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Ahtasham Iqbal M, Akram S, Khalid S, Lal B, Hassan SU, Ashraf R, Kezembayeva G, Mushtaq M, Chinibayeva N, Hosseini-Bandegharaei A. Advanced photocatalysis as a viable and sustainable wastewater treatment process: A comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 253:118947. [PMID: 38744372 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118947] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
In our era, water pollution not only poses a serious threat to human, animal, and biotic life but also causes serious damage to infrastructure and the ecosystem. A set of physical, chemical, and biological technologies have been exploited to decontaminate and/or disinfect water pollutants, toxins, microbes, and contaminants, but none of these could be ranked as sustainable and scalable wastewater technology. The photocatalytic process can harmonize the sunlight to degrade certain toxins, chemicals, microbes, and antibiotics, present in water. For example, transition metal oxides (ZnO, SnO2, TiO2, etc.), when integrated into an organic framework of graphene or nitrides, can bring about more than 90% removal of dyes, microbial load, pesticides, and antibiotics. Similarly, a modified network of graphitic carbon nitride can completely decontaminate petrochemicals. The present review will primarily highlight the mechanistic aspects for the removal and/or degradation of highly concerned contaminants, factors affecting photocatalysis, engineering designs of photoreactors, and pros and cons of various wastewater treatment technologies already in practice. The photocatalytic reactor can be a more viable and sustainable wastewater treatment opportunity. We hope the researcher will find a handful of information regarding the advanced oxidation process accomplished via photocatalysis and the benefits associated with the photocatalytic-type degradation of water pollutants and contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumia Akram
- Division of Science and Technology, University of Education Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahreen Khalid
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Basant Lal
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Applied Science and Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, 281406, India
| | - Sohaib Ul Hassan
- Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rizwan Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Gulmira Kezembayeva
- Mining and Metallurgical Institute Named After O.A. Baikonurov, Department Chemical Processes and Industrial Ecology, Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Muhammad Mushtaq
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | - Ahmad Hosseini-Bandegharaei
- Faculty of Chemistry, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura-140417, Punjab, India; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai-602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Lalangui K, Cotera-Mantilla M, Sánchez-Murillo M, Carrera-Alvarez A, Duque-Cuasapaz M, Quentin E. Space-time distribution of intestinal infectious diseases and their association with socioeconomic variables in Ecuador. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1412362. [PMID: 39050603 PMCID: PMC11266005 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1412362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal infectious diseases are a global concern in terms of morbidity, and they are closely linked to socioeconomic variables such as quality of life, weather and access to healthcare services. Despite progress in spatial analysis tools and geographic information systems in epidemiology, studies in Ecuador that evaluate temporal trends, specific geographic groups, and their correlation with socioeconomic variables are lacking. The absence of such information makes it challenging to formulate public health policies. This study sought to identify the spatial and temporal patterns of these diseases in Ecuador, along with their correlation with socioeconomic variables. Methods In Ecuador, the study was carried out in a continental territory, focusing on data related to intestinal infectious diseases collected from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos) during the period from 2014 to 2019. This study involved spatial and temporal analyses using tools such as the global Moran's index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association to identify spatial clustering patterns and autocorrelation. Additionally, correlations between morbidity rates and socioeconomic variables were examined. Results During the investigated period, Ecuador registered 209,668 cases of these diseases. Notable variations in case numbers were identified, with a 9.2% increase in 2019 compared to the previous year. The most impacted group was children under 5 years old, and the highest rates were centered in the southern and southwestern regions of the country, with Limón Indanza and Chunchi being the cantons with the highest rates, notably showing a significant increase in Limón Indanza. Additionally, there were significant correlations between morbidity rates and socioeconomic variables, school dropout rates, low birth weight, and access to water services. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic variables when addressing these diseases in Ecuador. Understanding these correlations and geospatial trends can guide the development of health policies and specific intervention programs to reduce the incidence in identified high-risk areas. More specific research is needed to understand the underlying causes of variability in morbidity and develop effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Lalangui
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Max Cotera-Mantilla
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Marco Sánchez-Murillo
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alex Carrera-Alvarez
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mónica Duque-Cuasapaz
- Centro de Investigación EpiSIG, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Emmanuelle Quentin
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública y Epidemiología Clínica (CISPEC), Facultad Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
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Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Naranjo-Lara P, Vásconez-Gonzalez J, Fernandez-Naranjo R, Placencia-André R, Davila MG, Carrington SJ, Ortiz-Prado E. A nationwide epidemiological and geodemographic analysis of lymphatic filariasis in Ecuador: a neglected and often forgotten disease in Ecuador. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1270015. [PMID: 38035299 PMCID: PMC10682787 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1270015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes and affecting the lymphatic system. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with LF during the last 11 years of available data in Ecuador. Methods A 11-year nationwide analysis of hospital admission and in-hospital mortality based on the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) data was conducted in Ecuador from 2011 to 2021. The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) code for filariasis (ICD: B74) was used to retrieve information on severe LF as a proxy for incidence among 221 Ecuadorian cities. Results A total of 26 hospital admissions and 3 deaths due to LF were registered. The highest mortality rate was found in populations over 80 years. Men accounted for 62.5% (n = 17) of total number of cases with an average incidence rate of 1.7 cases per/1,000,000, while females accounted for 34.6% (n = 9), representing 1 case per/1,000,000 woman. Cities located at lower altitude (459/1,000,000) reported higher incidence rates than those located at higher altitudes (7.4/1,000,000). Conclusion This is the first study on LF in Ecuador. Although, Ecuador is not considered endemic for LF, we found evidence of the presence of this disease in recent years. The implementation and improvement of an adequate integrated epidemiological surveillance system will allow early identification of cases and therefore their respective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jorge Vásconez-Gonzalez
- One Health Global Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Tecnologías PUCE TEC, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | - María G. Davila
- One Health Global Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Global Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
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Kirira P, Oyatsi F, Waudo A, Mbugua S. Improving Access to Safe Water in Rural Schools of Kenya: Qualitative Multisectoral Insights. Cureus 2023; 15:e49174. [PMID: 38130509 PMCID: PMC10734557 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive strategies in water, sanitation, and appropriate hygiene behaviors can improve school enrolment and improve gender parity disparities. Lack of safe drinking water negatively impacts the social capital of people, especially school-going children in rural areas. In this study, we systematically evaluated and documented evidence on the barriers and facilitators in the access and adoption of safe water practices in rural schools in Laikipia County, Kenya. METHODS An ethnographic formative, collaborative implementation research design was used in an iterative and participatory process to evaluate community, socio-economic, and health system-related factors affecting water, hygiene, and sanitation strategies. Qualitative data was collected using key informant interviews (n=5) and focus groups (n=3) from various multisectoral participants. Directed content analysis was used to develop codes, categories, and themes from textual data. Data was organized according to the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. RESULTS The findings were classified and described under three key elements: context, evidence, and facilitation. Contextual elements showed an association of diarrhea outbreaks with unsafe hygiene practices compounded by water scarcity. The evidence elements were indicative of the applicability of water backpacks in strengthening handwashing, storage, and transport of water. Facilitation elements indicated evidence of gaps in synergy between the school health and public health systems, necessitating multisectoral collaboration and social capital capacity building. CONCLUSION The national and county governments play an imperative role in ensuring access and continuous supply of safe drinking water in schools. This is fundamental in efforts towards reducing social inequalities of health among school-going children and building their social capital. Participatory, collaborative, multisectoral interventions and decision-making are crucial, leveraging on creating local ownership, in meeting the water consumption needs of children and communities in water-scarce regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kirira
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Mount Kenya University, Thika, KEN
| | - Fiona Oyatsi
- Biochemistry, Strathmore University, Nairobi, KEN
| | - Ashley Waudo
- Water Backpack Program, Partners for Care, Nairobi, KEN
| | - Samuel Mbugua
- Community Health Nursing, Mount Kenya University, Thika, KEN
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Warren-Vega WM, Campos-Rodríguez A, Zárate-Guzmán AI, Romero-Cano LA. A Current Review of Water Pollutants in American Continent: Trends and Perspectives in Detection, Health Risks, and Treatment Technologies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4499. [PMID: 36901509 PMCID: PMC10001968 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, water pollution represents a serious environmental threat, causing an impact not only to fauna and flora but also to human health. Among these pollutants, inorganic and organic pollutants are predominantly important representing high toxicity and persistence and being difficult to treat using current methodologies. For this reason, several research groups are searching for strategies to detect and remedy contaminated water bodies and effluents. Due to the above, a current review of the state of the situation has been carried out. The results obtained show that in the American continent a high diversity of contaminants is present in the water bodies affecting several aspects, in which in some cases, there exists alternatives to realize the remediation of contaminated water. It is concluded that the actual challenge is to establish sanitation measures at the local level based on the specific needs of the geographical area of interest. Therefore, water treatment plants must be designed according to the contaminants present in the water of the region and tailored to the needs of the population of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana I. Zárate-Guzmán
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales y Fenómenos de Superficie, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan C.P. 45129, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis A. Romero-Cano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales y Fenómenos de Superficie, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan C.P. 45129, Jalisco, Mexico
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Sánchez X, Calderón N, Solis O, Jimbo-Sotomayor R. Antibiotic Prescription Patterns in Children Under 5 Years of Age With Acute Diarrhea in Quito-Ecuador. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319231196110. [PMID: 37646173 PMCID: PMC10467298 DOI: 10.1177/21501319231196110] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrheal disease remains a significant cause of child mortality, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and sanitation. Inappropriate practices, including unjustified medication prescriptions, pose challenges in the management of acute diarrhea (AD), especially in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE This study analyzed antibiotic prescription patterns and assessed compliance with Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines in children under 5 with AD in the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Ambulatory Care Centers of Quito city, Ecuador. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used, collecting electronic health records (EHR) of patients diagnosed with AD from 21 health facilities in District 17D03. A probabilistic and stratified sampling approach was applied. Patient characteristics, prescriber characteristics, treatments, and compliance of IMCI guideline recommendations were evaluated. A stepwise logistic regression analysis examined the association between antibiotic prescription and patient and physician characteristics. RESULTS A total of 359 children under 5 years of age were included, with 58.77% being girls. 85.24% of the cases of AD were attributed to gastroenteritis and colitis of infectious and unspecified origin. Amebiasis and other protozoal intestinal diseases accounted for 13.37% and 1.11% of the cases, respectively. The completion rates of recording various IMCI parameters varied; parameters such as duration of diarrhea, presence of blood in stool, and evidence of sunken eyes had high completion rates (100%, 100%, and 87.47%, respectively), while parameters like state of consciousness, presence of thirst, and type of diarrhea had low completion rates (0.28%, 0.28%, and 0.84%, respectively). None of the cases had all parameters fully recorded. Antimicrobials were prescribed in 38.72% of the cases. Children aged 3 to 5 years had higher odds of receiving antimicrobial prescription for AD (aOR: 4.42, 95% CI 2.13-9.18, P < .0001) compared to those under 1 year, after adjusting for the number of loose stools per day, gender, and age of the health professional. CONCLUSION Variations in IMCI guideline compliance were observed, with no cases fully adhering to the guidelines. Antimicrobial prescription rates were notably high, especially among older children. Further research and specialized interventions are necessary to gain comprehensive insight into the factors underlying non-compliance with the IMCI guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
- Community and Primary Care Research Group - Ecuador (CPCRG-E), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Nathali Calderón
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Olga Solis
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ruth Jimbo-Sotomayor
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito, Ecuador
- Community and Primary Care Research Group - Ecuador (CPCRG-E), Quito, Ecuador
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Ortiz-Prado E, Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Fernandez-Naranjo R, Vasconez J, Dávila Rosero MG, Revelo-Bastidas D, Herrería-Quiñonez D, Rubio-Neira M. The deadly impact of COVID-19 among children from Latin America: The case of Ecuador. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1060311. [PMID: 37152328 PMCID: PMC10160383 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1060311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a critical global health concern, with older adults being the most vulnerable group. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that COVID-19 has caused numerous deaths in children worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that infants and breastfeeding children, particularly those aged below one year, face a greater risk of hospitalization and mortality than older children with COVID-19. Objective This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 among children during the early phase of the pandemic in Ecuador. Methods We conducted a country-wide population-based analysis of the epidemiology of COVID-19, using incidence and mortality data reported from Ecuador between February 15, 2020 and May 14 2021. Measurements of frequency, central tendency, dispersion, and absolute differences were calculated for all categorical and continuous variables. Results At least 34,001 cases (23,587 confirmed cases, 5,315 probable and 5,099 suspected) and 258 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported among children in Ecuador during the first 16 months of the pandemic. The overall incidence rate was 612 cases per 100,000 children, the mortality rate was 3 per 100,000, while the case fatality rate was 0.76%. The highest risk group for infection was children and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age; however, the highest mortality rate occurred in children under one year of age. The largest provinces, such as Pichincha, Guavas and Manabí, were the ones that reported the highest number of cases, 27%, 12.1% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusions This study is the first to report on COVID-19 epidemics among children in Ecuador. Our findings reveal that younger children have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but a higher risk of mortality compared to older children and adolescents. Additionally, we observed significant disparities in infection rates and outcomes among children living in rural areas, those with comorbidities, and those from indigenous ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica,San José, Costa Rica
- Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado
| | - Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Raul Fernandez-Naranjo
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Vasconez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Dávila Rosero
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Doménica Revelo-Bastidas
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diva Herrería-Quiñonez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mario Rubio-Neira
- Department of Cardiology, Baca Ortiz Pediatric Hospital, Quito, Ecuador
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