Ancillary human health benefits of improved air quality resulting from climate change mitigation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies can provide ancillary benefits in terms of short-term improvements in air quality and associated health benefits. Several studies have analyzed the ancillary impacts of GHG policies for a variety of locations, pollutants, and policies. In this paper we review the existing evidence on ancillary health benefits relating to air pollution from various GHG strategies and provide a framework for such analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluate techniques used in different stages of such research for estimation of: (1) changes in air pollutant concentrations; (2) avoided adverse health endpoints; and (3) economic valuation of health consequences. The limitations and merits of various methods are examined. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for ancillary benefits analysis and related research gaps in the relevant disciplines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that to date most assessments have focused their analysis more heavily on one aspect of the framework (e.g., economic analysis). While a wide range of methods was applied to various policies and regions, results from multiple studies provide strong evidence that the short-term public health and economic benefits of ancillary benefits related to GHG mitigation strategies are substantial. Further, results of these analyses are likely to be underestimates because there are a number of important unquantified health and economic endpoints.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Remaining challenges include integrating the understanding of the relative toxicity of particulate matter by components or sources, developing better estimates of public health and environmental impacts on selected sub-populations, and devising new methods for evaluating heretofore unquantified and non-monetized benefits.</p

Evaluation of fluorescent polarization test in diagnosis of human brucellosis

Introduction: Human brucellosis is a zoonosis that remains a worldwide veterinary, medical, and economical problem. Over 10.000 human cases, approximately 400 cases per year were registered in Macedonia during last 11 years. Different tests for diagnosis of human brucellosis, ranging from culture, serologic tests and numerous PCR-based assays are available. Mostly used are conventional serologic techniques such as RBT (Rose Bengal, Slide Agglutination Test), Wright (Tube Agglutination Test) and Coombs (Antihuman Globulin Test), than ELISA and competitive-ELISA. Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) developed as an accurate test that can be performed in a field conditions, outside the diagnostic laboratory, has been validated for number of species including cattle, swine, bison. Objectives: Evaluation of Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) in comparison with ELISA and the Conventional serologic techniques in diagnosis of human brucellosis. Material and methods: Patient samples were collected at 5 regional hospitals in Macedonia. Many of the patients were on treatment when blood samples were collected. Samples were held frozen at -200C until they were processed. A total of 217 sera samples were tested. Initial diagnoses were made by serology: RBT, Wright and Coombs tests. To detect IgM and IgG anti-brucella antibodies NOVUM Diagnostica micro plates, coated with Brucella LPS antigen and reader ELISA TECAN-Classic, were used. In FPA, O-polysaccharide prepared from B.abortus strain 1119-3 conjugated with FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) and Fluorescence Polarization Analyzer FPM-1, were used. Results and conclusions: Sensitivity of Wright, Coombs, ELISA and FPA were 82%, 89%, 98% and 86% respectively. Specificity of Wright, Coombs, ELISA and FPA were 98%, 100%, 100% and 92% respectively. FPA is a very promising tool in diagnosis of human brucellosis beside diagnosis in animals; further studies concerning sensitivity and specificity are needed. ELISA remains a reference method in serologic diagnosis of human brucellosis