1
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Lee J, Park C, Jang J. Improved measurement of airborne viruses using a two-stage highly virus-enriching electrostatic particle concentrator with electric-field-enhancing wire electrodes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135747. [PMID: 39243544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135747] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
High enrichment of airborne viruses during sampling is critical for their rapid measurement and requires a high sampling flow rate (or velocity), small collection areas, and high collection efficiency; however, high collection efficiency can rarely be achieved at high flow velocities and in small collection areas in electrostatic sampling. Herein, we present improved measurement of airborne viruses using a two-stage highly virus-enriching electrostatic particle concentrator (HEPC) with wire electrodes and high values of the-inlet-velocity-to-collection-electrode-width ratio. This sampler was evaluated using MS2 viruses and 0.05-2.0 µm diameter polystyrene latex particles at 20 liters/min. Computer simulations and experiments agreed well, showing that the wire electrodes increased collection efficiency (by up to 37 % than the without-wire-electrodes case) without high viability losses through local electric field enhancement for high-flow-velocity regions over the collection electrode and minimization of local corona discharge. The relative infectious virus concentrations of the HEPC were 41-70 times higher than those of the BioSampler. Airborne influenza A viruses at field-level concentrations (1.8 × 105 and 2.6 × 104 copies/m3) were also detected at 10-min sampling due to the high enrichment capability of HEPC. The HEPC has strong potential as a rapid airborne virus monitoring system in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaegil Lee
- Sensors and Aerosols Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanhwi Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Jang
- Sensors and Aerosols Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea; Department of Civil, Urban, Earth, and Environmental Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Lim SWY, Ow SY, Sutarlie L, Lee YY, Suwardi A, Tan CKI, Cheong WCD, Loh XJ, Su X. Bioaerosol Inactivation by a Cold Plasma Ionizer Coupled with an Electrostatic Precipitator. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1923. [PMID: 39338597 PMCID: PMC11433785 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12091923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite best efforts in air purification, airborne infectious diseases will continue to spread due to the continuous emission of bioaerosols by the host/infected person. Hence, a shift in focus from air purification to bioaerosol inactivation is urgently needed. To explore the potential of the cold plasma technology for preventing rapid spread of airborne infectious diseases, we studied a cold plasma ionizer (CPI) device and an electrostatic precipitator (ESP)-coupled CPI (CPI-ESP) device for the inactivation and cleaning of surface-spread microorganisms and bioaerosols, using porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and aerosolized E. coli as representatives. We firstly demonstrated that CPI coupled with ESP is an effective technology for inactivating virus and bacteria spread on surfaces in an in-house test chamber. We then demonstrated the efficacy of CPI-coupled ESP for the inactivation of aerosolized E. coli in the same chamber. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the efficiency of a CPI-ESP coupled device for the inactivation of naturally occurring airborne microbials in a few indoor settings (i.e., a living room, a discussion room, a schoolroom, and an office) to determine the treatment duration- and human activity-dependent efficacy. To understand the disinfection mechanism, we conducted a fluorescence microscopy study to reveal different degrees of E. coli bacteria cell membrane damage under CPI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Sutarlie
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore; (S.W.Y.L.); (S.Y.O.); (Y.Y.L.); (A.S.); (C.K.I.T.); (W.C.D.C.); (X.J.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaodi Su
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore; (S.W.Y.L.); (S.Y.O.); (Y.Y.L.); (A.S.); (C.K.I.T.); (W.C.D.C.); (X.J.L.)
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3
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Wang L, Morán J, Olson BA, Yang M, Hogan CJ, Torremorell M. Aerodynamic Size-Dependent Collection and Inactivation of Virus-Laden Aerosol Particles in an Electrostatic Precipitator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39259020 PMCID: PMC11430179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) may enable high particle collection efficiency with minimal pressure drop in HVAC systems. However, studies of pathogen collection and inactivation in ESPs at medium to higher flow rates are limited. Here, a single-stage, wire-plate ESP operated at flow rates of 51 and 85 m3 h-1 was used to study the removal of virus-laden aerosol particles for three different airborne viruses: (1) bovine coronavirus (BCoV), (2) influenza A virus (IAV), and (3) porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV). Size-resolved measurements of collection efficiency were obtained using Andersen cascade impactors (ACI) sampling upstream and downstream of the ESP. All measurements were analyzed based on three distinctive but complementary methods: (1) fluorimetry to assess physical collection, (2) RT-qPCR to assess viral RNA concentrations and (3) virus titration to assess virus viability. In general, log reductions by virus titration were highest followed by those from RT-qPCR, and last fluorimetry, suggesting that a portion of virus may be potentially inactivated in flight in the ESP. An effective migration (deposition) velocity ranging from 3.10 to 10.05 cm s-1 was also determined using the spatially resolved measurements of virus collection on the ESP plates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - José Morán
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bernard A Olson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - My Yang
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
| | - Christopher J Hogan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Montserrat Torremorell
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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4
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Ma Z, Dwivedi AK, Clack HL. Effects of chemically-reductive trace gas contaminants on non-thermal plasma inactivation of an airborne virus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 939:173447. [PMID: 38788942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173447] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of airborne infectious diseases poses great risk for public health and socio-economic stability, thus, there is a need for an effective control method targeting the spread and transmission of pathogenic aerosols. The existence of chemically-reductive trace air contaminants in animal agriculture may affect the oxidation inactivation process of pathogens. In this study, we report how the presence of such gasses impacts the effectiveness of using non-thermal plasma (NTP) within a packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor to inactivate MS2 bacteriophage. Inactivation of the aerosolized bacteriophage is determined by the combination of viability and polymerase chain reaction assays. Using a plasma power source with a voltage of 20 kV and frequency of 350 Hz, after differentiating and excluding the physical removal effects of viral aerosols potentially caused by plasma, the baseline inactivation of MS2 aerosol in air has been determined based on an overall air flow rate of 200 Liters per minute and plasma discharge power of 1.8 W. When either ammonia or hydrogen sulfide gas is introduced into the airstream at a concentration of 1 part per million, the NTP virus inactivation efficiency is reduced to around 0.5-log from the 1-log baseline inactivation in air alone. Higher concentrations of those gasses will not further inhibit the effectiveness of plasma inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ma
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Anubhav Kumar Dwivedi
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Herek L Clack
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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5
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Raza S, Wdowiak M, Paczesny J. An Overview of Diverse Strategies To Inactivate Enterobacteriaceae-Targeting Bacteriophages. EcoSal Plus 2023; 11:eesp00192022. [PMID: 36651738 PMCID: PMC10729933 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0019-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and thus threaten industrial processes relying on the production executed by bacterial cells. Industries bear huge economic losses due to such recurring and resilient infections. Depending on the specificity of the process, there is a need for appropriate methods of bacteriophage inactivation, with an emphasis on being inexpensive and high efficiency. In this review, we summarize the reports on antiphagents, i.e., antibacteriophage agents on inactivation of bacteriophages. We focused on bacteriophages targeting the representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family, as its representative, Escherichia coli, is most commonly used in the bio-industry. The review is divided into sections dealing with bacteriophage inactivation by physical factors, chemical factors, and nanotechnology-based solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sada Raza
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wdowiak
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Paczesny
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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6
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Ouyang H, Wang L, Sapkota D, Yang M, Morán J, Li L, Olson BA, Schwartz M, Hogan CJ, Torremorell M. Control technologies to prevent aerosol-based disease transmission in animal agriculture production settings: a review of established and emerging approaches. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1291312. [PMID: 38033641 PMCID: PMC10682736 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1291312] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmission of infectious agents via aerosols is an ever-present concern in animal agriculture production settings, as the aerosol route to disease transmission can lead to difficult-to-control and costly diseases, such as porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus and influenza A virus. It is increasingly necessary to implement control technologies to mitigate aerosol-based disease transmission. Here, we review currently utilized and prospective future aerosol control technologies to collect and potentially inactivate pathogens in aerosols, with an emphasis on technologies that can be incorporated into mechanically driven (forced air) ventilation systems to prevent aerosol-based disease spread from facility to facility. Broadly, we find that control technologies can be grouped into three categories: (1) currently implemented technologies; (2) scaled technologies used in industrial and medical settings; and (3) emerging technologies. Category (1) solely consists of fibrous filter media, which have been demonstrated to reduce the spread of PRRSV between swine production facilities. We review the mechanisms by which filters function and are rated (minimum efficiency reporting values). Category (2) consists of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), used industrially to collect aerosol particles in higher flow rate systems, and ultraviolet C (UV-C) systems, used in medical settings to inactivate pathogens. Finally, category (3) consists of a variety of technologies, including ionization-based systems, microwaves, and those generating reactive oxygen species, often with the goal of pathogen inactivation in aerosols. As such technologies are typically first tested through varied means at the laboratory scale, we additionally review control technology testing techniques at various stages of development, from laboratory studies to field demonstration, and in doing so, suggest uniform testing and report standards are needed. Testing standards should consider the cost-benefit of implementing the technologies applicable to the livestock species of interest. Finally, we examine economic models for implementing aerosol control technologies, defining the collected infectious particles per unit energy demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ouyang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Deepak Sapkota
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas-Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - My Yang
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - José Morán
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Li Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Bernard A. Olson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark Schwartz
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Schwartz Farms, Sleepy Eye, MN, United States
| | - Christopher J. Hogan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Montserrat Torremorell
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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7
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Harrison K, Snead D, Kilts A, Ammerman ML, Wigginton KR. The Protective Effect of Virus Capsids on RNA and DNA Virus Genomes in Wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13757-13766. [PMID: 37656816 PMCID: PMC10516120 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Virus concentrations measured in municipal wastewater help inform both the water treatment necessary to protect human health and wastewater-based epidemiology. Wastewater measurements are typically PCR-based, and interpreting gene copy concentrations requires an understanding of the form and stability of the nucleic acids. Here, we study the persistence of model virus genomes in wastewater, the protective effects provided by the virus capsids, and the relative decay rates of the genome and infectious viruses. In benchtop batch experiments in wastewater influent at 25 °C, extraviral (+)ssRNA and dsDNA amplicons degraded by 90% within 15-19 min and 1.6-1.9 h, respectively. When encapsidated, the T90 for MS2 (+)ssRNA increased by 424× and the T90 for T4 dsDNA increased by 52×. The (+)ssRNA decay rates were similar for a range of amplicon sizes. For our model phages MS2 and T4, the nucleic acid signal in untreated wastewater disappeared shortly after the viruses lost infectivity. Combined, these results suggest that most viral genome copies measured in wastewater are encapsidated, that measured concentrations are independent of assay amplicon sizes, and that the virus genome decay rates of nonenveloped (i.e., naked) viruses are similar to inactivation rates. These findings are valuable for the interpretation of wastewater virus measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine
R. Harrison
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Delaney Snead
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Anna Kilts
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michelle L. Ammerman
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Krista R. Wigginton
- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering, University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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8
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Preston HE, Bayliss R, Temperton N, Neto MM, Brewer J, Parker AL. Capture and inactivation of viral particles from bioaerosols by electrostatic precipitation. iScience 2023; 26:107567. [PMID: 37664619 PMCID: PMC10470311 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious viral particles in bioaerosols generated during laparoscopic surgery place staff and patients at significant risk of infection and contributed to the postponement of countless surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic causing excess deaths. The implementation of devices that inactivate viral particles from bioaerosols aid in preventing nosocomial viral spread. We evaluated whether electrostatic precipitation (EP) is effective in capturing and inactivating aerosolized enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Using a closed-system model mimicking release of bioaerosols during laparoscopic surgery, known concentrations of each virus were aerosolized, exposed to EP and collected for analysis. We demonstrate that both enveloped and non-enveloped viral particles were efficiently captured and inactivated by EP, which was enhanced by increasing the voltage to 10 kV or using two discharge electrodes together at 8 kV. This study highlights EP as an effective means for capturing and inactivating viral particles in bioaerosols, which may enable continued surgical procedures during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Preston
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Rebecca Bayliss
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Central Avenue, Chatham ME4 4BF, UK
| | - Martin Mayora Neto
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Central Avenue, Chatham ME4 4BF, UK
| | - Jason Brewer
- Alesi Surgical Ltd, Medicentre, Heath Park Way, Cardiff CF14 4UJ, UK
| | - Alan L. Parker
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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9
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Kanda K, Nishimura H, Koiso T, Takemoto K, Nakagoe K, Yamada T, Takahashi M, Hanafusa M, Kawahara T, Yanagida Y, Kuramochi J, Fujiwara T. Applying negative ions and an electric field to countermeasure droplets/aerosol transmission without hindering communication. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13965. [PMID: 37634041 PMCID: PMC10460439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40303-5] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and acryl partitions were adopted as countermeasures against droplets/aerosol infections; however, these countermeasures restrict communication. In this study, a blocking device was developed using negative ions and an electric field. The device blocks mists simulating droplets/aerosol by a maximum of 89% but transmits light and sound, which is important for communication. The device demonstrated effective blocking performance for aerosol, including the COVID-19 virus spread from patients in a clinic. Our device can help prevent infections without disrupting communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaito Kanda
- Laboratory for Future, Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Nishimura
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Koiso
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kousuke Takemoto
- Research Center for Frontier Medical Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuma Nakagoe
- Laboratory for Future, Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yamada
- Laboratory for Future, Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Research Center for Frontier Medical Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mariko Hanafusa
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kawahara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yanagida
- Laboratory for Future, Interdisciplinary Research of Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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Vossen JMBMVD, Kreikamp AP, Hatt V, Ouwens AMT, Brasem D, Heerikhuisen M, Montijn RC. Establishment and application of test methodology demonstrating the functionality of air purification systems in reducing virus loaded aerosol in indoor air. J Hosp Infect 2023; 135:74-80. [PMID: 36918067 PMCID: PMC10008183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a greater interest in improving the ventilation of indoor environments in order to remove aerosolized virus and thus reduce transmission. Air purification systems have been proposed as a solution to improve aerosol removal. AIM The aim is to determine the efficacy of air purification systems in reducing the viral load in environmental air of a room. METHODS A containment room equipped with HEPA filter on air intake and exhaust was constructed. It was connected via an inlet with the BSL-2 facility. From the BSL-2, Feline Corona virus (FCoV) loaded aerosols were released into the containment room. After nebulization, air sampling was performed to determine the viral load in air prior to assessing the clean air delivery rate of the air purification systems. The infectivity of the captured viruses was also examined. FINDINGS The air purification systems realized a 97 to 99% reduction in viral load in air in one hour. Captured infectious FCoV was reduced by 99.9% to 99.99% by use of an ESP technology. CONCLUSIONS The air purification systems, using ESP technology or HEPA filter, reduce the viral load in air. The ESP purifiers inactivate captured FCoV viruses. Therefore, air purification systems can be used as an adjunctive infection control measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos M B M van der Vossen
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands.
| | - Angelique P Kreikamp
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
| | - Volmar Hatt
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
| | - Anita M T Ouwens
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
| | - Dena Brasem
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
| | - Margreet Heerikhuisen
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
| | - Roy C Montijn
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Sylviusweg 71, 2333 BE LEIDEN, the Netherlands
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11
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Fu J, Xu Y, Arts EJ, Bai Z, Chen Z, Zheng Y. Viral disinfection using nonthermal plasma: A critical review and perspectives on the plasma-catalysis system. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136655. [PMID: 36191766 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of viral infections via aerosol has become a serious threat to public health. This has produced an ever-increasing demand for effective forms of viral inactivation technology/processes. Plasma technology is rising in popularity and gaining interest for viral disinfection use. Due to its highly effectively disinfection and flexible operation, non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising technology in decontaminating bacteria or virus from air or surfaces. This review discusses the fundamentals of non-thermal plasma and the disinfection mechanisms of the biocidal agents produced in plasma, including ultraviolet (UV) photons, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species. Perspectives on the role of catalysts and its potential applications in cold plasma disinfection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jile Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Fine Chemicals Green Manufacturing, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China; Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yiyi Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric J Arts
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhengyu Bai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Fine Chemicals Green Manufacturing, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China.
| | - Zhongwei Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Park DH, An SH, Lee Y, Kim YJ, Han B, Kim HJ. Development of On-Demand Antiviral Electrostatic Precipitators with Electrothermal-Based Antiviral Surfaces against Airborne Virus Particles. TOXICS 2022; 10:601. [PMID: 36287881 PMCID: PMC9609375 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter, including airborne pathogens, is of particular concern because it can cause the spread of diseases through aerosol transmission. In this study, a new concept is proposed: on-demand antiviral electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) with electrothermal-based antiviral surfaces. We applied electrothermal-based antiviral surfaces to air-purifying applications and demonstrated that the proposed method is effective with regard to collecting airborne virus particles on collection plates in a two-stage ESP. With alternating current power, MS2 bacteriophage and H1N1 viruses were completely deactivated after exposure to 50 °C for 30 min. This remarkable antiviral performance via electrothermal effects indicates that on-demand platforms for self-antiviral surfaces can perform sterilization immediately without generating secondary pollutants, thus effectively preventing the spread of infectious microorganisms in public places. We believe that the results of this study can provide useful guidelines for the design and realization of practical and wearable devices for antiviral air-purifying applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Hoon Park
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
| | - So-Hee An
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yeawan Lee
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Kim
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
| | - Bangwoo Han
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
| | - Hak-Joon Kim
- Department of Sustainable Environment Research, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Korea
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13
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Rufino de Sousa N, Steponaviciute L, Margerie L, Nissen K, Kjellin M, Reinius B, Salaneck E, Udekwu KI, Rothfuchs AG. Detection and isolation of airborne SARS-CoV-2 in a hospital setting. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13023. [PMID: 35347788 PMCID: PMC9111425 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Transmission mechanisms for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are incompletely understood. In particular, aerosol transmission remains unclear, with viral detection in air and demonstration of its infection potential being actively investigated. To this end, we employed a novel electrostatic collector to sample air from rooms occupied by COVID-19 patients in a major Swedish hospital. Electrostatic air sampling in conjunction with extraction-free, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (hid-RT-PCR) enabled detection of SARS-CoV-2 in air from patient rooms (9/22; 41%) and adjoining anterooms (10/22; 45%). Detection with hid-RT-PCR was concomitant with viral RNA presence on the surface of exhaust ventilation channels in patients and anterooms more than 2 m from the COVID-19 patient. Importantly, it was possible to detect active SARS-CoV-2 particles from room air, with a total of 496 plaque-forming units (PFUs) being isolated, establishing the presence of infectious, airborne SARS-CoV-2 in rooms occupied by COVID-19 patients. Our results support circulation of SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols and urge the revision of existing infection control frameworks to include airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Rufino de Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC)Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Laura Steponaviciute
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC)Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Lucille Margerie
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC)Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Karolina Nissen
- Department of Medical SciencesInfectious DiseasesUppsala UniversityUniversity Hospital UppsalaUppsalaSweden
| | - Midori Kjellin
- Department of Medical SciencesInfectious DiseasesUppsala UniversityUniversity Hospital UppsalaUppsalaSweden
| | - Björn Reinius
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB)Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Erik Salaneck
- Department of Medical SciencesInfectious DiseasesUppsala UniversityUniversity Hospital UppsalaUppsalaSweden
| | - Klas I. Udekwu
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and AssessmentSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
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14
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Kang S, Park DH, Hwang J. Hierarchical ZnO nano-spines grown on a carbon fiber seed layer for efficient VOC removal and airborne virus and bacteria inactivation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127262. [PMID: 34583159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Air purification through fiber-based filters has become a fundamental requirement for air contamination control. However, conventional filters depend on polymeric fibrous filters with adequate particulate matter removal ability but fewer degassing and biocidal effects. This study presents the photocatalytic volatile organic compound (VOC) oxidation and antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-spines sprouted activated-carbon nanofibers (I@ZnO/ACNFs) and their potential for air contamination control and infection prevention. By developing a novel technique that can induce phase separation of inorganic salts during electrospinning, nanofibers with zinc (Zn) components concentrated on the surface could be synthesized. I@ZnO/ACNFs exhibit a surface densely covered with high aspect-ratio ZnO nano-spines with significant lethality to airborne pathogens and enhanced photocatalytic activity toward VOCs. Moreover, excellent adhesion stability of ZnO to ACNFs under rapid airflow was observed in I@ZnO/ACNFs. In combination with intriguing antimicrobial activity and strong VOC removal capability derived from their unique morphology, novel I@ZnO/ACNFs hold potential for airborne microbial disinfection, effective and sustainable VOC purification, and the design of photomicrobicidal and photocatalytic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmo Kang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dae Hoon Park
- Korean Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Department of Environmental Machinery, Daejeon 34103, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungho Hwang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Wan P, Cui H, Zhou W, Fu W, Yang F, Wang Z, Du X, Chu PK, Yu XF. A water-soluble membrane for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid sampling and detection. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:18084-18088. [PMID: 34730160 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05689a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This communication describes a novel water-soluble membrane prepared from chitosan intended for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid collection and detection. The CSH membrane formed from nanofibers shows promising potential in the quantitative determination of the SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acids at a concentration of 102 copies per L in air. The sponge-like structure which allows gas to pass through for collection of viral nucleic acids potentially provides simple, fast, and reliable sampling as well as detection of various types of airborne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Shenzhen Water Planning & Design Institute Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518001, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Water Affairs Big Data and Water Ecology, Shenzhen, 518001
| | - Haodong Cui
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen Fu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhongying Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xuemin Du
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Paul K Chu
- Department of Physics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Qiao Y, Yang M, Marabella IA, McGee DA, Olson BA, Torremorell M, Hogan CJ. Wind tunnel-based testing of a photoelectrochemical oxidative filter-based air purification unit in coronavirus and influenza aerosol removal and inactivation. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:2058-2069. [PMID: 33960547 PMCID: PMC8242653 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Recirculating air purification technologies are employed as potential means of reducing exposure to aerosol particles and airborne viruses. Toward improved testing of recirculating air purification units, we developed and applied a medium-scale single-pass wind tunnel test to examine the size-dependent collection of particles and the collection and inactivation of viable bovine coronavirus (BCoV, a betacoronavirus), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV, an alphacoronavirus), and influenza A virus (IAV), by a commercial air purification unit. The tested unit, the Molekule Air Mini, incorporates a MERV 16 filter as well as a photoelectrochemical oxidating layer. It was found to have a collection efficiency above 95.8% for all tested particle diameters and flow rates, with collection efficiencies above 99% for supermicrometer particles with the minimum collection efficiency for particles smaller than 100 nm. For all three tested viruses, the physical tracer-based log reduction was near 2.0 (99% removal). Conversely, the viable virus log reductions were found to be near 4.0 for IAV, 3.0 for BCoV, and 2.5 for PRCV, suggesting additional inactivation in a virus family- and genus-specific manner. In total, this work describes a suite of test methods which can be used to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of recirculating air purification technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Qiao
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - My Yang
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA
| | - Ian A. Marabella
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Devin A.J. McGee
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Bernard A. Olson
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Montserrat Torremorell
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSaint PaulMNUSA
| | - Christopher J. Hogan
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Science and EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
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17
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Dominguez-Nicolas SM, Manjarrez E. Low-field thoracic magnetic stimulation increases peripheral oxygen saturation levels in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients: A single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27444. [PMID: 34622862 PMCID: PMC8500560 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may cause low oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiratory failure in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Hence, increased SpO2 levels in COVID-19 patients could be crucial for their quality of life and recovery. This study aimed to demonstrate that a 30-minute single session of dorsal low-field thoracic magnetic stimulation (LF-ThMS) can be employed to increase SpO2 levels in COVID-19 patients significantly. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the variables associated with LF-ThMS, such as frequency, magnetic flux density, and temperature in the dorsal thorax, might be correlated to SpO2 levels in these patients.Here we employed an LF-ThMS device to noninvasively deliver a pulsed magnetic field from 100 to 118 Hz and 10.5 to 13.1 milliTesla (i.e., 105 to 131 Gauss) to the dorsal thorax. These values are within the intensity range of several pulsed electromagnetic field devices employed in physical therapy worldwide. We designed a single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study on 5 COVID-19 patients who underwent 2 sessions of the study (real and sham LF-ThMS) and 12 patients who underwent only the real LF-ThMS.We found a statistically significant positive correlation between magnetic flux density, frequency, or temperature, associated with the real LF-ThMS and SpO2 levels in all COVID-19 patients. However, the 5 patients in the sham-controlled study did not exhibit a significant change in their SpO2 levels during sham stimulation. The employed frequencies and magnetic flux densities were safe for the patients. We did not observe adverse events after the LF-ThMS intervention.This study is a proof-of-concept that a single session of LF-ThMS applied for 30 minutes to the dorsal thorax of 17 COVID-19 patients significantly increased their SpO2 levels. However, future research will be needed to understand the physiological mechanisms behind this finding.The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04895267, registered on May 20, 2021) retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04895267.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul M Dominguez-Nicolas
- Centro de Investigación de Micro y Nanotecnología, Universidad Veracruzana, Calzada Ruiz Cortines 455 Boca del Rio, Veracruz, México
- Facultad de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica, Universidad Veracruzana, Calzada Ruiz Cortines 455, Boca del Rio, Veracruz, México
| | - Elias Manjarrez
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 14 Sur 6301, Colonia San Manuel, Apartado Postal 406, Puebla, Puebla, México
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18
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021. [PMID: 34550382 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.14.21255036v1%0a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. OBJECTIVES To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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19
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126447. [PMID: 34550382 PMCID: PMC8459193 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. Objectives To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. Design, Setting, and Participants This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. Main Outcomes and Measures SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. Conclusions and Relevance In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T. Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V. Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W. Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M. Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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20
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Crowe J, Schnaubelt AT, SchmidtBonne S, Angell K, Bai J, Eske T, Nicklin M, Pratt C, White B, Crotts-Hannibal B, Staffend N, Herrera V, Cobb J, Conner J, Carstens J, Tempero J, Bouda L, Ray M, Lawler JV, Campbell WS, Lowe JM, Santarpia J, Bartelt-Hunt S, Wiley M, Brett-Major D, Logan C, Broadhurst MJ. Assessment of a Program for SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Environmental Monitoring in an Urban Public School District. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126447. [PMID: 34550382 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.14.21255036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Scalable programs for school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance are needed to guide in-person learning practices and inform risk assessments in kindergarten through 12th grade settings. OBJECTIVES To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infections in staff and students in an urban public school setting and evaluate test-based strategies to support ongoing risk assessment and mitigation for kindergarten through 12th grade in-person learning. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This pilot quality improvement program engaged 3 schools in Omaha, Nebraska, for weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing of staff and students participating in in-person learning over a 5-week period from November 9 to December 11, 2020. Wastewater, air, and surface samples were collected weekly and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA to evaluate surrogacy for case detection and interrogate transmission risk of in-building activities. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva and environmental samples and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS A total of 2885 supervised, self-collected saliva samples were tested from 458 asymptomatic staff members (mean [SD] age, 42.9 [12.4] years; 303 women [66.2%]; 25 Black or African American [5.5%], 83 Hispanic [18.1%], 312 White [68.1%], and 35 other or not provided [7.6%]) and 315 students (mean age, 14.2 [0.7] years; 151 female students [48%]; 20 Black or African American [6.3%], 201 Hispanic [63.8%], 75 White [23.8%], and 19 other race or not provided [6.0%]). A total of 46 cases of SARS-CoV-2 (22 students and 24 staff members) were detected, representing an increase in cumulative case detection rates from 1.2% (12 of 1000) to 7.0% (70 of 1000) among students and from 2.1% (21 of 1000) to 5.3% (53 of 1000) among staff compared with conventional reporting mechanisms during the pilot period. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in wastewater samples from all pilot schools as well as in air samples collected from 2 choir rooms. Sequencing of 21 viral genomes in saliva specimens demonstrated minimal clustering associated with 1 school. Geographical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases reported district-wide demonstrated higher community risk in zip codes proximal to the pilot schools. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study of staff and students in 3 urban public schools in Omaha, Nebraska, weekly screening of asymptomatic staff and students by saliva polymerase chain reaction testing was associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, exceeding infection rates reported at the county level. Experiences differed among schools, and virus sequencing and geographical analyses suggested a dynamic interplay of school-based and community-derived transmission risk. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the performance and community value of test-based SARS-CoV-2 screening and surveillance strategies in the kindergarten through 12th grade educational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Crowe
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andy T Schnaubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Kathleen Angell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Teresa Eske
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Catherine Pratt
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Bailey White
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Nicholas Staffend
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Vicki Herrera
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Jennifer Conner
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Julie Carstens
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Jonell Tempero
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Lori Bouda
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew Ray
- Omaha Public School District, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - James V Lawler
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - W Scott Campbell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - John-Martin Lowe
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - Joshua Santarpia
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - Michael Wiley
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | | | - M Jana Broadhurst
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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Alic F. Analytical modeling of three-stage inactivation of viruses within droplets and solid porous particles. EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS 2021; 136:663. [PMID: 34155467 PMCID: PMC8210527 DOI: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Various viruses can hide within fluid and solid structures and thus successfully cross different distances, causing the spread of viral infections. Analytical modeling of the triple treatment of virus within a small liquid droplet and within a solid porous particle is the basic research polygon of this paper. The three-stage treatment aims to maximize the efficacy of deactivating viruses indoors. In order to achieve this, viruses undergo treatment by infrared heating, ultraviolet deactivation and ionization-electrostatic deactivation by negative ions. When the droplets are treated with infrared heating, incomplete evaporation occurs, reducing their initial diameter by 10 times; an initial diameter of droplets is 0.01 mm, 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm. Thermal inactivation of viruses inside the droplets is almost negligible, due to short exposure time and a maximum temperature of 100 °C. On the other hand, when solid porous particles are heated to a much higher temperature at the same exposure time, this causes significant thermal inactivation of viruses inside them. Reducing the diameter of the droplet (due to evaporation) by 10 times causes a multiple increase in UV-C deactivation of viruses inside the droplets. The effect of UV-C radiation on viruses within solid porous particles is not included in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fikret Alic
- Department of Thermal and Fluid Technique, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Tuzla, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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22
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A Simple Electrostatic Precipitator for Trapping Virus Particles Spread via Droplet Transmission. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094934. [PMID: 34066356 PMCID: PMC8124561 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a simple electrostatic apparatus to precipitate virus particles spread via droplet transmission, which is especially significant in the context of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The bacteriophage φ6 of Pseudomonas syringae was used as a model of the COVID-19 virus because of its similar structure and safety in experiments. The apparatus consisted of a spiked, perforated stainless plate (S-PSP) linked to a direct-current voltage generator to supply negative charge to the spike tips and a vessel with water (G-water) linked to a ground line. The S-PSP and G-water surface were paralleled at a definite interval. Negative charge supplied to the spike tips positively polarised the G-water by electrostatic induction to form an electric field between them in which ionic wind and negative ions were generated. Bacteriophage-containing water was atomised with a nebuliser and introduced into the electric field. The mist particles were ionised by the negative ions and attracted to the opposite pole (G-water). This apparatus demonstrated a prominent ability to capture phage-containing mist particles of the same sizes as respiratory droplets and aerosols regardless of the phage concentration of the mist particles. The trapped phages were successfully sterilised using ozone bubbling. Thus, the present study provides an effective system for eliminating droplet transmission of viral pathogens from public spaces.
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23
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Qiao Y, Yang M, Marabella IA, McGee DAJ, Aboubakr H, Goyal S, Hogan Jr CJ, Olson BA, Torremorell M. Greater than 3-Log Reduction in Viable Coronavirus Aerosol Concentration in Ducted Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4174-4182. [PMID: 33263988 PMCID: PMC7724980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Control technologies to inactivate airborne viruses effectively are needed during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to guard against airborne transmitted diseases. We demonstrate that sealed UV-C flow reactors operating with fluences near 253 ± 1 nm of 13.9-49.6 mJ cm-2 efficiently inactivate coronaviruses in an aerosol. For measurements, porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) was nebulized in a custom-built, 3.86 m wind tunnel housed in a biosafety level class II facility. The single pass log10 reduction of active coronavirus was in excess of 2.2 at a flow rate of 2439 L min-1 (13.9 mJ cm-2) and in excess of 3.7 (99.98% removal efficiency) at 684 L min-1 (49.6 mJ cm-2). Because virus titers resulting from sampling downstream of the UV-C reactor were below the limit of detection, the true log reduction is likely even higher than measured. Comparison of virus titration results to reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR and measurement of fluorescein concentrations (doped into the nebulized aerosol) reveals that the reduction in viable PRCV is primarily due to UV-C based inactivation, as opposed to physical collection of virus. The results confirm that UV-C flow reactors can efficiently inactivate coronaviruses through incorporation into HVAC ducts or recirculating air purifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Qiao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - My Yang
- Department of Veterinary Population
Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108,
United States
| | - Ian A. Marabella
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Devin A. J. McGee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Hamada Aboubakr
- Department of Veterinary Population
Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108,
United States
| | - Sagar Goyal
- Department of Veterinary Population
Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108,
United States
| | - Christopher J. Hogan Jr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Bernard A. Olson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Montserrat Torremorell
- Department of Veterinary Population
Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108,
United States
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24
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da Costa KM, Saxena AK. Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and identifying insufflators with desufflation mode and surgical smoke evacuators for safe CO 2 removal. Asian J Endosc Surg 2021; 14:165-169. [PMID: 32715659 DOI: 10.1111/ases.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the propensity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to spread, it is imperative that those continuing to perform surgery take precautions to limit the potential generation of contaminated aerosols in smoke from energy-based instruments. The aim of this study was to report current data regarding insufflators with desufflation mode and similar options to safely remove CO2 in minimal access surgery. METHODS A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using the PubMed database, and the main companies that provide surgical devices were contacted for information. RESULTS Most commercially available smoke evacuators use a combination of suction and mechanical filtering. There are also electrostatic precipitators that charge surgical smoke and retain the particles via electrostatic attraction. The search identified three insufflators with desufflation mode, four modular smoke evacuators using mechanical filtration, and only one device using electrostatic precipitation. However, none of these devices has been tested with viruses. CONCLUSION This review identified commercially available equipment that employs mechanical filtering and electrostatic attraction principles that can be used for pneumoperitoneum evacuation during the present coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This pandemic should assist in raising awareness regarding protection measures and the risk of occupational exposure in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M da Costa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chelsea Children's Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatrics, Regional University Hospital of Maringá, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Amulya K Saxena
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chelsea Children's Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, London, UK
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25
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Li D, Lin EZ, Brault MA, Paquette J, Vermund SH, Godri Pollitt KJ. Reopening Schools After a Novel Coronavirus Surge. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1318:785-813. [PMID: 33973212 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63761-3_44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic shook the world in ways not seen since the pandemic influenza of 1918-1919. As of late August 2020, over 25 million persons had been infected, and we will see the global death toll exceed one million by the end of 2020. Both are minimum estimates. All segments of society have been drastically affected. Schools worldwide have been forced to close due to illness and absenteeism, transmission and risk to vulnerable members of the school community, and community concerns. The decision to reopen school during a pandemic will have a tremendous impact on children's safety, growth, and well-being. Not opening invites social isolation and suboptimal educational experiences, especially for youth whose computing assets and online access are limited and those with special needs. The opening has hazards as well, and the mitigation of these risks is the topic of this chapter. Opening schools requires careful considerations of benefits, risks, and precautions. Guiding principles for safety and strategic application of the principles in each educational niche are critical issues to consider during school reopening. The fundamental principles of disease control involve school-directed initiatives (physical distancing and mask use, hand/face and surface cleansing, administrative controls, engineering controls) and individual-level risk reduction approaches to maximize adherence to new guidelines. The school-initiated "top-down" approaches and the individual-level "bottom-up" approaches must be synergized, as no single method will ensure safety. We discuss how to effectively layer strategies in each educational space to increase safety. Since the vulnerability of children has been heightened during this pandemic crisis, we highlight the special considerations for mental health support that should be considered by schools. The safety principles, disease control strategies, and other critical issues discussed here will serve as a starting point for developing a safe, comprehensive, and feasible reopening plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Julie Paquette
- Office of Facilities, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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26
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Virus-sampling technologies in different environments. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19 ) 2021. [PMCID: PMC8237644 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-85780-2.00010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to pathogenic microorganisms, especially viruses, can lead to various diseases, allergies, and hospital infections. The application of sampling procedure is still a challenge to sample viruses from different environments such as air, water, wastewater, etc. However, there are many procedures such as filtration, impactor, impinger, cyclone, electrostatic separator, and MD-8 airscan that are applied for sampling and measuring viruses from air. Among conventional filters, the gelatin type can be readily dissolved in a liquid for molecular counting or cell culture without significant changes in virus tissue. Liquid impingers are the most frequent devices that are applied for the collection of viral aerosols. Also, many methods including precipitation, ultracentrifugation, electronegative membrane, and ultrafiltration have been used to prepare samples of food, wastewater, feces, urine, and surfaces. In many studies, the aforementioned methods have been employed to sample the coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 in various environments. Also, various PCR procedures have been commonly used to identify the virus from the environmental samples.
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27
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Barlas SB, Adalier N, Dasdag O, Dasdag S. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 with a biophysical perspective. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2021.1885997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sait Berk Barlas
- Pre-Graduate Internship Department, Medical School, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Adalier
- Pre-Graduate Internship Department, Medical School, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Omer Dasdag
- Pre-Graduate Internship Department, Medical School, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Dasdag
- Biophysics Department, Medical School, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
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28
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Buggisch JR, Göhler D, Le Pape A, Roger S, Ouaissi M, Stintz M, Rudolph A, Giger-Pabst U. Experimental Model to Test Electrostatic Precipitation Technology in the COVID-19 Era: A Pilot Study. J Am Coll Surg 2020; 231:704-712. [PMID: 32891798 PMCID: PMC7470820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.08.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the COVID-19 crisis, laparoscopic surgery is in focus as a relevant source of bioaerosol release. The efficacy of electrostatic aerosol precipitation (EAP) and continuous aerosol evacuation (CAE) to eliminate bioaerosols during laparoscopic surgery was verified. STUDY DESIGN Ex-vivo laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) were simulated ± EAP or CAE in Pelvitrainer equipped with swine gallbladders. Release of bioaerosols was initiated by performing high-frequency electrosurgery with a monopolar electro hook (MP-HOOK) force at 40 watts (MP-HOOK40) and 60 watts (MP-HOOK60), as well as by ultrasonic cutting (USC). Particle number concentrations (PNC) of arising aerosols were analyzed with a condensation particle counter (CPC). Aerosol samples were taken within the Pelvitrainer close to the source, outside the Pelvitrainer at the working trocar, and in the breathing zone of the surgeon. RESULTS Within the Pelvitrainer, MP-HOOK40 (6.4 × 105 cm-3) and MP-HOOK60 (7.3 × 105 cm-3) showed significantly higher median PNCs compared to USC (4.4 × 105 cm-3) (p = 0.001). EAP led to a significant decrease of the median PNCs in all 3 groups. A high linear correlation with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.852, 0.825, and 0.759 were observed by comparing MP-HOOK40 (± EAP), MP-HOOK60 (± EAP), and USC (± EAP), respectively. During ex-vivo LC and CAE, significant bioaerosol contaminations of the operating room occurred. Ex-vivo LC with EAP led to a considerable reduction of the bioaerosol concentration. CONCLUSIONS EAP was found to be efficient for intraoperative bioaerosol elimination and reducing the risk of bioaerosol exposure for surgical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Göhler
- Technologie-orientierte Partikel-, Analysen- und Sensortechnik, Topas GmbH, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alain Le Pape
- CNRS UPS44, CIPA, PHENOMIN-TAAM, Orléans, Tours, France
| | - Sébastien Roger
- EA4245 Transplantation, Immunologie, Inflammation, Université de Tours, Tours, Tours, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, Tours, France
| | - Mehdi Ouaissi
- EA4245 Transplantation, Immunologie, Inflammation, Université de Tours, Tours, Tours, France; Department of Digestive, Oncological, Endocrine, Hepato-Biliary, Pancreatic and Liver Transplant Surgery, University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Michael Stintz
- Research Group Mechanical Process Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering and Environmental Technology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Rudolph
- Technologie-orientierte Partikel-, Analysen- und Sensortechnik, Topas GmbH, Dresden, Germany
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29
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Park DH, Joe YH, Piri A, An S, Hwang J. Determination of Air Filter Anti-Viral Efficiency against an Airborne Infectious Virus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 396:122640. [PMID: 32339873 PMCID: PMC7152926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, various studies have reported the prevention and treatment of respiratory infection outbreaks caused by lethal viruses. Consequently, a variety of air filters coated with antimicrobial agents have been developed to capture and inactivate virus particles in continuous airflow conditions. However, since aerosolized infectious viral-testing is inadvisable due to safety concerns, their anti-viral capability has only been tested by inserting the filters into liquid media, where infectious virus particles disperse. In this study a novel method of determining anti-viral performance of an air filter against airborne infectious viruses is presented. Initially, anti-viral air filter tests were conducted. Firstly, by an air-media test, in which the air filter was placed against an aerosolized non-infectious virus. Secondly, by a liquid-media test, in which the filter was inserted into a liquid medium containing a non-infectious virus. Subsequently, a correlation was established by comparing the susceptibility constants obtained between the two medium tests and an association was found for the air medium test with infectious virus. After ensuring the relationship did not depend on the virus species, the correlation was used to derive the results of the air-medium test from the results of the liquid-medium test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Hoon Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Haeng Joe
- Climate Change Research Division, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea
| | - Amin Piri
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanggwon An
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Hwang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Bhardwaj J, Kim MW, Jang J. Rapid Airborne Influenza Virus Quantification Using an Antibody-Based Electrochemical Paper Sensor and Electrostatic Particle Concentrator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10700-10712. [PMID: 32833440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Airborne influenza viruses are responsible for serious respiratory diseases, and most detection methods for airborne viruses are based on extraction of nucleic acids. Herein, vertical-flow-assay-based electrochemical paper immunosensors were fabricated to rapidly quantify the influenza H1N1 viruses in air after sampling with a portable electrostatic particle concentrator (EPC). The effects of antibodies, anti-influenza nucleoprotein antibodies (NP-Abs) and anti-influenza hemagglutinin antibodies (HA-Abs), on the paper sensors as well as nonpulsed high electrostatic fields with and without corona charging on the virus measurement were investigated. The antigenicity losses of the surface (HA) proteins were caused by H2O2 via lipid oxidation-derived radicals and 1O2 via direct protein peroxidation upon exposure of a high electrostatic field. However, minimal losses in antigenicity of NP of the influenza viruses were observed, and the concentration of the H1N1 viruses was more than 160 times higher in the EPC than the BioSampler upon using NP-Ab based paper sensors after 60 min collection. This NP-Ab-based paper sensors with the EPC provided measurements comparable to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) but much quicker, specific to the influenza H1N1 viruses in the presence of other airborne microorganisms and beads, and more cost-effective than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-Woo Kim
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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31
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On the Optimal Indoor Air Conditions for SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation. An Enthalpy-Based Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176083. [PMID: 32825607 PMCID: PMC7504028 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In the CoViD-19 pandemic, the precautionary approach suggests that all possible measures should be established and implemented to avoid contagion, including through aerosols. For indoor spaces, the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 could be mitigated not only via air changes, but also by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems maintaining thermodynamic conditions possibly adverse to the virus. However, data available in literature on virus survival were never treated aiming to this. In fact, based on comparisons in terms of specific enthalpy, a domain of indoor comfort conditions between 50 and 60 kJ/kg is found to comply with this objective, and an easy-to-use relationship for setting viable pairs of humidity and temperature using a proper HVAC plant is proposed. If confirmed via further investigations on this research path, these findings could open interesting scenarios on the use of indoor spaces during the pandemic.
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32
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Wexner SD, Cortés‐Guiral D, Gilshtein H, Kent I, Reymond MA. COVID-19: impact on colorectal surgery. Colorectal Dis 2020; 22:635-640. [PMID: 32359223 PMCID: PMC7267609 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for the medical and surgical healthcare systems. With the ongoing need for urgent and emergency colorectal surgery, including surgery for colorectal cancer, several questions pertaining to operating room (OR) utilization and techniques needed to be rapidly addressed. METHOD This manuscript discusses knowledge related to the critical considerations of patient and caregiver safety relating to personal protective equipment (PPE) and the operating room environment. RESULTS During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required contingent upon local availability of COVID-19 testing and the incidence of known COVID-19 infection in the respective community. In addition to standard COVID-19 PPE precautions, a negative-pressure environment, including an OR, has been recommended, especially for the performance of aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Hospital spaces ranging from patient wards to ORs to endoscopy rooms have been successfully converted from standard positive-pressure to negative-pressure spaces. Another important consideration is the method of surgical access; specifically, minimally invasive surgery with pneumoperitoneum is an AGP and thus must be carefully considered. Current debate centres around whether it should be avoided in patients known to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 or whether it can be performed under precautions with safety measures in place to minimize exposure to aerosolized virus particles. Several important lessons learned from pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy procedures are demonstrated to help improve our understanding and management. CONCLUSION This paper evaluates the issues surrounding these challenges including the OR environment and AGPs which are germane to surgical practices around the world. Although there is no single universally agreed upon set of answers, we have presented what we think is a balanced cogent description of logical safe approaches to colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. D. Wexner
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryCleveland Clinic FloridaWestonFloridaUSA
| | - D. Cortés‐Guiral
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryKing Khalid HospitalNejranSaudi Arabia
| | - H. Gilshtein
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryCleveland Clinic FloridaWestonFloridaUSA
| | - I. Kent
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryCleveland Clinic FloridaWestonFloridaUSA
| | - M. A. Reymond
- Department of General and Transplant SurgeryNational Center for Pleura and Peritoneum (NCPP)TübingenGermany
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33
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Mainelis G. Bioaerosol Sampling: Classical Approaches, Advances, and Perspectives. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2020; 54:496-519. [PMID: 35923417 PMCID: PMC9344602 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2019.1671950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol sampling is an essential and integral part of any bioaerosol investigation. Since bioaerosols are very diverse in terms of their sizes, species, biological properties, and requirements for their detection and quantification, bioaerosol sampling is an active, yet challenging research area. This paper was inspired by the discussions during the 2018 International Aerosol Conference (IAC) (St. Louis, MO) regarding the need to summarize the current state of the art in bioaerosol research, including bioaerosol sampling, and the need to develop a more standardized set of guidelines for protocols used in bioaerosol research. The manuscript is a combination of literature review and perspectives: it discusses the main bioaerosol sampling techniques and then overviews the latest technical developments in each area; the overview is followed by the discussion of the emerging trends and developments in the field, including personal sampling, application of passive samplers, and advances toward improving bioaerosol detection limits as well as the emerging challenges such as collection of viruses and collection of unbiased samples for bioaerosol sequencing. The paper also discusses some of the practical aspects of bioaerosol sampling with particular focus on sampling aspects that could lead to bioaerosol determination bias. The manuscript concludes by suggesting several goals for bioaerosol sampling and development community to work towards and describes some of the grand bioaerosol challenges discussed at the IAC 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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34
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Rufino de Sousa N, Sandström N, Shen L, Håkansson K, Vezozzo R, Udekwu KI, Croda J, Rothfuchs AG. A fieldable electrostatic air sampler enabling tuberculosis detection in bioaerosols. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2020; 120:101896. [PMID: 32090857 PMCID: PMC7049907 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2019.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) infects about 25% of the world population and claims more human lives than any other infectious disease. TB is spread by inhalation of aerosols containing viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis expectorated or exhaled by patients with active pulmonary disease. Air-sampling technology could play an important role in TB control by enabling the detection of airborne M. tuberculosis, but tools that are easy to use and scalable in TB hotspots are lacking. We developed an electrostatic air sampler termed the TB Hotspot DetectOR (THOR) and investigated its performance in laboratory aerosol experiments and in a prison hotspot of TB transmission. We show that THOR collects aerosols carrying microspheres, Bacillus globigii spores and M. bovis BCG, concentrating these microparticles onto a collector piece designed for subsequent detection analysis. The unit was also successfully operated in the complex setting of a prison hotspot, enabling detection of a molecular signature for M. tuberculosis in the cough of inmates. Future deployment of this device may lead to a measurable impact on TB case-finding by screening individuals through the aerosols they generate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Rufino de Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Sandström
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lei Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Håkansson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rafaella Vezozzo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
| | - Klas I Udekwu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institutet, Stockholms Universitet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julio Croda
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
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35
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Pan M, Lednicky J, Wu C. Collection, particle sizing and detection of airborne viruses. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:1596-1611. [PMID: 30974505 PMCID: PMC7167052 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Viruses that affect humans, animals and plants are often dispersed and transmitted through airborne routes of infection. Due to current technological deficiencies, accurate determination of the presence of airborne viruses is challenging. This shortcoming limits our ability to evaluate the actual threat arising from inhalation or other relevant contact with aerosolized viruses. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms of airborne transmission of viruses, air sampling technologies that can detect the presence of aerosolized viruses, effectively collect them and maintain their viability, and determine their distribution in aerosol particles, are needed. The latest developments in sampling and detection methodologies for airborne viruses, their limitations, factors that can affect their performance and current research needs, are discussed in this review. Much more work is needed on the establishment of standard air sampling methods and their performance requirements. Sampling devices that can collect a wide size range of virus-containing aerosols and maintain the viability of the collected viruses are needed. Ideally, the devices would be portable and technology-enabled for on-the-spot detection and rapid identification of the viruses. Broad understanding of the airborne transmission of viruses is of seminal importance for the establishment of better infection control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Pan
- Department of Environmental Engineering SciencesEngineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and EnvironmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - J.A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global HealthCollege of Public Health & Health ProfessionsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
- Emerging Pathogens InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - C.‐Y. Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering SciencesEngineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and EnvironmentUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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36
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Vass AA. Death is in the air: Confirmation of decomposition without a corpse. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:149-159. [PMID: 31153992 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This case report summarises the investigation of a death scene in the trunk of a car. Air sampling, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry on samples of carpet and tyre well scrapings from the vehicle's trunk were utilised to confirm the presence of a human decompositional event even though no human remains were discovered in the vehicle. Air sampling has been used in numerous industries for many decades, but only recently has been applied to forensic investigations although it has been at the centre of controversy over the use of this technique in such cases. This report also describes the value of such investigative tools and points to the discovery of evidence, which, without the use of these techniques, would not have been identified.
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Lin XT, Hsu NY, Wang JR, Chen NT, Su HJ, Lin MY. Development of an efficient viral aerosol collector for higher sampling flow rate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:3884-3893. [PMID: 29177778 PMCID: PMC7089394 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0754-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Viral aerosol infection through cough generates large amounts of viral aerosol and can result in many adverse health effects such as influenza flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). To characterize the coughed viral aerosol, the sampler needs to sample at higher flow rate and possess high physical collection efficiency as well as high viral preservation. However, most current inertia-based high flow bioaerosol samplers are not suited for viral aerosol sampling since the viability will be lost doing the sampling process. Current condensation growth methods only have good physical collection efficiency and viral preservation at low flow rate (< 10 LPM). In this study, we developed a viral aerosol sampling system using a cooler and steam-jet aerosol collector (SJAC) for bioaerosol collection for the first time. The system is based on mixing condensation growth method and has high viral preservation at a higher flow rate (12.5 LPM). We control the inlet aerosol flow temperature and the SJAC mixing reservoir temperature to improve the physical collection efficiency and viability preservation of the viral aerosol. Results indicate that the physical collection efficiency is 70-99% for aerosol 30-100 nm when the aerosol flow and mixing reservoir temperature was 19 and 50 °C, respectively. In addition, the system was 7 and 22 times more efficient for viability preservation of MS2 bacteriophage than the commonly used All Glass Impinger 30 (AGI-30) and BioSampler®, respectively. Finally, the system can be applied to sample at a lower concentration (105 PFU/m3), and results shows the system was 4.7 times more efficient for viability preservation than using AGI-30 alone. The developed viral collection system will improve our understanding of the characteristics of coughed aerosol and can be used for future evaluation of respiratory protective equipment and environmental sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ting Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Yun Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Ren Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Tzu Chen
- National Environmental Health Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, No.35, Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Jen Su
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yeng Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan, Taiwan.
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38
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Ladhani L, Pardon G, Meeuws H, van Wesenbeeck L, Schmidt K, Stuyver L, van der Wijngaart W. Sampling and detection of airborne influenza virus towards point-of-care applications. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174314. [PMID: 28350811 PMCID: PMC5369763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne transmission of the influenza virus contributes significantly to the spread of this infectious pathogen, particularly over large distances when carried by aerosol droplets with long survival times. Efficient sampling of virus-loaded aerosol in combination with a low limit of detection of the collected virus could enable rapid and early detection of airborne influenza virus at the point-of-care setting. Here, we demonstrate a successful sampling and detection of airborne influenza virus using a system specifically developed for such applications. Our system consists of a custom-made electrostatic precipitation (ESP)-based bioaerosol sampler that is coupled with downstream quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. Aerosolized viruses are sampled directly into a miniaturized collector with liquid volume of 150 μL, which constitutes a simple and direct interface with subsequent biological assays. This approach reduces sample dilution by at least one order of magnitude when compared to other liquid-based aerosol bio-samplers. Performance of our ESP-based sampler was evaluated using influenza virus-loaded sub-micron aerosols generated from both cultured and clinical samples. Despite the miniaturized collection volume, we demonstrate a collection efficiency of at least 10% and sensitive detection of a minimum of 3721 RNA copies. Furthermore, we show that an improved extraction protocol can allow viral recovery of down to 303 RNA copies and a maximum sampler collection efficiency of 47%. A device with such a performance would reduce sampling times dramatically, from a few hours with current sampling methods down to a couple of minutes with our ESP-based bioaerosol sampler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Ladhani
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Micro and Nanosystems, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gaspard Pardon
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Micro and Nanosystems, Stockholm, Sweden
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39
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Hong S, Bhardwaj J, Han CH, Jang J. Gentle Sampling of Submicrometer Airborne Virus Particles using a Personal Electrostatic Particle Concentrator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:12365-12372. [PMID: 27786464 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of airborne viruses via sampling have been critical issues. Most electrostatic samplers have been assessed for bacterial aerosols or micrometer-sized viral particles; however, sampling of submicrometer-sized airborne viruses is necessary, especially because of the high probability of their staying airborne and their deposition in the lower respiratory tract. Here, we present a novel personal electrostatic particle concentrator (EPC) for gentle sampling of submicrometer airborne virus particles. Owing to the enhanced electric field designed in this EPC, the collection efficiencies reached values as high as 99.3-99.8% for 0.05-2 μm diameter polystyrene particles at a flow rate of 1.2 L/min. Submicrometer-sized MS2 and T3 virus particles were also collected in the EPC, and the concentrations relative to their respective initial suspensions were more than 10 times higher than those in the SKC BioSampler. Moreover, the recovery rate of T3 was 982 times higher in the EPC (-2 kV) than in the BioSampler at 12.5 L/min because of the gentle sampling of the EPC. Gentle sampling is desirable because many bioaerosols suffer from significant viability losses during sampling. The influence of ozone generated, applied electrostatic field, and the flow rate on the viability of the viruses will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongkyeol Hong
- School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNIST , Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Ho Han
- School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesung Jang
- School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNIST , Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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40
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Joe YH, Park DH, Hwang J. Evaluation of Ag nanoparticle coated air filter against aerosolized virus: Anti-viral efficiency with dust loading. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 301:547-53. [PMID: 26434534 PMCID: PMC7116979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effect of dust loading on the anti-viral ability of an anti-viral air filter was investigated. Silver nanoparticles approximately 11 nm in diameter were synthesized via a spark discharge generation system and were used as anti-viral agents coated onto a medium air filter. The pressure drop, filtration efficiency, and anti-viral ability of the filter against aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 virus particles were tested with dust loading. The filtration efficiency and pressure drop increased with dust loading, while the anti-viral ability decreased. Theoretical analysis of anti-viral ability with dust loading was carried out using a mathematical model based on that presented by Joe et al. (J. Hazard. Mater.; 280: 356-363, 2014). Our model can be used to compare anti-viral abilities of various anti-viral agents, determine appropriate coating areal density of anti-viral agent on a filter, and predict the life cycle of an anti-viral filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Haeng Joe
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dae Hoon Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungho Hwang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
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41
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Ionizing air affects influenza virus infectivity and prevents airborne-transmission. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11431. [PMID: 26101102 PMCID: PMC4477231 DOI: 10.1038/srep11431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
By the use of a modified ionizer device we describe effective prevention of airborne transmitted influenza A (strain Panama 99) virus infection between animals and inactivation of virus (>97%). Active ionizer prevented 100% (4/4) of guinea pigs from infection. Moreover, the device effectively captured airborne transmitted calicivirus, rotavirus and influenza virus, with recovery rates up to 21% after 40 min in a 19 m3 room. The ionizer generates negative ions, rendering airborne particles/aerosol droplets negatively charged and electrostatically attracts them to a positively charged collector plate. Trapped viruses are then identified by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR. The device enables unique possibilities for rapid and simple removal of virus from air and offers possibilities to simultaneously identify and prevent airborne transmission of viruses.
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42
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Jing H, Wang X, Wang WN, Biswas P. Elemental mercury oxidation in an electrostatic precipitator enhanced with in situ soft X-ray irradiation. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2015; 65:455-465. [PMID: 25947215 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2014.998352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Corona discharge based techniques are promising approaches for oxidizing elemental mercury (Hg0) in flue gas from coal combustion. In this study, in-situ soft X-rays were coupled to a DC (direct current) corona-based electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The soft X-rays significantly enhanced Hg0 oxidation, due to generation of electrons from photoionization of gas molecules and the ESP electrodes. This coupling technique worked better in the positive corona discharge mode because more electrons were in the high energy region near the electrode. Detailed mechanisms of Hg0 oxidation are proposed and discussed based on ozone generation measurements and Hg0 oxidation behavior observations in single gas environments (O2, N2, and CO2). The effect of O2 concentration in flue gas, as well as the effects of particles (SiO2, TiO2, and KI) was also evaluated. In addition, the performance of a soft X-rays coupled ESP in Hg0 oxidations was investigated in a lab-scale coal combustion system. With the ESP voltage at +10 kV, soft X-ray enhancement, and KI addition, mercury oxidation was maximized. IMPLICATIONS Mercury is a significant-impact atmospheric pollutant due to its toxicity. Coal-fired power plants are the primary emission sources of anthropogenic releases of mercury; hence, mercury emission control from coal-fired power plant is important. This study provides an alternative mercury control technology for coal-fired power plants. The proposed electrostatic precipitator with in situ soft X-rays has high efficiency on elemental mercury conversion. Effects of flue gas conditions (gas compositions, particles, etc.) on performance of this technology were also evaluated, which provided guidance on the application of the technology for coal-fired power plant mercury control.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Jing
- a Aerosol and Air Quality Research Laboratory, Department of Energy , Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis , MO , USA
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43
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Wu Y, Liang Y, Wei K, Li W, Yao M, Zhang J, Grinshpun SA. MS2 virus inactivation by atmospheric-pressure cold plasma using different gas carriers and power levels. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:996-1002. [PMID: 25416775 PMCID: PMC4292470 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03322-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, airborne MS2 bacteriophages were exposed for subsecond time intervals to atmospheric-pressure cold plasma (APCP) produced using different power levels (20, 24, and 28 W) and gas carriers (ambient air, Ar-O2 [2%, vol/vol], and He-O2 [2%, vol/vol]). In addition, waterborne MS2 viruses were directly subjected to the APCP treatment for up to 3 min. MS2 viruses with and without the APCP exposure were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Viral inactivation was shown to exhibit linear relationships with the APCP generation power and exposure time (R(2) > 0.95 for all energy levels tested) up to 95% inactivation (1.3-log reduction) after a subsecond airborne exposure at 28 W; about the same inactivation level was achieved for waterborne viruses with an exposure time of less than 1 min. A larger amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as atomic oxygen, in APCP was detected for a higher generation power with Ar-O2 and He-O2 gas carriers. SEM images, SDS-PAGE, and agarose gel analysis of exposed waterborne viruses showed various levels of damage to both surface proteins and their related RNA genes after the APCP exposure, thus leading to the loss of their viability and infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongdong Liang
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wei
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Maosheng Yao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sergey A Grinshpun
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Joe YH, Woo K, Hwang J. Fabrication of an anti-viral air filter with SiO₂-Ag nanoparticles and performance evaluation in a continuous airflow condition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2014; 280:356-63. [PMID: 25179108 PMCID: PMC7116941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, SiO2 nanoparticles surface coated with Ag nanoparticles (SA particles) were fabricated to coat a medium air filter. The pressure drop, filtration efficiency, and anti-viral ability of the filter were evaluated against aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 in a continuous air flow condition. A mathematical approach was developed to measure the anti-viral ability of the filter with various virus deposition times. Moreover, two quality factors based on the anti-viral ability of the filter, and a traditional quality factor based on filtration efficiency, were calculated. The filtration efficiency and pressure drop increased with decreasing media velocity and with increasing SA particle coating level. The anti-viral efficiency also increased with increasing SA particle coating level, and decreased by with increasing virus deposition time. Consequently, SA particle coating on a filter does not have significant effects on filtration quality, and there is an optimal coating level to produce the highest anti-viral quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Haeng Joe
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyoungja Woo
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Cheongryang, Seoul 130-650, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungho Hwang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
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Turgeon N, Toulouse MJ, Martel B, Moineau S, Duchaine C. Comparison of five bacteriophages as models for viral aerosol studies. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 80:4242-50. [PMID: 24795379 PMCID: PMC4068686 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00767-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are perceived to be good models for the study of airborne viruses because they are safe to use, some of them display structural features similar to those of human and animal viruses, and they are relatively easy to produce in large quantities. Yet, only a few studies have investigated them as models. It has previously been demonstrated that aerosolization, environmental conditions, and sampling conditions affect viral infectivity, but viral infectivity is virus dependent. Thus, several virus models are likely needed to study their general behavior in aerosols. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerosolization and sampling on the infectivity of five tail-less bacteriophages and two pathogenic viruses: MS2 (a single-stranded RNA [ssRNA] phage of the Leviviridae family), Φ6 (a segmented double-stranded RNA [dsRNA] phage of the Cystoviridae family), ΦX174 (a single-stranded DNA [ssDNA] phage of the Microviridae family), PM2 (a double-stranded DNA [dsDNA] phage of the Corticoviridae family), PR772 (a dsDNA phage of the Tectiviridae family), human influenza A virus H1N1 (an ssRNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family), and the poultry virus Newcastle disease virus (NDV; an ssRNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family). Three nebulizers and two nebulization salt buffers (with or without organic fluid) were tested, as were two aerosol sampling devices, a liquid cyclone (SKC BioSampler) and a dry cyclone (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health two-stage cyclone bioaerosol sampler). The presence of viruses in collected air samples was detected by culture and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Our results showed that these selected five phages behave differently when aerosolized and sampled. RNA phage MS2 and ssDNA phage ΦX174 were the most resistant to aerosolization and sampling. The presence of organic fluid in the nebulization buffer protected phages PR772 and Φ6 throughout the aerosolization and sampling with dry cyclones. In this experimental setup, the behavior of the influenza virus resembled that of phages PR772 and Φ6, while the behavior of NDV was closer to that of phages MS2 and ΦX174. These results provide critical information for the selection of appropriate phage models to mimic the behavior of specific human and animal viruses in aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Turgeon
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Hôpital Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Toulouse
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Hôpital Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruno Martel
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Duchaine
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Hôpital Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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46
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Soft-X-ray-enhanced electrostatic precipitation for protection against inhalable allergens, ultrafine particles, and microbial infections. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 79:1333-41. [PMID: 23263945 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02897-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protection of the human lung from infectious agents, allergens, and ultrafine particles is difficult with current technologies. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove airborne particles of >0.3 μm with 99.97% efficiency, but they are expensive to maintain. Electrostatic precipitation has been used as an inexpensive approach to remove large particles from airflows, but it has a collection efficiency minimum in the submicrometer size range, allowing for a penetration window for some allergens and ultrafine particles. Incorporating soft X-ray irradiation as an in situ component of the electrostatic precipitation process greatly improves capture efficiency of ultrafine particles. Here we demonstrate the removal and inactivation capabilities of soft-X-ray-enhanced electrostatic precipitation technology targeting infectious agents (Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and poxviruses), allergens, and ultrafine particles. Incorporation of in situ soft X-ray irradiation at low-intensity corona conditions resulted in (i) 2-fold to 9-fold increase in capture efficiency of 200- to 600-nm particles and (ii) a considerable delay in the mean day of death as well as lower overall mortality rates in ectromelia virus (ECTV) cohorts. At the high-intensity corona conditions, nearly complete protection from viral and bacterial respiratory infection was afforded to the murine models for all biological agents tested. When optimized for combined efficient particle removal with limited ozone production, this technology could be incorporated into stand-alone indoor air cleaners or scaled for installation in aircraft cabin, office, and residential heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
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47
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Lore MB, Sebastian JM, Brown TL, Viner AS, McCullough NV, Hinrichs SH. Performance of conventional and antimicrobial-treated filtering facepiece respirators challenged with biological aerosols. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:69-80. [PMID: 22206440 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2011.640273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the filtration performance of four commercially available models of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) against both biological and inert aerosols at a flow rate of 85 L/min. Conventional N95 and P100 FFRs and two antimicrobial (AM)-treated FFRs (an N95 and a P95, both with iodine-based AM treatments) were tested for both physical penetration (PEN(P)) and viable penetration (PEN(V)) with three different bioaerosols, including MS2 bacteriophage virus, and the spores and vegetative cells of Bacillus atrophaeus bacteria, in addition to inert sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosol. For each FFR model, the PEN(P) measured with NaCl was predictive of its MS2 PEN(P), and it was observed that spores and bacteria aerosols were also filtered similarly to the inert aerosol. For both conventional FFRs, up to a 1-log reduction in PEN(V) in comparison with PEN(P) was observed and attributed to the experimental variability of the test system. For both models of AM-FFRs, no statistically significant differences between PEN(V) and PEN(P) for any of the three different bioaerosol challenges were observed. Thus, no bioaerosol filtration enhancement over the conventional FFRs was detected for either iodine-based AM-FFR. In the absence of any standardized test methods, we recommend that future studies evaluating the filtration performance of AM-treated FFRs incorporate the experimental best practices described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Lore
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, Nebraska, USA
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