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Di Ciaula A, Mannucci PM, Portincasa P. Environmental health and clinicians: time to promote more action. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03688-3. [PMID: 38935207 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03688-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and ambient air pollution are threats to human health, with dramatic short- and long-term effects on mortality and morbidity. Pollution generates fears among citizens who rarely receive adequate information for risk mitigation. A large burden of evidence is describing since decades the health effects of pollution, linking environmental exposure to pathophysiological mechanisms (mainly, low-grade chronic inflammation) that lead to an array of chronic non-communicable diseases. Epidemiologists are deeply involved to depict environment-related diseases, identify risk factors as well as to offer suggestions for prevention policies. However, their warnings are frequently disregarded by clinicians and policymakers. In clinical practice, diagnostic evidence is the basis for therapeutic interventions. Conversely, epidemiological evidence in the field of environmental health rarely generates appropriate preventive and clinical actions. Despite the great interest and concerns of citizens and epidemiologists, the perception of pollution as a major hazard to health is often scarce among clinicians, as witnessed by the poor presence of environmental health in the majority of clinical guidelines, meetings of scientific societies, and medical curricula. As a consequence, inaction is not uncommon among clinicians, who often fail to routinely engage in counseling their patients on how to reduce their health risks from living in an unsafe environment nor to act as advocates in order to enact changes in the community. This gap should be urgently bridged by creating opportunities for health professionals to be adequately informed and trained to play an active role in tackling environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Arezzo, Italy
| | - Pier Mannuccio Mannucci
- Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
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2
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Banerjee B, Kundu S, Kanchan R, Mohanta A. Examining the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and meteorological factors in Asansol city, West Bengal, India, using statistical modelling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33608-z. [PMID: 38761262 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Meteorological conditions significantly impact ambient air quality in urban environments. This study focuses on Asansol, known as the "Coal City" and the "Industrial Heart of West Bengal," a notable hotspot for air pollution. Despite its significance, limited research has addressed the influence of meteorological factors on key air pollutants in this urban area. From January 2019 to December 2023, this investigation explores the relationships between meteorological parameters (including atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed) and the concentrations of crucial air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2). Temporal trends in air pollutant concentrations are also analysed. The Spearman correlation method is used to establish associations between pollutant concentrations and meteorological variables, while multiple linear regression (MLR) models are employed to assess meteorological factors and potential impact on pollutant concentrations. The analysis reveals a decreasing trend in pollutant concentrations in Asansol. Temperature exhibits negative correlations with all pollutants in all seasons except for a positive correlation during the monsoon. Rainfall consistently displays significant negative correlations with pollutants in all seasons. Relative humidity is negatively correlated with pollutants in all seasons, and wind speed, except during the post-monsoon season, shows negative correlations with all pollutants. Linear models excel in predicting particulate matter concentrations but perform poorly in predicting gaseous contaminants. Accounting for seasonal fluctuations and meteorological parameters, this research enhances the accuracy of air pollution forecasting, contributing to a better understanding of air quality dynamics in Asansol and similar urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Banerjee
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, The MS University Baroda, Vadodara, India, 390002.
| | - Sudipta Kundu
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, CSJM University of Kanpur, Kanpur, India
| | - Rolee Kanchan
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, The MS University Baroda, Vadodara, India, 390002
| | - Agradeep Mohanta
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The MS University Baroda, Vadodara, 390002, India
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3
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Perry IA. Assessment, Policy Development, and Assurance: Evolving the Core Functions of Public Health to Address Health Threats. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100172. [PMID: 38249788 PMCID: PMC10797537 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ijeoma A. Perry
- Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, HHS, Washington, District of Columbia
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4
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Khalil M, Bonfrate L, Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P. Self-reported symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination. Distinct sex, age, and geographical outcomes in Lebanese and Italian cohorts. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1463-1475. [PMID: 37322183 PMCID: PMC10412474 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 discovery in December 2019, different vaccines were authorized in 2021 in Italy and Lebanon, but side effects and the impact of sex and age remained partly explored. We designed a web-based "Google Form" questionnaire to record self-reported systemic and local side effects up to 7 days after 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine in two distinct Italian and Lebanese cohorts. Twenty-one questions in Italian and Arabic languages explored the prevalence and severity of 13 symptoms. Results were compared with respect to living country, timing, sex, and age classes. A total of 1,975 Italian subjects (age 42.9 ± SD16.8 years; 64.5% females) and 822 Lebanese subjects (age 32.5 ± SD15.9 years; 48.8% females) joined the study. The most common symptoms in both groups were injection site pain, weakness, and headache after the 1st and 2nd doses. The rate of post-vaccinal symptoms and the severity score were significantly higher in females than in males and progressively decreased with increasing age following both doses. We find that among two populations from the Mediterranean basin, the anti-COVID-19 vaccine generates mild age and sex-dependent adverse effects, with ethnic differences and prevalent symptoms rate and severity in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri" & Division Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University "Aldo Moro", Policlinico Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri" & Division Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University "Aldo Moro", Policlinico Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri" & Division Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University "Aldo Moro", Policlinico Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri" & Division Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University "Aldo Moro", Policlinico Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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5
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Begou P, Kassomenos P. The ecosyndemic framework of the global environmental change and the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159327. [PMID: 36220476 PMCID: PMC9547397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ecosyndemic theory combines the concept of 'synergy' with 'epidemic' and the term "eco" implies the role of the environmental changes. Each of the conditions enhances the negative impacts of the other in an additive way making our society more vulnerable and heightening individual risk factors. In this study, we analyze the mutually reinforcing links between the environment and health from the complexity angle of the ecosyndemic theory and propose the characterization of the COVID-19 pandemic as ecosyndemic. We use the term 'ecosyndemic' because the global environmental change contributes to local-scale, regional-scale and global-scale alterations of the Earth's systems. These changes have their root causes in the way that people interact with the physical, chemical, and biotic factors of the environment. These interactions disturb nature and the consequences have feedbacks in every living organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Begou
- Laboratory of Meteorology and Climatology, Department of Physics, University of Ioannina, GR-45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Pavlos Kassomenos
- Laboratory of Meteorology and Climatology, Department of Physics, University of Ioannina, GR-45110 Ioannina, Greece
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AlShurman BA, Butt ZA. Proposing a New Conceptual Syndemic Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1561. [PMID: 36674314 PMCID: PMC9864682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussions regarding syndemics have dominated research in recent years. Vaccine hesitancy has also been propelled to the forefront. In this narrative review, we aim to frame a novel syndemic framework to understand the interaction between vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19, and negative health outcomes. METHODS A non-systematic electronic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Search criteria were limited to articles published between November 2019 and June 2022. Articles related to the COVID-19 syndemic and vaccine hesitancy were included. RESULTS Our review revealed that the adherence to COVID-19 regulations-although they were effective in preventing COVID-19 transmission, cases, and deaths-created a dynamically unstable 'vicious cycle' between undesirable health, economic, and social outcomes. The "accumulation" of complex stressors decreased individuals' cognitive flexibility and hindered them from making decisions and getting vaccinated. Furthermore, it increased individuals' risk of acquiring COVID-19, losing their employment, increasing poverty, and decreasing healthcare utilization. We illustrated how the amalgamation of sociodemographic and contextual factors associated with COVID-19 might impact people's vaccine decisions, making them more hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccination. Failing to receive vaccinations increases the chances of COVID-19 transmission, hospitalization, and other negative health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the interaction between these factors is essential to provide policymakers with inspiration to set appropriate interventions for promoting COVID-19 vaccination acceptance to decrease the overall burden of pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahid Ahmad Butt
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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Dietrich CG, Geier A, Merle U. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and COVID-19: Harmless companions or disease intensifier? World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:367-377. [PMID: 36687116 PMCID: PMC9846932 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i2.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) coexist. Elevated liver function tests are frequent in COVID-19 and may influence liver damage in NAFLD, while preexisting liver damage from NAFLD may influence the course of COVID-19. However, the prognostic relevance of this interaction, though, is unclear. Obesity is a risk factor for the presence of NAFLD as well as a severe course of COVID-19. Cohort studies reveal conflicting results regarding the influence of NAFLD presence on COVID-19 illness severity. Striking molecular similarities of cytokine pathways in both diseases, including postacute sequelae of COVID-19, suggest common pathways for chronic low-activity inflammation. This review will summarize existing data regarding the interaction of both diseases and discuss possible mechanisms of the influence of one disease on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Geier
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Kapusta J, Chudzik M, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D, Burzyńska M, Jankowski P, Babicki M. Do selected lifestyle parameters affect the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 among elderly patients? The retrospective evaluation of individuals from the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV study. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:143-153. [PMID: 36521330 PMCID: PMC9743693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older individuals tend to include less physical activity in their routine and are more prone to chronic diseases and severe medical complications, making them the most burdened group that is losing years of life due to pandemic-related premature mortality. This research aimed to assess the lifestyle factors that affect the COVID-19 course among patients ≥ 65 years old. METHODS The study included 568 convalescents (64.1% women and 35.9% men) with persistent clinical symptoms after isolation. The mean age was 70.41 ± 4.64 years (minimum: 65 years; maximum: 89 years). The patients completed the questionnaire during their in-person visit to the medical center. The survey included questions regarding their health status when suffering from COVID-19, basic sociodemographic data, and medical history concerning chronic conditions and lifestyle. RESULTS Physical inactivity (p < 0.001) and feeling nervous (p = 0.026) increased the risk of having a severe disease course. Coronary artery disease raised both the risk of a severe disease course (p = 0.002) and the number of present symptoms up to 4 weeks (p = 0.039). Sleep disturbances increased the number of symptoms during infection (p = 0.001). The occurrence of any symptoms was also associated with the female sex (p = 0.004). The severity of the course was associated with longer persistent symptoms (p < 0.001) and a greater number of symptoms (p = 0.004); those with a more severe course were also at a greater risk of persistent symptoms for up to 4 weeks (p = 0.006). Senior citizens in the third pandemic wave suffered with more severe disease (p = 0.004), while illness during the fourth (p = 0.001) and fifth (p < 0.001) waves was associated with a lower risk of persistent symptoms for up to 4 weeks. The disease duration was significantly shorter among vaccinated patients (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Elderly COVID-19 patients should re-think their lifestyle habits to consider a physical activity level that is adjusted to their abilities, in order to decrease the risk of a severe disease course and to further limit both the number and duration of symptoms. The research was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approval from the Bioethics Committee of Lodz Regional Medical Chamber to conduct the study was obtained (approval number 0115/2021). The PoLoCOV-Study ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT05018052.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kapusta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 70–445 Lodz, Poland,Corresponding author
| | - Michał Chudzik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01–813 Warsaw, Poland,Boruta Medical Center, 95–100 Zgierz, Poland,Corresponding author at: Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01–813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Boruta Medical Center, 95–100 Zgierz, Poland,Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90–136 Lodz, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Boruta Medical Center, 95–100 Zgierz, Poland,Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90–136 Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Burzyńska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Social and Preventive Medicine of the Medical University of Lodz, 90–752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01–813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51–141 Wroclaw, Poland
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Zhang X, Xia Q, Lai Y, Wu B, Tian W, Miao W, Feng X, Xin L, Miao J, Wang N, Wu Q, Jiao M, Shan L, Du J, Li Y, Shi B. Spatial effects of air pollution on the economic burden of disease: implications of health and environment crisis in a post-COVID-19 world. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:161. [PMCID: PMC9664438 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01774-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Air pollution has been identified as related to the diseases of susceptible population, but the spatial heterogeneity of its economic burden and its determinants are rarely investigated. The issue is of great policy significance, especially after the epidemic of COVID-19, when human are facing the joint crisis of health and environment, and some areas is prone to falling into poverty.
Methods
The geographical detector was adopted to study the spatial distribution characteristics of the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (ICHE) for older adults in 100 rural areas in China at the prefecture-city level. The health factors, sociological factors, policy factors and environmental factors and their interactions are identified.
Results
First, most health service factors had strong explanatory power for ICHE whether it interacts with air pollution. Second, 50 single-factor high-risk areas of ICHE were found in the study, but at the same time, there were 21 areas dominated by multiple factors.
Conclusion
The different contributions and synergy among the factors constitute the complex mechanism of factors and catastrophic health expenditure. Moreover, during this process, air pollution aggravates the contribution of health service factors toward ICHE. In addition, the leading factors of ICHE are different among regions. At the end, this paper also puts forward some policy suggestions from the perspective of health and environment crisis in the post-COVID-19 world: environmental protection policies should be combined with the prevention of infectious diseases; advanced health investment is the most cost-effective policy for the inverse health sequences of air pollution and infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); integrating environmental protection policy into healthy development policy, different regions take targeted measures to cope with the intertwined crisis.
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Meshes E, Kamau LZ, Summers M, Hoppin KB. Climate Change and Six Americas: What Can Behavior Analysts Do? BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2022; 31:497-521. [PMID: 38013766 PMCID: PMC9649001 DOI: 10.1007/s42822-022-00107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Climate change, directly impacted by human behavior, has been investigated and evaluated across disciplines. The Six Americas was developed as a segmentation tool to communicate effectively with the United States population about climate change (Leiserowitz et al., 2021) across a spectrum from those likely to act in opposition to climate change mitigation strategies to those actively seeking to remediate the climate change effects. Behavior analysts offer unique skills to intervene at the individual level effectively. Behavior analysts will benefit from learning about this conceptual model and its tools, particularly to inform intervention across the spectrum of the Six Americas. This paper will cover a background of the Six Americas and suggestions on how to intervene for these different segments at the individual level, followed by a brief review of the existing effective literature, particularly regarding changing behavior in the food, energy, and transportation sectors. Specifically, behavior analytic interventions will be suggested for a population concerned about climate change who may also be posed for action. Finally, we will provide suggestions to guide behavior analysts to intervene with those disengaged or actively dismissive of the threats posed by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Meshes
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Southern California, 707 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 USA
| | | | | | - Kimberly Benjamin Hoppin
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Southern California, 707 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017 USA
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Di Ciaula A, Moshammer H, Lauriola P, Portincasa P. Environmental health, COVID-19, and the syndemic: internal medicine facing the challenge. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:2187-2198. [PMID: 36181580 PMCID: PMC9525944 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Internists are experts in complexity, and the COVID-19 pandemic is disclosing complex and unexpected interactions between communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental factors, and socio-economic disparities. The medicine of complexity cannot be limited to facing comorbidities and to the clinical management of multifaceted diseases. Evidence indicates how climate change, pollution, demographic unbalance, and inequalities can affect the spreading and outcomes of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities. These elements cannot be neglected, and a wide view of public health aspects by a "one-health" approach is strongly and urgently recommended. According to World Health Organization, 35% of infectious diseases involving the lower respiratory tract depend on environmental factors, and infections from SARS-Cov-2 is not an exception. Furthermore, environmental pollution generates a large burden of non-communicable diseases and disabilities, increasing the individual vulnerability to COVID-19 and the chance for the resilience of large communities worldwide. In this field, the awareness of internists must increase, as privileged healthcare providers. They need to gain a comprehensive knowledge of elements characterizing COVID-19 as part of a syndemic. This is the case when pandemic events hit vulnerable populations suffering from the increasing burden of chronic diseases, disabilities, and social and economic inequalities. Mastering the interplay of such events requires a change in overall strategy, to adequately manage not only the SARS-CoV-2 infection but also the growing burden of non-communicable diseases by a "one health" approach. In this context, experts in internal medicine have the knowledge and skills to drive this change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Hygiene, Medical University of Karakalpakstan, Nukus, Uzbekistan 230100
| | - Paolo Lauriola
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Khojasteh D, Davani E, Shamsipour A, Haghani M, Glamore W. Climate change and COVID-19: Interdisciplinary perspectives from two global crises. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157142. [PMID: 35798107 PMCID: PMC9252874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157142] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change - two major current global crises - are far-reaching, the parallels between the two are striking, and their influence on one another are significant. Based on the wealth of evidence that has emerged from the scientific literature during the first two years of the pandemic, this study argues that these two global crises require holistic multisectoral mitigation strategies. Despite being different in nature, neither crisis can be effectively mitigated without considering their interdependencies. Herein, significant interactions between these two crises are highlighted and discussed. Major implications related to the economy, energy, technology, environment, food systems and agriculture sector, health systems, policy, management, and communities are detailed via a review of existing joint literature. Based on these outcomes, practical recommendations for future research and management are provided. While the joint timing of these crises has created a global conundrum, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated opportunities and lessons for devising sustainable recovery plans in relation to the climate crisis. The findings indicated that governments should work collaboratively to develop durable and adjustable strategies in line with long-term, global decarbonisation targets, promote renewable energy resources, integrate climate change into environmental policies, prioritise climate-smart agriculture and local food systems, and ensure public and ecosystem health. Further, differences in geographic distributions of climate change and COVID-19 related death cases revealed that these crises pose different threats to different parts of the world. These learnings provide insights to address the climate emergency - and potential future global problems with similar characteristics - if international countries act urgently and collectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Khojasteh
- Water Research Laboratory, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ehsan Davani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Shamsipour
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Milad Haghani
- Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovation (rCITI), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - William Glamore
- Water Research Laboratory, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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13
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Primary Mental Health Care in a New Era. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10102025. [PMID: 36292472 PMCID: PMC9601948 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical experience and scientific studies highlight the pivotal role that primary health care services have and should have as a gateway to the health care system and as a first point of contact for patients with mental disorders, particularly-but not exclusively-for patients with a disorder in the spectrum of common mental disorders [...].
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14
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Khalil M, Shanmugam H, Abdallah H, John Britto JS, Galerati I, Gómez-Ambrosi J, Frühbeck G, Portincasa P. The Potential of the Mediterranean Diet to Improve Mitochondrial Function in Experimental Models of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153112. [PMID: 35956289 PMCID: PMC9370259 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal expansion of body fat paves the way for several metabolic abnormalities including overweight, obesity, and diabetes, which ultimately cluster under the umbrella of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients with MetS are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. The coexistence of distinct metabolic abnormalities is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, as components of low-to-medium grade systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Adopting healthy lifestyles, by using appropriate dietary regimens, contributes to the prevention and treatment of MetS. Metabolic abnormalities can influence the function and energetic capacity of mitochondria, as observed in many obesity-related cardio-metabolic disorders. There are preclinical studies both in cellular and animal models, as well as clinical studies, dealing with distinct nutrients of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and dysfunctional mitochondria in obesity and MetS. The term “Mitochondria nutrients” has been adopted in recent years, and it depicts the adequate nutrients to keep proper mitochondrial function. Different experimental models show that components of the MD, including polyphenols, plant-derived compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, can improve mitochondrial metabolism, biogenesis, and antioxidant capacity. Such effects are valuable to counteract the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with obesity-related abnormalities and can represent the beneficial feature of polyphenols-enriched olive oil, vegetables, nuts, fish, and plant-based foods, as the main components of the MD. Thus, developing mitochondria-targeting nutrients and natural agents for MetS treatment and/or prevention is a logical strategy to decrease the burden of disease and medications at a later stage. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the effects of the MD and its bioactive components on improving mitochondrial structure and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Hala Abdallah
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Jerlin Stephy John Britto
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilaria Galerati
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-A.); (G.F.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), ISCIII, 28029 Pamplona, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-A.); (G.F.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), ISCIII, 28029 Pamplona, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-328-4687215
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15
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Time to Consider the “Exposome Hypothesis” in the Development of the Obesity Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14081597. [PMID: 35458158 PMCID: PMC9032727 DOI: 10.3390/nu14081597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic shows no signs of abatement. Genetics and overnutrition together with a dramatic decline in physical activity are the alleged main causes for this pandemic. While they undoubtedly represent the main contributors to the obesity problem, they are not able to fully explain all cases and current trends. In this context, a body of knowledge related to exposure to as yet underappreciated obesogenic factors, which can be referred to as the “exposome”, merits detailed analysis. Contrarily to the genome, the “exposome” is subject to a great dynamism and variability, which unfolds throughout the individual’s lifetime. The development of precise ways of capturing the full exposure spectrum of a person is extraordinarily demanding. Data derived from epidemiological studies linking excess weight with elevated ambient temperatures, in utero, and intergenerational effects as well as epigenetics, microorganisms, microbiota, sleep curtailment, and endocrine disruptors, among others, suggests the possibility that they may work alone or synergistically as several alternative putative contributors to this global epidemic. This narrative review reports the available evidence on as yet underappreciated drivers of the obesity epidemic. Broadly based interventions are needed to better identify these drivers at the same time as stimulating reflection on the potential relevance of the “exposome” in the development and perpetuation of the obesity epidemic.
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16
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Papadopoulos KI, Sutheesophon W, Aw TC. Too hard to die: Exercise training mediates specific and immediate SARS-CoV-2 protection. World J Virol 2022. [PMID: 35433336 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i2.0000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms may explain how exercise training mechanistically confers protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here we propose two new perspectives through which cardiorespiratory fitness may protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Physical exercise-activated adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling induces endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), increases NO bio-availability, and inhibits palmitoylation, leading to specific and immediate SARS-CoV-2 protection. AMPK signaling also induces angiotensin 1-7 release and enhances eNOS activation thus further mediating cardio- and reno-protection. Irisin, a myokine released from skeletal muscles during aerobic exercise, also participates in the AMPK/Akt-eNOS/NO pathway, protects mitochondrial functions in endothelial cells, and antagonizes renin angiotensin system proinflammatory action leading to reductions in genes associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes. Collectively, all the above findings point to the fact that increased AMPK and irisin activity through exercise training greatly benefits molecular processes that mediate specific, immediate, and delayed SARS-CoV-2 protection. Maintaining regular physical activity levels is a safe and affordable lifestyle strategy against the current and future pandemics and may also mitigate against obesity and cardiometabolic disease syndemics. Move more because a moving target is harder to kill.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tar-Choon Aw
- Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore 529889, Singapore, Singapore
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17
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Papadopoulos KI, Sutheesophon W, Aw TC. Too hard to die: Exercise training mediates specific and immediate SARS-CoV-2 protection. World J Virol 2022; 11:98-103. [PMID: 35433336 PMCID: PMC8966590 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i2.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms may explain how exercise training mechanistically confers protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here we propose two new perspectives through which cardiorespiratory fitness may protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Physical exercise-activated adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling induces endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), increases NO bio-availability, and inhibits palmitoylation, leading to specific and immediate SARS-CoV-2 protection. AMPK signaling also induces angiotensin 1-7 release and enhances eNOS activation thus further mediating cardio- and reno-protection. Irisin, a myokine released from skeletal muscles during aerobic exercise, also participates in the AMPK/Akt-eNOS/NO pathway, protects mitochondrial functions in endothelial cells, and antagonizes renin angiotensin system proinflammatory action leading to reductions in genes associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes. Collectively, all the above findings point to the fact that increased AMPK and irisin activity through exercise training greatly benefits molecular processes that mediate specific, immediate, and delayed SARS-CoV-2 protection. Maintaining regular physical activity levels is a safe and affordable lifestyle strategy against the current and future pandemics and may also mitigate against obesity and cardiometabolic disease syndemics. Move more because a moving target is harder to kill.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tar-Choon Aw
- Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore 529889, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Bragazzi NL. The COVID-19 Pandemic Seen from a Syndemic Perspective: The LGBTQIA2SP+ Community. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:865-871. [PMID: 34698177 PMCID: PMC8544476 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An adverse condition or a disease can (either directly or indirectly) interact in a synergistic fashion with other adverse conditions or diseases/maladies, and co-cluster together with them: this fundamental observation is at the basis of the term "syndemic" (a portmanteau for "synergistic epidemic") [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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