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Greenhalgh T, MacIntyre CR, Baker MG, Bhattacharjee S, Chughtai AA, Fisman D, Kunasekaran M, Kvalsvig A, Lupton D, Oliver M, Tawfiq E, Ungrin M, Vipond J. Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0012423. [PMID: 38775460 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00124-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohana Kunasekaran
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Kvalsvig
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Lupton
- Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matt Oliver
- Professional Standards Advocate, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Essa Tawfiq
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joe Vipond
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Mallela A, Chen Y, Lin YT, Miller EF, Neumann J, He Z, Nelson KE, Posner RG, Hlavacek WS. Impacts of Vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants Alpha and Delta on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Transmission Dynamics in Four Metropolitan Areas of the United States. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:31. [PMID: 38353870 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
To characterize Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission dynamics in each of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) surrounding Dallas, Houston, New York City, and Phoenix in 2020 and 2021, we extended a previously reported compartmental model accounting for effects of multiple distinct periods of non-pharmaceutical interventions by adding consideration of vaccination and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants Alpha (lineage B.1.1.7) and Delta (lineage B.1.617.2). For each MSA, we found region-specific parameterizations of the model using daily reports of new COVID-19 cases available from January 21, 2020 to October 31, 2021. In the process, we obtained estimates of the relative infectiousness of Alpha and Delta as well as their takeoff times in each MSA (the times at which sustained transmission began). The estimated infectiousness of Alpha ranged from 1.1x to 1.4x that of viral strains circulating in 2020 and early 2021. The estimated relative infectiousness of Delta was higher in all cases, ranging from 1.6x to 2.1x. The estimated Alpha takeoff times ranged from February 1 to February 28, 2021. The estimated Delta takeoff times ranged from June 2 to June 26, 2021. Estimated takeoff times are consistent with genomic surveillance data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mallela
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Yen Ting Lin
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
- Information Sciences Group, Computer, Computational and Statistical Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Ely F Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Jacob Neumann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Zhili He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Kathryn E Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Richard G Posner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - William S Hlavacek
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
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Papagoras C, Zioga N, Papadopoulos V, Gerolymatou N, Kalavri E, Bounos C, Simopoulou T, Fragoulis GE, Panopoulos S, Fragiadaki K, Evangelatos G, Bournia VK, Arida A, Karamanakos A, Pappa M, Kravvariti E, Deftereou K, Kougkas N, Zampeli E, Kataxaki E, Melissaropoulos K, Barouta G, Panagiotopoulos A, Koutsianas C, Liossis SN, Georgiou P, Dimitroulas T, Tektonidou MG, Bogdanos DP, Elezoglou A, Voulgari PV, Sfikakis PP, Vassilopoulos D. Omicron variant dominance and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are key determinants for a milder course of COVID-19 in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3375-3385. [PMID: 37731083 PMCID: PMC10640401 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to determine whether the introduction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the dominance of the omicron variant had a significant impact on the outcome of COVID-19 in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SAIRDs). METHODS Using data entered to the Greek Rheumatology Society COVID-19 registry, we investigated the incidence of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19, during the successive periods of the pandemic according to the prevalent strain (wild-type, Alpha, Delta, Omicron) in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Variables independently associated with hospitalization and death were explored using multivariate regression analyses, while Kaplan-Meier curves were used to depict survival data. RESULTS From August 2020 until June 30, 2022, 456 cases (70.2% females) of COVID-19 with a mean age (± SD) of 51.4 ± 14.0 years were reported. In unvaccinated patients, the proportions of hospitalization and death were 24.5% and 4%, compared to 12.5% and 0.8% in the vaccinated group (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The rates of hospitalization for the wild-type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods were 24.7%, 31.3%, 25.9%, and 8.1% respectively (p < 0.0001), while the case fatality rates were 2.7%, 4%, 7%, and 0%, respectively (p = 0.001). Using multivariable regression analysis, factors independently associated with hospitalization were infection by a non-Omicron variant, being non-vaccinated, exposure to rituximab, older age, and respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Independent predictors for death were contracting COVID-19 during the Alpha or Delta period, pulmonary disease, and older age, while being vaccinated was protective. CONCLUSIONS In this 2-year analysis, the rates of hospitalization and death among patients with SAIRDs have declined significantly. Vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron variant appear to be the major determinants for this shift. Key points • During the late phase of the pandemic, the proportion of severe COVID-19 cases, defined as requiring hospitalization or resulting in death, in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases has declined. • Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the dominance of the Omicron strain are the key factors that have independently contributed to this shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Zioga
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | - Nafsika Gerolymatou
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Kalavri
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Bounos
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Simopoulou
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George E Fragoulis
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Panopoulos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Fragiadaki
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Evangelatos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Arida
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Karamanakos
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pappa
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evrydiki Kravvariti
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kleopatra Deftereou
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kougkas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Kataxaki
- Rheumatology Department, General Hospital Elefsinas Thriaseio, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Alexandros Panagiotopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Koutsianas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatis-Nick Liossis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Theodoros Dimitroulas
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Clinic of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, Asklepieion General Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V Voulgari
- Department of Rheumatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- 1st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vass. Sophias Ave, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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Natalia YA, Faes C, Neyens T, Hammami N, Molenberghs G. Key risk factors associated with fractal dimension based geographical clustering of COVID-19 data in the Flemish and Brussels region, Belgium. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249141. [PMID: 38026374 PMCID: PMC10654974 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 remains a major concern globally. Therefore, it is important to evaluate COVID-19's rapidly changing trends. The fractal dimension has been proposed as a viable method to characterize COVID-19 curves since epidemic data is often subject to considerable heterogeneity. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between various socio-demographic factors and the complexity of the COVID-19 curve as quantified through its fractal dimension. Methods We collected population indicators data (ethnic composition, socioeconomic status, number of inhabitants, population density, the older adult population proportion, vaccination rate, satisfaction, and trust in the government) at the level of the statistical sector in Belgium. We compared these data with fractal dimension indicators of COVID-19 incidence between 1 January - 31 December 2021 using canonical correlation analysis. Results Our results showed that these population indicators have a significant association with COVID-19 incidences, with the highest explanatory and predictive power coming from the number of inhabitants, population density, and ethnic composition. Conclusion It is important to monitor these population indicators during a pandemic, especially when dealing with targeted interventions for a specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christel Faes
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Thomas Neyens
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- I-BioStat, Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naïma Hammami
- Department of Care, Team Infection Prevention and Vaccination, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- I-BioStat, Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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