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Orbán LL. Principles to guide research and policy on psychological well-being in remote island developing states in the South Pacific. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1325292. [PMID: 38577401 PMCID: PMC10993693 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1325292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse climatic changes around the globe and predictions of catastrophic and irreversible alteration in global weather patterns, temperature rise, and coast-line habitability require a careful examination of consequences on the resilience and mental health of people who will endure these changes. This paper is concerned with the South Pacific region. This geography has benefited from a relatively stable climate that is seen in the lush and vibrant natural world with many unique species of plants and animals exclusively found here. This paper examines the psychological profile of the people in the South Pacific using an evolutionary framework, and considers their local climate risks and lifestyle patterns with the aim of exploring possible mental health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente L. Orbán
- School of Law and Social Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
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2
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Munialo CD, Mellor DD. A review of the impact of social disruptions on food security and food choice. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:13-23. [PMID: 38268897 PMCID: PMC10804122 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At times of severe social disruption, be that war, conflict, pandemic, or economic downturn, both the availability and consumption of healthy dietary patterns can be adversely affected with any effects often outlasting the initial social disruption. For instance, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and lockdown restrictions followed, households were reported to consume unhealthy diets. In some cases, this seemed to be a response to the situation and a coping mechanism. In contrast, in other cases, it was a consequence of limited food availability or access, with some communities finding that fresh foods became difficult to source due to the disruption in global supply chains. The example presented by the impact of conflict in Ukraine, which has also disrupted global food supply chains, at a macrolevel, food systems and at a microlevel, individual and community shows that food choices may respond to different global events in similar ways. Therefore, in this review, a range of events/disruptions are considered, beyond pandemics and wars, including climate disasters (e.g., fire, famine, and floods) that have been shown to impact food supply and consequently, food security. The importance of this can be seen as inadequate and nutritionally poor diets have a concomitant effect on health, which extends beyond the initial period of societal stress and disruption of food supply chains. Hence, the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior which includes food choice needs to be corroborated. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior and food choices. Additionally, this review provides some practical strategies that can be used to ensure the availability of healthy diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire D. Munialo
- Food, Land and Agribusiness ManagementHarper Adams UniversityNewportUK
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3
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Khan MMT, Sklar L. Editorial: Environmental contaminants in aquatic systems and chemical safety for environmental and human health, volume II. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1157834. [PMID: 37383263 PMCID: PMC10299172 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1157834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohiuddin Md. Taimur Khan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University Tri-Cities, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Larry Sklar
- Center for Molecular Discovery and Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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4
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Elkhatib WF, Abdelkareem SS, Khalaf WS, Shahin MI, Elfadil D, Alhazmi A, El-Batal AI, El-Sayyad GS. Narrative review on century of respiratory pandemics from Spanish flu to COVID-19 and impact of nanotechnology on COVID-19 diagnosis and immune system boosting. Virol J 2022; 19:167. [PMID: 36280866 PMCID: PMC9589879 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise of the highly lethal severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-2) as corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) reminded us of the history of other pandemics that happened in the last century (Spanish flu) and stayed in the current century, which include Severe-Acute-Respiratory-Syndrome (SARS), Middle-East-Respiratory-Syndrome (MERS), Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19). We review in this report the newest findings and data on the origin of pandemic respiratory viral diseases, reservoirs, and transmission modes. We analyzed viral adaption needed for host switch and determinants of pathogenicity, causative factors of pandemic viruses, and symptoms and clinical manifestations. After that, we concluded the host factors associated with pandemics morbidity and mortality (immune responses and immunopathology, ages, and effect of pandemics on pregnancy). Additionally, we focused on the burdens of COVID-19, non-pharmaceutical interventions (quarantine, mass gatherings, facemasks, and hygiene), and medical interventions (antiviral therapies and vaccines). Finally, we investigated the nanotechnology between COVID-19 analysis and immune system boosting (Nanoparticles (NPs), antimicrobial NPs as antivirals and immune cytokines). This review presents insights about using nanomaterials to treat COVID-19, improve the bioavailability of the abused drugs, diminish their toxicity, and improve their performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid F Elkhatib
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala City, Suez, Egypt.
| | - Shereen S Abdelkareem
- Department of Alumni, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Industries, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wafaa S Khalaf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, 11751, Egypt
| | - Mona I Shahin
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Tymaa, Tabuk University, Tymaa, 71491, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dounia Elfadil
- Biology and Chemistry Department, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Alaa Alhazmi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- SMIRES for Consultation in Specialized Medical Laboratories, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed I El-Batal
- Drug Microbiology Laboratory, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gharieb S El-Sayyad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala City, Suez, Egypt.
- Drug Microbiology Laboratory, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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5
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Alshahrani AM. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Interventions to Mitigate the Monkeypox Virus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13789. [PMID: 36360668 PMCID: PMC9656773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
When a viral outbreak occurs, governments are obligated to protect their citizens from the diverse adverse effects of the disease. Health policymakers often have several interventions to consider based on the health of the population, as well as the cascading social and economic consequences of the possible mitigation strategies. The current outbreak of the monkeypox virus has elicited debate on the best mitigation strategy, especially given that most world economies are still recovering from the harsh economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper sought to analyze the costs and benefits of three possible strategies and determine which option has the best health outcomes and positive economic effects. A case study of Jeddah was performed, whereby a model was simulated to determine the number of infections over 28 days based on one case of the monkeypox virus. Findings reveal that the vaccination provides the best intervention, as it effectively reduces the transmission rate and prevents loss of lives in the city. From the model, only three people were infected over the research period, while no deaths were reported. Although vaccination incurs a huge direct cost at the beginning, in the long run, it saves the economy from the disease's financial burden in terms of productivity loss from work absenteeism and premature deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mofleh Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, TU, KSA, P.O. Box 888, Haweiah 21974, Saudi Arabia
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Gao Y, Lu Y, Dungait JAJ, Liu J, Lin S, Jia J, Yu G. The "Regulator" Function of Viruses on Ecosystem Carbon Cycling in the Anthropocene. Front Public Health 2022; 10:858615. [PMID: 35425734 PMCID: PMC9001988 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.858615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses act as "regulators" of the global carbon cycle because they impact the material cycles and energy flows of food webs and the microbial loop. The average contribution of viruses to the Earth ecosystem carbon cycle is 8.6‰, of which its contribution to marine ecosystems (1.4‰) is less than its contribution to terrestrial (6.7‰) and freshwater (17.8‰) ecosystems. Over the past 2,000 years, anthropogenic activities and climate change have gradually altered the regulatory role of viruses in ecosystem carbon cycling processes. This has been particularly conspicuous over the past 200 years due to rapid industrialization and attendant population growth. The progressive acceleration of the spread and reproduction of viruses may subsequently accelerate the global C cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer A J Dungait
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.,Carbon Management Centre, SRUC-Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jianbao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Alpine Ecology, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunhe Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junjie Jia
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guirui Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Lin R, Wang X, Huang J. The influence of weather conditions on the COVID-19 epidemic: Evidence from 279 prefecture-level panel data in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112272. [PMID: 34695427 PMCID: PMC8536487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Studying the influence of weather conditions on the COVID-19 epidemic is an emerging field. However, existing studies in this area tend to utilize time-series data, which have certain limitations and fail to consider individual, social, and economic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to fill this gap. In this paper, we explored the influence of weather conditions on the COVID-19 epidemic using COVID-19-related prefecture-daily panel data collected in mainland China between January 1, 2020, and February 19, 2020. A two-way fixed effect model was applied taking into account factors including public health measures, effective distance to Wuhan, population density, economic development level, health, and medical conditions. We also used a piecewise linear regression to determine the relationship in detail. We found that there is a conditional negative relationship between weather conditions and the epidemic. Each 1 °C rise in mean temperature led to a 0.49% increase in the confirmed cases growth rate when mean temperature was above -7 °C. Similarly, when the relative humidity was greater than 46%, it was negatively correlated with the epidemic, where a 1% increase in relative humidity decreased the rate of confirmed cases by 0.19%. Furthermore, prefecture-level administrative regions, such as Chifeng (included as "warning cities") have more days of "dangerous weather", which is favorable for outbreaks. In addition, we found that the impact of mean temperature is greatest in the east, the influence of relative humidity is most pronounced in the central region, and the significance of weather conditions is more important in the coastal region. Finally, we found that rising diurnal temperatures decreased the negative impact of weather conditions on the spread of COVID-19. We also observed that strict public health measures and high social concern can mitigate the adverse effects of cold and dry weather on the spread of the epidemic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which applies the two-way fixed effect model to investigate the influence of weather conditions on the COVID-19 epidemic, takes into account socio-economic factors and draws new conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Lin
- School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, China
| | - Junpei Huang
- School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, China.
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Emediegwu LE. Health impacts of daily weather fluctuations: Empirical evidence from COVID-19 in U.S. counties. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 291:112662. [PMID: 33930636 PMCID: PMC8064870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus has necessitated immense research efforts to understand how several non-environmental and environmental factors affect transmission. With the United States leading the path in terms of case incidence, it is important to investigate how weather variables influence the spread of the disease in the country. This paper assembles a detailed and comprehensive dataset comprising COVID-19 cases and climatological variables for all counties in the continental U.S. and uses a developed econometric approach to estimate the causal effect of certain weather factors on the growth rate of infection. The results indicate a non-linear and significant negative relationship between the individual weather measures and the growth rate of COVID-19 in the U.S. Specifically, the paper finds that a 1 °C rise in daily temperature will reduce daily covid growth rate in the U.S. by approximately 6 percent in the following week, while a marginal increase in relative humidity reduces the same outcome by 1 percent over a similar period. In comparison, a 1 m/s increase in daily wind speed will bring about an 8 percent drop in daily growth rate of COVID-19 in the country. These results differ by location and are robust to several sensitivity checks, so large deviations are unexpected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotanna E Emediegwu
- Department of Economics, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, UK.
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Mukherjee S, Chouhan KBS, Tandey R, Yadav N, Dhobi M, Mandal V. A status report with critical analysis of research trends in exploring medicinal plants as antiviral: Let us dig into the history to predict the future. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4284-4296. [PMID: 33793009 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The review article serves as a mini directory of medicinal plants (662 medicinal plants have been identified) that have been investigated for antiviral property between 2015 and 2019. Data have been extracted from Scopus using specific keywords followed by manual sorting to avoid any duplication. Critical analyses of handpicked data have been presented. Mapping of medicinal plants, followed by critical analysis on the families and plant parts investigated in the said tenure, and its correlation with the participating countries and virus types have been critically analyzed. Interceptive role of phytochemicals in impeding viral replication has also been taken note of. Emphasis on India's exploration of various medicinal plants has also been given. Also presents a tutelage, which is likely to revive the interest in natural products for search of potential antivirals. This review is expected to serve as a rich data bank and as a guiding principle for researchers who are planning to explore medicinal plants in search for potential antiviral. It is time that researchers need to revisit their countries' own history of traditional medicine to predict something worthful in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, India
| | | | - Roshni Tandey
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Apollo College of Pharmacy, Durg, India
| | - Neelima Yadav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Dr. C.V. Raman Institute of Pharmacy, Dr. C.V. Raman University, Bilaspur, India
| | - Mahaveer Dhobi
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Vivekananda Mandal
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, India
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10
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From the Editor's Desk: Medicine Past and Present. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:575-576. [PMID: 33501529 PMCID: PMC7837081 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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11
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Weather Variability and COVID-19 Transmission: A Review of Recent Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020396. [PMID: 33419216 PMCID: PMC7825623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Weather and climate play a significant role in infectious disease transmission, through changes to transmission dynamics, host susceptibility and virus survival in the environment. Exploring the association of weather variables and COVID-19 transmission is vital in understanding the potential for seasonality and future outbreaks and developing early warning systems. Previous research examined the effects of weather on COVID-19, but the findings appeared inconsistent. This review aims to summarize the currently available literature on the association between weather and COVID-19 incidence and provide possible suggestions for developing weather-based early warning system for COVID-19 transmission. Studies eligible for inclusion used ecological methods to evaluate associations between weather (i.e., temperature, humidity, wind speed and rainfall) and COVID-19 transmission. The review showed that temperature was reported as significant in the greatest number of studies, with COVID-19 incidence increasing as temperature decreased and the highest incidence reported in the temperature range of 0–17 °C. Humidity was also significantly associated with COVID-19 incidence, though the reported results were mixed, with studies reporting positive and negative correlation. A significant interaction between humidity and temperature was also reported. Wind speed and rainfall results were not consistent across studies. Weather variables including temperature and humidity can contribute to increased transmission of COVID-19, particularly in winter conditions through increased host susceptibility and viability of the virus. While there is less indication of an association with wind speed and rainfall, these may contribute to behavioral changes that decrease exposure and risk of infection. Understanding the implications of associations with weather variables and seasonal variations for monitoring and control of future outbreaks is essential for early warning systems.
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Rahman MM, Williams SJ. Membrane tension may define the deadliest virus infection. COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 40:100338. [PMID: 34722169 PMCID: PMC8544801 DOI: 10.1016/j.colcom.2020.100338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript describes the potentially significant role of interfacial tension in viral infection. Our hypothesis is based on evidence from drop coalescence hydrodynamics. A change in membrane tension can trigger fusion between the vesicle and cell such that genetic material, like viral RNA, can subsequently be transported to the cell interior. In other cases, RNA may reside near the cell membrane inside the cell, which could make their removal energetically unfavorable because of hydrodynamic interactions between membrane and RNA. Interfacial tension of the virus membrane can be modulated by temperature, among many other factors, of the mucosa layer. We discuss our hypothesis within the scope of recent SARS-CoV-2 studies where temperature-dependent membrane surface tension could be impacted through different atmospheric conditions, air conditioning systems, and the use of masks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stuart J Williams
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, KY, USA
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