1
|
Hoang AN, Pham TTK, Mai DTT, Nguyen T, Tran PTM. Health risks and perceptions of residents exposed to multiple sources of air pollutions: A cross-sectional study on landfill and stone mining in Danang city, Vietnam. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113244. [PMID: 35398085 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Health risks and perceptions of residents living nearby landfills or stone mines/quarries have been well documented; however, the multiple impacts of these two pollution sources have yet to be investigated. This study aims at giving insights into the impacts of residents exposed to two pollution sources in Danang city, Vietnam: Khanh Son landfill and Phuoc Tuong quarry. In this cross-sectional study, 7-point-Likert scale questionnaires were used to collect information from 314 respondents which were divided into three groups: i) Landfill-Stone mine (LS) exposed group within 1 km from both sources, ii) Stone mine (ST) exposed group within 1 km from the stone mine, and iii) the far-exposed group about 2-3 km from the two emission sites. Air pollutants (including H2S, CH4, and total suspended particles (TSP)) and noise levels were also sampled. In addition, we estimated the potential health risk assessment due to the exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the study areas. The findings have shown that 1) There is a statistical difference (p-value < 0.001) between the two exposed groups and far-exposed group regarding health risks and residents' perceptions; 2) Compared to the ST exposed group, the LS exposed group statistically showed a higher perception to bad odours and skin diseases; lower satisfaction with regards to the personal health condition and the operation of the landfill; and higher willingness to change current living locations; and 3) There is evidence to indicate that elevated concentrations of air pollutants are associated with the high self-reported health risks and residents' perceptions. Urgent actions should be focused on the LS exposed group, landfill and quarry operations to prevent further adverse health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Ngoc Hoang
- The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Thoa Thi Kim Pham
- The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Duong Thi Thuy Mai
- The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Teron Nguyen
- The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Phuong Thi Minh Tran
- The University of Danang - University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Str., Danang City, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yousefi M, Shariatmadari N, Noorzad A, Mohammadi A, Mahmoodi M. A comparison between constitutive models for the municipal solid waste. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:111-119. [PMID: 34715767 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x211045002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper compares the behavioural models of municipal solid waste (MSW) using the corresponding experimental data. To do so, the proposed models are first reviewed and, then, the algorithms and codes of different models are written. After obtaining each model's algorithm, the same experimental data are considered as input, and the strain-stress curve is plotted for each model. In the first method, the total strain in the waste is obtained based on the summation of the elastic, plastic, biological, and creep strains. Afterward, the equivalent stress is obtained. In this method, using biological changes over time, the age of the waste is calculated as an effective parameter in MSW behaviour. Moreover, the effect of creep on the waste is considered independently. In the second algorithm, MSW is considered as fibre and paste material, and the strain-stress curve is obtained. In this method, the waste is considered as a soil model, and the effect of different parameters are calculated. Due to the complexity of the MSW behaviour and considering various parameters, such as the age of the waste, E changes over time, creep, and biological changes, the Krase model has less error than the other models. Using the soil behaviour model for the waste has a significant error, indicating the difference between the results for the behaviours of the two substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Yousefi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Shariatmadari
- Department of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Noorzad
- Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mohammadi
- Research Institute on Mines and Environment, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tafresh University, Tafresh, Iran
| | - MohammadJavad Mahmoodi
- Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Methanogen Abundance Thresholds Capable of Differentiating In Vitro Methane Production in Human Stool Samples. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:3822-3830. [PMID: 33247793 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06721-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal methane (CH4) gas production has been associated with a number of clinical conditions and may have important metabolic and physiological effects. AIMS In this study, taxonomic and functional gene analyses and in vitro CH4 gas measurements were used to determine if molecular markers can potentially serve as clinical tests for colonic CH4 production. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study involving full stool samples collected from 33 healthy individuals. In vitro CH4 gas measurements were obtained after 2-h incubation of stool samples and used to characterize samples as CH4 positive (CH4+) and CH4 negative (CH4-; n = 10 and 23, respectively). Next, we characterized the fecal microbiota through high-throughput DNA sequencing with a particular emphasis on archaeal phylum Euryarchaeota. Finally, qPCR analyses, targeting the mcrA gene, were done to determine the ability to differentiate CH4+ versus CH4- samples and to delineate major methanogen species associated with CH4 production. RESULTS Methanobrevibacter was found to be the most abundant methane producer and its relative abundance provides a clear distinction between CH4+ versus CH4- samples. Its sequencing-based relative abundance detection threshold for CH4 production was calculated to be 0.097%. The qPCR-based detection threshold separating CH4+ versus CH4- samples, based on mcrA gene copies, was 5.2 × 105 copies/g. CONCLUSION Given the decreased time-burden placed on patients, a qPCR-based test on a fecal sample can become a valuable tool in clinical assessment of CH4 producing status.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cortez APB, Fisberg M, de Morais MB. Intestinal permeability and small intestine bacterial overgrowth in excess weight adolescents. Pediatr Obes 2021; 16:e12741. [PMID: 33089672 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased intestinal permeability may be associated with certain disorders, such as obesity and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate intestinal permeability and SIBO in excess weight adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 67 adolescents with excess weight and 66 normal weight adolescents. Excess weight was defined as a body mass index for age (BMI/age) > +1 SD, which includes having excess body weight and obesity. SIBO was diagnosed by a breath test after the ingestion of lactulose according to the production of hydrogen and methane. Zonulin (haptoglobin) was considered an indicator of intestinal permeability. RESULTS Adolescents with excess weight had a higher height/age Z-score (median [25th; 75th percentile]: +0.6 [-0.4; +1.0]) than those in the normal weight group (-0.1 [-0.6; +0.7]; P = .014). Zonulin (mg/mL) in the excess weight (2.3 [1.5; 3.8]) adolescents was higher than that in the normal weight (1.6 [1.0; 2.2]) adolescents (P < .001). SIBO was diagnosed in 23.3% (31/133) of the adolescents. The adolescents with SIBO had a lower (P < .05) BMI/age (+0.6 [-0.6; +1.9]) and height/age (-0.3 [-0.7; +0.3]) than the adolescents without SIBO (+1.3 [+0.1; +2.6] and +0.2 [-0.5; +1.0], respectively). No association was found between zonulin and SIBO. CONCLUSION Excess weight is associated with increased intestinal permeability. No relationship was found between SIBO and intestinal permeability; however, SIBO was related to lower BMI and height for age Z-scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Bidutte Cortez
- Post-Graduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro Fisberg
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Federal University of São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Nutrition and Feeding Difficulties Center-Pensi Institute-Sabará Children's Hospital (Hospital Infantil Sabará), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro Batista de Morais
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Federal University of São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tonon KM, Morais TB, Taddei CR, Araújo-Filho HB, Abrão ACFV, Miranda A, de Morais MB. Gut microbiota comparison of vaginally and cesarean born infants exclusively breastfed by mothers secreting α1-2 fucosylated oligosaccharides in breast milk. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246839. [PMID: 33556125 PMCID: PMC7870049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive breastfeeding promotes beneficial modifications on the microbiota of cesarean born infants, but little is known about the role of specific breast milk components in this modulation. Women with an active FUT2 gene (called secretors) secrete α1-2 fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which promote Bifidobacterium in the infant's gut and may modulate the microbiota of cesarean born infants. OBJECTIVE To compare the microbiota composition of cesarean and vaginally born infants breastfed by secretor mothers. METHODS Maternal secretor status was determined by the occurrence of 4 different α1-2 fucosylated HMOs in breast milk by LC-MS. The fecal microbiota composition from cesarean and vaginally born infants was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR, stratified by the maternal secretor status, and compared. RESULTS Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly different in cesarean born, secretor-fed infants (CSe+) compared to vaginally born, secretor-fed infants (VSe+). There were no significant differences in the fecal relative abundance of Bifidobacterium between CSe+ and VSe+ infants, but the prevalence of the species B. longum was lower in CSe+. The fecal relative abundance of Bacteroides was also lower, while Akkermansia and Kluyvera were higher in CSe+ infants. CONCLUSION Cesarean and vaginally born infants fed with breast milk containing the α1-2 fucosylated HMOs fraction present similar amounts of Bifidobacterium in the feces, but differences are observed in other members of the microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina M. Tonon
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tania B. Morais
- Food Quality Control Laboratory, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla R. Taddei
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Cristina F. V. Abrão
- Breastfeeding Incentive and Support Center, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro B. de Morais
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Njoku PO, Edokpayi JN, Odiyo JO. Health and Environmental Risks of Residents Living Close to a Landfill: A Case Study of Thohoyandou Landfill, Limpopo Province, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2125. [PMID: 31208082 PMCID: PMC6617357 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The by-products of solid waste deposited in a landfill has adverse effects on the surrounding environment and humans living closer to landfill sites. This study sought to test the hypothesis that the deposition of waste on landfill has an impact on the surrounding environment and residents living closer to it. This was achieved by evaluating the perception of the respondents drawn from people living close (100-500 m) and far (1-2 km) from the landfill site, concerning environmental issues, health problems, and life satisfaction. Results from the study showed that 78% of participants living closer to the landfill site indicated serious contamination of air quality evident from bad odours linked to the landfill site. Illnesses such as flu, eye irritation and weakness of the body were frequently reported by participants living closer to the landfill than those living far from the landfill. More than half of the participants (56%) living closer to the landfill indicated fear of their health in the future. Thus, the participants living closer to the landfill site were less satisfied with the location of their community with respect to the landfill, than those living far from the landfill site. Therefore, the need for a landfill gas (LFG) utilisation system, proper daily covering of waste and odour diluting agents are necessary to reduce the problems of the residents living closer to the landfill site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prince O Njoku
- Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| | - Joshua N Edokpayi
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| | - John O Odiyo
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Clinical Trial Assessing the Effect of Fructooligosaccharides in Infants with Constipation. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111602. [PMID: 30388751 PMCID: PMC6266108 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Constipation often begins in the first year of life. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in the treatment of infants with constipation. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included infants with constipation who were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: FOS or placebo. Either the FOS supplement or the placebo was added to the infant formula. Thirty-six infants completed the 4-week intervention. Therapeutic success occurred in 83.3% of the FOS group infants and in 55.6% of the control group infants (p = 0.073; one-tailed test). Compared with the control group, the FOS group exhibited a higher frequency of softer stools (p = 0.035) and fewer episodes of straining and/or difficulty passing stools (p = 0.041). At the end of the intervention, the mouth-to-anus transit time was shorter (22.4 and 24.5 h, p = 0.035), and the Bifidobacterium sp. count was higher (p = 0.006) in the FOS group. In conclusion, the use of FOS in infants with constipation was associated with significant improvement in symptoms, but the results showed no statistical significance regarding the success of the therapy compared with the control group. FOS was associated with reduced bowel transit time and higher counts of the genus Bifidobacterium in the stool.
Collapse
|
8
|
Romanazzi V, Bonetta S, Fornasero S, De Ceglia M, Gilli G, Traversi D. Assessing Methanobrevibacter smithii and Clostridium difficile as not conventional faecal indicators in effluents of a wastewater treatment plant integrated with sludge anaerobic digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 184:170-177. [PMID: 27697372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are an important source of surface water contamination by enteric pathogens, affecting the role of environmental water as a microbial reservoir. We describe the release to the environment of certain anaerobes of human and environmental concern. The work was focused on emerging microbial targets. They are tracing, by RT-qPCR, on WWTP effluents, both liquid and solid, when an anaerobic digestion step is included. The focus is placed on Clostridium spp. with the specific quantification of Clostridium perfringens, as typical bioindicator, and Clostridium difficile, as emerging pathogen not only confined into nosocomial infection. Moreover methanogens were quantified for their involvement in the anaerobic digestion, and in particular on Methanobrevibacter smithii as major methanogenic component of the human gut microbiome and as not conventional faecal indicator. In the water samples, a reduction, statistically significant, in all microbial targets was observed (p < 0.01), 2 log for the total bacteria, 1.4 log for the Clostridium spp. and M. smithii, 1 log for total methanogens, C. perfringens and C. difficile. The AD process contribute to a significant change in microbial levels into the sludge for total bacteria and total methanogens (p < 0.01), both when the input sludge are primary and secondary, while for the presence of Clostridium spp. and C. difficile there was not a significant change. The produced data are innovative showing which is the diffusion of such anaerobic microorganisms throughout the WWTP and opening a discussion on the implementation of possible techniques for a more efficient microbial removal from effluents, particularly bio-solids, to reduce the potential release of pathogens into the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Romanazzi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Silvia Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Stefania Fornasero
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Margherita De Ceglia
- SMAT - Depuratore di Castiglione Torinese, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., Corso XI Febbraio 14, 10152 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prescott SL, Logan AC. Transforming Life: A Broad View of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Concept from an Ecological Justice Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13111075. [PMID: 27827896 PMCID: PMC5129285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The influential scientist Rene J. Dubos (1901–1982) conducted groundbreaking studies concerning early-life environmental exposures (e.g., diet, social interactions, commensal microbiota, housing conditions) and adult disease. However, Dubos looked beyond the scientific focus on disease, arguing that “mere survival is not enough”. He defined mental health as fulfilling human potential, and expressed concerns about urbanization occurring in tandem with disappearing access to natural environments (and elements found within them); thus modernity could interfere with health via “missing exposures”. With the advantage of emerging research involving green space, the microbiome, biodiversity and positive psychology, we discuss ecological justice in the dysbiosphere and the forces—financial inequity, voids in public policy, marketing and otherwise—that interfere with the fundamental rights of children to thrive in a healthy urban ecosystem and learn respect for the natural environment. We emphasize health within the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) rubric and suggest that greater focus on positive exposures might uncover mechanisms of resiliency that contribute to maximizing human potential. We will entrain our perspective to socioeconomic disadvantage in developed nations and what we have described as “grey space”; this is a mental as much as a physical environment, a space that serves to insidiously reinforce unhealthy behavior, compromise positive psychological outlook and, ultimately, trans-generational health. It is a dwelling place that cannot be fixed with encephalobiotics or the drug-class known as psychobiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Prescott
- International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley 6009, Australia.
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, P.O. Box D184, Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth 6001, Australia.
| | - Alan C Logan
- International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley 6009, Australia.
- PathLight Synergy, 23679 Calabassas Road, Suite 542, Calabassas, CA 91302, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Biodiversity, the Human Microbiome and Mental Health: Moving toward a New Clinical Ecology for the 21st Century? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1155/2016/2718275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Advances in research concerning the brain-related influences of the microbiome have been paradigm shifting, although at an early stage, clinical research involving beneficial microbes lends credence to the notion that the microbiome may be an important target in supporting mental health (defined here along the continuum between quality of life and the criteria for specific disorders). Through metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology, a new emphasis to personalized medicine is on the horizon. Humans can now be viewed as multispecies organisms operating within an ecological theatre; it is important that clinicians increasingly see their patients in this context. Historically marginalized ecological aspects of health are destined to become an important consideration in the new frontiers of practicing medicine with the microbiome in mind. Emerging evidence indicates that macrobiodiversity in the external environment can influence mental well-being. Local biodiversity may also drive differences in human-associated microbiota; microbial diversity as a product of external biodiversity may have far-reaching effects on immune function and mood. With a focus on the microbiome as it pertains to mental health, we define environmental “grey space” and emphasize a new frontier involving bio-eco-psychological medicine. Within this concept the ecological terrain can link dysbiotic lifestyles and biodiversity on the grand scale to the local human-associated microbial ecosystems that might otherwise seem far removed from one another.
Collapse
|
11
|
Craig JM, Logan AC, Prescott SL. Natural environments, nature relatedness and the ecological theater: connecting satellites and sequencing to shinrin-yoku. J Physiol Anthropol 2016; 35:1. [PMID: 26763049 PMCID: PMC4712592 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-016-0083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in research concerning the public health value of natural environments have been remarkable. The growing interest in this topic (often housed under terms such as green and/or blue space) has been occurring in parallel with the microbiome revolution and an increased use of remote sensing technology in public health. In the context of biodiversity loss, rapid urbanization, and alarming rates of global non-communicable diseases (many associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation), discussions of natural vis-a-vis built environments are not merely fodder for intellectual curiosity. Here, we argue for increased interdisciplinary collaboration with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms—including aerobiological and epigenetic—that might help explain some of the noted positive health outcomes. It is our contention that some of these mechanisms are related to ecodiversity (i.e., the sum of biodiversity and geodiversity, including biotic and abiotic constituents). We also encourage researchers to more closely examine individual nature relatedness and how it might influence many outcomes that are at the interface of lifestyle habits and contact with ecodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Perth, Australia.
| | - Alan C Logan
- CAMNR, 23679 Calabassas Road, Suite 542, Calabassas, CA, 91302, USA. .,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Perth, Australia.
| | - Susan L Prescott
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, University of Western Australia, GPO Box D 184, Perth, WA, 6840, Australia. .,International Inflammation (in-FLAME) Network, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), Perth, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Natural environments, ancestral diets, and microbial ecology: is there a modern "paleo-deficit disorder"? Part II. J Physiol Anthropol 2015; 34:9. [PMID: 25889196 PMCID: PMC4353476 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-014-0040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Famed microbiologist René J. Dubos (1901–1982) was an early pioneer in the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) construct. In the 1960s, he conducted groundbreaking research concerning the ways in which early-life experience with nutrition, microbiota, stress, and other environmental variables could influence later-life health outcomes. He recognized the co-evolutionary relationship between microbiota and the human host. Almost 2 decades before the hygiene hypothesis, he suggested that children in developed nations were becoming too sanitized (vs. our ancestral past) and that scientists should determine whether the childhood environment should be “dirtied up in a controlled manner.” He also argued that oft-celebrated growth chart increases via changes in the global food supply and dietary patterns should not be equated to quality of life and mental health. Here in the second part of our review, we reflect the words of Dubos off contemporary research findings in the areas of diet, the gut-brain-axis (microbiota and anxiety and depression) and microbial ecology. Finally, we argue, as Dubos did 40 years ago, that researchers should more closely examine the relevancy of silo-sequestered, reductionist findings in the larger picture of human quality of life. In the context of global climate change and the epidemiological transition, an allergy epidemic and psychosocial stress, our review suggests that discussions of natural environments, urbanization, biodiversity, microbiota, nutrition, and mental health, are often one in the same.
Collapse
|