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Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, Jones MA, Hoffmann TC, Clark J, Beller EM, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD006207. [PMID: 36715243 PMCID: PMC9885521 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2020. We include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and two trials registers in October 2022, with backwards and forwards citation analysis on the new studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, glasses, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks concurrent with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Adherence with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included 12 trials (10 cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and 10 in the community). Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI)/COVID-19 like illness compared to not wearing masks (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.09; 9 trials, 276,917 participants; moderate-certainty evidence. Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza/SARS-CoV-2 compared to not wearing masks (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.42; 6 trials, 13,919 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported (very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). We are very uncertain on the effects of N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcome of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; 3 trials, 7779 participants; very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks may be effective for ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 5 trials, 8407 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; 5 trials, 8407 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Restricting pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies (very low-certainty evidence). One previously reported ongoing RCT has now been published and observed that medical/surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators in a large study of 1009 healthcare workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Hand hygiene compared to control Nineteen trials compared hand hygiene interventions with controls with sufficient data to include in meta-analyses. Settings included schools, childcare centres and homes. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90; 9 trials, 52,105 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1000 people to 327 per 1000 people (95% CI 308 to 342). When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; 11 trials, 34,503 participants; low-certainty evidence), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials, 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence), suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled 19 trials (71, 210 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. Pooled data showed that hand hygiene may be beneficial with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 200 events per 1000 people to 178 per 1000 people (95% CI 166 to 188). Few trials measured and reported harms (very low-certainty evidence). We found no RCTs on gowns and gloves, face shields, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions. There were additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions but a relative paucity given the importance of the question of masking and its relative effectiveness and the concomitant measures of mask adherence which would be highly relevant to the measurement of effectiveness, especially in the elderly and in young children. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low to moderate certainty of evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness, and although this effect was also present when ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza were analysed separately, it was not found to be a significant difference for the latter two outcomes. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, as well as the impact of adherence on effectiveness, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Cox J, Christensen B, Burton N, Dunn KH, Finnegan M, Ruess A, Estill C. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace: Key findings from a rapid review of the literature. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2023; 57:233-254. [PMID: 37213938 PMCID: PMC10193509 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2023.2166394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary route of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not well understood. Research gathered from other respiratory infectious diseases, including other coronaviruses, was the basis for the initial perceptions for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. To better understand transmission of SARS-CoV-2, a rapid literature review was conducted from literature generated March 19, 2020, through September 23, 2021. 18,616 unique results were identified from literature databases and screened. Of these, 279 key articles were reviewed and abstracted covering critical topics such as environmental/workplace monitoring, sampling and analytical method evaluation, and the ability of the virus to remain intact and infectious during sampling. This paper describes the results of the rapid literature review, which evaluated pathways that contribute to transmission as well as the strengths and limitations of current sampling approaches. This review also evaluates how different factors, including environmental conditions and surface characteristics, could impact the transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2. A continual rapid review in the midst of a pandemic proved particularly useful for quickly understanding the transmission parameters of the virus and enabled us to comprehensively assess literature, respond to workplace questions, and evaluate our understanding as the science evolved. Air and surface sampling with the accompanying analytical methods were not generally effective in recovering SARS-CoV-2 viable virus or RNA in many likely contaminated environments. In light of these findings, the development of validated sampling and analysis methods is critical for determining worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and to assess the impact of mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Cox
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brian Christensen
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nancy Burton
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kevin H. Dunn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Ana Ruess
- Gryphon Scientific, Takoma Park, MD, USA
| | - Cherie Estill
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Stein SJ, Ravnholdt AR, Herrera VL, Rivera DN, Williams PT, Santarpia JL. SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol and Surface Detections in COVID-19 Testing Centers and Implications for Transmission Risk in Public Facing Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:976. [PMID: 36673732 PMCID: PMC9859205 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20020976] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and resulting COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic have required mass diagnostic testing, often taking place in testing sites within hospitals, clinics, or at satellite locations. To establish the potential of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission and to identify junctures during testing that result in increased viral exposure, aerosol and surface samples were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from locations within Nebraska Medicine COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics. Aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected within clinics suggest viral shedding from infected individuals. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in aerosol samples was shown to correlate with clinic operation and patient infection, as well as with community infection findings. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in surface samples collected from clinics. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols in these clinics supports the continued use of respiratory protection and sanitization practices for healthcare workers, and other workers with public facing occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Stein
- Department of Pathology and Microiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Ashley R. Ravnholdt
- Department of Pathology and Microiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Vicki L. Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Danielle N. Rivera
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Paul T. Williams
- Department of Pathology and Microiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
| | - Joshua L. Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- National Strategic Research Institute, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
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Iadanza E, Pasqua G, Piaggio D, Caputo C, Gherardelli M, Pecchia L. A robotic arm for safe and accurate control of biomedical equipment during COVID-19. HEALTH AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 13:285-300. [PMID: 36624886 PMCID: PMC9813453 DOI: 10.1007/s12553-022-00715-1] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Hospital facilities and social life, along with the global economy, have been severely challenged by COVID-19 since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, countless ordinary citizens, as well as healthcare workers, have contracted the virus by just coming into contact with infected surfaces. In order to minimise the risk of getting infected by contact with such surfaces, our study aims to design, prototype, and test a new device able to connect users, such as common citizens, doctors or paramedics, with either common-use interfaces (e.g., lift and snack machine keyboards, traffic light push-buttons) or medical-use interfaces (e.g., any medical equipment keypad). Method To this purpose, the device was designed with the help of Unified Modelling Language (UML) schemes, and was informed by a risk analysis, that highlighted some of its essential requirements and specifications. Consequently, the chosen constructive solution of the robotic system, i.e., a robotic-arm structure, was designed and manufactured using computer-aided design and 3D printing. Result The final prototype included a properly programmed micro-controller, linked via Bluetooth to a multi-platform mobile phone app, which represents the user interface. The system was then successfully tested on different physical keypads and touch screens. Better performance of the system can be foreseen by introducing improvements in the industrial production phase. Conclusion This first prototype paves the way for further research in this area, allowing for better management and preparedness of next pandemic emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Iadanza
- Department of medical biotechnologies, University of Siena, via Banchi di Sotto 55, Siena, 53100 Tuscany Italy
| | - Giammarco Pasqua
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Via di Santa Marta 3, Firenze, 50139 Tuscany Italy
| | - Davide Piaggio
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library road, Coventry, CV56GB England UK
| | - Corrado Caputo
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library road, Coventry, CV56GB England UK
| | - Monica Gherardelli
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Via di Santa Marta 3, Firenze, 50139 Tuscany Italy
| | - Leandro Pecchia
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library road, Coventry, CV56GB England UK.,School of Engineering, Campus Biomedico of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, Roma, 00128 Lazio Italy
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Chan SM, Ma TW, Chu S, Fei HS, Futaba K, Yip HC, Teoh AYB, Wong MCS, Ng SSM, Ng EKW, Chiu PWY. Droplet nuclei are generated during colonoscopy and are decreased by the use of carbon dioxide and water immersion technique. Dig Endosc 2023; 35:77-85. [PMID: 35751478 DOI: 10.1111/den.14387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns on whether colonoscopies (CS) carry a transmission risk. The aim was to determine whether CS are aerosol-generating procedures. METHODS This was a prospective observational trial including all patients undergoing CS at the Prince of Wales Hospital from 1 June to 31 July 2020. Three particle counters were placed 10 cm from each patient's anus and near the mouth of endoscopists and nurses. The particle counter recorded the number of particles of size 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 5, and 10 μm. Patient demographics, seniority of endoscopists, use of CO2 and water immersion technique, and air particle count (particles/cubic foot, dCF) were recorded. Multilevel modeling was used to test all the hypotheses with a post-hoc analysis. RESULTS A total of 117 patients were recruited. During CS, the level of 5 μm and 10 μm were significantly higher than the baseline period (P = 0.002). Procedures performed by trainees had a higher level of aerosols when compared to specialists (0.3 μm, P < 0.001; 0.5 μm and 0.7 μm, P < 0.001). The use of CO2 and water immersion techniques had significantly lower aerosols generated when compared to air (CO2 : 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 μm: P < 0.001; water immersion: 0.3 μm: P = 0.048; 0.7 μm: P = 0.03). There were no significant increases in any particle sizes during the procedure at the endoscopists' and nurses' mouth. However, 8/117 (6.83%) particle count tracings showed a simultaneous surge of all particle sizes at the patient's anus and endoscopists' and nurses' level during rectal extubation. CONCLUSION Colonoscopy generates droplet nuclei especially during rectal extubation. The use of CO2 and water immersion techniques may mitigate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Melissa Chan
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Wah Ma
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Chu
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hon Sok Fei
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kaori Futaba
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hon Chi Yip
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Martin Chi-Sang Wong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Siu Man Ng
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Enders Kwok Wai Ng
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Wai Yan Chiu
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Debnath SK, Debnath M, Srivastava R. Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12620. [PMID: 36619445 PMCID: PMC9816992 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases continue to draw considerable attention from biomedical and public health care agencies. The lung with the largest epithelial surface area is continuously exposed to the external environment during exchanging gas. Therefore, the chances of respiratory disorders and lung infections are overgrowing. This review has covered promising and opportunistic etiologic agents responsible for lung infections. These pathogens infect the lungs either directly or indirectly. However, it is difficult to intervene in lung diseases using available oral or parenteral antimicrobial formulations. Many pieces of research have been done in the last two decades to improve inhalable antimicrobial formulations. However, very few have been approved for human use. This review article discusses the approved inhalable antimicrobial agents (AMAs) and identifies why pulmonary delivery is explored. Additionally, the basic anatomy of the respiratory system linked with barriers to AMA delivery has been discussed here. This review opens several new scopes for researchers to work on pulmonary medicines for specific diseases and bring more respiratory medication to market.
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Maffei ME, Salata C, Gribaudo G. Tackling the Future Pandemics: Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) Based on A-Type Proanthocyanidins. Molecules 2022; 27:8353. [PMID: 36500445 PMCID: PMC9736452 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-As) are plant-derived natural polyphenols that occur as oligomers or polymers of flavan-3-ol monomers, such as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, connected through an unusual double A linkage. PAC-As are present in leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, and fruits of many plants, and are thought to exert protective natural roles against microbial pathogens, insects, and herbivores. Consequently, when tested in isolation, PAC-As have shown several biological effects, through antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. PAC-As have been observed in fact to inhibit replication of many different human viruses, and both enveloped and non-enveloped DNA and RNA viruses proved sensible to their inhibitory effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that PAC-As cause reduction of infectivity of viral particles they come in contact with, as a result of their propensity to interact with virion surface capsid proteins or envelope glycoproteins essential for viral attachment and entry. As viral infections and new virus outbreaks are a major public health concern, development of effective Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) that can be rapidly deployable even against future emerging viruses is an urgent priority. This review summarizes the antiviral activities and mechanism of action of PAC-As, and their potential to be deployed as BSAAs against present and future viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E. Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gribaudo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
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Gao N, Rezaee F. Airway Epithelial Cell Junctions as Targets for Pathogens and Antimicrobial Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2619. [PMID: 36559113 PMCID: PMC9786141 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular contacts between epithelial cells are established and maintained by the apical junctional complexes (AJCs). AJCs conserve cell polarity and build epithelial barriers to pathogens, inhaled allergens, and environmental particles in the respiratory tract. AJCs consist of tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs), which play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the airway barrier. Emerging evidence has shown that different microorganisms cause airway barrier dysfunction by targeting TJ and AJ proteins. This review discusses the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which several microorganisms (bacteria and viruses) lead to the disruption of AJCs in airway epithelial cells. We present recent progress in understanding signaling pathways involved in the formation and regulation of cell junctions. We also summarize the potential chemical inhibitors and pharmacological approaches to restore the integrity of the airway epithelial barrier. Understanding the AJCs-pathogen interactions and mechanisms by which microorganisms target the AJC and impair barrier function may further help design therapeutic innovations to treat these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Gao
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Fariba Rezaee
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Center for Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Vinod R, Swathi, Chandran V. A review on the effectiveness of various masks in protection against COVID-19. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2022. [DOI: 10.51248/.v42i5.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As of June1st 2021, more than 17 crore people have been infected with COVID-19 across the globe, and almost 3 crore people have been infected in India. The virus can spread through even normal actions like talking with particle emission rates inversely correlating with word frequency and volume, which can be reduced by covering the mouth. However, there is debate concerning the effectiveness of the various face mask types in preventing respiratory infections. Many have reported that wearing a mask is uncomfortable, especially when worn for long hours and while performing strenuous activities. Another disease that has raised its head is mucormycosis. However, COVID-19 can be a serious infection in many, with many fatalities. It is not yet clear how much protection vaccines give, and in a hugely populated country like India, it may be very difficult to vaccinate the whole population. Moreover, the vaccination for pediatric groups has just started. So, it is imperative to wear masks that can be protective against infection. However, some people believe that a straightforward cotton mask is insufficient. We set out to analyze the efficacy of masks through this investigation. According to the results of this systematic review, there are no studies that give conclusive evidence that using face masks as recommended by current public health guidelines will stop this condition. This is a significant discovery that should be communicated to the scientific community and calls into question the rationale for inconsistent and differing public health recommendations.
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Chu SKY, To DTC, Liu CCH, Wong T, Li KKW. Psychological Impact of Cancellation of Elective Surgeries for Ophthalmic Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14852. [PMID: 36429571 PMCID: PMC9690636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine hospital services globally. The cancellation of elective surgeries placed a psychological burden on patients. A questionnaire study was conducted to identify the psychological impact of canceling cataract operations on patients at Kowloon East Cataract Center, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, from April to June 2020. In total, 99 participants aged 59 years old and above, who had their cataract surgeries postponed or as scheduled, were studied using the standardized patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7). None of the patients who had their cataract surgeries rescheduled reached the cutoff score for major depression in PHQ-9, whereas, according to GAD-7, five patients had mild symptoms of anxiety, and one had severe symptoms. There was no significant psychosocial impact of the cancellation of cataract surgeries on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K. Y. Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David T. C. To
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Candice C. H. Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tony Wong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K. W. Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Luong NDM, Guillier L, Martin-Latil S, Batejat C, Leclercq I, Druesne C, Sanaa M, Chaix E. Database of SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses kinetics relevant for assessing persistence in food processing plants. Sci Data 2022; 9:654. [PMID: 36289246 PMCID: PMC9606249 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a virus causing severe acute respiratory disease in humans, emerged in late 2019. This respiratory virus can spread via aerosols, fomites, contaminated hands or surfaces as for other coronaviruses. Studying their persistence under different environmental conditions represents a key step for better understanding the virus transmission. This work aimed to present a reproducible procedure for collecting data of stability and inactivation kinetics from the scientific literature. The aim was to identify data useful for characterizing the persistence of viruses in the food production plants. As a result, a large dataset related to persistence on matrices or in liquid media under different environmental conditions is presented. This procedure, combining bibliographic survey, data digitalization techniques and predictive microbiological modelling, identified 65 research articles providing 455 coronaviruses kinetics. A ranking step as well as a technical validation with a Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility process were performed to check the quality of the kinetics. All data were deposited in public repositories for future uses by other researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Martin-Latil
- Laboratory for Food Safety, ANSES, University of Paris-EST, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Christophe Batejat
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Environment and Infectious Risks Unit, Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU), Paris, France
| | - India Leclercq
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Environment and Infectious Risks Unit, Laboratory for Urgent Response to Biological Threats (CIBU), Paris, France
| | - Christine Druesne
- Research fundings & scientific watch department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Moez Sanaa
- Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Estelle Chaix
- Risk Assessment Department, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Markandan K, Tiong YW, Sankaran R, Subramanian S, Markandan UD, Chaudhary V, Numan A, Khalid M, Walvekar R. Emergence of infectious diseases and role of advanced nanomaterials in point-of-care diagnostics: a review. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2022:1-89. [PMID: 36243900 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2127070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Infectious outbreaks are the foremost global public health concern, challenging the current healthcare system, which claims millions of lives annually. The most crucial way to control an infectious outbreak is by early detection through point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. POC diagnostics are highly advantageous owing to the prompt diagnosis, which is economical, simple and highly efficient with remote access capabilities. In particular, utilization of nanomaterials to architect POC devices has enabled highly integrated and portable (compact) devices with enhanced efficiency. As such, this review will detail the factors influencing the emergence of infectious diseases and methods for fast and accurate detection, thus elucidating the underlying factors of these infections. Furthermore, it comprehensively highlights the importance of different nanomaterials in POCs to detect nucleic acid, whole pathogens, proteins and antibody detection systems. Finally, we summarize findings reported on nanomaterials based on advanced POCs such as lab-on-chip, lab-on-disc-devices, point-of-action and hospital-on-chip. To this end, we discuss the challenges, potential solutions, prospects of integrating internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, 5G communications and data clouding to achieve intelligent POCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaimani Markandan
- Temasek Laboratories, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Drive, Singapore
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yong Wei Tiong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive, Singapore
| | - Revathy Sankaran
- Graduate School, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sakthinathan Subramanian
- Department of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Vishal Chaudhary
- Research Cell & Department of Physics, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Arshid Numan
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rashmi Walvekar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
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63
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Geng Y, Wang Y. Stability and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. J Med Virol 2022; 95:e28103. [PMID: 36039831 PMCID: PMC9537778 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing the ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is believed to be transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols. However, reports are increasing regarding the contamination of environmental surfaces, shared objects, and cold-chain foods with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the possibility of environmental fomite transmission of the virus raises much concern and debate. This study summarizes the current knowledge regarding potential mechanisms of environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including the prevalence of surface contamination in various settings, the viability and stability of the virus on surfaces or fomites, as well as environmental factors affecting virus viability and survival such as temperature and relative humidity. Instances of fomite transmission, including cold-chain food transmission, and the importance of fomite transmission in epidemics, are discussed. The knowledge gaps regarding fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are also briefly analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public HealthHebei UniversityBaodingChina
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex‐Transmitted Virus VaccinesNational Institutes for Food and Drug ControlBeijingChina
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Premenopausal and postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic. PRZEGLAD MENOPAUZALNY = MENOPAUSE REVIEW 2022; 21:200-206. [PMID: 36254124 PMCID: PMC9551364 DOI: 10.5114/pm.2022.118695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The current global COVID-19 mortality rate is estimated to be around 3.4%; however, it is dependent on age, sex, and comorbidities. Epidemiological evidence shows gender disparities in COVID-19 severity and fatality, with non-menopausal females having milder severity and better outcomes than age-matched males. However, the difference vanishes when comparing postmenopausal women with age-matched men. It has been suggested that, to some extent, this is due to the protective role of female hormones, such as anti-Müllerian hormone and oestradiol (E2), in non-menopausal women. Oestrogens have been hypothesized to be crucial in modulating viral infection and the progression of the disease via an action on immune/inflammatory responses and angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 expression. Hence, the most likely explanation is that, because the levels of oestrogen in females after menopause decrease, oestrogen no longer offers a beneficial effect as seen in younger females. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the serious negative effects arising from the state of E2 deficiency. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy gains further support as the damaging effect of the decline in ovarian function affects many biological systems, and recently with the COVID-19 pandemic, oestrogen's vital role within the immune system has become quite clear. However, additional clinical investigations regarding hormone replacement therapy are urgently needed to further verify the protective and therapeutic effects of E2 on menopausal women with COVID-19.
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Kniesburges S, Schlegel P, Peters G, Westphalen C, Jakubaß B, Veltrup R, Kist AM, Döllinger M, Gantner S, Kuranova L, Benthaus T, Semmler M, Echternach M. Effects of surgical masks on aerosol dispersion in professional singing. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:727-734. [PMID: 34611302 PMCID: PMC8491963 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the CoVID-19 pandemic, singing came into focus as a high-risk activity for the infection with airborne viruses and was therefore forbidden by many governmental administrations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of surgical masks regarding the spatial and temporal dispersion of aerosol and droplets during professional singing. METHODS Ten professional singers performed a passage of the Ludwig van Beethoven's "Ode of Joy" in two experimental setups-each with and without surgical masks. First, they sang with previously inhaled vapor of e-cigarettes. The emitted cloud was recorded by three cameras to measure its dispersion dynamics. Secondly, the naturally expelled larger droplets were illuminated by a laser light sheet and recorded by a high-speed camera. RESULTS The exhaled vapor aerosols were decelerated and deflected by the mask and stayed in the singer's near-field around and above their heads. In contrast, without mask, the aerosols spread widely reaching distances up to 1.3 m. The larger droplets were reduced by up to 86% with a surgical mask worn. SIGNIFICANCE The study shows that surgical masks display an effective tool to reduce the range of aerosol dispersion during singing. In combination with an appropriate aeration strategy for aerosol removal, choir singers could be positioned in a more compact assembly without contaminating neighboring singers all singers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kniesburges
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregor Peters
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Westphalen
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Jakubaß
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Veltrup
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas M Kist
- Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Döllinger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sophia Gantner
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Liudmila Kuranova
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Benthaus
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Semmler
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Echternach
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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66
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Liang C, Yang Z, Jiang H. A film-lever actuated switch technology for multifunctional, on-demand, and robust manipulation of liquids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4902. [PMID: 35987906 PMCID: PMC9391643 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32676-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A lab-on-a-chip system with Point-of-Care testing capability offers rapid and accurate diagnostic potential and is useful in resource-limited settings where biomedical equipment and skilled professionals are not readily available. However, a Point-of-Care testing system that simultaneously possesses all required features of multifunctional dispensing, on-demand release, robust operations, and capability for long-term reagent storage is still a major challenge. Here, we describe a film-lever actuated switch technology that can manipulate liquids in any direction, provide accurate and proportional release response to the applied pneumatic pressure, as well as sustain robustness during abrupt movements and vibrations. Based on the technology, we also describe development of a polymerase chain reaction system that integrates reagent introduction, mixing and reaction functions all in one process, which accomplishes “sample-in-answer-out” performance for all clinical nasal samples from 18 patients with Influenza and 18 individual controls, in good concordance of fluorescence intensity with standard polymerase chain reaction (Pearson coefficients > 0.9). The proposed platform promises robust automation of biomedical analysis, and thus can accelerate the commercialization of a range of Point-of-Care testing devices. Point-of-care testing offers rapid and accurate diagnostic potential being quite useful in resource-limited settings. Here, authors demonstrate a film-lever actuated switch technology for microfluidic manipulation enabling multifunctional dispensing, on-demand release, robust operation, and long-term storage.
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67
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Huang W, Wang K, Hung CT, Chow KM, Tsang D, Lai RWM, Xu RH, Yeoh EK, Ho KF, Chen C. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in COVID-19 isolation wards: On-site sampling and numerical analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129152. [PMID: 35739698 PMCID: PMC9106403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although airborne transmission has been considered as a possible route for the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the role that aerosols play in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is still controversial. This study evaluated the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 isolation wards at Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong by both on-site sampling and numerical analysis. A total of 838 air samples and 1176 surface samples were collected, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using the RT-PCR method. Testing revealed that 2.3% of the air samples and 9.3% of the surface samples were positive, indicating that the isolation wards were contaminated with the virus. The dispersion and deposition of exhaled particles in the wards were calculated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The calculated accumulated number of particles collected at the air sampling points was closely correlated with the SARS-CoV-2 positive rates from the field sampling, which confirmed the possibility of airborne transmission. Furthermore, three potential intervention strategies, i.e., the use of curtains, ceiling-mounted air cleaners, and periodic ventilation, were numerically investigated to explore effective control measures in isolation wards. According to the results, the use of ceiling-mounted air cleaners is effective in reducing the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in such wards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kailu Wang
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Tim Hung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai-Ming Chow
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dominic Tsang
- Public Health Laboratory Centre, Centre for Health Protection, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Raymond Wai-Man Lai
- Department of Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health and Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eng-Kiong Yeoh
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JCSPHPC, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. 999077, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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Ferrari S, Blázquez T, Cardelli R, Puglisi G, Suárez R, Mazzarella L. Ventilation strategies to reduce airborne transmission of viruses in classrooms: A systematic review of scientific literature. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 222:109366. [PMID: 35818484 PMCID: PMC9259197 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 has brought to light the need for strategies to mitigate contagion between human beings. Apart from hygiene measures and social distancing, air ventilation highly prevents airborne transmission within enclosed spaces. Among others, educational environments become critical in strategic planning to control the spread of pathogens and viruses amongst the population, mainly in cold conditions. In the event of a virus outbreak - such as COVID or influenza - many school classrooms still lack the means to guarantee secure and healthy environments. The present review examines school contexts that implement air ventilation strategies to reduce the risk of contagion between students. The analysed articles present past experiences that use either natural or mechanical systems assessed through mathematical models, numerical models, or full-scale experiments. For naturally ventilated classrooms, the studies highlight the importance of the architectural design of educational spaces and propose strategies for aeration control such as CO2-based control and risk-infection control. When it comes to implementing mechanical ventilation in classrooms, different systems with different airflow patterns are assessed based on their ability to remove airborne pathogens considering parameters like the age of air and the generation of airflow streamlines. Moreover, studies report that programmed mechanical ventilation systems can reduce risk-infection during pandemic events. In addition to providing a systematic picture of scientific studies in the field, the findings of this review can be a valuable reference for school administrators and policymakers to implement the best strategies in their classroom settings towards reducing infection risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ferrari
- Dept. of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - T Blázquez
- Dept. of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - R Cardelli
- Dept. of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G Puglisi
- Dept. of Energy Efficiency Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - R Suárez
- Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - L Mazzarella
- Dept. of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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69
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Sahu M, Kumar A, Rao S, A P. Psychological Distress and Coping Among Dental Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey From India. Cureus 2022; 14:e28023. [PMID: 36134069 PMCID: PMC9472295 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Most dental procedures are aerosol-generating and hence highly risky for spreading SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. This can lead to sufficient psychological distress, avoidance of risky procedures, and impact on dental practice. We intend to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practice and psychological distress among dental practitioners. Methods: An online survey was conducted by an email-based survey link; 1257 registered dental practitioners were contacted across the country. Results: Most dental practitioners continue to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic (81.08%). Postgraduate specialists significantly outnumber undergraduates in performing dental procedures (p=.001). Career-related anxiety was considerably high among postgraduates (61.96%; p=.036) during the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India. In contrast, self-efficacy was significantly better among postgraduates than undergraduates (p=.027). Conclusion: Dental practitioners suffered considerable impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to enhance coping and self-efficacy strategies among dental practitioners.
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Francese R, Cecone C, Costantino M, Hoti G, Bracco P, Lembo D, Trotta F. Identification of a βCD-Based Hyper-Branched Negatively Charged Polymer as HSV-2 and RSV Inhibitor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8701. [PMID: 35955832 PMCID: PMC9369026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158701] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclodextrins and cyclodextrin derivatives were demonstrated to improve the antiviral potency of numerous drugs, but also to be endowed with intrinsic antiviral action. They are suitable building blocks for the synthesis of functionalized polymer structures with potential antiviral activity. Accordingly, four water-soluble hyper-branched beta cyclodextrin (βCD)-based anionic polymers were screened against herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rotavirus (HRoV), and influenza virus (FluVA). They were characterized by FTIR-ATR, TGA, elemental analyses, zeta-potential measurements, and potentiometric titrations, while the antiviral activity was investigated with specific in vitro assays. The polymer with the highest negative charge, pyromellitic dianhydride-linked polymer (P_PMDA), showed significant antiviral action against RSV and HSV-2, by inactivating RSV free particles and by altering HSV-2 binding to the cell. The polymer fraction with the highest molecular weight showed the strongest antiviral activity and both P_PMDA and its active fractions were not toxic for cells. Our results suggest that the polymer virucidal activity against RSV can be exploited to produce new antiviral materials to counteract the virus dissemination through the air or direct contact. Additionally, the strong HSV-2 binding inhibition along with the water solubility of P_PMDA and the acyclovir complexation potential of βCD are attractive features for developing new therapeutic topical options against genital HSV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Francese
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Cecone
- Department of Chemistry, NIS Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Costantino
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Gjylije Hoti
- Department of Chemistry, NIS Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Pierangiola Bracco
- Department of Chemistry, NIS Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - David Lembo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Trotta
- Department of Chemistry, NIS Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy
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Zhang Y, Hui FKP, Duffield C, Saeed AM. A review of facilities management interventions to mitigate respiratory infections in existing buildings. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 221:109347. [PMID: 35782231 PMCID: PMC9238148 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic reveals that the hazard of the respiratory virus was a secondary consideration in the design, development, construction, and management of public and commercial buildings. Retrofitting such buildings poses a significant challenge for building owners and facilities managers. This article reviews current research and practices in building operations interventions for indoor respiratory infection control from the perspective of facilities managers to assess the effectiveness of available solutions. This review systematically selects and synthesises eighty-six articles identified through the PRISMA process plus supplementary articles identified as part of the review process, that deal with facilities' operations and maintenance (O&M) interventions. The paper reviewed the context, interventions, mechanisms, and outcomes discussed in these articles, concluding that interventions for respiratory virus transmission in existing buildings fall into three categories under the Facilities Management (FM) discipline: Hard services (HVAC and drainage system controls) to prevent aerosol transmissions, Soft Services (cleaning and disinfection) to prevent fomite transmissions, and space management (space planning and occupancy controls) to eliminate droplet transmissions. Additionally, the research emphasised the need for FM intervention studies that examine occupant behaviours with integrated intervention results and guide FM intervention decision-making. This review expands the knowledge of FM for infection control and highlights future research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Level 6, Building 290, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Felix Kin Peng Hui
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin Duffield
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ali Mohammed Saeed
- Department of Jobs, Regions and Precincts, Level 13, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Nagle S, Tandjaoui-Lambiotte Y, Boubaya M, Athenaïs G, Alloui C, Bloch-Queyrat C, Carbonnelle E, Brichler S, Cohen Y, Zahar JR, Delagrèverie H. Environmental SARS-CoV-2 contamination in hospital rooms of patients with acute COVID-19. J Hosp Infect 2022; 126:116-122. [PMID: 35569577 PMCID: PMC9098885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain conflicting. Airborne transmission is still debated. However, hospital risk control requires better understanding of the different modes of transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of, and factors associated with, environmental air and surface contamination in the rooms of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in the acute phase of the disease. METHODS Sixty-five consecutive patients were included in this study. For each patient, seven room surfaces, air 1 m and 3 m from the patient's head, the inner surface of the patient's mask, and the outer surface of healthcare workers' (HCW) masks were sampled. Environmental contamination was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, air and masks. A viral isolation test was performed on Vero cells for samples with an RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) ≤37. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by RT-qPCR in 34%, 12%, 50% and 10% of surface, air, patient mask and HCW mask samples, respectively. Infectious virus was isolated in culture from two samples among the 85 positive samples with Ct ≤37. On multi-variate analysis, only a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR for patients' face masks was found to be significantly associated with surface contamination (odds ratio 5.79, 95% confidence interval 1.31-25.67; P=0.025). CONCLUSION This study found that surface contamination by SARS-CoV-2 was more common than air and mask contamination. However, viable virus was rare. The inner surface of a patient's mask could be used as a marker to identify those at higher risk of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nagle
- Unité de Prévention du Risque Infectieux, Service de Microbiologie clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; Réanimation Polyvalente, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, Université de Paris and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Y Tandjaoui-Lambiotte
- Réanimation Polyvalente, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, Université de Paris and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; Pneumologie & Infectiologie, CH St Denis, Saint Denis, France; INSERM UMR 1272 Hypoxie & Poumon, Bobigny, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - M Boubaya
- Département de Recherche Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - G Athenaïs
- Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - C Alloui
- Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - C Bloch-Queyrat
- Département de Recherche Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - E Carbonnelle
- INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, Université de Paris and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - S Brichler
- Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Y Cohen
- Réanimation Polyvalente, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - J-R Zahar
- Unité de Prévention du Risque Infectieux, Service de Microbiologie clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, Université de Paris and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France.
| | - H Delagrèverie
- INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, Université de Paris and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France; Unité de virologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
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Al-Moraissi EA, Kaur A, Günther F, Neff A, Christidis N. Can aerosols-generating dental, oral and maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgical procedures lead to disease transmission? An implication on the current COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:974644. [PMID: 35979536 PMCID: PMC9376374 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.974644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Various dental, maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgical procedures (DMOSP) have been known to produce bioaerosols, that can lead to the transmission of various infectious diseases. Hence, a systematic review (SR) aimed at generating evidence of aerosols generating DMOSP that can result in the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), further investigating their infectivity and assessing the role of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) an essential to preventing the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). This SR was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA) guidelines based on a well-designed Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study (PICOS) framework, and various databases were searched to retrieve the studies which assessed potential aerosolization during DMOSP. This SR included 80 studies (59 dental and 21 orthopedic) with 7 SR, 47 humans, 5 cadaveric, 16 experimental, and 5 animal studies that confirmed the generation of small-sized < 5 μm particles in DMOSP. One study confirmed that HIV could be transmitted by aerosolized blood generated by an electric saw and bur. There is sufficient evidence that DMOSP generates an ample amount of bioaerosols, but the infectivity of these bioaerosols to transmit diseases like SARS-CoV-2 generates very weak evidence but still, this should be considered. Confirmation through isolation and culture of viable virus in the clinical environment should be pursued. An evidence provided by the current review was gathered by extrapolation from available experimental and empirical evidence not based on SARS-CoV-2. The results of the present review, therefore, should be interpreted with great caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
- *Correspondence: Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi ;
| | - Amanjot Kaur
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Frank Günther
- Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Marburg University Hospital, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Marburg Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Christidis
- Division of Oral Diagnostics and Rehabilitation, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Schwellnus M, Adami PE, Bougault V, Budgett R, Clemm HH, Derman W, Erdener U, Fitch K, Hull JH, McIntosh C, Meyer T, Pedersen L, Pyne DB, Reier-Nilsen T, Schobersberger W, Schumacher YO, Sewry N, Soligard T, Valtonen M, Webborn N, Engebretsen L. International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus statement on acute respiratory illness in athletes part 1: acute respiratory infections. Br J Sports Med 2022; 56:bjsports-2022-105759. [PMID: 35863871 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Acute illnesses affecting the respiratory tract are common and form a significant component of the work of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) clinicians. Acute respiratory illness (ARill) can broadly be classified as non-infective ARill and acute respiratory infections (ARinf). The aim of this consensus is to provide the SEM clinician with an overview and practical clinical approach to ARinf in athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical and Scientific Commission appointed an international consensus group to review ARill (non-infective ARill and ARinf) in athletes. Six subgroups of the IOC Consensus group were initially established to review the following key areas of ARill in athletes: (1) epidemiology/risk factors for ARill, (2) ARinf, (3) non-infective ARill including ARill due to environmental exposure, (4) acute asthma and related conditions, (5) effects of ARill on exercise/sports performance, medical complications/return-to-sport and (6) acute nasal/vocal cord dysfunction presenting as ARill. Several systematic and narrative reviews were conducted by IOC consensus subgroups, and these then formed the basis of sections in the consensus documents. Drafting and internal review of sections were allocated to 'core' members of the consensus group, and an advanced draft of the consensus document was discussed during a meeting of the main consensus core group in Lausanne, Switzerland on 11 to 12 October 2021. Final edits were completed after the meeting. This consensus document (part 1) focusses on ARinf, which accounts for the majority of ARill in athletes. The first section of this consensus proposes a set of definitions and classifications of ARinf in athletes to standardise future data collection and reporting. The remainder of the consensus paper examines a wide range of clinical considerations related to ARinf in athletes: epidemiology, risk factors, pathology/pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, management, prevention, medical considerations, risks of infection during exercise, effects of infection on exercise/sports performance and return-to-sport guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schwellnus
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Olympic Committee Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Paolo Emilio Adami
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Monaco, Monaco Principality
| | - Valerie Bougault
- Laboratoire Motricité Humaine Expertise Sport Santé, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Richard Budgett
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hege Havstad Clemm
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wayne Derman
- International Olympic Committee Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine (ISEM), Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Uğur Erdener
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ken Fitch
- School of Human Science; Sports, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James H Hull
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | | | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Lars Pedersen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David B Pyne
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tonje Reier-Nilsen
- The Norwegian Olympic Sports Centre, Oslo, Norway
- Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wolfgang Schobersberger
- Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine & Health Tourism (ISAG), University Hospital - Tirol Kliniken Innsbruck and Private University UMIT Tirol, Hall, Austria
| | | | - Nicola Sewry
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Olympic Committee Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Torbjørn Soligard
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Nick Webborn
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Lars Engebretsen
- Medical and Scientific Department, International Olympic Committee, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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75
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Nasal-spraying Bacillus spores as an effective symptomatic treatment for children with acute respiratory syncytial virus infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12402. [PMID: 35858943 PMCID: PMC9297280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16136-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTIs) in young children. However, there is currently no vaccine or treatment available for children. Here, we demonstrated that nasal-spraying probiotics containing 5 billion of Bacillus spores (LiveSpo Navax) is an effective symptomatic treatment in a 6-day randomized controlled clinical study for RSV-infected children (n = 40–46/group). Navax treatment resulted in 1-day faster recovery-time and 10–50% better efficacy in relieving ARTI symptoms. At day 3, RSV load and level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in nasopharyngeal samples was reduced by 630 folds and 2.7–12.7 folds respectively. This showed 53-fold and 1.8–3.6-fold more effective than those in the control-standard of care-group. In summary, nasal-spraying Bacillus spores can rapidly and effectively relieve symptoms of RSV-induced ARTIs while exhibit strong impacts in reducing viral load and inflammation. Our nasal-spraying probiotics may provide a basis for simple-to-use, low-cost, and effective treatment against viral infection in general.
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76
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Rathore K, Rathore HS, Singh P, Kumar P. Redefining aerosol in dentistry during COVID-19 pandemic. Dent Res J (Isfahan) 2022; 19:53. [PMID: 36159064 PMCID: PMC9490255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The corona virus malady 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rekindled the well established argument regarding the role of dental aerosol in transference of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Aerosols and droplets are generated amid innumerable dental procedures. With the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic droplet, a review of the infection/disease control strategies for aerosols is required. We do not know where this pandemic is directed. We do not have conclusive evidence for an optimal management strategy. Every day brings in varying information, so recognizing the hazard created by aerosols will help diminish the probability of infection transfer at the time of dental procedures. Hence, the author assessed the evidence-based medical and dental literature in relation to "aerosol' that documented the source of transmission of aerosol through various potential routes, addressed the risk potential to patients and the dental team, and assessed the additional measures that might minimize the viral transmission if regularly adopted. In this article, the author evaluated and compiled dental guidelines by various countries and various health-care associations in context to aerosol-generating procedures and has made recommendations for the restriction of dental aerosols and splatter in routine dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanupriya Rathore
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Kanupriya Rathore, Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. E-mail:
| | | | - Pranshu Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pravin Kumar
- Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Luo Q, Ou C, Hang J, Luo Z, Yang H, Yang X, Zhang X, Li Y, Fan X. Role of pathogen-laden expiratory droplet dispersion and natural ventilation explaining a COVID-19 outbreak in a coach bus. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 220:109160. [PMID: 35615259 PMCID: PMC9122785 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The influencing mechanism of droplet transmissions inside crowded and poorly ventilated buses on infection risks of respiratory diseases is still unclear. Based on experiments of one-infecting-seven COVID-19 outbreak with an index patient at bus rear, we conducted CFD simulations to investigate integrated effects of initial droplet diameters(tracer gas, 5 μm, 50 μm and 100 μm), natural air change rates per hour(ACH = 0.62, 2.27 and 5.66 h-1 related to bus speeds) and relative humidity(RH = 35% and 95%) on pathogen-laden droplet dispersion and infection risks. Outdoor pressure difference around bus surfaces introduces natural ventilation airflow entering from bus-rear skylight and leaving from the front one. When ACH = 0.62 h-1(idling state), the 30-min-exposure infection risk(TIR) of tracer gas is 15.3%(bus rear) - 11.1%(bus front), and decreases to 3.1%(bus rear)-1.3%(bus front) under ACH = 5.66 h-1(high bus speed).The TIR of large droplets(i.e., 100 μm/50 μm) is almost independent of ACH, with a peak value(∼3.1%) near the index patient, because over 99.5%/97.0% of droplets deposit locally due to gravity. Moreover, 5 μm droplets can disperse further with the increasing ventilation. However, TIR for 5 μm droplets at ACH = 5.66 h-1 stays relatively small for rear passengers(maximum 0.4%), and is even smaller in the bus middle and front(<0.1%). This study verifies that differing from general rooms, most 5 μm droplets deposit on the route through the long-and-narrow bus space with large-area surfaces(L∼11.4 m). Therefore, tracer gas can only simulate fine droplet with little deposition but cannot replace 5-100 μm droplet dispersion in coach buses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Luo
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Cuiyun Ou
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Jian Hang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- School of the Built Environment, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Hongyu Yang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xia Yang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xuelin Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaodan Fan
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Atmosphere-Ocean System (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Zhuhai, 519000, China
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AlRayess S, Sleiman A, Alameddine I, Abou Fayad A, Matar GM, El-Fadel M. Airborne bacterial and PM characterization in intensive care units: correlations with physical control parameters. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE & HEALTH 2022; 15:1869-1880. [PMID: 35815238 PMCID: PMC9255450 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the spatial variation of airborne bacteria in intensive care units (ICUs) was characterized. Fine particulate matter and several physical parameters were also monitored including temperature and relative humidity. The results showed that the total bacterial load ranged between 20.4 and 134.3 CFU/m3 across the ICUs. Bacterial cultures of the collected samples did not isolate any multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli indicating the absence of such aerosolized pathogens in the ICUs. Meanwhile, particulate matter levels in several ICUs were found to exceed the international guidelines set for 24-h PM exposure. Moreover, examining bacterial load contribution by size suggested that bacteria with sizes less than 0.65 µm contributed the least to the total bacterial loads, while those with sizes between 0.65 and 1.1 µm contributed the most. A multiple linear regression model was also built to predict the bacterial loads in the ICUs. The regression analysis explained 77% of the variability observed in the measured bacterial concentrations. The model showed that the level of activity in the ICU rooms as well as its occupancy level had strong positive correlations with bacterial loads, while distance away from the patient had a non-linear relationship with measured loads. No statistically significant correlation was found between bacterial load and particulate matter concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. AlRayess
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A. Sleiman
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research On Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - I. Alameddine
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A. Abou Fayad
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research On Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - G. M. Matar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Disease Research (CIDR), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research On Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - M. El-Fadel
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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79
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Steinberg N, Allison P, Levin L. Infection Prevention Strategies Concordance in Canadian Dental Schools during COVID-19 Pandemic. Int Dent J 2022; 72:682-690. [PMID: 35953321 PMCID: PMC9289045 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this research was to identify variation in specific infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies across all dental schools in Canada and to evaluate the concordance concerning COVID-19 pandemic-related IPC strategies reported by clinic directors or IPC officers (CDs/IPCOs) and those reported by students, staff, and faculty in the schools. Method A cross-sectional analysis within a prospective cohort study. Participants in the cohort study reported IPC strategies used in their schools during April or May 2021. Independently, CDs/IPCOs reported IPC strategies in school protocols in July 2021. Results Of the 600 participants recruited, 332 participants who were involved in the provision of in-person dental care were further analysed. Of the 16 IPC strategies investigated, only 3 were reported by CDs/IPCOs to be used at all schools, and another 8 strategies were used by 8 or 9 of 10 or by 1 of 10 schools, indicating that concordance across schools was good for 11 of 16 strategies. Agreement between study participants and the CDs/IPCOs varied considerably by strategy (ranging between 50% and 100%) and by school (ranging between 42.9% and 97.2%). The strategies with the highest mean agreement percentage across schools were “screening or interviewing patients before appointment for COVID-19–related symptoms” (92.7%) and “checking the temperature of the staff members at least once a day using a thermometer” (91.5%). Conclusions The level of agreement in the use of strategies between participants working in clinics and CDs/IPCOs varied considerably by strategy and by school. Given the low COVID-19 infection rates in dental schools and the reported differences in IPC protocols, key strategies should be identified. During the pandemic, IPC protocols in Canadian dental schools evolved rapidly. Comparing different strategies might help develop a unified standard IPC protocol.
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80
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Purwar T, Dey S, Al-Kayyali OZA, Zalar AF, Doosttalab A, Castillo L, Castano VM. Electrostatic Spray Disinfection Using Nano-Engineered Solution on Frequently Touched Surfaces in Indoor and Outdoor Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7241. [PMID: 35742489 PMCID: PMC9223583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in high demand for disinfection technologies. However, the corresponding spray technologies are still not completely optimized for disinfection purposes. There are important problems, like the irregular coverage and dripping of disinfectant solutions on hard and vertical surfaces. In this study, we highlight two major points. Firstly, we discuss the effectiveness of the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) of nanoparticle-based disinfectant solutions for systematic and long-lasting disinfection. Secondly, we show that, based on the type of material of the substrate, the effectiveness of ESD varies. Accordingly, 12 frequently touched surface materials were sprayed using a range of electrostatic spray system parameters, including ion generator voltage, nozzle spray size and distance of spray. It was observed that for most cases, the surfaces become completely covered with the nanoparticles within 10 s. Acrylic, Teflon, PVC, and polypropylene surfaces show a distinct effect of ESD and non-ESD sprays. The nanoparticles form a uniform layer with better surface coverage in case of electrostatic deposition. Quantitative variations and correlations show that 1.5 feet of working distance, an 80 μm spray nozzle diameter and an ion generator voltage of 3-7 kV ensures a DEF (differential electric field) that corresponds to an optimized charge-to-mass ratio, ensuring efficient coverage of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Purwar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Shamya Dey
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Osama Zaid Ali Al-Kayyali
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Aaron Floyd Zalar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Ali Doosttalab
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Luciano Castillo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (S.D.); (O.Z.A.A.-K.); (A.F.Z.); (A.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Victor M. Castano
- Centro de Física Aplicada Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
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Potential Use of Tea Tree Oil as a Disinfectant Agent against Coronaviruses: A Combined Experimental and Simulation Study. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123786. [PMID: 35744913 PMCID: PMC9228983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the relevance of proper disinfection procedures and renewed interest in developing novel disinfectant materials as a preventive strategy to limit SARS-CoV-2 contamination. Given its widely known antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, also named Tea tree oil (TTO), is recognized as a potential effective and safe natural disinfectant agent. In particular, the proposed antiviral activity of TTO involves the inhibition of viral entry and fusion, interfering with the structural dynamics of the membrane and with the protein envelope components. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrated the virucidal effects of TTO against the feline coronavirus (FCoVII) and the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), both used as surrogate models for SARS-CoV-2. Then, to atomistically uncover the possible effects exerted by TTO compounds on the outer surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion, we performed Gaussian accelerated Molecular Dynamics simulations of a SARS-CoV-2 envelope portion, including a complete model of the Spike glycoprotein in the absence or presence of the three main TTO compounds (terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and 1,8-cineole). The obtained results allowed us to hypothesize the mechanism of action of TTO and its possible use as an anti-coronavirus disinfectant agent.
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82
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Knudsen NS, Thomasen MMD, Andersen TB. Modelling the potential spread of virus during soccer matches. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2022; 8:e001268. [PMID: 35646387 PMCID: PMC9109084 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the present study, we model the potential spread of virus during soccer matches. Methods Tracking data from 14 elite soccer matches was used. One player in each match was designated as a virus carrier (called 'infected player') for the purpose of the study. The exposure score (measured in seconds) was calculated as time spent closer than 1.5 m from the infected player or time spent in an exponentially declining zone, where the infected player was positioned earlier. Results The results revealed that, on average, each player was exposed for 87.8 s per match. Conclusion Potential spread of virus during soccer matches was modelled and it revealed that the exposure to a virus during soccer matches is limited.
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83
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Chronic Rhinosinusitis and COVID-19. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:1423-1432. [PMID: 35307579 PMCID: PMC8926942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness about olfactory dysfunction, although a loss of smell was present in the general population before COVID-19. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common upper airway chronic inflammatory disease that is also one of the most common causes of olfactory dysfunction. It can be classified into different phenotypes (ie, with and without nasal polyps) and endotypes (ie, type 2 and non-type 2 inflammation). However, scientific information regarding CRS within the context of COVID-19 is still scarce. This review focuses on (1) the potential effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on CRS symptoms, including a loss of smell, and comorbidities; (2) the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the olfactory dysfunction; (3) CRS diagnosis in the context of COVID-19, including telemedicine; (4) the protective hypothesis of CRS in COVID-19; and (5) the efficacy and safety of therapeutic options for CRS within the context of COVID-19.
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84
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Shi HJ, Kim NY, Eom SA, Kim-Jeon MD, Oh SS, Moon BS, Kwon MJ, Eom JS. Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Respiratory Viruses Other Than SARS-CoV-2: Analysis of Laboratory Surveillance and Literature Review From 2018 to 2021. J Korean Med Sci 2022; 37:e172. [PMID: 35638198 PMCID: PMC9151990 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as extensive and comprehensive hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing have been implemented globally. This study aimed to investigate changes in respiratory viruses other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that occurred following the implementation of these NPIs. METHODS From January 2018 to December 2021, influenza-like illness patient specimens and specimens from the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System were analyzed at the Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment. Oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab samples from respiratory infection patients were transferred in a virus transport medium at 4°C. After RNA or DNA extraction, respiratory virus-specific genes for human influenza virus (IFV), adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (hRV), human coronavirus, human bocavirus, and human metapneumovirus were detected by individual real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A total 3,334 samples were collected. After NPI was implemented, the detection of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 decreased overall. The yearly detection rate of respiratory viruses was decreased from 69.5% (399/574) in 2018 and 73.3% (505/689) in 2019 to 19.8% (206/1,043) in 2020 and 34.9% (365/1,028) in 2021. The epidemic was more prominent in respiratory viruses such as IFV and RSV, which were considered dominant viruses, especially those with viral envelopes. Among viruses that were not considered dominant, hRV showed no clear change before and after NPI, while PIV showed a rapid increase compared to the existing dominant viruses between October-December 2021, after the increase in the number of gatherings started at the end of September and the "Relaxing COVID19 and mitigation policy," which was implemented on November 1. CONCLUSION NPI seems to have influenced the isolation and transmission of respiratory viruses in South Korea. In the future, additional studies focusing on the isolation and transmission patterns of respiratory viruses following NPI are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Shi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Nam Yee Kim
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sun Ah Eom
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myung Deok Kim-Jeon
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Suck Oh
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Bag Sou Moon
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Mun Ju Kwon
- Department of Diseases Research, Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon, Korea
| | - Joong Sik Eom
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
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85
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Ringa N, Diagne ML, Rwezaura H, Omame A, Tchoumi SY, Tchuenche JM. HIV and COVID-19 co-infection: A mathematical model and optimal control. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022; 31:100978. [PMID: 35663416 PMCID: PMC9148865 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A new mathematical model for COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS is considered to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HIV dynamics and vice-versa. Investigating the epidemiologic synergy between COVID-19 and HIV is important. The dynamics of the full model is driven by that of its sub-models; therefore, basic analysis of the two sub-models; HIV-only and COVID-19 only is carried out. The basic reproduction number is computed and used to prove local and global asymptotic stability of the sub-models' disease-free and endemic equilibria. Using the fmincon function in the Optimization Toolbox of MATLAB, the model is fitted to real COVID-19 data set from South Africa. The impact of intervention measures, namely, COVID-19 and HIV prevention interventions and COVID-19 treatment are incorporated into the model using time-dependent controls. It is observed that HIV prevention measures can significantly reduce the burden of co-infections with COVID-19, while effective treatment of COVID-19 could reduce co-infections with opportunistic infections such as HIV/AIDS. In particular, the COVID-19 only prevention strategy averted about 10,500 new co-infection cases, with similar number also averted by the HIV-only prevention control.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ringa
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4R4
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - M L Diagne
- Département de Mathématiques, UFR des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Thiès, BP 967 Thiès, Senegal
| | - H Rwezaura
- Mathematics Department, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A Omame
- Department of Mathematics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
- Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - S Y Tchoumi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences ENSAI, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 455 Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - J M Tchuenche
- School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Computational and Communication Sciences and Engineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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86
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Kiremitler NB, Kemerli MZ, Kayaci N, Karagoz S, Pekdemir S, Sarp G, Sanduvac S, Onses MS, Yilmaz E. Nanostructures for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: A Review. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2022; 5:6029-6054. [PMID: 37552745 PMCID: PMC8905929 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.2c00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Scientists, doctors, engineers, and even entire societies have become aware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 infection and are taking action quickly, using all the tools from protection to treatment against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Especially in this sense, scientific approaches and materials using nanotechnology are frequently preferred. In this review, we focus on how nanoscience and nanotechnology approaches can be used for protective equipment, diagnostic and treatment methods, medicine, and vaccine applications to stop the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and prevent its spread. SARS-CoV-2, which itself can be considered as a core-shell nanoparticle, can interact with various materials around it and remain bound for variable periods of time while maintaining its bioactivity. These applications are especially critical for the controlled use of disinfection systems. One of the most important processes in the fight against coronavirus is the rapid diagnosis of the virus in humans and the initiation of isolation and treatment processes. The development of nanotechnology-based test and diagnostic kits is another important research thrust. Nanotechnological therapeutics based on antiviral drug design and nanoarchitecture vaccines have been vital. Nanotechnology plays critical roles in the production of protective film surfaces for self-cleaning and antiviral masks, gloves, and laboratory clothes. An overview of literature studies highlighting nanotechnology and nanomaterial-based approaches to combat SARS-CoV-2 is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuri Burak Kiremitler
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
| | - Munteha Zeynep Kemerli
- Drug Application and Research Center,
Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Health Services, Halil Bayraktar
Vocational College, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
| | - Nilgun Kayaci
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
| | - Sultan Karagoz
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of
Engineering, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
| | - Sami Pekdemir
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Airframes and Powerplants, Erciyes
University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Sarp
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes
University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Senem Sanduvac
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Bünyan Vocational College, Kayseri
University, 38280 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Serdar Onses
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering, Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
| | - Erkan Yilmaz
- ERNAM-Erciyes University Nanotechnology
Application and Research Center, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes
University, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
- Technology Research & Application
Center (TAUM), Erciyes University, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
- ChemicaMed Chemical Inc., Erciyes
University Technology Development Zone, 38039 Kayseri,
Turkey
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87
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Analysis of Environmental and Pathogenic Bacteria Attached to Aerosol Particles Size-Separated with a Metal Mesh Device. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095773. [PMID: 35565166 PMCID: PMC9099785 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Metal mesh devices (MMDs) are novel materials that enable the precise separation of particles by size. Structurally, MMDs consist of a periodic arrangement of square apertures of characteristic shapes and sizes on a thin nickel membrane. The present study describes the separation of aerosol particles using palm-top-size collection devices equipped with three types of MMDs differing in pore size. Aerosols were collected at a farm located in the suburbs of Nairobi, Kenya; aerosol particles were isolated, and pathogenic bacteria were identified in this microflora by next-generation sequencing analysis. The composition of the microflora in aerosol particles was found to depend on particle size. Gene fragments were obtained from the collected aerosols by PCR using primers specific for the genus Mycobacterium. This analysis showed that Mycobacterium obuense, a non-tuberculous species of mycobacteria that causes lung diseases, was present in these aerosols. These findings showed that application of this MMD analytical protocol to aerosol particles can facilitate the investigation of airborne pathogenic bacteria.
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88
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Brown E, Nelson N, Gubbins S, Colenutt C. Airborne Transmission of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus: A Review of Past and Present Perspectives. Viruses 2022; 14:1009. [PMID: 35632750 PMCID: PMC9145556 DOI: 10.3390/v14051009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary transmission route for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, is by direct contact with infected animals. Yet indirect methods of transmission, such as via the airborne route, have been shown to play an important role in the spread of the disease. Airborne transmission of FMD is referred to as a low probability- high consequence event as a specific set of factors need to coincide to facilitate airborne spread. When conditions are favourable, airborne virus may spread rapidly and cause disease beyond the imposed quarantine zones, thus complicating control measures. Therefore, it is important to understand the nature of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) within aerosols; how aerosols are generated, viral load, how far aerosols could travel and survive under different conditions. Various studies have investigated emissions from infected animals under laboratory conditions, while others have incorporated experimental data in mathematical models to predict and trace outbreaks of FMD. However, much of the existing literature focussing on FMDV in aerosols describe work which was undertaken over 40 years ago. The aim of this review is to revisit existing knowledge and investigate how modern instrumentation and modelling approaches can improve our understanding of airborne transmission of FMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Brown
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Noel Nelson
- The Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, Devon EX1 3PB, UK;
| | - Simon Gubbins
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK; (S.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Claire Colenutt
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK; (S.G.); (C.C.)
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89
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Ringa N, Iyaniwura SA, David S, Irvine MA, Adu P, Spencer M, Janjua NZ, Otterstatter MC. Social Contacts and Transmission of COVID-19 in British Columbia, Canada. Front Public Health 2022; 10:867425. [PMID: 35592086 PMCID: PMC9110764 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.867425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Close-contact rates are thought to be a driving force behind the transmission of many infectious respiratory diseases. Yet, contact rates and their relation to transmission and the impact of control measures, are seldom quantified. We quantify the response of contact rates, reported cases and transmission of COVID-19, to public health contact-restriction orders, and examine the associations among these three variables in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Methods We derived time series data for contact rates, daily cases and transmission of COVID-19 from a social contacts survey, reported case counts and by fitting a transmission model to reported cases, respectively. We used segmented regression to investigate impacts of public health orders; Pearson correlation to determine associations between contact rates and transmission; and vector autoregressive modeling to quantify lagged associations between contacts rates, daily cases, and transmission. Results Declines in contact rates and transmission occurred concurrently with the announcement of public health orders, whereas declines in cases showed a reporting delay of about 2 weeks. Contact rates were a significant driver of COVID-19 and explained roughly 19 and 20% of the variation in new cases and transmission, respectively. Interestingly, increases in COVID-19 transmission and cases were followed by reduced contact rates: overall, daily cases explained about 10% of the variation in subsequent contact rates. Conclusion We showed that close-contact rates were a significant time-series driver of transmission and ultimately of reported cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, Canada and that they varied in response to public health orders. Our results also suggest possible behavioral feedback, by which increased reported cases lead to reduced subsequent contact rates. Our findings help to explain and validate the commonly assumed, but rarely measured, response of close contact rates to public health guidelines and their impact on the dynamics of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Notice Ringa
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarafa A. Iyaniwura
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Mathematics, Institute of Applied Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samara David
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mike A. Irvine
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Prince Adu
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Spencer
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael C. Otterstatter
- Data and Analytic Services, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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90
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Choi YJ, Lee KS, Lee YS, Kim KR, Oh JW. Analysis of the Association Among Air Pollutants, Allergenic Pollen, and Respiratory Virus Infection of Children in Guri, Korea During Recent 5 Years. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2022; 14:289-299. [PMID: 35557494 PMCID: PMC9110915 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2022.14.3.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Concerns about the spread of infectious diseases have increased due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Knowing the factors that exacerbate or increase the contagiousness of a virus could be a key to pandemic prevention. Therefore, we investigated whether the pandemic potential of infectious diseases correlates with the concentration of atmospheric substances. We also investigated whether environmental deterioration causes an increase in viral infections. METHODS Pediatric patients (0-18 years old; n = 6,223) were recruited from those hospitalized for aggravated respiratory symptoms at Hanyang University Guri Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. The number of viral infections was defined as the total number of virus-infected patients hospitalized for respiratory symptoms. We analyzed the association between the number of viral infections/week and the average concentrations of atmospheric substances including particulate matter (PM)10, PM2.5, O₃, NO₂, CO, SO₂, and allergenic pollen) for that week. The cross-correlation coefficient between the weekly measures of pollens and viral infections was checked to determine which time point had the most influence. The association of atmospheric substances in that time, with the number of viral infections/week was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis to identify factors with the greatest influence. RESULTS In spring the tree pollen average concentration one week earlier (t-1) had the greatest correlation with the average virus infection of a given week (t) (ρXY (h) =0.5210). The number of viral infections showed a statistically significant correlation with especially tree pollen concentration of 1 week prior (adj R²=0.2280). O₃ concentration was correlated to the number of viral infections within that week (adj R²=0.2552) in spring, and weed pollen and CO concentration correlated (adj R²=0.1327) in autumn. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal co-exposure to air pollutants and allergenic pollens may enhance respiratory viral infection susceptibility in children. Therefore, reducing the concentrations of air pollutants and pollens may help prevent future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Kyung Suk Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Seop Lee
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Rang Kim
- Impact-based Forecast Research Team, High Impact Weather Research Department, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Gangneung, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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91
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Pham TM, Yin M, Cooper BS. The potential impact of intensified community hand hygiene interventions on respiratory tract infections: a modelling study. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2022; 478:20210746. [PMID: 35582391 PMCID: PMC9092223 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2021.0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hand hygiene is among the most fundamental and widely used behavioural measures to reduce the person-to-person spread of human pathogens and its effectiveness as a community intervention is supported by evidence from randomized trials. However, a theoretical understanding of the relationship between hand hygiene frequency and change in risk of infection is lacking. Using a simple model-based framework for understanding the determinants of hand hygiene effectiveness in preventing viral respiratory tract infections, we show that a crucial, but overlooked, determinant of the relationship between hand hygiene frequency and risk of infection via indirect transmission is persistence of viable virus on hands. If persistence is short, as has been reported for influenza, hand-washing needs to be performed very frequently or immediately after hand contamination to substantially reduce the probability of infection. When viable virus survival is longer (e.g. in the presence of mucus or for some enveloped viruses) less frequent hand washing can substantially reduce the infection probability. Immediate hand washing after contamination is consistently more effective than at fixed-time intervals. Our study highlights that recommendations on hand hygiene should be tailored to persistence of viable virus on hands and that more detailed empirical investigations are needed to help optimize this key intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Mui Pham
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mo Yin
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ben S. Cooper
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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92
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Quraishi N, Ray M, Srivastava R, Ray J, Quraishi MS. A multicentre retrospective cohort study on COVID-19-related physical interventions and adult hospital admissions for ENT infections. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:2671-2678. [PMID: 34807284 PMCID: PMC8607061 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report changes in adult hospital admission rates for acute ENT infections following the introduction of COVID-19-related physical interventions such as hand washing, use of face masks and social distancing of 2-m in the United Kingdom. METHODS Retrospective cohort study comparing adult admissions with acute tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, epiglottitis, glandular fever, peri-orbital cellulitis, acute otitis media, acute mastoiditis, retropharyngeal abscess and parapharyngeal abscess in the 1-year period after the introduction of COVID-related physical interventions (2020-2021) with a 1-year period before this (2019-2020) in three UK secondary care ENT departments. RESULTS In total, there were significantly fewer admissions for ENT infections (n = 1073, 57.56%, p < 0.001; RR 2.36, 95% CI [2.17, 2.56]) in the 2020-2021 period than in the 2019-2020 period. There were significant reductions in admissions for tonsillitis (64.4%; p < 0.001), peritonsillar abscess (60.68%; p < 0.001), epiglottitis (66.67%; p < 0.001), glandular fever (38.79%; p = 0.001), acute otitis media (26.85%; p = 0.01) and retropharyngeal and/or parapharyngeal abscesses (45.45%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a sizeable reduction in adult admissions for ENT infections since the introduction of COVID-19-related physical interventions. There is evidence to support the use of physical interventions in the prevention of viral transmission of respiratory disease. Preventing ENT infections requiring admission through simple physical interventions could be of great benefit to the quality of life of patients and economical benefit to healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaydip Ray
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
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93
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Spencer JA, Shutt DP, Moser SK, Clegg H, Wearing HJ, Mukundan H, Manore CA. Distinguishing viruses responsible for influenza-like illness. J Theor Biol 2022; 545:111145. [PMID: 35490763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The many respiratory viruses that cause influenza-like illness (ILI) are reported and tracked as one entity, defined by the CDC as a group of symptoms that include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a cough, and/or a sore throat. In the United States alone, ILI impacts 9-49 million people every year. While tracking ILI as a single clinical syndrome is informative in many respects, the underlying viruses differ in parameters and outbreak properties. Most existing models treat either a single respiratory virus or ILI as a whole. However, there is a need for models capable of comparing several individual viruses that cause respiratory illness, including ILI. To address this need, here we present a flexible model and simulations of epidemics for influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, seasonal coronavirus, adenovirus, and SARS/MERS, parameterized by a systematic literature review and accompanied by a global sensitivity analysis. We find that for these biological causes of ILI, their parameter values, timing, prevalence, and proportional contributions differ substantially. These results demonstrate that distinguishing the viruses that cause ILI will be an important aspect of future work on diagnostics, mitigation, modeling, and preparation for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Spencer
- A-1 Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA.
| | - Deborah P Shutt
- A-1 Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA
| | - S Kane Moser
- B-10 Biosecurity and Public Health, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA
| | - Hannah Clegg
- A-1 Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA
| | - Helen J Wearing
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, NM87131, USA; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, NM87102, USA
| | - Harshini Mukundan
- C-PCS Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA
| | - Carrie A Manore
- T-6 Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM87545, USA
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94
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Quan N, Yang J, Wu Y. Associations Between Wearing Masks and Respiratory Viral Infections: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:874693. [PMID: 35570912 PMCID: PMC9092448 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.874693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are a major health concern, and some previous studies have shown that wearing masks was effective in preventing RVIs, while others failed to show such effect. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of wearing masks. Methods PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database) were searched for studies evaluating the effectiveness of wearing masks. The risk ratio (RR) was used to measure the effectiveness of wearing masks in preventing RVIs for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, and the odds ratio (OR) was used for case-control studies. Forest plots were used to visually assess pooled estimates and corresponding 95% CIs. The I2 test was used to examine the heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis was used to explore the possible explanations for heterogeneity or compare the results between subgroups. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess robustness of the synthesized results. Begg's test and Egger's test were used to assess the publications bias. Results Thirty-one studies (13,329 participants) were eligible for meta-analyses. Overall, the results showed that wearing masks was effective in preventing RVIs. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results of those meta-analyses were robust and reliable. There was no significant publication bias in meta-analysis of case-control studies and most subgroup analyses. Conclusions Wearing masks might be effective in preventing RVIs. To reduce their RVI risk, people should wear masks when they go out in public. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021296092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuelin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ningbin Quan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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95
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Handiso TB, Jifar MS, Nuriye Hagisso S. Coronavirus’s (SARS-CoV-2) airborne transmission. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221094185. [PMID: 35492889 PMCID: PMC9047781 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221094185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This scientific review of mode of transmission of COVID-19 is to aid
scientific community in generating hypothesis. The inadequate evidence
on SARS-CoV-2 transmission has hindered the development of effective
prevention strategy and resulted in continues pandemic of the
COVID-19. Therefore, in this review, existing evidence is discussed,
hypothesis is generated regarding COVID-19 mode of transmission, and
recommendations are forwarded based on existing body of knowledge.
Thus, two meters (2 m) physical distance is not completely safe even
for large droplets and wearing a face mask is a key in the prevention
of SARS-CoV-2 in public areas and confined space and public need to be
vaccinated.
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96
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Aziz IM, Farrag MA, Bhat R, Ahmed A, Alkubaisi NA, Alzayed RM, Dudin GA, Almajhdi FN. Development and Validation of Rapid In-House Diagnostic ELISA Kits for Detection of Human Orthopneumovirus in Clinical Samples. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:912. [PMID: 35453960 PMCID: PMC9029150 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the standard assay employed to diagnose human orthopneumovirus infection is real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay (rRT-PCR), a costly and time-consuming procedure that requires the manipulation of infectious viruses. In addition to RT-PCR, serological tests can complement the molecular diagnostic methods and have proven to be important tools in sero-surveillance. In this study, we report the development, optimization, and validation of a novel and rapid in-house diagnostic ELISA kit to detect human orthopneumovirus in clinical samples. We developed three sensitive ELISA formats through the immunization of rats with novel recombinant pPOE-F or pPOE-TF vectors. The two vectors expressed either the full-length (pPOE-F) or the truncated form (pPOE-TF) of the fusion (F) protein. The developed ELISA kits were optimized for coating buffer, capture antibody, blocking buffer, sample antigen, detection antibodies, and peroxidase-conjugated antibody, and validated using 75 rRT-PCR-confirmed nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) human orthopneumovirus samples and 25 negative samples collected from hospitalized children during different epidemic seasons between 2014 and 2017. Our results indicate that rats immunized with pPOE-F or pPOE-TF showed significant induction of high levels of MPAs. Validation of the ELISA method was compared to the rRT-PCR and the sensitivity hierarchy of these developed ELISA assays was considered from highest to lowest: indirect competitive inhibition ELISA (93.3%) > indirect antigen-capture ELISA (90.6%) > direct antigen-capture ELISA (86.6%). The development of the rapid in-house diagnostic ELISA kits described in this study demonstrates that a specific, rapid and sensitive test for human orthopneumovirus antigens could be successfully applied to samples collected from hospitalized children during different epidemics and can help in the efficient diagnosis of respiratory syncytial viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M. Aziz
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.F.); (R.B.); (A.A.); (N.A.A.); (R.M.A.); (G.A.D.); (F.N.A.)
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97
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Rashid TU, Sharmeen S, Biswas S. Effectiveness of N95 Masks against SARS-CoV-2: Performance Efficiency, Concerns, and Future Directions. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2022; 29:135-164. [PMID: 37556270 PMCID: PMC8768005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chas.1c00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, which is caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has continued to spread around the world since December 2019. Healthcare workers and other medical first responders in particular need personal protective equipment to protect their respiratory system from airborne particulates, in addition to liquid splashes to the face. N95 respirator have become a critical component for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and controlling the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a major dispute concerning the protective performance of N95 respirators has erupted, with a myriad of healthcare workers affected despite wearing N95 masks. This article reviews the most recent updates about the performance of N95 respirators in protecting against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the present pandemic situation. A brief overview of the manufacturing methods, air filtration mechanisms, stability, and reusability of the mask is provided. A detailed performance evaluation of the mask is studied from an engineering point of view. This Review also reports on a comparative study about the protective performance of all commercially available surgical and respiratory masks used to combat the spread of COVID-19. With the aim of protecting healthcare providers more efficiently, we suggest some potential directions for the development of this respiratory mask that improve the performance efficiency of the mask.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim Ur Rashid
- Fiber and Polymer Science, Department of Textile
Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North
Carolina State University, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina
27695, United States
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of
Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Sharmeen
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of
Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- Chemistry Department, University of
Nebraska−Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United
States
| | - Shanta Biswas
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of
Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State
University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United
States
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98
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Wardzala C, Wood AM, Belnap DM, Kramer JR. Mucins Inhibit Coronavirus Infection in a Glycan-Dependent Manner. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:351-360. [PMID: 35345395 PMCID: PMC8864775 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c01369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Mucins are a diverse and heterogeneous family of glycoproteins that comprise the bulk of mucus and the epithelial glycocalyx. Mucins are intimately involved in viral transmission. Mucin and virus laden particles can be expelled from the mouth and nose to later infect others. Viruses must also penetrate the mucus layer before cell entry and replication. The role of mucins and their molecular structure have not been well-characterized in coronavirus transmission studies. Laboratory studies predicting high rates of fomite transmission have not translated to real-world infections, and mucins may be one culprit. Here, we probed both surface and direct contact transmission scenarios for their dependence on mucins and their structure. We utilized disease-causing, bovine-derived, human coronavirus OC43. We found that bovine mucins could inhibit the infection of live cells in a concentration- and glycan-dependent manner. The effects were observed in both mock fomite and direct contact transmission experiments and were not dependent upon surface material or time-on-surface. However, the effects were abrogated by removal of the glycans or in a cross-species infection scenario where bovine mucin could not inhibit the infection of a murine coronavirus. Together, our data indicate that the mucin molecular structure plays a complex and important role in host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casia
L. Wardzala
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Utah, 36 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Amanda M. Wood
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Utah, 36 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - David M. Belnap
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 36 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 36 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Jessica R. Kramer
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Utah, 36 South Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- E-mail:
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99
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Rudhart SA, Günther F, Dapper L, Stuck BA, Hoch S. UV-C Light-Based Surface Disinfection: Analysis of Its Virucidal Efficacy Using a Bacteriophage Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063246. [PMID: 35328933 PMCID: PMC8950158 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: The reprocessing of medical devices has become more complex due to increasing hygiene requirements. Previous studies showed satisfactory bactericidal disinfection effects of UV-C light in rigid and flexible endoscopes. Especially in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, virucidal properties are of high importance. In the present study, the virucidal efficacy of UV-C light surface disinfection was analyzed. Methods: MS-2 bacteriophages were applied to the test samples and irradiated by UV-C light using the UV Smart D25 device; unirradiated test samples were used as controls. A dilution series of the samples was mixed with 1 × 108 Escherichia coli and assayed. Results: 8.6 × 1012 pfu could be harvested from the unprocessed test samples. In the control group without UV-C exposure, a remaining contamination of 1.2 × 1012 pfu was detected, resulting in a procedural baseline reduction rate with a LOG10 reduction factor of 0.72. The LOG10 reduction factor was found to be 3.0 after 25 s of UV-C light exposure. After 50 and 75 s of UV-C radiation LOG10 reduction factors 4.2 and 5.9, respectively, were found, with all reductions being statistically significantly different to baseline. Conclusions: The tested UV system seems to provide a significant virucidal effect after a relatively short irradiation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A. Rudhart
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (S.A.R.); (B.A.S.)
| | - Frank Günther
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (F.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Laura Dapper
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (F.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Boris A. Stuck
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (S.A.R.); (B.A.S.)
| | - Stephan Hoch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (S.A.R.); (B.A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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100
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Chen J, Sun L, Liu X, Yu Q, Qin K, Cao X, Gu J. Metagenomic Assessment of the Pathogenic Risk of Microorganisms in Sputum of Postoperative Patients With Pulmonary Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855839. [PMID: 35310849 PMCID: PMC8928749 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections are complicated biological processes associated with an unbalanced microbial community and a wide range of pathogens. To date, robust approaches are still required for distinguishing the pathogenic microorganisms from the colonizing ones in the clinical specimens with complex infection. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of conventional culture testing and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the sputum samples collected from 50 pulmonary infected patients after cardiac surgery from December 2020 and June 2021 in Ruijin Hospital. Taxonomic classification of the sputum metagenomes showed that the numbers of species belonging to bacteria, fungi, and viruses were 682, 58, and 21, respectively. The full spectrum of microorganisms present in the sputum microbiome covered all the species identified by culture, including 12 bacterial species and two fungal species. Based on species-level microbiome profiling, a reference catalog of microbial abundance detection limits was constructed to assess the pathogenic risks of individual microorganisms in the specimens. The proposed screening procedure detected 64 bacterial pathogens, 10 fungal pathogens, and three viruses. In particular, certain opportunistic pathogenic strains can be distinguished from the colonizing ones in the individual specimens. Strain-level identification and phylogenetic analysis were further performed to decipher molecular epidemiological characteristics of four opportunistic etiologic agents, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium striatum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Our findings provide a novel metagenomic insight into precision diagnosis for clinically relevant microbes, especially for opportunistic pathogens in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianjie Sun
- Genoxor Medical Science and Technology Inc., Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qixiang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaijie Qin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuejie Cao
- Genoxor Medical Science and Technology Inc., Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianwei Gu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jianwei Gu,
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