Article
Environmental Sciences
Igor E. Agranovski, Evgeny V. Usachev
Summary: Research on rapid and reliable detection of airborne pathogenic microorganisms is urgent due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The development of a portable first alert bioaerosol monitoring technique using a personal bioaerosol sampler and a laser-based mini PCR machine shows promising outcomes in detecting microbial targets in a short time frame.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sydonia Manibusan, Gediminas Mainelis
Summary: Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin that have important environmental and health effects. Passive bioaerosol samplers, although less commonly used, offer advantages such as simplicity, low cost, and long sampling duration. This review discusses different types of passive samplers, their collection mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and sample analysis methods. Gravity-based and electrostatic-based samplers are explored, along with passive opportunity samplers using preexisting airflow. Passive sampling technologies are inexpensive and provide valuable information about bioaerosol presence and diversity over extended time scales. The use of passive samplers alongside active collection devices can provide a more comprehensive understanding of biological presence and dynamics.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyu Chen, Yueqiao Kong, Shan Zhang, Jindong Zhao, Sheng Li, Meng Yao
Summary: The study evaluates the performance of different types of sorbents and filter membranes for capturing eDNA in aquatic environments. Glass fiber filters (GF) were found to be the most effective in both laboratory and field experiments, capturing a high quantity of amphibian and fish eDNA within a short time.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashley A. Coble, Cecilia Silva -Sanchez, William J. Arthurs, Camille A. Flinders
Summary: Glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide globally, is found ubiquitously in the environment. A study suggests that the passive sampler POCIS-MIP can better detect glyphosate when delivered as a pulse, but has limited ability to detect lower concentrations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tomoya Yoshinari, Katsuhiko Hayashi, Shouhei Hirose, Kenji Ohya, Takahiro Ohnishi, Maiko Watanabe, Satoshi Taharaguchi, Hirohisa Mekata, Takahide Taniguchi, Takuya Maeda, Yuta Orihara, Rieko Kawamura, Sakura Arai, Yoshiro Saito, Yukihiro Goda, Yukiko Hara-Kudo
Summary: Researchers have developed a method based on MALDI-ToF MS for the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific peptides in nasopharyngeal swabs. This method involves simple purification steps and rapid detection, making it a reliable high-throughput diagnostic method for COVID-19.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joan Truyols Vives, Josep Muncunill, Nuria Toledo Pons, Herme G. Baldovi, Ernest Sala Llinas, Josep Mercader Barcelo
Summary: The use of a liquid impinger collector and ddPCR is an effective strategy for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols. Increasing the sampled air volume can improve the detection rate of positive samples. The selection of primer/probe sets is crucial for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun-Hyung Lim, Sang Hwan Nam, Jongwoo Kim, Nam Hoon Kim, Gun-Soo Park, Jin-Soo Maeng, Se-Jin Yook
Summary: A three-stage high-volume bioaerosol sampler was developed for size-selective sampling of bioaerosols at a high flow rate of 1000 L/min, enabling detection of viruses in crowded public places. The sampler collects bioaerosols in different size ranges, allowing for analysis via polymerase chain reaction to confirm the presence of viruses.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hongjin Zhou, Kaichuang Shi, Feng Long, Kang Zhao, Shuping Feng, Yanwen Yin, Chenyong Xiong, Sujie Qu, Wenjun Lu, Zongqiang Li
Summary: In this study, a quadruplex real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was developed for the differential detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV). The assay showed extreme specificity, high sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility. Evaluation of 3236 clinical fecal samples from Guangxi province, China, showed positive rates of 18.26% for PEDV, 0.46% for TGEV, 13.16% for PDCoV, and 0.15% for SADS-CoV. The developed assay provides an accurate method for the differential detection of these four porcine enteric coronaviruses.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kenji Ota, Katsunori Yanagihara, Daisuke Sasaki, Norihito Kaku, Naoki Uno, Kei Sakamoto, Kosuke Kosai, Taiga Miyazaki, Hiroo Hasegawa, Ayumi Fujita, Masato Tashiro, Takeshi Tanaka, Koichi Izumikawa, Koya Ariyoshi, Hiroshi Mukae, Jiro Yasuda, Kouichi Morita, Shigeru Kohno
Summary: The study compared quantitative RT-PCR results between nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva specimens from COVID-19 patients on a cruise ship in Nagasaki port, Japan. It found that saliva specimens had a higher positive rate and more accurate viral load detection compared to nasopharyngeal swabs, suggesting that saliva may be a reliable sample for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingyu Chu, Tiaoye Wang, Wenfang Li, Yashi Liu, Zhiyuan Bian, Juan Mao, Baihong Chen
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide identification of Q-type C2H2 zinc finger protein (ZFP) genes in grapevine genomes and explored their characteristics and functions. The results showed that the physical and chemical properties of these ZFPs exhibited differences, but they were all hydrophobic and stable proteins. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary relationships among these genes and their distribution on different chromosomes. The study also demonstrated the involvement of these genes in response to hormones and low-temperature stress using gene expression and localization experiments. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the response mechanisms of grapes to exogenous hormones and low temperatures and lays a foundation for future molecular breeding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyue Li, Haoxuan Chen, Xiao Qi, Yijiao Peng, Lian Zhou, Jianxin Ma, Maosheng Yao
Summary: Airborne transmission of infectious diseases has drawn significant attention, leading to intense debates on aerosol transmission due to the lack of qualified instruments. Air sampling plays a critical role in studying airborne pathogens, with the Yao-CSpler cyclone sampler demonstrating high efficiency in collecting microorganisms and viruses. The sampler outperforms traditional methods and has been successfully used to sample SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 outbreaks in Wuhan and Beijing, showing the urgent need for more efficient bioaerosol samplers.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chuang Zhan, Yiting Li, Han Li, Mengru Wang, Shuangjun Gong, Dongfang Ma, Yan Li
Summary: This study identified 54 PAL genes in the wheat genome and analyzed their expression levels under biotic stresses. Through further analysis and experimentation, it was confirmed that two of these genes, TaPAL32 and TaPAL42, play a positive role in wheat resistance to stripe rust. This research provides potential application value for breeding disease-resistant wheat varieties.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akihiko Hata, Hiroe Hara-Yamamura, Yuno Meuchi, Shota Imai, Ryo Honda
Summary: The study in Japan found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in wastewater samples, even at low numbers of confirmed cases, indicating the potential for early detection of impending outbreaks. This suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology may serve as an early warning system for COVID-19 outbreaks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lixia Zhou, Rajesh Yarra
Summary: The study identified 24 EgSPL genes in oil palm and revealed their significant role in inflorescence development. These genes are closely related to SPL genes in Arabidopsis and rice, and they exhibit tandem duplication. The research also showed that miR156 regulates 14 EgSPL genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Liang Zhao, Xiao-Hui Wen, Chun-Ling Jia, Xiu-Rong Zhou, Sheng-Jun Luo, Dian-Hong Lv, Qi Zhai
Summary: A multiplex qRT-PCR technique was developed in this study for the simultaneous detection of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae). The technique proved to be rapid, sensitive, and specific.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rachel L. Roper
DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sinan Sousan, Jack Pender, Dillon Streuber, Meaghan Haley, Will Shingleton, Eric Soule
Summary: Research has shown that secondhand electronic cigarette (ECIG) aerosol exposure can lead to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and impact indoor air quality. This study aimed to quantify indoor air PM concentrations using real-time optical monitors specifically calibrated for different PM exposures. The study calculated ECIG aerosol filter correction factors for different PM sizes and different aerosol optical monitors. The results demonstrated that aerosol size distribution varies between ECIGs, and the correction factors developed for the real-time aerosol monitors are specific to the ECIG used. These findings can contribute to improving the accuracy of ECIG aerosol exposure measurement.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Omar Chaaban, Jo Anne G. Balanay, Sinan Sousan
Summary: COVID-19 pandemic led to high demand for respiratory protection, causing a shortage of approved respirators and the emergence of alternative options. In this study, popular respirators and masks available on Amazon.com were evaluated. Only two face protective equipment (FPE) met the N95 standard, while the rest fell below or significantly below NIOSH standards. Despite this, all products had pressure drops within NIOSH standards. Cloth face masks (CFMs) offered minimal protection, while the N95 had average comfort and affordability compared to other products. The study concludes that the N95 remains the best respiratory protection, with FPEs serving as adequate alternatives against future airborne pandemics.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
C. Suzanne Lea, Kristina Simeonsson, Aaron M. Kipp, Charleen McNeill, Lisa Wilcox, William Irish, Hannah Morris, Omar M. Diaz, John T. Fallon, Rachel L. Roper
Summary: Immunity produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection wanes within five months among university students, while it significantly increases after vaccination.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sinan Sousan, Dillon Streuber, Yoo Min Park, Vivien Coombs, Jack Pender, Eric Soule
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of low-cost sensors for real-time measurements of indoor e-cigarette aerosol concentrations. The results showed that GeoAir2 is an effective tool for examining e-cigarette use in indoor settings, providing valuable insights into bystander exposures to e-cigarette aerosols.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yoo Min Park, Denise Chavez, Sinan Sousan, Natalia Figueroa-Bernal, Jenifer Rodriguez Alvarez, Juvencio Rocha-Peralta
Summary: Personal exposure monitoring combined with travel-activity diaries leads to positive changes in attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors related to air pollution.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sinan Sousan, Qiang Wu, Yoo Min Park, Sarah Fresquez, Nathaniel Batts, Nicole Bertges, Carol A. A. Johnston, Heather Tunnell, Jack Pender, Eric Soule
Summary: This study determined the filter correction factors for three aerosol monitors (MiniWRAS, pDR, and SidePak) based on exposure to six ECIG brands and two particle sizes. The study also evaluated the differences between GeoAir2 low-cost monitor and filter-corrected MiniWRAS measurements. In addition, the study assessed the real-time measurements and mass median diameter (MMD) for each ECIG brand.
AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Eric K. Soule, Sinan Sousan, Jack Pender, Luke Thomas, Emily Gold, Sarah Fresquez, Ronald Mooring, Vivien Coombs, Anish Gogineni, Alex Tiet
Summary: This study examined the impact of electronic cigarette (ECIG) use on air quality in vehicles and found that it negatively affects air quality and poses health risks to those present in vehicles.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sinan Sousan, Ronald Mooring, Sarah Fresquez, Yoo Min Park, Vivien Coombs, Nicole Bertges, Luke Thomas, Emily Gold, Anish Gogineni, Alex Tiet, Jack Pender, Eric K. Soule
Summary: The use of electronic cigarettes is widespread among young people, posing a potential health risk for bystanders due to exposure to secondhand particulate matter. This study measured the potential exposure to secondhand electronic cigarette particulate matter in vehicles and found high concentrations of PM2.5. Although filter measurements were mostly undetectable, two participants had significantly higher puff counts than the average.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sinan Sousan, T. Renee Anthony, Ralph Altmaier, Jenna Gibbs, Matthew Nonnenmann
Summary: This study presents an engineering control technology that uses a mobile air handling unit to improve air quality in swine farrowing rooms. The technology significantly reduces dust concentrations, potentially reducing the burden of disease among workers and animals.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Eric K. Soule, Sinan Sousan, Jack Pender, Alisha Thomas, Neal Patel
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dillon Streuber, Yoo Min Park, Sinan Sousan
Summary: Low-cost aerosol sensor GeoAir2 is capable of exposure assessment and air monitoring in various indoor and outdoor environments. This study evaluated the accuracy of GeoAir2 and its sensitivity to changes in humidity, comparing it with other instruments. The results showed that GeoAir2 performed well in measuring particles smaller than 2.5 μm, and its measurements were less affected by humidity compared to other sensors. Additionally, GeoAir2 demonstrated high correlation with the pDR-1500 reference instrument in indoor environments.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2022)