Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sofie Acke, Simon Couvreur, Wichor M. Bramer, Marie-Noelle Schmickler, Antoon De Schryver, Juanita A. Haagsma
Summary: This study provides an updated overview of pathogen exposure among non-healthcare workers, with many occupational groups facing a higher risk of infectious diseases, particularly respiratory tract pathogens.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessica H. Leibler, Anfal Abdelgadir, James Seidel, Roberta F. White, W. Evan Johnson, Stephen J. Reynolds, Gregory C. Gray, Joshua W. Schaeffer
Summary: This study investigated the exposure to influenza D virus (IDV) and its health effects among United States dairy workers. The results showed that a high percentage of workers were exposed to IDV, but it was not associated with respiratory symptoms.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Saranya Palaniswamy, Khaled Abass, Jaana Rysa, Joan O. Grimalt, Jon oyvind Odland, Arja Rautio, Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
Summary: The relationship between pesticide exposures and metabolomics biomarkers was investigated in this study using data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. The results suggest that pesticide exposures have an impact on serum metabolites and metabolic pathways, and there may be sex differences in susceptibility to non-occupational pesticide exposures.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Meredith E. Kernbach, Lynn B. Martin, Thomas R. Unnasch, Richard J. Hall, Rays H. Y. Jiang, Clinton D. Francis
Summary: The study suggests that anthropogenic changes, such as artificial night light, may have a greater impact on infectious diseases than previously thought, especially in the spread of emerging diseases. Modeling results show a nonlinear relationship between ALAN and WNV exposure risk in chickens, with peak risk occurring at low ALAN levels. Further research on the effects of ALAN on other vector-borne parasites is warranted.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Bryant J. Webber, Heather C. Yun, Geoffrey P. Whitfield
Summary: This study examined the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and mortality from influenza and pneumonia. The results showed that even aerobic activity below the recommended level may be associated with lower mortality, while muscle-strengthening activity demonstrated a J-shaped relationship.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Catarina Krug, Emma Rigaud, Dieyenaba Siby-Diakite, Laetitia Benezet, Pavlos Papadopoulos, Henriette de Valk, Gaetan Deffontaines, Alexandra Septfons, Jean-Marc Reynes
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of PUUV among forestry workers in northern France and identify sociodemographic risk factors. A seroprevalence survey was conducted among 1777 forestry workers in 2019-2020, using ELISA and immunofluorescence assay. The weighted seroprevalence was highest in the northeast and lowest in the northwest, with evidence of virus circulation in previously non-endemic regions.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anne Conan, Christa A. Gallagher, Nicole Erskine, Michael Howland, Marshalette Smith-Anthony, Silvia Marchi, Ioannis Magouras, Ananda Mueller, Anne A. M. J. Becker
Summary: A study conducted on veterinary students in St. Kitts revealed that they have a low risk of exposure to Coxiella burnetii while attending the veterinary school on the island. However, it was found that they are highly exposed to the bacterium before arriving on the island, indicating a need for increased surveillance and prevention measures.
Review
Microbiology
Sina Salajegheh Tazerji, Roberto Nardini, Muhammad Safdar, Awad A. Shehata, Phelipe Magalhaes Duarte
Summary: Population growth and industrialization have led to a race for greater food and supply productivity, resulting in the occupation and population of forest areas, the trafficking and consumption of wildlife, pollution of water sources, and the accumulation of waste. These factors have accelerated deforestation in essential areas, posing a substantial threat to the global community.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fan-Yun Lan, Christian Suharlim, Stefanos N. Kales, Justin Yang
Summary: A study conducted in a grocery retail store in Massachusetts, USA in May 2020 found that 20% of workers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with 76% being asymptomatic. Employees with direct customer exposure were five times more likely to test positive. Those who were able to consistently practice social distancing at work had significantly lower risk of anxiety or depression.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laurent Gavotte, Cedric Gaucherel, Roger Frutos
Summary: The concept of environmental spillover of pathogens to humans is widely used but lacks a clear definition. A systematic review found ten different definitions of spillover, none of which corresponded to the complete trajectory leading to disease emergence. There is no evidence for a mechanism of spillover, only intellectual constructions. It is potentially dangerous to base public health measures on this concept.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Galvin Sim Siang Lin, WenWu Tan, Daryl Zhun Kit Chan, Kai Shen Ooi, Hasnah Hashim
Summary: This study evaluated the awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards monkeypox viral infection among preclinical and clinical dental students in Malaysia. The results showed that both groups of students had similar awareness and attitudes towards monkeypox, but clinical dental students had higher knowledge levels. However, efforts are still needed to improve dental students' understanding of this outbreak to protect their health and minimize transmission.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Naoual El Menyiy, Sara Aboulaghras, Saad Bakrim, Rania Moubachir, Doaue Taha, Asaad Khalid, Ashraf N. Abdalla, Alanood S. Algarni, Andi Hermansyah, Long Chiau Ming, Marius Emil Rusu, Abdelhakim Bouyahya
Summary: Plant bioactive molecules, particularly genkwanin, have potential preventive and therapeutic roles in aging and chronic diseases due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of genkwanin, including its natural sources, pharmacokinetics, and various biological and pharmacological activities. Genkwanin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and dermatoprotective effects. Further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological and clinical investigations, to unlock the complete range of its therapeutic applications.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Moegi Kuroda, Tatsufumi Usui, Chiharu Shibata, Haruka Nishigaki, Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi
Summary: In 2019, a case of bidirectional infection between humans and pigs occurred in a swine farm in Japan. An employee with influenza-like illness transmitted the infection to sows, which subsequently infected a veterinarian and her family. Whole-genome analysis confirmed that the viruses isolated from all individuals belonged to the same lineage. Unique mutations in the influenza A virus genomes corresponding to the host species were also identified.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Krzysztof Skowron, Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda, Faham Khamesipour
Summary: Zoonoses are a significant challenge across multiple disciplines and pose severe risks to human health and the economy. This editorial invites contributions to a BMC Microbiology collection on 'Zoonoses and emerging pathogens', focusing on research related to the pathogenesis, identification, treatment, and control of zoonoses.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mariana Alejandra Rivero, Alejandra Kruger, Edgardo Mario Rodriguez, Marcelo Lisandro Signorini Porchietto, Paula Maria Alejandra Lucchesi
Summary: This study describes the seroepidemiology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in rural and urban populations in Argentina. The study found that rural residents had a higher infection rate compared to urban residents, and the infection rate was associated with lower socioeconomic status. Thawing homemade hamburgers before cooking them and a lack of knowledge about hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) were also associated with seropositivity. The study highlights the importance of considering socioeconomic status and risk factors associated with different socioeconomic levels when implementing consumer-level public health interventions.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Gregory C. Gray
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily R. Robie, Juliana N. Zemke, Teck-Hock Toh, Jeffrey Soon-Yit Lee, King-Ching Hii, Johnny D. Callahan, Randal J. Schoepp, Gregory C. Gray
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessica L. Seidelman, Ibukunoluwa C. Akinboyo, Bonnie Taylor, Nancy G. Henshaw, Anfal Abdelgadir, Gregory C. Gray, Becky A. Smith, Sarah S. Lewis
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Anastasia N. Vlasova, Annika Diaz, Debasu Damtie, Leshan Xiu, Teck-Hock Toh, Jeffrey Soon-Yit Lee, Linda J. Saif, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: This study identified a novel canine-feline recombinant alphacoronavirus isolated from a child with pneumonia, suggesting recent zoonotic transmission and emphasizing the public health threat of animal CoVs. Better surveillance is needed to monitor these viruses and their potential impact on human health.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Anfal Abdelgadir, Laura K. Borkenhagen, Mariette F. Ducatez, Emily S. Bailey, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: The study found that influenza A viruses are likely highly prevalent in South African swine farms, with male workers aged 23-32, who reported recent exposure to influenza patients and infrequent use of personal protective equipment being at highest risk of molecular detection of influenza A virus. Periodic surveillance for novel influenza viruses in swine farms and education/seasonal influenza vaccine programmes for swine workers would be beneficial in South Africa.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bobby G. Warren, Alicia Nelson, Aaron Barrett, Bechtler Addison, Amanda Graves, Raquel Binder, Gregory Gray, Sarah Lewis, Becky A. Smith, David J. Weber, Emily E. Sickbert-Bennett, Deverick J. Anderson
Summary: We assessed the environmental contamination of inpatient rooms in a dedicated COVID-19 unit and found that 5.5% of surfaces were contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. RNA presence is not a specific indicator of infectious virus.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Rocha-Melogno, Katherine Crank, Michael H. Bergin, Gregory C. Gray, Kyle Bibby, Marc A. Deshusses
Summary: An increasing body of literature suggests that aerosol inhalation plays a primary role in COVID-19 transmission, particularly in indoor settings. In response to this, the authors developed a model and web application to assess and mitigate the risk of aerosol transmission. Their findings showed that the risk of transmission significantly increased when masks were not worn and the room was poorly ventilated, but it could be reduced with proper ventilation and relative humidity.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Suwanna Chaorattanakawee, Rachel N. Wofford, Ratree Takhampunya, B. Katherine Poole-Smith, Bazartseren Boldbaatar, Sukhbaatar Lkhagvatseren, Doniddemberel Altantogtokh, Elisha Musih, Pagbajab Nymadawa, Silas Davidson, Jeffrey Hertz, Jodi Fiorenzano, Gregory C. Gray, Michael E. von Fricken
Summary: The study examined the prevalence of tick-borne bacterial infections in livestock from three provinces in Mongolia, with Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia showing prevalence rates of 57.6%, 12.8%, and 0.4% respectively. Anaplasma spp. had a significantly higher prevalence in Selenge and To center dot v provinces compared to Dornogovi. Further research is needed to understand the burden of tick-borne diseases in both livestock and pastoral herder populations in Mongolia.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Anastasia N. Vlasova, Teck-Hock Toh, Jeffrey Soon-Yit Lee, Yong Poovorawan, Phillip Davis, Marli S. P. Azevedo, John A. Lednicky, Linda J. Saif, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: This article reviews the existing evidence of animal alphacoronaviruses detected in human patients with acute respiratory illness. Similar viruses to canine, feline, and porcine alphacoronaviruses have been found in humans in Haiti, Malaysia, Thailand, and the USA. The data suggests that these viruses emerged independently in different geographic locations and have been circulating in humans for at least 20 years. Further studies are needed to investigate their prevalence and disease impact.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ryan D. Kilpatrick, Olga Sanchez-Solino, Negar Niki Alami, Christopher Johnson, Yixin Fang, Lani R. Wegrzyn, Whitney S. Krueger, Yizhou Ye, Nancy Dreyer, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: The Epidemiological Population Study of SARS-CoV-2 in Lake County, Illinois (CONTACT) is an ongoing observational study that follows nonhospitalized individuals aged 18 years or older in Lake County, IL for 9 months. The study found that 5.6% of adults in the county had evidence of acute or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection at the baseline, and nonadherence to social distancing measures and high-risk professions were associated with the infection.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Dieter Mielke, Sherry Stanfield-Oakley, Shalini Jha, Taylor Keyes, Adam Zalaquett, Brooke Dunn, Nicole Rodgers, Thomas Oguin, Greg D. Sempowski, Raquel A. Binder, Gregory C. Gray, Shelly Karuna, Lawrence Corey, John Hural, Georgia D. Tomaras, Justin Pollara, Guido Ferrari
Summary: This study developed four flow cytometry-based assays to evaluate antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity. These assays showed specific and reproducible detection of functional antibody responses, but with limited overlap. Single or fewer sample dilutions were found to accurately determine response rates and magnitudes, allowing for high-throughput use in large clinical studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Rocha-Melogno, Katherine C. Crank, Olivia Ginn, Michael H. Bergin, Joe Brown, Gregory C. Gray, Kerry A. Hamilton, Kyle Bibby, Marc A. Deshusses
Summary: This study assessed the potential public health impact of bioaerosols near open waste canals in places with unsafe sanitation services. The results showed that inhalation followed by ingestion had the highest risk of infection, and bacterial fluxes from the air were the most influential factor on the risk.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sajid Umar, Benjamin D. Anderson, Kuanfu Chen, Guo-Lin Wang, Mai-Juan Ma, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: The high prevalence of multiple viruses among production pigs in China highlights the need for regular surveillance to protect pig health.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessica H. Leibler, Anfal Abdelgadir, James Seidel, Roberta F. White, W. Evan Johnson, Stephen J. Reynolds, Gregory C. Gray, Joshua W. Schaeffer
Summary: This study investigated the exposure to influenza D virus (IDV) and its health effects among United States dairy workers. The results showed that a high percentage of workers were exposed to IDV, but it was not associated with respiratory symptoms.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew M. Dacso, Dennis A. Bente, Scott C. Weaver, Gary P. Kobinger, Peter C. Melby, Susan L. F. McLellan, Philip H. Keiser, Sarah A. Hamer, Gabriel L. Hamer, Gerald W. Parker Jr, David I. Douphrate, Anabel Rodriguez, Michael L. Goodman, X. Ara, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: Texas is a state with a large geographic size, large populations of humans and animals, and extreme weather fluctuations. In the past 15 years, Texas has frequently experienced disasters causing significant morbidity and economic losses. An interdisciplinary network of professionals from various academic institutions has emerged to collaborate on protecting Texas and the USA, focusing on biopreparedness, pathogen understanding, therapeutics and vaccines development, and surveillance approaches. These partnerships strengthen our ability to prevent future catastrophes and protect human and animal health.
