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Burns PA, Mutunga C. Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 12:GHSP-D-23-00374. [PMID: 38365281 PMCID: PMC10906547 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-23-00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to better understand the role of climate change on sexual and reproductive health outcomes, particularly among adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries. Stakeholders at all levels should apply a rights-based, gendered approach to climate action and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Burns
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Bureau for Global Health, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Division of Research, Technology and Utilization, Washington, DC
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC
| | - Clive Mutunga
- BUILD (Building Capacity for Integrated Family Planning & Reproductive Health and Population, Environment and Development Action), The African Institute for Development for Policy, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Jacob S, Schust SA, Angele M, Werner J, Guba M, Börner N. A long road ahead. A German national survey study on awareness and willingness of surgeons towards the carbon footprint of modern surgical procedures. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25198. [PMID: 38327395 PMCID: PMC10847866 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change may well be the "largest threat" to humankind. Changes to our climate system lead to a decrease in global health. The healthcare sector presents one of the largest carbon footprints across all industries. Since surgical departments have one of the largest carbon footprints within the healthcare sector, they represent an area with vast opportunities for improvement. To drive change, it is vital to create awareness of these issues and encourage engagement in changes among people working in the healthcare industry. Methods We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study to assess awareness among surgeons regarding the impact of healthcare systems on climate change. The questions were designed to investigate surgeons' willingness to accept and promote changes to reduce carbon footprints. Participants included surgical professionals of all ages and levels of expertise. Results A total of 210 participants completed the survey in full and were included in the evaluation. Sixty percent emphasized a lack of information and the need for personal education. Over 90 % expressed concern for the environment and a strong desire to gain new insights. Provided that clinical performance remains the same, more than 70 % are willing to embrace carbon-friendly alternatives. In this context, all participants accepted the additional time required for training and initially increased personal efforts to achieve equal performance. Conclusion Limited awareness and information about carbon footprints were observed in surgical departments in German hospitals. Nevertheless, the vast majority of surgeons across all age groups are more than willing to acquire new insights and adapt to changes in order to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Jacob
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Anne Schust
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Angele
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Guba
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Börner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Munich, Germany
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Vilcins D, Christofferson RC, Yoon JH, Nazli SN, Sly PD, Cormier SA, Shen G. Updates in Air Pollution: Current Research and Future Challenges. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:9. [PMID: 38312715 PMCID: PMC10836163 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The United Nations has declared that humans have a right to clean air. Despite this, many deaths and disability-adjusted life years are attributed to air pollution exposure each year. We face both challenges to air quality and opportunities to improve, but several areas need to be addressed with urgency. Objective This paper summarises the recent research presented at the Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health Symposium and focuses on three key areas of air pollution that are important to human health and require more research. Findings and conclusion Indoor spaces are commonly places of exposure to poor air quality and are difficult to monitor and regulate. Global climate change risks worsening air quality in a bi-directional fashion. The rising use of electric vehicles may offer opportunities to improve air quality, but it also presents new challenges. Government policies and initiatives could lead to improved air and environmental justice. Several populations, such as older people and children, face increased harm from air pollution and should become priority groups for action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwan Vilcins
- The University of Queensland, Child Health Research Centre, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca C. Christofferson
- Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jin-Ho Yoon
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Siti Nurshahida Nazli
- The University of Queensland, Child Health Research Centre, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Peter D. Sly
- The University of Queensland, Child Health Research Centre, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephania A. Cormier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University A&M College and the Pennington Biomedical Research Institute, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
| | - Guofeng Shen
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Logie CH, Okumu M, Admassu Z, Perez-Brumer A, Ahmed R, Luna ML, MacKenzie F, Kortenaar JL, Berry I, Hakiza R, Katisi B, Musoke DK, Nakitende A, Batte S, Kyambadde P, Taing L, Giordana G, Mbuagbaw L. HIV Vulnerabilities Associated with Water Insecurity, Food Insecurity, and Other COVID-19 Impacts Among Urban Refugee Youth in Kampala, Uganda: Multi-method Findings. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:507-523. [PMID: 38048017 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) and water insecurity (WI) are linked with HIV vulnerabilities, yet how these resource insecurities shape HIV prevention needs is understudied. We assessed associations between FI and WI and HIV vulnerabilities among urban refugee youth aged 16-24 in Kampala, Uganda through individual in-depth interviews (IDI) (n = 24), focus groups (n = 4), and a cross-sectional survey (n = 340) with refugee youth, and IDI with key informants (n = 15). Quantitative data was analysed via multivariable logistic and linear regression to assess associations between FI and WI with: reduced pandemic sexual and reproductive health (SRH) access; past 3-month transactional sex (TS); unplanned pandemic pregnancy; condom self-efficacy; and sexual relationship power (SRP). We applied thematic analytic approaches to qualitative data. Among survey participants, FI and WI were commonplace (65% and 47%, respectively) and significantly associated with: reduced SRH access (WI: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.08; FI: aOR: 2.31. 95%CI: 1.36-3.93), unplanned pregnancy (WI: aOR: 2.77, 95%CI: 1.24-6.17; FI: aOR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.03-6.66), and TS (WI: aOR: 3.09, 95%CI: 1.22-7.89; FI: aOR: 3.51, 95%CI: 1.15-10.73). WI participants reported lower condom self-efficacy (adjusted β= -3.98, 95%CI: -5.41, -2.55) and lower SRP (adjusted β= -2.58, 95%CI= -4.79, -0.37). Thematic analyses revealed: (1) contexts of TS, including survival needs and pandemic impacts; (2) intersectional HIV vulnerabilities; (3) reduced HIV prevention/care access; and (4) water insecurity as a co-occurring socio-economic stressor. Multi-method findings reveal FI and WI are linked with HIV vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for HIV prevention to address co-occurring resource insecurities with refugee youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Room 504, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada.
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Gender & Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Moses Okumu
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zerihun Admassu
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Room 504, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rushdia Ahmed
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Room 504, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Marianne Lahai Luna
- Department of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Frannie MacKenzie
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Room 504, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Kortenaar
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isha Berry
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Hakiza
- Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Katisi
- Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Shamilah Batte
- Organization for Gender Empowerment and Rights Advocacy (OGERA) Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- National AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Most At Risk Population Initiative Clinic, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lina Taing
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gio Giordana
- World Food Programme East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health (CDBPH), Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Wu Y, Liu X, Gao L, Sun X, Hong Q, Wang Q, Kang Z, Yang C, Zhu S. Short-term exposure to extreme temperature and outpatient visits for respiratory diseases among children in the northern city of China: a time-series study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:341. [PMID: 38302889 PMCID: PMC10832290 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies have indicated that extreme temperature is strongly associated with respiratory diseases, there is a dearth of studies focused on children, especially in China. We aimed to explore the association between extreme temperature and children's outpatient visits for respiratory diseases and seasonal modification effects in Harbin, China. METHODS A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to explore the effect of extreme temperature on daily outpatient visits for respiratory diseases among children, as well as lag effects and seasonal modification effects. RESULTS Extremely low temperatures were defined as the 1st percentile and 2.5th percentile of temperature. Extremely high temperatures were defined as the 97.5th percentile and 99th percentile of temperature. At extremely high temperatures, both 26 °C (97.5th) and 27 °C (99th) showed adverse effects at lag 0-6 days, with relative risks (RRs) of 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-1.48] and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.24-1.53), respectively. However, at extremely low temperatures, both - 26 °C (1st) and - 23 °C (2.5th) showed protective effects on children's outpatient visits for respiratory diseases at lag 0-10 days, with RRs of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76-0.97) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.95), respectively. We also found seasonal modification effects, with the association being stronger in the warm season than in the cold season at extremely high temperatures. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that extremely hot temperatures increase the risk of children's outpatient visits for respiratory diseases. Efforts to reduce the exposure of children to extremely high temperatures could potentially alleviate the burden of pediatric respiratory diseases, especially during the warm season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Department of Environment, Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, 150056, China
| | - Lijie Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department of Physicochemical Laboratory, Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, 150056, China
| | - Qianqi Hong
- Department of Environment, Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, 150056, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhen Kang
- Department of Environment, Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, 150056, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Harbin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, 150056, China.
| | - Sui Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Vallée A. Green hospitals face to climate change: Between sobriety and resilience. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24769. [PMID: 38298726 PMCID: PMC10828801 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change poses a critical challenge to global health, influencing social and environmental determinants such as housing, air and water quality, and food security. This article explores the profound impact of climate change on health, projecting an additional 250,000 annual deaths from various climate-related diseases between 2030 and 2050. Healthcare systems significantly contribute to global carbon emissions. The concept of the "Green Hospital" is introduced as a paradigm shift in healthcare, focusing on optimizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. This concept encompasses renewable energy integration, natural lighting, sustainable materials, green roofs, and smart building management systems. Several challenges remain major, such as medical waste management, water conservation, chemical use, pollution, and plastic usage in healthcare settings. Moreover, obstacles to green hospital initiatives should be resolved, including system redundancy, regulatory compliance, operational demands, financial constraints, and cultural resistance. Conclusively, an urgent reformation of healthcare systems is needed to align with eco-friendly and sustainable practices, highlighting the necessity to reduce CO2 emissions and manage resources and waste more effectively to meet the evolving health needs of a growing and aging global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, 92150, France
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57
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Ting DSJ, Buchan JC. Equity, access, and carbon cost-effectiveness of bilateral cataract surgery. Lancet 2024; 403:353-354. [PMID: 38280774 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01923-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Darren S J Ting
- Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK; Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - John C Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Monteiro dos Santos D, Libonati R, Garcia BN, Geirinhas JL, Salvi BB, Lima e Silva E, Rodrigues JA, Peres LF, Russo A, Gracie R, Gurgel H, Trigo RM. Twenty-first-century demographic and social inequalities of heat-related deaths in Brazilian urban areas. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295766. [PMID: 38265975 PMCID: PMC10807764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Population exposure to heat waves (HWs) is increasing worldwide due to climate change, significantly affecting society, including public health. Despite its significant vulnerabilities and limited adaptation resources to rising temperatures, South America, particularly Brazil, lacks research on the health impacts of temperature extremes, especially on the role played by socioeconomic factors in the risk of heat-related illness. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the effects of HWs on mortality rates in the 14 most populous urban areas, comprising approximately 35% of the country's population. Excess mortality during HWs was estimated through the observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) for total deaths during the events identified. Moreover, the interplay of intersectionality and vulnerability to heat considering demographics and socioeconomic heterogeneities, using gender, age, race, and educational level as proxies, as well as the leading causes of heat-related excess death, were assessed. A significant increase in the frequency was observed from the 1970s (0-3 HWs year-1) to the 2010s (3-11 HWs year-1), with higher tendencies in the northern, northeastern, and central-western regions. Over the 2000-2018 period, 48,075 (40,448-55,279) excessive deaths were attributed to the growing number of HWs (>20 times the number of landslides-related deaths for the same period). Nevertheless, our event-based surveillance analysis did not detect the HW-mortality nexus, reinforcing that extreme heat events are a neglected disaster in Brazil. Among the leading causes of death, diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems and neoplasms were the most frequent. Critical regional differences were observed, which can be linked to the sharp North-South inequalities in terms of socioeconomic and health indicators, such as life expectancy. Higher heat-related excess mortality was observed for low-educational level people, blacks and browns, older adults, and females. Such findings highlight that the strengthening of primary health care combined with reducing socioeconomic, racial, and gender inequalities represents a crucial step to reducing heat-related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Libonati
- Departamento de Meteorologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Instituto Dom Luiz, Lisbon, Portugal
- Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Beatriz N. Garcia
- Departamento de Meteorologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João L. Geirinhas
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Instituto Dom Luiz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Barbara Bresani Salvi
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca - ENSP/ Fiocruz - Programa de Pós Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente
| | - Eliane Lima e Silva
- Departamento de Geografia, Universidade de Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- LMI Sentinela, International Joint Laboratory “Sentinela” (Fiocruz, UnB, IRD), Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Julia A. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Meteorologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo F. Peres
- Departamento de Meteorologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Russo
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Instituto Dom Luiz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Gracie
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde - ICICT/Fiocruz Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helen Gurgel
- Departamento de Geografia, Universidade de Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- LMI Sentinela, International Joint Laboratory “Sentinela” (Fiocruz, UnB, IRD), Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Ricardo M. Trigo
- Departamento de Meteorologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Instituto Dom Luiz, Lisbon, Portugal
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Myhre SL, Scobie M, Meriläinen E, Kelman I, Gopinathan U. Climate Change, Community Action, and Health in the Anglophone Caribbean: A Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 44:1605843. [PMID: 38283581 PMCID: PMC10811550 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1605843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This scoping review investigates the status of research focusing on the nexus of community action, climate change, and health and wellbeing in anglophone Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Methods: This review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley framework and utilized the PRISMA-ScR checklist. We searched Medline/OVID, PsychInfo, VHL, Sociological Abstracts, Google Scholar, and Scopus to capture interdisciplinary studies published from 1946 to 2021. Results: The search yielded 3,828 records of which fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria. The analysis assessed study aim, geographic focus, community stakeholders, community action, climate perspective, health impact, as well as dimensions including resources/assets, education/information, organization and governance, innovation and flexibility, and efficacy and agency. Nearly all studies were case studies using mixed method approaches involving qualitative and quantitative data. Community groups organized around focal areas related to fishing, farming, food security, conservation, and the environment. Conclusion: Despite the bearing these areas have on public health, few studies explicitly examine direct links between health and climate change. Research dedicated to the nexus of community action, climate change, and health in the anglophone Caribbean warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Scobie
- Institute of International Relations, The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Eija Meriläinen
- School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction and Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ilan Kelman
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction and Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Development and Planning, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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Hannah E, Etter-Phoya R, Lopez M, Hall S, O’Hare B. Impact of higher-income countries on child health in lower-income countries from a climate change perspective. A case study of the UK and Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002721. [PMID: 38175830 PMCID: PMC10766172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is the number one threat to child health according to the World Health Organisation. It increases existing inequalities, and lower-income countries are disproportionately affected. This is unjust. Higher-income countries have contributed and continue to contribute more to climate change than lower-income countries. This has been recognised by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which has ruled that states can be held responsible if their carbon emissions harm child rights both within and outside their jurisdiction. Nevertheless, there are few analyses of the bilateral relationship between higher- and lower-income countries concerning climate change. This article uses the UK and Malawi as a case study to illustrate higher-income countries' impact on child health in lower-income countries. It aims to assist higher-income countries in developing more targeted policies. Children in Malawi can expect more food insecurity and reduced access to clean water, sanitation, and education. They will be more exposed to heat stress, droughts, floods, air pollution and life-threatening diseases, such as malaria. In 2019, 5,000 Malawian children died from air pollution (17% of under-five deaths). The UK needs to pay its 'fair share' of climate finance and ensure adaptation is prioritised for lower-income countries. It can advocate for more equitable and transparent allocation of climate finance to support the most vulnerable countries. Additionally, the UK can act domestically to curtail revenue losses in Malawi and other lower-income countries, which would free up resources for adaptation. In terms of mitigation, the UK must increase its nationally determined commitments by 58% to reach net zero and include overseas emissions. Land use, heating systems and renewable energy must be reviewed. It must mandate comprehensive scope three emission reporting for companies to include impacts along their value chain, and support businesses, multinational corporations, and banks to reach net zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilish Hannah
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Etter-Phoya
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
- Tax Justice Network, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Marisol Lopez
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Hall
- School of Economics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bernadette O’Hare
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Alvarez-Elias AC, Brenner BM, Luyckx VA. Climate change and its influence in nephron mass. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:102-109. [PMID: 37800660 PMCID: PMC10715706 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The consequences of climate change, including heat and extreme weather events impact kidney function in adults and children. The impacts of climate change on kidney development during gestation and thereby on kidney function later in life have been poorly described. Clinical evidence is summarized to highlight possible associations between climate change and nephron mass. RECENT FINDINGS Pregnant women are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, being less able to thermoregulate, more sensitive to the effects of dehydration, and more susceptible to infections. Exposure to heat, wildfire smoke, drought, floods and climate-related infections are associated with low birth weight, preterm birth and preeclampsia. These factors are associated with reduced nephron numbers, kidney dysfunction and higher blood pressures in offspring in later life. Exposure to air pollution is associated with higher blood pressures in children and has variable effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate. SUMMARY Climate change has important impacts on pregnant women and their unborn children. Being born too small or too soon is associated with life-time risk of kidney disease. Climate change may therefore have a dual effect of impacting fetal kidney development and contributing to cumulative postnatal kidney injury. The impact on population kidney health of future generations may be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catalina Alvarez-Elias
- Renal Research Institute, New York City, New York, USA
- Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
- University of Toronto, IHPME & Sick Kids Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Barry M. Brenner
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Valerie A. Luyckx
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chitre SD, Crews CM, Tessema MT, Plėštytė-Būtienė I, Coffee M, Richardson ET. The impact of anthropogenic climate change on pediatric viral diseases. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:496-507. [PMID: 38057578 PMCID: PMC10872406 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of climate change on human health are unfolding in real time. Environmental fragmentation is amplifying spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans. Increasing temperatures are expanding mosquito and tick habitats, introducing vector-borne viruses into immunologically susceptible populations. More frequent flooding is spreading water-borne viral pathogens, while prolonged droughts reduce regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene resources. Worsening air quality and altered transmission seasons due to an increasingly volatile climate may exacerbate the impacts of respiratory viruses. Furthermore, both extreme weather events and long-term climate variation are causing the destruction of health systems and large-scale migrations, reshaping health care delivery in the face of an evolving global burden of viral disease. Because of their immunological immaturity, differences in physiology (e.g., size), dependence on caregivers, and behavioral traits, children are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This investigation into the unique pediatric viral threats posed by an increasingly inhospitable world elucidates potential avenues of targeted programming and uncovers future research questions to effect equitable, actionable change. IMPACT: A review of the effects of climate change on viral threats to pediatric health, including zoonotic, vector-borne, water-borne, and respiratory viruses, as well as distal threats related to climate-induced migration and health systems. A unique focus on viruses offers a more in-depth look at the effect of climate change on vector competence, viral particle survival, co-morbidities, and host behavior. An examination of children as a particularly vulnerable population provokes programming tailored to their unique set of vulnerabilities and encourages reflection on equitable climate adaptation frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smit D Chitre
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecilia M Crews
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mesfin Teklu Tessema
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Megan Coffee
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- International Rescue Committee, New York, NY, USA
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eugene T Richardson
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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63
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Logie CH, Toccalino D, MacKenzie F, Hasham A, Narasimhan M, Donkers H, Lorimer N, Malama K. Associations between climate change-related factors and sexual health: A scoping review. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2299718. [PMID: 38190290 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2299718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
There is growing attention to the ways in which climate change may affect sexual health, yet key knowledge gaps remain across global contexts and climate issues. In response, we conducted a scoping review to examine the literature on associations between climate change and sexual health. We searched five databases (May 2021, September 2022). We reviewed 3,183 non-duplicate records for inclusion; n = 83 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these articles, n = 30 focused on HIV and other STIs, n = 52 focused on sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), and n = 1 focused on comprehensive sexuality education. Thematic analysis revealed that hurricanes, drought, temperature variation, flooding, and storms may influence HIV outcomes among people with HIV by constraining access to antiretroviral treatment and worsening mental health. Climate change was associated with HIV/STI testing barriers and worsened economic conditions that elevated HIV exposure (e.g. transactional sex). Findings varied regarding associations between GBV with storms and drought, yet most studies examining flooding, extreme temperatures, and bushfires reported positive associations with GBV. Future climate change research can examine understudied sexual health domains and a range of climate-related issues (e.g. heat waves, deforestation) for their relevance to sexual health. Climate-resilient sexual health approaches can integrate extreme weather events into programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Danielle Toccalino
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frannie MacKenzie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aryssa Hasham
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Holly Donkers
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicole Lorimer
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Kindred M, Shabrina Z, Zakiyah N. Exploratory Approach to Incorporating Carbon Footprint in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Modelling: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Health Interventions in the United Kingdom. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2024; 22:49-60. [PMID: 37948035 PMCID: PMC10761369 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00839-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health interventions contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, reducing carbon footprint is essential in supporting the UK National Health Service (NHS) pathway to net zero. This study explores the approach in which carbon footprint can be included when applying Health Technology Assessment (HTA) modelling using obesity intervention in the United Kingdom (UK) as a case study. METHODS Using decision analytic modelling, we conducted an HTA incorporating the impacts of obesity-related treatment decisions on UK carbon emissions. A cohort Markov model was used to track the emissions of the UK population after receiving one of two obesity treatments: semaglutide and bariatric surgery. RESULTS This study introduced two new carbon measurement tools that may be useful for future policymaking, incremental carbon footprint effectiveness ratio (ICFER) and incremental carbon footprint cost ratio (ICFCR), which made it possible to assess the emission impacts of proposed health policies. Using the obesity intervention case study, we found that both treatments have an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of < £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. This is below the UK threshold, indicating that these are cost-effective treatments for obesity, but could increase the NHS carbon footprint. However, it could reduce the overall UK societal carbon footprint by reducing the number of people with obesity. The ICFCR shows a reduction of 1.13-4.51 kgCO2e (kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent) for every pound spent on obesity treatment. CONCLUSION This study illustrates a case study for estimating the effect of health policies on carbon emissions and provides a quantitative measure for obesity-related treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kindred
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Zahratu Shabrina
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK.
- Regional Innovation, Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Neily Zakiyah
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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Fonseca-Rodríguez O, Adams RE, Sheridan SC, Schumann B. Projection of extreme heat- and cold-related mortality in Sweden based on the spatial synoptic classification. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117359. [PMID: 37863163 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is projected to result in increased heat events and decreased cold events. This will substantially impact human health, particularly when compounded with demographic change. This study employed the Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC) to categorize daily weather into one of seven types. Here we estimated future mortality due to extremely hot and cold weather types under different climate change scenarios for one southern (Stockholm) and one northern (Jämtland) Swedish region. METHODS Time-series Poisson regression with distributed lags was used to assess the relationship between extremely hot and cold weather events and daily deaths in the population above 65 years, with cumulative effects (6 days in summer, 28 days in winter), 1991 to 2014. A global climate model (MPI-M-MPI-ESM-LR) and two climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) were used to project the occurrence of hot and cold days from 2031 to 2070. Place-specific projected mortality was calculated to derive attributable numbers and attributable fractions (AF) of heat- and cold-related deaths. RESULTS In Stockholm, for the RCP 4.5 scenario, the mean number of annual deaths attributed to heat increased from 48.7 (CI 32.2-64.2; AF = 0.68%) in 2031-2040 to 90.2 (56.7-120.5; AF = 0.97%) in 2061-2070, respectively. For RCP 8.5, heat-related deaths increased more drastically from 52.1 (33.6-69.7; AF = 0.72%) to 126.4 (68.7-175.8; AF = 1.36%) between the first and the last decade. Cold-related deaths slightly increased over the projected period in both scenarios. In Jämtland, projections showed a small decrease in cold-related deaths but no change in heat-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS In rural northern region of Sweden, a decrease of cold-related deaths represents the dominant trend. In urban southern locations, on the other hand, an increase of heat-related mortality is to be expected. With an increasing elderly population, heat-related mortality will outweigh cold-related mortality at least under the RCP 8.5 scenario, requiring societal adaptation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Fonseca-Rodríguez
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ryan E Adams
- Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Scott C Sheridan
- Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Barbara Schumann
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
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Berthelot S, Longtin Y, Margni M, Guertin JR, LeBlanc A, Marx T, Mangou K, Bluteau A, Mantovani D, Mikhaylin S, Bergeron F, Dancause V, Desjardins A, Lahrichi N, Martin D, Sossa CJ, Lachapelle P, Genest I, Schaal S, Gignac A, Tremblay S, Hufty É, Bélanger L, Beatty E. Postpandemic Evaluation of the Eco-Efficiency of Personal Protective Equipment Against COVID-19 in Emergency Departments: Proposal for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50682. [PMID: 38060296 PMCID: PMC10739239 DOI: 10.2196/50682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on emergency department (ED) care in Canada and around the world. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE) was required for all ED care providers in contact with suspected cases. With mass vaccination and improvements in several infection prevention components, our hypothesis is that the risks of transmission of COVID-19 will be significantly reduced and that current PPE use will have economic and ecological consequences that exceed its anticipated benefits. Evidence is needed to evaluate PPE use so that recommendations can ensure the clinical, economic, and environmental efficiency (ie, eco-efficiency) of its use. OBJECTIVE To support the development of recommendations for the eco-efficient use of PPE, our research objectives are to (1) estimate the clinical effectiveness (reduced transmission, hospitalizations, mortality, and work absenteeism) of PPE against COVID-19 for health care workers; (2) estimate the financial cost of using PPE in the ED for the management of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients; and (3) estimate the ecological footprint of PPE use against COVID-19 in the ED. METHODS We will conduct a mixed method study to evaluate the eco-efficiency of PPE use in the 5 EDs of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Québec, Canada). To achieve our goals, the project will include four phases: systematic review of the literature to assess the clinical effectiveness of PPE (objective 1; phase 1); cost estimation of PPE use in the ED using a time-driven activity-based costing method (objective 2; phase 2); ecological footprint estimation of PPE use using a life cycle assessment approach (objective 3; phase 3); and cost-consequence analysis and focus groups (integration of objectives 1 to 3; phase 4). RESULTS The first 3 phases have started. The results of these phases will be available in 2023. Phase 4 will begin in 2023 and results will be available in 2024. CONCLUSIONS While the benefits of PPE use are likely to diminish as health care workers' immunity increases, it is important to assess its economic and ecological impacts to develop recommendations to guide its eco-efficient use. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022302598; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=302598. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Berthelot
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Manuele Margni
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason Robert Guertin
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Tania Marx
- Services des urgences, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Khadidiatou Mangou
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Bluteau
- Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Axe Médecine régénératrice, Centre de recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sergey Mikhaylin
- EcoFoodLab, Département des sciences de aliments, Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Nadia Lahrichi
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Danielle Martin
- Fashion Design and Creative Direction, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Gignac
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Éric Hufty
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Erica Beatty
- Département de médecine d'urgence, Hôpital Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Sherratt S. Hearing Loss and Disorders: The Repercussions of Climate Change. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:793-811. [PMID: 37812783 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-23-00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate change is considered to be the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century, and its effects are accelerating. Extensive research has clearly demonstrated its increasing impact across the continuum of health conditions. Despite this, there has been limited attention to the ramifications of climate change on hearing loss and hearing disorders. This lack of consideration is somewhat surprising as the environment itself and its changing nature have a substantial effect on hearing. METHOD Tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century. To address this issue, this tutorial provides a general introduction to climate change and its three major elements (pollution, infectious diseases, and extreme weather events) and their effects on health. The substantial consequences of climate change for the incidence, development, and exacerbation of hearing loss and disorders are clearly described and detailed. CONCLUSIONS The challenge of responding to this very real and escalating threat to hearing requires a combination of prevention, advocacy, and education. These three roles place audiologists in the perfect position to take action on the far-reaching effects of climate change on hearing loss and disorders. To respond to this challenge and to fulfill these roles, several strategies, ranging from the individual level to the global level, are delineated for audiologists to incorporate into their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Sherratt
- Communication Research Australia, Newcastle, New South Wales
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68
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Caldeira D, Dores H, Franco F, Bravo Baptista S, Cabral S, Cachulo MDC, Peixeiro A, Rodrigues R, Santos M, Timóteo AT, Campos L, Vasconcelos J, Nogueira PJ, Gonçalves L. Global warming and heat wave risks for cardiovascular diseases: A position paper from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. Rev Port Cardiol 2023; 42:1017-1024. [PMID: 36758747 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Global warming is a result of the increased emission of greenhouse gases. The consequences of this climate change threaten society, biodiversity, food and resource availability. The consequences include an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and cardiovascular mortality. In this position paper, we summarize the data from the main studies that assess the risks of a temperature increase or heat waves in CV events (CV mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and CV hospitalizations), as well as the data concerning air pollution as an enhancer of temperature-related CV risks. The data currently support global warming/heat waves (extreme temperatures) as cardiovascular threats. Achieving neutrality in emissions to prevent global warming is essential and it is likely to have an effect in the global health, including the cardiovascular health. Simultaneously, urgent steps are required to adapt the society and individuals to this new climatic context that is potentially harmful for cardiovascular health. Multidisciplinary teams should plan and intervene healthcare related to temperature changes and heat waves and advocate for a change in environmental health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Caldeira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria - CHULN, Portugal; Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Unit, Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL@RISE), CEMBE, CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Hélder Dores
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal; NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Franco
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Unidade Tratamento IC Avançada (UTICA), Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Bravo Baptista
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando da Fonseca, EPE, Cardiology Department, Amadora, Portugal; Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL@RISE), CAML, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Cabral
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Cachulo
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, ICBR - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Peixeiro
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Serviço de Cardiologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário da Cova da Beira (CHUCB), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rui Rodrigues
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Santos
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Timóteo
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal; Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Santa Marta, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Campos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital CUF Tejo, Portuguese Council for Health and Environment, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Vasconcelos
- Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto de Geografia e Ordenamento do Território (Centro de Estudos Geográficos), Portugal; Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
| | - Paulo Jorge Nogueira
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; CIDNUR - Centro de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento em Enfermagem de Lisboa, Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lino Gonçalves
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia, Lisboa, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, ICBR - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Plohl N, Mlakar I, Musil B, Smrke U. Measuring young individuals' responses to climate change: validation of the Slovenian versions of the climate anxiety scale and the climate change worry scale. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1297782. [PMID: 38106391 PMCID: PMC10722263 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1297782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While increasing awareness of climate change is needed to address this threat to the natural environment and humanity, it may simultaneously negatively impact mental health. Previous studies suggest that climate-specific mental health phenomena, such as climate anxiety and worry, tend to be especially pronounced in youth. To properly understand and address these issues, we need valid measures that can also be used in non-Anglophone samples. Therefore, in the present paper, we aimed to validate Slovenian versions of the Climate Anxiety Scale (CAS) and the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) among Slovenian youth. Method We conducted an online survey in which 442 young individuals (18-24 years) from Slovenia filled out the two central questionnaires and additional instruments capturing other relevant constructs (e.g., general anxiety, neuroticism, and behavioral engagement). Results The confirmatory factor analyses results supported the hypothesized factorial structure of the CAS (two factors) and the CCWS (one factor). Both scales also demonstrated great internal reliability. Moreover, the analyses exploring both constructs' nomological networks showed moderate positive associations with similar measures, such as anxiety and stress (convergent validity), and very weak associations with measures they should not be particularly related to, such as narcissism (discriminant validity). Lastly, we found that the CAS and, even more so, the CCWS have unique predictive value in explaining outcomes such as perceived threat, support for climate policies, and behavioral engagement (incremental validity). Discussion Overall, Slovenian versions of the CAS and the CCWS seem to be valid, reliable, and appropriate for future studies tackling young individuals' responses to climate change. Limitations of the study and areas for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejc Plohl
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Mlakar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Musil
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Urška Smrke
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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Ten Have H, Gordijn B. Green bioethics. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2023; 26:497-498. [PMID: 37855994 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-023-10182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Henk Ten Have
- Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Anahuac University, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Bert Gordijn
- Institute of Ethics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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Nyadanu SD, Tessema GA, Mullins B, Chai K, Yitshak-Sade M, Pereira G. Critical Windows of Maternal Exposure to Biothermal Stress and Birth Weight for Gestational Age in Western Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127017. [PMID: 38149876 PMCID: PMC10752220 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited and inconsistent evidence on the risk of ambient temperature on small for gestational age (SGA) and there are no known related studies for large for gestational age (LGA). In addition, previous studies used temperature rather than a biothermal metric. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to examine the associations and critical susceptible windows of maternal exposure to a biothermal metric [Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)] and the hazards of SGA and LGA. METHODS We linked 385,337 singleton term births between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015 in Western Australia to daily spatiotemporal UTCI. Distributed lag nonlinear models with Cox regression and multiple models were used to investigate maternal exposure to UTCI from 12 weeks preconception to birth and the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of SGA and LGA. RESULTS Relative to the median exposure, weekly and monthly specific exposures showed potential critical windows of susceptibility for SGA and LGA at extreme exposures, especially during late gestational periods. Monthly exposure showed strong positive associations from the 6th to the 10th gestational months with the highest hazard of 13% for SGA (HR = 1.13 ; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.14) and 7% for LGA (HR = 1.07 ; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11) at the 10th month for the 1st UTCI centile. Entire pregnancy exposures showed the strongest hazards of 11% for SGA (HR = 1.11 ; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.18) and 3% for LGA (HR = 1.03 ; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.11) at the 99th UTCI centile. By trimesters, the highest hazards were found during the second and first trimesters for SGA and LGA, respectively, at the 99th UTCI centile. Based on estimated interaction effects, male births, mothers who were non-Caucasian, smokers, ≥ 35 years of age, and rural residents were most vulnerable. CONCLUSIONS Both weekly and monthly specific extreme biothermal stress exposures showed potential critical susceptible windows of SGA and LGA during late gestational periods with disproportionate sociodemographic vulnerabilities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12660.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Education, Culture, and Health Opportunities (ECHO) Ghana, ECHO Research Group International, Aflao, Ghana
| | - Gizachew A. Tessema
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben Mullins
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin Chai
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maayan Yitshak-Sade
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gavin Pereira
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health Impact Assessment, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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72
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Coffey AA, Lillywhite R, Oyebode O. Meat versus meat alternatives: which is better for the environment and health? A nutritional and environmental analysis of animal-based products compared with their plant-based alternatives. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:2147-2156. [PMID: 37534713 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor diets lead to negative health outcomes, including increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. Food systems, most notably agriculture, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) that lead to climate change. Meat consumption plays a role in both health and environmental burden. Consumption of meat alternatives may reduce these harms. The aim was to compare meat products and their plant-based alternatives on nutritional parameters, GHGE and price to examine if it is feasible and beneficial for policymakers and health professionals to recommend meat alternatives. METHODS Data on nutritional information and cost for 99 selected products were collected from five UK supermarkets. Estimates for GHGEs for 97 of these products were found through secondary articles. Median values for nutritional value, GHGE (kgCO2 e) and price per 100 g were calculated to allow comparisons between meat products and their alternatives. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to look for significant differences for each nutrient, emissions and price. RESULTS Meat alternatives contained significantly more fibre and sugar and were significantly higher in price compared to the equivalent meat products. Meat alternatives had a significantly lower number of calories, saturated fat, protein and kgCO2 e than meat products. There was no significant difference in the amount of salt between meat and meat alternatives. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this paper found that meat alternatives are likely to be better for health according to most parameters, while also being more environmentally friendly, with lower GHGEs. However, the higher price of these products may be a barrier to switching to meat alternatives for the poorest in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A Coffey
- Department of Public Health, University of Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Robert Lillywhite
- Department of Public Health, University of Warwick School of Life Sciences, Coventry, UK
| | - Oyinlola Oyebode
- Department of Public Health, University of Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
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Downey GP. Medical Industry Contributions to the Climate Crisis: Behind the Green Drapes. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY, CRITICAL CARE, AND SLEEP MEDICINE 2023; 7:228-231. [PMID: 38314052 PMCID: PMC10836222 DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2023.2268075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The climate crisis is rapidly unfolding with immediate, disastrous consequences including rising surface temperatures, melting of icecaps and glaciers, rising of sea levels, and destructive wildfires spanning the globe. The impact of these climate changes on human health is broad, ranging from immediate heat-related deaths to acute and chronic respiratory and cardiovascular illness. Ironically, the healthcare industry itself contributes to climate change in many ways including waste generation, energy consumption, pharmaceutical production, equipment manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure. In addition to these obvious ways, the use of HFA-propelled MDIs contributes significantly to the climate footprint of healthcare and is easily addressed immediately by changing to DPIs and soft mist inhalers where feasible and appropriate based on patient needs, safety, and availability of inhalers. Implementing carbon offset programs, investing in research and development, and raising awareness among healthcare professionals are crucial components to reform. The healthcare industry must lead by example and commit to long term sustainable practices that not only mitigate the environmental footprint of the healthcare industry but also improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Downey
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO USA
- Departments of Medicine, and Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
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74
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Philipsborn R, Manivannan M, Sack TL. Climate change, paediatric health and ways that digestive health professionals can engage. Gut 2023; 72:2216-2218. [PMID: 37977584 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Philipsborn
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Madhumitha Manivannan
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Todd L Sack
- H Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- My Green Doctor Foundation, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, USA
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75
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Fang W, Liu L, Yin B, Ke L, Su Y, Liu F, Ma X, Di Q. Heat exposure intervention, anxiety level, and multi-omic profiles: A randomized crossover study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108247. [PMID: 37871510 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has led to the frequent occurrence of high-temperature weather, which has various adverse effects on health, ranging from blood metabolism to systemic organ function. In particular, the sequelae of heat stress injury in most people are related to the nervous system. However, the mechanisms between heat stress and mental health conditions, especially heat stress and anxiety, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE We attempted to elucidate the effect of heat exposure intervention on anxiety levels in the population and its mechanism. METHODS We first carried out a randomized controlled trial in 20 college students in Beijing, China, to observe the results of the effects of heat exposure intervention on human anxiety. Then, we collected blood samples before and after heat exposure experiment and used metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to quantify serum metabolites and ELISA measurements to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS We found that even 1.5-hour heat exposure intervention significantly increased anxiety levels. Heat stress-induced anxiety was mediated by the activation of the HPA axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and subsequently unbalanced neurotransmitters. Metabolites such as BDNF, GABA, and glucocorticoids released by the adrenal glands are biomarkers of heat stress-induced anxiety. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated a causal link between heat stress and anxiety, explored possible biological pathway between heat stress and anxiety. Heat stress can cause the activation of the HPA axis and lead to changes in the body's metabolism, resulting in a series of changes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to anxiety. This study reveals hidden health cost of climate change that has been underexplored, and also reminds us the importance of immediate climate actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Fang
- Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Linfeng Liu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yin
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Ke
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Su
- National Protein Science Facility, School of Life Science Tsinghua University, Beijing China
| | - Fang Liu
- National Protein Science Facility, School of Life Science Tsinghua University, Beijing China
| | - Xindong Ma
- Division of Sports Science & Physical Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Di
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Institute for Healthy China, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Shankar K, Hwang K, Westcott JL, Saleem S, Aziz SA, Jessani S, Patel A, Kavi A, Somannavar MS, Goudar SS, Hibberd PL, Derman RJ, Hoffman M, Wylie BJ, Goldenberg RL, Thorsten VR, McClure EM, Krebs NF. Associations between ambient temperature and pregnancy outcomes from three south Asian sites of the Global Network Maternal Newborn Health Registry: A retrospective cohort study. BJOG 2023; 130 Suppl 3:124-133. [PMID: 37581948 PMCID: PMC10843605 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growing evidence suggests that environmental heat stress negatively influences fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes. However, few studies have examined the impact of heat stress on pregnancy outcomes in low-resource settings. We combined data from a large multi-country maternal-child health registry and meteorological data to assess the impacts of heat stress. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Three sites based in south Asia as part of the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health research in India (Belagavi and Nagpur) and Pakistan (Thatta). POPULATION OR SAMPLE Data from women enrolled between 2014 and 2020 in the Global Network's Maternal Newborn Health Registry (MNHR), a prospective, population-based registry of pregnancies, were used. METHODS A total of 126 273 pregnant women were included in this analysis. Daily maximal air temperatures (Tmax ) were acquired from local meteorological records. Associations between averages of daily maximal temperatures for each trimester and main outcomes were analysed using a modified Poisson regression approach. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Incidence of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight (<2500 g) or evidence of pregnancy hypertension or pre-eclampsia. RESULTS In the overall cohort, risk of preterm birth was positively associated with greater temperature in the second trimester (relative risk [RR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, p = 0.0002). Among individual sites, the risk of preterm birth was greatest in Nagpur (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11, p = 0.0005) and associated with second-trimester temperature. The overall risk of low birthweight was associated with ambient temperature in second trimester (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p = 0.01). The risk for LBW was associated with first-trimester heat in Thatta and with second-trimester heat in Nagpur. Finally, the overall risk of gestational hypertensive disease was associated with greater temperature in the third trimester among all sites (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12, p = 0.005) and was particularly significant for Nagpur (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.23, p = 0.002). These findings highlight the increased risk of detrimental obstetric and neonatal outcomes with greater temperature. CONCLUSION In a multi-country, community-based study, greater risk of adverse outcomes was observed with increasing temperature. The study highlights the need for deeper understanding of covarying factors and intervention strategies, especially in regions where high temperatures are common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kay Hwang
- RTI International, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamie L. Westcott
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Archana Patel
- Lata Medical Research Foundation, Nagpur, India
- Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
| | - Avinash Kavi
- KLE Academy Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Shivaprasad S. Goudar
- KLE Academy Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Matthew Hoffman
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Christiana Care Health System, Delaware, USA
| | - Blair J. Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert L. Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Nancy F. Krebs
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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77
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Marteleto LJ, Maia AG, Rodrigues CG. Climate and fertility amid a public health crisis. POPULATION STUDIES 2023; 77:437-458. [PMID: 37581317 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2023.2228288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
One line of enquiry in demographic research assesses whether climate affects fertility. We extend this literature by examining the ramifications of climate conditions on fertility over a period of public health crisis in a highly unequal, urban middle-income country. We use monthly data for Brazil's 5,564 municipalities and apply spatial fixed-effects models to account for unobserved municipal heterogeneity and spatial dependence. Findings suggest that increases in temperature and precipitation are associated with declines in births. We also show that changes in response to climate conditions became greater during the Zika epidemic, particularly in urban areas. Combined, findings highlight the value of understanding the intersections between climate and fertility across geographic boundaries and during this public health crisis. Epidemics have become more important in people's lives with the recurring emergence of novel infectious disease threats, such as Zika and Covid-19.
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78
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Cardenas A, Fadadu R, Bunyavanich S. Climate change and epigenetic biomarkers in allergic and airway diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1060-1072. [PMID: 37741554 PMCID: PMC10843253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Human epigenetic variation is associated with both environmental exposures and allergic diseases and can potentially serve as a biomarker connecting climate change with allergy and airway diseases. In this narrative review, we summarize recent human epigenetic studies examining exposure to temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events, and malnutrition to discuss findings as they relate to allergic and airway diseases. Temperature has been the most widely studied exposure, with the studies implicating both short-term and long-term exposures with epigenetic alterations and epigenetic aging. Few studies have examined natural disasters or extreme weather events. The studies available have reported differential DNA methylation of multiple genes and pathways, some of which were previously associated with asthma or allergy. Few studies have integrated climate-related events, epigenetic biomarkers, and allergic disease together. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed along with the collection of target tissues beyond blood samples, such as nasal and skin cells. Finally, global collaboration to increase diverse representation of study participants, particularly those most affected by climate injustice, as well as strengthen replication, validation, and harmonization of measurements will be needed to elucidate the impacts of climate change on the human epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
| | - Raj Fadadu
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Supinda Bunyavanich
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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79
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Li J, Feng C, Yang J. Climate attribution of interpersonal violence: International evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116836. [PMID: 37543128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is increasingly threatening interpersonal violence, yet global evidence for related impacts and potential transmission mechanisms remains limited. We examine whether and how climate change, particularly climate extremes, affects interpersonal violence. Using the panel data of 140 countries and regions from 2000 to 2019, we find that hot and wet extremes precipitated increase in homicide rates globally. Economic level, inequality, and resources scarcity were important intermediaries through which climate extremes affected homicide, while the direct effects still dominated the total effects. We then reveal the heterogeneous effects of climate extremes, further suggesting that poor countries and regions with relatively small contributions to climate change were particularly sensitive to climate extremes. These findings elucidate a strong climate-violence link, helping explain implications of facilitating violence prevention and mitigating climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Chao Feng
- School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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80
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Flaten CB, Pechacek JM, Potter TM, Mueller C. Planetary health in nursing curricula: How one school transformed nursing curricula as they integrated planetary health concepts with the 2021 AACN essentials. J Prof Nurs 2023; 49:52-56. [PMID: 38042562 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human health and the health of the planet are inextricably interconnected. The human impact on the environment and likewise the impact of the environment on human health is well documented across various areas of study. Climate change, air and water pollutants, land usage, vector borne illness, and other examples demonstrate this relationship. Nurse educators would be negligent if this knowledge was not integrated and aligned with AACN Essentials competencies to demonstrate acquisition of knowledge. METHODS The five domains of the Planetary Health Education Framework were mapped to the AACN Essentials competency based framework. RESULTS Crosswalks were developed for Level 1 and Level 2 Domains, Competencies, and Sub- Competencies with the Planetary Health Domains. Specific Planetary Health outcomes were identified with supporting resources. Exemplars demonstrate the application of the Planetary Health domains to classroom activities and learning objectives. CONCLUSIONS In order for graduates to be practice ready, practice to the full scope of their license, and practice from a holistic perspective, nursing education programs must address the reciprocal impacts of planetary health and human health as it is imperative for the health of all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol B Flaten
- University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, 308 Harvard St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America.
| | - Judith M Pechacek
- University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, 308 Harvard St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Teddi M Potter
- University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, 308 Harvard St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Christine Mueller
- University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, 308 Harvard St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
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Velagic V, Mugnai G, Prepolec I, Pasara V, Milinković A, Nekić A, Bogdanic JE, Posavec JP, Puljević D, de Asmundis C, Chierchia GB, Milicic D. Feasibility and safety of reprocessing of intracardiac echocardiography catheters for electrophysiology procedures - a large single center experience. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2023; 21:20. [PMID: 37880719 PMCID: PMC10601175 DOI: 10.1186/s12947-023-00318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) has become an important tool for catheter ablation. Adoption of ICE imaging is still limited because of its prohibitively high cost. Our aim was to study the safety and feasibility of ICE catheters reprocessing and its environmental and financial impact. METHODS This was a single center retrospective analysis of all consecutive electrophysiology procedures in which ICE catheters were used from 2015 to 2022. In total, 1128 patients were studied (70.6% male, mean age was 57.9 ± 13.2 years). The majority of procedures were related to atrial fibrillation ablation (84.6%). RESULTS For the whole cohort, 57 new ICE catheters were used. Consequently one catheter could be used for 19.8 procedures. New catheters were only used when the image obtained by reused probes was not satisfactory. There were no cases of ICE probe steering mechanism malfunction, no procedure related infections and no allergic reactions that could be attributed to the resterilization process. In total, there was 8.6% of complications not related to ICE imaging. Financially, ICE probe reprocessing resulted with 90% cost reduction (> 2 millions of Euros savings for the studied period) and 95% waste reduction (639.5 kg less, mostly non degradable waste was produced). CONCLUSION Our data suggests that ICE catheter reprocessing is feasible and safe. It seems that risk of infection is not increased. Significant economic and environmental savings could be achieved by ICE catheters reprocessing. Furthermore, ICE reprocessing could allow more extensive ICE usage resulting in safer procedures with a potential reduction of serious complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedran Velagic
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Giacomo Mugnai
- Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ivan Prepolec
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Pasara
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anica Milinković
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrija Nekić
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - Davor Puljević
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - Davor Milicic
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Al-Kindi S, Motairek I, Khraishah H, Rajagopalan S. Cardiovascular disease burden attributable to non-optimal temperature: analysis of the 1990-2019 global burden of disease. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2023; 30:1623-1631. [PMID: 37115593 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Extreme temperatures are increasingly experienced as a result of climate change. Both high and low temperatures, impacted by climate change, have been linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Global estimates on non-optimal temperature-related CVD are not known. The authors investigated global trends of temperature-related CVD burden over the last three decades. METHODS AND RESULTS The authors utilized the 1990-2019 global burden of disease methodology to investigate non-optimal temperature, low temperature- and high temperature-related CVD deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally. Non-optimal temperatures were defined as above (high temperature) or below (low temperature) the location-specific theoretical minimum-risk exposure level or the temperature associated with the lowest mortality rates. Analyses were later stratified by sociodemographic index (SDI) and world regions. In 2019, non-optimal temperature contributed to 1 194 196 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 963 816-1 425 090) CVD deaths and 21 799 370 (95% UI: 17 395 761-25 947 499) DALYs. Low temperature contributed to 1 104 200 (95% UI: 897 783-1 326 965) CVD deaths and 19 768 986 (95% UI: 16 039 594-23 925 945) DALYs. High temperature contributed to 93 095 (95% UI: 10 827-158 386) CVD deaths and 2 098 989 (95% UI: 146 158-3 625 564) DALYs. Between 1990 and 2019, CVD deaths related to non-optimal temperature increased by 45% (95% UI: 32-63%), low temperature by 36% (95% UI: 25-48%), and high temperature by 600% (95% UI: -1879-2027%). Non-optimal temperature- and high temperature-related CVD deaths increased more in countries with low income than countries with high income. CONCLUSION Non-optimal temperatures are significantly associated with global CVD deaths and DALYs, underscoring the significant impact of temperature on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadeer Al-Kindi
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Issam Motairek
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Haitham Khraishah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Heydari A, Partovi P, Zarezadeh Y, Yari A. Exploring medical students' perceptions and understanding of the health impacts of climate change: a qualitative content analysis. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:774. [PMID: 37853406 PMCID: PMC10585725 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has been identified as the greatest threat to global health in the twenty-first century, with its unfavorable health consequences being among its impacts on humans. Exploring the perspectives and understanding of healthcare professionals and service providers concerning climate change becomes imperative. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions and understanding of final-year medical students regarding the health impacts of climate change on individuals and the healthcare system using a qualitative content analysis. METHODS This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the aid of an interview guide to explore the students' awareness, understanding, and attitudes towards the impacts of climate change on public health and the healthcare system. The collected interview data were subsequently organized into codes, categories, and subcategories based on the students' perspectives and attitudes towards climate change. RESULTS Fifteen medical intern students were interviewed for this study, and the qualitative findings were categorized into 3 categories, 23 subcategories, and 229 codes. The study's findings revealed various health impacts of climate change, which were classified into three main categories, including environmental effects with 8 subcategories, socio-economic effects with 8 subcategories, and health effects with 7 subcategories. The study's findings revealed medical students' perceptions of various health impacts of climate change and These findings suggest that medical student understand that climate change has significant impacts on individuals' health and society, mainly through environmental degradation, increased risks, and climate-related disasters, which ultimately lead to adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The perspectives of medical students in this study indicate that climate change may not have a direct and immediate impact on the health of individuals and communities. However, it can significantly influence their health and socio-economic well-being by exacerbating or causing environmental problems, increasing the risk of weather-related events and natural disasters, ultimately leading to adverse health outcomes. While the medical students' perspectives on the health impacts of climate change are indeed broad, incorporating scientific knowledge about this topic into the medical curriculum and educating students on how to deal with patients affected by these consequences can have a significant impact on health management. This proactive approach, despite the students' already comprehensive understanding, can enhance their preparedness to address the health effects of climate change and contribute to strengthening the healthcare system's resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Peyman Partovi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Yadolah Zarezadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Arezoo Yari
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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84
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White BP, Breakey S, Brown MJ, Smith JR, Tarbet A, Nicholas PK, Ros AMV. Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Vulnerable Populations Globally: An Integrative Review. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:66. [PMID: 37810609 PMCID: PMC10558031 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change has been shown to be directly linked to multiple physiological sequelae and to impact health consequences. However, the impact of climate change on mental health globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, is less well understood. Objective To explore the mental health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations globally. Methods We performed an integrative literature review to identify published articles that addressed the research question: What are the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations globally? The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model served as a theoretical model during the review process and data synthesis. Findings/Results One hundred and four articles were selected for inclusion in this review after a comprehensive review of 1828 manuscripts. Articles were diverse in scope and populations addressed. Land-vulnerable persons (either due to occupation or geographic location), Indigenous persons, children, older adults, and climate migrants were among the vulnerable populations whose mental health was most impacted by climate change. The most prevalent mental health responses to climate change included solastalgia, suicidality, depression, anxiety/eco-anxiety, PTSD, substance use, insomnia, and behavioral disturbance. Conclusions Mental health professionals including physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations through assessment, preventative education and care. An inclusive and trauma-informed response to climate-related disasters, use of validated measures of mental health, and a long-term therapeutic relationship that extends beyond the immediate consequences of climate change-related events are approaches to successful mental health care in a climate-changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Patrick White
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Suellen Breakey
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Margaret J. Brown
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Jenny Rand Smith
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Amanda Tarbet
- SFPE Foundation, 9711 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, US
| | - Patrice K. Nicholas
- Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health, MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1@st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Ana M. Viamonte Ros
- Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, US
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85
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Dumont CR, Mathis WS. Mapping Heat Vulnerability of a Community Mental Health Center Population. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:1330-1340. [PMID: 37014585 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-023-01119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with serious mental illness are vulnerable to extreme heat due to biological, social, and place-based factors. We examine the spatial correlation of prevalence of individuals treated at a community mental health center to heat vulnerability. We applied a heat vulnerability index (HVI) to the catchment of the Connecticut Mental Health Center in New Haven, Connecticut. Geocoded addresses were mapped to correlate patient prevalence with heat vulnerability of census tracts. Census tracts closer to the city center had elevated vulnerability scores. Patient prevalence was positively correlated with HVI score (Pearson's r(44) = 0.67, p < 0.01). Statistical significance persists after correction for spatial autocorrelation (modified t-test p < 0.01). The study indicates that individuals treated at this community mental health center are more likely to live in census tracts with high heat vulnerability. Heat mapping strategies can help communicate risk and target resources at the local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Dumont
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Walter S Mathis
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA
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86
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Marcantonio R, Fuentes A. Environmental violence: a tool for planetary health research. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e859-e867. [PMID: 37821164 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
From climate change to toxic pollution and the interactive effects of multiple pollution streams, human health is under siege. Human-produced environmental risks to health and wellbeing are high and contributing to patterns of global morbidity, mortality, economic inequality, displacement, and insecurity. The implications of human-produced environmental harms to global health are complex just as are their causes. The concept of environmental violence offers a potentially robust frame for engaging this issue. We argue that a more specified and structured framework and definition of environmental violence-focusing on human-produced harms by way of pollution emissions-is both timely and beneficial for engaging the complexities of global public health. To clarify why and how this is the case, we review the literature for publications that use the term environmental violence and we subsequently propose a specific definition focused on human-produced pollution along with a framework for tracking and analysing environmental violence and its constituent components. Finally, we discuss the potential value of our framework for research and policy making regarding human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Marcantonio
- Department of Management and Organization, Environmental Change Initiative, and Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Agustín Fuentes
- Department of Anthropology and High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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87
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Alkhathami AG, Sahib AS, Al Fayi MS, Fadhil AA, Jawad MA, Shafik SA, Sultan SJ, Almulla AF, Shen M. Glycolysis in human cancers: Emphasis circRNA/glycolysis axis and nanoparticles in glycolysis regulation in cancer therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116007. [PMID: 37119844 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism of cancer has been an interesting hallmark and metabolic reprogramming, especially the change from oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria to glucose metabolism known as glycolysis occurs in cancer. The molecular profile of glycolysis, related molecular pathways and enzymes involved in this mechanism such as hexokinase have been fully understood. The glycolysis inhibition can significantly decrease tumorigenesis. On the other hand, circRNAs are new emerging non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules with potential biological functions and aberrant expression in cancer cells which have received high attention in recent years. CircRNAs have a unique covalently closed loop structure which makes them highly stable and reliable biomarkers in cancer. CircRNAs are regulators of molecular mechanisms including glycolysis. The enzymes involved in the glycolysis mechanism such as hexokinase are regulated by circRNAs to modulate tumor progression. Induction of glycolysis by circRNAs can significantly increase proliferation rate of cancer cells given access to energy and enhance metastasis. CircRNAs regulating glycolysis can influence drug resistance in cancers because of theirimpact on malignancy of tumor cells upon glycolysis induction. TRIM44, CDCA3, SKA2 and ROCK1 are among the downstream targets of circRNAs in regulating glycolysis in cancer. Additionally, microRNAs are key regulators of glycolysis mechanism in cancer cells and can affect related molecular pathways and enzymes. CircRNAs sponge miRNAs to regulate glycolysis as a main upstream mediator. Moreover, nanoparticles have been emerged as new tools in tumorigenesis suppression and in addition to drug and gene delivery, then mediate cancer immunotherapy and can be used for vaccine development. The nanoparticles can delivery circRNAs in cancer therapy and they are promising candidates in regulation of glycolysis, its suppression and inhibition of related pathways such as HIF-1α. The stimuli-responsive nanoparticles and ligand-functionalized ones have been developed for selective targeting of glycolysis and cancer cells, and mediating carcinogenesis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali G Alkhathami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ameer S Sahib
- Department of Pharmacy, Al- Mustaqbal University College, 51001 Hilla, Iraq
| | - Majed Saad Al Fayi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Iraq
| | - Sahar Ahmad Shafik
- Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayum University, Egypt; College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Iraq
| | | | - Abbas F Almulla
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, China.
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Palmeiro-Silva YK, Lescano AG, Flores EC, Astorga E Y, Rojas L, Chavez MG, Mora-Rivera W, Hartinger SM. Identifying gaps on health impacts, exposures, and vulnerabilities to climate change on human health and wellbeing in South America: a scoping review. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 26:100580. [PMID: 37876675 PMCID: PMC10593580 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
There is an important gap in regional information on climate change and health, limiting the development of science-based climate policies in South American countries. This study aims to identify the main gaps in the existing scientific literature on the impacts, exposure, and vulnerabilities of climate change on population health. A scoping review was performed guided by four sub-questions focused on the impacts of climate change on physical and mental health, exposure and vulnerability factors of population to climate hazards. The main findings showed that physical impacts mainly included infectious diseases, while mental health impacts included trauma, depression, and anxiety. Evidence on population exposure to climate hazards is limited, and social determinants of health and individual factors were identified as vulnerability factors. Overall, evidence on the intersection between climate change and health is limited in South America and has been generated in silos, with limited transdisciplinary research. More formal and systematic information should be generated to inform public policy. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasna K. Palmeiro-Silva
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centro de Políticas Públicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres G. Lescano
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Elaine C. Flores
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- The Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yamileth Astorga E
- Escuela de Tecnologías en Salud, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Luciana Rojas
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario G. Chavez
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Wendel Mora-Rivera
- InterAmerican Center for Global Health (CISG), Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Enfermería, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Stella M. Hartinger
- Clima, Latin American Center of Excellence for Climate Change and Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Anudjo MNK, Vitale C, Elshami W, Hancock A, Adeleke S, Franklin JM, Akudjedu TN. Considerations for environmental sustainability in clinical radiology and radiotherapy practice: A systematic literature review and recommendations for a greener practice. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:1077-1092. [PMID: 37757675 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental sustainability (ES) in healthcare is an important current challenge in the wider context of reducing the environmental impacts of human activity. Identifying key routes to making clinical radiology and radiotherapy (CRR) practice more environmentally sustainable will provide a framework for delivering greener clinical services. This study sought to explore and integrate current evidence regarding ES in CRR departments, to provide a comprehensive guide for greener practice, education, and research. METHODS A systematic literature search and review of studies of diverse evidence including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach was completed across six databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD) was used to assess the included studies. A result-based convergent data synthesis approach was employed to integrate the study findings. RESULTS A total of 162 articles were identified. After applying a predefined exclusion criterion, fourteen articles were eligible. Three themes emerged as potentially important areas of CRR practice that contribute to environmental footprint: energy consumption and data storage practices; usage of clinical consumables and waste management practices; and CRR activities related to staff and patient travel. CONCLUSIONS Key components of CRR practice that influence environmental impact were identified, which could serve as a framework for exploring greener practice interventions. Widening the scope of research, education and awareness is imperative to providing a holistic appreciation of the environmental burden of healthcare. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Encouraging eco-friendly travelling options, leveraging artificial Intelligence (AI) and CRR specific policies to optimise utilisation of resources such as energy and radiopharmaceuticals are recommended for a greener practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N K Anudjo
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - C Vitale
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK; IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - W Elshami
- Department of Medical Diagnostic Imaging, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - A Hancock
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - S Adeleke
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; High Dimensional Neurology, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - J M Franklin
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - T N Akudjedu
- Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK.
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Cevallos‐Solorzano G, Bailon‐Moscoso N, Ordóñez‐Delgado L, Jara P, Tomás G, Espinosa CI. Chronic Degradation of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests Increases the Incidence of Genotoxicity in Birds. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000774. [PMID: 37790599 PMCID: PMC10545417 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that exposure to pollutants can increase genotoxic damage in different taxa. However, to our knowledge, the effects of environmental stress have been explored little. In certain stressful ecosystems, such as seasonally dry tropical forests, the combined effects of anthropogenic activities and ongoing global changes can cause an increase in environmental stresses, in turn, may trigger physiological and genetic effects on biodiversity. The present aims to assess changes in the prevalence of genotoxic damage in birds within three states of forest degradation in the Tumbesian Region of Western Ecuador. We used blood samples from 50 bird species to determine the frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes. Our results revealed a significant impact of forest degradation on the occurrence probability of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities at the community level. Localities with higher levels of degradation exhibited higher levels of abnormalities. However, when analyzing the dominant species, we found contrasting responses. While Lepidocolaptes souleyetii showed a reduction in the proportion of nuclear abnormalities from the natural to shrub-dominated localities Troglodytes aedon and Polioptila plumbea showed an increase for semi-natural and shrub-dominated respectively. We concluded that the degradation process of these tropical forests increases the stress of bird community generating genotoxic damage. Bird responses seem to be species-specific, which could explain the differences in changes in bird composition reported in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. Bailon‐Moscoso
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
| | - L. Ordóñez‐Delgado
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Museo de ZoologíaUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Programa de Doctorado en Conservación de Recursos NaturalesUniversidad Rey Juan CarlosMadridEspaña
| | - P. Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Carrera de BiologíaUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
| | - G. Tomás
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y EvolutivaEstación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA‐CSIC)AlmeríaEspaña
| | - C. I. Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
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Dammertz L, Schrag A, Bohlken J, Heuer J, Kohring C, Schorlemmer J, Akmatov MK, Bätzing J, Holstiege J. Falling incidence of Parkinson's disease in Germany. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3124-3131. [PMID: 37498553 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is strongly associated with age. The aim of the present study was to describe current sex- and age-specific trends and regional differences in the incidence of IPD diagnosed in older people in Germany. METHODS This study was based on nationwide outpatient claims and drug prescription data from the German Statutory Health Insurance, covering approximately 87% of the general population. We conducted a cohort study in patients aged 50 years or older with observation time of at least 4 years. To assess the robustness of nationwide annual IPD incidence trends from 2013 to 2019, three case definitions with varying levels of stringency regarding coded outpatient diagnoses and drug prescriptions were applied. RESULTS In 2019, the population at risk comprised 30,575,726 persons. Using the primary and most specific case definition, annual age- and sex-standardized cumulative IPD incidence decreased stepwise from 137 (2013) to 106 (2019) new cases per 100,000 persons. The decline in incidence was seen in both sexes, in all age groups and in the majority of German regions. The relative decrease (2013-2019) in the annual age- and sex-standardized IPD incidence varied from 23% to 28% among case definitions. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a nationwide decline in the age- and sex-standardized incidence of IPD from 2013 to 2019 in Germany. This trend was consistent using different case definitions. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors underlying this trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Dammertz
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anette Schrag
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jens Bohlken
- Institut für Sozialmedizin, Arbeitsmedizin und Public Health (ISAP) der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joachim Heuer
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kohring
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Manas K Akmatov
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Bätzing
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Holstiege
- Department of Epidemiology and Healthcare Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
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Pauchard JC, Hafiani EM, Bonnet L, Cabelguenne D, Carenco P, Cassier P, Garnier J, Lallemant F, Pons S, Sautou V, De Jong A, Caillard A. Guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med 2023; 42:101291. [PMID: 37562688 DOI: 10.1016/j.accpm.2023.101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia. DESIGN A committee of ten experts from SFAR and SF2H and SFPC learned societies was set up. A policy of declaration of competing interests was applied and observed throughout the guideline-writing process. Likewise, it did not benefit from any funding from a company marketing a health product (drug or medical device). The committee followed the GRADE® method (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the quality of the evidence on which the recommendations were based. METHODS We aimed to formulate recommendations according to the GRADE® methodology for three different fields: anaesthesia vapours and gases; intravenous drugs; medical devices and the working environment. Each question was formulated according to the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome). The literature review and recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology. RESULTS The experts' work on the synthesis and application of the GRADE® method led to the formulation of 17 recommendations. Since the GRADE® method could not be entirely applied to all of the questions, some of the recommendations were formulated as expert opinions. CONCLUSION Based on strong agreement between experts, we produced 17 recommendations designed to guide reducing the environmental impact of general anaesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Pauchard
- Ramsay Santé, Member of Société Française d'Anesthésie Réanimation (SFAR) Substainable Development Committee, Clinique Aguiléra, Biarritz, France.
| | - El-Madhi Hafiani
- Department of Anaesthesia, Resuscitation and Perioperative Medicine, DMU DREAM - Tenon Hospital, AP-HP Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
| | - Laure Bonnet
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Princess Grace, Monaco
| | | | - Philipe Carenco
- Hygiene Department CHU de Nice, Nice, France; CPias PACA, Marseille, France; AFNOR, La Plaine Saint-Denis, France; Comité Européen de Normalisation, Brussels, Belgium; Bureau de Normalisation de l'Industrie Textile et de l'Habillement (BNITH), domaine des textiles en santé, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Cassier
- Institute of Infectious Agents, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jérémie Garnier
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Amiens-Picardie, 1 Rond-Point du Pr Christian Cabrol, 80054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Florence Lallemant
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; CHU Lille, Pôle des Urgences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Pons
- DMU DREAM, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Sorbonne University, GRC 29, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Sautou
- Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, CHU Clermont Ferrand, ICCF, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Audrey De Jong
- PhyMedExp, Montpellier University, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Montpellier, France; Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, St-Eloi Hospital, France
| | - Anaïs Caillard
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, CHU Brest, Cavale Blanche Hospital, France; ORPHY, EA 4324, France
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Cazelles B, Cazelles K, Tian H, Chavez M, Pascual M. Disentangling local and global climate drivers in the population dynamics of mosquito-borne infections. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf7202. [PMID: 37756402 PMCID: PMC10530079 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf7202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Identifying climate drivers is essential to understand and predict epidemics of mosquito-borne infections whose population dynamics typically exhibit seasonality and multiannual cycles. Which climate covariates to consider varies across studies, from local factors such as temperature to remote drivers such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. With partial wavelet coherence, we present a systematic investigation of nonstationary associations between mosquito-borne disease incidence and a given climate factor while controlling for another. Analysis of almost 200 time series of dengue and malaria around the globe at different geographical scales shows a systematic effect of global climate drivers on interannual variability and of local ones on seasonality. This clear separation of time scales of action enhances detection of climate drivers and indicates those best suited for building early-warning systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Cazelles
- UMMISCO, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Eco-Evolution Mathématique, IBENS, CNRS UMR-8197, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Kévin Cazelles
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- inSileco Inc., 2-775 Avenue Monk, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Huaiyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Mario Chavez
- Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, CNRS UMR-7225, Paris, France
| | - Mercedes Pascual
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
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94
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Kornberg Z, Wu J, Wilmot H, Duffina T, Shah JB. A Leak in the System: Addressing the Environmental Impact of Urologic Care. Eur Urol 2023; 84:260-262. [PMID: 37225526 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As urologists we have an opportunity to reduce the carbon footprint of the procedures we perform. We highlight some areas of interest in urology and potential initiatives to reduce the energy and waste footprint of urology care. Urologists can and should make an impact on the growing climate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaclyn Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Helen Wilmot
- General Services and Space Planning, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Terry Duffina
- Sustainability Program Office, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jay B Shah
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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95
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Smirnova N, Shaver AC, Mehta AJ, Philipsborn R, Scovronick N. Climate Change, Air Quality, and Pulmonary Health Disparities. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:489-499. [PMID: 37517829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate change will alter environmental risks that influence pulmonary health, including heat, air pollution, and pollen. These exposures disproportionately burden populations already at risk of ill health, including those at vulnerable life stages, with low socioeconomic status, and systematically targeted by oppressive policies. Climate change can exacerbate existing environmental injustices by affecting future exposure, as well as through differentials in the ability to adapt; this is compounded by disparities in rates of underlying disease and access to health care. Climate change is therefore a dire threat not only to individual and population health but also to health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Smirnova
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Adam C Shaver
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ashish J Mehta
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Philipsborn
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Noah Scovronick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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96
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Jacobson SI, Kacew AJ, Knoebel RW, Hsieh PH, Ratain MJ, Strohbehn GW. Alternative Trastuzumab Dosing Schedules Are Associated With Reductions in Health Care Greenhouse Gas Emissions. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:799-807. [PMID: 37450776 PMCID: PMC10538895 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer care-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions harm human health. Many cancer drugs are administered at greater-than-necessary doses, frequencies, and durations. Alternative dosing strategies may enable reductions in cancer care GHG emissions without compromising patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used streamlined life-cycle analysis in a case-control simulation to estimate the relative reductions in GHG emissions that would be expected to result from using each of three alternative dosing strategies of trastuzumab (6-month adjuvant treatment duration, once every 4-week dosing, and both) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ breast cancer. Using primary data and conversion factors from the environmental science literature, we estimated per-patient relative reduction in GHG emissions and, using SEER data, health impacts (in terms of disability-adjusted life-years [DALYs] and excess mortality per kg CO2) on bystanders for each alternative dosing strategy. RESULTS Compared with the trastuzumab dosing strategy commonly used at baseline (12-month duration of adjuvant therapy and once every 3-week dosing in all settings), adoption of both 6-month adjuvant trastuzumab and once every 4-week trastuzumab dosing would reduce GHG emissions by 4.5%, 18.7%, and 14.6% in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic settings, respectively. We estimate that US-based adoption of alternative trastuzumab dosing would reduce annual DALYs and excess lives lost due to environmental impact of US-based trastuzumab therapy for HER2+ breast cancer by 1.5 and 0.9, respectively. CONCLUSION Alternative dosing strategies may materially reduce the population health impacts of cancer care by reducing environmental impact. Regulatory decision making and health technology assessments should consider a treatment's environmental and population health impacts. Clinical trials of alternative dosing strategies are justified on the basis of environmental and population health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alec J. Kacew
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Po-Hung Hsieh
- Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Mark J. Ratain
- Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Center for Personalized Therapeutics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Garth W. Strohbehn
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI
- Division of Medical Oncology, LTC Charles S Kettles VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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97
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Parker ER, Boos MD. Dermatology's call to emergency action on climate change. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:1193-1194. [PMID: 36073606 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rawlings Parker
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Markus D Boos
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
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98
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Miles G. How can healthcare systems become more resilient to the impacts of climate change? Med Confl Surviv 2023; 39:281-290. [PMID: 37431659 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2023.2231692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
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99
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Mackillop N, Shah J, Collins M, Costelloe T, Öhman D. Carbon footprint of industry-sponsored late-stage clinical trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072491. [PMID: 37604634 PMCID: PMC10445340 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the carbon footprint from a sample of pharma industry sponsored phase III trials. To develop an approach that can readily be applied to future trials by AstraZeneca and other trial sponsors. DESIGN Life cycle assessment including all the sources of carbon emissions associated with a completed, an ongoing and a planned clinical trial. The methodology followed the guidance on appraising the sustainability of Care Pathways, developed by the UK National Health Service in collaboration with parties across the healthcare system. SETTING Three multicentre late phase trials. One completed heart failure trial, one ongoing oncology trial and one asthma trial with the addition of devices to be representative of current practice. PARTICIPANTS The three trials had a total number of 7412 participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total carbon emissions from each trial, the drivers of those emissions and the emissions per patient. RESULTS The total carbon footprint for the cardiovascular trial was calculated as 2498 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), the first 3 years of the oncology trial resulted in 1632 tonnes CO2e and the respiratory trial 1437 tonnes CO2e. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that it is feasible to perform a retrospective life cycle assessment to appraise the carbon footprint of large clinical trials and confirmed that phase III trials result in significant emissions. Having identified all the drivers of emissions and their magnitude, we are well placed to develop a plan for achieving net-zero carbon clinical trials. Now it is possible to expand the use of life cycle assessment to planned studies so that scientific aims can be achieved with a minimum of carbon emissions. We encourage other trialists to apply the same methodology as a necessary first step in reducing the carbon footprint of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Mackillop
- Late Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, AstraZeneca PLC, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jayesh Shah
- Environmental Resources Management, London, UK
| | | | | | - Daniel Öhman
- Late Clinical Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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100
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Weisheit CK, Geerling G, Holz FG, Coburn M. High-Impact Actions to Reduce the Carbon Dioxide Footprint in an Ophthalmic Operation Room: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmologica 2023; 246:169-173. [PMID: 37579736 DOI: 10.1159/000533444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Germany's health care footprint accounts for 5.2% of the national emissions footprint which results in 0.71 tons of CO2 emission per capita. Thus, the health sector has a responsibility to take climate action. Surgery is a resource-intensive health care activity, requiring expensive equipment, sterilization procedures, advanced operative technologies, and obligatory life support systems. We spotlight the situation in a department of ophthalmology with frequent anesthesia services and highly standardized procedures. This narrative review discusses high-impact actions which result in a major reduction of the CO2 footprint according to the global road map for health care decarbonization, considering both the ophthalmic and anesthesiologic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina K Weisheit
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mark Coburn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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