1
|
Norvihoho LK, Yin J, Zhou ZF, Han J, Chen B, Fan LH, Lichtfouse E. Mechanisms controlling the transport and evaporation of human exhaled respiratory droplets containing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1701-1727. [PMID: 36846189 PMCID: PMC9944801 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01579-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 is still ongoing despite mass vaccination, lockdowns, and other drastic measures to control the pandemic. This is due partly to our lack of understanding on the multiphase flow mechanics that control droplet transport and viral transmission dynamics. Various models of droplet evaporation have been reported, yet there is still limited knowledge about the influence of physicochemical parameters on the transport of respiratory droplets carrying the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Here we review the effects of initial droplet size, environmental conditions, virus mutation, and non-volatile components on droplet evaporation and dispersion, and on virus stability. We present experimental and computational methods to analyze droplet transport, and factors controlling transport and evaporation. Methods include thermal manikins, flow techniques, aerosol-generating techniques, nucleic acid-based assays, antibody-based assays, polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, field-effect transistor-based assay, and discrete and gas-phase modeling. Controlling factors include environmental conditions, turbulence, ventilation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, droplet size distribution, non-volatile components, evaporation and mutation. Current results show that medium-sized droplets, e.g., 50 µm, are sensitive to relative humidity. Medium-sized droplets experience delayed evaporation at high relative humidity, and increase airborne lifetime and travel distance. By contrast, at low relative humidity, medium-sized droplets quickly shrink to droplet nuclei and follow the cough jet. Virus inactivation within a few hours generally occurs at temperatures above 40 °C, and the presence of viral particles in aerosols impedes droplet evaporation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Kojo Norvihoho
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Fu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Hong Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karimi-Maleh H, Dragoi EN, Lichtfouse E. How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed research? ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 21:1-4. [PMID: 36593978 PMCID: PMC9797383 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Karimi-Maleh
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Xiyuan Ave, P.O. Box 611731, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Elena Niculina Dragoi
- Cristofor Simionescu Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, Bld. D Mangeron No. 73, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xian Jiaotong University, Xian, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Paital B, Das K. 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. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85595-85611. [PMID: 34390474 PMCID: PMC8363867 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Grants
- ECR/2016/001984 Science and Engineering Research Board
- 1188/ST, Bhubaneswar, dated 01.03.17, ST- (Bio)-02/2017 Department of Biotechnology, DST, Govt. of Odisha, IN
- 36 Seed/2019/Philosophy-1, letter number 941/69/OSHEC/2019, dt 22.11.19 Department of Higher Education, Govt. of Odisha, IN
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswaranjan Paital
- Redox Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India.
| | - Kabita Das
- Department of Philosophy, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vinayagam V, Murugan S, Kumaresan R, Narayanan M, Sillanpää M, Viet N Vo D, Kushwaha OS, Jenis P, Potdar P, Gadiya S. Sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134597. [PMID: 35439481 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the previous three decades, the worldwide use of pharmaceuticals has surged by more than 2.5 times. Although being considered essential to save many lives, pharmaceuticals have also emerged as a large source of complex environmental contaminants in recent decades. Consequently, the pharmaceuticals and their breakdown products are ending up into the water bodies thus progressively contaminating them and the surrounding environments. Based on recent studies concentrations in water sources are typically >0.1 μg/l and the concentration in treated water is typically >0.05 μg/l. These pharma drugs are removed from aquatic systems by processes such as oxidation, Ultraviolet degradation, reverse osmosis and nano-filtration. However, hazardous sludge creation, incomplete removal, expensive capital and operating costs, and the need for professional operating and maintenance personnel have all limited the economic sustainability of these systems. As a result, the presence of pharmaceuticals in water necessitates even more advanced technologies of purification to harvest clean water, yet present approaches are constrained by their high costs, low reusability, and disposal issues. Here, we review sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. In this comprehensive review, an evaluation of water contamination caused by pharmaceutical compounds is discussed. An overview of current research on the employment of sustainable adsorbents for the removal of the major pharmaceuticals prevalent in water sources. Numerous aspects of high adsorption efficiencies of these pharmaceutical compounds with such sustainable adsorbents were observed; however, other factors, such as adsorbent regeneration and cost evaluation, must be taken into account in order to assess the true applicability of adsorbents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Vinayagam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Shrima Murugan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Rishikeswaran Kumaresan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Meyyappan Narayanan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa; Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Zhejiang Rongsheng Environmental Protection Paper Co. Ltd, No. 588 East Zhennan Road, Pinghu Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang, 314213, PR China
| | - Dai Viet N Vo
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, 755414, Viet Nam.
| | - Omkar Singh Kushwaha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
| | - Ponraj Jenis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077
| | - Pratik Potdar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, 10027, United States
| | - Shreyans Gadiya
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nucleic Acids as Biotools at the Interface between Chemistry and Nanomedicine in the COVID-19 Era. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084359. [PMID: 35457177 PMCID: PMC9031702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent development of mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 infection has turned the spotlight on the potential of nucleic acids as innovative prophylactic agents and as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Until now, their use has been severely limited by their reduced half-life in the biological environment and the difficulties related to their transport to target cells. These limiting aspects can now be overcome by resorting to chemical modifications in the drug and using appropriate nanocarriers, respectively. Oligonucleotides can interact with complementary sequences of nucleic acid targets, forming stable complexes and determining their loss of function. An alternative strategy uses nucleic acid aptamers that, like the antibodies, bind to specific proteins to modulate their activity. In this review, the authors will examine the recent literature on nucleic acids-based strategies in the COVID-19 era, focusing the attention on their applications for the prophylaxis of COVID-19, but also on antisense- and aptamer-based strategies directed to the diagnosis and therapy of the coronavirus pandemic.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gilhen-Baker M, Roviello V, Beresford-Kroeger D, Roviello GN. Old growth forests and large old trees as critical organisms connecting ecosystems and human health. A review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1529-1538. [PMID: 35002589 PMCID: PMC8728480 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01372-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Gilhen-Baker
- Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Georgian State Teaching University of Physical Education and Sport, 49, Chavchavadze avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto Di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, IBB - CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tran TV, Nguyen DTC, Kumar PS, Din ATM, Jalil AA, Vo DVN. Green synthesis of ZrO 2 nanoparticles and nanocomposites for biomedical and environmental applications: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1309-1331. [PMID: 35035338 PMCID: PMC8741578 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01367-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollution and diseases such as the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) are major issues that may be solved partly by nanotechnology. Here we review the synthesis of ZrO2 nanoparticles and their nanocomposites using compounds from bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and plants. For instance, bacteria, microalgae, and fungi secret bioactive metabolites such as fucoidans, digestive enzymes, and proteins, while plant tissues are rich in reducing sugars, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and amino acids. These compounds allow reducing, capping, chelating, and stabilizing during the transformation of Zr4+ into ZrO2 nanoparticles. Green ZrO2 nanoparticles display unique properties such as a nanoscale size of 5-50 nm, diverse morphologies, e.g. nanospheres, nanorods and nanochains, and wide bandgap energy of 3.7-5.5 eV. Their high stability and biocompatibility are suitable biomedical and environmental applications, such as pathogen and cancer inactivation, and pollutant removal. Emerging applications of green ZrO2-based nanocomposites include water treatment, catalytic reduction, nanoelectronic devices, and anti-biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuan Van Tran
- Institute of Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 298-300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, 755414 Vietnam
| | - Duyen Thi Cam Nguyen
- Institute of Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 298-300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, 755414 Vietnam
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, 81310 Johor, Malaysia
| | - Ponnusamy Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, 603110 India
| | - Azam Taufik Mohd Din
- School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Aishah Abdul Jalil
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, 81310 Johor, Malaysia
- Centre of Hydrogen Energy, Institute of Future Energy, UTM Johor Bahru, 81310 Johor, Malaysia
| | - Dai-Viet N. Vo
- Institute of Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 298-300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, 755414 Vietnam
- School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Roviello V, Gilhen-Baker M, Roviello GN, Lichtfouse E. River therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:2729-2734. [PMID: 35069061 PMCID: PMC8761511 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Melinda Gilhen-Baker
- Faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Georgian State Teaching University of Physical Education and Sport, 49, Chavchavadze avenue, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- IBB–CNR Mezzocannone Site and Headquarters, Istituto Di Biostrutture E Bioimmagini, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INRA, CEREGE, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Valsamatzi-Panagiotou A, Penchovsky R. Environmental factors influencing the transmission of the coronavirus 2019: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1603-1610. [PMID: 35221835 PMCID: PMC8859930 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Valsamatzi-Panagiotou
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Robert Penchovsky
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Konduracka E, Rostoff P. Links between chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution and cardiovascular diseases: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:2971-2988. [PMID: 35496466 PMCID: PMC9036845 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Konduracka
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Jagiellonian University Medical College, John Paul II Hospital, Prądnicka 80, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Rostoff
- Department of Coronary Disease and Heart Failure, Jagiellonian University Medical College, John Paul II Hospital, Prądnicka 80, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Roviello V, Roviello GN. Less COVID-19 deaths in southern and insular Italy explained by forest bathing, Mediterranean environment, and antiviral plant volatile organic compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:7-17. [PMID: 34483793 PMCID: PMC8408569 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roviello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering (DICMaPI), University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Istituto Di Biostrutture E Bioimmagini, IBB–CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Choi H, Chatterjee P, Hwang M, Lichtfouse E, Sharma VK, Jinadatha C. The viral phoenix: enhanced infectivity and immunity evasion of SARS-CoV-2 variants. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 20:1539-1544. [PMID: 34522191 PMCID: PMC8428212 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hosoon Choi
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX USA
| | - Piyali Chatterjee
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX USA
| | - Munok Hwang
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX USA
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix en Provence, 13100 France
| | - Virender K. Sharma
- Program of the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - Chetan Jinadatha
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, TX USA
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77842-3012 USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Han S, Liu X. Can imported cold food cause COVID-19 recurrent outbreaks? A review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 20:119-129. [PMID: 34512224 PMCID: PMC8422046 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01312-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilian Han
- School of Marketing and Logistics Management, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Xinwang Liu
- School of Economics and Management, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189 China
| |
Collapse
|