Zachary C. Pope

As remote and hybrid work arrangements become increasingly embedded in modern professional life, understanding indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in work-from-home (WFH) settings has become critical for supporting sustainable and healthy work environments. This study assessed both subjective perceptions and objective measurements of IEQ from three different working environments of home, employer offices, and simulated standard-compliant offices. Within the home environment, household characteristics resulted in significantly different measured IEQ: larger households and pet ownership were associated with higher CO₂, VOC, and air temperature levels, while noise levels varied by childcare responsibilities and flooring type. IEQ perceptions also significantly differed: air temperature satisfaction was lower among those providing childcare, and overall environmental satisfaction varied by WFH frequency, with occasional WFH workers reporting the least satisfaction. Across the three working environments, participants were significantly more satisfied with thermal and acoustic conditions in WFH than employer offices, with simulated standard-compliant offices showing intermediate results. Notably, these perception patterns did not always align with measured environmental conditions. These findings demonstrate that both household characteristics and work context shape occupants’ IEQ perceptions, underscoring the importance of occupant-centered evaluation in advancing sustainable building design and remote work strategies. The results suggest that integrating both objective IEQ metrics and subjective experience is essential for promoting long-term environmental sustainability and occupant well-being across evolving work environments.

Background: The US cancer survivor population is projected to hit 26M by 2040. Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment, but can diminish cancer survivors’ quality of life—particularly cognitive function—through select pathophysiological processes, including immune system and antioxidant dysregulation. The resulting cytokine release can impair cerebrovascular function—likely contributing to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI; “chemo-brain”). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)—a common cancer survivor comorbidity—shares underlying pathophysiology with CICI. Cancer survivors with T2DM might thus have a higher CICI risk than those without T2DM. Physical activity (PA) counteracts CICI’s and T2DM’s pathophysiology, but little to no research has been conducted assessing the impact of PA on this joint pathophysiology. Objective: To compare cerebrovascular and cognitive function as well as proinflammatory, cardiometabolic, epigenetic, and psychosocial outcomes between ancer survivors with and without T2DM pre- to postengagement in a 12-week technology-based PA program grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory. We hypothesize that cancer survivors with and without T2DM will demonstrate similar pre to poststudy improvements in psychosocial outcomes, but that changes in cerebrovascular and cardiometabolic outcomes, as well as PA engagement, will be greater for cancer survivors with T2DM. We also believe that each group will have distinct epigenetic profiles that will change pre to poststudy. Methods: We are conducting a 30-participant pilot study in cancer survivors with (n=15) and without (n=15) T2DM—all of whom report currently experiencing “chemo-brain.” To account for attrition, we are recruiting 38 cancer survivors from Oklahoma City, OK, and the surrounding area. Among the most important eligibility criteria are the self-report of cognitive difficulties following primary cancer treatment, being ≥18 years old, being within 3 years of primary cancer treatment, and not meeting nationally recommended PA guidelines. Participants receive 2 smartphone apps. One smartphone app provides health education and the ability to set goals and journal about their wellness journey. The other provides a workout program continually tailored to each participant via their communication with the study exercise physiologist, with resistance bands and a wearable device provided to support the program. At Baseline and Poststudy, we assess cerebrovascular function (transcranial doppler [TCD]), cognition (National Institutes of Health Toolbox), cardiometabolic outcomes (venipuncture), and epigenetics (saliva collection). Participants also wear accelerometers at Baseline and Poststudy to objectively assess PA, with Baseline, Midpoint, and Poststudy surveys assessing psychosocial outcomes. We will use t tests and chi-square tests to assess baseline differences and repeated-measures ANCOVA to assess changes over time. Results: Participant recruitment started in March 2025, and we expect to recruit until late 2026. We will begin analyzing baseline data in 2026. Conclusions: Successful study completion will provide valuable insights into the remote delivery of PA-oriented supportive care for cancer survivors experiencing chemo-brain, as well as how T2DM and PA contribute to the mechanistic underpinnings of chemo-brain. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06725953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06725953 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/79739

Journal of Medical Internet Research - International Scientific Journal for Medical Research, Information and Communication on the Internet #Preprint #PeerReviewMe: Warning: This is a unreviewed preprint. Readers are warned that the document has not been peer-reviewed by expert/patient reviewers or an academic editor, may contain misleading claims, and is likely to undergo changes before final publication, if accepted, or may have been rejected/withdrawn. Readers with interest and expertise are encouraged to sign up as peer-reviewer, if the paper is within an open peer-review period. Please cite this preprint only for review purposes or for grant applications and CVs (if you are the author). Background: The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer (BC) has increased in recent years. However, functional limitations associated with BC treatment (eg, loss of strength, fatigue, and lymphedema) often have far-reaching effects on survivors’ physical and mental health. Aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) can reduce functional limitations, and occupational therapy (OT) can support these health-promoting behaviors after treatment. Yet, barriers to access among BC survivors (eg, time burden and distance to the OT clinic) limit participation in OT programing. This is particularly true in Oklahoma, where 33% of residents live in rural counties. Digital technologies (eg, telehealth) can help urban and rural BC survivors circumvent these barriers. Objective: We are investigating the feasibility of a novel OT program among urban and rural BC survivors that features (1) 8 once-weekly telehealth OT sessions targeting constructs grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and (2) self-regulatory strategies known to support aerobic PA and MSE in BC survivors including self-monitoring via a wearable PA tracker, goal setting, and the provision of timely feedback. Methods: This is a single-arm feasibility trial. We are recruiting 38 BC survivors using community-based recruitment approaches and via referral from collaborating oncologists. Participants include individuals who have undergone primary treatment and/or breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for BC in the last 24 months and who do not meet recommended PA levels at the time of enrollment. We will assess self-reported program acceptability and feasibility via recruitment rates, study retention, and protocol adherence. We will also evaluate program safety by tracking BC-related lymphedema events, musculoskeletal injuries, and other adverse events. Finally, we will assess changes in aerobic PA, MSE, and health-related quality of life during the program period using accelerometry and self-report measurement tools. Results: We received funding in March 2024 and institutional review board approval in September 2024. We began recruiting in November 2024. We anticipate completing data collection in early 2026. We hypothesize that the SDT-grounded OT program will be acceptable, feasible, and safe. We also expect pre- to post-program improvements in (1) SDT-informed determinants of PA, (2) levels of aerobic PA and MSE engagement, and (3) health-related quality of life. Conclusions: The novel OT program under investigation is designed to decrease barriers to engaging in aerobic PA and MSE among people who have undergone various BC treatments. It is centered on facilitating a successful transition from active treatment to the posttreatment period and combines OT with the benefits of telehealth delivery and health behavior change theory. This program is amenable to wide-scale dissemination and, if shown to be acceptable and feasible, will represent a promising approach to supportive cancer care. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06671730; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06671730

BACKGROUND The US cancer survivor population is projected to hit 26M by 2040. Chemotherapy is an effective cancer treatment, but can diminish cancer survivors’ quality of life—particularly cognitive function—through select pathophysiological processes, including immune system and antioxidant dysregulation. The resulting cytokine release can impair cerebrovascular function—likely contributing to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI; “chemo-brain”). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)—a common cancer survivor comorbidity—shares underlying pathophysiology with CICI. Cancer survivors with T2DM might thus have a higher CICI risk than those without T2DM. Physical activity (PA) counteracts CICI’s and T2DM’s pathophysiology, but little to no research has been conducted assessing the impact of PA on this joint pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE To compare cerebrovascular and cognitive function as well as proinflammatory, cardiometabolic, epigenetic, and psychosocial outcomes between ancer survivors with and without T2DM pre- to postengagement in a 12-week technology-based PA program grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory. We hypothesize that cancer survivors with and without T2DM will demonstrate similar pre to poststudy improvements in psychosocial outcomes, but that changes in cerebrovascular and cardiometabolic outcomes, as well as PA engagement, will be greater for cancer survivors with T2DM. We also believe that each group will have distinct epigenetic profiles that will change pre to poststudy. METHODS We are conducting a 30-participant pilot study in cancer survivors with (n=15) and without (n=15) T2DM—all of whom report currently experiencing “chemo-brain.” To account for attrition, we are recruiting 38 cancer survivors from Oklahoma City, OK, and the surrounding area. Among the most important eligibility criteria are the self-report of cognitive difficulties following primary cancer treatment, being ≥18 years old, being within 3 years of primary cancer treatment, and not meeting nationally recommended PA guidelines. Participants receive 2 smartphone apps. One smartphone app provides health education and the ability to set goals and journal about their wellness journey. The other provides a workout program continually tailored to each participant via their communication with the study exercise physiologist, with resistance bands and a wearable device provided to support the program. At Baseline and Poststudy, we assess cerebrovascular function (transcranial doppler [TCD]), cognition (National Institutes of Health Toolbox), cardiometabolic outcomes (venipuncture), and epigenetics (saliva collection). Participants also wear accelerometers at Baseline and Poststudy to objectively assess PA, with Baseline, Midpoint, and Poststudy surveys assessing psychosocial outcomes. We will use t tests and chi-square tests to assess baseline differences and repeated-measures ANCOVA to assess changes over time. RESULTS Participant recruitment started in March 2025, and we expect to recruit until late 2026. We will begin analyzing baseline data in 2026. CONCLUSIONS Successful study completion will provide valuable insights into the remote delivery of PA-oriented supportive care for cancer survivors experiencing chemo-brain, as well as how T2DM and PA contribute to the mechanistic underpinnings of chemo-brain. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06725953; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06725953 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/79739

BACKGROUND The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer (BC) has increased in recent years. However, functional limitations associated with BC treatment (eg, loss of strength, fatigue, and lymphedema) often have far-reaching effects on survivors’ physical and mental health. Aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) can reduce functional limitations, and occupational therapy (OT) can support these health-promoting behaviors after treatment. Yet, barriers to access among BC survivors (eg, time burden and distance to the OT clinic) limit participation in OT programing. This is particularly true in Oklahoma, where 33% of residents live in rural counties. Digital technologies (eg, telehealth) can help urban and rural BC survivors circumvent these barriers. OBJECTIVE We are investigating the feasibility of a novel OT program among urban and rural BC survivors that features (1) 8 once-weekly telehealth OT sessions targeting constructs grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and (2) self-regulatory strategies known to support aerobic PA and MSE in BC survivors including self-monitoring via a wearable PA tracker, goal setting, and the provision of timely feedback. METHODS This is a single-arm feasibility trial. We are recruiting 38 BC survivors using community-based recruitment approaches and via referral from collaborating oncologists. Participants include individuals who have undergone primary treatment and/or breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for BC in the last 24 months and who do not meet recommended PA levels at the time of enrollment. We will assess self-reported program acceptability and feasibility via recruitment rates, study retention, and protocol adherence. We will also evaluate program safety by tracking BC-related lymphedema events, musculoskeletal injuries, and other adverse events. Finally, we will assess changes in aerobic PA, MSE, and health-related quality of life during the program period using accelerometry and self-report measurement tools. RESULTS We received funding in March 2024 and institutional review board approval in September 2024. We began recruiting in November 2024. We anticipate completing data collection in early 2026. We hypothesize that the SDT-grounded OT program will be acceptable, feasible, and safe. We also expect pre- to post-program improvements in (1) SDT-informed determinants of PA, (2) levels of aerobic PA and MSE engagement, and (3) health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The novel OT program under investigation is designed to decrease barriers to engaging in aerobic PA and MSE among people who have undergone various BC treatments. It is centered on facilitating a successful transition from active treatment to the posttreatment period and combines OT with the benefits of telehealth delivery and health behavior change theory. This program is amenable to wide-scale dissemination and, if shown to be acceptable and feasible, will represent a promising approach to supportive cancer care. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06671730; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06671730 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/73554

Air pollution exposure may induce procoagulant effects, and chronic exposure may be linked to greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We tested the hypothesis that air pollution is associated with increased VTE risk in the prospective Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, which has well-characterized air pollution measures and information on potential confounding factors. We included 6651 participants recruited in 2000 to 2002 (baseline age range, 45-84 years; 53% female). Air pollution was assessed with a validated spatiotemporal model that incorporates cohort-specific monitoring. Four indexes of air pollution updated each fortnight over follow-up were averaged to estimate participant-level chronic exposure: fine particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Mean±SD PM2.5 was 13.5±3.0 μg/m3, NO2 17.9±8.2 parts per billion (ppb), NOx 36.1±19.6 ppb, and O3 22.2±3.7 ppb. Incident VTE was identified using hospitalization discharge codes through 2018. A total of 248 VTE events accrued over a median follow-up of 16.7 years. After adjustment for baseline demographics, health behaviors, and body mass index, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for incident VTE associated per 3.6 μg/m3 higher PM2.5 was 1.39 (1.04-1.86); per 13.3 ppb higher NO2 concentration was 2.74 (1.57-4.77); and per 30 ppb higher NOx was 2.21 (1.42-3.44). O3 was not related. In this prospective community-based cohort with individual-level estimation of chronic air pollution exposure, higher average ambient concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and NOX were associated with greater risk of developing VTE. Findings add to accumulating evidence of adverse health effects attributed to air pollution exposure.

Objectives To investigate the dose–response association of aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) with all-cause mortality. Methods National Health Interview Survey data (1997–2014) were linked to the National Death Index through 2015, which produced a cohort of 416 420 US adults. Cox proportional-hazard models were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the associations of moderate aerobic PA (MPA), vigorous aerobic PA (VPA) and MSE with mortality risk. Models controlled for age, sex, race-ethnicity, income, education, marital status, survey year, smoking status, body mass index and chronic conditions. Results Relative to those who engaged in no aerobic PA, substantial mortality risk reduction was associated with 1 hour/week of aerobic PA (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.86) and levelled off at 3 hours/week of aerobic PA (0.73, 0.71 to 0.75). Similar results were observed for men and women and for individuals younger and older than 60 years. MSE conferred additional mortality risk reduction at 1 time/week (0.89, 0.81 to 0.97) and appeared no longer beneficial at 7 times/week (0.99, 0.94 to 1.04). Conclusion The minimum effective dose of aerobic PA for significant mortality risk reduction was 1 hour/week of MPA or VPA, with additional mortality risk reduction observed up to 3 hours/week. For older adults, only small decreases in mortality risk were observed beyond this duration. Completing MSE in combination with aerobic PA conferred additional mortality risk reduction, with a minimum effective dose of 1–2 times/week.

This experimental laboratory-based study evaluated two disinfectants’ efficacy against replication-competent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on three surfaces. Disinfectants were effictive at eliminating the presence, viability, and subsequent replication of SARS-CoV-2 on all surfaces. Although SARS-CoV-2 likely spreads primarily via airborne transmission, layered mitigation should include high-touch surface disinfection.