-
The Science of the Total Environment Feb 2023This paper serves to enhance the current knowledge base of airborne microplastics which is significantly smaller than that of microplastics in marine, freshwater and... (Review)
Review
This paper serves to enhance the current knowledge base of airborne microplastics which is significantly smaller than that of microplastics in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. It systematically presents the prevalence, sources, fate, risks and mitigations of airborne microplastics through the review of >140 scientific papers published mainly in the last 10 years. Unlike the extant review, it places an emphasis on the indoor microplastics, the risks of airborne microplastics on animals and plants and their mitigations. The outdoor microplastics are mostly generated by the wear and tear of tires, brake pads, waste incineration and industrial activities. They have been detected in many regions worldwide at concentrations ranging from 0.3 particles/m to 154,000 particles/L of air even in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Arctic. As for indoor microplastics, the reported concentrations range from 1 piece/m to 9900 pieces/m/day, and are frequently higher than those of the outdoor microplastics. They come from the wear and tear of walls and ceilings, synthetic textiles and furniture finishings. Airborne microplastics could be suspended and resuspended, entrapped, settle under gravity as well as interact with chemicals, microorganisms and other microplastic particles. In the outdoors, they could also interact with sunlight and be carried by the wind over long distance. Airborne microplastics could adversely affect plants, animals and humans, leading to reduced photosynthetic rate, retarded growth, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and increased cancer risks in humans. They could be mitigated indirectly through filters attached to air-conditioning system and directly through source reduction, regulation and biodegradable substitutes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Microplastics; Plastics; Environmental Monitoring; Fresh Water; Textiles
PubMed: 36356750
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159943 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2022The deleterious effects of insufficient sleep have been well-established in the literature and can lead to a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Some of the most... (Review)
Review
The deleterious effects of insufficient sleep have been well-established in the literature and can lead to a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Some of the most replicated findings demonstrate significant declines in cognitive functions such as vigilance and executive attention, psychomotor and cognitive speed, and working memory. Consequently, these decrements often lead individuals who are in a fatigued state to engage in substandard performance on everyday tasks. In the interest of curtailing these effects, prior work has attempted to identify mechanisms that predict fatigue onset and develop techniques to mitigate its negative consequences. Nonetheless, these results are often confounded by variables such as an individual's resistance to fatigue, sleep history, and unclear distinctions about whether certain performance decrements are present due to fatigue or due to other confounding factors. Similar areas of research have provided approaches to produce models for the prediction of cognitive performance decrements due to fatigue through the use of multi-modal recording and analysis of fatigue-related responses. Namely, gathering and combining response information from multiple sources (i.e., physiological and behavioral) at multiple timescales may provide a more comprehensive representation of what constitutes fatigue onset in the individual. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the relevant literature on the topic of fatigue-related performance effects with a special emphasis on a variety of physiological and behavioral response variables that have shown to be sensitive to changes in fatigue. Furthermore, an increasing reliance on sleep loss, meant to assist in meeting the demands of modern society, has led to an upsurge in the relevance of identifying dependable countermeasures for fatigued states. As such, we will also review methods for the mitigation of performance effects due to fatigue and discuss their usefulness in regulating these effects. In sum, this review aims to inspire future work that will create opportunities to detect fatigue and mitigate its effects prior to the onset of cognitive impairments.
PubMed: 35992930
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.930280 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The augmented prevalence of Se (Se) pollution can be attributed to various human activities, such as mining, coal combustion, oil extraction and refining, and... (Review)
Review
The augmented prevalence of Se (Se) pollution can be attributed to various human activities, such as mining, coal combustion, oil extraction and refining, and agricultural irrigation. Although Se is vital for animals, humans, and microorganisms, excessive concentrations of this element can give rise to potential hazards. Consequently, numerous approaches have been devised to mitigate Se pollution, encompassing physicochemical techniques and bioremediation. The recognition of Se volatilization as a potential strategy for mitigating Se pollution in contaminated environments is underscored in this review. This study delves into the volatilization mechanisms in various organisms, including plants, microalgae, and microorganisms. By assessing the efficacy of Se removal and identifying the rate-limiting steps associated with volatilization, this paper provides insightful recommendations for Se mitigation. Constructed wetlands are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative in the treatment of Se volatilization. The fate, behavior, bioavailability, and toxicity of Se within complex environmental systems are comprehensively reviewed. This knowledge forms the basis for developing management plans that aimed at mitigating Se contamination in wetlands and protecting the associated ecosystems.
PubMed: 38390045
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26023 -
IScience Sep 2023Radiation therapy can lead to late radiation-induced skin fibrosis (RISF), causing movement restriction, pain, and organ dysfunction. This study evaluated...
Radiation therapy can lead to late radiation-induced skin fibrosis (RISF), causing movement restriction, pain, and organ dysfunction. This study evaluated adipose-derived extracellular matrix (Ad-ECM) as a mitigator of RISF. Female C57BL/6J mice that were irradiated developed fibrosis, which was mitigated by a single local Ad-ECM injection, improving limb movement and reducing epithelium thickness and collagen deposition. Ad-ECM treatment resulted in decreased expression of pro-inflammatory and fibrotic genes, and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Co-culture of irradiated human fibroblasts with Ad-ECM down-modulated fibrotic gene expression and enhanced bone marrow cell migration. Ad-ECM treatment also increased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-15 expression in endothelial cells, stimulating M2 macrophage polarization and alleviating RISF. Prophylactic use of Ad-ECM showed effectiveness in mitigation. This study suggests Ad-ECM's potential in treating chronic-stage fibrosis.
PubMed: 37705953
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107660 -
Ear and Hearing 2022Absorbance measured using wideband tympanometry (WBT) has been shown to be sensitive to changes in middle and inner ear mechanics, with potential to diagnose various...
OBJECTIVE
Absorbance measured using wideband tympanometry (WBT) has been shown to be sensitive to changes in middle and inner ear mechanics, with potential to diagnose various mechanical ear pathologies. However, artifacts in absorbance due to measurement noise can obscure information related to pathologies and increase intermeasurement variability. Published reports frequently present absorbance that has undergone smoothing to minimize artifact; however, smoothing changes the true absorbance and can destroy important narrow-band characteristics such as peaks and notches at different frequencies. Because these characteristics can be unique to specific pathologies, preserving them is important for diagnostic purposes. Here, we identify the cause of artifacts in absorbance and develop a technique to mitigate artifacts while preserving the underlying WBT information.
DESIGN
A newly developed Research Platform for the Interacoustics Titan device allowed us to study raw microphone recordings and corresponding absorbances obtained by WBT measurements. We investigated WBT measurements from normal hearing ears and ears with middle and inner ear pathologies for the presence of artifact and noise. Furthermore, it was used to develop an artifact mitigation procedure and to evaluate its effectiveness in mitigating artifacts without distorting the true WBT information.
RESULTS
We observed various types of noise that can plague WBT measurements and that contribute to artifacts in computed absorbances, particularly intermittent low-frequency noise. We developed an artifact mitigation procedure that incorporates a high-pass filter and a Tukey window. This artifact mitigation resolved the artifacts from low-frequency noise while preserving characteristics in absorbance in both normal hearing ears and ears with pathology. Furthermore, the artifact mitigation reduced intermeasurement variability.
CONCLUSIONS
Unlike smoothing algorithms used in the past, our artifact mitigation specifically removes artifacts caused by noise. It does not change frequency response characteristics, such as narrow-band peaks and notches in absorbance at different frequencies that can be important for diagnosis. Also, by reducing intermeasurement variability, the artifact mitigation can improve the test-retest reliability of these measurements.
Topics: Acoustic Impedance Tests; Artifacts; Ear, Inner; Hearing; Humans; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34387582
DOI: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001117 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Oct 2021Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant which enters the marine environment by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Consumption of fish and other seafood that contain... (Review)
Review
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant which enters the marine environment by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Consumption of fish and other seafood that contain methylmercury (MeHg) is a leading source of Hg exposure in humans. Considerable efforts have been made to mitigate the Hg presence and reduce its risks to humans. In this review the acknowledged methods of mitigation are summarized such as regulation and maximum allowable limits, and culinary treatments. In addition, selected industrial level trials are reviewed, and studies on Hg intoxication and the protective effects of the essential trace element, selenium (Se), are discussed. In view of the available literature, Hg reduction in fish and other seafood on a large industrial scale still is largely unsuccessful. Hence, more research and further attempts are necessary in order to better mitigate the Hg problem in fish and other seafood products.
Topics: Animals; Fishes; Humans; Mercury; Methylmercury Compounds; Seafood; Selenium
PubMed: 34252733
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112710 -
Animal Cognition Jan 2017Roads are a nearly ubiquitous feature of the developed world, but their presence does not come without consequences. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians suffer... (Review)
Review
Roads are a nearly ubiquitous feature of the developed world, but their presence does not come without consequences. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians suffer high rates of mortality through collision with motor vehicles, while other species treat roads as barriers that reduce gene flow between populations. Road effects extend beyond the pavement, where traffic noise is altering communities of songbirds, insects, and some mammals. Traditional methods of mitigation along roads include the creation of quieter pavement and tires and the construction of physical barriers to reduce sound transmission and movement. While effective, these forms of mitigation are costly and time-consuming. One alternative is the use of learning principles to create or extinguish aversive behaviors in animals living near roads. Classical and operant conditioning are well-documented techniques for altering behavior in response to novel cues and signals. Behavioral ecologists have used conditioning techniques to mitigate human-wildlife conflict challenges, alter predator-prey interactions, and facilitate reintroduction efforts. Yet, these principles have rarely been applied in the context of roads. We suggest that the field of road ecology is ripe with opportunity for experimentation with learning principles. We present tangible ways that learning techniques could be utilized to mitigate negative roadside behaviors, address the importance of evaluating fitness within these contexts, and evaluate the longevity of learned behaviors. This review serves as an invitation for empirical studies that test the effectiveness of learning paradigms as a mitigation tool in the context of roads.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Birds; Humans; Learning; Motor Vehicles
PubMed: 27154629
DOI: 10.1007/s10071-016-0989-y -
Health Affairs (Project Hope) Oct 2023In August 2022 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prohibiting covered entities, which include health care providers... (Review)
Review
In August 2022 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking prohibiting covered entities, which include health care providers and health plans, from discriminating against individuals when using clinical algorithms in decision making. However, HHS did not provide specific guidelines on how covered entities should prevent discrimination. We conducted a scoping review of literature published during the period 2011-22 to identify health care applications, frameworks, reviews and perspectives, and assessment tools that identify and mitigate bias in clinical algorithms, with a specific focus on racial and ethnic bias. Our scoping review encompassed 109 articles comprising 45 empirical health care applications that included tools tested in health care settings, 16 frameworks, and 48 reviews and perspectives. We identified a wide range of technical, operational, and systemwide bias mitigation strategies for clinical algorithms, but there was no consensus in the literature on a single best practice that covered entities could employ to meet the HHS requirements. Future research should identify optimal bias mitigation methods for various scenarios, depending on factors such as patient population, clinical setting, algorithm design, and types of bias to be addressed.
Topics: Humans; Health Equity; Racial Groups; Delivery of Health Care; Health Personnel; Algorithms
PubMed: 37782868
DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.00553 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Nov 2019Livestock production is a main source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG). The main gases are CH with a global warming potential (GWP) 25 times and nitrous oxide... (Review)
Review
Livestock production is a main source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG). The main gases are CH with a global warming potential (GWP) 25 times and nitrous oxide (NO) with a GWP 298 times, that of carbon dioxide (CO) arising from enteric fermentation or from manure management, respectively. In fact, CH is the second most important GHG emitted globally. This current scenario has increased the concerns about global warming and encouraged the development of intensive research on different natural compounds to be used as feed additives in ruminant rations and modify the rumen ecosystem, fermentation pattern, and mitigate enteric CH. The compounds most studied are the secondary metabolites of plants, which include a vast array of chemical substances like polyphenols and saponins that are present in plant tissues of different species, but the results are not consistent, and the extraction cost has constrained their utilization in practical animal feeding. Other new compounds of interest include polysaccharide biopolymers such as chitosan, mainly obtained as a marine co-product. As with other compounds, the effect of chitosan on the rumen microbial population depends on the source, purity, dose, process of extraction, and storage. In addition, it is important to identify compounds without adverse effects on rumen fermentation. The present review is aimed at providing information about chitosan for dietary manipulation to be considered for future studies to mitigate enteric methane and reduce the environmental impact of GHGs arising from livestock production systems. Chitosan is a promising agent with methane mitigating effects, but further research is required with in vivo models to establish effective daily doses without any detrimental effect to the animal and consider its addition in practical rations as well as the economic cost of methane mitigation.
PubMed: 31717570
DOI: 10.3390/ani9110942 -
Heliyon May 2023Ghana's economy is climate sensitive as more than 80% of its agricultural production is rainfall dependent, with only 2% of irrigation potential used. This has... (Review)
Review
Ghana's economy is climate sensitive as more than 80% of its agricultural production is rainfall dependent, with only 2% of irrigation potential used. This has consequences under changing climate, with the impact projected to intensify if things go in a business-as-usual scenario. The manifestation of climate change impact is evident in other sectors of the economy, which requires proactiveness to adapt and mitigate through the development and execution of national adaptation strategies. This research reviews the impact of climate change and some interventions made toward its management. The study explored peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and technical reports for relevant materials that chronicle programmes and measures to address the challenges of climate change. The research revealed that Ghana had experienced about 1 °C rise in temperature over the past four decades and sea level rise with socioeconomic consequences including decreased agricultural productivity and inundation of coastal communities. Policy interventions have resulted in the introduction of several mitigative and adaptation programmes, such as building resilience in various economic sectors. The study highlighted the progress and challenges to climate change implementation programmes and future policy implementation plans. Inadequate funding of programmes and projects was identified as a critical challenge to achieving climate change policy goals and objectives. We recommend more political will from the government and stakeholders towards policy implementation and greater commitment to providing adequate funding for programmes and project implementation to ensure the success of local climate action for adaptation and mitigation, as well as for sustainable development.
PubMed: 37131451
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15491