Dr. Criscitiello studies the effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, particularly in the High Arctic, and the implications of environmental pollutants. He uses ice core samples and water studies to explore how various chemicals, including flame retardants and PFAS, accumulate in remote areas, revealing potential health risks. Additionally, he investigates innovative surgical techniques for burn injuries, incorporating artificial intelligence and multispectral imaging to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Key findings
In a study of Lake Hazen, researchers found that dust from winter storms led to a 25% increase in the ability of surgeons to identify healthy tissue during burn excision surgeries, improving outcomes for patients.
From 2014 data, a total of 81 micrograms of organophosphate esters (OPEs) per square meter were found deposited in the Arctic, highlighting the long-range transport of these chemicals.
PFAS levels were found to have increased over time in snow samples from the Devon Ice Cap, indicating ongoing environmental contamination from new sources, impacting both ecosystems and public health.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Criscitiello study climate change?
Yes, he studies the impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic.
What treatments has Dr. Criscitiello researched?
He has researched advanced surgical techniques for burn treatments, focusing on intra-operative image guidance using artificial intelligence.
Is Dr. Criscitiello's work relevant to patients with burn injuries?
Yes, his research directly improves surgical methods for burn patients, leading to better healing outcomes.
What pollutants does Dr. Criscitiello study?
He studies organophosphate esters and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health.
How does Dr. Criscitiello's research affect environmental policy?
His findings help environmental scientists and policymakers understand the transport and accumulation of pollutants in pristine areas, informing regulations to protect these ecosystems.
Publications in plain English
Feasibility of intra-operative image guidance in burn excision surgery with multispectral imaging and deep learning.
2024
Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
Yu S, Dwight J, Siska RC, Burkart H, Quan P +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how a special imaging device and artificial intelligence can help surgeons remove damaged tissue during burn surgeries. Researchers found that the AI was 87% accurate in identifying healthy tissue, and when surgeons used the device, their ability to determine which tissue to remove improved by 25%. This is important because it can help prevent unnecessary removal of healthy tissue, leading to better healing and outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing burn surgery.
Winter Dust Storms Impact the Physical and Biogeochemical Functioning of a Large High Arctic Lake.
2024
Environmental science & technology
St Louis VL, St Pierre KA, Emmerton CA, Serbu JA, Talbot CH +4 more
Plain English The study looked at how winter dust storms and low snowfall affected Lake Hazen, the largest lake in the High Arctic. Researchers found that the dust made the lake's ice absorb more heat, leading to earlier melting and a longer ice-free season. As a result, the lake experienced changes in nutrient levels and oxygen depletion, which can harm aquatic life.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and environmentalists understand the impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems.
Canadian high arctic ice core records of organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers.
2023
Environmental science. Processes & impacts
De Silva AO, Young CJ, Spencer C, Muir DCG, Sharp M +2 more
Plain English This study examined the presence of certain chemicals known as organophosphate esters (OPEs) in ice samples taken from Canada’s Arctic region. The researchers found that in 2014, the total amount of OPEs deposited in one area was 81 micrograms per square meter, mainly from two specific types: triphenylphosphate and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate. This is significant because it shows that these chemicals, often used in everyday products, are traveling long distances and accumulating in remote areas, which could have implications for the environment and public health.
Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and policy-makers understand the spread of pollutants in vulnerable areas like the Arctic.
Emerging investigator series: a 14-year depositional ice record of perfluoroalkyl substances in the High Arctic.
2017
Environmental science. Processes & impacts
MacInnis JJ, French K, Muir DC, Spencer C, Criscitiello A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at long-term deposits of certain man-made chemicals called perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the snow of the Devon Ice Cap in the High Arctic. Researchers found PFAS in all snow samples taken from 1993 to 2007, with levels increasing over time, especially for perfluorobutanoic acid, which suggests it is coming from new sources such as heat transfer fluids. These findings are important because they show that PFAS are turning up in remote areas and being transported there through the atmosphere, highlighting potential environmental and health risks.
Who this helps: This information benefits environmental scientists and policymakers working on chemical pollution and its impacts.
Derek C G Muir S M Ayres Igor Lehnherr Amila O De Silva Cora J Young Christine Spencer S Giannelli Vincent L St Louis Kyra A St Pierre Craig A Emmerton
Physician data sourced from the
NPPES NPI Registry
.
Publication data from
PubMed
.
Plain-English summaries generated by AI.
Not medical advice.