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Carmo dos Santos M, Cerqueira Silva AC, dos Reis Teixeira C, Pinheiro Macedo Prazeres F, Fernandes dos Santos R, de Araújo Rolo C, de Souza Santos E, Santos da Fonseca M, Oliveira Valente C, Saraiva Hodel KV, Moraes dos Santos Fonseca L, Sampaio Dotto Fiuza B, de Freitas Bueno R, Bittencourt de Andrade J, Aparecida Souza Machado B. Wastewater surveillance for viral pathogens: A tool for public health. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33873. [PMID: 39071684 PMCID: PMC11279281 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A focus on water quality has intensified globally, considering its critical role in sustaining life and ecosystems. Wastewater, reflecting societal development, profoundly impacts public health. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a surveillance tool for detecting outbreaks early, monitoring infectious disease trends, and providing real-time insights, particularly in vulnerable communities. WBE aids in tracking pathogens, including viruses, in sewage, offering a comprehensive understanding of community health and lifestyle habits. With the rise in global COVID-19 cases, WBE has gained prominence, aiding in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 levels worldwide. Despite advancements in water treatment, poorly treated wastewater discharge remains a threat, amplifying the spread of water-, sanitation-, and hygiene (WaSH)-related diseases. WBE, serving as complementary surveillance, is pivotal for monitoring community-level viral infections. However, there is untapped potential for WBE to expand its role in public health surveillance. This review emphasizes the importance of WBE in understanding the link between viral surveillance in wastewater and public health, highlighting the need for its further integration into public health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Carmo dos Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Cerqueira Silva
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carine dos Reis Teixeira
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Filipe Pinheiro Macedo Prazeres
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Fernandes dos Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Araújo Rolo
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle de Souza Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Maísa Santos da Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Camila Oliveira Valente
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Bianca Sampaio Dotto Fiuza
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno
- Federal University of ABC. Center of Engineering, Modelling and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Santo Andre, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jailson Bittencourt de Andrade
- University Center SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Energia e Ambiente – CIEnAm, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), SENAI CI-MATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
- University Center SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, 41650-010, Bahia, Brazil
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Dolcini J, Chiavarini M, Ponzio E, Firmani G, D’Errico MM, Barbadoro P. Consumption of Tap Water and Sociodemographic-Associated Characteristics: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:944. [PMID: 38612978 PMCID: PMC11013857 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070944] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Safe water is a global public health concern amid increasing scarcity and pollution. Bottled water production and consumption contribute to these problems. This study examines tap water consumption in Italy, assessing associated sociodemographic factors and related health outcomes such as obesity and self-perceived health status. Data from the Italian National Statistics Institute's "Aspects of daily life" survey (N = 45,597) were analyzed. Covariates included education, age, gender, economic status, region, concerns about waste and climate change, consumption of carbonated drinks excluding water, alcohol consumption, consumption of vegetables, consumption of snacks, body mass index, and self-perceived health status. Bivariate analyses and mixed-effect logistic regression models explored the associations. People who drink tap water made up 19,674, with a higher prevalence in people aged 45 to 59 old, people with a graduate/post-graduate degree diploma, with optimal economic resources, people concerned about waste production and climate change, and those coming from the north-east regions of Italy. Underweight people showed a higher prevalence of TW consumption as well as those who less than occasionally drank carbonated drinks, drank alcohol, consumed vegetables more than once a day and snacks less than once a week, dairy products more than once a day, sweet less than once a week, cured meat less than once a week, and chicken meat less than once a week, those with no consumption of sheep meat, consumption of beef meat less than once a week and consumption of pork meat less than once a week, and those with a satisfactory level of perceived health status. Regressions showed that all other age classes are less likely to drink tap water than people younger than 20 years old. The category with "inadequate" economic resources is more likely to consume tap water. Low educational classes show a low likelihood of consuming tap water as well as islands. A concern about waste production and climate change is associated with an increased likelihood of consuming tap water. Tap water consumption was negatively associated with obesity but not with a satisfactory self-perceived health status. Insights from this study can inform public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Dolcini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Manuela Chiavarini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Elisa Ponzio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Giorgio Firmani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Marcello Mario D’Errico
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
| | - Pamela Barbadoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60131 Ancona, Italy; (M.C.); (E.P.); (G.F.); (M.M.D.)
- Centre of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10a, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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Lam L, Bradbrook D, Gale J. Tracing the barriers to decarbonising ophthalmology: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:78-90. [PMID: 38213078 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
As climate change demands increasingly urgent mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, the health sector needs to do its part to decarbonise. Ophthalmologists share concerns about climate change and seek opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. When measuring the footprint of ophthalmology, major contributions are from patient travel to clinics, and from the large amounts of single-use disposable materials that are consumed during surgeries and sterile procedures. Ophthalmic services in India have already demonstrated systems that consume far fewer of these products through efficient throughput of patients and the safe reuse of many items, while maintaining equivalent safety and quality outcomes. Choosing these low-cost low-emission options would seem obvious, but many ophthalmologists experience barriers that prevent them operating as Indian surgeons do. Understanding these barriers to change is a crucial step in the decarbonisation of ophthalmology and the health sector more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Darren Bradbrook
- Surgery and Perioperative Medicine Division, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jesse Gale
- Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Capital Coast & Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
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Bello OO, Akinpeloye BO, Bello TK, Oluwafemi YD, Osungbemiro BW. Evaluation of the physicochemical properties and bacterial loads of selected rivers in Ondo State, Nigeria. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 15:788-795. [PMID: 38156303 PMCID: PMC10751605 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v15i6.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Water is crucial to human existence but may be contaminated with microorganisms, thus making it unfit for consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and bacterial loads of selected river waters in Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods Ten major rivers were sampled between April and August, 2021. The pH, temperature, total alkalinity, colour, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, aluminium, organic matters, nitrate levels including the microbial loads were determined according to standard procedures. Confirmation of identified isolates was achieved by API 20E and API 20NE. Results The turbidity, colour, conductivity, ammonium, and aluminium ranged from 4.3 to 15.2 NTU, 4 to 20 NTU, 123.5 to 580.2 mgL-1, 0 to 3.5 mgL-1, and 0.05 to 1.7, respectively. Most physicochemical parameters showed no significant differences from the WHO permissible limits for drinking water (p > 0.05). The total viable bacterial count in the rivers ranged from 1.5 × 105 to 6.3 × 105 CFUmL-1, while the total coliform count ranged from 1.3 × 103 to 4.8 × 103 CFUmL-1. The predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion This study revealed that the physiochemical properties of the waters were majorly within the WHO permissible standards but with significantly higher bacterial loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olorunjuwon O Bello
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Bridget O Akinpeloye
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Temitope K Bello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Yinka D Oluwafemi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Bamikole W. Osungbemiro
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Rahat SH, Steissberg T, Chang W, Chen X, Mandavya G, Tracy J, Wasti A, Atreya G, Saki S, Bhuiyan MAE, Ray P. Remote sensing-enabled machine learning for river water quality modeling under multidimensional uncertainty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165504. [PMID: 37459982 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Two fundamental problems have inhibited progress in the simulation of river water quality under climate (and other) uncertainty: 1) insufficient data, and 2) the inability of existing models to account for the complexity of factors (e.g., hydro-climatic, basin characteristics, land use features) affecting river water quality. To address these concerns this study presents a technique for augmenting limited ground-based observations of water quality variables with remote-sensed surface reflectance data by leveraging a machine learning model capable of accommodating the multidimensionality of water quality influences. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) can serve as a surrogate for chemical and biological pollutants of concern in surface water bodies. Historically, TSS data collection in the United States has been limited to the location of water treatment plants where state or federal agencies conduct regularly-scheduled water sampling. Mathematical models relating riverine TSS concentration to the explanatory factors have therefore been limited and the relationships between climate extremes and water contamination events have not been effectively diagnosed. This paper presents a method to identify these issues by utilizing a Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) model trained on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite reflectance data, which is calibrated to TSS data collected by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). The methodology developed enables a thorough empirical analysis and data-driven algorithms able to account for spatial variability within the watershed and provide effective water quality prediction under uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiful Haque Rahat
- Geosyntec Consultants, 920 SW 6th Ave Suite, 600, Portland, OR 97204, United States of America.
| | - Todd Steissberg
- U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), 707 Fourth St., Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - Won Chang
- Department of Statistics, University of Cincinnati, 5516 French Hall, 2815, Commons Way, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States of America
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Geography, University of Cincinnati, Braunstein Hall, A&S Geography, 0131, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States of America
| | - Garima Mandavya
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 601, Engineering Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, United States of America
| | - Jacob Tracy
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 601, Engineering Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, United States of America
| | - Asphota Wasti
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 601, Engineering Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, United States of America
| | - Gaurav Atreya
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 601, Engineering Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, United States of America
| | - Shah Saki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, 261 Glenbrook Road Unit, 3037, Storrs, CT 06269-3037, United States of America
| | - Md Abul Ehsan Bhuiyan
- Climate Prediction Center, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MA 20742, United States of America
| | - Patrick Ray
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 601, Engineering Research Center, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0012, United States of America
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Jain N, Kourampi I, Umar TP, Almansoor ZR, Anand A, Ur Rehman ME, Jain S, Reinis A. Global population surpasses eight billion: Are we ready for the next billion? AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:849-866. [PMID: 38187896 PMCID: PMC10764969 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023056] [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] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In November 2022, the global population had officially crossed eight billion. It has long been recognized that socioeconomic or health-related problems in the community always accompany an uncontrolled population expansion. International calls have been made regarding lack of universal health coverage, an insufficient supply of healthcare providers, the burden of noncommunicable disease, population aging and the difficulty in obtaining safe drinking water and food. The present health policy paper discusses how to conquer these crowded world issues, including (1) promoting government and international organization participation in providing appropriate infrastructure, funding and distribution to assist people's health and well-being; (2) shifting health program towards a more preventive approach and (3) reducing inequalities, particularly for the marginalized, isolated and underrepresented population. These fundamental principles of health policy delivery as a response to an increasingly crowded world and its challenges are crucial for reducing the burden associated with excessive healthcare costs, decreased productivity and deteriorating environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Jain
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, 16 Dzirciema street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1007
| | - Islam Kourampi
- Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athens, Greece, 11527
| | - Tungki Pratama Umar
- UCL Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia 30128
| | - Zahra Rose Almansoor
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Ayush Anand
- BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Buddha Road, Dharan 56700, Nepal
| | | | - Shivani Jain
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Genesis Institute of Dental Sciences & Research, Ferozepur-Moga Road, Ferozepur, Punjab, India 152002
| | - Aigars Reinis
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga Stradinš University, 16 Dzirciema street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1007
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Vellingiri K, Kumar PG, Kumar PS, Jagannathan S, Kanmani S. Status of disinfection byproducts research in India. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138694. [PMID: 37062389 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
India faces high incidents of waterborne disease outbreaks owing to their limited access to safe drinking water. In many ways, the effort to improve the quality of drinking water is performed, and it has been keenly monitored. Among those, the disinfection of drinking water is considered a necessary and important step as it controls the microbial population. Chlorination is the most practiced (greater than 80%) disinfection process in India, and it is known to generate various disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Although the toxicity and trend of DBPs are regularly monitored and investigated in most countries, still in India, the research is at the toddler level. This review summarizes i) the status of drinking water disinfection in India, ii) types of disinfection processes in centralized water treatment plants, iii) concentrations and occurrence patterns of DBPs in a different region of India, iv) a literature survey on the toxicity of DBPs, and v) removal methodologies or alternative technologies to mitigate the DBPs formation. Overall, this review may act as a roadmap to understand the trend of disinfection practices in India and their impacts on securing the goal of safe drinking water for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kowsalya Vellingiri
- Water Technology Centre, Water and Effluent Treatment IC, Larsen and Toubro, Kancheepuram, 631561, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Ganesh Kumar
- Water Technology Centre, Water and Effluent Treatment IC, Larsen and Toubro, Kancheepuram, 631561, Tamil Nadu, India; Water and Effluent Treatment IC, Larsen and Toubro, Chennai, 600089, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, 603110, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - S Jagannathan
- Water and Effluent Treatment IC, Larsen and Toubro, Chennai, 600089, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Kanmani
- Department of Civil Engineering, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University 600025, Chennai, India.
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Stapleton F, Abad JC, Barabino S, Burnett A, Iyer G, Lekhanont K, Li T, Liu Y, Navas A, Obinwanne CJ, Qureshi R, Roshandel D, Sahin A, Shih K, Tichenor A, Jones L. TFOS lifestyle: Impact of societal challenges on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:165-199. [PMID: 37062429 PMCID: PMC10102706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Societal factors associated with ocular surface diseases were mapped using a framework to characterize the relationship between the individual, their health and environment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating factors on ocular surface diseases were considered in a systematic review. Age and sex effects were generally well-characterized for inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and trauma-related conditions. Sex and gender, through biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors impact the prevalence and severity of disease, access to, and use of, care. Genetic factors, race, smoking and co-morbidities are generally well characterized, with interdependencies with geographical, employment and socioeconomic factors. Living and working conditions include employment, education, water and sanitation, poverty and socioeconomic class. Employment type and hobbies are associated with eye trauma and burns. Regional, global socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, include remoteness, geography, seasonality, availability of and access to services. Violence associated with war, acid attacks and domestic violence are associated with traumatic injuries. The impacts of conflict, pandemic and climate are exacerbated by decreased food security, access to health services and workers. Digital technology can impact diseases through physical and mental health effects and access to health information and services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigating strategies are mostly associated with an increased risk of developing new or worsening existing ocular surface diseases. Societal factors impact the type and severity of ocular surface diseases, although there is considerable interdependence between factors. The overlay of the digital environment, natural disasters, conflict and the pandemic have modified access to services in some regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Juan Carlos Abad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antioquia Ophthalmology Clinic-Clofan, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Stefano Barabino
- ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Ospedale L. Sacco-University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthea Burnett
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geetha Iyer
- C. J. Shah Cornea Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaevalin Lekhanont
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tianjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Ophthalmology Department, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Alejandro Navas
- Conde de Valenciana, National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Riaz Qureshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Danial Roshandel
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Afsun Sahin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koc University Medical School, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Kendrick Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Tichenor
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lyndon Jones
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Barbieri M, Barberio MD, Banzato F, Billi A, Boschetti T, Franchini S, Gori F, Petitta M. Climate change and its effect on groundwater quality. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:1133-1144. [PMID: 34792675 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Knowing water quality at larger scales and related ground and surface water interactions impacted by land use and climate is essential to our future protection and restoration investments. Population growth has driven humankind into the Anthropocene where continuous water quality degradation is a global phenomenon as shown by extensive recalcitrant chemical contamination, increased eutrophication, hazardous algal blooms, and faecal contamination connected with microbial hazards antibiotic resistance. In this framework, climate change and related extreme events indeed exacerbate the negative trend in water quality. Notwithstanding the increasing concern in climate change and water security, research linking climate change and groundwater quality remain early. Additional research is required to improve our knowledge of climate and groundwater interactions and integrated groundwater management. Long-term monitoring of groundwater, surface water, vegetation, and land-use patterns must be supported and fortified to quantify baseline properties. Concerning the ways climate change affects water quality, limited literature data are available. This study investigates the link between climate change and groundwater quality aquifers by examining case studies of regional carbonate aquifers located in Central Italy. This study also highlights the need for strategic groundwater management policy and planning to decrease groundwater quality due to aquifer resource shortages and climate change factors. In this scenario, the role of the Society of Environmental Geochemistry is to work together within and across geochemical environments linked with the health of plants, animals, and humans to respond to multiple challenges and opportunities made by global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Barbieri
- Earth Sciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | - Andrea Billi
- Institute for Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziano Boschetti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Gori
- Earth Sciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Petitta
- Earth Sciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Rahmat ZS, Zubair A, Abdi I, Humayun N, Arshad F, Essar MY. The rise of diarrheal illnesses in the children of Pakistan amidst COVID-19: A narrative review. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1043. [PMID: 36620511 PMCID: PMC9811062 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Pakistan, 74 children out of 1000 lose their lives annually due to diarrheal illness. This commentary addresses the contributing factors aggravating this growing dilemma and the effect of a simultaneous rise in COVID-19 cases in a healthcare system ready to collapse, along with providing recommendations to alleviate the problems causing this spike in diarrheal cases. Methods This narrative review has emphasized the causes of the spike in pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Pakistan as well as recommendations offered to lessen the burden by incorporating recent literature (n = 68). Tactics to tackle COVID-19 alongside diarrheal illnesses were also included. Pakistan was chosen to be assessed due to its high burden of child and infant mortality due to preventable causes. Results The provision of safe drinking water, the proper use of Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI), adequate awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, the use of correct rehydration techniques such as Oral Rehydration Therapy, and the crucial implementation of the EPI vaccination schedule can curb this increase in diarrheal cases. Conclusion The increased prevalence of diarrheal diseases amongst the pediatric population of Pakistan can be attributed largely due to unsanitary drinking water. Emphasis must be put in the provision of safe drinking water. During the first years of life, children can be kept safe from deadly pathogens just by adequate breastfeeding. IMNCI and EPI must also be properly implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Syyeda Rahmat
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Amraha Zubair
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Ikran Abdi
- Faculty of Medicine, Sindh Medical CollegeJinnah Sindh Medical UniversityKarachiPakistan
| | - Narmil Humayun
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Fatima Arshad
- Faculty of Medicine, Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
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11
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Water sanitation problem in Pakistan: A review on disease prevalence, strategies for treatment and prevention. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 82:104709. [PMID: 36268387 PMCID: PMC9577838 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The global water crisis is expected to worsen if urgent action is not taken in making sustainable amends. This applies to Pakistan as the entire country suffers massively from poor water sanitation. Waterborne diseases are rising exponentially attributed to rise in microbial infestations, trace elements and drug toxicity in many water bodies of Pakistan. Treatment and prevention strategies must be implemented through national authorities and at the individual level. Awareness on use of clean water must be emphasized and proper administration on water management policies should be implemented. Immediate and active sustainability for water resources can ensure a safer future for Pakistan. Water Sanitation has been a problem all over Pakistan. The current situation has shown that most rural areas and some urban areas suffer due to the unclean water supply, which progresses in many diseases. This paper combines many methods of preventing waterborne diseases and treating the water bodies to make it free from contaminants.
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Yasmeen N, Jabbar A, Shah T, Fang LX, Aslam B, Naseeb I, Shakeel F, Ahmad HI, Baloch Z, Liu Y. One Health Paradigm to Confront Zoonotic Health Threats: A Pakistan Prospective. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:719334. [PMID: 35211097 PMCID: PMC8861076 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.719334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases significantly impact human health, particularly those who live in impoverished areas and have close contact with domestic or wild animals. Nearly 75% of zoonotic diseases are transmitted directly from animals to humans or indirectly via vector/agent interactions between animals and humans. Growing populations, globalization, urbanization, and the interaction of the environment with humans and livestock all play roles in the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. "One Health" is a multidisciplinary concept aimed at improving human, animal, and environmental health, but this concept is not widely accepted in developing countries. In Pakistan, environmental, human, and animal health are severely affected due to a lack of sufficient resources. This review article provides an overview of the most common zoonotic diseases found in Pakistan and emphasizes the importance of the "One Health" concept in managing these diseases. Given the current situation, interdisciplinary research efforts are required to implement and sustain effective and long-term control measures in animal, human, and environmental health surveillance and accurate diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Yasmeen
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Taif Shah
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Liang-xing Fang
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bilal Aslam
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Naseeb
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Faiqa Shakeel
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Ishfaq Ahmad
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yahong Liu
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Waheed A, Bernward Fischer T, Khan MI. Climate Change Policy Coherence across Policies, Plans, and Strategies in Pakistan-Implications for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:793-810. [PMID: 33730192 PMCID: PMC8032581 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) adaptation and mitigation policy coherence (PC) across sectors is essential to effectively address CC challenges and support synergies. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to CC. In this paper, the extent to which Pakistan's national and provincial water, agriculture, and energy sector policies, development plans and strategies are aligned in a CC policy coherent manner is established. In this context, a qualitative content document analysis with associated scoring is used to assess government documents. Furthermore, implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Initiative (CPEC; 2017-2030), the biggest infrastructure investment program ever in Pakistan, are discussed. An important result is that sectoral policies are found to have different degrees of PC. Better coherence is found at federal than at provincial levels. Furthermore, CC policies are found to be more coherently addressed in water and agriculture policies than in energy policies. It is suggested that to achieve higher levels of CC PC, federal and provincial governments should establish mechanisms of intergovernmental consultation for policy-making and cross-sectoral planning, especially in the energy sector. Our findings can help the Government of Pakistan to transform CPEC into a model green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. In this context, there are important implications with regards to e.g., reducing coal-based energy projects and environmentally damaging infrastructure activities in sensitive ecosystems. With this paper, the authors want to raise awareness of the key importance of CC PC, particular in context of the BRI. Many countries participating in the initiative have carbon reduction targets in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Waheed
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Environmental Assessment and Management Research Centre, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Thomas Bernward Fischer
- Environmental Assessment and Management Research Centre, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Research Unit for Environmental Science and Management, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University (Potchefstroom Campus), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Waheed A, Bernward Fischer T, Khan MI. Climate Change Policy Coherence across Policies, Plans, and Strategies in Pakistan—Implications for the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:793-810. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1007/s00267-021-01449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractClimate Change (CC) adaptation and mitigation policy coherence (PC) across sectors is essential to effectively address CC challenges and support synergies. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to CC. In this paper, the extent to which Pakistan’s national and provincial water, agriculture, and energy sector policies, development plans and strategies are aligned in a CC policy coherent manner is established. In this context, a qualitative content document analysis with associated scoring is used to assess government documents. Furthermore, implications of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Initiative (CPEC; 2017–2030), the biggest infrastructure investment program ever in Pakistan, are discussed. An important result is that sectoral policies are found to have different degrees of PC. Better coherence is found at federal than at provincial levels. Furthermore, CC policies are found to be more coherently addressed in water and agriculture policies than in energy policies. It is suggested that to achieve higher levels of CC PC, federal and provincial governments should establish mechanisms of intergovernmental consultation for policy-making and cross-sectoral planning, especially in the energy sector. Our findings can help the Government of Pakistan to transform CPEC into a model green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. In this context, there are important implications with regards to e.g., reducing coal-based energy projects and environmentally damaging infrastructure activities in sensitive ecosystems. With this paper, the authors want to raise awareness of the key importance of CC PC, particular in context of the BRI. Many countries participating in the initiative have carbon reduction targets in place.
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15
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Edokpayi JN, Odiyo JO, Popoola OE, Msagati TA. Evaluation of contaminants removal by waste stabilization ponds: A case study of Siloam WSPs in Vhembe District, South Africa. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06207. [PMID: 33644475 PMCID: PMC7895727 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are widely used for wastewater management owing to the simplicity of their design, low cost and the use of low-skilled operators. This study was carried out to assess the efficiency of a WSP system in reducing the levels of contaminants in hospital wastewater in a rural area of South Africa and to evaluate the current management of the WSP system. Sampling was conducted monthly from January to June 2014. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were monitored using standard methods. The microbiological parameters (Escherichia coli and enterococci) in the effluent were higher than those in the influent in some sampling months. Also, low pathogen removal efficiency (<1 log reduction) was recorded. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the effluent (82-200 mg/L) exceeded the South African Department of Water Affairs for wastewater discharge guideline value of 75 mg/L although reduction efficiencies of 7.7%, 49.1% and 31.1% were observed for the months of February, April and June, respectively. The WSP system did not show a general trend of contaminant reduction except for Zn (5.5-94.8%). The Siloam WSP is not functioning properly and is releasing effluent of poor quality into the receiving river. It is recommended that the WSP system be expanded to cater for the extra load of wastewater it receives, also desludging should be performed as recommended for such systems. Continuous monitoring of the system for compliance to regulatory guideline should be routinely performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua N. Edokpayi
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - John O. Odiyo
- Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | | | - Titus A.M. Msagati
- Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, UNISA Science Campus, 1710, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa
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