Public Health Agency

Lake Des Oiseaux is an Algerian aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance that faces serious eutrophication issues. Ecological restoration offers a promising approach for the prevention and management of harmful algae blooms. Allelopathic submerged macrophytes are known to exert strong inhibitory effects. In this study, water restoration potential of Elodea nuttallii on cyanobacteria was investigated including effect on cyanobacteria cells density, cyanobacterial composition, water transparency, chlorophyll-a concentration, and competition for nutrients (NH4 +, NO2 −, NO3 −, PO4 3−, total nitrogen and total phosphorus). The allelochemicals were identified and quantified using HPLC‒DAD. E. nuttallii had a strong inhibitory effect on cyanobacterial growth (P < 0.001) and chlorophyll-a synthesis (P < 0.001). E. nuttallii inhibited 95.23% of cyanobacteria growth after 7 days of exposure and 99.99% after 30 days. Compared to the control experiment, E. nuttallii improved water transparency after day 7 (P < 0.001) and maintained very high water transparency until the end of the experiment. Nine allelochemicals, eight of which are polyphenols were identified among E. nuttallii metabolites. The dominant components are: (−)-epicatechin, naringenin and apigenin. E. nuttallii competes well with cyanobacteria for nutrients, especially nitrogen, and absorbs NO2 − and NO3 − when ammonium is low in the medium. Additionally, E. nuttallii reduces the phosphorus content to low concentrations in the medium. These findings suggest a combined effect of competition for nutrients and allelopathy.

Background/Objectives: Nosocomial outbreaks of viral respiratory infections strain healthcare systems and endanger patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). We describe two large nosocomial outbreaks with the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant, during its initial emergence in Germany, to assess transmission dynamics, effectiveness of control measures, and challenges in managing highly transmissible respiratory viruses. Methods: Confirmed cases were inpatients, HCWs, or their contacts testing SARS-CoV-2-positive since 1 January 2021 (Hospital A [HA])) or 21 January 2021 (Hospital B [HB])) with N501Y and delH69/V70 spike gene mutations. We conducted case interviews, reviewed medical records and shift schedules, and performed sequencing, genome reconstruction, and phylogenetic analysis. We describe cases, transmission chains, and control measures. Results: HA reported 18 patient cases, 20 HCW cases, and 33 community cases (N = 71). HB reported 48 patient cases, 43 HCW cases (13 in a COVID-19 ward), and 27 community cases (N = 118). In-hospital transmission occurred patient-to-patient, HCW-to-patient, patient-to-HCW, and HCW-to-HCW. HA halted admissions immediately after the initial cases; HB implemented measures gradually. Regular testing detected pre-symptomatic (HA = 6; HB = 18) and asymptomatic cases (HA = 3; HB = 13). Testing of agency staff was incomplete. The suspected primary case was an HCW in HA and a patient in HB who required resuscitation shortly after admission. Conclusions: Early COVID-19 outbreaks offer valuable lessons for managing emerging nosocomial outbreaks of highly transmissible respiratory viruses. Our findings provide empirical evidence for effective interventions, including rapid response, testing, HCW protection, and rigorous contact tracing in high-risk emergency situations. Managing agency staff remains a major challenge.

The Marano and Grado lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) has been affected by long-standing mercury (Hg) pollution due to inputs from the Isonzo River—mainly in the form of cinnabar (HgS)—and inorganic Hg conveyed into the lagoon by discharges from the chlor-alkali plant of Torviscosa. The present study compared different occupational sub-groups along the Marano and Grado lagoon against residents of the Dolomites Alps. Seventy-three local fishermen, 81 workers of the fish industry, and 76 local workers (52 employees of a large adhesive factory and 24 workers of an oil mill) of Porto Nogaro were recruited by convenience sampling. Hair mercury levels of the latter three groups were compared with those of 93 residents of the Dolomites Alps. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of hair mercury with various factors collected by a structured questionnaire. Median hair Hg levels were significantly lower in Dolomites’ residents (0.58 mg/Kg) compared to Porto Nogaro workers (1.31 mg/Kg), workers of the fish industry (2.32 mg/Kg) or fishermen (2.56 mg/Kg), following an upward trend. After adjusting for a number of potential confounders, the concentration of hair Hg progressively increased with fish intake at linear and logistic regression analysis. Advising to limit the consumption of locally caught fish to no more than one meal per week should not be restricted to pregnant women and children, but should also be extended to adults, in order to avoid the potential long-term neurological effects of low-dose Hg exposure. It is crucial to remain vigilant and continue monitoring Hg environmental contamination in the lagoon across various environmental matrices, such as sediments, water, fish, shellfish and birds. Regardless of Hg levels measured in the workplace, occupational health protocols of steel plants along the coastal area of the Marano and Grado lagoon should include biological monitoring of Hg, to disentangle the effect of occupational exposure from non-occupational exposure to the metal.

We assessed measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and varicella seroprevalence and factors associated with seropositivity among our institutions' health care workers (HCWs). This cross-sectional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) seroprevalence study of HCWs' residual sera from 2020 assessed factors associated with seropositivity using logistic regression and tested performance characteristics of an "immunity" criterion (composite of past vaccination and serology results) against seropositivity. Measles non-seropositive sera were re-tested with plaque neutralization reduction tests (PRNTs). A total of 284 HCWs were included. MMR and varicella ELISA seropositivity were 74.7% (95% confidence interval 69.2-79.6), 82.0% (77.1-86.3), 97.9% (95.5-99.2), and 94.0% (90.6-96.5), respectively. Measles (ELISA + PRNT) seropositivity was 100.0% (98.7-100.0). Mumps seropositivity was inversely associated with Singapore citizenship/permanent residency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.32 [0.12-0.74]). Varicella seropositivity was associated with past seropositivity and completed vaccination (aOR: 20.39 [2.79-428.71] and 0.10 [0.01-0.56], respectively). The positive and negative predictive values of "immunity" were 100.0%, 0.0% (measles [ELISA + PRNT]); 82.0%, 16.7% (mumps); 98.1%, 5.6% (rubella); and 94.5%, 10.0% (varicella), respectively. Participants had high measles, rubella, and varicella seroprevalence but not mumps. The immunity criterion was unreliable for mumps. Vaccinating HCWs with a third MMR dose could be considered in mumps outbreaks. Infection prevention and control measures remain important.

This review underscores the importance of integrating community knowledge and gender-sensitive approaches into climate-health frameworks. Strengthening health systems and formalizing local adaptation practices are essential for reducing inequities. Future research should adopt longitudinal and interdisciplinary perspectives to capture long-term health outcomes and policy implementation barriers in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Abstract: This article examines effective measures for improving foreign language teaching in vocational education institutions. The study analyzes the theoretical foundations of foreign language education, the implementation of a competency-based approach, and the role of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in vocational training. Special attention is paid to the integration of modern pedagogical methods and digital technologies, as well as teacher professional development. The findings contribute to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of foreign language instruction in vocational education systems.

Important questions remain regarding differences in geographical and age-specific mortality patterns as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved in consecutive waves, and how COVID-19 mortality compares to seasonal influenza. In a pandemic situation, excess all-cause mortality provides a more complete and robust measure than cause-specific mortality. Data submitted by 26 countries participating in the European Mortality Monitoring (EuroMOMO) network between 2020 and 2023 was analysed to quantify excess all-cause mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Excess mortality from this period was compared to previous influenza seasons from 2014 to 2019. Pooled estimates of excess mortality showed four main waves during the COVID-19 pandemic period, most markedly in people aged 65 years and above, with timing and magnitude that varied between countries. Here we show that prior to implementation of control measures and COVID-19 vaccination, excess mortality greatly exceeded typical seasonal influenza mortality, but later during the pandemic was at levels comparable to influenza.

Unhealthy food consumption is a major contributor to cardiometabolic diseases and related mortality. Sex differences are an essential determinant of individual variability in dietary responses. This research aimed to analyze unhealthy food consumption and metabolic profiles, and whether sex differences modify this relationship. This study employed a cross-sectional study which included men (N = 5151) and women (N = 9488) aged 19–65 years. Eight unhealthy food groups were analyzed using a validated questionnaire and food card. Adiposity, glucose, lipid, and blood pressure were measured for metabolic profiles data. Multivariable linear regression was utilized to assess the relationships and interactions among variables, while controlling for potential confounding factors. Women demonstrated significantly higher rates of central obesity (65.0%), MetS (51.6%), and low HDL cholesterol (69.2%), whereas men exhibited higher rates of prediabetes (37.2%), hypertriglyceridemia (46.6%), and higher levels of HbA1c (6.1 ± 1.3%). After correction for multiple testing using the Bonferroni correction, frequent consumption of high-fat foods was associated with elevated BMI, TG, and LDL, particularly in women and both groups of HDL. MSG and consumption of salty foods were associated with adverse lipid profiles (LDL) in women. Frequent consumption of sweet food was associated with an increase in SBP and DBP in women. Sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with a lower BMI, with differing interactions across sexes. Unhealthy food consumption is significantly associated with adverse metabolic syndromes, and these associations differed by sex. Women showed stronger associations between frequent intake of sweet, high-fat, salty, and MSG foods and adverse metabolic profiles.