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Jitsuk NC, Chadsuthi S, Modchang C. Vaccination strategies impact the probability of outbreak extinction: A case study of COVID-19 transmission. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28042. [PMID: 38524580 PMCID: PMC10958689 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28042] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mass vaccination has proven to be an effective control measure for mitigating the transmission of infectious diseases. Throughout history, various vaccination strategies have been employed to control infections and terminate outbreaks. In this study, we utilized the transmission of COVID-19 as a case study and constructed a stochastic age-structured compartmental model to investigate the effectiveness of different vaccination strategies. Our analysis focused on estimating the outbreak extinction probability under different vaccination scenarios in both homogeneous and heterogeneous populations. Notably, we found that population heterogeneity can enhance the likelihood of outbreak extinction at varying levels of vaccine coverage. Prioritizing vaccinations for individuals with higher infection risk was found to maximize outbreak extinction probability and reduce overall infections, while allocating vaccines to those with higher mortality risk has been proven more effective in reducing deaths. Moreover, our study highlighted the significance of booster doses as the vaccine effectiveness wanes over time, showing that they can significantly enhance the extinction probability and mitigate disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natcha C. Jitsuk
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sudarat Chadsuthi
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Department of Physics, Research Center for Academic Excellence in Applied Physics, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Charin Modchang
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center for Disease Modeling, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence in Mathematics, MHESI, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Thailand Center of Excellence in Physics, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, 328 Si Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Quek ZBR, Ng SH. Hybrid-Capture Target Enrichment in Human Pathogens: Identification, Evolution, Biosurveillance, and Genomic Epidemiology. Pathogens 2024; 13:275. [PMID: 38668230 PMCID: PMC11054155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionised the field of pathogen genomics, enabling the direct recovery of pathogen genomes from clinical and environmental samples. However, pathogen nucleic acids are often overwhelmed by those of the host, requiring deep metagenomic sequencing to recover sufficient sequences for downstream analyses (e.g., identification and genome characterisation). To circumvent this, hybrid-capture target enrichment (HC) is able to enrich pathogen nucleic acids across multiple scales of divergences and taxa, depending on the panel used. In this review, we outline the applications of HC in human pathogens-bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses-including identification, genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance genotyping, and evolution. Importantly, we explored the applicability of HC to clinical metagenomics, which ultimately requires more work before it is a reliable and accurate tool for clinical diagnosis. Relatedly, the utility of HC was exemplified by COVID-19, which was used as a case study to illustrate the maturity of HC for recovering pathogen sequences. As we unravel the origins of COVID-19, zoonoses remain more relevant than ever. Therefore, the role of HC in biosurveillance studies is also highlighted in this review, which is critical in preparing us for the next pandemic. We also found that while HC is a popular tool to study viruses, it remains underutilised in parasites and fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria. Finally, weevaluated the future of HC with respect to bait design in the eukaryotic groups and the prospect of combining HC with long-read HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. B. Randolph Quek
- Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore 117510, Singapore
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Tefera Y, Kumie A, Hailemariam D, Wakuma S, Abegaz T, Tamire M, Yirsaw S. Impact of Covid -19 incidence rate and government-initiated risk communication measures on individual's NPI practices. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0283294. [PMID: 38483912 PMCID: PMC10939235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) are the most widely recognized public health measures recognized globally to prevent the spread of Covid-19. NPIs' effectiveness may depend on the type, combination of applied interventions, and the level of proper public compliance with the NPIs. The expected outcome of behavioural practices varies relative to the intervention duration. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the trend of community compliance to NPI with Covid-19 incidence and government-initiated interventions, and its variation by residence and sociodemographic characteristics of people. METHODS A weekly non-participatory field survey on individuals' NPI practices was observed from the 41st epidemiological week of October 5th, 2020, to the 26th epidemiological week of July 4th, 2021, a total of 39 weeks. The survey covered all 14 regional and national capital cities in Ethiopia. Data collection for the three NPI behaviours (i.e., respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, and physical distance) was managed weekly at eight public service locations using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool. The Covid- 19 incidence data and public health measures information from August 3rd, 2020 to July 4th, 2021 were obtained from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). RESULTS More than 180,000 individuals were observed for their NPI practice, with an average of 5,000 observations in a week. About 43% of the observations were made in Addis Ababa, 56% were male and 75% were middle age group (18-50 years). The overall level of NPI compliance was high at the beginning of the observation then peaked around the 13th- 15th epidemiological weeks then declined during the rest of the weeks. The peak NPI compliance periods followed the high Covid-19 death incidence and government-initiated intensive public health measures weeks. Respiratory hygiene had the highest compliance above 41% whereas hand hygiene was the lowest (4%). There was a significant difference between residents of the capital city and regional cities in their level of compliance with NPI. Females comply more than males, and individuals had increased NPI compliance at the bank service and workplaces compared to those in the transport services at P = 0.000. CONCLUSION An increased level of compliance with NPI was observed following intensive government-initiated Covid-19 prevention measures and an increased Covid-19 death incidence. Therefore, the intensity of government-initiated risk communication and public advocacy programs should be strengthened, possibly for similar respiratory disease pandemics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifokire Tefera
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Kumie
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Damen Hailemariam
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samson Wakuma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Teferi Abegaz
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Tamire
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shibabaw Yirsaw
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Efficacy and safety of a novel antiviral herbal preparation in ICU-admitted patients with COVID-19: A phase III double-blinded controlled trial. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2024; 14:215-228. [PMID: 38966633 PMCID: PMC11221769 DOI: 10.22038/ajp.2023.23259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Objective Despite an increasing number of studies, there is as yet no definite treatment developed for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this clinical trial, we examined the efficacy of a novel herbal antiviral preparation in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods A total number of 120 ICU-admitted patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited to the trial. Participants were equally randomized to receive either the novel antiviral preparation sublingually, for up to two consecutive weeks or till discharge, or placebo. Clinical and laboratory parameters as well as survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results The cumulative incidence of death throughout the study period was 8.33% in the intervention group and 60% in the placebo group (risk ratio: 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 0.32; p<0.001). On day 7, several parameters including white blood cells (WBCs) count, C-reactive protein, and SpO2 were improved for the treatment group compared with the placebo group (p-values of 0.05, 0.01, and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion This preparation might be suggested as a potentially promising COVID-19 treatment.
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Haripriya P, Revathy MP, Kumar MS, Navaneeth P, Suneesh PV, T G SB, Darbha VRK. Biosurfactant-capped CuO nanoparticles coated cotton/polypropylene fabrics toward antimicrobial textile applications. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:165601. [PMID: 38198713 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad1d15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the importance of implementing effective measures to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Consequently, there is a growing demand for antimicrobial materials, specifically antimicrobial textiles and face masks, because of the surge in diseases caused by bacteria and viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Face masks that possess built-in antibacterial properties can rapidly deactivate microorganisms, enabling reuse and reducing the incidence of illnesses. Among the numerous types of inorganic nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have been identified as cost-effective and highly efficient antimicrobial agents for inactivating microbes. Furthermore, biosurfactants have recently been recognized for their potential antimicrobial effects, in addition to inorganic nanoparticles. Therefore, this research's primary focus is synthesizing biosurfactant-mediated CuO NPs, integrating them into natural and synthetic fabrics such as cotton and polypropylene and evaluating the resulting fabrics' antimicrobial activity. Using rhamnolipid (RL) as a biosurfactant and employing a hydrothermal method with a pH range of 9-11, RL-capped CuO NPs are synthesized (RL-CuO NPs). To assess their effectiveness against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms, the RL-CuO NPs are subjected to antibacterial testing. The RL-capped CuO NPs exhibited antimicrobial activity at much lower concentrations than the individual RL, CuO. RL-CuO NPs have shown a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.2 mg ml-1and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.6 mg ml-1forE. coliand a MIC of 0.8 mg ml-1and a MBC of 1.2 mg ml-1forS. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, the developed RL-CuO NPs are incorporated into cotton and polypropylene fabrics using a screen-printing technique. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activity of the coated fabrics is evaluated, revealing that RL-CuO NPs coated fabrics exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Haripriya
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - M P Revathy
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - Megha S Kumar
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
- Biosensor Research Laboratory, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - P Navaneeth
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
- Biosensor Research Laboratory, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - P V Suneesh
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
- Biosensor Research Laboratory, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - Satheesh Babu T G
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
- Biosensor Research Laboratory, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
| | - Venkata Ravi Kumar Darbha
- Department of Sciences, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
- Biosensor Research Laboratory, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
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Terzis LD, Saltzman LY, Lowman JH, Logan DA, Hansel TC. Attitudes and perceptions towards public health safety measures during a global health crisis: Social and personal consequences. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289357. [PMID: 38011113 PMCID: PMC10681172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic that spread throughout the globe has significantly altered our social and personal relationships. During the early phase of the pandemic, pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccine research and production were still in development, with international health agencies and governments promoting public health safety measures such as limiting mobility, school and work closures, lockdowns, economic incentives, mask-wearing, social distancing, quarantine, and hygiene to reduce the spread and flatten the curve regarding transmission and hospitalization. During the early wave (May 2020 through July 2020), we utilized a qualitative longitudinal research design coupled with weekly Zoom diary entries to investigate participant (n = 14) experiences. In doing so, we captured participant attitudes towards public health safety measures, as well as perceptions of social and interpersonal relationships during the pandemic. The main themes that emerged in our findings include feelings of safety and preparedness, personal accountability and collective responsibility, and changes to social life and relationships. While individuals have learned how to live with the pandemic, and have a new sense of normalcy, lessons learned from the impact of public health measures and social relationships have applicability moving forward post-pandemic. In particular, how to best protect against the deleterious effects of isolation during a future public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D. Terzis
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Leia Y. Saltzman
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - J. Heath Lowman
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Dana A. Logan
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Tonya C. Hansel
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
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Touchton M, Knaul FM, Arreola-Ornelas H, Porteny T, Carniado ÓM, Faganello M, Hummel C, Otero S, Insua J, Patino F, Undurraga E, Pérez-Cruz P, Sanchez-Talanquer M, Velasco Guachalla VX, Nelson-Nuñez J, Boulding C, Calderon-Anyosa R, Garcia PJ, Vargas Enciso V. Non-pharmaceutical interventions to combat COVID-19 in the Americas described through daily sub-national data. Sci Data 2023; 10:734. [PMID: 37865630 PMCID: PMC10590388 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02638-6] [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: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This dataset covers national and subnational non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas. Prior to the development of a vaccine, NPI were governments' primary tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Variation in subnational responses to COVID-19 is high and is salient for health outcomes. This dataset captures governments' dynamic, varied NPI to combat COVID-19 for 80% of Latin America's population from each country's first case through December 2021. These daily data encompass all national and subnational units in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. The dataset includes individual and aggregate indices of nine NPI: school closures, work suspensions, public event cancellations, public transport suspensions, information campaigns, local travel restrictions, international travel controls, stay-at-home orders, and restrictions on the size of gatherings. We also collected data on mask mandates as a separate indicator. Local country-teams drew from multiple data sources, resulting in high-quality, reliable data. The dataset thus allows for consistent, meaningful comparisons of NPI within and across countries during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Touchton
- Department of Political Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Tómatelo a Pecho, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Héctor Arreola-Ornelas
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
- Tómatelo a Pecho, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
- Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico.
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.
- School of Government and Public Transformation, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Thalia Porteny
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Óscar Méndez Carniado
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Tómatelo a Pecho, A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Marco Faganello
- MAF dataScience, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Calla Hummel
- Department of Political Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Silvia Otero
- Facultad de Estudios Internacionales, Políticos y Urbanos, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Insua
- Health Policy and Management, School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Government, School of Health Care Management, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- School of Public Health, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Eduardo Undurraga
- Escuela de Gobierno, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Pérez-Cruz
- Departamento Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for the Study of the Life Course and Vulnerability, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Jami Nelson-Nuñez
- Department of Political Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Carew Boulding
- Department of Political Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Renzo Calderon-Anyosa
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia J Garcia
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, San Martin de Porres, Peru
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Rowan NJ, Kremer T, McDonnell G. A review of Spaulding's classification system for effective cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices: Viewed through a modern-day lens that will inform and enable future sustainability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:162976. [PMID: 36963674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in medicine and innovations in many underpinning fields including disease prevention and control, the Spaulding classification system, originally proposed in 1957, remains widely used for defining the disinfection and sterilization of contaminated re-usable medical devices and surgical instruments. Screening PubMed and Scopus databases using a PRISMA guiding framework generated 272 relevant publications that were used in this review. Findings revealed that there is a need to evolve how medical devices are designed, and processed by cleaning, disinfection (and/or sterilization) to mitigate patient risks, including acquiring an infection. This Spaulding Classification remains in use as it is logical, easily applied and understood by users (microbiologists, epidemiologists, manufacturers, industry) and by regulators. However, substantial changes have occurred over the past 65 years that challenge interpretation and application of this system that includes inter alia emergence of new pathogens (viruses, mycobacteria, protozoa, fungi), a greater understanding of innate and adaptive microbial tolerance to disinfection, toxicity risks, increased number of vulnerable patients and associated patient procedures, and greater complexity in design and use of medical devices. Common cited examples include endoscopes that enable non- or minimal invasive procedures but are highly sophisticated with various types of materials (polymers, electronic components etc), long narrow channels, right angle and heat-sensitive components and various accessories (e.g., values) that can be contaminated with high levels of microbial bioburden and patient tissues after use. Contaminated flexible duodenoscopes have been a source of several significant infection outbreaks, where at least 9 reported cases were caused by multidrug resistant organisms [MDROs] with no obvious breach in processing detected. Despite this, there is evidence of the lack of attention to cleaning and maintenance of these devices and associated equipment. Over the last few decades there is increasing genomic evidence of innate and adaptive resistance to chemical disinfectant methods along with adaptive tolerance to environmental stresses. To reduce these risks, it has been proposed to elevate classification of higher-risk flexible endoscopes (such as duodenoscopes) from semi-critical [contact with mucous membrane and intact skin] to critical use [contact with sterile tissue and blood] that entails a transition to using low-temperature sterilization modalities instead of routinely using high-level disinfection; thus, increasing the margin of safety for endoscope processing. This timely review addresses important issues surrounding use of the Spaulding classification system to meet modern-day needs. It specifically addresses the need for automated, robust cleaning and drying methods combined with using real-time monitoring of device processing. There is a need to understand entire end-to-end processing of devices instead of adopting silo approaches that in the future will be informed by artificial intelligence and deep-learning/machine learning. For example, combinational solutions that address the formation of complex biofilms that harbour pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms on the surfaces of processed devices. Emerging trends are addressed including future sustainability for the medical devices sector that can be enabled via a new Quintuple Helix Hub approach that combines academia, industry, healthcare, regulators, and society to unlock real world solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Rowan
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midwest Mideast, Athlone Campus, Ireland; SFI-funded CURAM Centre for Medical Device Research, University of Galway, Ireland.
| | - T Kremer
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland; Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
| | - G McDonnell
- Microbiological Quality & Sterility Assurance, Johnson & Johnson, 1000 Route 202, South Raritan, NJ 08869, USA
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Rowan NJ. Current decontamination challenges and potentially complementary solutions to safeguard the vulnerable seafood industry from recalcitrant human norovirus in live shellfish: Quo Vadis? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162380. [PMID: 36841407 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Safeguarding the seafood industry is important given its contribution to supporting our growing global population. However, shellfish are filter feeders that bioaccumulate microbial contaminants in their tissue from wastewater discharged into the same coastal growing environments leading to significant human disease outbreaks unless appropriately mitigated. Removal or inactivation of enteric viruses is very challenging particularly as human norovirus (hNoV) binds to specific histo-blood ligands in live oyster tissue that are consumed raw or lightly cooked. The regulatory framework that sets out use of clean seawater and UV disinfection is appropriate for bacterial decontamination at the post-harvest land-based depuration (cleaning) stage. However, additional non-thermal technologies are required to eliminate hNoV in live shellfish (particularly oysters) where published genomic studies report that low-pressure UV has limited effectiveness in inactivating hNoV. The use of the standard genomic detection method (ISO 15, 216-1:2017) is not appropriate for assessing the loss of infectious hNoV in treated live shellfish. The use of surrogate viral infectivity methods appear to offer some insight into the loss of hNoV infectiousness in live shellfish during decontamination. This paper reviews the use of existing and potentially other combinational treatment approaches to enhance the removal or inactivation of enteric viruses in live shellfish. The use of alternative and complementary novel diagnostic approaches to discern viable hNoV are discussed. The effectiveness and virological safety of new affordable hNoV intervention(s) require testing and validating at commercial shellfish production in conjunction with laboratory-based research. Appropriate risk management planning should encompass key stakeholders including local government and the wastewater industry. Gaining a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between hNoV response at molecular and structural levels in individually treated oysters as a unit will inform predictive modeling and appropriate treatment technologies. Global warming of coastal growing environments may introduce additional contaminant challenges (such as invasive species); thus, underscoring need to develop real-time ecosystem monitoring of growing environments to alert shellfish producers to appropriately mitigate these threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Centre for Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization, Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, Ireland.
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Lokonon BE, Montcho Y, Klingler P, Tovissodé CF, Glèlè Kakaï R, Wolkewitz M. Lag-time effects of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in German hospitals and intensive-care units. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1085991. [PMID: 37113183 PMCID: PMC10126254 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1085991] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 have clearly been shown by randomized trials and observational studies. Despite these successes on the individual level, vaccination of the population is essential to relieving hospitals and intensive care units. In this context, understanding the effects of vaccination and its lag-time on the population-level dynamics becomes necessary to adapt the vaccination campaigns and prepare for future pandemics. Methods This work applied a quasi-Poisson regression with a distributed lag linear model on German data from a scientific data platform to quantify the effects of vaccination and its lag times on the number of hospital and intensive care patients, adjusting for the influences of non-pharmaceutical interventions and their time trends. We separately evaluated the effects of the first, second and third doses administered in Germany. Results The results revealed a decrease in the number of hospital and intensive care patients for high vaccine coverage. The vaccination provides a significant protective effect when at least approximately 40% of people are vaccinated, whatever the dose considered. We also found a time-delayed effect of the vaccination. Indeed, the effect on the number of hospital patients is immediate for the first and second doses while for the third dose about 15 days are necessary to have a strong protective effect. Concerning the effect on the number of intensive care patients, a significant protective response was obtained after a lag time of about 15-20 days for the three doses. However, complex time trends, e.g. due to new variants, which are independent of vaccination make the detection of these findings challenging. Conclusion Our results provide additional information about the protective effects of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2; they are in line with previous findings and complement the individual-level evidence of clinical trials. Findings from this work could help public health authorities efficiently direct their actions against SARS-CoV-2 and be well-prepared for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Enagnon Lokonon
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Yvette Montcho
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Paul Klingler
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Romain Glèlè Kakaï
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Martin Wolkewitz
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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11
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Rowan NJ. Challenges and future opportunities to unlock the critical supply chain of personal and protective equipment (PPE) encompassing decontamination and reuse under emergency use authorization (EUA) conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: Through a reflective circularity and sustainability lens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161455. [PMID: 36621483 PMCID: PMC9815879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the resulting coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the early months of 2020. There was a marked lack of knowledge to inform national pandemic response plans encompassing appropriate disease mitigation and preparation strategies to constrain and manage COVID-19. For example, the top 16 "most cited" papers published at the start of the pandemic on core knowledge gaps collectively constitute a staggering 29,393 citations. Albeit complex, appropriate decontamination modalities have been reported and developed for safe reuse of personal and protective equipment (PPE) under emergency use authorization (EUA) where critical supply chain shortages occur for healthcare workers (HCWs) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commensurately, these similar methods may provide solutions for the safe decontamination of enormous volumes of PPE waste promoting opportunities in the circular bioeconomy that will also protect our environment, habitats and natural capital. The co-circulation of the highly transmissive mix of COVID-19 variants of concern (VoC) will continue to challenge our embattled healthcare systems globally for many years to come with an emphasis placed on maintaining effective disease mitigation strategies. This viewpoint article addresses the rationale and key developments in this important area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides an insight into a variety of potential opportunities to unlock the long-term sustainability of single-use medical devices, including waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; Centre for Disinfection and Sterilization, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland; CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Ireland.
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12
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Al-Bazi A, Madi F, Monshar AA, Eliya Y, Adediran T, Khudir KA. Modelling the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 exposure in closed-environments using agent-based modelling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2023.2189555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Bazi
- Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Faris Madi
- Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Yousif Eliya
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Tunde Adediran
- Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Khaled Al Khudir
- Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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13
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Luo Y, Yu M, Wu X, Ding X, Wang L. Carbon footprint assessment of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Based on different protective performance and applicable scenarios. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2023; 387:135854. [PMID: 36619699 PMCID: PMC9807258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.135854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Widespread concerns have been raised about the huge environmental burden caused by massive consumption of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most of the existing studies only focus on the environmental impact associated with the product itself regardless of the actual usage scenarios and protective performance of products, resulting in unrealistic conclusions and poor applicability. In this context, this study integrated the product performance into the existing carbon footprint assessment methodology, with focus on the current global concerns regarding climate change. Computational case studies were conducted for different mask products applicable to the scenarios of low-, medium- and high-risk levels. The results showed that reusable cotton masks and disposable medical masks suitable for low-risk settings have a total carbon footprint of 285.484 kgCO2-eq/FU and 128.926 kgCO2-eq/FU respectively, with a break-even point of environmental performance between them of 16.886, which implies that cotton masks will reverse the trend and become more environmentally friendly after 17 washes, emphasizing the importance of improving the washability of cotton masks. Additionally, the total carbon footprints of disposable surgical masks and KN95 respirators were 154.328 kg CO2-eq/FU and 641.249 kg CO2-eq/FU respectively, while disposable medical masks and disposable surgical masks were identified as alternatives with better environmental performance in terms of medium- and high-risk environments respectively. The whole-life-cycle oriented carbon footprint evaluation further indicated that the four masks have greater potential for carbon emission reduction in the raw material processing and production processes. The results obtained in this study can provide scientific guidance for manufacturers and consumers on the production and use of protective masks. Moreover, the proposed model can be applied to other personal protective equipment with similar properties, such as protective clothing, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Mengfan Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Xiongying Wu
- Shanghai Customs District, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Xuemei Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Laili Wang
- School of Fashion Design & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
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14
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Garvey M, Meade E, Rowan NJ. Effectiveness of front line and emerging fungal disease prevention and control interventions and opportunities to address appropriate eco-sustainable solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158284. [PMID: 36029815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens contribute to significant disease burden globally; however, the fact that fungi are eukaryotes has greatly complicated their role in fungal-mediated infections and alleviation. Antifungal drugs are often toxic to host cells and there is increasing evidence of adaptive resistance in animals and humans. Existing fungal diagnostic and treatment regimens have limitations that has contributed to the alarming high mortality rates and prolonged morbidity seen in immunocompromised cohorts caused by opportunistic invasive infections as evidenced during HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. There is a need to develop real-time monitoring and diagnostic methods for fungal pathogens and to create a greater awareness as to the contribution of fungal pathogens in disease causation. Greater information is required on the appropriate selection and dose of antifungal drugs including factors governing resistance where there is commensurate need to discover more appropriate and effective solutions. Popular azole fungal drugs are widely detected in surface water and sediment due to incomplete removal in wastewater treatment plants where they are resistant to microbial degradation and may cause toxic effects on aquatic organisms such as algae and fish. UV has limited effectiveness in destruction of anti-fungal drugs where there is increased interest in the combination approaches such as novel use of pulsed-plasma gas-discharge technologies for environmental waste management. There is growing interest in developing alternative and complementary green eco-biocides and disinfection innovation. Fungi present challenges for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices such as endoscopes where they (example, Aspergillus and Candida species) can be protected when harboured in build-up biofilm from lethal processing. Information on the efficacy of established disinfection and sterilization technologies to address fungal pathogens including bottleneck areas that present high risk to patients is lacking. There is a need to address risk mitigation and modelling to inform efficacy of appropriate intervention technologies that must consider all contributing factors where there is potential to adopt digital technologies to enable real-time analysis of big data, such as use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. International consensus on standardised protocols for developing and reporting on appropriate alternative eco-solutions must be reached, particularly in order to address fungi with increasing drug resistance where research and innovation can be enabled using a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland; Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Elaine Meade
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland; Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Neil J Rowan
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Centre for Decontamination, Sterilization and Biosecurity, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland; Empower Eco Sustainability Hub, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Athlone, Ireland.
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15
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Valenzuela-Fernández A, Cabrera-Rodriguez R, Ciuffreda L, Perez-Yanes S, Estevez-Herrera J, González-Montelongo R, Alcoba-Florez J, Trujillo-González R, García-Martínez de Artola D, Gil-Campesino H, Díez-Gil O, Lorenzo-Salazar JM, Flores C, Garcia-Luis J. Nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2: Strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1052436. [PMID: 36507266 PMCID: PMC9732709 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1052436] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which severely affect the respiratory system and several organs and tissues, and may lead to death, have shown how science can respond when challenged by a global emergency, offering as a response a myriad of rapid technological developments. Development of vaccines at lightning speed is one of them. SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have stressed healthcare systems, questioning patients care by using standard non-adapted therapies and diagnostic tools. In this scenario, nanotechnology has offered new tools, techniques and opportunities for prevention, for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the nanotechnological applications and nano-based materials (i.e., personal protective equipment) to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, infection, organ damage and for the development of new tools for virosurveillance, diagnose and immune protection by mRNA and other nano-based vaccines. All the nano-based developed tools have allowed a historical, unprecedented, real time epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at community and international levels. The nano-based technology has help to predict and detect how this Sarbecovirus is mutating and the severity of the associated COVID-19 disease, thereby assisting the administration and public health services to make decisions and measures for preparedness against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and severe or lethal COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Valenzuela-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Romina Cabrera-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Laura Ciuffreda
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Silvia Perez-Yanes
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Judith Estevez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Julia Alcoba-Florez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Trujillo-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Matemático, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Helena Gil-Campesino
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Oscar Díez-Gil
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José M. Lorenzo-Salazar
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos Flores
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jonay Garcia-Luis
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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16
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Chen P, Yang Z, Mai Z, Huang Z, Bian Y, Wu S, Dong X, Fu X, Ko F, Zhang S, Zheng W, Zhang S, Zhou W. Electrospun nanofibrous membrane with antibacterial and antiviral properties decorated with Myoporum bontioides extract and silver-doped carbon nitride nanoparticles for medical masks application. Sep Purif Technol 2022; 298:121565. [PMID: 35765307 PMCID: PMC9225951 DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Public health safety issues have been plaguing the world since the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, most personal protective equipments (PPE) do not have antibacterial and anti- toxicity effects. In this work, we designed and prepared a reusable, antibacterial and anti-toxicity Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based nanofibrous membrane cooperated with Ag/g-C3N4 (Ag-CN), Myoporum.bontioides (M. bontioides) plant extracts and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) by an electrospinning-process. The SEM and TEM characterization revealed the formation of raised, creased or wrinkled areas on the fiber surface caused by the Ag nanoparticles, the rough surface prevented the aerosol particles on the fiber surface from sliding and stagnating, thus providing excellent filtration performance. The PAN/M. bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane could be employed as a photocatalytic bactericidal material, which not only degraded 96.37% of methylene blue within 150 min, but also exhibited the superior bactericidal effect of 98.65 ± 1.49% and 97.8 ± 1.27% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, under 3 hs of light exposure. After 3 cycles of sterilization experiments, the PAN/M. bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane maintained an efficient sterilization effect. Molecular docking revealed that the compounds in M. bontioides extracts interacted with neo-coronavirus targets mainly on Mpro and RdRp proteins, and these compounds had the strongest docking energy with Mpro protein, the shortest docking radius, and more binding sites for key amino acids around the viral protein targets, which influenced the replication and transcription process of neo-coronavirus. The PAN/M.bontioides/Ag-CN/Ag nanofibrous membrane also performed significant inhibition of influenza A virus H3N2. The novel nanofiber membrane is expected to be applied to medical masks, which will improve human isolation and protection against viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhuoxian Mai
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ziyun Huang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongshuang Bian
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shangjing Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xianming Dong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xianjun Fu
- Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Qingdao Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao 266114, China
| | - Frank Ko
- Department of Materials Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Shiying Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Applied Environmental Photocatalysis, Changsha University, Changsha 410022, China
| | - Wenxu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shengsen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wuyi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Bio-based Materials and Energy Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Research Center of Biomass 3D Printing Materials, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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17
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Shen H, Han M, Shen Y, Shuai D. Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Controlling Airborne Viruses: Present Status, Standardization of Aerosol Filtration Tests, and Future Development. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:290-309. [PMID: 35928556 PMCID: PMC9342653 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.1c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has raised great public concern about the airborne transmission of viral pathogens. Virus-laden aerosols with small size could be suspended in the air for a long duration and remain infectious. Among a series of measures implemented to mitigate the airborne spread of infectious diseases, filtration by face masks, respirators, and air filters is a potent nonpharmacologic intervention. Compared with conventional air filtration media, nanofibrous membranes fabricated via electrospinning are promising candidates for controlling airborne viruses due to their desired characteristics, i.e., a reduced pore size (submicrometers to several micrometers), a larger specific surface area and porosity, and retained surface and volume charges. So far, a wide variety of electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been developed for aerosol filtration, and they have shown excellent filtration performance. However, current studies using electrospinning for controlling airborne viruses vary significantly in the practice of aerosol filtration tests, including setup configurations and operations. The discrepancy among various studies makes it difficult, if not impossible, to compare filtration performance. Therefore, there is a pressing need to establish a standardized protocol for evaluating the electrospun nanofibrous membranes' performance for removing viral aerosols. In this perspective, we first reviewed the properties and performance of diverse filter media, including electrospun nanofibrous membranes, for removing viral aerosols. Next, aerosol filtration protocols for electrospun nanofibrous membranes were discussed with respect to the aerosol generation, filtration, collection, and detection. Thereafter, standardizing the aerosol filtration test system for electrospun nanofibrous membranes was proposed. In the end, the future advancement of electrospun nanofibrous membranes for enhanced air filtration was discussed. This perspective provides a comprehensive understanding of status and challenges of electrospinning for air filtration, and it sheds light on future nanomaterial and protocol development for controlling airborne viruses, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchen Shen
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Minghao Han
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Yun Shen
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Danmeng Shuai
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States
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18
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O'Neill EA, Morse AP, Rowan NJ. Effects of climate and environmental variance on the performance of a novel peatland-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system: Implications and opportunities for advancing research and disruptive innovation post COVID-19 era. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153073. [PMID: 35038521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advancing wet peatland 'paludiculture' innovation present enormous potential to sustain carbon-cycles, reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) gas emissions and to transition communities to low-carbon economies; however, there is limited scientific-evidence to support and enable direct commercial viability of eco-friendly products and services. This timely study reports on a novel, paludiculture-based, integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture (IMTA) system for sustainable food production in the Irish midlands. This freshwater IMTA process relies on a naturally occurring ecosystem of microalgae, bacteria and duckweed in ponds for managing waste and water quality that is powered by wind turbines; however, as it is recirculating, it does not rely upon end-of-pipe solutions and does not discharge effluent to receiving waters. This constitutes the first report on the effects of extreme weather events on the performance of this IMTA system that produces European perch (Perca fluviatilis), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiis) during Spring 2020. Sampling coincided with lockdown periods of worker mobility restriction due to COVID-19 pandemic. Observations revealed that the frequency and intensity of storms generated high levels of rainfall that disrupted the algal and bacterial ecosystem in the IMTA leading to the emergence and predominance of toxic cyanobacteria that caused fish mortality. There is a pressing need for international agreement on standardized set of environmental indicators to advance paludiculture innovation that addresses climate-change and sustainability. This study describes important technical parameters for advancing freshwater aquaculture (IMTA), which can be future refined using real-time monitoring-tools at farm level to inform management decision-making based on evaluating environmental indicators and weather data. The relevance of these findings to informing global sustaining and disruptive research and innovation in paludiculture is presented, along with alignment with UN Sustainable Development goals. This study also addresses global challenges and opportunities highlighting a commensurate need for international agreement on resilient indicators encompassing linked ecological, societal, cultural, economic and cultural domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A O'Neill
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon - Midlands and Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Ireland.
| | - A P Morse
- Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - N J Rowan
- Bioscience Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon - Midlands and Midwest, University Road, Athlone, Ireland
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19
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Shen H, Zhou Z, Wang H, Chen J, Zhang M, Han M, Shen Y, Shuai D. Photosensitized Electrospun Nanofibrous Filters for Capturing and Killing Airborne Coronaviruses under Visible Light Irradiation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:4295-4304. [PMID: 35262328 PMCID: PMC8938841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
To address the challenge of the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, photosensitized electrospun nanofibrous membranes were fabricated to effectively capture and inactivate coronavirus aerosols. With an ultrafine fiber diameter (∼200 nm) and a small pore size (∼1.5 μm), optimized membranes caught 99.2% of the aerosols of the murine hepatitis virus A59 (MHV-A59), a coronavirus surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, rose bengal was used as the photosensitizer for membranes because of its excellent reactivity in generating virucidal singlet oxygen, and the membranes rapidly inactivated 97.1% of MHV-A59 in virus-laden droplets only after 15 min irradiation of simulated reading light. Singlet oxygen damaged the virus genome and impaired virus binding to host cells, which elucidated the mechanism of disinfection at a molecular level. Membrane robustness was also evaluated, and in general, the performance of virus filtration and disinfection was maintained in artificial saliva and for long-term use. Only sunlight exposure photobleached membranes, reduced singlet oxygen production, and compromised the performance of virus disinfection. In summary, photosensitized electrospun nanofibrous membranes have been developed to capture and kill airborne environmental pathogens under ambient conditions, and they hold promise for broad applications as personal protective equipment and indoor air filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchen Shen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
| | - Zhe Zhou
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
| | - Haihuan Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
| | - Minghao Han
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
92521, United States
| | - Yun Shen
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California
92521, United States
| | - Danmeng Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
The George Washington University, Washington, Washington D.C.
20052, United States
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20
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Kilmartin-Lynch S, Roychand R, Saberian M, Li J, Zhang G. Application of COVID-19 single-use shredded nitrile gloves in structural concrete: Case study from Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:151423. [PMID: 34742992 PMCID: PMC8568329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of single-use nitrile gloves has been on a sharp incline since the Coronavirus pandemic first started in late 2019. This led to a significant increase in the generation of this clinical waste that requires various recycling solutions to reduce its environmental impact from disposal or incineration. This paper explores its application in structural concrete by adding shredded nitrile gloves at 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the volume of concrete. The compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and SEM-EDS analysis were undertaken to ascertain the effect of different concentrations of shredded nitrile gloves on the mechanical properties, quality of concrete, and its bond performance with the cement matrix. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of up to 0.2% of shredded nitrile gloves can provide ~22% improvement in the compressive strength of blended concrete composites at 28-days of curing. In comparison, the inclusion of 0.3% of shredded nitrile gloves shows improvements of ~20% in compressive strength at 28-days. The SEM-EDS analysis shows a very good bond formation between the nitrile rubber and the cement matrix with no gap identified in the interfacial transition zone (ITZ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajeev Roychand
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Mohammad Saberian
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jie Li
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Guomin Zhang
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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21
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Knaul FM, Touchton MM, Arreola-Ornelas H, Calderon-Anyosa R, Otero-Bahamón S, Hummel C, Pérez-Cruz P, Porteny T, Patino F, Atun R, Garcia PJ, Insua J, Mendez O, Undurraga E, Boulding C, Nelson-Nuñez J, Velasco Guachalla VX, Sanchez-Talanquer M. Strengthening Health Systems To Face Pandemics: Subnational Policy Responses To COVID-19 In Latin America. Health Aff (Millwood) 2022; 41:454-462. [PMID: 35254925 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nonpharmaceutical interventions such as stay-at-home orders continue to be the main policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic in countries with limited or slow vaccine rollout. Often, nonpharmaceutical interventions are managed or implemented at the subnational level, yet little information exists on within-country variation in nonpharmaceutical intervention policies. We focused on Latin America, a COVID-19 epicenter, and collected and analyzed daily subnational data on public health measures in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru to compare within- and across-country nonpharmaceutical interventions. We showed high heterogeneity in the adoption of these interventions at the subnational level in Brazil and Mexico; consistent national guidelines with subnational heterogeneity in Argentina and Colombia; and homogeneous policies guided by centralized national policies in Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Our results point to the role of subnational policies and governments in responding to health crises. We found that subnational responses cannot replace coordinated national policy. Our findings imply that governments should focus on evidence-based national policies while coordinating with subnational governments to tailor local responses to changing local conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Pérez-Cruz
- Pedro Pérez-Cruz, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thalia Porteny
- Thalia Porteny, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Fausto Patino
- Fausto Patino, Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Rifat Atun
- Rifat Atun, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia J Garcia
- Patricia J. Garcia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, San Martin de Porres, Peru
| | - Jorge Insua
- Jorge Insua, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar Mendez
- Oscar Mendez, Fundación Mexicana para la Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Carew Boulding
- Carew Boulding, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Jami Nelson-Nuñez
- Jami Nelson-Nuñez, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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22
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Mathematical Modeling to Study Optimal Allocation of Vaccines against COVID-19 Using an Age-Structured Population. AXIOMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/axioms11030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in early December of 2020 in the USA. The efficacy of the vaccines vary depending on the SARS-CoV-2 variant. Some countries have been able to deploy strong vaccination programs, and large proportions of their populations have been fully vaccinated. In other countries, low proportions of their populations have been vaccinated, due to different factors. For instance, countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti and Syria have less than 10% of their populations fully vaccinated at this time. Implementing an optimal vaccination program is a very complex process due to a variety of variables that affect the programs. Besides, science, policy and ethics are all involved in the determination of the main objectives of the vaccination program. We present two nonlinear mathematical models that allow us to gain insight into the optimal vaccination strategy under different situations, taking into account the case fatality rate and age-structure of the population. We study scenarios with different availabilities and efficacies of the vaccines. The results of this study show that for most scenarios, the optimal allocation of vaccines is to first give the doses to people in the 55+ age group. However, in some situations the optimal strategy is to first allocate vaccines to the 15–54 age group. This situation occurs whenever the SARS-CoV-2 transmission rate is relatively high and the people in the 55+ age group have a transmission rate 50% or less that of those in the 15–54 age group. This study and similar ones can provide scientific recommendations for countries where the proportion of vaccinated individuals is relatively small or for future pandemics.
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23
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Ru J, Wang X, Zhou Z, Zhao J, Yang J, Du X, Lu X. Fabrication of octahedral GO/UiO-67@PtNPs nanocomposites as an electrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive recognition of arsenic (III) in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1195:339451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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24
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He S, Lee J, Langworthy B, Xin J, James P, Yang Y, Wang M. Delay in the Effect of Restricting Community Mobility on the Spread of COVID-19 During the First Wave in the United States. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofab586. [PMID: 34988255 PMCID: PMC8714371 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It remains unclear how changes in human mobility shaped the transmission dynamic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during its first wave in the United States. Methods By coupling a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model with reported case data and Google mobility data at the county level, we found that changes in movement were associated with notable changes in reported COVID-19 incidence rates about 5 to 7 weeks later. Results Among all movement types, residential stay was the most influential driver of COVID-19 incidence rate, with a 10% increase 7 weeks ago reducing the disease incidence rate by 13% (95% credible interval, 6%-20%). A 10% increase in movement from home to workplaces, retail and recreation stores, public transit, grocery stores, and pharmacies 7 weeks ago was associated with an increase of 5%-8% in the COVID-10 incidence rate. In contrast, parks-related movement showed minimal impact. Conclusions Policy-makers should anticipate such a delay when planning intervention strategies restricting human movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jooyoung Lee
- Department of Applied Statistics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Benjamin Langworthy
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junyi Xin
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter James
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions & Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Molin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Li H, Wang L, Zhang M, Lu Y, Wang W. Effects of vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions and their lag times on the COVID-19 pandemic: Comparison of eight countries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010101. [PMID: 35025865 PMCID: PMC8757886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many countries implemented measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, but the effects of these measures have varied greatly. We evaluated the effects of different policies, the prevalence of dominant variants (e.g., Delta), and vaccination on the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight countries. We quantified the lag times of different non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination using a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). We also tested whether these lag times were reasonable by analyzing changes in daily cases and the effective reproductive number (Rt)over time. Our results indicated that the response to vaccination in countries with continuous vaccination programs lagged by at least 40 days, and the lag time for a response to NPIs was at least 14 days. A rebound was most likely to occur during the 40 days after the first vaccine dose. We also found that the combination of school closure, workplace closure, restrictions on mass gatherings, and stay-at-home requirements were successful in containing the pandemic. Our results thus demonstrated that vaccination was effective, although some regions were adversely affected by new variants and low vaccination coverage. Importantly, relaxation of NPIs soon after implementation of a vaccination program may lead to a rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luqi Wang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihan Lu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibing Wang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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26
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Deep Learning Models for Multiple Face Mask Detection under a Complex Big Data Environment. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2022; 215:706-712. [PMID: 36618030 PMCID: PMC9803366 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic creates a worldwide health crisis. According to the WHO, the effective protection system is wearing a face mask in public places. Many studies proved that carrying a face mask is also one of the precautions to decrease the possibility of viral transmission. Strict monitoring of face mask being worn by people is now enforced in many countries. Manual observation and monitoring is quite tedious. Hence, automated systems have been researched using well-kwown face mask detection methods. However, this research paper, deals with some deep learning models which can be effectively used to detect multiple face masks in a crowded environment when the amount of incoming data from sensors is huge or in otherwise stated to a Big data problem. Hence, standalone face detection models are not quite suited. Deep learning models are required in such Big data scenario which forms the essence of this study.
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27
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Ma S, Wu Y, Jiang Y, Lowe S, Bentley R, Ahmed MA, Sun C. Old question with new omicron subvariant: Shall we put the masks back on? Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 50:102451. [PMID: 36109001 PMCID: PMC9467929 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuyan Wu
- The First People's Hospital of Hefei, 390 N. Huaihe Road, Luyang District, Hefei, 230061, China; The Philippine Women's University, School of Nursing. 1743 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, 1004, Philippines
| | - Yuemeng Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Rachel Bentley
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Mubashir Ayaz Ahmed
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 60657, Illinois, USA
| | - Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 60657, Illinois, USA.
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28
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Moon J, Bui TT, Jang S, Ji S, Park JT, Kim MG. A highly efficient nanofibrous air filter membrane fabricated using electrospun amphiphilic PVDF- g-POEM double comb copolymer. Sep Purif Technol 2021; 279:119625. [PMID: 36569224 PMCID: PMC9761316 DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.119625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Current global emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and particulate matter (PM) pollution, require urgent protective measures. Nanofibrous air filter membranes that can capture PM0.3 and simultaneously help in preventing the spread of COVID-19 are essential. Therefore, a highly efficient nanofibrous air filter membrane based on amphiphilic poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PVDF-g-POEM) double comb copolymer was fabricated using atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and electrospinning. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to successfully characterize the molecular structure of the fabricated amphiphilic PVDF-g-POEM double comb copolymer. The nanofibrous air filter membrane based on amphiphilic PVDF-g-POEM double comb copolymer achieved a low air resistance of 4.69 mm H2O and a high filtration efficiency of 93.56 % due to enhanced chemical and physical adsorption properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyoung Moon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tan Tan Bui
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Jang
- LEMON Co., 1105-65, Sanho-daero, Sandong-eup, Gumi 39170, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyoung Ji
- LEMON Co., 1105-65, Sanho-daero, Sandong-eup, Gumi 39170, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Tae Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea,Corresponding authors
| | - Myung-Gil Kim
- School of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea,Corresponding authors
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29
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Chirani MR, Kowsari E, Teymourian T, Ramakrishna S. Environmental impact of increased soap consumption during COVID-19 pandemic: Biodegradable soap production and sustainable packaging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:149013. [PMID: 34271380 PMCID: PMC8272010 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A year into the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the role of washing hands with soap and hand disinfectants is unavoidable as a primary way to control the infection spread in communities and healthcare facilities. The extraordinary surge in demand for handwashing products has led to environmental concerns. Since soaps are complex mixtures of toxic and persistent active ingredients, the prudent option is to promote eco-friendly replacements for the current products. On the other hand, with the increase in soap packaging waste production, soap packaging waste management and recycling become essential to reduce environmental impact. This systematic review aimed to collect some recent methods for identifying biodegradable and sustainable raw materials to produce and package cleaning agents, especially soap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Rafieepoor Chirani
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), No. 424, Hafez Avenue, 1591634311 Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Kowsari
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), No. 424, Hafez Avenue, 1591634311 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Targol Teymourian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, 158754413 Tehran, Iran
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
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30
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Chen X, Gong W, Wu X, Zhao W. Estimating Economic Losses Caused by COVID-19 under Multiple Control Measure Scenarios with a Coupled Infectious Disease-Economic Model: A Case Study in Wuhan, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211753. [PMID: 34831508 PMCID: PMC8621982 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic has caused an unprecedented public health crisis and drastically impacted the economy. The relationship between different control measures and economic losses becomes a research hotspot. Methods: In this study, the SEIR infectious disease model was revised and coupled with an economic model to quantify this nonlinear relationship in Wuhan. The control measures were parameterized into two factors: the effective number of daily contacts (people) (r); the average waiting time for quarantined patients (day) (g). Results: The parameter r has a threshold value that if r is less than 5 (people), the number of COVID-19 infected patients is very close to 0. A “central valley” around r = 5~6 can be observed, indicating an optimal control measure to reduce economic losses. A lower value of parameter g is beneficial to stop COVID-19 spread with a lower economic cost. Conclusion: The simulation results demonstrate that implementing strict control measures as early as possible can stop the spread of COVID-19 with a minimal economic impact. The quantitative assessment method in this study can be applied in other COVID-19 pandemic areas or countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.C.); (W.Z.)
- Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.C.); (W.Z.)
- Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Correspondence: (W.G.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaoxu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
- Correspondence: (W.G.); (X.W.)
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; (X.C.); (W.Z.)
- Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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31
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Hanthanan Arachchilage K, Hussaini MY. Ranking non-pharmaceutical interventions against Covid-19 global pandemic using global sensitivity analysis-Effect on number of deaths. CHAOS, SOLITONS, AND FRACTALS 2021; 152:111458. [PMID: 34580567 PMCID: PMC8457923 DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2021.111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we use Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) to rank four non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in a deterministic compartmental model that might control Covid-19 related deaths in the United States. The NPIs are social distancing, isolation of infected individuals, identifying asymptomatically infected individuals through testing, and the use of face masks. The model uses a fear-based behavioral model that leads unmasked susceptible individuals to wear masks. The model parameters are estimated from the reported deaths for the United States of America from March 1, 2020 to November 26, 2020. Two GSA tools, the Sobol' sesntivity indices and Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient are used to obtain the rankings of the input parameters at different stages of the disease propagation. We found that social distancing and outward mask efficiency alone decreases the output uncertainty by 25-45%. Sobol' second order indices show that the combined effect of social distancing with increased mask usage and identifying and isolating asymptomatically infected individuals decreases uncertainty an additional 10%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed Yousuff Hussaini
- Department of Mathematics, Florida State University, 1017, Academic Way, Tallahassee, 32304, Florida, USA
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32
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Olatayo KI, Mativenga PT, Marnewick AL. COVID-19 PPE plastic material flows and waste management: Quantification and implications for South Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148190. [PMID: 34380276 PMCID: PMC9757894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of countries to resource constraints while highlighting the indispensability of plastic. Personal protective equipment (PPE), comprising plastic materials, is experiencing an unusual increase in demand globally due to unprecedented consumption for the protection of healthcare workers and the general population. There is a need to model and better understand the material implications of the pandemic. In this research, material flow analysis was used to model the flow of plastic material pre-COVID-19 in South Africa and the additional contribution of the COVID-19 PPE to the plastic footprint. Sankey diagrams were developed to capture the material flow analysis. The mass flow of PPE through the supply chain during the ongoing pandemic is relatively smaller compared to the total national plastic. However, the number of separate PPE items presents a major and growing problem for waste management systems. This paper puts the COVID-19 resource requirements into perspective in relation to South Africa's total national plastic and provides the first known estimate of COVID-19 plastic material resources and waste legacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunle Ibukun Olatayo
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Paul T Mativenga
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Annlizé L Marnewick
- Postgraduate School of Engineering Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
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33
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Rowan NJ, Meade E, Garvey M. Efficacy of frontline chemical biocides and disinfection approaches for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern that cause coronavirus disease with the emergence of opportunities for green eco-solutions. CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH 2021; 23:100290. [PMID: 34250323 PMCID: PMC8254398 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2021.100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory disease (SARS-CoV-2) variants that cause coronavirus disease is of global concern. Severe acute respiratory disease variants of concern (VOC) exhibiting greater transmissibility, and potentially increased risk of hospitalization, severity and mortality, are attributed to molecular mutations in outer viral surface spike proteins. Thus, there is a reliance on using appropriate counter-disease measures, including non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination. The best evidence suggests that the use of frontline biocides effectively inactivate coronavirus similarly, including VOC, such as 202012/01, 501Y.V2 and P.1 that have rapidly replaced the wild-type variant in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, respectively. However, this review highlights that efficacy of VOC-disinfection will depend on the type of biocide and the parameters governing the activity. VOC are likely to be similar in size to the wild-type strain, thus implying that existing guidelines for use and re-use of face masks post disinfection remain relevant. Monitoring to avoid injudicious use of biocides during the coronavirus disease era is required as prolonged and excessive biocide usage may negatively impact our receiving environments; thus, highlighting the potential for alternative more environmental-friendly sustainable biocide solutions. Traditional biocides may promote cross-antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics in problematical bacteria. The existing filtration efficacy of face masks is likely to perform similarly for VOC due to similar viral size; however, advances in face mask manufacturing by way incorporating new anti-viral materials will potentially enhance their design and functionality for existing and potential future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Centre for Disinfection and Sterilisation, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Ireland
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Athlone, Ireland
| | - Elaine Meade
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Technology, Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo, Ireland
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34
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Pandit P, Maity S, Singha K, Annu, Uzun M, Shekh M, Ahmed S. Potential biodegradable face mask to counter environmental impact of Covid-19. CLEANER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 4:100218. [PMID: 34322678 PMCID: PMC8297964 DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2021.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
On the eve of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a tremendous increase in the production of facemasks across the world. The primary raw materials for the manufacturing of the facemasks are non-biodegradable synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. Disposal of these synthetic facemasks increases waste-load in the environment causing severe ecological issues for flora and fauna. The synthesis processes of the polymers from the petrochemical by-products were also not eco-friendly, which releases huge greenhouse and harmful gases. Therefore, many research organizations and entrepreneurs realize the need for biodegradable facemasks to render similar performance as the existing non-biodegradable masks. The conventional textile fabrics made of natural fibers like cotton, flax, hemp, etc., can also be used to prepare facemasks with multiple layers in use for general protection. Such natural textile masks can be made anti-microbial by applying various herbal anti-microbial extracts like turmeric, neem, basil, aloe vera, etc. As porosity is the exclusive feature of the masks for arresting tiny viruses, the filter of the masks should have a pore size in the nanometre scale, and that can be achieved in nanomembrane manufactured by electrospinning technology. This article reviews the various scopes of electrospinning technology for the preparation of nanomembrane biomasks. Besides protecting us from the virus, the biomasks can be useful for skin healing, skincare, auto-fragrance, and organized cooling which are also discussed in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pintu Pandit
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Department of Textile Design, Mithapur Farms, Patna, 800001, India
| | - Subhankar Maity
- Department of Textile Technology, Uttar Pradesh Textile Technology Institute, Kanpur, 208001, India
| | - Kunal Singha
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Department of Textile Design, Mithapur Farms, Patna, 800001, India
| | - Annu
- Lecturer in Chemistry, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, 184121, India
| | - Muhammet Uzun
- Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials Applied and Research, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehdihasan Shekh
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Shakeel Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Government Degree College Mendhar, Jammu and Kashmir, 185211, India
- Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Si R, Yao Y, Zhang X, Lu Q, Aziz N. Investigating the Links Between Vaccination Against COVID-19 and Public Attitudes Toward Protective Countermeasures: Implications for Public Health. Front Public Health 2021; 9:702699. [PMID: 34368065 PMCID: PMC8333618 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.702699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is spreading globally at an unprecedented rate. To protect the world against this devastating catastrophe, vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been produced following consistent clinical trials. However, the durability of a protective immune response due to vaccination has not been confirmed. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is not 100% guaranteed, as new variants arise due to mutations. Consequently, health officials are pleading with the public to take extra precautions against the virus and continue wearing masks, wash hands, and observe physical distancing even after vaccination. The current research collected data from 4,540 participants (1,825 vaccinated and 2,715 not vaccinated) in China to analyze this phenomenon empirically. The propensity score matching (PSM) model is employed to analyze the impact of vaccination against COVID-19 on participants' attitudes toward protective countermeasures. The findings showed that gender, age, education level, occupation risk, individual health risk perception, public health risk perception, social responsibility, peer effect, and government supervision are the main drivers for participants to be vaccinated with COVID-19's vaccines. The results further show that vaccination lessened participants' frequency of hand washing by 1.75 times and their compliance frequency intensity of observing physical distancing by 1.24 times. However, the rate of mask-wearing did not reduce significantly, implying that China's main countermeasure of effective mask-wearing effectively controls COVID-19. Moreover, the findings indicate that a reduction in the frequency of hand washing and observing physical distance could cause a resurgence of COVID-19. In conclusion, factors leading to the eradication of SARS-CoV-2 from the world are complex to be achieved, so the exploration of COVID-19 vaccination and people's attitude toward protective countermeasures may provide insights for policymakers to encourage vaccinated people to follow protective health measures and help in completely defeating the COVID-19 from the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruishi Si
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumeng Yao
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueqian Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Lu
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
| | - Noshaba Aziz
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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A Study on COVID-19 Incidence in Europe through Two SEIR Epidemic Models Which Consider Mixed Contagions from Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11146266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on the world has been partially controlled through different measures of social isolation and prophylaxis. Two new SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered) models are proposed in order to describe this spread through different countries of Europe. In both models the infectivity of the asymptomatic period during the exposed stage of the disease will be taken into account. The different transmission rates of the SEIR models are calculated by considering the different locations and, more importantly, the lockdown measures implemented in each region. A new classification of these intervention measures will be set and their influence on the values of the transmission rates will be estimated through regression analysis.
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Learning from the past: Taiwan's responses to COVID-19 versus SARS. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 110:469-478. [PMID: 34098099 PMCID: PMC8178059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the prevalence of infection prevention behaviors in Taiwan-wearing facemasks and alcohol-based hand hygiene (AHH)-and compare their practice rates during SARS and COVID-19. METHODS We surveyed 2328 Taiwanese from July 29 to August 6, 2020, assessing demographics, information sources, and preventive behaviors during the 2003 SARS outbreaks, 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1, COVID-19, and with post-survey intentions. Characteristics associated with the practice of preventive behaviors in 2020 were identified through logistic regression. RESULTS Preventive behaviors were conscientiously practiced by 70.2% of participants. Compared with 2003 SARS/2009 H1N1, the percentages of facemask use (66.6% vs 99.2% [indoors], P < 0.001) and on-person AHH (44.2% vs 65.4% [hand sanitizers], P < 0.001) significantly increasedduring 2020 COVID-19. Highest adherence to preventive behaviors in 2020 was among females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.72), those receiving government COVID-19 information (aOR, 1.52), participants recruited from primary-care clinics (aOR, 1.43), and those who practiced AHH during 2003 SARS/2009 H1N1 (aOR, 1.37). CONCLUSIONS Government leadership, healthcare providers risk communication, and public cooperation rapidly mitigated the spread of COVID-19 in Taiwan even before vaccination. Future global efforts must implement such population-based preventive behaviors at a level above the viral-transmission-threshold, particularly in areas with fast-spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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García-Montero C, Fraile-Martínez O, Bravo C, Torres-Carranza D, Sanchez-Trujillo L, Gómez-Lahoz AM, Guijarro LG, García-Honduvilla N, Asúnsolo A, Bujan J, Monserrat J, Serrano E, Álvarez-Mon M, De León-Luis JA, Álvarez-Mon MA, Ortega MA. An Updated Review of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and the Importance of Effective Vaccination Programs in Pandemic Times. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050433. [PMID: 33925526 PMCID: PMC8146241 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was declared a year ago, the search for vaccines has become the top priority in order to restore normalcy after 2.5 million deaths worldwide, overloaded sanitary systems, and a huge economic burden. Vaccine development has represented a step towards the desired herd immunity in a short period of time, owing to a high level of investment, the focus of researchers, and the urge for the authorization of the faster administration of vaccines. Nevertheless, this objective may only be achieved by pursuing effective strategies and policies in various countries worldwide. In the present review, some aspects involved in accomplishing a successful vaccination program are addressed, in addition to the importance of vaccination in a pandemic in the face of unwillingness, conspiracy theories, or a lack of information among the public. Moreover, we provide some updated points related to the landscape of the clinical development of vaccine candidates, specifically, the top five vaccines that are already being assessed in Phase IV clinical trials (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, AZD1222, Ad26.COV2.S, and CoronaVac).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Coral Bravo
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lara Sanchez-Trujillo
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Service of Pediatric, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gómez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
| | - Luis G. Guijarro
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (CIBEREHD), Department of System Biology, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain;
| | - Natalio García-Honduvilla
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Angel Asúnsolo
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Julia Bujan
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Encarnación Serrano
- Los fresnos of Health Centre, Health Area III, Torrejon de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology, Oncology Service an Internal Medicine, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Juan A De León-Luis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón, 28009 Madrid, Spain
- First of May Health Centre, Health Area I, Rivas Vaciamadrid, 28521 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Miguel A. Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain; (C.G.-M.); (O.F.-M.); (L.S.-T.); (A.M.G.-L.); (N.G.-H.); (J.B.); (J.M.); (M.Á.-M.); (M.A.Á.-M.); (M.A.O.)
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain;
- Cancer Registry and Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, 28806 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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