Journals
2026 EN
Kong Mowei · Zhao Xingwei · Li Qiuting
+2 more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping modern cardiology by enhancing clinical interpretation through data‐driven insights, surpassing traditional subjective assessments. This review explores AI's impact on the cardiac system, emphasizing the development of an intelligent end‐to‐end platform for prediction, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. AI enables a unified ecosystem for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular (CV) diseases, both before and after symptom onset, ensuring seamless workflow integration. Key technological advances such as deep learning, federated learning, natural language processing, and multimodal data convergence form the backbone of this collaborative CV ecosystem. AI has the potential to revolutionize CV risk evaluation, personalize treatments, and enable real‐time monitoring. However, challenges remain, including improving algorithm robustness, model reliability, and safeguarding patient privacy. The review also discusses the future role of generative models, edge AI, and federated learning to improve scalability while maintaining privacy. Ultimately, AI aims to shift cardiology toward a more data‐driven, personalized, and efficient system, enhancing both patient experience and care affordability.
Journals
2026 EN
Nkya Siana · Makani Julie · Flanagan Jonathan M.
ABSTRACT Advanced genomic technologies are revolutionizing our ability to understand complex diseases. Large‐scale population studies are needed to realize the potential of using individual genetic information to personalize treatments for better patient outcomes for chronic non‐communicable diseases, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is recognized as a benchmark genetic disorder for study both in Africa and globally due to its unmet health burden and the potential utilization of genomic knowledge for improving the health outcomes for individuals living with the disease. Over the past two decades, groundbreaking genomic research in SCD has led to the discovery, fine mapping, and validation of genetic and epigenetic variants of importance for SCD. These include variants in genes such as BCL11A , HBG , MYB , KLF1, and FLT1, which are all associated with fetal hemoglobin expression, a major modifier of disease severity in SCD. There has also been increased genomic knowledge of other SCD modifiers, including the distribution of alpha‐ and beta‐thalassemia variants in Africa, and infectious disease related markers such as APOL1 . Pioneering pharmacogenomics studies for hydroxyurea are promising and have unveiled the importance of the implementation of such studies for all SCD therapeutics, including small molecules and recent gene‐based therapies. Genomic research for the development of personalized medicine for SCD must involve countries in Africa due to the high prevalence of the disease in these countries, the high African genetic diversity that influences disease progression, and the potential to follow treatment outcomes in large cohorts of patients. These findings hold great promise to lead to a better understanding of SCD biology and treatment responses, the discovery of new therapies, and informing the design and execution of much needed clinical trials.
Journals
2026 EN
Urlacher Samuel S. · Gildner Theresa E. · Sugiyama Lawrence S.
ABSTRACT The Shuar Health and Life History Project (established in 2005) is an interdisciplinary, integrated field and laboratory research project with the Indigenous Shuar population in Amazonian Ecuador. Grounded in human biology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary psychology, evolutionary medicine, and global health, the SHLHP has three key research foci: (1) To identify how market integration (via effects on diet, pathogen exposure, lifestyle, etc.) impacts Shuar health and well‐being; (2) To investigate (using evolutionary life history theory) how lifetime phenotype and health are shaped by adaptive energy allocation between competing life tasks; and (3) To test hypothesized human psychological and demographic adaptations, including aspects of sociality that are central to the evolutionary success of our species. To address these foci, the SHLHP has established long‐term and mutually beneficial relationships with the Shuar and local collaborators, resulting in community‐engaged data collection with more than 3500 participants and a wide range of research publications and policy contributions over the past 20 years. This special issue of the American Journal of Human Biology showcases 10 original SHLHP articles that span much of the project's intellectual breadth and represent important advances for understanding human biology, life history, and health. To serve as an introduction, here we provide essential background on the Shuar and the SHLHP, overview the ten included special issue articles, and discuss key research and impact goals for the next 20 years of the SHLHP.
Journals
2026 EN
Wuellner Sara · Bonauto David
ABSTRACT Objective Workers' compensation insurance is an important financial resource for workers, and a key source of occupational injury and illness surveillance and research data. Underutilization of workers compensation is an ongoing concern. Using statewide data for a general working population, we estimated the portion of workers whose work‐related injury or illness (WRII) was paid by workers' compensation and assessed workers' compensation utilization by industry, occupation, demographic and health characteristics, and over time. Methods We combined 5 years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey data (2017–2022, excluding 2020) from Washington State for workers ( n = 31,171) and identified respondents with WRII ( n = 1463). We estimated the percent of workers who utilized workers' compensation to pay for treatment of their WRII, and calculated adjusted prevalence ratios to estimate underutilization controlling for sociodemographic, work and health factors. Estimates were weighted to be representative of the Washington adult population. Results Of the 5.1% of Washington workers who experienced a WRII within the past 12 months, just over half (51.3%, 95% CI: 48.1%, 54.5%) reported that their WRII was paid by workers' compensation insurance. Controlling for other sociodemographic, work and health factors, workers' compensation utilization was lower among workers who were younger, male, graduated from college, reported poorer mental health, and could not afford medical care. Workers' compensation utilization was lower among most service‐related industries and occupations. Annual estimates of utilization statewide changed little over time. Conclusion Underutilization of workers' compensation insurance is substantial. Workers' compensation data are more likely to miss younger workers, and workers in service‐related industries and occupations.
Journals
2026 EN
Sayre Madeleine M. · Murphy Lauren A. · Kavanaugh Chelsea
+5 more
ABSTRACT Background Firefighters responding to wildland and wildland−urban interface (WUI) fires increasingly navigate a hazardous landscape of environmental pollutants and occupational risks that may influence their health risk perceptions, yet their firsthand experiences and work‐related safety concerns are insufficiently understood. Methods Between December 2024 and February 2025, we conducted seven focus groups and four key informant interviews with 51 Florida Forest Service personnel, whose service averaged 11.5 years. Qualitative analysis of interview data employed a coding reliability thematic approach informed by a postpositivist paradigm. Results Four primary themes emerged: (1) Safety risks associated with heavy equipment operations and inadequate immersive training; (2) environmental hazards from complex smoke mixtures, invasive species, anthropogenic contaminants, and expanding WUI conditions; (3) systemic deficiencies in personal protective equipment availability, decontamination infrastructure, and cultural norms that valorize soiled gear; and (4) acute and chronic health burdens, including respiratory irritation, cardiovascular strain, mental health stressors, and perceived elevated cancer risk. Preinterview survey data documented that 72.5% of respondents self‐reported wearing no respiratory protection during fireground activities. Health conditions reported included hypertension (24.0%), arthritis (11.8%), and asthma (9.8%). Approximately 8.0% reported having depressive disorder, and 7.8% reported having kidney disease. Among all participants, 46.9% were obese. Conclusion Findings highlight critical gaps in occupational health practices, resource allocation, and cultural attitudes within the wildland firefighting workforce. Integration of technical interventions, such as enhanced respiratory protection, realistic equipment training, and station‐based laundering facilities with culturally informed strategies to shift perceptions of risk and of gear cleanliness should be validated in population‐based studies.
Journals
2026 EN
Gullestrup Jorgen · Thomas Samantha · King Tania
+1 more
ABSTRACT Background Every 45 seconds a person dies by suicide. Significantly more men than women die by suicide and most are of working age. Some industries such as the construction industry have higher rates of suicide. MATES in Construction is an Australian programme established in 2008 to reduce suicide rates in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role‐relationships between participants, staff and the MATES in Construction (MATES) organisation in an industry‐based suicide prevention programme in the Australian construction industry. Methods Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 MATES programme volunteers. The data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results From the data two themes were constructed. Firstly, MATES staff relatability builds worker trust and facilitates engagement in the programme. As peer workers, MATES staff were trusted and modelled the desired outcomes of the programme. Secondly, the authentic industry base of the programme enhances worker trust and engagement. MATES could be trusted because it was part of the construction industry as an industry‐owned and ‐led organisation supported by both employers and unions. Union endorsement was seen as particularly important by workers. Conclusions The relatability of MATES staff and MATES' industry base were seen as important drivers of worker engagement and participation in the programme. This study provides new insights into the importance of peer roles, authenticity, connection, and positionality of public health interventions as facilitators of engagement and participation in community‐based preventive interventions.
Journals
2026 EN
Laskaris Zoey · Coyle Joseph · Fleischer Nancy L.
ABSTRACT Background The COVID‐19 pandemic exacerbated social and economic inequities, with disproportionate job loss experienced by marginalized groups. This study offers a class‐based perspective to understanding inequities in pandemic‐related job loss in Michigan. Methods We used data from 2452 employed adults who participated in the Michigan COVID‐19 Recovery Surveillance Study (MI CReSS), a population‐based sample of adults with PCR‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 in Michigan. We defined seven social classes using an adaptation of Erikson and Goldthorpe's class scheme. Pandemic‐related job loss was assessed through self‐reported changes in employment status. Modified Poisson regression models were employed to estimate associations between social class and job loss, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, essential worker status, survey modality, and pandemic phase. Results Thirty percent of respondents reported pandemic‐related job loss. In fully‐adjusted models, the self‐employed class had a 66% (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26, 2.18) and the production class had a 60% (aPR 1.60, 95% CI = 1.23, 2.09) higher likelihood of job loss compared to the manager class. Education modified the relationship between class and job loss, with those with more education within each class having a lower prevalence of job loss. Conclusion Distinct social classes were strongly associated with pandemic‐related job loss. Employment relations are a modifiable social determinant shaping vulnerability to economic disruption, underscoring the need for future research on class as a mechanism contributing to pandemic‐related health and employment inequities.
Journals
2026 EN
Doyen Virginie · WalusiakSkorupa Jolanta · Wiszniewska Marta
+10 more
ABSTRACT Background Persulfate salts in hair bleaches are a well‐documented cause of occupational asthma (OA) among hairdressers, but little information is available on OA caused by hair products containing other low‐molecular‐weight chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of OA caused by oxidative hair dyes containing para‐amino compounds (PACs). Methods This retrospective multicenter study was conducted among 98 hairdressers with OA ascertained by a positive specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with hair products completed between 2006 and 2018 in 14 European tertiary centers. Nine hairdressers (9%) with a positive SIC response to hair dyes containing PACs were identified and reviewed. Results Eight hairdressers developed a bronchial response during “work‐simulation” SICs with hair dyes used at work, whereas one subject was challenged with pure para‐phenylene diamine. The pattern of bronchial reactions was isolated late, dual, and isolated early in four, three, and two subjects, respectively. A significant post‐challenge increase in nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness was detected in three of the seven (43%) subjects with both pre‐ and post‐SIC measurements available. Among subjects with fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements ( n = 3) or sputum eosinophil counts ( n = 4) available both before and after the SIC, none showed a significant increase in these airway inflammatory markers. Conclusions Hair dyes containing PACs may contribute substantially to OA among hairdressers. This possibility should be considered carefully when evaluating hairdressers with work‐related asthma symptoms. However, there is a need for further investigation of the underlying inflammatory and immunological mechanisms.
Journals
2026 EN
Henneberger Paul K. · Rollins Steven M. · Humann Michael J.
+4 more
ABSTRACT Background Results from a 2014 survey of 2030 healthcare workers (76% female, mean age 48.6 years) in New York City included the association of current asthma and asthma exacerbation with the general activities of cleaning fixed surfaces and administering aerosolized medications. We extended that analysis to determine if specific products and tasks for these and other activities were associated with the same outcomes. Methods The survey instrument inquired about asthma‐related outcomes, products used, and tasks performed. Polytomous logistic regression was used to model a three‐category outcome for current asthma without and with exacerbation and no current asthma (referent). Inverse probability weights were applied in all regression models to adjust for selection and participation bias that may have resulted from a low response of 11.1% of invitees. A separate model was fit for each exposure variable and yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results For cleaning fixed surfaces, two products and eight tasks had increased odds of at least one adverse outcome. Enzymes had an OR = 3.01 (95% CI 1.50, 6.04) for current asthma with exacerbation, and bleach had an OR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.22, 3.01) for current asthma without exacerbation. The eight general cleaning tasks included three (cleanup blood/spills, wipe furniture, wipe equipment) associated with both adverse outcomes, and five tasks associated only with current asthma without exacerbation. For aerosolized medication tasks, the small‐volume nebulizer was associated with current asthma with (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.06, 3.34) and without (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.01, 2.72) exacerbation, and two other tasks (continuous delivery system, metered dose inhaler) were associated only with current asthma without exacerbation. Conclusions Products and tasks in healthcare were associated with current asthma and asthma exacerbation. Future analyses will explore quantitative exposure‐assessment strategies for specific chemicals and mixtures.
Journals
2026 EN
Horch Matthew · Gribble Matthew O. · McAdam Jordan
+3 more
ABSTRACT Background Oil spill response workers encounter a unique mixture of hazardous exposures. Few studies have attempted to model these mixtures and evaluate the impact on worker health. The purpose of this investigation was to understand the association between clustered patterns of hazardous exposure and acute symptoms reported by United States Coast Guard (USCG) responders during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWHOS). Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study of USCG members who responded to the DWHOS and completed a post‐deployment survey ( n = 4855). The survey asked responders about a variety of hazardous exposures and acute symptoms experienced during their deployment. A previously‐conducted latent class analysis identified four unique latent classes (LC) which represent reported exposure patterns within this study population. We utilized the three higher LC levels to represent increasing probabilities of exposures to crude oil, exhaust, general outdoor environment, and experience of anxiety, with a “low overall exposure” group acting as the reference. For the present analysis, participants were assigned their most probable LC. Using multivariable log‐binomial regression analyses, adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of acute symptoms in each most probable LC compared to the reference LC were estimated. Results There were significant positive associations between most probable LCs and acute symptoms in all major organ systems with evidence of exposure−response relationships. Some of the strongest associations for individual acute symptoms representative of each organ system included chest pain, skin rash/itching, difficulty hearing, diarrhea, muscle pain, lightheadedness/dizziness, and shortness of breath. Conclusions This study broadens the current understanding of oil spill response work hazards by focusing on a more holistic exposure assessment, modeled by most probable LC‐derived exposure patterns.