Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Worobey, Joshua Levy, Lorena Malpica Serrano, Alexander Crits-Christoph, Jonathan E. Pekar, Stephen A. Goldstein, Angela L. Rasmussen, Moritz U. G. Kraemer, Chris Newman, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Marc A. Suchard, Joel O. Wertheim, Philippe Lemey, David L. Robertson, Robert F. Garry, Edward C. Holmes, Andrew Rambaut, Kristian G. Andersen
Summary: This article demonstrates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, where susceptible animals were sold in late 2019, and SARS-CoV-2-positive environmental samples were spatially associated with vendors selling live animals.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sazada Siddiqui, Heba Waheeb Saeed Alhamdi, Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
Summary: COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused major disruptions around the world. Prevention is crucial through measures such as self-isolation and vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Willis Gwenzi
Summary: The human coronavirus disease COVID-19 is now a global pandemic, with potential faecal-oral transmission being a concern, especially in developing countries. Attention to clean water provision, sanitation, food safety, and hygiene is crucial in combating COVID-19, with further research on faecal-oral transmission direction highlighted.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ashok Kumar, Rita Singh, Jaskaran Kaur, Sweta Pandey, Vinita Sharma, Lovnish Thakur, Sangeeta Sati, Shailendra Mani, Shailendra Asthana, Tarun Kumar Sharma, Susmita Chaudhuri, Sankar Bhattacharyya, Niraj Kumar
Summary: COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel virus that has spread globally with higher infectivity and mortality compared to its earlier relatives. Understanding potential transmission routes and rapidly developed diagnostics are crucial in managing the disease.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Tim R. Mercer, Marc Salit
Summary: The assembly and publication of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in January 2020 allowed for immediate development of tests and led to the largest global testing programme in history. Despite efforts to control the spread, widespread community transmission of the virus has become entrenched in many countries, necessitating population-scale testing to identify and isolate infected individuals. Testing plays a crucial role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to continue to be vital in public health.
NATURE REVIEWS GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Zehan Pang, Ruolan Hu, Lili Tian, Fuxing Lou, Yangzhen Chen, Shuqi Wang, Shiting He, Shaozhou Zhu, Xiaoping An, Lihua Song, Feitong Liu, Yigang Tong, Huahao Fan
Summary: Breastfeeding is beneficial for infants, but there is controversy over whether infected mothers should continue breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article summarizes the risks and benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the antiviral mechanisms and antibody levels in breastmilk.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oscar Omondi Donde, Evans Atoni, Anastasia Wairimu Muia, Paul T. Yillia
Summary: While higher prevalence and mortality rates of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 have been reported in high-income countries like the United States, Europe, and Asia, many low-income countries have experienced lower rates despite socioeconomic burdens, highlighting the critical role of water, sanitation, and hygiene in preventing infectious disease transmission like COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Maria Hernandez-Hernandez, Rodrigo Huerta-Quintanilla
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of schools, with students transitioning to virtual learning. Some areas briefly resumed in-person classes before returning to online teaching due to a resurgence in cases. Simulation studies indicate that isolating students and reducing classroom sizes are effective strategies in reducing contagion risks.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anusha Ekanayake, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Choolaka Hewawasam, Uttpal Anand, Elza Bontempi, Sudarshan Kurwadkar, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Meththika Vithanage
Summary: The relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the environment is bidirectional, with the environment playing a role in the transmission of the virus. The pandemic has potential environmental impacts such as water pollution, chemical contamination, increased generation of non-biodegradable waste, and an increase in single-use plastics. Sustainable solutions should be included in national preparedness strategies to address these environmental challenges.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amalio Telenti, Ann Arvin, Lawrence Corey, Davide Corti, Michael S. Diamond, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Robert F. Garry, Edward C. Holmes, Phillip S. Pang, Herbert W. Virgin
Summary: This article discusses the future patterns of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the development of variants, and the implications for vaccine deployment. It suggests that the virus may become endemic fueled by pockets of susceptible individuals and waning immunity. Effective surveillance and response are crucial to prevent new epidemic or pandemic patterns.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wen-Yu Su, Pin-Xian Du, Harvey M. Santos, Tzong-Shiann Ho, Batuhan Birol Keskin, Chi Ho Pau, An-Ming Yang, Yi-Yu Chou, Hsi-Chang Shih, Guan-Da Syu
Summary: This study utilized a multiplexed spike variant protein microarray (SVPM) to analyze the humoral immune response and neutralizing activity in COVID-19 patients, and found that severe patients had stronger inhibition of ACE2 binding to multiple variants.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosanna W. Peeling, David L. Heymann, Yik-Ying Teo, Patricia J. Garcia
Summary: Diagnostics play a crucial role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular tests like PCR are recommended for confirming diagnosis in symptomatic individuals, while antigen rapid detection tests have the advantage of being easier to perform with faster results and lower cost. Antibody tests can inform public policy but should not be used as proof of immunity. All three types of tests continue to be important in transitioning from pandemic response to control.
Review
Virology
Tingting Ning, Si Liu, Junxuan Xu, Yi Yang, Nan Zhang, Sian Xie, Li Min, Shutian Zhang, Shengtao Zhu, Youchun Wang
Summary: Human coronaviruses can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in infected individuals, and there is evidence to suggest possible faecal-oral transmission of the virus.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sudhvir Singh, Christine Mcnab, Rose McKeon Olson, Nellie Bristol, Cody Nolan, Elin Bergstrom, Michael Bartos, Shunsuke Mabuchi, Raj Panjabi, Abraar Karan, Salma M. Abdalla, Mathias Bonk, Margaret Jamieson, George K. Werner, Anders Nordstrom, Helena Legido-Quigley, Alexandra Phelan
Summary: The independent panel has conducted a retrospective analysis of events, actions, and recommendations during the outbreak from late 2019 to early 2020, revealing both rapid responses and areas where improvements could have been made. Furthermore, countries with previous experience in handling similar outbreaks were more successful in containing the virus at the initial stage.
Article
Surgery
Martin D. Haug, Garyfalia Lekakis, Mario Bussi, Nazim Cerkes, Jay Calvert, Charles East, Olivier Gerbault, Wolfgang Gubisch, Werner Heppt, Haldun Kamburoglu, Sam Most, Carlo M. Oranges, Josef Vavrina, Rod J. Rohrich, Enrico Robotti
Summary: International leading experts in rhinosurgery conducted discussions and developed consensus recommendations on how to safely perform rhinoplasty, improving surgical safety and minimizing infection risks.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Hygor Aristides Victor Rossoni, Marco Tulio da Silva Faria, Amanda Cristina Silva, Leo Heller
ENGENHARIA SANITARIA E AMBIENTAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Davi Madureira Victral, Leo Heller
Summary: The outbreak of the new coronavirus led to extensive policy responses in the health and economic sectors, but the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector was less prioritized. The major priorities in policy responses were population protection and financial sustainability of service providers. However, there were challenges in ensuring equality and non-discrimination in the laws and regulations, with institutions more focused on service providers' sustainability over direct population protection measures.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anelise Andrade de Souza, Leo Heller
Summary: The Bolsa Familia Programme and environmental health interventions have positive independent effects on reducing illness and death from diarrhoea and malnutrition in under-fives. However, there is a lack of research in the literature on the joint effect of these public policies in addressing these diseases associated with poverty.
CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miguel de Franca Doria, Patricia Segurado, Marcelo Korc, Leo Heller, Blanca Jimenez Cisneros, Paul R. Hunter, Martin Forde
Summary: COVID-19 has had a severe impact on human health, social and economic aspects, leading to challenges in the management and governance of water and sanitation sectors, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Access to water and soap for handwashing remains a challenge for around 65 million people in the region, exacerbating the spread of the disease, especially among those living in poverty.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marcos Paulo Gomes Mol, Tara Rava Zolnikov, Arthur Couto Neves, Giulia Roriz dos Santos, Julia Luiza Lopes Tolentino, Raphael Tobias de Vasconcelos Barros, Leo Heller
Summary: This study analyzed the healthcare waste generation rate in hospitals across different continents, revealing significant variations and trends in waste production. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding regional characteristics and rates to address global healthcare waste issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Nathalia Roland, Leo Heller, Sonaly Rezende
Summary: This article assesses the failure of the National Rural Water and Sanitation Project in Brazil, identifying implementation flaws, political reasons, and technical and institutional limitations as key factors that compromised the project's sustainability and success.
WATER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rayssa Horacio Lopes, Cicera Renata Diniz Vieira Silva, Petala Tuani Candido de Oliveira Salvador, Isis de Siqueira Silva, Leo Heller, Severina Alice da Costa Uchoa
Summary: Surveillance and initiatives for monitoring drinking water quality are crucial for human health and sustainable development. This scoping review aims to identify and analyze worldwide actions and projects implemented by government agencies or public health services. The findings will provide insights into the main impacts, challenges, limitations, and research gaps related to drinking water quality surveillance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Marielle Aparecida Raid, Leo Heller, Priscilla Macedo Moura, Uende Aparecida Figueiredo Gomes
Summary: Rural sanitation in Brazil has been neglected, leading to a lack of sanitation services, human rights violations, and health risks. This study evaluated different models of water supply services and found that municipal management and shared management were the most suitable models for rural contexts.
ENGENHARIA SANITARIA E AMBIENTAL
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rayssa Horacio Lopes, Cicera Renata Diniz Vieira Silva, Isis de Siqueira Silva, Petala Tuani Candido de Oliveira Salvador, Leo Heller, Severina Alice da Costa Uchoa
Summary: This study mapped and identified global surveillance actions and initiatives in drinking water quality conducted by government agencies and public health services. The scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute method between July 2021 and August 2022. Relevant databases and gray literature were searched, resulting in 49 studies retrieved. Quantitative variables were presented as frequencies, while qualitative variables were analyzed using IRaMuTeQ software. The actions worldwide and their impacts and results generated four thematic classes: assessment of coverage, accessibility, quantity, and quality of drinking water; analysis of physical-chemical and microbiological parameters in public supply networks or alternative water supply solutions; identification of household water contamination, communication, and education with the community; and investigation of water-borne disease outbreaks. Preliminary results were shared with stakeholders for knowledge dissemination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kasandra Isabella Helouise Mingoti Poague, Sueli Aparecida Mingoti, Leo Heller
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between water, sanitation, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni in students aged 7 to 17 years from all 27 federative units in Brazil. The study found a negative correlation between access to filtered water in schools and schistosomiasis mansoni prevalence, while sanitation in schools was indicated as a risk factor. The collection of wastewater through a network is not universal in Brazil and the presence of septic tanks alone does not guarantee their correct use.
CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariana Cristina Silva Santos, Guilherme Lopes de Oliveira, Sueli Aparecida Mingoti, Leo Heller
Summary: The prevalence of hookworm infection in Brazil has decreased significantly in recent decades, and improvements in environmental factors may have contributed to this reduction in parasite load and host-parasite contact.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Maria Ines Pedrosa Nahas, Rodrigo Coelho de Carvalho, Leo Heller
Summary: This study analyzes the municipal experience in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with the aim of developing indicators and a monitoring system for evaluating the realization of the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRtWS). The research focuses on the normative content dimensions of both rights, such as availability, physical accessibility, affordability, quality/safety, and the principle of equality and non-discrimination. The developed system of indicators and indices can be used for monitoring the progressive realization of HRtWS and establishing sectoral and spatial priorities for governmental actions.
SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public Administration
Nathalia Roland, Leo Heller, Sonaly Rezende
REVISTA DE ADMINISTRACAO PUBLICA
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cezarina Maria Nobre Souza, Leo Heller
CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
