International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

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662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Public Health Impact of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California

by Richard F. Hector, George W. Rutherford, Clarisse A. Tsang, Laura M. Erhart, Orion McCotter, Shoana M. Anderson, Kenneth Komatsu, Farzaneh Tabnak, Duc J. Vugia, Ying Yang and John N. Galgiani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(4), 1150-1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8041150 - 15 Apr 2011

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 16582

Abstract

The numbers of reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California have risen dramatically over the past decade, with a 97.8% and 91.1% increase in incidence rates from 2001 to 2006 in the two states, respectively. Of those cases with reported race/ethnicity information, [...] Read more.

The numbers of reported cases of coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California have risen dramatically over the past decade, with a 97.8% and 91.1% increase in incidence rates from 2001 to 2006 in the two states, respectively. Of those cases with reported race/ethnicity information, Black/African Americans in Arizona and Hispanics and African/Americans in California experienced a disproportionately higher frequency of disease compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Lack of early diagnosis continues to be a problem, particularly in suspect community-acquired pneumonia, underscoring the need for more rapid and sensitive tests. Similarly, the inability of currently available therapeutics to reduce the duration and morbidity of this disease underscores the need for improved therapeutics and a preventive vaccine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

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398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Monitoring and Analysis of Faecal Contamination in an Urban Setting in the City of Bari (Apulia Region, Italy): Health and Hygiene Implications

by Elvira Tarsitano, Grazia Greco, Nicola Decaro, Francesco Nicassio, Maria Stella Lucente, Canio Buonavoglia and Maria Tempesta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(11), 3972-3986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7113972 - 9 Nov 2010

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10477

Abstract

Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence [...] Read more.

Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence of pathogens in public areas in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy). To determine the degree of environmental contamination, samples of dog faeces and bird guano were collected from different areas in the city of Bari (park green areas, playgrounds, public housing areas, parkways, and a school). A total of 152 canine faecal samples, in 54 pools, and two samples of pigeon guano from 66 monitored sites were examined. No samples were found in 12 areas spread over nine sites. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected in seven canine and two pigeon guano samples. Salmonella species were not found. On the other hand, four of 54 canine faecal samples were positive for reovirus. Thirteen canine faecal samples were positive for parasite eggs: 8/54 samples contained Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina eggs and 5/54 samples contained Ancylostoma caninum eggs. Our study showed that public areas are often contaminated by potentially zoonotic pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

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Review

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284 KiB

Open AccessReview

Improving Public Health Through Access to and Utilization of Medication Assisted Treatment

by Thomas F. Kresina and Robert Lubran

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(10), 4102-4117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8104102 - 24 Oct 2011

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 12018

Abstract

Providing access to and utilization of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for the treatment of opioid abuse and dependence provides an important opportunity to improve public health. Access to health services comprising MAT in the community is fundamental to achieve broad service coverage. The [...] Read more.

Providing access to and utilization of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for the treatment of opioid abuse and dependence provides an important opportunity to improve public health. Access to health services comprising MAT in the community is fundamental to achieve broad service coverage. The type and placement of the health services comprising MAT and integration with primary medical care including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, care and treatment services are optimal for addressing both substance abuse and co-occurring infectious diseases. As an HIV prevention intervention, integrated (same medical record for HIV services and MAT services) MAT with HIV prevention, care and treatment programs provides the best “one stop shopping” approach for health service utilization. Alternatively, MAT, medical and HIV services can be separately managed but co-located to allow convenient utilization of primary care, MAT and HIV services. A third approach is coordinated care and treatment, where primary care, MAT and HIV services are provided at distinct locations and case managers, peer facilitators, or others promote direct service utilization at the various locations. Developing a continuum of care for patients with opioid dependence throughout the stages MAT enhances the public health and Recovery from opioid dependence. As a stigmatized and medical disenfranchised population with multiple medical, psychological and social needs, people who inject drugs and are opioid dependent have difficulty accessing services and navigating medical systems of coordinated care. MAT programs that offer comprehensive services and medical care options can best contribute to improving the health of these individuals thereby enhancing the health of the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

134 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Dynamics of Norovirus Outbreak Epidemics: Recent Insights

by John A. Marshall and Leesa D. Bruggink

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(4), 1141-1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8041141 - 15 Apr 2011

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 15868

Abstract

Noroviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks frequently occur as epidemics which appear to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. This review considers recent progress in understanding these factors. The norovirus genome undergoes continuous change and this [...] Read more.

Noroviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks frequently occur as epidemics which appear to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. This review considers recent progress in understanding these factors. The norovirus genome undergoes continuous change and this appears to be important in the persistence of the virus in the community. Studies on the common GII.4 genotype have shown that some norovirus outbreak epidemics involving this genotype are correlated with specific changes in the genome. In contrast to the growing understanding of the role of genetic factors in norovirus outbreak epidemics, the role of environmental factors is less well understood. Topics reviewed here include long term excretion of norovirus in some individuals, long term survivability of norovirus in the environment, the role of meteorological factors in the control of norovirus outbreaks and the possible zoonotic transmission of the virus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

175 KiB

Open AccessReview

Control of Advanced Cancer: The Road to Chronicity

by Agustin Lage and Tania Crombet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2011, 8(3), 683-697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8030683 - 1 Mar 2011

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8483

Abstract

Despite the recent trend toward a slight decrease in age-adjusted cancer mortality in some countries, crude mortality rates will continue to increase, driven by the demographic shift towards an aged population. Small molecules (small molecules and biologics) are not only a new therapeutic [...] Read more.

Despite the recent trend toward a slight decrease in age-adjusted cancer mortality in some countries, crude mortality rates will continue to increase, driven by the demographic shift towards an aged population. Small molecules (small molecules and biologics) are not only a new therapeutic acquisition, but the tools of a more fundamental transition: the transformation of cancer from a rapidly fatal disease into a chronic condition. Antibodies and cancer vaccines can be used for a long time, even beyond progressive disease, and in aged patients, usually unfit for more aggressive conventional treatments. However, this transition to chronicity will require novel developmental guidelines adequate to this kind of drugs, for which optimal dose is not usually the maximal tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics does not define treatment schedule, and tumor shrinkage is not a good correlate of survival. The ongoing cancer immunotherapy program (including several monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic vaccines) at the Centre of Molecular Immunology can illustrate the issues to be addressed, both biological and social, along the path to transform advanced cancer into a chronic non-communicable disease compatible with years of quality life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

154 KiB

Open AccessReview

Latin America and the Caribbean: Assessment of the Advances in Public Health for the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals

by Amal K. Mitra and Gisela Rodriguez-Fernandez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(5), 2238-2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7052238 - 6 May 2010

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 13976

Abstract

To improve health and economy of the world population, the United Nations has set up eight international goals, known as Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), that 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year [...] Read more.

To improve health and economy of the world population, the United Nations has set up eight international goals, known as Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), that 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. The goals include: (1) eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; (2) achieving universal primary education; (3) promoting gender equality; (4) reducing child mortality; (5) improving maternal health; (6) combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; (7) ensuring environmental sustainability; and (8) developing a global partnership for development. Having been in the midway from the 2015 deadline, the UN Secretary-General urges countries to engage constructively to review progress towards the MDGs. This paper aims to evaluate advances in public health, with special reference to gender inequalities in health, health sector reform, global burden of disease, neglected tropical diseases, vaccination, antibiotic use, sanitation and safe water, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, indicators of health, and disease prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean region (LAC). The paper also identifies areas of deficits for the achievement of MDGs in LAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

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183 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theoretical Models and Operational Frameworks in Public Health Ethics

by Carlo Petrini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 189-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010189 - 18 Jan 2010

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 15882

Abstract

The article is divided into three sections: (i) an overview of the main ethical models in public health (theoretical foundations); (ii) a summary of several published frameworks for public health ethics (practical frameworks); and (iii) a few general remarks. Rather than maintaining the [...] Read more.

The article is divided into three sections: (i) an overview of the main ethical models in public health (theoretical foundations); (ii) a summary of several published frameworks for public health ethics (practical frameworks); and (iii) a few general remarks. Rather than maintaining the superiority of one position over the others, the main aim of the article is to summarize the basic approaches proposed thus far concerning the development of public health ethics by describing and comparing the various ideas in the literature. With this in mind, an extensive list of references is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

477 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fish, Mercury, Selenium and Cardiovascular Risk: Current Evidence and Unanswered Questions

by Dariush Mozaffarian

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6(6), 1894-1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6061894 - 23 Jun 2009

Cited by 164 | Viewed by 19504

Abstract

Controversy has arisen among the public and in the media regarding the health effects of fish intake in adults. Substantial evidence indicates that fish consumption reduces coronary heart disease mortality, the leading cause of death in developed and most developing nations. Conversely, concerns [...] Read more.

Controversy has arisen among the public and in the media regarding the health effects of fish intake in adults. Substantial evidence indicates that fish consumption reduces coronary heart disease mortality, the leading cause of death in developed and most developing nations. Conversely, concerns have grown regarding potential effects of exposure to mercury found in some fish. Seafood species are also rich in selenium, an essential trace element that may protect against both cardiovascular disease and toxic effects of mercury. Such protective effects would have direct implications for recommendations regarding optimal selenium intake and for assessing the potential impact of mercury exposure from fish intake in different populations. Because fish consumption appears to have important health benefits in adults, elucidating the relationships between fish intake, mercury and selenium exposure, and health risk is of considerable scientific and public health relevance. The evidence for health effects of fish consumption in adults is reviewed, focusing on the strength and consistency of evidence and relative magnitudes of effects of omega-3 fatty acids, mercury, and selenium. Given the preponderance of evidence, the focus is on cardiovascular effects, but other potential health effects, as well as potential effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins in fish, are also briefly reviewed. The relevant current unanswered questions and directions of further research are summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

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