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Murğ İ, Leventoğlu E, Bideci A, Boduroğlu K, Hasanoğlu E, Bakkaloğlu SA. Professional, educational and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians. Postgrad Med 2024; 136:731-737. [PMID: 39177242 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2024.2396798] [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] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 infection is not limited to medical aspects, but may have significant negative impacts on education, tourism, the economy as well as sociocultural, ethical, and legal aspects. We aimed to assess the multidimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians by examining their COVID-19 infection, domestic life and quarantine, as well as work patterns, educational activities, and psychosocial impact. METHODS An online survey consisted of seven sections and 68 questions was prepared through 'Google Forms.' The survey was sent via e-mail to physicians who are members of the National Pediatric Association of Turkey. RESULTS The pandemic has affected pediatricians working in our country in a multifaceted aspect. They experienced significant anxiety/depression/stress, 8% of them felt it at a pathological level and were receiving treatment, and women and young pediatricians were more vulnerable to the pandemic. The more adequately informed about the disease, the more prepared for COVID-19 and lower levels of psychological distress, which emphasizes the importance of education and institutional continuing support. Our study showed that academic education was seriously disrupted and the satisfaction rate with virtual education was low. CONCLUSION Although COVID-19 has less impact today, it has taught us that it is necessary to be ready for new pandemics in the future. The required measures should be taken urgently and effectively healthcare professionals should follow a rational and applicable disaster plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- İdris Murğ
- Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Leventoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysun Bideci
- Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Koray Boduroğlu
- Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Enver Hasanoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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Kummer A, Zhang J, Jiang C, Litvinova M, Ventura P, Garcia M, Vespignani A, Wu H, Yu H, Ajelli M. Evaluating Seasonal Variations in Human Contact Patterns and Their Impact on the Transmission of Respiratory Infectious Diseases. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13301. [PMID: 38733199 PMCID: PMC11087848 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13301] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human contact patterns are a key determinant driving the spread of respiratory infectious diseases. However, the relationship between contact patterns and seasonality as well as their possible association with the seasonality of respiratory diseases is yet to be clarified. METHODS We investigated the association between temperature and human contact patterns using data collected through a cross-sectional diary-based contact survey in Shanghai, China, between December 24, 2017, and May 30, 2018. We then developed a compartmental model of influenza transmission informed by the derived seasonal trends in the number of contacts and validated it against A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza data collected in Shanghai during the same period. RESULTS We identified a significant inverse relationship between the number of contacts and the seasonal temperature trend defined as a spline interpolation of temperature data (p = 0.003). We estimated an average of 16.4 (95% PrI: 15.1-17.5) contacts per day in December 2017 that increased to an average of 17.6 contacts (95% PrI: 16.5-19.3) in January 2018 and then declined to an average of 10.3 (95% PrI: 9.4-10.8) in May 2018. Estimates of influenza incidence obtained by the compartmental model comply with the observed epidemiological data. The reproduction number was estimated to increase from 1.24 (95% CI: 1.21-1.27) in December to a peak of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.31-1.37) in January. The estimated median infection attack rate at the end of the season was 27.4% (95% CI: 23.7-30.5%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support a relationship between temperature and contact patterns, which can contribute to deepen the understanding of the relationship between social interactions and the epidemiology of respiratory infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allisandra G. Kummer
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsIndiana University School of Public HealthBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of EducationShanghaiChina
| | - Chenyan Jiang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghaiChina
| | - Maria Litvinova
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsIndiana University School of Public HealthBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Paulo C. Ventura
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsIndiana University School of Public HealthBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Marc A. Garcia
- Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion, Aging Studies Institute, Department of Sociology, and Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public AffairsSyracuse UniversitySyracuseNew YorkUSA
| | - Alessandro Vespignani
- Laboratory for the Modeling of Biological and Socio‐technical SystemsNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Huanyu Wu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghaiChina
| | - Hongjie Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthFudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of EducationShanghaiChina
| | - Marco Ajelli
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsIndiana University School of Public HealthBloomingtonIndianaUSA
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Beltrán E, Newton J, Avila V, Pitts N, Castellanos J, Tenuta L, Martignon S. Dentists' Perceptions of Personal Infection Control Measurements in Response to COVID-19. JDR Clin Trans Res 2024; 9:21-26. [PMID: 36207813 PMCID: PMC9548485 DOI: 10.1177/23800844221123751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore through focus groups (FGs) the perceptions of dental practitioners (DPs) from different countries of the challenges of implementing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related biosafety measures, especially personal protection equipment (PPE), during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS DPs from Colombia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States were invited to participate in country-based FGs. These were facilitated by an experienced moderator who explored the factors that guided the implementation of COVID-19 related biosafety measures and PPE use. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis on the basis of categories defined by the researchers deductively and inductively. RESULTS A total of 25 DPs participated in 3 FGs (Colombia:n = 8; United Kingdom: n = 7; United States: n = 9) and 1 in an in-depth interview (Germany). DPs described using several processes to judge which guidance document to adopt and which aspects of the guidance were important in their practice. These included making judgments concerning the views of any indemnity organization to which the DPs were responsible, the staff's views in the practice, and the views of patients. In the absence of a single overarching guidance document, DPs filtered the available information through several considerations to find a level of PPE that they deemed "implementable" in local practice. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the implementation of evidence-based practice is subject to modification through a lens of what is "feasible" in practice. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT Clinicians, educators, and policy makers can use the results of this study to understand the process through which guidance is transformed into implementable patient care pathways in the dental practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.O. Beltrán
- UNICA-Caries Research Unit, Research
Department, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - J.T. Newton
- Dental Innovation and Impact, Faculty
of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Kings College London, London,
UK
| | - V. Avila
- UNICA-Caries Research Unit, Research
Department, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - N.B. Pitts
- Dental Innovation and Impact, Faculty
of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Kings College London, London,
UK
| | | | - L.M.A. Tenuta
- School of Dentistry, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S. Martignon
- UNICA-Caries Research Unit, Research
Department, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
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4
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Yasuura M, Tan ZL, Horiguchi Y, Ashiba H, Fukuda T. Improvement of Sensitivity and Speed of Virus Sensing Technologies Using nm- and μm-Scale Components. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6830. [PMID: 37571612 PMCID: PMC10422600 DOI: 10.3390/s23156830] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Various viral diseases can be widespread and cause severe disruption to global society. Highly sensitive virus detection methods are needed to take effective measures to prevent the spread of viral infection. This required the development of rapid virus detection technology to detect viruses at low concentrations, even in the biological fluid of patients in the early stages of the disease or environmental samples. This review describes an overview of various virus detection technologies and then refers to typical technologies such as beads-based assay, digital assay, and pore-based sensing, which are the three modern approaches to improve the performance of viral sensing in terms of speed and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Yasuura
- Sensing System Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan; (Z.L.T.); (Y.H.); (H.A.); (T.F.)
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Jeong SB, Shin JH, Kim SW, Seo SC, Jung JH. Performance evaluation of an electrostatic precipitator with a copper plate using an aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 surrogate (bacteriophage phi 6). ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2023; 30:103124. [PMID: 36987524 PMCID: PMC10035800 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2023.103124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has reminded us of the importance of developing technologies to reduce and control bioaerosols in built environments. For bioaerosol control, the interaction between researchers and biomaterials is essential, and considering the characteristics of target pathogens is strongly required. Herein, we used enveloped viral aerosols, bacteriophage phi 6, for evaluating the performance of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with a copper-collecting plate (Cu-plate). In particular, bacteriophage phi 6 is an accessible enveloped virus that can be operated in biosafety level (BSL)-1 as a promising surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 with structural and morphological similarities. ESP with Cu-plate showed >91% of particle removal efficiency for viral aerosols at 77 cm/s of airflow face velocity. Moreover, the Cu-plate presented a potent antiviral performance of 5.4-relative log reduction within <15 min of contact. We believe that the evaluation of ESP performance using an aerosolized enveloped virus and plaque assay is invaluable. Our results provide essential information for the development of bioaerosol control technologies that will lead the post-corona era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Bin Jeong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hak Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sam Woong Kim
- Agri-Food Bio Convergence Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Chul Seo
- Department of Nano, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul 02713, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hee Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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6
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Ghaffari HR, Farshidi H, Alipour V, Dindarloo K, Azad MH, Jamalidoust M, Madani A, Aghamolaei T, Hashemi Y, Fazlzadeh M, Fakhri Y. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the indoor air of intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID-19 patients and its surroundings: considering the role of environmental conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85612-85618. [PMID: 34482469 PMCID: PMC8418690 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
There is ambiguity about the airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. While a distance of 6 feet is considered a safe physical distance, new findings show that the virus can be transmitted more than that distance and cause infection. In hospitals, this may cause the virus to be transmitted from the treatment wards of COVID-19 patients to adjacent wards and infect medical staff, non-COVID-19 patients, and patient companions. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of coronavirus in the air of ICU and adjacent wards. The low volume sampler (LVS) with two separate inlets for PM2.5 and PM10 was applied to collect indoor air of intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed COVID- 19 patients and its surroundings. The samples were collected on 0.3μ PTFE filter fitted to the holder. Sampling was done at flow rate of 16.7 l/min for 24 h. The SRAS-CoV-2 virus was isolated using a SinaPure™ Virus Extraction Kit (SINACLON, Iran). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome was assessed using a commercially available SARS-CoV-2 Test Kit (Pishtaz-Iran), according to the manufacturer's instructions using One Step plus Real-Time PCR system tool (Applied Biosystems, USA). A total of sixteen samples were taken, and the positive test rate for SRAS-CoV-2 was 12.5 % (2/16). All samples from surrounding (rest room and hallway) were negative, but two air samples from indoor of ICU (next to the patient bed and nursing station) were found to be positive. The results support the possibility of transmitting the SRAS-CoV-2 through the air at a greater distance than what is known as a safe physical distance. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a safe physical distance, other precautions including wearing a face mask, preventing air recirculation, and maximizing the use of natural ventilation should be considered, especially in crowded and enclosed environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hossein Farshidi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Vali Alipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Kavoos Dindarloo
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hassani Azad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Marzieh Jamalidoust
- Department of Virology, Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Abdolhossein Madani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Teamour Aghamolaei
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Yaser Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Fazlzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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7
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Orenes-Piñero E, Moreno-Docón A, Candela-González J, Navas-Carrillo D, Ortega-García JA, Ramírez P. Confirmation of radiant catalytic ionization efficacy for airborne SARS-CoV-2 elimination indoors using "COVID19 traps". J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1551-1554. [PMID: 36442385 PMCID: PMC9678206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.11.014] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiant catalytic ionization (RCI) is a novel technology that uses the appropriate wavelength (240-260 nm) and the phenomenon of photo-oxidation leading to permanent removal of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Here, two analyses were performed. The first of them was a complete analysis of environmental biosecurity in a hospital environment. The second one was a longitudinal study with 40 patients with confirmed COVID19 and high viral load to assess the efficacy of RCI technology eliminating airborne SARS-CoV-2 indoors. A significant decrease in the number of bacteria and fungi colony-forming units (CFUs) was found in rooms with RCI when compared with rooms without it (p=0.03 for both of them). In the second part of the study, 16 samples out of 40 (40%) were positives when RCI technology was absent; whereas, these samples were negative when the equipment was on. Incidence rates (IR) with their Poisson 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated as the number of positive tests with the purifier or without it, showing an IR difference of 48.5% [CI(15.9-81), p=0.004]. Furthermore, the IR ratio was calculated obtaining a value of 3.3, confirming that RCI diminished more than 3-fold the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the air of the patients' rooms, thus laying the first stone in the fight for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination indoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Orenes-Piñero
- Proteomic Unit, Instituto Murciano de Investigaciones Biosanitarias (IMIB_Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain,Correspondence to: Campus Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, CP 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Moreno-Docón
- Department of Virology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Juan A. Ortega-García
- Environment and Human Health (EH2) Lab IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, Pediatric Environmental Health, HCUVA, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Department of Surgery, HCUVA, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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8
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González-Parra G, Díaz-Rodríguez M, Arenas AJ. Mathematical modeling to study the impact of immigration on the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study for Venezuela. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2022; 43:100532. [PMID: 36460458 PMCID: PMC9420318 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2022.100532] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We propose two different mathematical models to study the effect of immigration on the COVID-19 pandemic. The first model does not consider immigration, whereas the second one does. Both mathematical models consider five different subpopulations: susceptible, exposed, infected, asymptomatic carriers, and recovered. We find the basic reproduction number R0 using the next-generation matrix method for the mathematical model without immigration. This threshold parameter is paramount because it allows us to characterize the evolution of the disease and identify what parameters substantially affect the COVID-19 pandemic outcome. We focus on the Venezuelan scenario, where immigration and emigration have been important over recent years, particularly during the pandemic. We show that the estimation of the transmission rates of the SARS-CoV-2 are affected when the immigration of infected people is considered. This has an important consequence from a public health perspective because if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, we can expect that the SARS-CoV-2 would disappear. Thus, if the basic reproduction number is slightly above one, we can predict that some mild non-pharmaceutical interventions would be enough to decrease the number of infected people. The results show that the dynamics of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the population must consider immigration to obtain better insight into the outcomes and create awareness in the population regarding the population flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto González-Parra
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Miguel Díaz-Rodríguez
- Grupo Matemática Multidisciplinar, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de los Andes, Venezuela
| | - Abraham J. Arenas
- Universidad de Córdoba, Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Montería, Colombia
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9
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Correia G, Rodrigues L, Afonso M, Mota M, Oliveira J, Soares R, Tomás AL, Reichel A, Silva PM, Costa JJ, da Silva MG, Santos NC, Gonçalves T. SARS-CoV-2 air and surface contamination in residential settings. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18058. [PMID: 36302823 PMCID: PMC9610309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22679-y] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs mainly indoors, through virus-laden airborne particles. Although the presence and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol are now acknowledged, the underlying circumstances for its occurrence are still under investigation. The contamination of domiciliary environments during the isolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in their respective rooms in individual houses and in a nursing home was investigated by collecting surface and air samples in these environments. Surface contamination was detected in different contexts, both on high and low-touch surfaces. To determine the presence of virus particles in the air, two sampling methodologies were used: air and deposition sampling. Positive deposition samples were found in sampling locations above the patient's height, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in impactation air samples within a size fraction below 2.5 μm. Surface samples rendered the highest positivity rate and persistence for a longer period. The presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA occurred mainly in deposition samples and closer to symptom onset. To evaluate the infectivity of selected positive samples, SARS-CoV-2 viability assays were performed, but our study was not able to validate the virus viability. The presented results confirm the presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor compartments occupied by COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, in the absence of aerosol-generating clinical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Correia
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- ARS Centro, IP, Alameda Júlio Henriques, 3000-457, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Luís Rodrigues
- Universitary Clinic of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra Nephrology Service, Hospital and University Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Afonso
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Mota
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Oliveira
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Soares
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil EPE, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Tomás
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Reichel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José J Costa
- ADAI, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Univ Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Gameiro da Silva
- ADAI, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Univ Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Bartolomeo N, Giotta M, Tafuri S, Trerotoli P. Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on the Local Spread of COVID-19 Cases Mediated by the Effect of Seasons and Restrictive Public Health Measures: A Retrospective Observational Study in Apulia Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811410. [PMID: 36141682 PMCID: PMC9517341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal association between socioeconomic deprivation and the incidence of COVID-19 and how this association changes through the seasons due to the existence of restrictive public health measures. A retrospective observational study was conducted among COVID-19 cases that occurred in the Apulia region from 29 February 2020 to 31 December 2021, dividing the period into four phases with different levels of restrictions. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was applied to test the independent effect of deprivation on the incidence of COVID-19, taking into account age, sex, and regional incidence as possible confounding effects and covariates, such as season and levels of restrictions, as possible modifying effects. The highest incidence was in areas with a very high deprivation index (DI) in winter. During total lockdown, no rate ratio between areas with different levels of DI was significant, while during soft lockdown, areas with very high DI were more at risk than all other areas. The effects of social inequalities on the incidence of COVID-19 changed in association with the seasons and restrictions on public health. Disadvantaged areas showed a higher incidence of COVID-19 in the cold seasons and in the phases of soft lockdown.
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11
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da Silva DJ, Duran A, Cabral AD, Fonseca FLA, Bueno RF, Rosa DS. Questioning ZnO, Ag, and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents for textiles: Do they guarantee total protection against bacteria and SARS-CoV-2? JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2022; 234:112538. [PMID: 35964336 PMCID: PMC9349053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) occasioned global economic and health systems collapse. Also, it raised several concerns about using conventional cotton fabrics for manufacturing personal protective equipment without the antimicrobial capacity to inactivate viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants. Therefore, developing antimicrobial cotton fibers is crucial to avoid new global pandemics or the transmission of dangerous pathogens that remain on surfaces for long periods, especially in hospitals and medical clinics. Herein, we developed antimicrobial cotton fabrics with Ag, ZnO, and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles and evaluated their bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), photocatalytic activity, and antiviral activity against Delta SARS-CoV-2. Although the antimicrobial fabrics are effective against these bacteria, they only reduce part of the SARS-CoV-2 virions during the first 15 min of direct contact via damage only to biological structures on the viral surface particle while the viral RNA remains intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J da Silva
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Adriana Duran
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Aline D Cabral
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Fernando L A Fonseca
- Faculty of Medicine of ABC (FMABC), Department of Clinical Analysis, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo F Bueno
- Coordinator of the COVID-19 Monitoring Network in Wastewater National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and Ministry of Health, Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil
| | - Derval S Rosa
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences (CECS), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, Brazil.
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12
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Al Huraimel K, Alhosani M, Gopalani H, Kunhabdulla S, Stietiya MH. Elucidating the role of environmental management of forests, air quality, solid waste and wastewater on the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2022; 3:100006. [PMID: 37519421 PMCID: PMC9095661 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2022.100006] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases is amongst several catastrophic repercussions of inadequate environmental management. Emergence, prevalence, and lethality of zoonotic diseases is intrinsically linked to environmental management which are currently at a destructive level globally. The effects of these links are complicated and interdependent, creating an urgent need of elucidating the role of environmental mismanagement to improve our resilience to future pandemics. This review focused on the pertinent role of forests, outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste and wastewater management in COVID-19 dissemination to analyze the opportunities prevailing to control infectious diseases considering relevant data from previous disease outbreaks. Global forest management is currently detrimental and hotspots of forest fragmentation have demonstrated to result in zoonotic disease emergences. Deforestation is reported to increase susceptibility to COVID-19 due to wildfire induced pollution and loss of forest ecosystem services. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 like viruses in multiple animal species also point to the impacts of biodiversity loss and forest fragmentation in relation to COVID-19. Available literature on air quality and COVID-19 have provided insights into the potential of air pollutants acting as plausible virus carrier and aggravating immune responses and expression of ACE2 receptors. SARS-CoV-2 is detected in outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste, wastewater and shown to prevail on solid surfaces and aerosols for prolonged hours. Furthermore, lack of protection measures and safe disposal options in waste management are evoking concerns especially in underdeveloped countries due to high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Inadequate legal framework and non-adherence to environmental regulations were observed to aggravate the postulated risks and vulnerability to future waves of pandemics. Our understanding underlines the urgent need to reinforce the fragile status of global environmental management systems through the development of strict legislative frameworks and enforcement by providing institutional, financial and technical supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Huraimel
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alhosani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hetasha Gopalani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabana Kunhabdulla
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Hashem Stietiya
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Patial S, Nazim M, Khan AAP, Raizada P, Singh P, Hussain CM, Asiri AM. Sustainable solutions for indoor pollution abatement during COVID phase: A critical study on current technologies & challenges. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 7:100097. [PMID: 37520799 PMCID: PMC9126619 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of the contagious virus COVID-19, several revelations and environmental health experts punctually predicted the possibly disastrous public health complications of coexisting catching and airborne contamination-arbitrated disease. But much attention has been given on the outdoor-mediated interactions. Almost 3.8 million premature deaths occur every year globally due to the illness from indoor air pollution. Considering the human staying longer span indoors due to restricted human activities or work from home, the indoor air quality (IAQ) might show prominent role for individual health life. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures no regulation of indoor airborne pollution. Herein, the paper underlines the common bases of indoor air pollution, poor IAQ, and impacts of the aerosolized airborne particles on the human health. In order to address these challenges and collective contagion events in indoor environment, several emerging control techniques and preventive sustainable solutions are suggested. By this, more innovations need to be investigated in future to measure the impact of indoor air pollution on individual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Patial
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (HP) 173229, India
| | - Mohammed Nazim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, 61 Daehak-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk-do 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pankaj Raizada
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (HP) 173229, India
| | - Pardeep Singh
- School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan (HP) 173229, India
| | - Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, United States of America
| | - Abdullah M Asiri
- Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Zhu S, Lin T, Laurent JGC, Spengler JD, Srebric J. Tradeoffs between ventilation, air mixing, and passenger density for the airborne transmission risk in airport transportation vehicles. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 219:109186. [PMID: 35599668 PMCID: PMC9110315 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Airport transportation vehicles, such as buses, aerotrains, and shuttles, provide important passenger transfer services in airports. This study quantitatively investigated COVID-19 aerosol infection risk and identified acceptable operational conditions, such as passenger occupancy rates and duration of rides, given the performance of vehicle ventilation. The greatest risk to the largest number of passengers is from an index case whose exhaled breath would take the longest time to exit the vehicle. The study identified such a case based on ventilation patterns, and it tracked the spread of viral aerosols (5 μm) by using the Wells-Riley equation to predict aerosol infection risk distribution. These distributions allowed a definition of an imperfect mixing degree (δ) as the ratio of actual risk and the calculated risk under a perfect mixing condition, and further derived regression equations to predict δ in the far-field (FF) and near-field (NF) of each passenger. These results revealed an order of magnitude higher aerosol infection risk in NF than in FF. For example, with a ventilation rate of 58 ACH (air changes per hour) and a 45% occupancy rate, unmasked passengers should stay up to 15 min in the bus and 35 min in the shuttle to limit infection risk in NF within 10%. These also indicate that masking is an important and effective risk reduction measure in transportation vehicles, especially important in NF. Overall, the analysis of imperfect air mixing allows direct comparison of risks in different transportation vehicles and a structured approach to development of policy recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhu
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Tong Lin
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - John D Spengler
- Dept. of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jelena Srebric
- Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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15
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Orenes-Piñero E, Navas-Carrillo D, Moreno-Docón A, Ortega-García JA, Torres-Cantero AM, García-Vázquez E, Ramírez P. Confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 airborne dissemination indoors using "COVID-19 traps". J Infect 2021; 84:343-350. [PMID: 34953900 PMCID: PMC8694655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Orenes-Piñero
- Proteomic Unit, Instituto Murciano de Investigaciones Biosanitarias (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diana Navas-Carrillo
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Juan A Ortega-García
- Environment and Human Health (EH2) Lab IMIB-Arrixaca, Pediatric Environmental Health, HCUVA, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Ramírez
- Department of Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HCUVA), Murcia, Spain
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16
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Faezeh Seif, Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Kalantar M, Barati B, Fard ME, Fard NK. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in hospital: An insight into environmental surfaces contamination, disinfectants' efficiency, and estimation of plastic waste production. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111809. [PMID: 34333010 PMCID: PMC8320441 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic that is caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led all the people around the globe to implement preventive measures such as environmental cleaning using alcohol-based materials, and social distancing in order to prevent and minimize viral transmission via fomites. The role of environmental surface contamination in viral transmission in within hospital wards is still debatable, especially considering the spread of new variants of the virus in the world. The present comprehensive study aims to investigate environmental surface contamination in different wards of a hospital as well as the efficacy of two common disinfectants for virus inactivation, and tries to produce an estimate of plastic residue pollution as an environmental side effect of the pandemic. With regard to environmental surface contamination, 76 samples were taken from different wards of the hospital, from which 40 were positive. These samples were taken from contaminated environmental surfaces such as patient bed handles, the nursing station, toilet door handles, cell phones, patient toilet sinks, toilet bowls, and patient's pillows, which are regularly-touched surfaces and can pose a high risk for transmission of the virus. The number of positive samples also reveals that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on inanimate surfaces after disinfection by ethanol 70 % and sodium hypochlorite (0.001 %). The results correspond to the time that the VOC 202012/01 (lineage B.1.1.7) had emerged in the hospital and this should be considered that this variant could possibly have different traits, characteristics, and level of persistence in the environment. The plastic waste as an environmental side effect of the pandemic was also investigated and it was confirmed that the amount of plastic residue for a single (RT) PCR confirmatory test for COVID-19 diagnosis is 821.778 g of plastic residue/test. As a result, it is recommended that for improving plastic waste management programs, considering challenges such as minimizing plastic waste pollution, optimization of gas control technologies in incinerators, process redesign, reduction of single-use plastics and PPE, etc. Is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Seif
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health & Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health & Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Barat Barati
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Emamian Fard
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Nozar Kalantar Fard
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
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17
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Cano-Vicent A, Tuñón-Molina A, Martí M, Muramoto Y, Noda T, Takayama K, Serrano-Aroca Á. Antiviral Face Mask Functionalized with Solidified Hand Soap: Low-Cost Infection Prevention Clothing against Enveloped Viruses Such as SARS-CoV-2. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:23495-23503. [PMID: 34514272 PMCID: PMC8424690 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Infection prevention clothing is becoming an essential protective tool in the current pandemic, especially because now we know that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can easily infect humans in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. However, commercial infection prevention clothing is made of fabrics that are not capable of inactivating the virus. Therefore, viral infections of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals wearing protective clothing such as masks can occur through aerosol transmission or by contact with the contaminated surfaces of the masks, which are suspected as an increasing source of highly infectious biological waste. Herein, we report an easy fabrication method of a novel antiviral non-woven fabric containing polymer filaments that were coated with solidified hand soap. This extra protective fabric is capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and phage Φ6 within 1 min of contact. In this study, this antiviral fabric was used to fabricate an antiviral face mask and did not show any cytotoxic effect in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Furthermore, this antiviral non-woven fabric could be used for the fabrication of other infection prevention clothing such as caps, scrubs, shirts, trousers, disposable gowns, overalls, hoods, aprons, and shoe covers. Therefore, this low-cost technology could provide a wide range of infection-protective tools to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics in developed and underdeveloped countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cano-Vicent
- Doctoral
School, Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación
Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Doctoral
School, Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación
Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad
Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Miguel Martí
- Biomaterials
and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional
San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica
de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory
of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical
Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory
of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical
Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center
for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials
and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional
San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica
de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, Valencia 46001, Spain
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18
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Tuñón-Molina A, Martí M, Muramoto Y, Noda T, Takayama K, Serrano-Aroca Á. Antimicrobial Face Shield: Next Generation of Facial Protective Equipment against SARS-CoV-2 and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9518. [PMID: 34502431 PMCID: PMC8431192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transparent materials used for facial protection equipment provide protection against microbial infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. However, transparent materials used for this type of application are made of materials that do not possess antimicrobial activity. They just avoid direct contact between the person and the biological agent. Therefore, healthy people can become infected through contact of the contaminated material surfaces and this equipment constitute an increasing source of infectious biological waste. Furthermore, infected people can transmit microbial infections easily because the protective equipment do not inactivate the microbial load generated while breathing, sneezing or coughing. In this regard, the goal of this work consisted of fabricating a transparent face shield with intrinsic antimicrobial activity that could provide extra-protection against infectious agents and reduce the generation of infectious waste. Thus, a single-use transparent antimicrobial face shield composed of polyethylene terephthalate and an antimicrobial coating of benzalkonium chloride has been developed for the next generation of facial protective equipment. The antimicrobial coating was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy with elemental analysis. This is the first facial transparent protective material capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one minute of contact, and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial infections contribute to severe pneumonia associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their resistance to antibiotics is increasing. Our extra protective broad-spectrum antimicrobial composite material could also be applied for the fabrication of other facial protective tools such as such as goggles, helmets, plastic masks and space separation screens used for counters or vehicles. This low-cost technology would be very useful to combat the current pandemic and protect health care workers from multidrug-resistant infections in developed and underdeveloped countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
| | - Miguel Martí
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab., Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.-M.); (M.M.)
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19
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Abstract
The first round of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in early December of 2020 in a few countries. There are several vaccines, and each has a different efficacy and mechanism of action. Several countries, for example, the United Kingdom and the USA, have been able to develop consistent vaccination programs where a great percentage of the population has been vaccinated (May 2021). However, in other countries, a low percentage of the population has been vaccinated due to constraints related to vaccine supply and distribution capacity. Countries such as the USA and the UK have implemented different vaccination strategies, and some scholars have been debating the optimal strategy for vaccine campaigns. This problem is complex due to the great number of variables that affect the relevant outcomes. In this article, we study the impact of different vaccination regimens on main health outcomes such as deaths, hospitalizations, and the number of infected. We develop a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission to focus on this important health policy issue. Thus, we are able to identify the optimal strategy regarding vaccination campaigns. We find that for vaccines with high efficacy (>70%) after the first dose, the optimal strategy is to delay inoculation with the second dose. On the other hand, for a low first dose vaccine efficacy, it is better to use the standard vaccination regimen of 4 weeks between doses. Thus, under the delayed second dose option, a campaign focus on generating a certain immunity in as great a number of people as fast as possible is preferable to having an almost perfect immunity in fewer people first. Therefore, based on these results, we suggest that the UK implemented a better vaccination campaign than that in the USA with regard to time between doses. The results presented here provide scientific guidelines for other countries where vaccination campaigns are just starting, or the percentage of vaccinated people is small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Gonzalez-Parra
- Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
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20
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Nonlinear Dynamics of the Introduction of a New SARS-CoV-2 Variant with Different Infectiousness. MATHEMATICS 2021; 9. [PMID: 37022323 PMCID: PMC10072858 DOI: 10.3390/math9131564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Several variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been detected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these new variants have been of health public concern due to their higher infectiousness. We propose a theoretical mathematical model based on differential equations to study the effect of introducing a new, more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant in a population. The mathematical model is formulated in such a way that it takes into account the higher transmission rate of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain and the subpopulation of asymptomatic carriers. We find the basic reproduction number R0 using the method of the next generation matrix. This threshold parameter is crucial since it indicates what parameters play an important role in the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic. We study the local stability of the infection-free and endemic equilibrium states, which are potential outcomes of a pandemic. Moreover, by using a suitable Lyapunov functional and the LaSalle invariant principle, it is proved that if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the infection-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Our study shows that the new more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant will prevail and the prevalence of the preexistent variant would decrease and eventually disappear. We perform numerical simulations to support the analytic results and to show some effects of a new more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant in a population.
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21
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Persistence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Virus and Viral RNA in Relation to Surface Type and Contamination Concentration. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0052621. [PMID: 33962986 PMCID: PMC8231718 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00526-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is likely to occur through a number of routes, including contact with contaminated surfaces. Many studies have used reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, but seldom has viable virus been detected. This paper investigates the viability over time of SARS-CoV-2 dried onto a range of materials and compares viability of the virus to RNA copies recovered and whether virus viability is concentration dependent. Viable virus persisted for the longest time on surgical mask material and stainless steel, with a 99.9% reduction in viability by 122 and 114 h, respectively. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 reduced the fastest on a polyester shirt, with a 99.9% reduction within 2.5 h. Viability on the bank note was reduced second fastest, with 99.9% reduction in 75 h. RNA on all surfaces exhibited a 1-log reduction in genome copy number recovery over 21 days. The findings show that SARS-CoV-2 is most stable on nonporous hydrophobic surfaces. RNA is highly stable when dried on surfaces, with only 1-log reduction in recovery over 3 weeks. In comparison, SARS-CoV-2 viability reduced more rapidly, but this loss in viability was found to be independent of starting concentration. Expected levels of SARS-CoV-2 viable environmental surface contamination would lead to undetectable levels within 2 days. Therefore, when RNA is detected on surfaces, it does not directly indicate the presence of viable virus, even at low cycle threshold values. IMPORTANCE This study shows the impact of material type on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. It demonstrates that the decay rate of viable SARS-CoV-2 is independent of starting concentration. However, RNA shows high stability on surfaces over extended periods. This has implications for interpretation of surface sampling results using RT-PCR to determine the possibility of viable virus from a surface, where RT-PCR is not an appropriate technique to determine viable virus. Unless sampled immediately after contamination, it is difficult to align RNA copy numbers to quantity of viable virus on a surface.
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22
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Martínez-Rodríguez D, Gonzalez-Parra G, Villanueva RJ. Analysis of Key Factors of a SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Program: A Mathematical Modeling Approach. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2021; 2:140-161. [PMID: 35141702 PMCID: PMC8824484 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia2020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in early December of 2020. Currently, there are only a few approved vaccines, each with different efficacies and mechanisms of action. Moreover, vaccination programs in different regions may vary due to differences in implementation, for instance, simply the availability of the vaccine. In this article, we study the impact of the pace of vaccination and the intrinsic efficacy of the vaccine on prevalence, hospitalizations, and deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Then we study different potential scenarios regarding the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in the near future. We construct a compartmental mathematical model and use computational methodologies to study these different scenarios. Thus, we are able to identify some key factors to reach the aims of the vaccination programs. We use some metrics related to the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess the impact of the efficacy of the vaccine and the pace of the vaccine inoculation. We found that both factors have a high impact on the outcomes. However, the rate of vaccine administration has a higher impact in reducing the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. This result shows that health institutions need to focus on increasing the vaccine inoculation pace and create awareness in the population about the importance of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez-Rodríguez
- Insituto Universitario de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.M.-R.); (R.-J.V.)
| | | | - Rafael-J. Villanueva
- Insituto Universitario de Matemática Multidisciplinar, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.M.-R.); (R.-J.V.)
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23
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Cao Y, Shao L, Jones T, Oliveira MLS, Ge S, Feng X, Silva LFO, BéruBé K. Multiple relationships between aerosol and COVID-19: A framework for global studies. GONDWANA RESEARCH : INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE JOURNAL 2021; 93:243-251. [PMID: 33584115 PMCID: PMC7871891 DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) is a severe respiratory syndrome currently causing a human global pandemic. The original virus, along with newer variants, is highly transmissible. Aerosols are a multiphase system consisting of the atmosphere with suspended solid and liquid particles, which can carry toxic and harmful substances; especially the liquid components. The degree to which aerosols can carry the virus and cause COVID-19 disease is of significant research importance. In this study, we have discussed aerosol transmission as the pathway of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), and the aerosol pollution reduction as a consequence of the COVID-19 lockdown. The aerosol transmission routes of the SARS-CoV-2 can be further subdivided into proximal human-exhaled aerosol transmission and potentially more distal ambient aerosol transmission. The human-exhaled aerosol transmission is a direct dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2. The ambient aerosol transmission is an indirect dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2 in which the aerosol acts as a carrier to spread the virus. This indirect dispersion can also stimulate the up-regulation of the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE-2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) and protease TMPRSS2 (Transmembrane Serine Protease 2), thereby increasing the incidence and mortality of COVID-19. From the aerosol quality data around the World, it can be seen that often atmospheric pollution has significantly decreased due to factors such as the reduction of traffic, industry, cooking and coal-burning emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown. The airborne transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2, the infectivity of the virus in ambient aerosols, and the reduction of aerosol pollution levels due to the lockdowns are crucial research subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining and College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining and College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tim Jones
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10, 3YE, Wales, UK
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Arquitectura, Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600 - Santiago de Surco 1503, Peru
| | - Shuoyi Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining and College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining and College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK
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24
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Giovannini G, Haick H, Garoli D. Detecting COVID-19 from Breath: A Game Changer for a Big Challenge. ACS Sens 2021; 6:1408-1417. [PMID: 33825440 PMCID: PMC8043202 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is probably the most commonly heard word of the last 12 months. The outbreak of this virus (SARS-CoV-2) is strongly compromising worldwide healthcare systems, social behavior, and everyone's lives. The early diagnosis of COVID-19 and isolation of positive cases has proven to be fundamental in containing the spread of the infection. Even though the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods remain the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection, the urgent demand for rapid and wide-scale diagnosis precipitated the development of alternative diagnostic approaches. The millions of tests performed every day worldwide are still insufficient to achieve the desired goal, that of screening the population during daily life. Probably the most appealing approach to consistently monitor COVID-19 spread is the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 from exhaled breath. For instance, the challenging incorporation of reliable, highly sensitive, and cost-efficient detection methods in masks could represent a breakthrough in the development of portable and noninvasive point-of-care diagnosis for COVID-19. In this perspective paper, we discuss the critical technical aspects related to the application of breath analysis in the diagnosis of viral infection. We believe that, if achieved, it could represent a game-changer in containing the pandemic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giovannini
- Empa,
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
& The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI) Technion
− Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000003, Israel
| | - Denis Garoli
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, I-16163, Genova, Italy
- Faculty
of Science and Technology, Free University
of Bozen, Piazza Università
5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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25
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Liu X, Huang J, Li C, Zhao Y, Wang D, Huang Z, Yang K. The role of seasonality in the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110874. [PMID: 33610582 PMCID: PMC7892320 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that the transmission of COVID-19 can be influenced by the variation of environmental factors due to the seasonal cycle. However, its underlying mechanism in the current and onward transmission pattern remains unclear owing to the limited data and difficulties in separating the impacts of social distancing. Understanding the role of seasonality in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is imperative in formulating public health interventions. Here, the seasonal signals of the COVID-19 time series are extracted using the EEMD method, and a modified Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Recovered (SEIR) model incorporated with seasonal factors is introduced to quantify its impact on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Seasonal signals decomposed via the EEMD method indicate that infectivity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 are both higher in colder climates. The quantitative simulation shows that the cold season in the Southern Hemisphere countries caused a 59.71 ± 8.72% increase of the total infections, while the warm season in the Northern Hemisphere countries contributed to a 46.38 ± 29.10% reduction. COVID-19 seasonality is more pronounced at higher latitudes, where larger seasonal amplitudes of environmental indicators are observed. Seasonality alone is not sufficient to curb the virus transmission to an extent that intervention measures are no longer needed, but health care capacity should be scaled up in preparation for new surges in COVID-19 cases in the upcoming cold season. Our study highlights the necessity of considering seasonal factors when formulating intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Liu
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianping Huang
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Changyu Li
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Western Ecological Safety, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhongwei Huang
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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26
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Impact of a New SARS-CoV-2 Variant on the Population: A Mathematical Modeling Approach. MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL APPLICATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/mca26020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged around the world, and the appearance of other variants depends on many factors. These new variants might have different characteristics that can affect the transmissibility and death rate. The administration of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in early December of 2020 and in some countries the vaccines will not soon be widely available. For this article, we studied the impact of a new more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 strain on prevalence, hospitalizations, and deaths related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We studied different scenarios regarding the transmissibility in order to provide a scientific support for public health policies and bring awareness of potential future situations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We constructed a compartmental mathematical model based on differential equations to study these different scenarios. In this way, we are able to understand how a new, more infectious strain of the virus can impact the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied several metrics related to the possible outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess the impact of a higher transmissibility of a new SARS-CoV-2 strain on these metrics. We found that, even if the new variant has the same death rate, its high transmissibility can increase the number of infected people, those hospitalized, and deaths. The simulation results show that health institutions need to focus on increasing non-pharmaceutical interventions and the pace of vaccine inoculation since a new variant with higher transmissibility, such as, for example, VOC-202012/01 of lineage B.1.1.7, may cause more devastating outcomes in the population.
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27
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Noorimotlagh Z, Jaafarzadeh N, Martínez SS, Mirzaee SA. A systematic review of possible airborne transmission of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the indoor air environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110612. [PMID: 33309820 PMCID: PMC7726526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
At the end of December 2019, the rapid spread of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) disease and, subsequently, deaths around the world, lead to the declaration of the pandemic situation in the world. At the beginning of the epidemic, much attention is paid to person-to-person transmission, disinfection of virus-contaminated surfaces, and social distancing. However, there is much debate about the routes of disease transmission, including airborne transmission, so it is important to elucidate the exact route of transmission of the COVID-19 disease. To this end, the first systematic review study was conducted to comprehensively search all databases to collect studies on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor air environments. In total, 14 relevant and eligible studies were included. Based on the findings, there is a great possibility of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor air environments. Therefore, some procedures are presented such as improving ventilation, especially in hospitals and crowded places, and observing the interpersonal distance of more than 2 m so that experts in indoor air quality consider them to improve the indoor air environments. Finally, in addition to the recommendations of the centers and official authorities such as hand washing and observing social distancing, the route of air transmission should also be considered to further protect health personnel, patients in hospitals, and the public in other Public Buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Biotechnology and Medical Plants Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Neemat Jaafarzadeh
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Susana Silva Martínez
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
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28
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Farthing TS, Lanzas C. Assessing the efficacy of interventions to control indoor SARS-Cov-2 transmission: an agent-based modeling approach. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.01.21.21250240. [PMID: 33501461 PMCID: PMC7836133 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.21.21250240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Intervention strategies for minimizing indoor SARS-CoV-2 transmission are often based on anecdotal evidence because there is little evidence-based research to support them. We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model for simulating indoor respiratory pathogen transmission, and used it to compare effects of four interventions on reducing individual-level SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk by simulating a well-known case study. We found that imposing movement restrictions and efficacious mask usage appear to have the greatest effects on reducing infection risk, but multiple concurrent interventions are required to minimize the proportion of susceptible individuals infected. Social distancing had little effect on reducing transmission if individuals move during the gathering. Furthermore, our results suggest that there is potential for ventilation airflow to expose susceptible people to aerosolized pathogens even if they are relatively far from infectious individuals. Maximizing rates of aerosol removal is the key to successful transmission-risk reduction when using ventilation systems as intervention tools. ARTICLE SUMMARY LINE Imposing mask usage requirements, group size restrictions, duration limits, and social distancing policies can have additive, and in some cases multiplicative protective effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk during indoor events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Lanzas
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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29
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Martí M, Tuñón-Molina A, Aachmann FL, Muramoto Y, Noda T, Takayama K, Serrano-Aroca Á. Protective Face Mask Filter Capable of Inactivating SARS-CoV-2, and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:E207. [PMID: 33435608 PMCID: PMC7827663 DOI: 10.3390/polym13020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Face masks have globally been accepted to be an effective protective tool to prevent bacterial and viral transmission, especially against indoor aerosol transmission. However, commercial face masks contain filters that are made of materials that are not capable of inactivating either SARS-CoV-2 or multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals can infect other people even if they wear them because some viable viral or bacterial loads can escape from the masks. Furthermore, viral or bacterial contact transmission can occur after touching the mask, which constitutes an increasing source of contaminated biological waste. Additionally, bacterial pathogens contribute to the SARS-CoV-2-mediated pneumonia disease complex, and their resistance to antibiotics in pneumonia treatment is increasing at an alarming rate. In this regard, herein, we report the development of a non-woven face mask filter fabricated with a biofunctional coating of benzalkonium chloride that is capable of inactivating more than 99% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in one minute of contact, and the life-threatening methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis (normalized antibacterial halos of 0.52 ± 0.04 and 0.72 ± 0.04, respectively). Nonetheless, despite the results obtained, further studies are needed to ensure the safety and correct use of this technology for the mass production and commercialization of this broad-spectrum antimicrobial face mask filter. Our novel protective non-woven face mask filter would be useful for many healthcare workers and researchers working in this urgent and challenging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Martí
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Alberto Tuñón-Molina
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Finn Lillelund Aachmann
- The Norwegian Biopolymer Laboratory (NOBIPOL), Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælands vei6-8, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Yukiko Muramoto
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain; (M.M.); (A.T.-M.)
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