Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nguyen Thanh Giao, Huynh Thi Hong Nhien, Phan Kim Anh, Pumis Thuptimdang
Summary: This study assessed the groundwater quality for drinking purposes in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam using multivariate statistical methods and integrated-weight water quality index. The results showed that most parameters met the standards, but some regions had excessive hardness and iron contamination, and more than 80% of samples had serious coliform contamination.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastian Vangeli, Laura M. Cardenas, Gabriela Posse, Dave R. Chadwick, Dominika J. Krol, Rachel E. Thorman, Gary J. Lanigan, Tom H. Misselbrook
Summary: According to available guidelines, it is recommended to measure nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions for at least one year after nitrogen (N) application or deposition. However, experimental data suggests that most emissions occur in the first few months after N application. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of N2O flux in the immediate period after N application to the annual net emission. The results showed that accurate estimation of emission factors (EFs) could be achieved by measuring N2O flux for a shorter period, with significant resource-saving potential.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Dao Le Trang Anh, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Abbas Ali Chandio
Summary: Vietnam, a major exporter of rice, seafood, and coffee, plays a significant role in the world's food industry. This study investigates the short- and long-term effects of climate change on Vietnam's agriculture, revealing detrimental impacts on agricultural performance due to global warming. However, factors such as CO2 emissions, land, and fertilizer have favorable effects on agricultural production and economics in Vietnam. Policy recommendations are provided to help the government mitigate the negative effects of climate change and promote sustainable development.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon Gwara, Edilegnaw Wale, Alfred Odindo
Summary: Considerable progress has been made in developing pathways and processes for human excreta recovery, but the social acceptance aspect has been overlooked in research. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the factors that influence rural farmers' behavioral intentions to recycle human excreta in agriculture using social psychological theories, technology adoption theories, and the new ecological paradigm.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Samuelson Appau, Sefa Awaworyi Churchill, Russell Smyth, Trong-Anh Trinh
Summary: The study provides causal evidence of the long-term effects of the Vietnam War on household agricultural productivity, with bombing intensity and Agent Orange having negative impacts. It shows that economic production and social capital are crucial channels through which the intensity of bombing and Agent Orange affect long-term agricultural productivity adversely.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel J. Ashworth, Abasiofiok M. Ibekwe, Yujie Men, Jorge F. S. Ferreira
Summary: Under the ongoing climate change scenario, the use of treated municipal wastewater (TMW) in irrigation may lead to the exposure of agricultural environments to antibiotics. The study found that when TMW with low antibiotic concentrations was used to irrigate spinach and radish, no transfers of antibiotics to soil or plants occurred. However, when TMW spiked with higher antibiotic concentrations was used, transfers through the TMW-soil-plant-earthworm continuum were observed. The findings suggest that high levels of TMW purification may help mitigate the transfer of antibiotics in agricultural systems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Seung-min Park, T. Jessie Ge, Daeyoun D. Won, Jong Kyun Lee, Joseph C. Liao
Summary: Digital biomarkers extracted from human excreta, traditionally underutilized, have great potential for disease prevention and early detection, contributing to precision health.
NATURE REVIEWS GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Michelle V. Evans, Matthew H. Bonds, Laura F. Cordier, John M. Drake, Felana Ihantamalala, Justin Haruna, Ann C. Miller, Courtney C. Murdock, Marius Randriamanambtsoa, Estelle M. Raza-Fanomezanjanahary, Benedicte R. Razafinjato, Andres C. Garchitorena
Summary: Precision health mapping technique uses spatial relationships between socio-ecological variables and disease to predict disease distribution, with findings indicating that socio-demographic variables are better predictors of disease spread risk than environmental variables.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Giorgio Mannina, Hazal Gulhan, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: The paper discusses the importance of using reclaimed water for irrigation within the scope of a circular economy, reveals the barriers to water reuse practices, and draws lessons from good practices on how to overcome these barriers. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive roadmap to widen water-smart solutions such as water reuse in the transition towards circular economy.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hajira Younas, Fatima Younas
Summary: In many developing countries, wastewater has become a common and low-cost practice in agriculture due to freshwater scarcity. Wastewater is a rich source of nutrients that can improve plant growth and performance. However, its use in agriculture also poses health risks and environmental issues, so treatment is necessary to minimize the potential hazards.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thandi Kapwata, Caradee Y. Wright, David Jean du Preez, Zamantimande Kunene, Angela Mathee, Takayoshi Ikeda, Willem Landman, Rajendra Maharaj, Neville Sweijd, Noboru Minakawa, Suzana Blesic
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between daily hospital admissions and climate variability and air quality in two public hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa using wavelet transform cross-correlation analysis. The results showed that changes in air quality can predispose pneumonia prevalence, and malaria in South Africa is initiated by the co-occurrence of heat and rainfall. The study provided new statistical estimates of time delays between weather or air pollution changes and increases in hospital admissions for pneumonia and malaria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gruffydd Jones, John Scullion, Sarah Dalesman, Paul Robson, Dylan Gwynn-Jones
Summary: This study explores the potential of acidifying cattle slurry to enable the growth of Lemna minor on less diluted wastewater, which is typically toxic to the plant. By lowering the pH, the toxic NH3 form can be shifted towards the less toxic NH4+ form, allowing the plant to grow. This finding has important implications for implementing duckweed-based wastewater treatment systems in agriculture.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mitiku Mihiret Seyoum, Rachel Lichtenberg, Ezra Orlofsky, Nirit Bernstein, Osnat Gillor
Summary: This study investigated the influence of using treated wastewater for irrigation on the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil and crops. Contrary to expectations, the ARGs in the irrigation water did not propagate to the soil or crops. Instead, a variety of ARGs were found in the surface wash of the crops that were not detected in the water or soil samples. These findings are important for understanding the relationship between irrigation water quality and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in soil and agricultural produce.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hamid Pouran, Mariana Padilha Campos Lopes, Hesan Ziar, David Alves Castelo Branco, Yong Sheng
Summary: Vietnam's promising economic growth has led to an energy shortage and increasing carbon emissions. Floating Photovoltaics (FPVs) are seen as a potential solution to mitigate these challenges. Research shows that utilizing a small portion of reservoirs and water bodies for FPVs can generate significant electricity capacity and contribute to the renewable energy sector in Vietnam. However, FPVs face socio-technical barriers that need to be addressed through further research.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Evyatar Ben Mordechay, Tali Sinai, Tamar Berman, Rita Dichtiar, Lital Keinan-Boker, Jorge Tarchitzky, Yehoshua Maor, Vered Mordehay, Orly Manor, Benny Chefetz
Summary: Irrigation with reclaimed wastewater helps conserve freshwater sources, but also exposes agricultural products to emerging contaminants. A study in Israel found that the highest exposure to wastewater-borne contaminants occurred through the consumption of leafy vegetables. While no human health concerns were observed in average and high exposure scenarios, extreme exposure to certain contaminants from produce irrigated with reclaimed wastewater may pose a threat to human health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Louise Tangermann, Danielle Vienneau, Apolline Saucy, Jan Hattendorf, Beat Schaeffer, Jean Marc Wunderli, Martin Roeoesli
Summary: This study found that road traffic noise at home reduces cognitive performance in adolescents, especially affecting memory and concentration. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up time are needed to confirm these results.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Helene Meier, Keira Spinner, Lisa Crump, Esther Kuenzli, Gertraud Schuepbach, Jakob Zinsstag
Summary: Resistance to antibiotics is a pressing global public health concern and has significant impacts on health and the economy. Despite joint research efforts, the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between humans, animals, and the environment remains unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the current understanding of AMR acquisition, diversity, and interspecies spread.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabienne B. Fischer, Apolline Saucy, Danielle Vienneau, Jan Hattendorf, Julia Fanderl, Kees de Hoogh, Daniel Mausezahl
Summary: The number of Legionnaires' disease cases has increased significantly in Switzerland and abroad in the past decade. This study aimed to understand the environmental factors, especially weather conditions, that contribute to the regional and seasonal distribution of the disease in Switzerland. The findings revealed a strong association between elevated temperature and vapour pressure and Legionnaires' disease occurrence, providing insights for prevention and control measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabienne Fischer, Melina Bigler, Daniel Mausezahl, Jan J. Hattendorf, Adrian E. Egli, Timothy Julian, Franziska Rolli, Valeria Gaia, Monica Wymann, Francoise Fridez, Stefanie Bertschi
Summary: Switzerland has a high annual rate of Legionnaires' disease, but the sources and causes for this remain largely unknown. The SwissLEGIO study aims to investigate risk factors and infection sources for community-acquired LD in Switzerland through a national case-control and molecular source attribution approach. The study recruits LD patients and healthy controls, and assesses risk factors through interviews and compares clinical and environmental Legionella isolates using whole genome sequencing. The study is innovative and provides a unique platform for national Legionellosis and Legionella research.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Emmanuel C. C. Mrimi, Sophie Welsche, Said M. M. Ali, Jan Hattendorf, Jennifer Keiser
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Emodepside in treating soil-transmitted helminth infections. The results demonstrated that Emodepside has potential as a therapeutic option for both Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Gunther Fink, Jan Hattendorf, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag
Summary: Livestock diseases have a significant impact on agricultural productivity and pose a threat to livelihoods and food safety. Vaccines are effective in controlling infectious livestock diseases, but their utilization is low. This study examines the barriers and determinants of vaccination utilization for priority livestock diseases in Ghana.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. J. Larson, S. Haver, J. Hattendorf, G. Salmon-Mulanovich, M. Riveros, H. Verastegui, D. Ma, S. M. Hartinger
Summary: This study investigated the association between household factors, the presence of thermotolerant coliform, and the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in drinking water among households with young children in Peru. The study found that using narrow-mouthed containers for drinking water reduced the likelihood of contamination. Ownership of farm birds and animal waste in the kitchen area were associated with higher levels of contamination. Higher levels of antibiotic resistance were also found in households with pig ownership and free-roaming animals in the kitchen area. Recent child antibiotic use increased the prevalence of resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among E. coli isolates. These findings highlight the importance of secure water storage and suggest the potential transmission of bacteria and antibiotic resistance between domestic animals and human drinking water supplies.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ibrahim Ahmad, Yakubu Egigogo Raji, Latiffah Hassan, Abdullahi Samaila, Basiru Aliyu, Jakob Zinsstag, Folorunso O. Fasina
Summary: Animal tuberculosis is widespread in Nigeria, but active surveillance and control measures are lacking. This study conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the distribution of tuberculosis in animals and analyze potential factors in Nigeria. The overall prevalence of tuberculosis was 7% and it was found in cattle, goats, sheep, camels, and wildlife. The occurrence of infection was significantly influenced by publication period, geographical location, sample size, and detection methods.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ayman Ahmed, Rahba El-Amin, Ahmed Mudawi Musa, Muaz A. Elsayed, Lamis Ahmed Fahal, Eiman Siddig Ahmed, Yousif Ali, Ipyn Eric Nebie, Nouh Saad Mohamed, Jakob Zinsstag, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig, Sarah Misbah EL-Sadig
Summary: In this study, we presented a series of six patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection, confirmed by RT-PCR. The report discusses laboratory investigation, case management, clinical presentation, and outcomes for each case. This is the first case series of COVID-19-associated GBS cases in Sudan.
CLINICAL CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Helena Dela, Beverly Egyir, Eric Behene, Hamdiya Sulemana, Rodalyn Tagoe, Ronald Bentil, Richard N. A. Bongo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Langbong Bimi, Kennedy Kwasi Addo
Summary: This study investigated the microbial quality and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria found in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food, water, and palm swab samples. The samples were collected from food vending sites in Accra, Ghana, between 2019 and 2020. The results showed the presence of various bacteria species in the samples, with some showing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The study also highlighted the high levels of bacterial contamination in RTE food and water, indicating their unsafe condition. The findings emphasize the need for continuous surveillance in the food industry and the enforcement of food safety laws in Ghana.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Nick Hanley, Katherine Simpson, Daniel T. Haydon, Jan Hattendorf, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Kennedy Kwasi Addo, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Gunther Finka
Summary: Livestock vaccination coverage rates in many lower and middle income countries remain low, leading to the prevalence of preventable infectious diseases. This study assessed farmers' willingness to pay for vaccination of cattle (CBPP) and sheep and goats (PPR) in Ghana, and found that farmers value vaccination highly.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kayla C. Lanker, Abdifatah M. Muhummed, Gueladio Cisse, Jakob Zinsstag, Jan Hattendorf, Ramadan Budul Yusuf, Shamil Barsenga Hassen, Rea Tschopp, Pascale Vonaesch
Summary: Intestinal parasitic infections are common in agro-pastoralist and pastoralist children in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, with a prevalence of 35%. The study found that drinking water from the river or rainwater, toilet sharing, and ownership of cattle and chickens are associated with intestinal protozoan infections. Improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services is crucial to reduce the burden of these infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jules N. Kouadio, Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Jean-Baptiste K. Sekre, Louise Y. Achi, Mamadou Ouattara, Jan Hattendorf, Oliver Balmer, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Jurg Utzinger, Eliezer K. N'Goran
Summary: The study examines the epidemiology of schistosomiasis and hookworm infection in northern Cote d'Ivoire and finds low transmission rates. The establishment and rigorous implementation of an integrated surveillance-response system are recommended to eliminate schistosomiasis and hookworm in this region.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Francis Sena Nuvey, Gloria Ivy Mensah, Jakob Zinsstag, Jan Hattendorf, Gunther Fink, Bassirou Bonfoh, Kennedy Kwasi Addo
Summary: This study examined the management strategies employed by farmers for priority livestock diseases in Ghana and the utilization and performance of veterinary services. The findings reveal the existing challenges in disease management and underutilization of veterinary services by farmers.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
