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In this paper we assessed effects of changes of meteorological drivers, taken from datasets of observational records and modelling outputs, and human-made pollution, derived from records of energy production, on the mainly wintertime extreme observed values of urban particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the relative vicinity of coal fuelled thermoelectric power plants (TPPs) in Montenegro and Serbia. We used wavelet transform analysis, together with the dependency analysis and analysis of averages of climatic conditions, to study temporal dynamics of urban air pollution extremes in the vicinity of TPPs, the coincidence of their changes with observed levels of SO2 and NO2 concentrations in the air, and dependence of PM changes on several possible meteorological and anthropogenic drivers. We found that PM variations in urban areas are most probably caused by PM-SO2/NO2 coincidences that appear after a 2- to 3-h time lags needed for transformation of SO2/NO2 TPP emissions into PM particles, if pollution is caused by TPP emissions alone. When other causes of PM variations than the TPP production exist, we found that PM-SO2/NO2 correlations appear at time ranges from several hours to several days. In our analysis only the changes in the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) coincided with the drive to extremes in PM values, at PBLH levels lower than 300m. Following these findings, we suggested that PM extremes in our sample could be viewed as preconditioned compound events, where TPP and urban heating emissions provide preconditions for PM extremes and PBLH serves as a major meteorological driver to such events.
Authors: Ana Gardašević, Neda Aleksandrov, Ilija Batas-Bjelić, Ivan Bulatović, Vladimir Djurdjević, Suzana Blesić
Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade
Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sand flies. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) manifested by ulcers and scars; systemic or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated; and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), which can destroy the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Human leishmaniasis is endemic in many countries across Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The interconnection of environmental, animal and human health underlies the spread of the Leishmania parasite. Environmental disruptions, such as climate change, deforestation or urbanisation, but also globalisation and migration, significantly affect the distribution and abundance of sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. Climate change alters the breeding patterns of sand flies and expands their geographic range; deforestation and misuse of large areas disrupt ecosystems, leading to increased human-vector contact; and urbanisation increases the potential for contact between parties, particularly in densely populated areas. Migration of humans and animals, either through natural migration or, for example, the pet trade and breeding, can facilitate the spread of Leishmania parasites. In addition, socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, increase the burden of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. Due to this multitude of reasons, the geographic distribution of sand flies has expanded to higher latitudes and altitudes in recent years, with a consequent increase in disease burden. Indeed, despite ongoing challenges in the surveillance systems, data from the last available year have shown an increase in many cases in both humans and dogs. This perspective explores the interconnected factors influencing the spread of leishmaniasis worldwide and the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, it illustrates the importance of integrated strategies in a One Health approach: surveillance, prevention and control of vectors, animals and humans.
Authors: Cosma C, Maia C, Khan N, Infantino M, Del Riccio M,
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
