) were prepared. Particle size, in vitro antioxidant activity, cellular uptake, and protection against H2O2‑induced oxidative stress were assessed. A DSS‑induced colitis mouse model was used to assess preventive effects. GP-SeNPs showed smaller particle size (101.00 ± 1.22 nm), strong antioxidant activity, enhanced cellular uptake, and protection against oxidative stress in vitro. In DSS mice, GP-SeNPs alleviated colon shortening, weight loss, disease activity index, pro‑inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression, oxidative stress, and colonic histopathological damage. Ginseng polysaccharide functionalization improved the stability and biological performance of SeNPs, supporting their development as functional ingredients for intestinal health protection.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), yet screening and tuberculosis prevention treatment (TPT) rates remain low. This study aims to assess acceptance of LTBI screening and TPT among HCWs and identify factors influencing their willingness. A stratified random sampling was conducted across 31 districts, involving 46 tuberculosis (TB) designated institutions in Chongqing. HCWs were surveyed using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance regarding LTBI screening and TPT. Among 1,022 HCWs, 39.7% reported limited LTBI knowledge, and 67.4% had never undergone LTBI screening. Willingness rates for screening and TPT were 78.7 and 93.3%, respectively. Among those unwilling to undergo screening, 87.6% cited reasons such as perceiving it as unnecessary or lacking time, while 57.8% expressed concerns about the inspection process and associated cost. Additionally, 79.4% of those unwilling to accept TPT cited fear of adverse drug reactions. Department was significantly associated with willingness to undergo screening (p = 0.003), while profession (p = 0.001) and work experience (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with willingness to receive TPT. Multivariable analysis revealed that prior LTBI screening history (OR = 5.145), history of treating TB patients (OR = 1.518), and support for TPT (OR = 1.497) were independent predictors of screening acceptance, while support for TPT was the sole independent predictor of TPT acceptance (OR = 7.110). Strengthening health education, providing policy and financial support, and targeting high-risk departments for screening and TPT may improve compliance among HCWs. Additionally, fostering positive attitudes toward TPT and ensuring positive initial screening experiences are critical to enhancing acceptance.
Parastomal hernia remains one of the most common long-term complications following permanent end colostomy, with significant implications for patient quality of life and healthcare resources. The recently published Chimney Trial reported a reduction in both radiological and clinically diagnosed parastomal hernia using a funnel-shaped prophylactic mesh during elective minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. This editorial critically examines the trial's findings, strengths, limitations, and implications for clinical practice. While the results are encouraging, important questions remain regarding patient selection, mesh design, long-term safety, external validity, and clinically meaningful outcomes. Rather than closing the debate on prophylactic mesh, the Chimney Trial may redefine it by shifting attention towards the role of mesh configuration and patient-centered outcome measures.
Migraine care has become scientifically precise while many patient pathways remain operationally imprecise. Diagnostic criteria, global burden data, migraine-specific preventive therapies, and emerging digital tools are available, yet many patients still experience delayed diagnosis, underestimated disability, escalating acute medication use, and late access to prevention. This perspective argues that delayed access should be understood not merely as an administrative barrier, but as a modifiable risk factor that may contribute to migraine progression, medication overuse, and avoidable disability. It proposes precision triage as a practical implementation framework for connecting headache classification, burden assessment, medication-overuse risk, rational preventive treatment selection, timely referral, and accountable use of digital health tools. The central claim is that modern migraine care must shift from disconnected visits to a pathway-based model that asks what each patient needs next and how soon. Such a shift may help translate existing headache knowledge into faster, fairer, and more clinically responsive care.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major acute cardiovascular condition with high mortality, affecting nearly 10 million individuals worldwide each year. Identifying novel and modifiable risk factors is crucial for advancing prevention strategies. Intramuscular fat infiltration (IMFI), a modifiable condition linked to inflammation and muscle weakness, both established contributors to VTE risk, has not been previously studied in relation to incident VTE. We aimed to examine the association between thigh IMFI and incident VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This population-based cohort study included 24 529 UK Biobank participants with baseline IMFI assessed using magnetic resonance imaging of the thigh muscles. The primary outcome was incident VTE. Secondary outcomes included incident PE and DVT. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of IMFI with incident VTE, PE and DVT, adjusting for potential confounders. Dose-response relationships were evaluated using restricted cubic spline regression models. Over a mean follow-up of 4.92 years, 227 participants developed incident VTE. The incidence rates across increasing age- and sex-specific anterior thigh IMFI quartiles were 1.34, 1.28, 1.58 and 3.34 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Compared with the lowest anterior thigh IMFI quartile, adjusted HRs for incident VTE were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.37), 1.02 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.55) and 1.88 (95% CI: 1.26, 2.80) for the second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively. Similar associations were observed for incident PE and DVT. Restricted spline regression models revealed that VTE risk increased progressively across higher IMFI levels. PE and DVT risk showed similar patterns. Analyses using posterior thigh IMFI showed generally consistent associations with incident VTE, PE and DVT. Elevated thigh IMFI was associated with higher risks of VTE, PE and DVT. These findings identify thigh IMFI as a potential modifiable risk factor for VTE and support further investigation of strategies targeting muscle fat infiltration for thrombotic disease prevention.
Background. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and thrombosis are the most severe complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) in hemodialysis. Taurolidine, a non-antibiotic lock solution with broad antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, is a practical option for prevention. Aim. To evaluate, in a real-life cohort, the impact of Taurolidine-based lock solutions on the prevention of CRBSIs and thrombosis in hemodialysis CVCs, and to explore implications for future protocols. Methods. A single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2023 and August 2025 in the Hemodialysis Unit of Crema Hospital. Seventy-nine patients were included (61 tunneled and 18 temporary CVCs). Data were extracted from electronic medical records and chart reviews. Lock regimens: Taurolidine + Heparin (T/H) routinely used; Taurolidine + Urokinase (T/U) mainly used on an as-needed basis in complex cases; dwell time 48-72 hours according to dialysis interval. Outcomes included CRBSIs, thrombosis, and event-free survival (Kaplan-Meier). Results. A total of 25 CRBSIs (31.6% overall; 41% among tunneled CVCs) and 11 thromboses (13.9% overall; 18% among tunneled CVCs) were recorded, all occurring in tunneled catheters. No de novo events were observed in temporary CVCs. No complications occurred with T/H, whereas events clustered in the T/U group, composed of clinically complex patients with recurrent malfunction. Kaplan-Meier analysis, performed for descriptive purposes, showed a more favorable event-free survival pattern in the T/H group compared with T/U and heparin alone. Conclusions. In our experience, Taurolidine/Heparin was associated with a favorable efficacy and safety profile in preventing CRBSIs and thrombosis in tunneled CVCs. A scheduled use of Taurolidine/Urokinase may provide additional benefit in patients at high thrombotic risk. Prospective multicenter studies and standardized protocols are warranted. The establishment of dedicated AV-teams and registries could also improve organization of care.
Mpox poses a public health threat in China. Nurses are crucial in patient management, yet their mpox knowledge is poorly understood. This study aimed to describe mpox awareness among Chinese nurses, assess their level of mpox-related knowledge, and identify factors associated with good knowledge. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-designed questionnaire, collecting data on respondents' demographics, clinical specialties, and institutional characteristics. Mpox knowledge was evaluated across etiology, clinical manifestations, transmission routes, and prevention and control measures, with a score of ≥30 out of 37 defined as good knowledge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the influencing factors of good mpox knowledge. Among 2,086 online questionnaires distributed to nurses across 19 Chinese provinces, 2,023 were valid (96.98% response rate). Among the 1,766 respondents who had heard of mpox and completed the knowledge assessment, 381 (21.57%) demonstrated good mpox knowledge. Domain-specific correct response rates were 52.71% for etiology, 68.47% for clinical characteristics, and 66.38% for transmission/prevention/control. Multivariable logistic regression showed that good mpox knowledge was positively associated with age >35 years, college degree or higher, employment in district/county-level hospitals, traditional media as knowledge source, and participation in mpox training. Mpox knowledge among Chinese nurses is inadequate. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, standardized, and multi-channel educational interventions, particularly for younger nurses, those in higher-level hospitals, and frontline clinical personnel. Strengthening professional training and improving access to reliable information sources are essential to enhance nurses' preparedness and response capacity for emerging infectious diseases such as mpox.
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face profound cancer disparities, with frequent late-stage diagnosis, lower treatment completion rates than housed populations, and up to twofold higher cancer mortality. In Chicago, where homelessness is shaped by structural racism, economic disinvestment, and healthcare resource deserts, PEH carries a concentrated burden of cancer risk. Factors including high tobacco and alcohol use, chronic viral infections (hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV)), severe dental disease, malnutrition, and untreated mental illness and substance use disorders contribute to the overrepresentation of specific malignancies, most notably lung, head and neck, cervical, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers, which are often missed early due to limited access to preventive care and screening. This review highlights critical gaps across the cancer care continuum (the comprehensive framework describing cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship) and underscores Chicago's urgent need for targeted, low-barrier interventions. Mobile medical clinics represent a scalable and community-centered solution to deliver cancer risk assessment, screening, linkage to care, and patient navigation directly to PEH, offering a promising strategy to improve early detection, reduce cancer mortality, and advance cancer equity in Chicago.
ObjectiveSmoking remains a significant risk factor for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. The disease burden and smoking-attributable carcinogenic effects are particularly concentrated in adults aged 40 years and older, making this age group critical for targeted prevention. We aimed to analyze the global, regional, and national disease burden of smoking-attributable prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers exclusively among adults aged 40 years and older from 1990 to 2021, and to provide long-term projections to 2045 for evidence-based tobacco control and cancer prevention strategies.MethodsThis retrospective observational study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we assessed age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life year rate (ASDR), along with absolute deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Trends were evaluated using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and future burden was projected using the Nordpred model.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, absolute DALYs and deaths increased globally, while ASDR and ASMR declined. In 2021, DALYs for prostate and kidney cancers peaked at ages 65-69, and for bladder cancer at 70-74. High-SDI regions had the highest ASDR for prostate and kidney cancers, while middle-high-SDI regions led in bladder cancer. ASDR and ASMR decreased for prostate and bladder cancers across most SDI regions, but kidney cancer rates rose in Middle and Low-middle-SDI regions. By 2045, prostate cancer ASDR/ASMR are projected to increase after 2035, while bladder and kidney cancers will continue declining, though absolute burden will rise.ConclusionSmoking-attributable urological cancers remain a major public health challenge. Despite declining age-standardized rates, absolute burden is growing, particularly among older adults and in middle/low-SDI regions. Strengthened tobacco control, early screening, and optimized resource allocation are critical to reducing future burden.
Background Obesity is a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has significantly increased in recent decades and is expected to impact a large portion of the US population. Hypertension continues to be one of the most common complications associated with obesity, and the overlap between these two conditions has been growing over time. However, mortality trends in patients with obesity and hypertension have not been investigated in the literature. Objectives This study aimed to investigate mortality trends, stratified by sex, race, age groups, and geographic distribution, in the US population between 1999 and 2020. Methods Death certificates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) were examined and analyzed between 1999 and 2020 for patients with obesity and hypertension as the contributing causes of death. The age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent changes (APCs) per 100000 people were calculated by sex, race, age group, and geographic region. Results Among individuals aged ≥15, a total of 294854 deaths occurred in individuals with obesity and hypertension between 1999 and 2020. The overall AAMR increased from 1.08 in 1999 to 12.14 in 2020. The AAMR has steadily increased since 1999, with a sudden spike occurring between 2018 and 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has been observed across nearly all variables analyzed in our study. Our results exhibited a 28% increase in mortality related to obesity and hypertension during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the study period, men had a higher overall AAMR than women (men, 5.92; women, 4.32). Mortality was highest among the 55-74-year-old age group, followed by the 75-plus-year-old, 35-54-year-old, and finally 15-34-year-old age groups, which displayed the lowest AAMR (AAMR: 55-74, 11.76; 75+, 10.83; 35-54, 4.73; and 15-34, 0.54). Among the races, non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks had the highest overall AAMR (9.81), followed by NH American Indians or Alaskan Natives (6.01), NH Whites (4.64), Hispanics (4.08), and NH Asians or Pacific Islanders (1.17). However, NH Whites showed the highest average APC (AAPC) (11.44), indicating a possible future shift in mortality. By geographic region, the Southern United States had the highest AAMR, followed by the Western, Midwestern, and Northeastern regions. Non-metropolitan areas had consistently higher obesity- and hypertension-related AAMRs (5.63 overall) compared to metropolitan areas (4.99 overall). Conclusion In our retrospective analysis of death certificate data from 1999 to 2020, we found that age-adjusted mortality rates among individuals with both obesity and hypertension consistently displayed an increasing trend across all demographic groups. The overall rising AAMRs, compounded by the disproportionately high average annual percent changes among White individuals and those aged 15-34, raise serious concerns for the healthcare system. These findings have significant implications for public health policy. Focused interventions are essential to curb the upward trajectory of mortality in this population, as early intervention can greatly help tackle the dual burden of obesity and hypertension, which are largely preventable.
Due to widespread environmental presence and growing detection in food systems, microplastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, along with nanoplastics with size <1 µm, collectively referred to as micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), have become a growing global concern. Previous exposure studies undermined the true burden of plastic contamination, owing to the limited analytical detection range that resulted in the omission of nanoscale fractions and a potential underestimation of related toxicological risks. Recent studies have reported that approximately 90% of plastic particles detected in bottled water are MNPs. Food packaging materials are a crucial but frequently disregarded source of MP contamination among the various exposure pathways. During handling, processing, and storage, packaging plastics can release MPs into food, which has a direct impact on consumer health and food safety. Measurable concentrations of MPs with variable contamination profiles have been found in packaged beverages, dairy products, meat, snacks, and ready-to-eat foods, as per recent case studies. Despite ongoing methodological issues with size resolution, polymer discrimination, and sample standardization, various analytical techniques have been used for detection and characterization of MPs. The necessity of reducing MPs' presence in food systems is highlighted by their toxicological effects, which include possible bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and microbiota imbalance. Reducing exposure risks requires the implementation of preventive measures like better manufacturing techniques, sustainable packaging substitutes, and regulatory actions. The sources, migration, analytical techniques, health effects, and preventative measures of MPs in food packaging are summarized in this review. It also highlights research gaps and obstacles in developing sustainable and safe food packaging.
Personalized nutrition (PN) has evolved as a novel approach that aims to maintain or enhance health by utilizing genetic, phenotypic, medical, nutritional, and other relevant individual-specific information to deliver tailored dietary guidance and nutrition-related services. The rapid expansion of high-throughput biological data and digital health technologies has positioned artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal tool for delivering PN advice that can reach and benefit large populations. This review highlights the role of AI in enabling data-driven PN interventions. AI methodologies that include machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning are discussed in the context of their ability to integrate and analyze complex multimodal health data derived from omics, wearable devices, and electronic health records. The potential of AI to enhance disease prevention and management, as well as real-time nutrition monitoring, is emphasized. Furthermore, the review highlights major challenges that currently limit the widespread adoption of AI-driven nutritional recommendations. This review presents a comprehensive overview of AI-driven approaches in PN while highlighting future opportunities, including multi-omics integration and explainable AI models to transform dietary guidance.
Ten eleven translocation (TET) proteins are central regulators of DNA methylation homeostasis and play essential roles in development and disease, including hematopoietic malignancies. Among the three TET family members, mutations in TET2 are frequently observed in hematologic disorders. TET enzymes catalyze the iterative oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and further oxidized derivatives, enabling DNA demethylation. Beyond catalysis, TET proteins also perform important non-enzymatic functions mediated through interactions with diverse protein partners, highlighting the importance of defining their regulatory interactome. Previous studies identified several TET-associated factors, including O-Linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT), members of the Drosophila behavior/human splicing (DBHS) protein family, and proline and serine-rich protein 1 (PROSER1). However, these interactions were largely considered independently. Recent findings now demonstrate that TET proteins, OGT, PROSER1, and DBHS proteins assemble into a higher-order regulatory unit termed the TOPD (TET-OGT-PROSER1-DBHS) complex. In this review, we discuss how TOPD provides a conceptual framework for understanding multicomponent regulation of TET function, spatial control of DNA demethylation, and maintenance of epigenetic homeostasis, with implications for developmental syndromes and hematopoiesis. TET proteins help control how DNA is chemically marked inside cells. These DNA marks influence which genes are turned on or off, making TET proteins important for normal development and for preventing blood cancers. TET proteins remove DNA methylation marks through a series of chemical steps, helping keep gene activity balanced. However, their role is not limited to this enzyme activity. TET proteins also work by interacting with other proteins, which helps guide where and how they act in the genome. Understanding these protein partnerships is therefore essential for explaining how TET proteins function in health and disease. Several proteins have been identified as TET partners, including OGT, DBHS proteins, and PROSER1. Until recently, these interactions were studied separately. New evidence now shows that these proteins come together to form a single regulatory assembly called the TOPD complex. This is the first time TOPD has been recognized as an integrated multicomponent complex. In this review, we explain how the TOPD complex helps coordinate TET activity, maintain stable DNA methylation patterns, and influence development and blood cell formation.