scholarly journals The hygiene hypothesis, the COVID pandemic, and consequences for the human microbiome

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. e2010217118
Author(s):  
B. Brett Finlay ◽  
Katherine R. Amato ◽  
Meghan Azad ◽  
Martin J. Blaser ◽  
Thomas C. G. Bosch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Hygiene Hypothesis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Future Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to affect the human microbiome in infected and uninfected individuals, having a substantial impact on human health over the long term. This pandemic intersects with a decades-long decline in microbial diversity and ancestral microbes due to hygiene, antibiotics, and urban living (the hygiene hypothesis). High-risk groups succumbing to COVID-19 include those with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, which are also associated with microbiome abnormalities. Current pandemic control measures and practices will have broad, uneven, and potentially long-term effects for the human microbiome across the planet, given the implementation of physical separation, extensive hygiene, travel barriers, and other measures that influence overall microbial loss and inability for reinoculation. Although much remains uncertain or unknown about the virus and its consequences, implementing pandemic control practices could significantly affect the microbiome. In this Perspective, we explore many facets of COVID-19−induced societal changes and their possible effects on the microbiome, and discuss current and future challenges regarding the interplay between this pandemic and the microbiome. Recent recognition of the microbiome’s influence on human health makes it critical to consider both how the microbiome, shaped by biosocial processes, affects susceptibility to the coronavirus and, conversely, how COVID-19 disease and prevention measures may affect the microbiome. This knowledge may prove key in prevention and treatment, and long-term biological and social outcomes of this pandemic.

Explosions and Human Health: The Long-Term Effects of Blast Injury

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Finlay ◽  
Michelle Earby ◽  
David J. Baker ◽  
Virginia S.G. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Blast Injury ◽  
Mass Casualties ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Emergency Responders ◽  
Response Strategies

AbstractThe immediate patterns of injury from explosions are well documented, from both military and civil experience. However, few studies have focused on less immediately apparent health consequences and latent effects of explosions in survivors, emergency responders and the surrounding community. This review aimed to analyze the risks to health following an explosion in a civil setting.A comprehensive review of the open literature was conducted, and data on 10 relevant military, civilian and industrial events were collected. Events were selected according to availability of published studies and involvement of large numbers of people injured. In addition, structured interviews with experts in the field were conducted, and existing national guidelines reviewed.The review revealed significant and potentially long-term health implications affecting various body systems and psychological well-being following exposure to an explosion. An awareness of the short- and long-term health effects of explosions is essential in screening for blast injuries, and identifying latent pathologies that could otherwise be overlooked in stressful situations with other visually distracting injuries and, often, mass casualties. Such knowledge would guide responsible medical staff in implementing early appropriate interventions to reduce the burden of long-term sequelae. Effective planning and response strategies would ensure accessibility of appropriate health care resources and evidence-based information in the aftermath of an explosion.Finlay SE, Earby M, Baker DJ, Murray VSG. Explosions and human health: the long-term effects of blast injury. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(4):1-7.

Cloud-Based IoT Architecture in Green Buildings

2020 ◽  
pp. 164-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhinav Singh ◽  
Utsha Sinha ◽  
Deepak Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Green Buildings ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Cloud Architecture ◽  
Construction Design ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Future Challenges

The development and expansion of mankind in addition to the advancement of technology have a substantial impact on the environment. The construction, design, and operation of buildings account for a large consumption of natural resources. Due to the exploitation of natural resources on a large scale through these buildings, it has become necessary to have a better-designed building for the efficient use of resources. The concept of “green building” solves the aforementioned issues apart from promoting eco-friendly activities. IoT makes the idea of having buildings that are energy sufficient possible through networked sensors that not only help in managing the assets better but also reducing harmful impacts on human health and the environment. This chapter talks about the concept of the green building and the smart automation achieved through IoT as well as cloud architecture for the green building also referred to as green cloud. While it explains the basic cloud architecture in green building, it also proposes future challenges for the aforementioned subject.

Long-Term Biological Damage: What is Known, and How Should that Influence Decisions on Response, Assessment, and Restoration?

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 (1) ◽  
pp. 399-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark G. Carls ◽  
Ron Heintz ◽  
Adam Moles ◽  
Stanley D. Rice ◽  
Jeffrey W. Short
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Environmental Cost ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Exxon Valdez ◽  
Damage Scenarios

ABSTRACT Immediate damage from an oil spill is usually obvious (oiled birds, oiled shoreline), but long-term damage to either fauna or habitat is more subtle, difficult to measure, difficult to evaluate, and hence often controversial. The question is, are too many of response decisions such as dispersant use or shoreline cleanup based on short-term acute toxicity models? Have long-term damage scenarios been discounted because of the inherent difficulty in deriving definitive answers? Experience with the Exxon Valdez oil spill is shedding new light on the potential for long-term damage. Government-funded studies demonstrated that oil persists in certain habitats for extended periods of time, such as the intertidal reaches of salmon streams, in soft sediments underlying mussel beds, and on cobble beaches armored with large boulders. Observation of long-term persistence of oil in some habitats is not new, but an increasing number of studies indicate that fauna may be chronically and significantly exposed to oil in these habitats. The toxic components in oil responsible for much of the long-term effects are believed to be the larger 3- and 4-ring polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can induce cellular and genetic effects rather than the narcotic monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) responsible for acute mortalities. Observation of long-term persistence of Exxon Valdez oil, coupled with adverse effects on sensitive life stages, leads to the conclusion that strategies based on minimizing acute mortalities immediately following a spill probably do not provide adequate protection against long-term damage. When making environmental decisions in response to a spill (prevention measures or restoration measures), more weight should probably be given to long-term issues rather than discounting their significance. Total environmental cost is the sum of short-term damage and long-term damage, and long term-damage to habitats and sensitive life stages probably needs more consideration even though it is very difficult to evaluate and compare to the relatively obvious acute issues.

scholarly journals Ecotoxicity of Wastewater from Medical Facilities: A Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31
Author(s):  
A. Cidlinová ◽  
Z. Wittlingerová ◽  
M. Zimová ◽  
T. Chrobáková ◽  
A. Petruželková
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Health It ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Medical Facilities

Abstract Wastewater from medical facilities contains a wide range of chemicals (in particular pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, heavy metals, contrast media, and radionuclides) and pathogens, therefore it constitutes a risk to the environment and human health. Many micropollutants are not efficiently eliminated during wastewater treatment and contaminate both surface water and groundwater. As we lack information about the long-term effects of low concentrations of micropollutants in the aquatic environment, it is not possible to rule out their adverse effects on aquatic organisms and human health. It is, therefore, necessary to focus on the evaluation of chronic toxicity in particular when assessing the environmental and health risks and to develop standards for the regulation of hazardous substances in wastewater from medical facilities on the basis of collected data. Wastewater from medical facilities is a complex mixture of many compounds that may have synergetic, antagonistic or additive effects on organisms. To evaluate the influence of a wide range of pollutants contained in the effluents from medical facilities on aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to determine their ecotoxicity.

scholarly journals Human Health Consequences of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan M. Heshmati
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Adult Disease ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
Fetus And Neonate

Daily use of chemicals is an essential part of modern life. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of exogenous chemicals or chemical mixtures that interfere with the action of hormones and consequently cause adverse effects to humans and wildlife. The number of EDCs has markedly increased over the past 60 years. Humans are constantly exposed to hundreds of EDCs mainly through air, water, and food. Exposure to EDCs (in utero or lifetime) may be a significant component of the environmental origin of several medical conditions. The developing fetus and neonate are more sensitive than adults to perturbation by EDCs. The prenatal damage can cause adverse consequences later in life (developmental origins of adult disease). In many cases, the damage is irreversible. There is also a possibility of transgenerational effects. By interfering with hormonal functions, EDCs can contribute to a variety of dysfunctions and diseases including obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancers. Information on long-term effects of chronic, low-dose exposure to EDCs is relatively limited. EDCs represent a global threat for human health and cause a high cost for the society. Promoting public knowledge and initiating preventive measures will help minimizing the health and economic consequences of EDCs for future generations.

scholarly journals Observations of Emissions and the Influence of Meteorological Conditions during Wildfires: A Case Study in the USA, Brazil, and Australia during the 2018/19 Period

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Lerato Shikwambana ◽  
Mahlatse Kganyago
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
The United States ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Large Fires ◽  
The Vertical Distribution

Wildfires can have rapid and long-term effects on air quality, human health, climate change, and the environment. Smoke from large wildfires can travel long distances and have a harmful effect on human health, the environment, and climate in other areas. More recently, in 2018–2019 there have been many large fires. This study focused on the wildfires that occurred in the United States of America (USA), Brazil, and Australia using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarisation (CALIOP) and a TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI). Specifically, we analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution of black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and the vertical distribution of smoke. Based on the results, the highest detection of smoke (~14 km) was observed in Brazil; meanwhile, Australia showed the largest BC column burden of ~1.5 mg/m2. The meteorological conditions were similar for all sites during the fires. Moderate temperatures (between 32 and 42 °C) and relative humidity (30–50%) were observed, which resulted in drier conditions favorable for the burning of fires. However, the number of active fires was different for each site, with Brazil having 13 times more active fires than the USA and five times more than the number of active fires in Australia. However, the high number of active fires did not translate to higher atmospheric constituent emissions. Overall, this work provides a better understanding of wildfire behavior and the role of meteorological conditions in emissions at various sites.

scholarly journals Preventing COVID-19 spread in closed facilities by regular testing of employees—An efficient intervention in long-term care facilities and prisons?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249588
Author(s):  
Henri Christian Junior Tsoungui Obama ◽  
Nessma Adil Mahmoud Yousif ◽  
Looli Alawam Nemer ◽  
Pierre Marie Ngougoue Ngougoue ◽  
Gideon Akumah Ngwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The U.S

Background Different levels of control measures were introduced to contain the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of which have been controversial, particularly the comprehensive use of diagnostic tests. Regular testing of high-risk individuals (pre-existing conditions, older than 60 years of age) has been suggested by public health authorities. The WHO suggested the use of routine screening of residents, employees, and visitors of long-term care facilities (LTCF) to protect the resident risk group. Similar suggestions have been made by the WHO for other closed facilities including incarceration facilities (e.g., prisons or jails), wherein parts of the U.S., accelerated release of approved inmates is taken as a measure to mitigate COVID-19. Methods and findings Here, the simulation model underlying the pandemic preparedness tool CovidSim 1.1 (http://covidsim.eu/) is extended to investigate the effect of regularly testing of employees to protect immobile resident risk groups in closed facilities. The reduction in the number of infections and deaths within the risk group is investigated. Our simulations are adjusted to reflect the situation of LTCFs in Germany, and incarceration facilities in the U.S. COVID-19 spreads in closed facilities due to contact with infected employees even under strict confinement of visitors in a pandemic scenario without targeted protective measures. Testing is only effective in conjunction with targeted contact reduction between the closed facility and the outside world—and will be most inefficient under strategies aiming for herd immunity. The frequency of testing, the quality of tests, and the waiting time for obtaining test results have noticeable effects. The exact reduction in the number of cases depends on disease prevalence in the population and the levels of contact reductions. Testing every 5 days with a good quality test and a processing time of 24 hours can lead up to a 40% reduction in the number of infections. However, the effects of testing vary substantially among types of closed facilities and can even be counterproductive in U.S. IFs. Conclusions The introduction of COVID-19 in closed facilities is unavoidable without a thorough screening of persons that can introduce the disease into the facility. Regular testing of employees in closed facilities can contribute to reducing the number of infections there, but is only meaningful as an accompanying measure, whose economic benefit needs to be assessed carefully.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Dietary of Malay Hypertensive Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatimah Najihah Baderol Allam ◽  
Siti Sabariah Buhari ◽  
Mohd Ramadan Ab Hamid ◽  
Agil Dhiemitra
Keyword(s):  
Publishing House ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Impact

The implementation of infection control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dietary restrictions among hypertensive patients. This study aimed to explore the experience of dietary management among Malay hypertensive patients during COVID-19. The results outlined divergent changes in dietary practices among participants, including improvement, worsening, as well as no changes. The effect of the pandemic has both negatively and positively impacted on dietary, which could have a substantial impact on the population's health in the short and long term if they are sustained. Keywords: Dietary ; Physical Activity ; Covid-19 ; Hypertension eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i18.3086

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