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Goitom E, Ariano S, Gilbride K, Yang MI, Edwards EA, Peng H, Dannah N, Farahbakhsh F, Hataley E, Sarvi H, Sun J, Waseem H, Oswald C. Identification of environmental and methodological factors driving variability of Pepper Mild Mottle Virus (PMMoV) across three wastewater treatment plants in the City of Toronto. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172917. [PMID: 38701931 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
PMMoV has been widely used to normalize the concentration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to account for variations in the fecal content of wastewater. PMMoV is also used as an internal RNA recovery control for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) tests. While potentially useful for the interpretation of WBE data, previous studies have suggested that PMMoV concentration can be affected by various physico-chemical characteristics of wastewater. There is also the possibility that laboratory methods, particularly the variability in centrifugation steps to remove supernatant from pellets can cause PMMoV variability. The goal of this study is to improve our understanding of the main drivers of PMMoV variability by assessing the relationship between PMMoV concentration, the physico-chemical characteristics of wastewater, and the methodological approach for concentrating wastewater samples. We analyzed 24-hour composite wastewater samples collected from the influent stream of three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Samples were collected 3 to 5 times per week starting from the beginning of March 2021 to mid-July 2023. The influent flow rate was used to partition the data into wet and dry weather conditions. Physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), and ammonia (NH3)) of the raw wastewater were measured, and PMMoV was quantified. Spatial and temporal variability of PMMoV was observed throughout the study period. PMMoV concentration was significantly higher during dry weather conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrates that the number and type of physico-chemical parameters that drive PMMoV variability are site-specific, but overall BOD and alkalinity were the most important predictors. Differences in PMMoV concentration for a single WWTP between two different laboratory methods, along with a weak correlation between pellet mass and TSS using one method may indicate that differences in sample concentration and subjective subsampling bias could alter viral recovery and introduce variability to the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyerusalem Goitom
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Sarah Ariano
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada; Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Canada
| | - Kim Gilbride
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Minqing Ivy Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Edwards
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada; School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Nora Dannah
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Farnaz Farahbakhsh
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Eden Hataley
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Hooman Sarvi
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Jianxian Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hassan Waseem
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada
| | - Claire Oswald
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada.
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Zhang X, Zhang T, Chen X, Ni J, Xu S, Peng Y, Wang G, Sun W, Liu X, Pan F. The impact of short-term exposure to meteorological factors on the risk of death from hypertension and its major complications: a time series analysis based on Hefei, China. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:313-329. [PMID: 38403848 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to reveal the short-term impact of meteorological factors on the mortality risk in hypertensive patients, providing a scientific foundation for formulating pertinent prevention and control policies. METHODS In this research, meteorological factor data and daily death data of hypertensive patients in Hefei City from 2015 to 2018 were integrated. Time series analysis was performed using distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) and generalized additive model (GAM). Furthermore, we conducted stratified analysis based on gender and age. Relative risk (RR) combined with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to represent the mortality risk of single day and cumulative day in hypertensive patients. RESULTS Single-day lag results indicated that high daily mean temperature (T mean) (75th percentile, 24.9 °C) and low diurnal temperature range (DTR) (25th percentile, 4.20 °C) levels were identified as risk factors for death in hypertensive patients (maximum effective RR values were 1.144 and 1.122, respectively). Extremely high levels of relative humidity (RH) (95th percentile, 94.29%) reduced the risk of death (RR value was 0.893). The stratified results showed that the elderly and female populations are more susceptible to low DTR levels, whereas extremely high levels of RH have a more significant protective effect on both populations. CONCLUSION Overall, we found that exposure to low DTR and high T mean environments increases the risk of death for hypertensive patients, while exposure to extremely high RH environments significantly reduces the risk of death for hypertensive patients. These findings contribute valuable insights for shaping targeted prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Hospital Management Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jianping Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Hospital Management Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Siwen Xu
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, 500 Zhennan Road, Shanghai, 200333, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Hospital Management Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Hospital Management Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Wanqi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Hospital Management Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xuxiang Liu
- Hefei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 86 Luan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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3
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Feng B, Lian J, Yu F, Zhang D, Chen W, Wang Q, Shen Y, Xie G, Wang R, Teng Y, Lou B, Zheng S, Yang Y, Chen Y. Impact of short-term ambient air pollution exposure on the risk of severe COVID-19. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 135:610-618. [PMID: 37778832 PMCID: PMC9550293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Ecological studies suggested a link between air pollution and severe COVID-19 outcomes, while studies accounting for individual-level characteristics are limited. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of short-term ambient air pollution exposure on disease severity among a cohort of 569 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to designated hospitals in Zhejiang province, China, from January 17 to March 3, 2020, and elucidate the possible biological processes involved using transcriptomics. Compared with mild cases, severe cases had higher proportion of medical conditions as well as unfavorable results in most of the laboratory tests, and manifested higher air pollution exposure levels. Higher exposure to air pollutants was associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 with odds ratio (OR) of 1.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 3.53), 2.35 (95% CI: 1.20, 4.61), 2.87 (95% CI: 1.68, 4.91), and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.10, 3.69) for PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and CO, respectively. OR for NO2 remained significant in two-pollutant models after adjusting for other pollutants. Transcriptional analysis showed 884 differentially expressed genes which mainly were enriched in virus clearance related biological processes between patients with high and low NO2 exposure levels, indicating that compromised immune response might be a potential underlying mechanistic pathway. These findings highlight the impact of short-term air pollution exposure, particularly for NO2, on COVID-19 severity, and emphasize the significance in mitigating the COVID-19 burden of commitments to improve air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihuan Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jiangshan Lian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Weizhen Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yifei Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Guoliang Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ruonan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yun Teng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Bin Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shufa Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Yida Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, China; State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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4
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Mohammadpour A, Rezaei Z, Parvari A, Alami A, Taghavi M, Hajighasemkhan A, Khosravan S, Kalankesh LR. Covid-19 outbreak associated with demographic-meteorological factors in the arid and semi-arid region Iran: case study Gonabad city, 2020-2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:30-39. [PMID: 36175180 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2125161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak, questioning regarding climate and incident of Covid-19 infection rates has been debated, while there is no clear research evidence until now in Iran. This study has focused on investigating the association between Covid-19 cases and demographic -meteorological factors in arid and semi-arid zones of Iran (from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022) by analyzing with Via Poisson and negative binomial regression. As a result, the incidence rate of both Covid-19 hospitalization and mortality cases reached peaks in the summer followed by the autumn. Interestingly, Covid-19 hospitalization cases are associated with humidity, temperature, and wind factors seasonally and monthly, but mortality cases are just associated with wind. In conclusion, the result demonstrated that demographicand meteorological factorsare positively and negatively associated with Covid-19 cases. Therefore, identifying the environmental factors contributing to the excess Covid-19 can help to prevent future pandemic waves in Iranian arid and semi-arid zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammadpour
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Zahed Rezaei
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Arash Parvari
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics school of public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Alami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Taghavi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - AliReza Hajighasemkhan
- School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Khosravan
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Laleh R Kalankesh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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5
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Wong WM, Wang X, Wang Y. The intersection of COVID-19 and air pollution: A systematic literature network analysis and roadmap for future research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116839. [PMID: 37611787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper employs systematic literature network analysis, including a literature review and bibliometric network analysis, to explore the COVID-19 and air pollution literature. A total of 1208 relevant documents from the Scopus database were analyzed using VOSviewer and SciMAT to examine author, keyword, and country interconnections. The paper addresses three research questions: (1) the latest studies on COVID-19 and air pollution, (2) influential authors, documents, and sources in the field, and (3) the study's findings as a roadmap for future research. Visual representations of author and country networks highlight influential entities based on citation rate. Keyword cluster analysis via VOSviewer summarizes connections based on link strength. The strategic diagram generated by SciMAT offers insights into future research directions in specific thematic keywords: (1) air pollution, (2) nitrogen dioxide, (3) epidemiology, and (4) atmospheric aerosol. This analysis enhances understanding of COVID-19 and air pollution and guides future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xing Wang
- Krirk University, Thailand; Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University, China
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6
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Saleh SAK, Adly HM. Impact of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Long COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cohort Study within the Saudi Arabian Population. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:642-661. [PMID: 37888141 PMCID: PMC10606867 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. AIM This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation of long COVID symptoms within a cohort based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Participants included residents from the Makkah region who had recovered from COVID-19 between 2022 and 2023. A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to gather detailed demographic data and assess the persistent symptoms seen during the post-COVID period. To gauge the environmental exposure to potential risk factors, air sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 was systematically conducted in various locations in Makkah over a year. RESULTS Significant positive associations were found between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and long COVID. Furthermore, specific symptom analysis revealed a significant association between air pollution and shortness of breath (for PM2.5). Only PM2.5 exposure remained statistically significant (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). In contrast, the association with PM10 remained on the cusp of significance, with an RR of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels to mitigate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. K. Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- Oncology Diagnostic Unit, College of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11435, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Adly
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Breadner PR, Dhiyebi HA, Fattahi A, Srikanthan N, Hayat S, Aucoin MG, Boegel SJ, Bragg LM, Craig PM, Xie Y, Giesy JP, Servos MR. A comparative analysis of the partitioning behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in liquid and solid fractions of wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165095. [PMID: 37355124 PMCID: PMC10287177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
As fragments of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be quantified and measured temporally in wastewater, surveillance of concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has become a vital resource for tracking the spread of COVID-19 in and among communities. However, the absence of standardized methods has affected the interpretation of data for public health efforts. In particular, analyzing either the liquid or solid fraction has implications for the interpretation of how viral RNA is quantified. Characterizing how SARS-CoV-2 or its RNA fragments partition in wastewater is a central part of understanding fate and behaviour in wastewater. In this study, partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated by use of centrifugation with varied durations of spin and centrifugal force, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation followed by centrifugation, and ultrafiltration of wastewater. Partitioning of the endogenous pepper mild mottled virus (PMMoV), used to normalize the SARS-CoV-2 signal for fecal load in trend analysis, was also examined. Additionally, two surrogates for coronavirus, human coronavirus 229E and murine hepatitis virus, were analyzed as process controls. Even though SARS-CoV-2 has an affinity for solids, the total RNA copies of SARS-CoV-2 per wastewater sample, after centrifugation (12,000 g, 1.5 h, no brake), were partitioned evenly between the liquid and solid fractions. Centrifugation at greater speeds for longer durations resulted in a shift in partitioning for all viruses toward the solid fraction except for PMMoV, which remained mostly in the liquid fraction. The surrogates more closely reflected the partitioning of SARS-CoV-2 under high centrifugation speed and duration while PMMoV did not. Interestingly, ultrafiltration devices were inconsistent in estimating RNA copies in wastewater, which can influence the interpretation of partitioning. Developing a better understanding of the fate of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and creating a foundation of best practices is the key to supporting the current pandemic response and preparing for future potential infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Breadner
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hadi A Dhiyebi
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Azar Fattahi
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Nivetha Srikanthan
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Samina Hayat
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marc G Aucoin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Scott J Boegel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Leslie M Bragg
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Paul M Craig
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Mark R Servos
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Tabassum T, Farzana M, Nahar AN, Araf Y, Ullah MA, Rahaman TI, Faruqui NA, Islam Prottoy MN, Anwar S, Ali N, Hosen MJ. COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Wave-centric assessments and mitigation measures for future pandemics. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20113. [PMID: 37810858 PMCID: PMC10550589 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has wreaked havoc globally by affecting millions of lives. Although different countries found the implementation of emergency measures useful to combat the viral pandemic, many countries are still experiencing the resurgence of COVID-19 cases with new variants even after following strict containment guidelines. Country-specific lessons learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can be utilized in commencing a successful battle against the potential future outbreaks. In this article, we analyzed the overall scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh from Alpha to Omicron variant and discussed the demographic, political, economic, social, and environmental influences on the mitigation strategies employed by the country to combat the pandemic. We also tried to explore the preparedness and precautionary measures taken by the responsible authorities, the choice of strategies implemented, and the effectiveness of the response initiated by the government and relevant agencies. Finally, we discussed the possible strategies that might help Bangladesh to combat future COVID-19 waves and other possible pandemics based on the experiences gathered from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Tabassum
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maisha Farzana
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abida Nurun Nahar
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjim Ishraq Rahaman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Nairita Ahsan Faruqui
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazmul Islam Prottoy
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saeed Anwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nurshad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jakir Hosen
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Thornton GM, Fleck BA, Kroeker E, Dandnayak D, Fleck N, Zhong L, Hartling L. The impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus: A systematic review of filtration. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002389. [PMID: 37725631 PMCID: PMC10508630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Historically, viruses have demonstrated airborne transmission. Emerging evidence suggests the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 also spreads by airborne transmission. This is more likely in indoor environments, particularly with poor ventilation. In the context of airborne transmission, a vital mitigation strategy for the built environment is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC features could modify virus transmission potential. A systematic review was conducted to identify and synthesize research examining the effectiveness of filters within HVAC systems in reducing virus transmission. A comprehensive search of OVID MEDLINE, Compendex, and Web of Science Core was conducted to January 2021. Two authors were involved in study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments. Study characteristics and results were displayed in evidence tables and findings were synthesized narratively. Twenty-three relevant studies showed that: filtration was associated with decreased transmission; filters removed viruses from the air; increasing filter efficiency (efficiency of particle removal) was associated with decreased transmission, decreased infection risk, and increased viral filtration efficiency (efficiency of virus removal); increasing filter efficiency above MERV 13 was associated with limited benefit in further reduction of virus concentration and infection risk; and filters with the same efficiency rating from different companies showed variable performance. Adapting HVAC systems to mitigate virus transmission requires a multi-factorial approach and filtration is one factor offering demonstrated potential for decreased transmission. For filtration to be effective, proper installation is required. Of note, similarly rated filters from different companies may offer different virus reduction results. While increasing filtration efficiency (i.e., increasing MERV rating or moving from MERV to HEPA) is associated with virus mitigation, there are diminishing returns for filters rated MERV 13 or higher. Although costs increase with filtration efficiency, they are lower than the cost of ventilation options with the equivalent reduction in transmission. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020193968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M. Thornton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Brian A. Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emily Kroeker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dhyey Dandnayak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Natalie Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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10
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Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Seif F, Kalantar M, Roghani T, Mousavi SA, Honarmandpour A. Detection of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13058. [PMID: 37567996 PMCID: PMC10421847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Roghani
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Azam Honarmandpour
- Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
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11
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Liao Y, Guo S, Mao N, Li Y, Li J, Long E. Animal experiments on respiratory viruses and analogous studies of infection factors for interpersonal transmission. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:66209-66227. [PMID: 37097557 PMCID: PMC10125856 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26738-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in human settlements will have a great impact on human health, but also a great risk of transmission. The transmission power of the virus can be represented by quanta number in the Wells-Riley model. In order to solve the problem of different dynamic transmission scenarios, only a single influencing factor is considered when predicting the infection rate, which leads to large differences in quanta calculated in the same space. In this paper, an analog model is established to define the indoor air cleaning index RL and the space ratio parameter. Based on infection data analysis and rule summary in animal experiments, factors affecting quanta in interpersonal communication were explored. Finally, by analogy, the factors affecting person-to-person transmission mainly include viral load of infected person, distance between individuals, etc., the more severe the symptoms, the closer the number of days of illness to the peak, and the closer the distance to the quanta. In summary, there are many factors that affect the infection rate of susceptible people in the human settlement environment. This study provides reference indicators for environmental governance under the COVID-19 epidemic, provides reference opinions for healthy interpersonal communication and human behavior, and provides some reference for accurately judging the trend of epidemic spread and responding to the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Room 112, College of Architecture and Environment, Administration Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, First Loop South First Section, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Shurui Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Room 112, College of Architecture and Environment, Administration Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, First Loop South First Section, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Ning Mao
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Room 112, College of Architecture and Environment, Administration Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, First Loop South First Section, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Room 112, College of Architecture and Environment, Administration Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, First Loop South First Section, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Enshen Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Room 112, College of Architecture and Environment, Administration Building, Sichuan University, No. 24, First Loop South First Section, Chengdu, 610065, China.
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Neisi A, Goudarzi G, Mohammadi MJ, Tahmasebi Y, Rahim F, Baboli Z, Yazdani M, Sorooshian A, Attar SA, Angali KA, Alam K, Ahmadian M, Farhadi M. Association of the corona virus (Covid-19) epidemic with environmental risk factors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:60314-60325. [PMID: 37022543 PMCID: PMC10078041 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus disease 2019; previously 2019-nCoV), epicenter in Hubei Province (Wuhan), People's Republic of China, has spread too many other countries. The transmission of the corona virus occurs when people are in the incubation stage and do not have any symptoms. Therefore, the role of environmental factors such as temperature and wind speed becomes very important. The study of Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) indicates that there is a significant relationship between temperature and virus transmission and three important factors, namely temperature, humidity and wind speed, cause SARS transmission. Daily data on the incidence and mortality of Covid-19 disease were collected from World Health Organization (WHO) website and World Meter website (WMW) for several major cities in Iran and the world. Data were collected from February 2020 to September 2021. Meteorological data including temperature, air pressure, wind speed, dew point and air quality index (AQI) index are extracted from the website of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Statistical analysis carried out for significance relationships. The correlation coefficient between the number of infected people in one day and the environmental variables in the countries was different from each other. The relationship between AQI and number of infected was significant in all cities. In Canberra, Madrid and Paris, a significant inverse relationship was observed between the number of infected people in one day and wind speed. There is a significant positive relationship between the number of infected people in a day and the dew point in the cities of Canberra, Wellington and Washington. The relationship between the number of infected people in one day and Pressure was significantly reversed in Madrid and Washington, but positive in Canberra, Brasilia, Paris and Wuhan. There was significant relationship between Dew point and prevalence. Wind speed showed a significant relationship in USA, Madrid and Paris. AQI was strongly associated with the prevalence of covid19. The purpose of this study is to investigate some environmental factors in the transmission of the corona virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolkazem Neisi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Goudarzi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yasser Tahmasebi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Baboli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Nursing, Torbat Jaam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jaam, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Somayeh Alizade Attar
- Department of Environmental Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kambiz Ahmadi Angali
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Khan Alam
- Department of Physics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120 Pakistan
| | - Maryam Ahmadian
- Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Farhadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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13
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Urso P, Cattaneo A, Pulvirenti S, Vercelli F, Cavallo DM, Carrer P. Early-phase pandemic in Italy: Covid-19 spread determinant factors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15358. [PMID: 37041936 PMCID: PMC10079324 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the environmental factors beyond virus transmission are only partially known. This statistical study has the aim to identify the key factors that have affected the virus spread during the early phase of pandemic in Italy, among a wide set of potential determinants concerning demographics, environmental pollution and climate. Because of its heterogeneity in pollution levels and climate conditions, Italy provides an ideal scenario for an ecological study. Moreover, the selected period excludes important confounding factors, as different virus variants, restriction policies or vaccines. The short-term relationship between the infection maximum increase and demographic, pollution and meteo-climatic parameters was investigated, including both winter-spring and summer 2020 data, also focusing separately on the two seasonal periods and on North vs Centre-South. Among main results, the importance of population size confirmed social distancing as a key management option. The pollution hazardous role undoubtedly emerged, as NO2 affected infection increase in all the studied scenarios, PM2.5 manifested its impact in North of Italy, while O3 always showed a protective action. Whereas higher temperatures were beneficial, especially in the cold season with also wind and relative humidity, solar irradiance was always relevant, revealing several significant interactions with other co-factors. Presented findings address the importance of the environment in Sars-CoV-2 spread and indicated that special carefulness should be taken in crowded areas, especially if they are highly polluted and weakly exposed to sun. The results suggest that containment of future epidemics similar to Covid-19 could be supported by reducing environmental pollution, achieving safer social habits and promoting preventive health care for better immune system response, as an only comprehensive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Urso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Clinica Luganese Moncucco SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pulvirenti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Franco Vercelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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14
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Ambient air pollution exposure linked to long COVID among young adults: a nested survey in a population-based cohort in Sweden. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2023; 28:100608. [PMID: 37131862 PMCID: PMC9989696 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post COVID-19 conditions, also known as long COVID, are of public health concern, but little is known about their underlying risk factors. We aimed to investigate associations of air pollution exposure with long COVID among Swedish young adults. Methods We used data from the BAMSE (Children, Allergy, Environment, Stockholm, Epidemiology [in Swedish]) cohort. From October 2021 to February 2022 participants answered a web-questionnaire focusing on persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID was defined as symptoms after confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 lasting for two months or longer. Ambient air pollution levels (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm [PM2.5], ≤10 μm [PM10], black carbon [BC] and nitrogen oxides [NOx]) at individual-level addresses were estimated using dispersion modelling. Findings A total of 753 participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included of whom 116 (15.4%) reported having long COVID. The most common symptoms were altered smell/taste (n = 80, 10.6%), dyspnea (n = 36, 4.8%) and fatigue (n = 34, 4.5%). Median annual PM2.5 exposure in 2019 (pre-pandemic) was 6.39 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.06-6.71) μg/m3. Adjusted Odds Ratios (95% confidence intervals) of PM2.5 per IQR increase were 1.28 (1.02-1.60) for long COVID, 1.65 (1.09-2.50) for dyspnea symptoms and 1.29 (0.97-1.70) for altered smell/taste. Positive associations were found for the other air pollutants and remained consistent across sensitivity analyses. Associations tended to be stronger among participants with asthma, and those having had COVID during 2020 (versus 2021). Interpretation Ambient long-term PM2.5 exposure may affect the risk of long COVID in young adults, supporting efforts for continuously improving air quality. Funding The study received funding from the Swedish Research Council (grant no. 2020-01886, 2022-06340), the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working life and Welfare (FORTE grant no. 2017-01146), the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, Karolinska Institute (no. 2022-01807) and Region Stockholm (ALF project for cohort and database maintenance).
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15
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Han J, Yin J, Wu X, Wang D, Li C. Environment and COVID-19 incidence: A critical review. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 124:933-951. [PMID: 36182196 PMCID: PMC8858699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented worldwide health crisis. Many previous research studies have found and investigated its links with one or some natural or human environmental factors. However, a review on the relationship between COVID-19 incidence and both the natural and human environment is still lacking. This review summarizes the inter-correlation between COVID-19 incidence and environmental factors. Based on keyword searching, we reviewed 100 relevant peer-reviewed articles and other research literature published since January 2020. This review is focused on three main findings. One, we found that individual environmental factors have impacts on COVID-19 incidence, but with spatial heterogeneity and uncertainty. Two, environmental factors exert interactive effects on COVID-19 incidence. In particular, the interactions of natural factors can affect COVID-19 transmission in micro- and macro- ways by impacting SARS-CoV-2 survival, as well as human mobility and behaviors. Three, the impact of COVID-19 incidence on the environment lies in the fact that COVID-19-induced lockdowns caused air quality improvement, wildlife shifts and socio-economic depression. The additional value of this review is that we recommend future research perspectives and adaptation strategies regarding the interactions of the environment and COVID-19. Future research should be extended to cover both the effects of the environment on the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19-induced impacts on the environment. Future adaptation strategies should focus on sustainable environmental and public policy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jie Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoxu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Danyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chenlu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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16
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Parvin R. A Statistical Investigation into the COVID-19 Outbreak Spread. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302221147455. [PMID: 36699646 PMCID: PMC9868487 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221147455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) outbreaks have been reported in a range of climates worldwide, including Bangladesh. There is less evidence of a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and climatic variables. This research article's purpose is to examine the relationship between COVID-19 outbreaks and climatic factors in Dhaka, Bangladesh. METHODS The daily time series COVID-19 data used in this study span from May 1, 2020, to April 14, 2021, for the study area, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Climatic factors included in this study were average temperature, particulate matter ( P M 2 . 5 ), humidity, carbon emissions, and wind speed within the same timeframe and location. The strength and direction of the relationship between meteorological factors and COVID-19 positive cases are examined using the Spearman correlation. This study examines the asymmetric effect of climatic factors on the COVID-19 pandemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. RESULTS COVID-19 widespread has a substantial positive association with wind speed (r = .781), temperature (r = .599), and carbon emissions (r = .309), whereas P M 2 . 5 (r = -.178) has a negative relationship at the 1% level of significance. Furthermore, with a 1% change in temperature, the incidence of COVID-19 increased by 1.23% in the short run and 1.53% in the long run, with the remaining variables remaining constant. Similarly, in the short-term, humidity was not significantly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the long term, it increased 1.13% because of a 1% change in humidity. The changes in PM2.5 level and wind speed are significantly associated with COVID-19 new cases after adjusting population density and the human development index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana Parvin
- Rehana Parvin, Department of Statistics, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), 4 Embankment Drive Road, Sector 10, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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17
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Suligowski R, Ciupa T. Five waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and green-blue spaces in urban and rural areas in Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114662. [PMID: 36374652 PMCID: PMC9617687 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Several waves of COVID-19 caused by different SARS-CoV-2 variants have been recorded worldwide. During this period, many publications were released describing the influence of various factors, such as environmental, social and economic factors, on the spread of COVID-19. This paper presents the results of a detailed spatiotemporal analysis of the course of COVID-19 cases and deaths in five waves in Poland in relation to green‒blue spaces. The results, based on 380 counties, reveal that the negative correlation between the indicator of green‒blue space per inhabitant and the average daily number of COVID-19 cases and deaths was clearly visible during all waves. These relationships were described by a power equation (coefficient of determination ranging from 0.83 to 0.88) with a high level of significance. The second important discovery was the fact that the rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths were significantly higher in urban counties (low values of the green-blue space indicator in m2/people) than in rural areas. The developed models can be used in decision-making by local government authorities to organize anti-COVID-19 prevention measures, including local lockdowns, especially in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Suligowski
- Institute of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland.
| | - Tadeusz Ciupa
- Institute of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland.
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18
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Mao N, Zhang D, Li Y, Li Y, Li J, Zhao L, Wang Q, Cheng Z, Zhang Y, Long E. How do temperature, humidity, and air saturation state affect the COVID-19 transmission risk? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:3644-3658. [PMID: 35951241 PMCID: PMC9366825 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21766-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental parameters have a significant impact on the spread of respiratory viral diseases (temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and air saturation state). T and RH are strongly correlated with viral inactivation in the air, whereas supersaturated air can promote droplet deposition in the respiratory tract. This study introduces a new concept, the dynamic virus deposition ratio (α), that reflects the dynamic changes in viral inactivation and droplet deposition under varying ambient environments. A non-steady-state-modified Wells-Riley model is established to predict the infection risk of shared air space and highlight the high-risk environmental conditions. Findings reveal that a rise in T would significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the cold season, while the effect is not significant in the hot season. The infection risk under low-T and high-RH conditions, such as the frozen seafood market, is substantially underestimated, which should be taken seriously. The study encourages selected containment measures against high-risk environmental conditions and cross-discipline management in the public health crisis based on meteorology, government, and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Mao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institute of Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dingkun Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yupei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institute of Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Li
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhao
- China Academy of Building Research, Beijing, China
| | - Qingqin Wang
- China Academy of Building Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Cheng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Enshen Long
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, Institute of Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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19
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Mavragani A, Kroeker E, Fleck BA, Zhong L, Hartling L. The Impact of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Design Features on the Transmission of Viruses, Including SARS-CoV-2: Overview of Reviews. Interact J Med Res 2022; 11:e37232. [PMID: 36343208 PMCID: PMC9823592 DOI: 10.2196/37232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Almost 2 years later (early February 2022), the World Health Organization reported over 383 million cases of the disease caused by the virus, with over 5.6 million deaths worldwide. Debate regarding the routes of transmission was substantial early in the pandemic; however, airborne transmission emerged as an important consideration. Infectious airborne agents can spread within the built environment through heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Multiple features of HVAC systems can influence transmission (eg, ventilation, filtration, UV radiation, and humidity). Understanding how HVAC features influence airborne transmission is critical to mitigate the spread of infectious agents. OBJECTIVE Given the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, an overview of reviews was conducted to understand what is already known from the scientific literature about how virus transmission may be affected by HVAC design features in the built environment. METHODS Ovid MEDLINE and Compendex were searched from inception to January 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full text of potentially relevant reviews, using a priori inclusion criteria: systematic reviews examining the effects of HVAC design features on virus transmission. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality using AMSTAR2. RESULTS Searching identified 361 citations, of which 45 (12.5%) were potentially relevant and 7 (2%) were included. Reviews were published between 2007 and 2021 and included 47 virus studies. Two earlier reviews (2007 and 2016) of 21 studies found sufficient evidence that mechanical ventilation (airflow patterns and ventilation rates) plays a role in airborne transmission; however, both found insufficient evidence to quantify the minimum mechanical ventilation requirements. One review (2017) of 9 studies examining humidity and indoor air quality found that influenza virus survival was lowest between 40% and 80% relative humidity; the authors noted that ventilation rates were a confounding variable. Two reviews (2021) examined mitigation strategies for coronavirus transmission, finding that transmission decreased with increasing temperature and relative humidity. One review (2020) identified 14 studies examining coronavirus transmission in air-conditioning systems, finding that HVAC systems played a role in virus spread during previous coronavirus outbreaks. One review (2020) examined virus transmission interventions in public ground transportation, finding ventilation and filtration to be effective. CONCLUSIONS Seven reviews synthesizing 47 studies demonstrated a role for HVAC in mitigating airborne virus transmission. Ventilation, humidity, temperature, and filtration can play a role in the viability and transmission of viruses, including coronaviruses. Recommendations for minimum standards were not possible owing to few studies investigating a given HVAC parameter. This overview examining HVAC design features and their effects on the airborne transmission of viruses serves as a starting point for future systematic reviews and identifying priorities for primary research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Kroeker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Brian A Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Thornton GM, Fleck BA, Dandnayak D, Kroeker E, Zhong L, Hartling L. The impact of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19): A systematic review of humidity. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275654. [PMID: 36215321 PMCID: PMC9550073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aerosol route has been a pathway for transmission of many viruses. Similarly, recent evidence has determined aerosol transmission for SARS-CoV-2 to be significant. Consequently, public health officials and professionals have sought data regarding the role of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) features as a means to mitigate transmission of viruses, particularly coronaviruses. Using international standards, a systematic review was conducted to comprehensively identify and synthesize research examining the effect of humidity on transmission of coronaviruses and influenza. The results from 24 relevant studies showed that: increasing from mid (40–60%) to high (>60%) relative humidity (RH) for SARS-CoV-2 was associated with decreased virus survival; although SARS-CoV-2 results appear consistent, coronaviruses do not all behave the same; increasing from low (<40%) to mid RH for influenza was associated with decreased persistence, infectivity, viability, and survival, however effects of increased humidity from mid to high for influenza were not consistent; and medium, temperature, and exposure time were associated with inconsistency in results for both coronaviruses and influenza. Adapting humidity to mitigate virus transmission is complex. When controlling humidity as an HVAC feature, practitioners should take into account virus type and temperature. Future research should also consider the impact of exposure time, temperature, and medium when designing experiments, while also working towards more standardized testing procedures. Clinical trial registration: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020193968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M. Thornton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Brian A. Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Dhyey Dandnayak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emily Kroeker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Zoran MA, Savastru RS, Savastru DM, Tautan MN. Cumulative effects of air pollution and climate drivers on COVID-19 multiwaves in Bucharest, Romania. PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION : TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS, PART B 2022; 166:368-383. [PMID: 36034108 PMCID: PMC9391082 DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2022.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Over more than two years of global health crisis due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Romania experienced a five-wave pattern. This study aims to assess the potential impact of environmental drivers on COVID-19 transmission in Bucharest, capital of Romania during the analyzed epidemic period. Through descriptive statistics and cross-correlation tests applied to time series of daily observational and geospatial data of major outdoor inhalable particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) or ≤ 10 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Aerosol Optical Depth at 550 nm (AOD) and radon (222Rn), we investigated the COVID-19 waves patterns under different meteorological conditions. This study examined the contribution of individual climate variables on the ground level air pollutants concentrations and COVID-19 disease severity. As compared to the long-term average AOD over Bucharest from 2015 to 2019, for the same year periods, this study revealed major AOD level reduction by ~28 % during the spring lockdown of the first COVID-19 wave (15 March 2020-15 May 2020), and ~16 % during the third COVID-19 wave (1 February 2021-1 June 2021). This study found positive correlations between exposure to air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO and 222Rn, and significant negative correlations, especially for spring-summer periods between ground O3 levels, air temperature, Planetary Boundary Layer height, and surface solar irradiance with COVID-19 incidence and deaths. For the analyzed time period 1 January 2020-1 April 2022, before and during each COVID-19 wave were recorded stagnant synoptic anticyclonic conditions favorable for SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading, with positive Omega surface charts composite average (Pa/s) at 850 mb during fall- winter seasons, clearly evidenced for the second, the fourth and the fifth waves. These findings are relevant for viral infections controls and health safety strategies design in highly polluted urban environments.
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Key Words
- 222Rn
- 222Rn, Radon
- AOD, Total Aerosol Optical Depth at 550 nm
- Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)
- CAMS, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service
- CO, Carbon monoxide
- COVID, 19 Coronavirus Disease 2019
- COVID-19 disease
- Climate variables
- DNC, Daily New COVID-19 positive cases
- DND, Daily New COVID-19 Deaths
- MERS, CoV Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- NO2, Nitrogen dioxide
- NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S.A.
- O3, Ozone
- Outdoor air pollutants
- PBL, Planetary Boundary Layer height
- PM, Particulate Matter: PM1(1 µm), PM2.5 (2.5 µm) and PM10(10.0 µm) diameter
- RH, Air relative humidity
- SARS, CoV Severe Outdoor Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
- SARS, CoV-2 Severe Outdoor Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
- SI, Surface solar global irradiance
- SO2, Sulfur dioxide
- Synoptic meteorological circulation
- T, Air temperature at 2 m height
- p, Air pressure
- w, Wind speed intensity
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Zoran
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele, Bucharest 077125, Romania
| | - Roxana S Savastru
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele, Bucharest 077125, Romania
| | - Dan M Savastru
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele, Bucharest 077125, Romania
| | - Marina N Tautan
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele, Bucharest 077125, Romania
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22
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Cereda G, Viscardi C, Baccini M. Combining and comparing regional SARS-CoV-2 epidemic dynamics in Italy: Bayesian meta-analysis of compartmental models and global sensitivity analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:919456. [PMID: 36187637 PMCID: PMC9523586 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.919456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During autumn 2020, Italy faced a second important SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave. We explored the time pattern of the instantaneous reproductive number, R 0(t), and estimated the prevalence of infections by region from August to December calibrating SIRD models on COVID-19-related deaths, fixing at values from literature Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) and average infection duration. A Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) was performed on the regional SIRD models. Then, we used Bayesian meta-analysis and meta-regression to combine and compare the regional results and investigate their heterogeneity. The meta-analytic R 0(t) curves were similar in the Northern and Central regions, while a less peaked curve was estimated for the South. The maximum R 0(t) ranged from 2.15 (South) to 2.61 (North) with an increase following school reopening and a decline at the end of October. The predictive performance of the regional models, assessed through cross validation, was good, with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error of 7.2% and 10.9% when considering prediction horizons of 7 and 14 days, respectively. Average temperature, urbanization, characteristics of family medicine and healthcare system, economic dynamism, and use of public transport could partly explain the regional heterogeneity. The GSA indicated the robustness of the regional R 0(t) curves to different assumptions on IFR. The infectious period turned out to have a key role in determining the model results, but without compromising between-region comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cereda
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Florence Center for Data Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,*Correspondence: Giulia Cereda
| | - Cecilia Viscardi
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Florence Center for Data Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Cecilia Viscardi
| | - Michela Baccini
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Florence Center for Data Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy,Michela Baccini
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Zoran MA, Savastru RS, Savastru DM, Tautan MN. Impacts of exposure to air pollution, radon and climate drivers on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bucharest, Romania: A time series study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113437. [PMID: 35594963 PMCID: PMC9113773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
During the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic disease, like several countries, Romania experienced a multiwaves pattern over more than two years. The spreading pattern of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens in the Bucharest, capital of Romania is a multi-factorial process involving among other factors outdoor environmental variables and viral inactivation. Through descriptive statistics and cross-correlation analysis applied to daily time series of observational and geospatial data, this study aims to evaluate the synergy of COVID-19 incidence and lethality with air pollution and radon under different climate conditions, which may exacerbate the coronavirus' effect on human health. During the entire analyzed period 1 January 2020-21 December 2021, for each of the four COVID-19 waves were recorded different anomalous anticyclonic synoptic meteorological patterns in the mid-troposphere, and favorable stability conditions during fall-early winter seasons for COVID-19 disease fast-spreading, mostly during the second, and the fourth waves. As the temporal pattern of airborne SARS-CoV-2 and its mutagen variants is affected by seasonal variability of the main air pollutants and climate parameters, this paper found: 1) the daily outdoor exposures to air pollutants (particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide-NO2, sulfur dioxide-SO2, carbon monoxide-CO) and radon - 222Rn, are directly correlated with the daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality, and may contribute to the spread and the severity of the pandemic; 2) the daily ground ozone-O3 levels, air temperature, Planetary Boundary Layer height, and surface solar irradiance are anticorrelated with the daily new COVID-19 incidence and deaths, averageingful for spring-summer periods. Outdoor exposure to ambient air pollution associated with radon is a non-negligible driver of COVID-19 transmission in large metropolitan areas, and climate variables are risk factors in spreading the viral infection. The findings of this study provide useful information for public health authorities and decision-makers to develop future pandemic diseases strategies in high polluted metropolitan environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Zoran
- National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Bucharest, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Roxana S Savastru
- National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
| | - Dan M Savastru
- National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
| | - Marina N Tautan
- National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
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Recchia V, Aloisi A, Zizza A. Risk management and communication plans from SARS to COVID-19 and beyond. Int J Health Plann Manage 2022; 37:3039-3060. [PMID: 35983693 PMCID: PMC9559595 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Nowadays, due to globalisation, the likelihood that infectious
diseases spread rapidly is extraordinarily high. SARS and COVID‐19 are two
diseases of the Coronavirus family, which developed in China and then spread
internationally, causing global public health emergencies. This study investigates
the role that risk management and communication systems played in mitigating these
emergencies, to establish how they should be improved in the future. Methods A narrative review was carried out to investigate different
knowledge domains, such as risk management and communication, risk assessment and
indicators, epidemiological and clinical data, diagnostic methods, vaccines,
public health and social measures. Results On one side, risk management systems assess the main data,
knowledge, and indicators on epidemiology, diagnostics, and vaccines
(science‐based); on the other side, they apply public health and social measures
(socially‐based). Decision‐makers, in fact, implement their actions by constantly
balancing these two sides (policy‐based). Conclusions A correct crisis management approach should support the governance
of pandemics, by harmonising the actual risks assessed by experts with those
perceived by the general population. It should incorporate not only the
biological, but even the environmental, social and economic aspects of virus
emergencies, towards establishing a suitable framework to deal with possible
future pandemics. COVID‐19 and SARS enhanced rapid research on specific
diagnostics and vaccines. Public health and social measures remain the primary response
to virus outbreaks. Risk perception affects people's behaviour and public health
measures' application. Risk management and communication plans are crucial to cope
with pandemics. SARS and COVID‐19 experiences should help to deal with future
virus emergencie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Recchia
- CNR-IFC National Research Council-Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aloisi
- CNR-IMM National Research Council-Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Zizza
- CNR-IFC National Research Council-Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy
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25
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Correlation between COVID-19 and weather variables: A meta-analysis. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10333. [PMID: 35996423 PMCID: PMC9387066 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has significantly impacted humans worldwide in recent times. Weather variables have a remarkable effect on COVID-19 spread all over the universe. Objectives The aim of this study was to find the correlation between weather variables with COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths. Methods Five electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid (Medline), and Ovid (Embase) were searched to conduct the literature survey from January 01, 2020, to February 03, 2022. Both fixed-effects and random-effects models were used to calculate pooled correlation and 95% confidence interval (CI) for both effect measures. Included studies heterogeneity was measured by Cochrane chi-square test statistic Q, I2 and τ2. Funnel plot was used to measure publication bias. A Sensitivity analysis was also carried out. Results Total 38 studies were analyzed in this study. The result of this analysis showed a significantly negative impact on COVID-19 fixed effect incidence and weather variables such as temperature (r = -0.113∗∗∗), relative humidity (r = -0.019∗∗∗), precipitation (r = -0.143∗∗∗), air pressure (r = -0.073∗), and sunlight (r = -0.277∗∗∗) and also found positive impact on wind speed (r = 0.076∗∗∗) and dew point (r = 0.115∗∗∗). From this analysis, significant negative impact was also found for COVID-19 fixed effect death and weather variables such as temperature (r = -0.094∗∗∗), wind speed (r = -0.048∗∗), rainfall (r = -0.158∗∗∗), sunlight (r = -0.271∗∗∗) and positive impact for relative humidity (r = 0.059∗∗∗). Conclusion This meta-analysis disclosed significant correlations between weather and COVID-19 cases and deaths. The findings of this analysis would help policymakers and the health professionals to reduce the cases and fatality rate depending on weather forecast techniques and fight this pandemic using restricted assets.
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Culqui DR, Díaz J, Blanco A, Lopez JA, Navas MA, Sánchez-Martínez G, Luna MY, Hervella B, Belda F, Linares C. Short-term influence of environmental factors and social variables COVID-19 disease in Spain during first wave (Feb-May 2020). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:50392-50406. [PMID: 35230631 PMCID: PMC8886199 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the combined role of environmental pollutants and atmospheric variables at short term on the rate of incidence (TIC) and on the hospital admission rate (TIHC) due to COVID-19 disease in Spain. This study used information from 41 of the 52 provinces of Spain (from Feb. 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021). Using TIC and TIHC as dependent variables, and average daily concentrations of PM10 and NO2 as independent variables. Meteorological variables included maximum daily temperature (Tmax) and average daily absolute humidity (HA). Generalized linear models (GLM) with Poisson link were carried out for each provinces The GLM model controlled for trend, seasonalities, and the autoregressive character of the series. Days with lags were established. The relative risk (RR) was calculated by increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM10 and NO2 and by 1 °C in the case of Tmax and 1 g/m3 in the case of HA. Later, a linear regression was carried out that included the social determinants of health. Statistically significant associations were found between PM10, NO2, and the rate of COVID-19 incidence. NO2 was the variable that showed greater association, both for TIC as well as for TIHC in the majority of provinces. Temperature and HA do not seem to have played an important role. The geographic distribution of RR in the studied provinces was very much heterogeneous. Some of the health determinants considered, including income per capita, presence of airports, average number of diesel cars per inhabitant, average number of nursing personnel, and homes under 30 m2 could explain the differential geographic behavior. As findings indicates, environmental factors only could modulate the incidence and severity of COVID-19. Moreover, the social determinants and public health measures could explain some patterns of geographically distribution founded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante R. Culqui
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Díaz
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Blanco
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Lopez
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Navas
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Linares
- Reference Unit on Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos, 5 (Aveniu), 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Gholipour S, Ghalhari MR, Nikaeen M, Rabbani D, Pakzad P, Miranzadeh MB. Occurrence of viruses in sewage sludge: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153886. [PMID: 35182626 PMCID: PMC8848571 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses are of great importance in wastewater due to their high excretion from infected individuals, low removal in wastewater treatment processes, long-time survival in the environment, and low infectious dose. Among the other viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surveillance in wastewater systems has received particular attention as a result of the current COVID-19 epidemic. Viruses adhering to solid particles in wastewater treatment processes will end up as sewage sludge, and therefore insufficient sludge treatment may result in viral particles dissemination into the environment. Here, we review data on viruses' presence in sewage sludge, their detection and concentration methods, and information on human health issues associated with sewage sludge land application. We used combinations of the following keywords in the Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed databases, which were published between 2010 and January 21th, 2022: sludge (sewage sludge, biosolids, sewage solids, wastewater solids) and virus (enteric virus, viral particles, viral contamination, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus). The sources were searched twice, once with and then without the common enteric virus names (adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus). Studies suggest adenovirus and norovirus as the most prevalent enteric viruses in sewage sludge. Indeed, other viruses include rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and enterovirus were frequently found in sewage sludge samples. Untreated biological sludge and thickened sludge showed more viral contamination level than digested sludge and the lowest prevalence of viruses was reported in lime stabilized sludge. The review reveals that land application of sewage sludge may pose viral infection risks to people due to accidently ingestion of sludge or intake of crops grown in biosolids amended soil. Moreover, contamination of groundwater and/or surface water may occur due to land application of sewage sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Davarkhah Rabbani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Parichehr Pakzad
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Miranzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Keulers L, Dehghani A, Knippels L, Garssen J, Papadopoulos N, Folkerts G, Braber S, van Bergenhenegouwen J. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to prevent or combat air pollution consequences: The gut-lung axis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119066. [PMID: 35240267 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution exposure is a public health emergency, which attributes globally to an estimated seven million deaths on a yearly basis We are all exposed to air pollutants, varying from ambient air pollution hanging over cities to dust inside the home. It is a mixture of airborne particulate matter and gases that can be subdivided into three categories based on particle diameter. The smallest category called PM0.1 is the most abundant. A fraction of the particles included in this category might enter the blood stream spreading to other parts of the body. As air pollutants can enter the body via the lungs and gut, growing evidence links its exposure to gastrointestinal and respiratory impairments and diseases, like asthma, rhinitis, respiratory tract infections, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and abdominal pain. It has become evident that there exists a crosstalk between the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, commonly referred to as the gut-lung axis. Via microbial secretions, metabolites, immune mediators and lipid profiles, these two separate organ systems can influence each other. Well-known immunomodulators and gut health stimulators are probiotics, prebiotics, together called synbiotics. They might combat air pollution-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress by optimizing the microbiota composition and microbial metabolites, thereby stimulating anti-inflammatory pathways and strengthening mucosal and epithelial barriers. Although clinical studies investigating the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in an air pollution setting are lacking, these interventions show promising health promoting effects by affecting the gastrointestinal- and respiratory tract. This review summarizes the current data on how air pollution can affect the gut-lung axis and might impact gut and lung health. It will further elaborate on the potential role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-lung axis, and gut and lung health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loret Keulers
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leon Knippels
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van Bergenhenegouwen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Danone Nutricia Research, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584, CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Akan AP. Transmission of COVID-19 pandemic (Turkey) associated with short-term exposure of air quality and climatological parameters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:41695-41712. [PMID: 35098452 PMCID: PMC8801283 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18403-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to investigate associations between air pollution, climate parameters, and the diffusion of COVID-19-confirmed cases in Turkey using Spearman's correlation test as an empirical methodology by Statgraphics Centurion XVI (version 16.1) and to determine the risk factors accelerating the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study demonstrates the strong impacts of air pollutants and weather conditions on the transmission of COVID-19 morbidity. Particularly, O3 and PM10 from air quality parameters exhibited the strongest correlation with the number of daily cases in Kütahya (rs = -0.62; p < 0.05) and Sivas (rs = -0.62; p < 0.05) provinces, respectively. In meteorological parameters, rainfall showed the highest impact (rs = 0.76; p < 0.05) on the number of daily COVID-19 cases in Denizli distinct. Moreover, this study suggested that the diffusion of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in regions with high levels of air pollution and low wind speed is dominant. To prevent the negative effects of the future pandemic crisis on public health and economic systems, manifold implications to encourage strategies to reduce air pollution in the polluted region such as being prevalent the usage of renewable energy technologies in particular electricity generation and sustainable policies such as improving the health system should be implemented by decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aytac Perihan Akan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey.
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Akbari B, Baghaei-Yazdi N, Bahmaie M, Mahdavi Abhari F. The role of plant-derived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress. Biofactors 2022; 48:611-633. [PMID: 35229925 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Free radicals are a group of damaging molecules produced during the normal metabolism of cells in the human body. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoking, and other environmental pollutants enhances free radicals in the human body. The destructive effects of free radicals may also cause harm to membranes, enzymes, and DNA, leading to several human diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, malaria, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative illnesses. This process occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses. Since antioxidants scavenge free radicals and repair damaged cells, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables containing high antioxidant values is recommended to slow down oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, natural products demonstrated a wide range of biological impacts such as anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis, and anti-cancer properties. Hence, in this review article, our goal is to explore the role of natural therapeutic antioxidant effects to reduce oxidative stress in the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Akbari
- School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Namdar Baghaei-Yazdi
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Manochehr Bahmaie
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
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Culqui Lévano DR, Díaz J, Blanco A, Lopez JA, Navas MA, Sánchez-Martínez G, Luna MY, Hervella B, Belda F, Linares C. Mortality due to COVID-19 in Spain and its association with environmental factors and determinants of health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2022; 34:39. [PMID: 35498506 PMCID: PMC9040357 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-022-00617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to identify which air pollutants, atmospheric variables and health determinants could influence COVID-19 mortality in Spain. This study used information from 41 of the 52 provinces in Spain (from Feb. 1, to May 31, 2021). Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with Poisson link were carried out for the provinces, using the Rate of Mortality due to COVID-19 (CM) per 1,000,000 inhabitants as dependent variables, and average daily concentrations of PM10 and NO2 as independent variables. Meteorological variables included maximum daily temperature (Tmax) and average daily absolute humidity (HA). The GLM model controlled for trend, seasonalities and the autoregressive character of the series. Days with lags were established. The relative risk (RR) was calculated by increases of 10 g/m3 in PM10 and NO2 and by 1 ℃ in the case of Tmax and 1 g/m3 in the case of HA. Later, a linear regression was carried out that included the social determinants of health. RESULTS Statistically significant associations were found between PM10, NO2 and the CM. These associations had a positive value. In the case of temperature and humidity, the associations had a negative value. PM10 being the variable that showed greater association, with the CM followed of NO2 in the majority of provinces. Anyone of the health determinants considered, could explain the differential geographic behavior. CONCLUSIONS The role of PM10 is worth highlighting, as the chemical air pollutant for which there was a greater number of provinces in which it was associated with CM. The role of the meteorological variables-temperature and HA-was much less compared to that of the air pollutants. None of the social determinants we proposed could explain the heterogeneous geographical distribution identified in this study. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12302-022-00617-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante R. Culqui Lévano
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Díaz
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Blanco
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Lopez
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Navas
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - M. Yolanda Luna
- State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Calle Rios Rosas, 44, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Hervella
- State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Calle Rios Rosas, 44, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Belda
- State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Calle Rios Rosas, 44, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Reference Unit On Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment National School of Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Monforte de Lemos 5, ZIP 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Relationship between Meteorological and Air Quality Parameters and COVID-19 in Casablanca Region, Morocco. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094989. [PMID: 35564384 PMCID: PMC9100265 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between meteorological parameters, air quality and daily COVID-19 transmission in Morocco. We collected daily data of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Casablanca region, as well as meteorological parameters (average temperature, wind, relative humidity, precipitation, duration of insolation) and air quality parameters (CO, NO2, 03, SO2, PM10) during the period of 2 March 2020, to 31 December 2020. The General Additive Model (GAM) was used to assess the impact of these parameters on daily cases of COVID-19. A total of 172,746 confirmed cases were reported in the study period. Positive associations were observed between COVID-19 and wind above 20 m/s and humidity above 80%. However, temperatures above 25° were negatively associated with daily cases of COVID-19. PM10 and O3 had a positive effect on the increase in the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases, while precipitation had a borderline effect below 25 mm and a negative effect above this value. The findings in this study suggest that significant associations exist between meteorological factors, air quality pollution (PM10) and the transmission of COVID-19. Our findings may help public health authorities better control the spread of COVID-19.
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Thornton GM, Fleck BA, Fleck N, Kroeker E, Dandnayak D, Zhong L, Hartling L. The impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus: A systematic review of ultraviolet radiation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266487. [PMID: 35395010 PMCID: PMC8992995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viruses are capable of transmitting via an aerosol route. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 can be spread through airborne transmission, particularly in indoor environments with poor ventilation. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can play a role in mitigating airborne virus transmission. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), a feature that can be incorporated into HVAC systems, can be used to impede the ability of viruses to replicate and infect a host. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature examining the effectiveness of HVAC design features in reducing virus transmission—here we report results for ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We followed international standards for conducting systematic reviews and developed an a priori protocol. We conducted a comprehensive search to January 2021 of published and grey literature using Ovid MEDLINE, Compendex, and Web of Science Core. Two reviewers were involved in study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments. We presented study characteristics and results in evidence tables, and synthesized results across studies narratively. We identified 32 relevant studies published between 1936 and 2020. Research demonstrates that: viruses and bacteriophages are inactivated by UV radiation; increasing UV dose is associated with decreasing survival fraction of viruses and bacteriophages; increasing relative humidity is associated with decreasing susceptibility to UV radiation; UV dose and corresponding survival fraction are affected by airflow pattern, air changes per hour, and UV device location; and UV radiation is associated with decreased transmission in both animal and human studies. While UV radiation has been shown to be effective in inactivating viruses and reducing disease transmission, practical implementation of UVGI in HVAC systems needs to consider airflow patterns, air changes per hour, and UV device location. The majority of the scientific literature is comprised of experimental, laboratory-based studies. Further, a variety of viruses have been examined; however, there are few studies of coronaviruses and none to date of SARS-CoV-2. Future field studies of UVGI systems could address an existing research gap and provide important information on system performance in real-world situations, particularly in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive synthesis of the scientific evidence examining the impact of UV radiation on virus transmission can be used to guide implementation of systems to mitigate airborne spread and identify priorities for future research. Trial registration PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020193968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M. Thornton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Brian A. Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Natalie Fleck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emily Kroeker
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dhyey Dandnayak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Plastic Waste Management towards Energy Recovery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Example of Protective Face Mask Pyrolysis. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15072629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents an assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the waste management sector, and then, based on laboratory tests and computer calculations, indicates how to effectively manage selected waste generated during the pandemic. Elemental compositions—namely, C, H, N, S, Cl, and O—were determined as part of the laboratory tests, and the pyrolysis processes of the above wastes were analysed using the TGA technique. The calculations were performed for a pilot pyrolysis reactor with a continuous flow of 240 kg/h in the temperature range of 400–900 °C. The implemented calculation model was experimentally verified for the conditions of the refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pyrolysis process. As a result of the laboratory tests and computer simulations, comprehensive knowledge was obtained about the pyrolysis of protective masks, with particular emphasis on the gaseous products of this process. The high calorific value of the pyrolysis gas, amounting to approx. 47.7 MJ/m3, encourages the management of plastic waste towards energy recovery. The proposed approach may be helpful in the initial assessment of the possibility of using energy from waste, depending on its elemental composition, as well as in the assessment of the environmental effects.
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Water Quality and Water Pollution in Time of COVID-19: Positive and Negative Repercussions. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14071124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the new COVID-19 disease a pandemic. Most countries responded with a lockdown to reduce its effects, which brought beneficial consequences to the environment in many regions, but the pandemic also raised a series of challenges. This review proposes an assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic positive and negative impacts on water bodies on different continents. By applying a search protocol on the Web of Science platform, a scientific bank of 35 compatible studies was obtained out of the 62 open-access articles that were initially accessible. Regarding the positive impacts, the SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in sewage waters is a useful mechanism in the promptly exposure of community infections and, during the pandemic, many water bodies all over the world had lower pollution levels. The negative impacts are as follows: SARS-CoV-2 presence in untreated sewage water amplifies the risk to human health; there is a lack of adequate elimination processes of plastics, drugs, and biological pollution in wastewater treatment plants; the amount of municipal and medical waste that pollutes water bodies increased; and waste recycling decreased. Urgent preventive measures need to be taken to implement effective solutions for water protection.
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Moazeni M, Maracy MR, Dehdashti B, Ebrahimi A. Spatiotemporal analysis of COVID-19, air pollution, climate, and meteorological conditions in a metropolitan region of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:24911-24924. [PMID: 34826084 PMCID: PMC8619654 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a close relationship with local environmental conditions. This study explores the effects of climate characteristics and air pollution on COVID-19 in Isfahan province, Iran. A number of COVID-19 positive cases, main air pollutants, air quality index (AQI), and climatic variables were received from March 1, 2020, to January 19, 2021. Moreover, CO, NO2, and O3 tropospheric levels were collected using Sentinel-5P satellite data. The spatial distribution of variables was estimated by the ordinary Kriging and inverse weighted distance (IDW) models. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to analyze the relationship between environmental variables and COVID-19. The seasonal trend of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), wind speed, solar energy, and rainfall like COVID-19 was upward in spring and summer. The high and low temperatures increased from April to August. All variables had a spatial autocorrelation and clustered pattern except AQI. Furthermore, COVID-19 showed a significant association with month, climate, solar energy, and NO2. Suitable policy implications are recommended to be performed for improving people's healthcare and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study could survey the local spread of COVID-19, with consideration of the effect of environmental variables, and provides helpful information to health ministry decisions for mitigating harmful effects of environmental change. By means of the proposed approach, probably the COVID-19 spread can be recognized by knowing the regional climate in major cities. The present study also finds that COVID-19 may have an effect on climatic condition and air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Moazeni
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Maracy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahare Dehdashti
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afshin Ebrahimi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Liu M, Shi L, Chen H, Wang X, Yang M, Jiao J, Yang J, Sun G. Comparison Between China and Brazil in the Two Waves of COVID-19 Prevention and Control. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2022; 12:168-181. [PMID: 35353368 PMCID: PMC8965218 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-022-00036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study analyzes the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention and control in China and Brazil from the perspectives of policy and meteorological conditions, and provides experience for epidemic prevention and control. Methods This study collects data on meteorological conditions, vaccination and mutant strains in the two countries to analyze the reasons for the differences in epidemic status between the two countries and extracts public data on COVID-19 through various official websites, summarizes the prevention and control policies implemented by the two countries, and evaluates their effectiveness. Results As of August 12, 2021, the total number of COVID-19 cases and the daily number of new COVID-19 cases in China have been growing steadily, showing remarkable results in epidemic control. The total number of confirmed cases and the daily number of new confirmed cases in Brazil have continued to increase rapidly. The total death case in Brazil has reached 560,000, far exceeding that in China, and the effect of epidemic prevention and control is not satisfactory. Conclusions Multiple factors, such as meteorological conditions, policies and strategies, and economic conditions, can influence the spread of COVID-19, and therefore, the situation varies greatly from country to country. China and Brazil have chosen different interventions in the fight against COVID-19. The policy measures taken by China are typical containment measures and Brazil has a mitigation strategy. From the perspective of the current situation of the epidemic development in both countries, the cumulative death rate and daily new confirmed cases in Brazil are much higher than those in China, which indicates that the containment strategy is more effective than mitigation strategy in preventing and controlling COVID-19. Fighting the epidemic is a global long-lasting battle, and the two countries should learn from each other with the premise of respecting their national conditions. Countries should deepen cooperation and not let up prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiheng Liu
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Haiqian Chen
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Manfei Yang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyan Yang
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Health Management, School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Kim S, Kim S, Park HJ, Park S, Kim JY, Jeong YW, Yang HH, Choi Y, Yeom M, Song D, Lee C. Practical scale evaluation of a photocatalytic air purifier equipped with a Titania-zeolite composite bead filter for VOC removal and viral inactivation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112036. [PMID: 34529972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A practical scale photocatalytic air purifier equipped with a TiO2/H-ZSM-5 composite bead filter was demonstrated to be able to effectively remove indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and viruses with sustainable performances under UVA-LED illumination. TiO2 hybridized with 5 wt% H-ZSM-5 zeolite significantly enhanced its photocatalytic activity for degrading VOCs including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and toluene, than bare TiO2. H-ZSM-5 provided strong adsorption sites for these compounds, thus accelerating their photocatalytic conversion into CO2 by adjacent TiO2 photocatalyst. Moreover, owing to its superior adsorption capacity, the composite bead filter completely prevented the emission of formaldehyde produced by photocatalytic oxidation of toluene. The sustainability of this composite bead filter for VOC removal was confirmed by regeneration and accelerated durability tests. In addition, the photocatalytic air purifier was effective in removing aerosolized viral particles of bacteriophage Phi-X 174. It was confirmed that the viruses on filter surfaces were completely inactivated by photocatalytic oxidation. TiO2/H-ZSM-5 composite beads also exhibited excellent efficacies for inactivation of pathogenic coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. The photocatalytic process degraded viral RNAs of SARS-CoV-2 by more than 99.999% in 1 h, eliminating the viral infectivity. Results of this study suggest that the air purifier equipped with the composite bead filter is ready for practical applications for home and hospital uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwon Kim
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Saemi Kim
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jin Park
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Park
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Yeon Kim
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Won Jeong
- Sensor Lab, Smart Device Team, Samsung Research, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul, 06756, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Heon Yang
- R&D Team, Cosmo Catalysts Co., Ltd., Cheongju, 28438, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsup Choi
- R&D Team, Cosmo Catalysts Co., Ltd., Cheongju, 28438, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjoo Yeom
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesub Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Changha Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Svetina L, Kosec A, Curkovic M, Nola Iskra A. A case study of complex disasters within the resilience framework in Zagreb, Croatia: Two earthquakes in one pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112079. [PMID: 34571030 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper is an analysis of complex crisis management and the importance of resilience on the example of co-occurring disasters. A resilience framework model was analyzed based on epidemiologic data and the interplay of several disasters; the COVID-19 pandemic and two 2020 Zagreb, Croatia earthquakes. A dose-response principle may be applied to a complex crisis scenario, within a resilience-vulnerability framework. The available data present the concept of balance between vulnerability and resilience of the population affected by complex crises as well as possible adaptation mechanisms. Multiple disasters that last for a prolonged period reduce the populations' resilience and increase the risk of the next crisis becoming a disaster as well. Such complex disasters should not be approached by multiple risk management protocols, but rather by a single, multilayered protocol. Health policies that predict the possible effects of complex disasters on health risk management need to provide measures to maintain and promote resilience instead of collapse. These is a clear need to adopt green environmental policies, reduce socioeconomic inequality, train volunteer managers during crises, introduce timely evidence-informed policies and transfer new research and innovations in society rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Svetina
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska Street 38, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andro Kosec
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Salata 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Vinogradska Cesta 29, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Curkovic
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Salata 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, Bolnička Cesta 32, 10 090, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alexandra Nola Iskra
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Salata 2, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia; Andrija Stampar School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Sports Medicine, Rockefeller Street 4, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Tharayil A, Rajakumari R, Mozetic M, Primc G, Thomas S. Contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on fomite surfaces: surface survival and risk reduction. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210042. [PMID: 34956610 PMCID: PMC8662391 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unprecedented concern regarding the viral strain SARS-CoV-2 and especially its respiratory disease more commonly known as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to survive on different surfaces for extended periods, ranging from days up to months. The new infectious properties of SARS-CoV-2 vary depending on the properties of fomite surfaces. In this review, we summarize the risk factors involved in the indirect transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 strains on fomite surfaces. The main mode of indirect transmission is the contamination of porous and non-porous inanimate surfaces such as textile surfaces that include clothes and most importantly personal protective equipment like personal protective equipment kits, masks, etc. In the second part of the review, we highlight materials and processes that can actively reduce the SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination pattern and the associated transmission routes. The review also focuses on some general methodologies for designing advanced and effective antiviral surfaces by physical and chemical modifications, viral inhibitors, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu Tharayil
- School of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
| | - R. Rajakumari
- International and Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
| | - Miran Mozetic
- Department of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Primc
- Department of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sabu Thomas
- School of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
- International and Inter-University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala 686560, India
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Yang SQ, Fang ZG, Lv CX, An SY, Guan P, Huang DS, Wu W. Spatiotemporal cluster analysis of COVID-19 and its relationship with environmental factors at the city level in mainland China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:13386-13395. [PMID: 34595708 PMCID: PMC8483427 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to identify the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal clusters of COVID-19 cases in 366 cities in mainland China with the highest risks and to explore the possible influencing factors of imported risks and environmental factors on the spatiotemporal aggregation, which would be useful to the design and implementation of critical preventative measures. The retrospective analysis of temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal clustering of COVID-19 during the period (January 15 to February 25, 2020) was based on Kulldorff's time-space scanning statistics using the discrete Poisson probability model, and then the logistic regression model was used to evaluate the impact of imported risk and environmental factors on spatiotemporal aggregation. We found that the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases was nonrandom; the Moran's I value ranged from 0.017 to 0.453 (P < 0.001). One most likely cluster and three secondary likely clusters were discovered in spatial cluster analysis. The period from February 2 to February 9, 2020, was identified as the most likely cluster in the temporal cluster analysis. One most likely cluster and seven secondary likely clusters were discovered in spatiotemporal cluster analysis. Imported risk, humidity, and inhalable particulate matter PM2.5 had a significant impact on temporal and spatial accumulation, and temperature and PM10 had a low correlation with the spatiotemporal aggregation of COVID-19. The information is useful for health departments to develop a better prevention strategy and potentially increase the effectiveness of public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Qin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Fang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Cai-Xia Lv
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shu-Yi An
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Guan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - De-Sheng Huang
- Department of Mathematics, School of Fundamental Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Yan X, Wang Z, Wang X, Zhang X, Wang L, Lu Z, Jia Z. Association between human coronaviruses' epidemic and environmental factors on a global scale. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:14333-14347. [PMID: 34609683 PMCID: PMC8490851 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors could influence the epidemic of virus in human; however, the association remains intricate, and the evidence is still not clear in human coronaviruses (HCoVs). We aimed to explore and compare the associations between HCoVs' epidemic and environmental factors globally. Four common HCoVs' data were collected by a systematic literature review, and data of MERS, SARS, and COVID-19 were collected from the World Health Organization's reports. Monthly positive rates of common HCoVs and incidence rates of MERS, SARS, and COVID-19 were calculated. Geographical coordinates were used to link virus data and environmental data. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to quantitatively estimate the association of environmental factors with HCoVs' epidemic. We found that there are wide associations between HCoVs and environmental factors on a global scale, and some of the associations were nonlinear. In addition, COVID-19 has the most similarities in associations' direction with common HCoVs, especially for HCoV-HKU1 in four environmental factors including the significantly negative associations with average temperature, precipitation, vegetation coverage (p<0.05), and the U-shaped association with temperature range. This study strengthened the relevant research evidences and provided significant insights into the epidemic rules of HCoVs in general. The similarities between COVID-19 and common HCoVs indicated that it is critically important to strengthen surveillance on common HCoVs and pay more attention to environmental factors' role in surveillance and early warning of HCoVs' epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Yan
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zekun Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lianhao Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Zhongwei Jia
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Center for Intelligent Public Health, Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Center for Drug Abuse Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health Data Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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43
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Asdaq SMB, Rabbani SI, Alamri AS, Alsanie WF, Alhomrani M, Al-Yamani MJ. Influence of environmental factors on the spread of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12732. [PMID: 35036101 PMCID: PMC8743009 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide. The infection is mostly spread through the inhalation of infected droplets. Saudi Arabia is a vast country having different climatic conditions. METHODS The study evaluated the influence of environmental factors on the spread of COVID-19. Six zones (A to F) were classified depending on the climatic conditions. The study was conducted by retrospective analysis of COVID-19 records from the ministry of health between the months of September 2020 and August 2021. The environmental data such as average temperature (°C), humidity (%), wind speed (m/s) and sun exposure (kwh/m2) were retrieved from official sites. The data was analyzed to determine the effect of these factors on the spread of COVID-19. SPSS IBM 25 software was used to conduct the analysis and p < 0.05 was considered to indicate the significance of the results. RESULTS According to the findings, the rate of infection was greater between April and July 2021. Six climatic zones experienced high temperatures, little humidity, consistent wind flow, and intense sun exposure throughout this time. The correlation study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the environmental factors and the spread of COVID-19. The data suggested that during summer condition when the weather is hot, less humid, and steady wind flow with lots of sun exposure, the COVID-19 infection rate got augmented in Saudi Arabia. Poor ventilation and closed-door habitats in an air-conditioned atmosphere during this period could have played a role in human transmission. More research on air quality, population mobility and diseased condition is essential, so that precise proactive measures can be designed to limit the spread of infection in specific climatic seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syed Imam Rabbani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhakeem S. Alamri
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia, Taif, Saudi Arabia,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wala F. Alsanie
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia, Taif, Saudi Arabia,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alhomrani
- Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia, Taif, Saudi Arabia,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad J. Al-Yamani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Dariyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Jia S, Li Y, Fang T. System dynamics analysis of COVID-19 prevention and control strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:3944-3957. [PMID: 34402008 PMCID: PMC8367034 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic now affects the entire world and has many major effects on the global economy, environment, health, and society. Focusing on the harm COVID-19 poses for human health and society, this study used system dynamics to establish a prevention and control model that combines material supply, public opinion dissemination, public awareness, scientific and technological research, staggered work shifts, and the warning effect (of law/policy). Causal loop analysis was used to identify interactions between subsystems and explore the key factors affecting social benefit. Further, different scenarios were dynamically simulated to explore optimal combination modes. The main findings were as follows: (1) The low supervision mode will produce a lag effect and superimposed effect on material supply and impede social benefit. (2) The strong supervision mode has multiple performances; it can reduce online public opinion dissemination and the rate of concealment and false declaration and improve government credibility and social benefit. However, a fading effect will appear in the middle and late periods, and over time, the effect of strong supervision will gradually weaken (but occasionally rebound) and thus require adjustment. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for improving epidemic prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Jia
- Business School, Henan University, Jinming District, Kaifeng, Henan 475004 People’s Republic of China
- College of Information and Management Science, Henan Agricultural University, 15 Longzi Lake Campus, Zhengzhou East New District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Li
- Business School, Henan University, Jinming District, Kaifeng, Henan 475004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianhui Fang
- Business School, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 People’s Republic of China
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45
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Zoran MA, Savastru RS, Savastru DM, Tautan MN, Baschir LA, Tenciu DV. Assessing the impact of air pollution and climate seasonality on COVID-19 multiwaves in Madrid, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111849. [PMID: 34370990 PMCID: PMC8343379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic is still in progress, being under the fifth COVID-19 wave in Madrid, over more than one year, Spain experienced a four wave pattern. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens in Madrid metropolitan region was investigated from an urban context associated with seasonal variability of climate and air pollution drivers. Based on descriptive statistics and regression methods of in-situ and geospatial daily time series data, this study provides a comparative analysis between COVID-19 waves incidence and mortality cases in Madrid under different air quality and climate conditions. During analyzed period 1 January 2020-1 July 2021, for each of the four COVID-19 waves in Madrid were recorded anomalous anticyclonic synoptic meteorological patterns in the mid-troposphere and favorable stability conditions for COVID-19 disease fast spreading. As airborne microbial temporal pattern is most affected by seasonal changes, this paper found: 1) a significant negative correlation of air temperature, Planetary Boundary Layer height, and surface solar irradiance with daily new COVID-19 incidence and deaths; 2) a similar mutual seasonality with climate variables of the first and the fourth COVID-waves from spring seasons of 2020 and 2021 years. Such information may help the health decision makers and public plan for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Zoran
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania.
| | - Roxana S Savastru
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania
| | - Dan M Savastru
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania
| | - Marina N Tautan
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania
| | - Laurentiu A Baschir
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania
| | - Daniel V Tenciu
- IT Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, Atomistilor Street 409, MG5, Magurele-Bucharest, 077125, Romania
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46
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Páez-Osuna F, Valencia-Castañeda G, Rebolledo UA. The link between COVID-19 mortality and PM 2.5 emissions in rural and medium-size municipalities considering population density, dust events, and wind speed. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131634. [PMID: 34325266 PMCID: PMC8296377 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
One contemporary issue is how environmental pollution and climate can affect the dissemination and severity of COVID-19 in humans. We documented the first case of association between particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and COVID-19 mortality rates that involved rural and medium-sized municipalities in northwestern Mexico, where direct air quality monitoring is absent. Alternatively, anthropogenic PM2.5 emissions were used to estimate the PM2.5 exposure in each municipality using two scenarios: 1) considering the fraction derived from combustion of vehicle fuel; and 2) the one derived from modeled anthropogenic sources. This study provides insights to better understand and face future pandemics by examining the relation between PM2.5 pollution and COVID-19 mortality considering the population density and the wind speed. The main findings are: (i) municipalities with high PM2.5 emissions and high population density have a higher COVID-19 mortality rate; (ii) the exceptionally high COVID-19 mortality rates of the rural municipalities could be associated to dust events, which are common in these regions where soils without vegetation are dominant; and (iii) the influence of wind speed on COVID-19 mortality rate was evidenced only in municipalities with <100 inhabitants per km2. These results confirm the suggestion that high levels of air pollutants associated with high population density and an elevated frequency of dust events may promote an extended prevalence and severity of viral particles in the polluted air of urban, suburban, and rural communities. This supports an additional means of dissemination of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in addition to the direct human-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Páez-Osuna
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, P.O. Box 811, Mazatlán, 82000, Sinaloa, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio de Sinaloa, Antonio Rosales 435 Poniente, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
| | - Gladys Valencia-Castañeda
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, P.O. Box 811, Mazatlán, 82000, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Uriel Arreguin Rebolledo
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, P.O. Box 811, Mazatlán, 82000, Sinaloa, Mexico
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Lym Y, Kim KJ. Exploring the effects of PM 2.5 and temperature on COVID-19 transmission in Seoul, South Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111810. [PMID: 34343550 PMCID: PMC8324501 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
With a recent surge of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2, COVID-19) in South Korea, this study attempts to investigate the effects of environmental conditions such as air pollutants (PM2.5) and meteorological covariate (Temperature) on COVID-19 transmission in Seoul. To account for unobserved heterogeneity in the daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 across 25 contiguous districts within Seoul, we adopt a full Bayesian hierarchical approach for the generalized linear mixed models. A formal statistical analysis suggests that there exists a positive correlation between a 7-day lagged effect of PM2.5 concentration and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, which implies an elevated risk of the infectious disease. Conversely, temperature has shown a negative correlation with the number of COVID-19 cases, leading to reduction in relative risks. In addition, we clarify that the random fluctuation in the relative risks of COVID-19 mainly originates from temporal aspects, whereas no significant evidence of variability in relative risks is observed in terms of spatial alignment of the 25 districts. Nevertheless, this study provides empirical evidence using model-based formal assessments regarding COVID-19 infection risks in 25 districts of Seoul from a different perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngbin Lym
- Center for Innovation Strategy and Policy, KAIST, South Korea
| | - Ki-Jung Kim
- Department of Smart Car Engineering, Doowon Technical University, South Korea.
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Thornton GM, Fleck BA, Kroeker E, Dandnayak D, Fleck N, Zhong L, Hartling L. The impact of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design features on the transmission of viruses, including the 2019 novel coronavirus: A systematic review of ventilation and coronavirus. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000552. [PMID: 36962357 PMCID: PMC10021902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aerosol transmission has been a pathway for the spread of many viruses. Similarly, emerging evidence has determined aerosol transmission for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic to be significant. As such, data regarding the effect of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) features to control and mitigate virus transmission is essential. A systematic review was conducted to identify and comprehensively synthesize research examining the effectiveness of ventilation for mitigating transmission of coronaviruses. A comprehensive search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Compendex, Web of Science Core to January 2021. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were performed by two authors. Evidence tables were developed and results were described narratively. Results from 32 relevant studies showed that: increased ventilation rate was associated with decreased transmission, transmission probability/risk, infection probability/risk, droplet persistence, virus concentration, and increased virus removal and virus particle removal efficiency; increased ventilation rate decreased risk at longer exposure times; some ventilation was better than no ventilation; airflow patterns affected transmission; ventilation feature (e.g., supply/exhaust, fans) placement influenced particle distribution. Few studies provided specific quantitative ventilation parameters suggesting a significant gap in current research. Adapting HVAC ventilation systems to mitigate virus transmission is not a one-solution-fits-all approach. Changing ventilation rate or using mixing ventilation is not always the only way to mitigate and control viruses. Practitioners need to consider occupancy, ventilation feature (supply/exhaust and fans) placement, and exposure time in conjunction with both ventilation rates and airflow patterns. Some recommendations based on quantitative data were made for specific scenarios (e.g., using air change rate of 9 h-1 for a hospital ward). Other recommendations included using or increasing ventilation, introducing fresh air, using maximum supply rates, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, assessing fan placement and potentially increasing ventilation locations, and employing ventilation testing and air balancing checks. Trial registration: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020193968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M Thornton
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Brian A Fleck
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Emily Kroeker
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dhyey Dandnayak
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Natalie Fleck
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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49
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Boshnyaga YA, Bologa MK, Agarval EY. On the Problem of Optimal Microbiological Decontamination of Air Environment and Surfaces. SURFACE ENGINEERING AND APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2022; 58. [PMCID: PMC9612621 DOI: 10.3103/s1068375522050039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Modern civilization, providing economic and social progress, at the same time objectively creates—sometimes close to ideal—conditions for the spread of various infections. The catastrophic consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic clearly indicate that homo sapiens appeared to be unable to effectively resist the onslaught of the coronavirus. The purpose of this publication is an attempt to fill the gap in the development of effective methods and means for microbiological decontamination that are optimal in terms of critical parameters. The observational data indicate that a significant number of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections occur by air without a direct contact with the source, including over a long time interval. Precipitation helps to cleanse the air from pollutants and viruses, reducing noncontact contamination, which additionally brings up to date the problem of optimal microbiological decontamination of the air environment and surfaces. A thermodynamic approach has been used to optimize microbiological sterilization. It is shown that irreversible chemical oxidation reactions are the shortest way to achieve sterility, and they are capable of providing high reliability of decontamination. It has been established that oxygen is an optimal oxidant, including from the point of view of ecology, since its reactive forms harmoniously fit into natural exchange cycles. The optimal method for obtaining reactive oxygen species for disinfection is the use of low-temperature (“cold”) plasma, which provides the energy-efficient generation of oxidative reactive forms: atomic oxygen (O), ozone (O3), hydroxyl radical (•OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$${\text{O}}_{2}^{ - }$$\end{document}), and singlet oxygen O2(a1Δg). Due to a short lifetime for most of the above forms outside the plasma applicator, objects remote from the plasma generator should be sterilized with ozone (O3), the minimum lifetime of which is quite long. It has been substantiated that the microwave method of generating oxygen plasma is optimal for energy-efficient ozone production. A modular principle of generation is proposed for varying the productivity of ozone-generating units over a wide range. The module has been developed on the basis of an adapted serial microwave oven, in which a non-self-sustaining microwave discharge is maintained thanks to ionizers (igniters), including those based on radiating radionuclides-emitters. In case of massive contamination of surfaces, it is advisable—in addition to ozone (O3) air disinfecting—to use aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is essential that these reactive oxygen species for disinfecting objects remote from the plasma generator are highly efficient and, at the same time, environmentally neutral. Reliable and affordable personal protective equipment is proposed for activities in zones of increased ozone concentration. The considered optimal means of disinfection can be applicable not only in medicine but also adapted for numerous practices in agriculture, industry, and everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu. A. Boshnyaga
- grid.450974.bInstitute of Applied Physics, MD-2028 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - M. K. Bologa
- grid.450974.bInstitute of Applied Physics, MD-2028 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - E. Yu. Agarval
- Sulac Theoretical Lyceum, MD-2019 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
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50
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Yazdian H, Jamshidi S. Performance evaluation of wastewater treatment plants under the sewage variations imposed by COVID-19 spread prevention actions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1613-1621. [PMID: 34540236 PMCID: PMC8436196 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00717-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its spread prevention actions (SPAs) have affected a large number of human activities globally in 2020-2021. Temporary lockdowns, stay-at-home policies, movement restrictions, and personal health care actions have relatively changed the daily life routine in urban areas which can eventually affect the characteristics of municipal wastewater (MW). This study evaluates the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) during COVID-19 pandemic and related SPAs. This evaluation also considers MW variations in quality and quantity and compares the performance of WWTPs (2020) with earlier data (2015-2019). For this purpose, 23 WWTPs located in Isfahan province, Iran, were chosen as the study area and classified based on their locations, biological treatment unit, and capacities. Results indicate that the inflow of WWTPs increased 20 % on average during SPAs, while the concentrations of COD and BOD in MW decreased 23 and 16 %, respectively. Nevertheless, the performance of WWTPs remained rather constant. It is concluded that increasing the dilute domestic proportion of MW, particularly in smaller communities, as a matter of COVID-19 SPAs could not impose adverse impacts on wastewater treatment operations and pollution removal. Different types of secondary treatment units, such as activated sludge, stabilization pond, and aerated lagoon showed stable performances. However, disinfection was enhanced in WWTPs in order to reduce the probability of viral transmission via wastewater for reuse. This study also recommends that the characteristics of MW, and not treated wastewater, can be used as an indicator for coordinating SPAs in similar epidemics. This notification can be helpful for the management of WWTPs and risk control in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Yazdian
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shervin Jamshidi
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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