COVID-19 transmission, vulnerability, persistence and nanotherapy: a review

Epidemiologic and clinical updates on viral infections in Saudi Arabia

In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.

Assessment of toxicity and antimicrobial performance of polymeric inorganic coagulant and evaluation for eutrophication reduction

In this study, the efficacy of the promising iron-based polymeric inorganic coagulant (POFC) was assessed for the reduction of eutrophication effect (freshwater toxicity) and the microbial loads from wastewater. Toxicity assessment for POFC was conducted on mice and skin cell lines. The results confirm the lower toxicity level of POFC. The POFC showed excellent antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, it demonstrated a remarkable effectiveness against black fungus such as Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae. Additionally, POFC showed antiviral effectiveness against the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus as well as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). POFC-based treatment gives excellent removal percentages for phosphate, and phosphorus at doses below 60 ppm with a low produced sludge volume that leads to 84% decrease in the rate of eutrophication and freshwater toxicity. At a POFC concentration of 60 ppm, remarkable reduction rates for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli were achieved. After POFC-based coagulation, the produced sludge retains a lower bacterial density due to the antibacterial activity of POFC. Furthermore, it revealed that the observed removal efficiencies for fungi and yeasts in the produced sludge reached 85% at a POFC dose of 60 ppm. Overall, our research indicates that POFC has potential for application in pre-treatment of wastewater and serves as an antimicrobial agent.

A snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA throughout wastewater treatment plants in Arkansas

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread the viral RNA in wastewater by the feces of those experience COVID-19 symptoms. While wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in the raw sewage has been confirmed as an effective tool to predict COVID-19 infection, the goal of this study is to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA throughout various wastewater treatment processes. Wastewater samples were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the state of Arkansas from August 2020 to June 2021 and measured for the relative concentration of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using RT-qPCR. The gene concentrations in the raw wastewater measured in this study were similar to other published studies, targeting the N1 and N2 genes of the virus. The viral RNA concentration was measured after each wastewater treatment step within WWTPs, including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, filtration and disinfection. Results show the most viral RNA removal occurred in the secondary treatment (activated sludge). The viral RNA was only occasionally detected after disinfection (chlorination or UV disinfection). Overall, WWTPs can remove the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA at an average of 98.7%, while complete removal was achieved on 82% of the sampling days. Further investigation is required to ensure complete viral RNA removal from wastewater such as improving existing treatment process or supplementing with additional treatment steps. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in Arkansas wastewater treatment plants. SARS-CoV-2 was rarely detected in treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Activated sludge was effective removing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA from wastewater. This study was limited by the direct RNA extraction from wastewater, which lowered the sensitivity of detection.

Immune Dynamics Involved in Acute and Convalescent COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 is a viral disease that has caused millions of deaths around the world since 2020. Many strategies have been developed to manage patients in critical conditions; however, comprehension of the immune system is a key factor in viral clearance, tissue repairment, and adaptive immunity stimulus. Participation of immunity has been identified as a major factor, along with biomarkers, prediction of clinical outcomes, and antibody production after infection. Immune cells have been proposed not only as a hallmark of severity, but also as a predictor of clinical outcomes, while dynamics of inflammatory molecules can also induce worse consequences for acute patients. For convalescent patients, mild disease was related to higher antibody production, although the factors related to the specific antibodies based on a diversity of antigens were not clear. COVID-19 was explored over time; however, the study of immunological predictors of outcomes is still lacking discussion, especially in convalescent patients. Here, we propose a review using previously published studies to identify immunological markers of COVID-19 outcomes and their relation to antibody production to further contribute to the clinical and laboratorial management of patients.

Spike in pollution to ignite the bursting of COVID-19 second wave is more dangerous than spike of SAR-CoV-2 under environmental ignorance in long term: a review

Specific areas in many countries such as Italy, India, China, Brazil, Germany and the USA have witnessed that air pollution increases the risk of COVID-19 severity as particulate matters transmit the virus SARS-CoV-2 and causes high expression of ACE2, the receptor for spike protein of the virus, especially under exposure to NO₂, SO₂ and NOx emissions. Wastewater-based epidemiology of COVID-19 is also noticed in many countries such as the Netherlands, the USA, Paris, France, Australia, Spain, Italy, Switzerland China, India and Hungary. Soil is also found to be contaminated by the RNA of SARS-CoV-2. Activities including defecation and urination by infected people contribute to the source for soil contamination, while release of wastewater containing cough, urine and stool of infected people from hospitals and home isolation contributes to the source of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in both water and soil. Detection of the virus early before the outbreak of the disease supports this fact. Based on this information, spike in pollution is found to be more dangerous in long-term than the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. It is because the later one may be controlled in future within months or few years by vaccination and with specific drugs, but the former one provides base for many diseases including the current and any future pandemics. Although such predictions and the positive effects of SARS-CoV-2 on environment was already forecasted after the first wave of COVID-19, the learnt lesson as spotlight was not considered as one of the measures for which 2nd wave has quickly hit the world.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking of Shiwei Qingwen Decoction Reveal TNF as a Potential Target for Alleviating Mild COVID-19 Symptoms

Objective: Shiwei Qingwen decoction (SWQWD) is effective in preventing COVID-19. This study examined the active components of SWQWD and its potential targets for preventing COVID-19. The study used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to verify the role of SWQWD targets through animal experiments and explored the mechanisms that enhance immunity to alleviate mild COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: First, SWQWD- and COVID-19-related targets were retrieved from TCMSP, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. Second, protein–protein interaction networks were established using the String database. The drug active ingredient target network was constructed in Cytoscape to identify the core target proteins. Third, Gene Ontology (GO) Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to predict the SWQWD mechanism of action. Finally, the targets were validated by molecular docking in an acute lung injury (ALI) rat model. Results: The SWQWD compound target network contained 79 compounds and 277 targets, coinciding with the 73 targets of COVID-19. The most important gene in the core subnetwork was a tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The 3 most potent compounds, quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin, can enter the active pockets of TNF and have potential therapeutic roles in COVID-19. Conclusion: Quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin in SWQWD may enhance immunity by regulating multiple TNF signal pathways. After administering SWQWD, the content of tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ALI rats in comparison to the model group. We believe SWQWD is able to prevent and control COVID-19 through the target of TNF.

Body care activities and its consequences related to COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of illnesses related to COVID-19 disease include also dermatological changes. Moreover, modification of cosmetic and hygenic habits are widely noted.

AIM

The aim of this paper is to review the literature focused on skin manifestations related to COVID-19 disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to obtain information contained in this review article electronic databases, such as Google Scholar and PubMed, was searched. Only peer-reviewed articles published in the past two years have been studied.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

People have changed their cosmetics and hygenic habits, what has an impact on spreading COVID-19 disease, as well as on the beauty industry and human health.

CONCLUSION

More emphasis should be placed on increasing knowledge about skin lesions, which may appear in course of the disease or are associated with changes in hygenic and cosmetics habits.

Indonesian Migrant Workers: The Migration Process and Vulnerability to COVID-19

Indonesia is one of the largest sources of migrant workers in Southeast Asia. Presently, these workers are vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the prolonged migration process, which requires them to relocate from their villages to another country and back to Indonesia on completion of their working contract. Therefore, this study describes and discusses the vulnerability of Indonesian migrant workers (IMWs) to the pandemic at various phases of the migration process. It is related to the implementation and practice of health protocols, ignorance and indifference to the dangers and transmission of the virus, and also to the national vaccination program. The analysis is based on the review of literature studies, such as studies related to the topic, international and national regulations on migrant workers, and official data and statistics published by the Indonesian government. The materials and data were collected from search engines such as Google Search and Google Scholar and also relevant published reports available. Several policies have been implemented by the government of Indonesia and other destination countries where the prospective IMWs intend to work, to protect and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, there is still a contagion among IMWs willing to leave abroad and those returning home after completing their employment contract. Therefore, both countries need to be responsible for each migration process, specifically related to providing health protection, increasing awareness of the danger and transmission of the virus, and applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and COVID-19 vaccination for migrant workers.

Decidual stromal cell therapy for generalized lymphadenopathy as a special clinical manifestation of COVID‐19 infection: A case report

We are going through the greatest global health crisis of the last decades, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. It may cause morbidity and mortality in some cases, and there is no therapeutic approach with reproducible and favorable outcomes. As clinical manifestations differ from patient to patient, any report regarding clinical symptoms has been beneficial for early detection and treatment. Due to the immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), MSCs‐based therapy has been approved to be one of the therapeutic strategies for COVID‐19 management. For the first time in the literature, we reported generalized lymphadenopathy with fever and no sign of respiratory distress in a 16‐year‐old patient with confirmed COVID‐19 infection as the main clinical signs. We also introduce decidual stromal cells as a potential immunomodulatory treatment for COVID‐19–infected patients.

One-Size-Fits-All Policies Are Unacceptable: A Sustainable Management and Decision-Making Model for Schools in the Post-COVID-19 Era

This paper proposes a sustainable management and decision-making model for COVID-19 control in schools, which makes improvements to current policies and strategies. It is not a case study of any specific school or country. The term one-size-fits-all has two meanings: being blind to the pandemic, and conducting inflexible and harsh policies. The former strategy leads to more casualties and does potential harm to children. Conversely, under long-lasting strict policies, people feel exhausted. Therefore, some administrators pretend that they are working hard for COVID-19 control, and people pretend to follow pandemic control rules. The proposed model helps to alleviate these problems and improve management efficiency. A customized queue model is introduced to control social gatherings. An indoor–outdoor tracking system is established. Based on tracing data, we can assess people’s infection risk, and allocate medical resources more effectively in case of emergency. We consider both social and technical feasibility. Test results demonstrate the improvements and effectiveness of the model. In conclusion, the model has patched up certain one-size-fits-all strategies to balance pandemic control and normal life.

Forest Bathing Is Better than Walking in Urban Park: Comparison of Cardiac and Vascular Function between Urban and Forest Parks

Forest bathing is beneficial for human health. To investigate whether walking in forest or urban parks affects cardiovascular functions (CVFs), the present study was conducted in five forest trails in the Xitou Experimental Forest and in five urban parks in Taipei city. We recruited 25 adult volunteers for an observational pilot study in forest parks (n = 14) and urban parks (n = 11). CVFs were assessed by measuring the arterial pressure waveform using an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) device. The baseline and paired differences of systolic BP (SBP), central end SBP, heart rate, left ventricle (LV) dP/dt max and cardiac output in participants were lower before and after walking in a forest park than those in an urban park. In addition, the systemic vascular compliance and brachial artery compliance of those who walked in a forest park were significantly higher compared with those in an urban park. Linear mixed models demonstrated lower levels of SBP by 5.22 mmHg, heart rate by 2.46 beats/min, and cardiac output by 0.52 L/min, and LV dP/dt max by 146.91 mmHg/s among those who walked in forest compared to those in an urban park after controlling covariates. This study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of walking exercise in forest parks on CVFs.

The viral phoenix: enhanced infectivity and immunity evasion of SARS-CoV-2 variants

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues with emergence of new variants of concerns. These variants are fueling the third and fourth waves of pandemic across many nations. Here we describe the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and why they have enhanced infectivity and possess the ability to evade immunity.

Old growth forests and large old trees as critical organisms connecting ecosystems and human health. A review

Old forests containing ancient trees are essential ecosystems for life on earth. Mechanisms that happen both deep in the root systems and in the highest canopies ensure the viability of our planet. Old forests fix large quantities of atmospheric CO₂, produce oxygen, create micro-climates and irreplaceable habitats, in sharp contrast to young forests and monoculture forests. The current intense logging activities induce rapid, adverse effects on our ecosystems and climate. Here we review large old trees with a focus on ecosystem preservation, climate issues, and therapeutic potential. We found that old forests continue to sequester carbon and fix nitrogen. Old trees control below-ground conditions that are essential for tree regeneration. Old forests create micro-climates that slow global warming and are irreplaceable habitats for many endangered species. Old trees produce phytochemicals with many biomedical properties. Old trees also host particular fungi with untapped medicinal potential, including the Agarikon, Fomitopsis officinalis, which is currently being tested against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Large old trees are an important part of our combined cultural heritage, providing people with aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historical cues. Bringing their numerous environmental, oceanic, ecological, therapeutic, and socio-cultural benefits to the fore, and learning to appreciate old trees in a holistic manner could contribute to halting the worldwide decline of old-growth forests.

Study of climatology parameters on COVID-19 outbreak in Jordan

To control the spread of COVID-19 disease and reduce its mortality, an early and precise diagnose of this disease is of significant importance. Emerging research data show that the current COVID-19 pandemic may be affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, the impact of weather parameters on COVID-19 distribution should be explored to predict its development in the next few months. This research aims to study the association between the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in the three major cities of Jordan; Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid and climate indicators to include the average daily temperature (°C), wind speed (m/s), relative humidity (%), pressure (kPa), and the concentration of four pollutants (CO, NO₂, PM_10, and SO₂). The data were obtained from the World Air Quality Project website and the Jordanian Ministry of Environment. A total of 305 samples for each city was used to conduct the data analysis using multiple linear regression and a feedforward artificial neural network. It was concluded that the multiple linear regression and feedforward artificial neural network could forecast the COVID-19 confirmed cases in the case studies; Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. Finally, global sensitivity analysis using Sobol analysis indicated that pressure in Amman and Zarqa and the concentration of NO₂ in Irbid has a high rate of positive cases that supports the virus's spread.

Disaster risk management during COVID-19 pandemic

Disaster causing threats and damages to human lives and properties leading toward economic losses can be classified as natural, biological, technological, and societal disasters. Disaster risk management primarily include (i) limiting exposure to hazardous preagents and reducing vulnerabilities and, therefore, chances for disaster to occur; (ii) formulating strategies and preparedness in terms of gathering resources and making a blueprint of actions; (iii) real-time response during a disaster, and (iv) recovery and rehabilitation of affected people. The current pandemic in the form of COVID-19 has given rise to integrating health into the overall disaster risk management strategies. The current chapter aims to develop a framework for integrating health or biological disaster management into the overall disaster risk management protocols and principles. It also suggests a shift from the traditional approach of reactive response after the outbreak/occurrence of the health disaster to a more proactive approach of health risk mitigation by building capabilities across the nation through the development of healthcare services and infrastructure to combat health disasters. Health emergencies or disasters occur due to outbreaks of diseases and indirectly due to other natural calamities or disasters, causing disruption and collapse of healthcare facilities and limiting the access of the majority of people to healthcare services. Sustainable Development Goal-13 mentions the need of urgent actions to be taken and sets targets to combat the impact of climate change causing natural disasters. It is also discussed how to minimize risk and losses during COVID-19 and the required preventive measures to be taken during pandemic in the light disaster risk reduction (DRR) framework. Therefore the guidelines developed in this chapter aim at building a resilient healthcare infrastructure alongside assuring the supply of basic needs viz. water, medicine, food, electricity, and communication during emergencies. It also estimates cost relative to the country’s budget or Gross Domestic Product (GDP) required to build an appropriate healthcare infrastructure for disaster management and performs an economic analysis of cost and benefit.

Can imported cold food cause COVID-19 recurrent outbreaks? A review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still spreading all over the world. Although China quickly brought the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) under control in 2020, sporadic outbreaks have recurred from time to time. Outbreaks since June 2020 have suggested that the imported cold food supply chain is a major cause for the recurrence and spread of COVID-19. Here we review recurrent outbreaks in China from June 2020 to March 2021, and we analyse the main causes for recurrence and transmission by the supply of imported cold food from port to fork. Contaminated cold food or food packaging material can transmit the virus through 'person-to-thing-to-person', by contrast with the classical 'person-to-person' pathway. We decribe safety precautions for the food system, operating environment and people along the cold chain logistics. Surface disinfection and nucleic acid inspection are needed in each stage of the logistics of imported cold food supply.

COVID-19 drugs in aquatic systems: a review

The outbreak of the human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has induced an unprecedented increase in the use of several old and repurposed therapeutic drugs such as veterinary medicines, e.g. ivermectin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, protein and peptide therapeutics, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and antimalarial drugs, antiretrovirals, analgesics, and supporting agents, e.g. azithromycin and corticosteroids. Excretion of drugs and their metabolites in stools and urine release these drugs into wastewater, and ultimately into surface waters and groundwater systems. Here, we review the sources, behaviour, environmental fate, risks, and remediation of those drugs. We discuss drug transformation in aquatic environments and in wastewater treatment systems. Degradation mechanisms and metabolite toxicity are poorly known. Potential risks include endocrine disruption, acute and chronic toxicity, disruption of ecosystem functions and trophic interactions in aquatic organisms, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Wearable body sensor network: SDGs panacea for an holistic SARS-CoV-2 mitigation, diagnostic, therapeutic, and health informatics interventions

The COVID-19 pandemic offers enormous potential for digital health solutions, with social distancing being the only current approach that has thus far been established to reduce the risk. Wearable Activity Tracker (WATs) is an appealing, successful, and inexpensive choice in this context. This technology is of vital significance in ensuring the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals following sustainable development goals. The application of technological interventions will in no doubt help in tackling the debilitating effect of health emergencies in the world population. However, there is a shortage of literature explaining the programming resources needed to effectively treat this novel infection which is briefly addressed in this review. This study prominently addressed the potential of wearable Activity Tracker as a technological solution to healthcare disaster management.

Environmental factors influencing the transmission of the coronavirus 2019: a review

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic, induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has strongly altered healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. The lack of knowledge on this virus has led to the implementation of uncertain strategies and measures to fight the pandemic. Here, we review environmental factors that control viral transmission, such as air, temperature, humidity, food, water and sewage, insects, inanimate surfaces, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The main route of viral transmission is the respiratory tract through aerosols. Masks and social distancing are effective in ceasing air transmission. Proper cleaning of surfaces and hand disinfection are required, especially in healthcare units. Food should be handled properly, and food handlers should work based on hygienic protocols. Water and sewage transmission, and transmission through insects appear less important than other environmental factors.

Less COVID-19 deaths in southern and insular Italy explained by forest bathing, Mediterranean environment, and antiviral plant volatile organic compounds

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing major sanitary and socioeconomic issues, yet some locations are less impacted than others. While densely populated areas are likely to favor viral transmission, we hypothesize that other environmental factors could explain lower cases in some areas. We studied COVID-19 impact and population statistics in highly forested Mediterranean Italian regions versus some northern regions where the amount of trees per capita is much lower. We also evaluated the affinity of Mediterranean plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) isoprene, α-pinene, linalool and limonene for COVID-19 protein targets by molecular docking modeling. Results show that while mean death number increased about 4 times from 2020 to 2021, the percentage of deaths per population (0.06-0.10%) was lower in the greener Mediterranean regions such as Sardinia, Calabria and Basilica versus northern regions with low forest coverage, such as Lombardy (0.33%) and Emilia Romagna (0.29%). Data also show that the pandemic severity cannot be explained solely by population density. Modeling reveals that plant organic compounds could bind and interfere with the complex formed by the receptor binding domain of the coronavirus spike protein with the human cell receptor. Overall, our findings are likely explained by sea proximity and mild climate, Mediterranean diet and the abundance of non-deciduous Mediterranean plants which emit immunomodulatory and antiviral compounds. Potential implications include 'forest bathing' as a therapeutic practice, designing nasal sprays containing plant volatile organic compounds, and preserving and increasing forest coverage.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10311-021-01309-5.

Links between chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution and cardiovascular diseases: a review

Acute exposure to air pollution is associated with an increasing risk of death and cardiovascular disorders. Nonetheless, the impact of chronic exposure to air pollution on the circulatory system is still debated. Here, we review the links of chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution with mortality and most common cardiovascular diseases, in particular during the coronavirus disease 2019 event (COVID-19). We found that recent studies provide robust evidence for a causal effect of chronic exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular mortality. In terms of mortality, the strongest relationship was noted for fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. There is also increasing evidence showing that exposure to air pollution, mainly fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. However, available scientific evidence is not strong enough to support associations with cardiac arrhythmias and coagulation disturbances. Noteworthy, for some pollutants, the risk of negative health effects is high for concentrations lower than the limit values recommended by the European Union and Word Health Organization. Efforts to diminish exposure to air pollution and to design optimal methods of air pollution reduction should be urgently intensified and supported by effective legislation and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Wastewater aerosols produced during flushing toilets, WWTPs, and irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater as indirect exposure to SARS-CoV-2

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw and treated wastewater can open up a fresh perspective to waterborne and aerosolized wastewater as a new transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the current pandemic. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater aerosols formed during toilet flushing, plumbing failure, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal wastewater reuse for irrigation. Moreover, how these aerosols might increase the risk of exposure to this novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA). This article supplies a review of the literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in untreated wastewater, as well as the fate and stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. We also reviewed the existing literatures on generation and transmission of aerosolized wastewater through flush a toilet, house's plumbing networks, WWTPs, wastewater reuse for irrigation of agricultural areas. Finally, the article briefly studies the potential risk of infection with exposure to the fecal bioaerosols of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for the people who might be exposed through flushing toilets or faulty building plumbing systems, operators/workers in wastewater treatment plants, and workers of fields irrigated with treated wastewater - based on current knowledge. Although this review highlights the indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through wastewater aerosols, no research has yet clearly demonstrated the role of aerosolized wastewater in disease transmission regarding the continuation of this pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for additional studies on wastewater aerosols in transmission of COVID-19.

A multilevel scenario based predictive analytics framework to model the community mental health and built environment nexus

The built environment affects mental health outcomes, but this relationship is less studied and understood. This article proposes a novel multi-level scenario-based predictive analytics framework (MSPAF) to explore the complex relationships between community mental health outcomes and the built environment conditions. The MSPAF combines rigorously validated interpretable machine learning algorithms and scenario-based sensitivity analysis to test various hypotheses on how the built environment impacts community mental health outcomes across the largest metropolitan areas in the US. Among other findings, our results suggest that declining socio-economic conditions of the built environment (e.g., poverty, low income, unemployment, decreased access to public health insurance) are significantly associated with increased reported mental health disorders. Similarly, physical conditions of the built environment (e.g., increased housing vacancies and increased travel costs) are significantly associated with increased reported mental health disorders. However, this positive relationship between the physical conditions of the built environment and mental health outcomes does not hold across all the metropolitan areas, suggesting a mixed effect of the built environment's physical conditions on community mental health. We conclude by highlighting future opportunities of incorporating other variables and datasets into the MSPAF framework to test additional hypotheses on how the built environment impacts community mental health.

Corona and polio viruses are sensitive to short pulses of W-band gyrotron radiation

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has raised the need of versatile means for virus decontamination. Millimeter waves are used in biochemical research in dynamic nuclear polarization enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (DNP/NMR) spectroscopy. However, their efficiency in object decontamination for viruses has not been tested yet. Here we report the high efficiency of 95 GHz waves in killing both coronavirus 229E and poliovirus. An exposure of 2 s to 95 GHz waves reduced the titer of these viruses by 99.98% and 99.375%, respectively, and formed holes in the envelope of 229E virions as detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The ability of 95 GHz waves to reduce the coronavirus titer to a range of limited infective dose of SARS-CoV-2 for humans and animal models along with precise focusing capabilities for these waves suggest 95 GHz waves as an effective way to decontaminate objects.

Have artificial lighting and noise pollution caused zoonosis and the COVID-19 pandemic? A review

Where did the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) come from? Did it spread to 'patient zero' through proactive human-animal contact? Why did humans faced an increasing number of zoonotic diseases in the past few decades? In this article, we propose a new theory by which human pollution such as artificial lighting and noise accentuate pathogen shedding from bats and other wild habitants in urban environments. This theory differs from the current hypothesis that wildlife trades and bushmeat consumption largely contribute to the spillover of zoonotic pathogens to humans. As natural reservoirs, bats harbor the greatest number of zoonotic viruses among all mammalian orders, while they also have a unique immune system to maintain functioning. Some bat species roost in proximity with human settlements, including urban communities and surrounding areas that are potentially most impacted by anthropogenic activities. We review the behavioral changes of wild habitants, including bats and other species, caused by environmental pollution such as artificial lighting and noise pollution, with focus on the spillover of zoonotic pathogens to humans. We found that there is a strong positive correlation between environmental stress and the behavior and health conditions of wild species, including bats. Specifically, artificial lighting attracts insectivorous bats to congregate around streetlights, resulting in changes in their diets and improved likelihood of close contact with humans and animals. Moreover, many bat species avoid lit areas by expending more energies on commuting and foraging. Noise pollution has similar effects on bat behavior. Bats exposed to chronic noise pollution have weakened immune functions, increased viral shedding, and declined immunity during pregnancy, lactation, and vulnerable periods due to noised-induced stress. Other wild species exposed to artificial lighting and noise pollution also show stress-induced behaviors and deteriorated health. Overall, evidence supports our hypothesis that artificial lighting and noise pollution have been overlooked as long-term contributors to the spillover of zoonotic pathogens to humans in urban environments.