Assessing Environmental Factors within the One Health Approach

Systematic review on evaluation tools applicable to One Health surveillance systems: A call for adapted methodology

Developing and implementing effective surveillance programs for infectious diseases (ID) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires the integration of information across relevant disciplines and sectors. Yet, establishing and sustaining collaboration at each step of the surveillance process, and modalities to translate integrated surveillance results into actions, are not well understood. This systematic review was designed to map and explore peer-reviewed tools that were either designed or used for evaluation of integrated surveillance systems for ID or AMR, and to identify the limitations of these tools and remaining methodological or knowledge gaps. A systematic search was conducted using keywords related to: "Evaluation", "Surveillance" and "One Health" in four databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science and CAB abstract) up to the 28th of October 2022. Articles were selected if they presented an evaluation tool for integrated surveillance systems for ID or AMR (methodological study) or an application of such a tool (case study). All selected articles went through a quality check using the MetaQAT tool. Of 25 articles retrieved, 13 presented a methodological study, while 12 described a case study. Three main types of evaluation were identified through 17 tools: theoretical, process and impact evaluations. Both methodological and case study papers predominantly considered organizational and operational aspects in their evaluation. Although costs and/or impacts were discussed in some case studies, only one article reported an economic impact analysis. Evaluation of One Health integration and multisectoral collaboration was included in four methodological and four case study articles. One major challenge identified in this systematic review is the lack of clear guidance and standardized criteria for the comprehensive evaluation of complex integrated surveillance systems. To overcome this, it is essential to develop, validate, and apply methodologies adapted to these evaluation needs.

One Health implementation: A systematic scoping review using the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action

Background

One Health (OH) recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and their shared environment and mobilizes multiple sectors to achieve sustainable and optimal health outcomes. We synthesized current OH implementations at global, regional, national, and local community levels using the OH Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) developed to enhance best practices in OH implementation.

Methods

We applied the OH JPA Theory of Change, supported by three pathways mapped out across six action tracks to guide our review. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and Scopus. Eligibility of studies was based on implementation of OH undertaken across two or more sectors within the human-animal-environment interface. Selection was guided by the PRISMA-ScR.

Results

Of the 54 studies, 77 unique programs reported OH implementations, and of these, 42 (54.5 %) involved human and animal sectors only. No studies involved the environment sector and its impact on human-environment or animal-environment. The majority (90.9 %) of programs incorporated at least one aspect of policy, legislation, advocacy and financing (Pathway 1). Capacity development, community engagement, multisectoral coordination, collaboration or communication was identified in 96.1 % of programs (Pathway 2). Data, evidence and knowledge featured in 60 % of OH initiatives (Pathway 3).

Conclusion

Pathway 2 was the most engaged pathway building the foundation for OH implementation and action. There is opportunity for further growth concerning community engagement, monitoring and evaluation strategies with enhanced future investment for implementation of community-centric and risk-based solutions. Furthermore, it is important to foster better understanding of environmental issues and to build capacity for the environment sector to be better represented in the implementation of OH.

Evaluation of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease-Related Pathogenic Mechanisms in Human Steatotic Liver Cell-Based Model: Beneficial Effects of Prunus domestica L. subsp. syriaca Extract

Background/Objectives: Disrupted glucose uptake, oxidative stress, and increased de novo lipogenesis are some of the key features of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). The modulation of these pathogenic mechanisms using extracts from natural and sustainable sources is a promising strategy to mitigate disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Prunus domestica L. subsp. syriaca extract on these processes, taking advantage of a cell-based model of steatotic hepatocytes (HepG2-OA) that recapitulates some key pathophysiological features of MASLD. Methods: The HepG2-OA cell model was generated by treating cells for 7 days with 100 μM oleic acid (OA). The effect of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) of P. domestica extract was assessed through MTT assay (cell viability), flow cytometry (glucose uptake and reactive oxygen species, ROS, production), spectrophotometry (lipid accumulation), and qRT-PCR (expression of selected genes). Results: P. domestica extract exhibited no cytotoxicity at any tested concentration after 24 and 48 h in the HepG2-OA cells. The extract increased glucose uptake in a dose-dependent fashion after both 6 and 24 h. Additionally, the extract reduced lipid accumulation and downregulated the expression of key lipogenic genes (DGAT1 and FASN). Furthermore, in the HepG2-OA cells, P. domestica extract reduced ROS production and downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD and CAT). Conclusions: P. domestica extract positively modulated some key molecular mechanisms associated with glucose metabolism, lipogenesis, and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical candidate for MASLD management.

Navigating the Interconnected Web of Health: A Comprehensive Review of the One Health Paradigm and Its Implications for Disease Management

Disease outbreaks pose serious threats to humans, as highlighted by the recent pandemic, underscoring the need for an institutionalized multi-sectoral approach like One Health, encompassing human, animal, and environmental health. One Health has demonstrated efficacy in addressing emerging issues such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic disease spillover. While integrating the human-animal sector has yielded positive outcomes, the majority of zoonotic spillovers originate from wildlife, emphasizing the crucial role of environmental surveillance within global One Health systems. Additionally, climate change intensifies the frequency and emergence of infectious diseases and spillover events. Tackling the complexity and interconnectedness of health challenges necessitates integrated solutions that incorporate broader structural factors, aiding in the prevention, detection, and mitigation of disease outbreaks. Embracing One Health through multi-sectoral preparedness can effectively confront the escalating threats of pandemics and other emerging diseases.

Valorizing Agro‐Food Waste for Nutraceutical Development: Sustainable Approaches for Managing Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Related Co‐Morbidities

This comprehensive investigation delves into the interconnectedness of different features of cardiometabolic syndrome, such as metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and gut dysbiosis, highlighting the crucial role of nutraceuticals in their management and prevention. Given the significant overlap in the pathophysiology of these conditions, the treatment with nutraceuticals, especially those derived from agro‐food waste, offers a promising, sustainable, and innovative approach to healthcare. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the One Health concept are key frameworks for selecting the most interesting supply chain for the production of nutraceuticals from agro‐food waste, ensuring environmental sustainability, and innovative agricultural practices. In this review, the therapeutic potential of kiwifruit and apples has been explored, detailing how their bioactive compounds, like polyphenols, fiber, pectin, kaempferol, phloretin, and phlorizin, may contribute to the management of MASLD, ASCVD, and gut dysbiosis. Various extraction methods for active ingredients, including chemical, water, and enzyme extractions, are analyzed for their respective benefits and drawbacks. By integrating scientific research, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative extraction methods, we can develop effective strategies to combat these pervasive health issues. This holistic approach not only enhances individual health outcomes but also supports broader environmental and societal goals, promoting a healthier future for all.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of O4'-benzyl-hispidol derivatives and analogs as dual monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors and anti-neuroinflammatory agents

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of two series of O4'-benzyl-hispidol derivatives and the analogous corresponding O3'-benzyl derivatives aiming to develop selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors endowed with anti-neuroinflammatory activity is reported herein. The first O4'-benzyl-hispidol derivatives series afforded several more potentially active and MAO-B inhibitors than the O3'-benzyl derivatives series. The most potential compound 2e of O4'-benzyl derivatives elicited sub-micromolar MAO-B IC50 of 0.38 µM with a selectivity index >264 whereas most potential compound 3b of O3'-benzyl derivatives showed only 0.95 MAO-B IC50 and a selectivity index >105. Advancement of the most active compounds showing sub-micromolar activities to further cellular evaluations of viability and induced production of pro-neuroinflammatory mediators confirmed compound 2e as a potential lead compound inhibiting the production of the neuroinflammatory mediator nitric oxide significantly by microglial BV2 cells at 3 µM concentration without significant cytotoxicity up to 30 µM. In silico molecular docking study predicted plausible binding modes with MAO enzymes and provided insights at the molecular level. Overall, this report presents compound 2e as a potential lead compound to develop potential multifunctional compounds.

Exploring People's Perception on Pros and Cons of Human-Bat Coexistence in Urban Environs in Southwestern Nigeria

This research intricately explores the dynamics surrounding the coexistence of humans and roosting bats in urban areas, meticulously examining both the advantageous and detrimental aspects of their living arrangement. The study conducted a comprehensive survey with 286 residents in Iwo and Ogbomoso, where Eidolon helvum bats are known to roost, generating a robust dataset for thorough analysis. Rigorous statistical assessments, including the KMO and Bartlett's tests, confirmed the data's reliability at a significance level of P < .05. The respondent demographic revealed a predominance of 65% male participants, with an overwhelming 85% claiming familiarity with bats in their respective domains. Utilizing factor analysis, the study identified 8 salient variables from the initial 26, shedding light on diverse perceptions regarding bats: (i) Urban roosting (16.729%); (ii) Impact on tree growth (12.607%); (iii) Failed dislodgement attempts (11.504%); (iv) Medicinal value (10.240%); (v) Co-habitation preference (9.963%); (vi) Costly dislodgment consequences (9.963%); (vii) Beautification disruption (5.615%); and (viii) Structure defacement (5.510%). These factors were systematically categorized into 4 distinct themes: (A) Forced cohabitation (26.762%); (B) Environmental degradation by bats (23.732%); (C) Consequences of dislodging bats (21.477%); and (D) Acknowledged benefits of bats (10.240%). Co-habitation with bats becomes a necessity for ecological balance and, importantly, to safeguard the livelihood of roosting bats within their natural ecology, which man has encroached upon through urbanization, making all negatives arising from such existence self-inflicted by man. However, this study underscores the importance of human-bat cohabitation for mutual benefits, emphasizing potential detrimental consequences, including significant costs, associated with displacing bats from their natural ecosystem. These consequences may exacerbate the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and ecological imbalance. Further research is recommended to explore the positive aspects of the sustainable roosting bats' existence in the natural environment.

Communicating and disseminating One Health: successes of the One Health European Joint Programme

The application of a One Health approach recognizes that human health, animal health, plant health and ecosystem health are intrinsically connected. Tackling complex challenges associated with foodborne zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging threats is imperative. Therefore, the One Health European Joint Programme was established within the European Union research programme Horizon 2020. The One Health European Joint Programme activities were based on the development and harmonization of a One Health science-based framework in the European Union (EU) and involved public health, animal health and food safety institutes from almost all EU Member States, the UK and Norway, thus strengthening the cooperation between public, medical and veterinary organizations in Europe. Activities including 24 joint research projects, 6 joint integrative projects and 17 PhD projects, and a multicountry simulation exercise facilitated harmonization of laboratory methods and surveillance, and improved tools for risk assessment. The provision of sustainable solutions is integral to a One Health approach. To ensure the legacy of the work of the One Health European Joint Programme, focus was on strategic communication and dissemination of the outputs and engagement of stakeholders at the national, European and international levels.

Risk Assessment of AFM1 in Raw Milk and Dairy Products Produced in Armenia, a Caucasus Region Country: A Pilot Study

This paper presents the first assessment of dietary exposure to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and associated health risks through milk and dairy product consumption in Armenia. Data on AFM1 in raw milk were obtained from an annual residue monitoring program. Additionally, commonly consumed dairy products (pasteurized milk, cheese, sour cream, curd cheese) were sampled, considering the sources of raw milk used by dairy companies. Per capita consumption of raw milk was sourced from national food balance databases, while individual consumption data for dairy products was collected via a 24 h recall survey with 1400 adult respondents. Detectable levels of AFM1 were observed in 7.14% of raw milk samples (up to 0.334 μg/kg) and, albeit at lower amounts (up to 0.009 µg/kg), in 30% and 40% of sour cream and curd cheese, respectively. The AFM1 levels were lower than the national maximum permitted level (0.5 μg/kg); however, levels in raw milk exceeded the EU ML (0.05 μg/kg). The estimated margin of exposure values for dairy products indicated no significant risk, whereas a reasonable worst-case estimate, using the measurable levels of AFM1 in raw milk consumption indicated a potential public health concern. This study provides a scientific basis for evaluating aflatoxin issues in the Caucasus area.

Translating One Health knowledge across different institutional and political contexts in Europe

BACKGROUND

Implementing a One Health approach is complex. It demands engaging different sectors and actors in the promotion and protection of human, animal and environmental health. A key challenge for successfully implementing the One Health approach are knowledge translation processes among scientists and policy-makers.

METHODS

An online survey reached 104 experts from 23 European countries, working at national agencies or institutes, universities, ministries, non-governmental organisations (World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health), and European Union (EU) agencies. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to describe experts' perceptions.

RESULTS

This study indicated a lack of networks among scientists and between scientists and policy-makers. Relations of scientists and policy-makers were perceived as challenging due to different interests and priorities, leading to difficulties in reaching political attention for One Health topics. It also highlighted a favoured attention to some One Health topics (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) as opposed to others (e.g. environmental issues). Important international actors to push One Health policies forward were the Quadripartite organisations and EU agencies. National actors (government agencies, national research institutes, universities) were on average perceived to be more important than international actors due to their roles and influences. Factors influencing the knowledge translation process were the different languages spoken by scientists as well as politicians, and an equivocal understanding of the One Health approach.

CONCLUSION

The study shows the importance of leadership to establish interdisciplinary networks and to problematise One Health issues with clear scope and targets. This will help to link knowledge to needs and capabilities of policy-makers. Establishing strong relationships among national and international actors can encourage networks and raise awareness of the One Health approach to policy-makers. Lastly, promoting research communication skills of scientists can provide a valuable tool to reach policy-makers to enhance attention to One Health topics.

An integrated system for the management of environmental data to support veterinary epidemiology

Environmental and climatic fluctuations can greatly influence the dynamics of infectious diseases of veterinary concern, or interfere with the implementation of relevant control measures. Including environmental and climatic aspects in epidemiological studies could provide policy makers with new insights to assign resources for measures to prevent or limit the spread of animal diseases, particularly those with zoonotic potential. The ever-increasing number of technologies and tools permits acquiring environmental data from various sources, including ground-based sensors and Satellite Earth Observation (SEO). However, the high heterogeneity of these datasets often requires at least some basic GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and/or coding skills to use them in further analysis. Therefore, the high availability of data does not always correspond to widespread use for research purposes. The development of an integrated data pre-processing system makes it possible to obtain information that could be easily and directly used in subsequent epidemiological analyses, supporting both research activities and the management of disease outbreaks. Indeed, such an approach allows for the reduction of the time spent on searching, downloading, processing and validating environmental data, thereby optimizing available resources and reducing any possible errors directly related to data collection. Although multitudes of free services that allow obtaining SEO data exist nowadays (either raw or pre-processed through a specific coding language), the availability and quality of information can be sub-optimal when dealing with very small scale and local data. In fact, some information sets (e.g., air temperature, rainfall), usually derived from ground-based sensors (e.g., agro-meteo station), are managed, processed and redistributed by agencies operating on a local scale which are often not directly accessible by the most common free SEO services (e.g., Google Earth Engine). The EVE (Environmental data for Veterinary Epidemiology) system has been developed to acquire, pre-process and archive a set of environmental information at various scales, in order to facilitate and speed up access by epidemiologists, researchers and decision-makers, also accounting for the integration of SEO information with locally sensed data.

From the Intersection of Food-Borne Zoonoses and EU Green Policies to an In-Embryo One Health Financial Model

The European Union (EU) adopts the One Health (OH) approach, based on the relationships between human, animal, and environmental health. OH concerns a multitude of aspects, some of which are discussed here. OH overlaps the European Green Deal plan and its relaunched Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims at spreading organic farms adopting the circular economy, in order to improve human health through both better environmental conditions and healthier food. Nevertheless, zoonoses cause sanitary cost in terms of infected farm personnel, lower productivity, and lower fertility of infected farm animals. In such scenarios, the decreased breeding yield and the lower income induce higher cost of farm products, meaning that the market price rises, becoming uncompetitive when compared to the prices of industrial products. Consequently, lower revenues can hinder the farm growth expected in the framework of the EU Green Deal. Since zoonosis control is a key element in aligning EU policies aimed at achieving the EU Green Deal goal of "ZERO environmental impact" by 2050, the authors suggest the inclusion of the parameter economic health in the OH approach, in order to individuate EU Member States (MSs) economically unable to conduct eradication programmes and to finance them. Economic health is here considered as a starting point of the new ethical and science-based One Health Financial Model that the authors suggest as an in-embryo model, in which specific rules should regulate public funds, private investments, and trading, which should exclusively concern public services and private enterprises complying with most of the OH parameters. In this way, economic losses due to collateral negative effects deriving from human activities can be progressively decreased, and the entire planet will benefit from the process. Despite the considerable efforts being carried out in the context of the OH approach, war causes tragic and devastating effects on the physical and mental health of human beings, on their lives, on pandemic and zoonotic threats, on animals, on plants and, last but not least, on the environment. War is incompatible with OH. Enormous efforts for peace are therefore urgently needed.

Search term “One Health” remains of limited use to identify relevant scientific publications: Denmark as a case study

One Health has become a popular approach, and scientific advancements in the field should be easily findable and accessible to a wide range of relevant audiences, from researchers to policymakers, and across sectors. We conducted a systematic narrative review of available scientific publications concerning One Health in the setting of Denmark that were retrievable using “One Health” as the key search term. Three searches in two databases yielded 30 retrieved publications, 13 of which were included in the review. The included publications had been published between 2015 and 2021. Twelve of the included publications were co-authored in collaboration across institutes from different sectors. Three of the included publications had focus on antimicrobial resistance, three on disease surveillance and/or control, and five were assessments or evaluations. The overall number of publications identified by a search using “One Health” as the key search term was small, and the search identified some publications that were not relevant to One Health. Our work thus highlights a missed scientific and communication opportunity of signposting articles as relevant to One Health. Using the expression “One Health” as keyword could help making One Health research more easily findable and thereby obtaining an overview of research in the field.

Risk-Benefit Assessment of Feed Additives in the One Health Perspective

Safety and sustainability of animal feeds is a pillar of the safety of the entire food chain. Feed additive assessment incorporates consumer safety as well as animal health and welfare, which, in turn, can affect productivity and hence food security. The safety of feed users and the environment are other important components of the assessment process which, therefore, builds on a One Health perspective. In several instances the assessment entails a balanced assessment of benefits and risks for humans, animals and/or the environment. Three case studies are selected to discuss issues for a consistent framework on Risk-Benefit Assessment (RBA) of feed additives, based on EFSA opinions and literature: (a) Supplementation of feeds with trace elements with recognized human toxicity (cobalt, iodine) - RBA question: can use levels, hence human exposure, be reduced without increasing the risk of deficiency in animals?; (b) Aflatoxin binders in dairy animals - RBA question: can the use reduce the risk for human health due to aflatoxin M1, without unexpected adverse effects for animals or humans?; (c) Use of formaldehyde as preservative in feedstuffs to prevent microbial contamination - RBA question: is the reduction of microbiological risks outweighed by risks for the consumers, farmed animals or the workers? The case studies indicate that the safety of use of feed additives can involve RBA considerations which fit into a One Health perspective. As in other RBA circumstances, the main issues are defining the question and finding "metrics" that allow a R/B comparison; in the case of feed additives, R and B may concern different species (farm animals and humans). A robust assessment of animal requirements, together with sustainability considerations, might be a significant driving force for a RBA leading to a safe and effective use.