Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100142
Xiaojing Li , Lijun Zhang , Jian Chen
Megacity rail transit systems harbor a pivotal microbial ecosystem that serves as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which is intricately linked to the urban dissemination of infectious diseases. Here, we conducted metagenomic sequencing to elucidate the composition of microbial communities, ARGs, and examine the co-occurrence patterns between microbes and ARGs across various surfaces in the Shanghai rail transit system. Our findings revealed that bacterial genera such as Rhodococcus, Cutibacterium, and Brevundimonas dominated, originating either from human skin or environmental sources. Notably, the bacterial diversity varied according to the type of surface and specific stations. The principal co-ordinates analysis revealed substantial beta-diversity disparities among the examined surfaces. We identified a total of 1930 ARGs conferring resistance to 20 distinct antibiotic classes, including clinically significant ones such as Aminoglycoside, Streptogramin, Multidrug, and Tetracycline, which are associated with either single or multidrug resistance. Network analysis further revealed the co-occurrence relationships between microbial genera and ARGs. This study highlights that the microbial communities and ARGs in the rail transit system are sustained by a metapopulation of human and environmental generalists. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the risks associated with microbial exposure and suggest strategies to mitigate the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in megacity rail transit systems, thereby enhancing public health.
{"title":"Metagenomic profiling of microbial community, antibiotic resistance genes and co-occurrence pattern in megacity rail transit system","authors":"Xiaojing Li , Lijun Zhang , Jian Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Megacity rail transit systems harbor a pivotal microbial ecosystem that serves as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which is intricately linked to the urban dissemination of infectious diseases. Here, we conducted metagenomic sequencing to elucidate the composition of microbial communities, ARGs, and examine the co-occurrence patterns between microbes and ARGs across various surfaces in the Shanghai rail transit system. Our findings revealed that bacterial genera such as <em>Rhodococcus, Cutibacterium</em>, and <em>Brevundimonas</em> dominated, originating either from human skin or environmental sources. Notably, the bacterial diversity varied according to the type of surface and specific stations. The principal co-ordinates analysis revealed substantial beta-diversity disparities among the examined surfaces. We identified a total of 1930 ARGs conferring resistance to 20 distinct antibiotic classes, including clinically significant ones such as Aminoglycoside, Streptogramin, Multidrug, and Tetracycline, which are associated with either single or multidrug resistance. Network analysis further revealed the co-occurrence relationships between microbial genera and ARGs. This study highlights that the microbial communities and ARGs in the rail transit system are sustained by a metapopulation of human and environmental generalists. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the risks associated with microbial exposure and suggest strategies to mitigate the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in megacity rail transit systems, thereby enhancing public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144842272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100124
Zhuorong Du, Jiafu Li
Cytotoxicity serves as a crucial standard for assessing the potential health risks posed by water disinfection by-products (DBPs). The precise use of toxicological metrics, such as EC50, IC50, and LC50, is essential for reliable safety evaluations and effective prioritization of DBPs for regulatory control. However, recent studies have increasingly applied these metrics interchangeably, undermining the accuracy of research findings and hindering meaningful cross-study comparisons, which may even impact public health decision-making and the development of DBP regulatory policies. This paper seeks to clarify the distinctions between these metrics, emphasize their correct application, and propose strategies to promote consistency and accuracy in future research on DBP cytoxicity, ultimately contributing to improved public health protection.
{"title":"Clarifying the misuse of EC50, IC50, and LC50 in cytotoxicity study of water disinfection byproducts: A critical analysis and perspective","authors":"Zhuorong Du, Jiafu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cytotoxicity serves as a crucial standard for assessing the potential health risks posed by water disinfection by-products (DBPs). The precise use of toxicological metrics, such as EC<sub>50</sub>, IC<sub>50</sub>, and LC<sub>50</sub>, is essential for reliable safety evaluations and effective prioritization of DBPs for regulatory control. However, recent studies have increasingly applied these metrics interchangeably, undermining the accuracy of research findings and hindering meaningful cross-study comparisons, which may even impact public health decision-making and the development of DBP regulatory policies. This paper seeks to clarify the distinctions between these metrics, emphasize their correct application, and propose strategies to promote consistency and accuracy in future research on DBP cytoxicity, ultimately contributing to improved public health protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100127
Yichun Liu , Eric J. Rose , Karen Wilson , Wanhsiang Hsu , Ming Liu , Monica Nordstrom , Elizabeth J. Mullin , Steven P. Forand
Background
Perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered emerging contaminants. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted a PFAS biomonitoring program for a sample of the population served by the public water supply in the Westhampton, NY area (n = 161). The objective of this study was to assess PFAS exposure levels in the study area and identify potential risk factors associated with PFAS concentrations.
Methods
Descriptive analyses were conducted to present both demographic and exposure characteristics. Mann-Whitney U Tests were conducted to compare the differences of four PFAS concentrations, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA, respectively, between the study group and the general population age 12 years and above (NHANES 2017–2018). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine PFAS concentration levels in relation to demographic and exposure characteristics. A sub-analysis was conducted for the female only study group to examine the associations between PFAS, risk factors and reproductive factors.
Results
The concentrations of PFAS levels in the Westhampton study group were in general higher than the 2017–2018 U.S population. A positive association was found between age, sex, length of residency (LOR) in the study area and local fish consumption and PFAS serum levels. The final model for PFOS concentrations among females in this study shows that the number of pregnancies was inversely associated with PFOS serum levels. These findings are consistent with other biomonitoring studies.
Conclusion
The PFAS serum levels among study population were slightly elevated compared to the general U.S. population, suggesting a possible relation to public drinking water exposure but not indicative of long-term, high-level exposure to PFAS in the area. For a more thorough biomonitoring surveillance, systematic monitoring with more comprehensive questionnaire should be developed for emerging contaminants such as PFAS.
{"title":"Biomonitoring result of PFAS exposure from Gabreski Air National Firefighting foam among residents in Westhampton, NY","authors":"Yichun Liu , Eric J. Rose , Karen Wilson , Wanhsiang Hsu , Ming Liu , Monica Nordstrom , Elizabeth J. Mullin , Steven P. Forand","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered emerging contaminants. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted a PFAS biomonitoring program for a sample of the population served by the public water supply in the Westhampton, NY area (<em>n</em> = 161). The objective of this study was to assess PFAS exposure levels in the study area and identify potential risk factors associated with PFAS concentrations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Descriptive analyses were conducted to present both demographic and exposure characteristics. Mann-Whitney U Tests were conducted to compare the differences of four PFAS concentrations, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA, respectively, between the study group and the general population age 12 years and above (NHANES 2017–2018). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine PFAS concentration levels in relation to demographic and exposure characteristics. A sub-analysis was conducted for the female only study group to examine the associations between PFAS, risk factors and reproductive factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The concentrations of PFAS levels in the Westhampton study group were in general higher than the 2017–2018 U.S population. A positive association was found between age, sex, length of residency (LOR) in the study area and local fish consumption and PFAS serum levels. The final model for PFOS concentrations among females in this study shows that the number of pregnancies was inversely associated with PFOS serum levels. These findings are consistent with other biomonitoring studies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The PFAS serum levels among study population were slightly elevated compared to the general U.S. population, suggesting a possible relation to public drinking water exposure but not indicative of long-term, high-level exposure to PFAS in the area. For a more thorough biomonitoring surveillance, systematic monitoring with more comprehensive questionnaire should be developed for emerging contaminants such as PFAS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-04-20DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100123
Maxwell D. Weidmann
While research into temperature-related health outcomes has focused on absolute temperature exposure, an increasing number of studies have explored the distinct effect of temperature variability (TV). However, systematic reviews in this area have focused on a limited number of health outcomes and intra-day TV. A systematic review was therefore conducted for studies of intra- and/or inter-day TV and cardiovascular, respiratory, renal or mental illnesses through April 2023 (n = 38). There was a consistent relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) or respiratory disease (RD) morbidity, mortality and both diurnal temperature range (DTR) or short-term inter-day TV, particularly for the elderly. The effect of DTR and short-term inter-day TV were stronger on hot days and the warm season for CVD, but on cold days and cold season for RD. Meta-analysis for CVD or RD and DTR showed a significant 0.7 %/C° increase in CVD mortality, but not morbidity, while RD showed a significant 1.0 %/C° and 0.7 %/C° increase in morbidity and mortality, respectively. Most studies focused on CVD, RD, DTR or short-term inter-day TV, while few studies explored renal, GU, or mental health outcomes aside from schizophrenia. Future studies are needed to assess non-linear relationships between TV and disease, and the modifying effect of socioeconomic status.
{"title":"The association between temperature variability, morbidity and mortality for specific categories of disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Maxwell D. Weidmann","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While research into temperature-related health outcomes has focused on absolute temperature exposure, an increasing number of studies have explored the distinct effect of temperature variability (TV). However, systematic reviews in this area have focused on a limited number of health outcomes and intra-day TV. A systematic review was therefore conducted for studies of intra- and/or inter-day TV and cardiovascular, respiratory, renal or mental illnesses through April 2023 (<em>n</em> = 38). There was a consistent relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) or respiratory disease (RD) morbidity, mortality and both diurnal temperature range (DTR) or short-term inter-day TV, particularly for the elderly. The effect of DTR and short-term inter-day TV were stronger on hot days and the warm season for CVD, but on cold days and cold season for RD. Meta-analysis for CVD or RD and DTR showed a significant 0.7 %/C° increase in CVD mortality, but not morbidity, while RD showed a significant 1.0 %/C° and 0.7 %/C° increase in morbidity and mortality, respectively. Most studies focused on CVD, RD, DTR or short-term inter-day TV, while few studies explored renal, GU, or mental health outcomes aside from schizophrenia. Future studies are needed to assess non-linear relationships between TV and disease, and the modifying effect of socioeconomic status.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143916754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-05-15DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100129
Bahati J. Manegabe , Titus A.M. Msagati , Adeeyo Adeyemi Ojutalayo , Marie-Médiatrice Kikongo Ntabugi , John B. Dewar , Karin De Bryun
Heavy metals accumulation in vegetables grown on irrigated soils are affected by human-and natural activities. They represent a serious global concern due to the presence of harmful elements in the water used for irrigation that later accumulate in the soil at high level, affecting soil quality, crops and human health. Within the rhizosphere, metals severely affect microbiome and vegetables physiological function, which can compromise vegetable qualities and through their accumulation present a serious threat to consumers. Factors that influence heavy metal availability include the pH, organic matter, crop- and microbial deposits. Plant and associated symbiotic bacteria have evolved strategies to mitigate metal bacterial secretion into rhizosphere, including the siderophores, phytohormones, antibiotics, mucilage, organic acids, phenols, polypeptides, exopolysaccharides (EPS), as well as inorganic ligands such as NH4+, PO43-, and more may chelate heavy metal ions, desirable to decrease the availability and the uptake of heavy metals in plant and bacteria, potentially beneficial to plants and humans. This review focuses on the source of heavy metals in irrigated soils where vegetables are grown, mobility/availability of metals in such soil, uptake/accumulation by the plant, toxicity of these heavy metals to vegetables and human, and the mitigation strategies used by plants and bacteria to reduce the impact of metals on humans via the food chain.
{"title":"Assessment of heavy metals pollution in vegetables grown on irrigated soil and their potential threat to human health and global food security","authors":"Bahati J. Manegabe , Titus A.M. Msagati , Adeeyo Adeyemi Ojutalayo , Marie-Médiatrice Kikongo Ntabugi , John B. Dewar , Karin De Bryun","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heavy metals accumulation in vegetables grown on irrigated soils are affected by human-and natural activities. They represent a serious global concern due to the presence of harmful elements in the water used for irrigation that later accumulate in the soil at high level, affecting soil quality, crops and human health. Within the rhizosphere, metals severely affect microbiome and vegetables physiological function, which can compromise vegetable qualities and through their accumulation present a serious threat to consumers. Factors that influence heavy metal availability include the pH, organic matter, crop- and microbial deposits. Plant and associated symbiotic bacteria have evolved strategies to mitigate metal bacterial secretion into rhizosphere, including the siderophores, phytohormones, antibiotics, mucilage, organic acids, phenols, polypeptides, exopolysaccharides (EPS), as well as inorganic ligands such as NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>, PO<sub>4</sub><sup>3-</sup>, and more may chelate heavy metal ions, desirable to decrease the availability and the uptake of heavy metals in plant and bacteria, potentially beneficial to plants and humans. This review focuses on the source of heavy metals in irrigated soils where vegetables are grown, mobility/availability of metals in such soil, uptake/accumulation by the plant, toxicity of these heavy metals to vegetables and human, and the mitigation strategies used by plants and bacteria to reduce the impact of metals on humans via the food chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-05-03DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100126
Hilbert Mendoza , Solomon T. Wafula , Katrien De Troeyer , Hayat Bentouhami , Busisiwe Shezi , Grace Biyinzika Lubega , Rawlance Ndejjo , John Bosco Isunju , Richard Mugambe , David Musoke , Lidia Casas
Background
Urban green spaces (UGS) may improve mental health in high-income countries. However, evidence from low-income African countries is scarce. Here, we assessed the associations of UGS with depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult residents of Kampala District (Uganda), the potential effect modification by sociodemographic factors, and the mediation roles of social interaction, outdoor physical activity, and residential distance to major roads as a proxy of traffic-related air pollution.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 641 adults. We objectively measured UGS using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within buffers of 100 m and 1,000 m around the residences. We assessed the utilization of UGS as a self-reported frequency (never, occasionally, and frequently) by which individuals visited UGS in the past 6 months. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale were used to examine the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. We used modified Poisson regression models to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CI), stratified our models, and conducted mediation analyses.
Results
We observed an inverse association between UGS and both outcomes. For example, an inter-quartile range increase in UGS within a 100 m buffer was associated with a 6 % and 8 % decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively (PR=0.94; 95 % CI=0.89–0.99, and PR=0.92; 95 % CI=0.85–0.95, respectively). Consistently, frequent visits to UGS relative to no visits were associated with a 33 % and 35 % lower prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (PR=0.67; 95 %CI=0.53–0.84, and PR=0.65; 95 %CI=0.47–0.91, respectively). Depending on the UGS metric, we observed varying potential effect modification findings by sex, age, and educational level. Finally, residential distance to major roads emerged as a mediator in the association between residential surrounding greenness and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that UGS may also improve the mental health among residents of rapidly urbanizing African low-income cities.
{"title":"Urban green spaces and mental health: Findings from Uganda","authors":"Hilbert Mendoza , Solomon T. Wafula , Katrien De Troeyer , Hayat Bentouhami , Busisiwe Shezi , Grace Biyinzika Lubega , Rawlance Ndejjo , John Bosco Isunju , Richard Mugambe , David Musoke , Lidia Casas","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Urban green spaces (UGS) may improve mental health in high-income countries. However, evidence from low-income African countries is scarce. Here, we assessed the associations of UGS with depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult residents of Kampala District (Uganda), the potential effect modification by sociodemographic factors, and the mediation roles of social interaction, outdoor physical activity, and residential distance to major roads as a proxy of traffic-related air pollution.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 641 adults. We objectively measured UGS using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within buffers of 100 m and 1,000 m around the residences. We assessed the utilization of UGS as a self-reported frequency (never, occasionally, and frequently) by which individuals visited UGS in the past 6 months. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale were used to examine the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. We used modified Poisson regression models to obtain prevalence ratios (PR) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CI), stratified our models, and conducted mediation analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed an inverse association between UGS and both outcomes. For example, an inter-quartile range increase in UGS within a 100 m buffer was associated with a 6 % and 8 % decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively (PR=0.94; 95 % CI=0.89–0.99, and PR=0.92; 95 % CI=0.85–0.95, respectively). Consistently, frequent visits to UGS relative to no visits were associated with a 33 % and 35 % lower prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (PR=0.67; 95 %CI=0.53–0.84, and PR=0.65; 95 %CI=0.47–0.91, respectively). Depending on the UGS metric, we observed varying potential effect modification findings by sex, age, and educational level. Finally, residential distance to major roads emerged as a mediator in the association between residential surrounding greenness and depressive symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study suggests that UGS may also improve the mental health among residents of rapidly urbanizing African low-income cities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143921913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100128
Emmanuel Elochukwu Okenwa-Vincent , Nathan Riel , Linda S. Pagani
Background
Over the past two decades, the African continent has faced numerous environmental shifts that affect population health. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and air pollution contribute significant risks to human health. The impact of these shifts on refractive and non-refractive ocular health in Africa remains largely empirically undocumented.
Objectives
A systematic review of the risks associated with environmental factors on refractive and non-refractive ocular health, with a specific emphasis on the African context.
Methods
This systematic review over the recent decade, conforming to PRISMA guidelines, spanned two primary databases, PubMed, and Google Scholar. It included a combination of keywords related to ocular health, environmental change, air pollution, climate change, water quality, and other related concepts. In total, it captured 77 articles from 2013 to July 2023 that met review quality guidelines.
Results
The review comprised varied study designs with a notable inclusion of cross-sectional (25·9%), cohort (14·3%), and review articles (36·4%). Findings indicated a significant correlation between air pollutants like PM2·5 and NOx with ocular diseases such as dry eye and ocular surface disorders (16·8%), conjunctival disorders (7·8%), and myopia (5·2%). Climate change exacerbated by rising temperatures and UV radiation was implicated in 39% of studies, with a specific focus on its relation to cataracts (5·2%) and retinal-related disorders (10·4%). Additionally, indoor air pollution disproportionately affected women and children in rural settings of Africa.
Conclusions
The data indicate the need for urgent continental and regional policies against air pollution and climate change to safeguard ocular health, especially among vulnerable African populations. The review underscores the need for interdisciplinary policy to address challenges. The documentation of the relationship between environmental factors and ocular health intersects with Sustainable Development Goals that emphasize the need for improved preventive eye care and intervention, particularly among vulnerable populations and rural inhabitants.
{"title":"A systematic review of risks associated with environmental change on refractive and non-refractive ocular health: Special focus on Africa","authors":"Emmanuel Elochukwu Okenwa-Vincent , Nathan Riel , Linda S. Pagani","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100128","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100128","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Over the past two decades, the African continent has faced numerous environmental shifts that affect population health. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and air pollution contribute significant risks to human health. The impact of these shifts on refractive and non-refractive ocular health in Africa remains largely empirically undocumented.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>A systematic review of the risks associated with environmental factors on refractive and non-refractive ocular health, with a specific emphasis on the African context.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This systematic review over the recent decade, conforming to PRISMA guidelines, spanned two primary databases, PubMed, and Google Scholar. It included a combination of keywords related to ocular health, environmental change, air pollution, climate change, water quality, and other related concepts. In total, it captured 77 articles from 2013 to July 2023 that met review quality guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The review comprised varied study designs with a notable inclusion of cross-sectional (25·9%), cohort (14·3%), and review articles (36·4%). Findings indicated a significant correlation between air pollutants like PM<sub>2·5</sub> and NO<sub>x</sub> with ocular diseases such as dry eye and ocular surface disorders (16·8%), conjunctival disorders (7·8%), and myopia (5·2%). Climate change exacerbated by rising temperatures and UV radiation was implicated in 39% of studies, with a specific focus on its relation to cataracts (5·2%) and retinal-related disorders (10·4%). Additionally, indoor air pollution disproportionately affected women and children in rural settings of Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The data indicate the need for urgent continental and regional policies against air pollution and climate change to safeguard ocular health, especially among vulnerable African populations. The review underscores the need for interdisciplinary policy to address challenges. The documentation of the relationship between environmental factors and ocular health intersects with Sustainable Development Goals that emphasize the need for improved preventive eye care and intervention, particularly among vulnerable populations and rural inhabitants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"14 ","pages":"Article 100128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-04-23DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100125
Farah Elida Selamat , Junta Tagusari
Environmental noise poses a risk to public health. Recent societal shifts aimed at creating a low-carbon society are expected to change the acoustic landscape, such as the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to electric vehicles (EVs). However, the impact of transitioning to EVs on traffic conditions and health risk reduction remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate traffic efficiency and clarify how shifting from ICEVs to EVs influences health risks associated with road traffic noise. We analysed the relationship between health risk reduction, vehicle composition (i.e., proportion/percentage of heavy vehicles), and traffic speed according to the CNOSSOS-EU noise emission model and the exposure-response functions provided in the Environmental Noise Guidelines by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EU). The results were validated by estimating the reduction of health risks in small and large urban areas using actual traffic conditions. The results of the calculations indicate that a greater percentage of heavy EVs and lower traffic speeds lead to a more significant reduction in health risks. In the two selected areas, the region with a higher proportion of heavy EVs achieved a risk reduction of 30–40 %, whereas the area with a lower percentage of heavy EVs experienced approximately a 20 % reduction. The reduction of each health risk in both areas was consistent with the calculation results. In Sapporo City, the health risk reduction was estimated to be 15—20 %. This study demonstrated that transitioning to EVs effectively reduces health risks associated with road traffic noise and identifies the optimal traffic conditions for minimizing these risks. Increasing the adoption of EVs could serve as a significant strategy for alleviating the health impacts of road traffic noise.
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Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2025-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2025.100118
Chimdi Muoghalu , Sarah Lebu , Herbert Kaboggoza , Felix Bongomin , Stephen Ochaya , Musa Manga
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are widespread in India, particularly among preschool- and school-aged children (PSAC and SAC). Following PRISMA guidelines, our study systematically garnered and synthesized existing literature to provide a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of STH infections among PSAC and SAC in India. We searched four databases - PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase - and conducted a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate STH prevalence and assess risk factors. Additionally, we assessed the odds ratios for STH infections across various risk factors. From the 36 eligible articles, the pooled prevalence of STH infections was 27 % (95 % CI 19–36 %), with roundworm being the most common - 34 % (95 % CI 26 - 42 %). Our study results indicate that boys have higher odds of STH infections compared to girls (OR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.01–1.64), and maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, correlates with lower odds of STH infections (OR 0.36, 95 % CI 0.11–1.14). Current mitigation strategies in India include targeted deworming, mass drug administration (MDA), and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Targeted deworming faces challenges as dewormed school children may get reinfected by adults and untreated children. MDA requires substantial resource mobilization while deeply entrenched cultural norms constrain WASH interventions. These limitations highlight the need to explore innovative strategies for sustainable solutions to the issue of STH infections in India. To reduce prevalence, we recommend preventive chemotherapy alongside context-specific improvements in WASH conditions, complemented by strategic information, communication efforts, and effective policies.
土壤传播的蠕虫（STH）感染在印度很普遍，特别是在学龄前和学龄儿童（PSAC和SAC）中。根据PRISMA的指导方针，我们的研究系统地收集和综合了现有的文献，对印度PSAC和SAC中的STH感染进行了全面的回顾和荟萃分析。我们检索了PubMed、Scopus、CINAHL和Embase四个数据库，并进行了随机效应荟萃分析，以估计STH的患病率和评估危险因素。此外，我们评估了各种危险因素中STH感染的优势比。在36篇符合条件的文章中，STH感染的总流行率为27% (95% CI 19 - 36%)，其中最常见的是蛔虫，为34% （95% CI 26 - 42%）。我们的研究结果表明，与女孩相比，男孩感染STH的几率更高（OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01-1.64），保持良好的个人卫生，如经常洗手，与STH感染的几率较低（OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.11-1.14）。印度目前的缓解战略包括有针对性的驱虫、大规模药物管理（MDA）以及水环境卫生和个人卫生（WASH）干预措施。有针对性的驱虫面临挑战，因为被驱虫的学童可能被成年人和未经治疗的儿童再次感染。MDA需要大量的资源调动，而根深蒂固的文化规范限制了WASH干预措施。这些限制突出了探索创新战略以可持续解决印度STH感染问题的必要性。为了降低患病率，我们建议预防性化疗，同时根据具体情况改善WASH条件，并辅以战略信息、沟通努力和有效政策。
{"title":"Soil-transmitted helminth infections among preschool- and school-aged children in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, risk factors and intervention strategies","authors":"Chimdi Muoghalu , Sarah Lebu , Herbert Kaboggoza , Felix Bongomin , Stephen Ochaya , Musa Manga","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2025.100118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are widespread in India, particularly among preschool- and school-aged children (PSAC and SAC). Following PRISMA guidelines, our study systematically garnered and synthesized existing literature to provide a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of STH infections among PSAC and SAC in India. We searched four databases - PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Embase - and conducted a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate STH prevalence and assess risk factors. Additionally, we assessed the odds ratios for STH infections across various risk factors. From the 36 eligible articles, the pooled prevalence of STH infections was 27 % (95 % CI 19–36 %), with roundworm being the most common - 34 % (95 % CI 26 - 42 %). Our study results indicate that boys have higher odds of STH infections compared to girls (OR 1.29, 95 % CI 1.01–1.64), and maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, correlates with lower odds of STH infections (OR 0.36, 95 % CI 0.11–1.14). Current mitigation strategies in India include targeted deworming, mass drug administration (MDA), and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Targeted deworming faces challenges as dewormed school children may get reinfected by adults and untreated children. MDA requires substantial resource mobilization while deeply entrenched cultural norms constrain WASH interventions. These limitations highlight the need to explore innovative strategies for sustainable solutions to the issue of STH infections in India. To reduce prevalence, we recommend preventive chemotherapy alongside context-specific improvements in WASH conditions, complemented by strategic information, communication efforts, and effective policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143165127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2024.100117
Rebecca Bascom , Minyoung Kim , Simon G. Royce , Zachary Bitzer , Shirin Borhan , Pauline H. Go , Rickhesvar P.M. Mahraj , Negar Rassaei , Mary Vogt , James S. Ultman , Jane E. Bourke , Ali Borhan
Background
Our simulations previously predicted focal areas of gaseous pollutant dose delivered to the airway mucosa of a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesize a relation between these dose predictions and clinically meaningful endpoints in IPF which link toxicant-driven epithelial injury and disrepair to IPF etiology and pathogenesis.
Objective
To determine associations between patient-specific modeling of tracheal geometry, computer simulations of toxicant dose, and lung histopathology in patients with IPF.
Methods
The first three conducting airway generations of ten patients diagnosed with IPF were reconstructed from their high-resolution CT chest scans. We quantified geometric abnormalities of the reconstructed tracheas based on their curvature and eccentricity (cross-sectional flattening), and performed three-dimensional computer simulations to predict the average and upper values (i.e. hotspots) of reactive toxicant dose to the underlying mucosa. Distal biopsy tissue samples were characterized by epithelial cell phenotype, extent of fibrosis, and histopathologic severity scores. Non-parametric correlation analysis examined associations between these descriptors.
Results
Computed values for curvature and eccentricity of IPF-deformed trachea varied widely among patients and correlated with more subjective rankings of tracheal deformation, and with predicted toxicant dose. Overall histopathologic severity was positively correlated with tracheal deformation and upper decile toxicant uptake. Tracheal curvature was significantly correlated with fibroblastic foci.
Conclusions
These results demonstrate an association of tracheal curvature with predicted toxicant dose and with histopathologic indicators in distal tissue. This suggests that these measures may be predictors of risk for acute IPF exacerbations, subsequent clinical deterioration, and disease progression.
{"title":"Patient-specific tracheal deformation, predicted toxicant uptake and histopathology in lung fibrosis","authors":"Rebecca Bascom , Minyoung Kim , Simon G. Royce , Zachary Bitzer , Shirin Borhan , Pauline H. Go , Rickhesvar P.M. Mahraj , Negar Rassaei , Mary Vogt , James S. Ultman , Jane E. Bourke , Ali Borhan","doi":"10.1016/j.heha.2024.100117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.heha.2024.100117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Our simulations previously predicted focal areas of gaseous pollutant dose delivered to the airway mucosa of a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesize a relation between these dose predictions and clinically meaningful endpoints in IPF which link toxicant-driven epithelial injury and disrepair to IPF etiology and pathogenesis.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine associations between patient-specific modeling of tracheal geometry, computer simulations of toxicant dose, and lung histopathology in patients with IPF.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The first three conducting airway generations of ten patients diagnosed with IPF were reconstructed from their high-resolution CT chest scans. We quantified geometric abnormalities of the reconstructed tracheas based on their curvature and eccentricity (cross-sectional flattening), and performed three-dimensional computer simulations to predict the average and upper values (<em>i.e.</em> hotspots) of reactive toxicant dose to the underlying mucosa. Distal biopsy tissue samples were characterized by epithelial cell phenotype, extent of fibrosis, and histopathologic severity scores. Non-parametric correlation analysis examined associations between these descriptors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Computed values for curvature and eccentricity of IPF-deformed trachea varied widely among patients and correlated with more subjective rankings of tracheal deformation, and with predicted toxicant dose. Overall histopathologic severity was positively correlated with tracheal deformation and upper decile toxicant uptake. Tracheal curvature was significantly correlated with fibroblastic foci.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results demonstrate an association of tracheal curvature with predicted toxicant dose and with histopathologic indicators in distal tissue. This suggests that these measures may be predictors of risk for acute IPF exacerbations, subsequent clinical deterioration, and disease progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73269,"journal":{"name":"Hygiene and environmental health advances","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143165128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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