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This paper explores the critical role of digital transformation (DX) in preventing secondary deaths and improving healthcare after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. As Japan grapples with an aging population, particularly in rural areas like Ishikawa Prefecture, the earthquake highlighted the vulnerabilities of elderly residents. The disaster's impact was exacerbated by misinformation and a digital divide, underscoring the need for robust digital infrastructure. Japan's digital transformation initiatives aim to bridge these gaps. This paper emphasizes the importance of DX in healthcare, advocating for real-time health monitoring, AI-driven for anticipatory action, and digital platforms for resource coordination. These tools are vital for timely medical interventions and preventing secondary deaths among vulnerable populations, especially during prolonged evacuations and in cold weather conditions. The paper highlights the need for adaptive governance and local community partnerships to ensure the effective use of digital technologies in disaster response and healthcare, ultimately enhancing resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for global unity and timely access to healthcare for all including multilingual and intercultural societies. This study aimed to identify barriers to healthcare access due to the COVID-19 crisis among Nepalese migrants in Japan and explore ways to counter these barriers, both in routine and crisis situations. Methods This study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study design. The researchers conducted 11 focus group discussions including 89 participants and an online survey involving 937 respondents. The integration of focus group discussions and logistic regression analysis from the survey was reported via a ‘joint display’. Results Twenty-six themes on barriers to and six on facilitators of healthcare accessibility were identified by the focus group discussions among which 17 barriers like lack of knowledge of health insurance, language barriers, lack of hotline services, unawareness of available services, fear of discrimination etc. had significant association in our logistic regression analysis after adjusting for all confounders. Similarly, the only facilitator that had a significant impact, according to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, was receiving health information from Nepali healthcare professionals (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = (1.01 – 1.82), p-value

Migrants in Japan often face difficulties accessing healthcare due to language barriers, lack of information, shortage of interpreters, amongst other barriers. With an increase in the number of foreigners in Japan, it is also expected that health and safety concerns for migrants will rise during times of crisis or disaster. The purpose of this article is to present recommendations from Nepali migrants themselves about various actions that stakeholders or policymakers could take to improve healthcare access during future disasters, emergencies, or crises in Japan. Recommendations from Nepali migrants in this study include mobilization of Nepali healthcare professionals, self-preparedness, a disaster information centre by the embassy, Nepali hotline services, telehealth services, and mutual help. By working together and leveraging available resources, it is possible to ensure that migrants are not left behind in the face of disasters and emergencies. Further research is required to determine the most effective ways to improve healthcare access for migrants in Japan during disasters, crises, or emergencies.

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the most prevalent and deadliest illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent gains made towards its control, many African countries still have endemic malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess malaria burden at household level in Kongo central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the impact of community participatory Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action programme. Methods Mixed method research was conducted in two semi-rural towns, Mbanza-Ngungu (a WASH action site) and Kasangulu (a WASH control site) in DRC between 1 January 2017 through March 2018, involving 625 households (3,712 household members). Baseline and post-intervention malaria surveys were conducted with the use of World Bank/WHO Malaria Indicator Questionnaire. An action research consisting of a six-month study was carried out which comprised two interventions: a community participatory WASH action programme aiming at eliminating mosquito breeding areas in the residential environment and a community anti-malaria education campaign. The latter was implemented at both study sites. In addition, baseline and post-intervention malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was performed among the respondents. Furthermore, a six-month hospital-based epidemiological study was conducted at selected referral hospitals at each site from 1 January through June 2017 to determine malaria trend. Results Long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) was the most commonly used preventive measure (55%); 24% of households did not use any measures. Baseline malaria survey showed that 96% of respondents (heads of households) reported at least one episode occurring in the previous six months; of them only 66.5% received malaria care at a health setting. In the Action Research, mean incident household malaria cases decreased significantly at WASH action site (2.3 ± 2.2 cases vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 cases, respectively; p

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the most severe public health issues that result in massive morbidity and mortality in most countries of the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aimed to determine the scope of household, accessibility to malaria care and factors associated with household malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in an urban and a rural sites in which 152 households participated, including 82 urban and 70 rural households (1029 members in total). The ‘malaria indicator questionnaire’ (MIQ) was anonymously answered by household heads (respondents), reporting on malaria status of household members in the last 12 months. Results There were 67.8% of households using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) only, 14.0% used indoor residual spraying (IRS) only, 7.3% used ordinary bed nets (without insecticide treatment), 1.4% used mosquito repelling cream, 2.2% combined ITN and IRS, whereas 7.3% of households did not employ any preventive measure; p

Background: Cassava and corn milling is a growing small-scale enterprise in Africa. We aimed to determine the incidence of hand–arm musculoskeletal complaints among vibration-exposed Congolese cassava and corn millers in the previous 12 months. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, prior to a follow-up study, from March to May 2013 among cassava/corn millers in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in which 365 millers age-matched to 365 civil workers anonymously answered a questionnaire. Results: Overall incidence of hand–arm musculoskeletal complaints was 25.8% in millers (vs. 5.2% in civil workers; p 8 hours; vs. those working ≤ 8 hours; OR = 3.56; 95% CI: 1.93–3.61; p = 0.026); and 7.4 times higher in young millers (vs. older millers, OR = 7.39; 95% CI: 1.29–75.52; p

Sujiaonori, a river alga growing in the Kochi prefecture, Japan, contains several bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides (ulvans), ω-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Dietary intake of this alga-based supplement has been reported to increase circulatory adiponectin, a salutary hormone that is reported to be associated with healthy longevity and prevents a number of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This report highlights the anti-allergic and skin health enhancing effects of Sujiaonori-derived ulvan (Tosalvan) and supplement, respectively. RBL-2H3 cell line was used to investigate the anti-allergic effect of algal SP through the evaluation of β-hexosaminidase activity. Algal sulfated polysaccharides or SP (Tosalvan, Yoshino SP) were extracted from powders of dried alga samples provided by local food manufacturers. Report on the effect of daily dietary intake of Sujiaonori-based supplement on skin health is part of a four-week clinical investigation that, in comparison with a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach powder mixture (twice 3 g daily), explore the beneficial effects of Sujiaonori algal biomaterial (SBM; 3 g taken twice daily) on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skin health in a sample of Japanese women. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was the skin health marker used in this study and was measured with the use of a corneometer. Significant reduction of β-hexosaminidase activity was observed in Tosalvan and Yoshino SP-treated cells (vs. control; p < 0.05), whereas dietary intake of SBM markedly reduced TEWL level after four weeks of supplementation, as compared to baseline TEWL (p < 0.001). Additionally, SBM improved TEWL better than the control product (p < 0.001). Findings contained in this report suggest that Sujiaonori-derived Tosalvan and Yoshino SP have anti-allergic potential and that the dietary intake of SBM has a beneficial effect on skin health.

The replenishment of adiponectin—an adipocyte-derived hormone with salutary health effects—has recently been proposed as a new approach to treat hypertension, also ameliorate cardiovascular and metabolic risks. We conducted a prospective placebo-controlled, non-randomized and investigator-blinded dietary intervention study to evaluate the health effects of dietary intake of Sujiaonori (Ulva/Enteromorpha prolifera Müller) algal biomaterial (SBM), especially on adiponectin production, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) in human subjects. Participants (N = 32) were divided into two equally sized groups (n = 16 for each group): SBM group (subjects supplemented with 3 g SBM powder twice a day during meal) and the control group (subjects who took 3 g of a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach twice a day) for four weeks. Two health survey questionnaires (dietary and current health questionnaires) were completed anonymously, saliva sampling was done for adiponectin measurement by ELISA, and blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and four weeks later. Student paired t-test was performed to compare baseline and post-intervention data on outcome variables between the two study groups. Results showed a 2.24-fold increase in adiponectin level in SBM group (2.81 and 6.26 ng/mL at baseline and at the end of study, respectively) (p < 0.01); whereas no significant change was observed in controls (3.58 and 3.51 ng/mL, respectively) (p > 0.05). In SBM subjects, an improvement of BP profile was noted with a significant decrease in systolic BP (p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between SBM supplementation and adiponectin level, whereas an inverse correlation was noted between SBM supplementation and blood pressure, and also BMI. These findings suggest that SBM-increased adiponectin level and improved BP in a sample of Japanese young adults, and has the potential to improve blood pressure in humans.

Sujiaonori, a river alga growing in the Kochi prefecture, Japan, contains several bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides (ulvans), ω-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Dietary intake of this alga-based supplement has been reported to increase circulatory adiponectin, a salutary hormone that is reported to be associated with healthy longevity and prevents a number of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This report highlights the anti-allergic and skin health enhancing effects of Sujiaonori-derived ulvan (Tosalvan) and supplement, respectively. RBL-2H3 cell line was used to investigate the anti-allergic effect of algal SP through the evaluation of β-hexosaminidase activity. Algal sulfated polysaccharides or SP (Tosalvan, Yoshino SP) were extracted from powders of dried alga samples provided by local food manufacturers. Report on the effect of daily dietary intake of Sujiaonori-based supplement on skin health is part of a four-week clinical investigation that, in comparison with a supplement made of 70% corn starch powder and 30% spinach powder mixture (twice 3 g daily), explore the beneficial effects of Sujiaonori algal biomaterial (SBM; 3 g taken twice daily) on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skin health in a sample of Japanese women. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was the skin health marker used in this study and was measured with the use of a corneometer. Significant reduction of β-hexosaminidase activity was observed in Tosalvan and Yoshino SP-treated cells (vs. control; p < 0.05), whereas dietary intake of SBM markedly reduced TEWL level after four weeks of supplementation, as compared to baseline TEWL (p < 0.001). Additionally, SBM improved TEWL better than the control product (p < 0.001). Findings contained in this report suggest that Sujiaonori-derived Tosalvan and Yoshino SP have anti-allergic potential and that the dietary intake of SBM has a beneficial effect on skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and objective. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease with high morbidity and mortality in tropical regions, caused by Plasmodium parasite and transmitted to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. WHO estimates that African households lose about 25% of income to malaria. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence and socioeconomic impact of malaria on households in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 16 November through December 2015 in which 152 heads of households took part. They were from a rural (n1=81) and an urban county (n2=71). All participating households made up 1,029 members. The French version of 'Malaria Indicator Survey' questionnaire was completed anonymously. Results. There were 51.3% of male and 48.7% of female heads of households (p>0.05). The mean age was 38.97±9.88 and 22% of them were unemployed. Household size varied from 3 to 18 and more than half (61.7%) of rural households had more than five members (vs. 38.3% for urban households). The estimated household monthly income varied from 10 to 700 $US and only 10.5% of households earned more than 300 US$ a month (vs. 89.5% earning less than 300US$ and 50.6% less than 100 US$; p<0.05). Participants from the urban site had higher level of education, with 37.2% having a college or university degree (vs. 21.6% for rural site); 12.5% either had primary education level or were illiterate. Regarding anti-vector measures for malaria prevention, 15.8% of heads of households reported the existence of a public sanitation activity implemented in their residential area (p<0.001); 65.8% used insecticidetreated bed nets (ITN), 13.8% used spray, 0.6% combined ITN and spray, 12.5 used ordinary bed nets, whereas 7.2% did not use any preventive measure. For monthly anti-mosquito expenditure, 50% (76/152) of participants reported that they spent nothing due to lack of money, 24.3% spent 10-20 $US, 15.7% spent 21-30 $US; the remaining participants (9.9%) spent more than 30 $US a month. The availability of nets showed a positive association with socioeconomic status of households. Overall malaria prevalence-rate among heads of households was 92.4% (at least one episode), with an average of 2.5 malaria episodes per person (range: 1-7 episodes). It was equally high in participants from both rural and urban sites, 90.1% and 88.7%, respectively (p>0.05). In the group of participants who reported using ITN, malaria prevalence-rate was 89%; it was 90.5% in spray users, 100% in ordinary bed net users and 100% in those who did not use any measure. Heads of households who reported earning less than 300 US$ had 2.76 times malaria risk than those from households with a monthly income of 300 US$ or higher (aOR:2.76±1.87; 95% CI: 1.73-10.41; p<0.05); those who had primary education level (or illiterate) had a 33.87 times risk of developing malaria (vs. higher level; aOR: 33.87±34.42; 95% CI: 2.45-89.49; p<0.05); whereas those living in areas without public sanitation program had a 3.01 times malaria risk (aOR: 3.01±2.19; 95% CI: 1.37-24.23; p<0.05). Regarding individual malaria care expenditure in the previous 12-month period, the estimated cost was 101.56 ± 10.63 $US per person. Conclusions. Findings from this pilot study showed high malaria rates in both rural and urban households with a relatively high malaria care expenditure, causing a real socioeconomic burden to Congolese households. There is a necessity to enhance malaria prevention programs with the adoption of an integrated anti-malaria approach aiming at increasing malaria awareness and eliminating its vector in the living environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]