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Asplin P, Mancy R, Finnie T, Cumming F, Keeling MJ, Hill EM. Symptom propagation in respiratory pathogens of public health concern: a review of the evidence. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240009. [PMID: 39045688 PMCID: PMC11267474 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Symptom propagation occurs when the symptom set an individual experiences is correlated with the symptom set of the individual who infected them. Symptom propagation may dramatically affect epidemiological outcomes, potentially causing clusters of severe disease. Conversely, it could result in chains of mild infection, generating widespread immunity with minimal cost to public health. Despite accumulating evidence that symptom propagation occurs for many respiratory pathogens, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we conducted a scoping literature review for 14 respiratory pathogens to ascertain the extent of evidence for symptom propagation by two mechanisms: dose-severity relationships and route-severity relationships. We identify considerable heterogeneity between pathogens in the relative importance of the two mechanisms, highlighting the importance of pathogen-specific investigations. For almost all pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, we found support for at least one of the two mechanisms. For some pathogens, including influenza, we found convincing evidence that both mechanisms contribute to symptom propagation. Furthermore, infectious disease models traditionally do not include symptom propagation. We summarize the present state of modelling advancements to address the methodological gap. We then investigate a simplified disease outbreak scenario, finding that under strong symptom propagation, isolating mildly infected individuals can have negative epidemiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Asplin
- EPSRC & MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics for Real-World Systems, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rebecca Mancy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas Finnie
- Data, Analytics and Surveillance, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Fergus Cumming
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, UK
| | - Matt J. Keeling
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Edward M. Hill
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Asplin P, Keeling MJ, Mancy R, Hill EM. Epidemiological and health economic implications of symptom propagation in respiratory pathogens: A mathematical modelling investigation. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012096. [PMID: 38701066 PMCID: PMC11095726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory pathogens inflict a substantial burden on public health and the economy. Although the severity of symptoms caused by these pathogens can vary from asymptomatic to fatal, the factors that determine symptom severity are not fully understood. Correlations in symptoms between infector-infectee pairs, for which evidence is accumulating, can generate large-scale clusters of severe infections that could be devastating to those most at risk, whilst also conceivably leading to chains of mild or asymptomatic infections that generate widespread immunity with minimal cost to public health. Although this effect could be harnessed to amplify the impact of interventions that reduce symptom severity, the mechanistic representation of symptom propagation within mathematical and health economic modelling of respiratory diseases is understudied. METHODS AND FINDINGS We propose a novel framework for incorporating different levels of symptom propagation into models of infectious disease transmission via a single parameter, α. Varying α tunes the model from having no symptom propagation (α = 0, as typically assumed) to one where symptoms always propagate (α = 1). For parameters corresponding to three respiratory pathogens-seasonal influenza, pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2-we explored how symptom propagation impacted the relative epidemiological and health-economic performance of three interventions, conceptualised as vaccines with different actions: symptom-attenuating (labelled SA), infection-blocking (IB) and infection-blocking admitting only mild breakthrough infections (IB_MB). In the absence of interventions, with fixed underlying epidemiological parameters, stronger symptom propagation increased the proportion of cases that were severe. For SA and IB_MB, interventions were more effective at reducing prevalence (all infections and severe cases) for higher strengths of symptom propagation. For IB, symptom propagation had no impact on effectiveness, and for seasonal influenza this intervention type was more effective than SA at reducing severe infections for all strengths of symptom propagation. For pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2, at low intervention uptake, SA was more effective than IB for all levels of symptom propagation; for high uptake, SA only became more effective under strong symptom propagation. Health economic assessments found that, for SA-type interventions, the amount one could spend on control whilst maintaining a cost-effective intervention (termed threshold unit intervention cost) was very sensitive to the strength of symptom propagation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the preferred intervention type depended on the combination of the strength of symptom propagation and uptake. Given the importance of determining robust public health responses, we highlight the need to gather further data on symptom propagation, with our modelling framework acting as a template for future analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Asplin
- EPSRC & MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics for Real-World Systems, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Keeling
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Mancy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Edward M. Hill
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Braggion A, Dugerdil A, Wilson O, Hovagemyan F, Flahault A. Indoor Air Quality and COVID-19: A Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2024; 44:1605803. [PMID: 38273885 PMCID: PMC10810127 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1605803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major public health concern for the past 3 years. Scientific evidence on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and indoor air quality still needs to be demonstrated. This scoping review aims to study the association between air quality indoors and COVID-19. Methods: A scoping review analyzing the association between indoor air quality and epidemiological outcomes was conducted. Papers published between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2022 were included. Hospital settings were excluded from the study. Results: Eight relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. Indoor settings included workplaces, schools, restaurants, and public transport. Types of ventilation used to improve indoor air quality were dilution methods (opening windows) and mechanical systems with or without filtration or purifier. CO2 sensors were employed in one study. All the studies showed a positive association between indoor air quality and its improvement and epidemiological indicators. Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review indicate that indoor air quality, which can be improved with ventilation methods, may reduce the risk of developing COVID-19. Ventilation could thus be viewed as a possible effective mitigating method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Braggion
- Institut de Santé Globale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adeline Dugerdil
- Institut de Santé Globale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olwen Wilson
- Institut de Santé Globale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Public Policy, London School of Economics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Hovagemyan
- Institut de Santé Globale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institut de Santé Globale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
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Moghadam TT, Ochoa Morales CE, Lopez Zambrano MJ, Bruton K, O'Sullivan DTJ. Energy efficient ventilation and indoor air quality in the context of COVID-19 - A systematic review. RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS 2023; 182:113356. [PMID: 37220488 PMCID: PMC10186986 DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.113356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
New COVID-19 ventilation guidelines have resulted in higher energy consumption to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ), and energy efficiency has become a secondary concern. Despite the significance of the studies conducted on COVID-19 ventilation requirements, a comprehensive investigation of the associated energy challenges has not been discussed. This study aims to present a critical systematic review of the Coronavirus viral spreading risk mitigation through ventilation systems (VS) and its relation to energy use. COVID-19 heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)-related countermeasures proposed by industry professionals have been reviewed and their influence on operating VS and energy consumption have also been discussed. A critical review analysis was then conducted on publications from 2020 to 2022. Four research questions (RQs) have been selected for this review concerning i) maturity of the existing literature, ii) building types and occupancy profile, iii) ventilation types and effective control strategies and iv) challenges and related causes. The results reveal that employing HVAC auxiliary equipment is mostly effective and increased fresh air supply is the most significant challenge associated with increased energy consumption due to maintaining IAQ. Future studies should focus on novel approaches toward solving the apparently conflicting objectives of minimizing energy consumption and maximizing IAQ. Also, effective ventilation control strategies should be assessed in various buildings with different occupancy densities. The implications of this study can be useful for future development of this topic not only to enhance the energy efficiency of the VS but also to enable more resiliency and health in buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talie T Moghadam
- Intelligent Efficiency Research Group (IERG), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Ken Bruton
- Intelligent Efficiency Research Group (IERG), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Iyer S, Karrer B, Citron DT, Kooti F, Maas P, Wang Z, Giraudy E, Medhat A, Dow PA, Pompe A. Large-scale measurement of aggregate human colocation patterns for epidemiological modeling. Epidemics 2023; 42:100663. [PMID: 36724622 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2022.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand and model public health emergencies, epidemiologists need data that describes how humans are moving and interacting across physical space. Such data has traditionally been difficult for researchers to obtain with the temporal resolution and geographic breadth that is needed to study, for example, a global pandemic. This paper describes Colocation Maps, which are spatial network datasets that have been developed within Meta's Data For Good program. These Maps estimate how often people from different regions are colocated: in particular, for a pair of geographic regions x and y, these Maps estimate the rate at which a randomly chosen person from x and a randomly chosen person from y are simultaneously located in the same place during a randomly chosen minute in a given week. These datasets are well suited to parametrize metapopulation models of disease spread or to measure temporal changes in interactions between people from different regions; indeed, they have already been used for both of these purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we show how Colocation Maps differ from existing data sources, describe how the datasets are built, provide examples of their use in compartmental modeling, and summarize ideas for further development of these and related datasets. Among the findings of this study, we observe that a pair of regions can exhibit high colocation despite few people moving between those regions. Additionally, for the purposes of clarifying how to interpret and utilize Colocation Maps, we scrutinize the Maps' built-in assumptions about representativeness and contact heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Iyer
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States.
| | - Brian Karrer
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | | | - Farshad Kooti
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Paige Maas
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Economics, Stanford University, 579 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | | | - Ahmed Medhat
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - P Alex Dow
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Alex Pompe
- Meta, 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
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Issakhov A, Omarova P, Abylkassymova A. Numerical simulation of social distancing of preventing airborne transmission in open space with lateral wind direction, taking into account temperature of human body and floor surface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:33206-33228. [PMID: 36478554 PMCID: PMC9734804 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24067-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the numerical results of particle propagation in open space, taking into account the temperature of the human body and the surface of the ground. And also, the settling of particles or droplets under the action of gravitational force and transport in the open air is taken into account, taking into account the temperature during the process of breathing and sneezing or coughing. The temperature of the body and the surface of the ground, different rates of particle emission from the mouth, such as breathing and coughing or sneezing, are numerically investigated. The effect of temperature, cross-inlet wind, and the velocity of particle ejection from a person's mouth on social distancing is being investigated using a numerical calculation. The variable temperature of the human body forms a thermal plume, which affects the increase in the trajectory of the particle propagation, taking into account the lateral air flow. The thermal plume affects the particles in the breathing zone and spreads the particles over long distances in the direction of the airflow. The result of this work shows that in open space, taking into account the temperature of the body and the surface of the ground, a 2-m social distance may be insufficient for the process of sneezing and social distance must be observed depending on the breathing mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alibek Issakhov
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
- Present Address: Kazakh British Technical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
- International Information Technology University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Perizat Omarova
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - Aizhan Abylkassymova
- Present Address: Kazakh British Technical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
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7
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de Crane D’Heysselaer S, Parisi G, Lisson M, Bruyère O, Donneau AF, Fontaine S, Gillet L, Bureau F, Darcis G, Thiry E, Ducatez M, Snoeck CJ, Zientara S, Haddad N, Humblet MF, Ludwig-Begall LF, Daube G, Thiry D, Misset B, Lambermont B, Tandjaoui-Lambiotte Y, Zahar JR, Sartor K, Noël C, Saegerman C, Haubruge E. Systematic Review of the Key Factors Influencing the Indoor Airborne Spread of SARS-CoV-2. Pathogens 2023; 12:382. [PMID: 36986304 PMCID: PMC10053454 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been plaguing the world since late 2019/early 2020 and has changed the way we function as a society, halting both economic and social activities worldwide. Classrooms, offices, restaurants, public transport, and other enclosed spaces that typically gather large groups of people indoors, and are considered focal points for the spread of the virus. For society to be able to go "back to normal", it is crucial to keep these places open and functioning. An understanding of the transmission modes occurring in these contexts is essential to set up effective infection control strategies. This understanding was made using a systematic review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. We analyze the different parameters influencing airborne transmission indoors, the mathematical models proposed to understand it, and discuss how we can act on these parameters. Methods to judge infection risks through the analysis of the indoor air quality are described. Various mitigation measures are listed, and their efficiency, feasibility, and acceptability are ranked by a panel of experts in the field. Thus, effective ventilation procedures controlled by CO2-monitoring, continued mask wearing, and a strategic control of room occupancy, among other measures, are put forth to enable a safe return to these essential places.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianni Parisi
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Maxime Lisson
- TERRA Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Olivier Bruyère
- Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Sebastien Fontaine
- Institute for Research in Social Sciences (IRSS), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Gillet
- Immunology-Vaccinology Laboratory, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Bureau
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, GIGA Institute, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Infectious Diseases Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Mariette Ducatez
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Chantal J. Snoeck
- Clinical and Applied Virology Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphan Zientara
- UMR1161 Virologie, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Anses, Université Paris-Est, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nadia Haddad
- UMR BIPAR 956, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marie-France Humblet
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Georges Daube
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Denrées Alimentaires, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Damien Thiry
- Bacteriology, FARAH Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Benoît Misset
- Service des Soins Intensifs, CHU Sart Tilman, Department des Sciences Cliniques, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Bernard Lambermont
- Service des Soins Intensifs, CHU Sart Tilman, Department des Sciences Cliniques, University of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Yacine Tandjaoui-Lambiotte
- Laboratoire Hypoxie and Poumon INSERM U1272, Service de Réanimation Médico-Chirurgicale, CHU Avicenne, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 93000 Bobigny, France
| | | | - Kevin Sartor
- Planification: Energie—Environnement, Département d’Aérospatiale et Mécanique, Systèmes Énergétiques, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Catherine Noël
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- TERRA Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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8
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Toulkeridis T, Seqqat R, Torres A M, Ortiz-Prado E, Debut A. COVID-19: Pandemic in Ecuador: a health disparities perspective. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2023; 22:304-308. [PMID: 36753155 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v22n3.88102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic initiated in Ecuador with the patient zero in February 2020 and since more than 40,000 persons have been tested positive to the virus, leaving some 3,500 deceased, while approximately about 10,500 persons above annual average numbers died within March to May. A strict lockdown was applied by mid-March, which resulted to a severe economic crisis in the country. Although during the lockdown. OBJECTIVE Our study postulates, that persons who are most likely to be infected during such secondary wave will be people who have already health issues to which we count besides the known ones, especially those who are already suffer by the distribution of volcanic ashes, as such pyroclastic material is known to affect lunges and thyroids. occurred a notable decrease in the number of new cases, the spread of the infection was already massive, untechnical, political and economic decisions will certainly lead to continuous wave of infections for months. METHODS A descriptive ecological study of information related to COVID-19 infection at a national level using official data from the Minister of Public Health and volcanic ash fall by geographical area in Ecuador. RESULTS The mortality rate per canton indicated that those with lower attack rates are the ones with highest mortality rate. For instance, Portovelo (21.3/100,000), Playas (18.4/100,000), Santa Rosa (15.8/100,000), Suscal (15.3/100,000) and Penipe (14.3/100,000) reported the highest mortality rate per 100,000 people. The main distribution of such volcanic material is within the central to northern area of the Highlands and Inter-Andean Valley of Ecuador, due to the analysis of some 7394 satellite images of the last 21 years. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that areas with high vulnerabilities are also most susceptible to develop COVID-19. Such areas with their respective populations will be affected above average and shall be protected in particular within the presently starting during possible second wave of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theofilos Toulkeridis
- TT: Geología. M. Sc. Geología y Paleontología. Dr. Geología y Geoquímica de los Isótopos. Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Sangolquí, Ecuador.
| | - Rachid Seqqat
- RS: Lic. Biologia. M. Sc. Fisiología Humana. Ph.D. Nefrología, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Sangolquí, Ecuador.
| | - Marbel Torres A
- MT: Bioquímica y Farmacia. M. Sc. Biología e Infecciología (especialidad infecciología celular y molecular, vacunología). Ph. D. Ciencias de la Vida y Salud, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Sangolquí, Ecuador.
| | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- EO: MD. M. Sc. Physiology. M. Sc. Public and Global Health, Universidad de las Américas. Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Alexis Debut
- AD: Lic. Física. M. Sc. Física. Ph. D. Física. Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Sangolquí, Ecuador.
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9
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Ojo MM, Benson TO, Peter OJ, Goufo EFD. Nonlinear optimal control strategies for a mathematical model of COVID-19 and influenza co-infection. PHYSICA A 2022; 607:128173. [PMID: 36106051 PMCID: PMC9461290 DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2022.128173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases have remained one of humanity's biggest problems for decades. Multiple disease infections, in particular, have been shown to increase the difficulty of diagnosing and treating infected people, resulting in worsening human health. For example, the presence of influenza in the population is exacerbating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We formulate and analyze a deterministic mathematical model that incorporates the biological dynamics of COVID-19 and influenza to effectively investigate the co-dynamics of the two diseases in the public. The existence and stability of the disease-free equilibrium of COVID-19-only and influenza-only sub-models are established by using their respective threshold quantities. The result shows that the COVID-19 free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable whenR C < 1 , whereas the influenza-only model, is locally asymptotically stable whenR F < 1 . Furthermore, the existence of the endemic equilibria of the sub-models is examined while the conditions for the phenomenon of backward bifurcation are presented. A generalized analytical result of the COVID-19-influenza co-infection model is presented. We run a numerical simulation on the model without optimal control to see how competitive outcomes between-hosts and within-hosts affect disease co-dynamics. The findings established that disease competitive dynamics in the population are determined by transmission probabilities and threshold quantities. To obtain the optimal control problem, we extend the formulated model by including three time-dependent control functions. The maximum principle of Pontryagin was used to prove the existence of the optimal control problem and to derive the necessary conditions for optimum disease control. A numerical simulation was performed to demonstrate the impact of different combinations of control strategies on the infected population. The findings show that, while single and twofold control interventions can be used to reduce disease, the threefold control intervention, which incorporates all three controls, will be the most effective in reducing COVID-19 and influenza in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayowa M Ojo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Microbiology Division, Lenexa, KS, USA
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Temitope O Benson
- Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA
| | - Olumuyiwa James Peter
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
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10
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Luschi A, Villa EAB, Gherardelli M, Iadanza E. Designing and developing a mobile application for indoor real-time positioning and navigation in healthcare facilities. Technol Health Care 2022; 30:1371-1395. [PMID: 35988230 DOI: 10.3233/thc-220146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Navigation portable applications have largely grown during the last years. However, the majority of them works just for outdoor positioning and routing, due to their architecture based upon Global Positioning System signals. Real-Time Positioning System intended to provide position estimation inside buildings is known as Indoor Positioning System (IPS). OBJECTIVE This paper presents an IPS implemented as a mobile application that can guide patients and visitors throughout a healthcare premise. METHODS The proposed system exploits the geolocation capabilities offered by existing navigation frameworks for determining and displaying the user's position. A hybrid mobile application architecture has been adopted because it allows to deploy the code to multiple platforms, simplifying maintenance and upgrading. RESULTS The developed application features two different working modes for on-site and off-site navigation, which offer both the possibility of actual navigation within the hospital, or planning a route from a list of available starting points to the desired target, without being within the navigable area. Tests have been conducted to evaluate the performance and the accuracy of the system. CONCLUSION The proposed application aims to overcome the limitations of Global Navigation Satellite System by using magnetic fingerprinting in combination with sensor fusion simultaneously. This prevents to rely on a single technology, reducing possible system failures and increasing the scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Luschi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Monica Gherardelli
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ernesto Iadanza
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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11
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A Review on Building Design as a Biomedical System for Preventing COVID-19 Pandemic. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable design methods aim to obtain architectural solutions that assure the coexistence and welfare of human beings, inorganic structures, and living things that constitute ecosystems. The novel coronavirus emergence, inadequate vaccines against the present severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-(SARS-CoV-2), and increases in microbial resistance have made it essential to review the preventative approaches used during pre-antibiotic periods. Apart from low carbon emissions and energy, sustainable architecture for facilities, building designs, and digital modeling should incorporate design approaches to confront the impacts of communicable infections. This review aims to determine how architectural design can protect people and employees from harm; it models viewpoints to highlight the architects’ roles in combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and designing guidelines as a biomedical system for policymakers. The goals include exploring the hospital architecture evolution and the connection between architectural space and communicable infections and recommending design and digital modeling strategies to improve infection prevention and controls. Based on a wide-ranging literature review, it was found that design methods have often played important roles in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and could be a solution for combating the wide spread of the novel coronavirus or coronavirus variants or delta.
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12
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Zhang Y, Tao Y, Shyu ML, Perry LK, Warde PR, Messinger DS, Song C. Simulating COVID19 transmission from observed movement. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3044. [PMID: 35197528 PMCID: PMC8866419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07043-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current models of COVID-19 transmission predict infection from reported or assumed interactions. Here we leverage high-resolution observations of interaction to simulate infectious processes. Ultra-Wide Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems were employed to track the real-time physical movements and directional orientation of children and their teachers in 4 preschool classes over a total of 34 observations. An agent-based transmission model combined observed interaction patterns (individual distance and orientation) with CDC-published risk guidelines to estimate the transmission impact of an infected patient zero attending class on the proportion of overall infections, the average transmission rate, and the time lag to the appearance of symptomatic individuals. These metrics highlighted the prophylactic role of decreased classroom density and teacher vaccinations. Reduction of classroom density to half capacity was associated with an 18.2% drop in overall infection proportion while teacher vaccination receipt was associated with a 25.3% drop. Simulation results of classroom transmission dynamics may inform public policy in the face of COVID-19 and similar infectious threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Yudong Tao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Mei-Ling Shyu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Lynn K Perry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Prem R Warde
- Care Transformation, University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics, Miami, FL, USA
- Data Analytics Research Team (DART) Research Group, University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Chaoming Song
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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13
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Leonardi AJ, Mishra AK. A Sanitation Argument for Clean Indoor Air: Meeting a Requisite for Safe Public Spaces. Front Public Health 2022; 10:805780. [PMID: 35237550 PMCID: PMC8883285 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.805780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Asit Kumar Mishra
- MaREI Centre, Ryan Institute & School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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14
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Farthing TS, Lanzas C. Assessing the efficacy of interventions to control indoor SARS-Cov-2 transmission: An agent-based modeling approach. Epidemics 2021; 37:100524. [PMID: 34798545 PMCID: PMC8588587 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonpharmaceutical interventions for minimizing indoor SARS-CoV-2 transmission continue to be critical tools for protecting susceptible individuals from infection, even as effective vaccines are produced and distributed globally. We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model for simulating indoor respiratory pathogen transmission during discrete events taking place in a single room within a sub-day time frame, and used it to compare effects of four interventions on reducing secondary SARS-CoV-2 attack rates during a superspreading event by simulating a well-known case study. We found that preventing people from moving within the simulated room and efficacious mask usage appear to have the greatest effects on reducing infection risk, but multiple concurrent interventions are required to minimize the proportion of susceptible individuals infected. Social distancing had little effect on reducing transmission if individuals were randomly relocated within the room to simulate activity-related movements during the gathering. Furthermore, our results suggest that there is potential for ventilation airflow to expose susceptible people to aerosolized pathogens even if they are relatively far from infectious individuals. Maximizing the vertical aerosol removal rate is paramount to successful transmission-risk reduction when using ventilation systems as intervention tools.
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15
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Divakar DD, Nimbeni SB, Al-Kheraif AA, Khan AA, Naik S, Khanagar SB, Jhugroo C, Nimbeni B. Knowledge and attitude of dental professionals toward COVID-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey. ASIAN BIOMED 2021; 15:277-284. [PMID: 37551362 PMCID: PMC10321220 DOI: 10.2478/abm-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening global pandemic. The dental profession is considered a high-risk group in the transmission of the responsible virus. Objective To assess the knowledge and attitude among dental professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of dental graduates, interns, postgraduates, and dental faculty from May to July 2020. A standardized questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge and attitude of 650 participants. The questionnaire comprised 14 questions to assess general knowledge about COVID-19, 11 questions regarding knowledge about prevention of COVID-19 in dental practice, and 10 questions regarding the attitude toward preventing COVID-19. Results Among the study population, only 376 (57.8%) knew the causative virus for COVID-19. Only 425 (65.3%) knew about rinsing the mouth with an antimicrobial solution or 1% hydrogen peroxide before the dental procedure. Regarding the hand hygiene guidelines, 357 (54.9%) had knowledge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 377 (58.0%) about World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. At the time of our survey, 72% of the participants showed sufficient knowledge, while 28% had low or insufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Conclusion While there was a lack of knowledge among dental professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia about COVID-19, there was an excellent positive attitude toward preventing disease. Greater awareness is needed to control the spread of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan Devang Divakar
- Department of Dental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shruti Basavaraj Nimbeni
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dental Sciences, Mustaqbal University, Buraydah, Al-Qassim Province51431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A. Al-Kheraif
- Department of Dental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aftab Ahmed Khan
- Department of Dental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sachin Naik
- Department of Dental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanjeev Balappa Khanagar
- Dental Public Health, College of Dentistry, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chitra Jhugroo
- Department of Dental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh11433, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basavaraj Nimbeni
- Agmal Ebtsama Dental and Derma Clinics Center, Buraydah, Al-Qassim Province51431, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Kim DY, Shinde SK, Lone S, Palem RR, Ghodake GS. COVID-19 Pandemic: Public Health Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation Strategies. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1243. [PMID: 34945715 PMCID: PMC8707584 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A newly emerged respiratory viral disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is also known as pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This pandemic has resulted an unprecedented global health crisis and devastating impact on several sectors of human lives and economies. Fortunately, the average case fatality ratio for SARS-CoV-2 is below 2%, much lower than that estimated for MERS (34%) and SARS (11%). However, COVID-19 has a much higher transmissibility rate, as evident from the constant increase in the count of infections worldwide. This article explores the reasons behind how COVID-19 was able to cause a global pandemic crisis. The current outbreak scenario and causes of rapid global spread are examined using recent developments in the literature, epidemiological features relevant to public health awareness, and critical perspective of risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Effective pandemic risk mitigation measures have been established and amended against COVID-19 diseases, but there is still much scope for upgrading execution and coordination among authorities in terms of organizational leadership's commitment and diverse range of safety measures, including administrative control measures, engineering control measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The significance of containment interventions against the COVID-19 pandemic is now well established; however, there is a need for its effective execution across the globe, and for the improvement of the performance of risk mitigation practices and suppression of future pandemic crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae-Young Kim
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Surendra Krushna Shinde
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Saifullah Lone
- Interdisciplinary Division for Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials (iDREAM), National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar 190006, India;
| | - Ramasubba Reddy Palem
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;
| | - Gajanan Sampatrao Ghodake
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (D.-Y.K.); (S.K.S.)
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17
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Cammarata A, Cammarata G. Dynamic assessment of the risk of airborne viral infection. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1759-1775. [PMID: 34212441 PMCID: PMC8597137 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper applies the Rudnick and Milton method through the dynamic evaluation of the probability of airborne contagion, redefining all parameters and variables in discretized form. To adapt the calculation of the risk of contagion to real needs, scenarios are used to define the presence of people, infected subjects, the hourly production of the quanta of infection, and the calculation of the concentration of CO2 produced by exhalation in the air. Three case studies are discussed: a school, an office, a commercial activity. Complex scenarios include environmental sanitization, a variable number of people, and the possibility of simulating work shifts. The dynamic evaluation of the quanta of infection is also estimated, not foreseen by the Rudnick and Milton model, and involves updating the average values of the equivalent fraction of the indoor air with an improvement in the accuracy of the calculation due to the reduction of improper peaks of the stationary variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e ArchitetturaUniverità degli Studi di CataniaCataniaItaly
| | - Giuliano Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Elettronica e InformaticaUniverità degli Studi di CataniaCataniaItaly
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18
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Rando HM, MacLean AL, Lee AJ, Lordan R, Ray S, Bansal V, Skelly AN, Sell E, Dziak JJ, Shinholster L, D’Agostino McGowan L, Ben Guebila M, Wellhausen N, Knyazev S, Boca SM, Capone S, Qi Y, Park Y, Mai D, Sun Y, Boerckel JD, Brueffer C, Byrd JB, Kamil JP, Wang J, Velazquez R, Szeto GL, Barton JP, Goel RR, Mangul S, Lubiana T, Gitter A, Greene CS. Pathogenesis, Symptomatology, and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through Analysis of Viral Genomics and Structure. mSystems 2021; 6:e0009521. [PMID: 34698547 PMCID: PMC8547481 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00095-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019, has since spread around the world and infected hundreds of millions of people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While this viral species was unknown prior to January 2020, its similarity to other coronaviruses that infect humans has allowed for rapid insight into the mechanisms that it uses to infect human hosts, as well as the ways in which the human immune system can respond. Here, we contextualize SARS-CoV-2 among other coronaviruses and identify what is known and what can be inferred about its behavior once inside a human host. Because the genomic content of coronaviruses, which specifies the virus's structure, is highly conserved, early genomic analysis provided a significant head start in predicting viral pathogenesis and in understanding potential differences among variants. The pathogenesis of the virus offers insights into symptomatology, transmission, and individual susceptibility. Additionally, prior research into interactions between the human immune system and coronaviruses has identified how these viruses can evade the immune system's protective mechanisms. We also explore systems-level research into the regulatory and proteomic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the immune response. Understanding the structure and behavior of the virus serves to contextualize the many facets of the COVID-19 pandemic and can influence efforts to control the virus and treat the disease. IMPORTANCE COVID-19 involves a number of organ systems and can present with a wide range of symptoms. From how the virus infects cells to how it spreads between people, the available research suggests that these patterns are very similar to those seen in the closely related viruses SARS-CoV-1 and possibly Middle East respiratory syndrome-related CoV (MERS-CoV). Understanding the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus also contextualizes how the different biological systems affected by COVID-19 connect. Exploring the structure, phylogeny, and pathogenesis of the virus therefore helps to guide interpretation of the broader impacts of the virus on the human body and on human populations. For this reason, an in-depth exploration of viral mechanisms is critical to a robust understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and, potentially, future emergent human CoVs (HCoVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie M. Rando
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Adam L. MacLean
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Lee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sandipan Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Biomedical Data Science and Machine Learning Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ashwin N. Skelly
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sell
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John J. Dziak
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Lucy D’Agostino McGowan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marouen Ben Guebila
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nils Wellhausen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Simina M. Boca
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen Capone
- St. George’s University School of Medicine, St. George’s, Grenada
| | - Yanjun Qi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - YoSon Park
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David Mai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Joel D. Boerckel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - James Brian Byrd
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeremy P. Kamil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - John P. Barton
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Rishi Raj Goel
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tiago Lubiana
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - COVID-19 Review Consortium
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
- Biomedical Data Science and Machine Learning Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- St. George’s University School of Medicine, St. George’s, Grenada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
- Azimuth1, McLean, Virginia, USA
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anthony Gitter
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Casey S. Greene
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Motwani N, Ikhar A, Chandak M, Gondivkar S. Disinfection Measures during COVID-19 for Dental Operatories. Open Dent J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874210602115010305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
In the dental health-care setups, the environmental object and surfaces are expected to be infected by the COVID virus wherein definite procedures are performed. Consequently, these objects and surfaces, particularly where COVID-19 patients are being treated, must be appropriately cleaned and sanitized to stop further spread.
Objective:
The present article is intended for providing protocols about the cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces in the circumstances of COVID-19 for Dental operatories.
Methods:
Studies evaluating the surface characteristics of the virus as well as effective disinfection measures have been documented.
Results:
Various chemicals in different concentrations have a virocidal effect. The devices introduced include used UV radiation and ozone.
Conclusion:
These changes in dental clinical practice are needed to save humanity by preventing further transmission of disease.
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20
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Umair M, Cheema MA, Cheema O, Li H, Lu H. Impact of COVID-19 on IoT Adoption in Healthcare, Smart Homes, Smart Buildings, Smart Cities, Transportation and Industrial IoT. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3838. [PMID: 34206120 PMCID: PMC8199516 DOI: 10.3390/s21113838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted normal life and has enforced a substantial change in the policies, priorities and activities of individuals, organisations and governments. These changes are proving to be a catalyst for technology and innovation. In this paper, we discuss the pandemic's potential impact on the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in various broad sectors, namely healthcare, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, transportation and industrial IoT. Our perspective and forecast of this impact on IoT adoption is based on a thorough research literature review, a careful examination of reports from leading consulting firms and interactions with several industry experts. For each of these sectors, we also provide the details of notable IoT initiatives taken in the wake of COVID-19. We also highlight the challenges that need to be addressed and important research directions that will facilitate accelerated IoT adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, New Campus, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Punjab 54890, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Aamir Cheema
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Omer Cheema
- IoT Wi-Fi Business Unit, Dialog Semiconductor, Green Park Reading RG2 6GP, UK;
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Computer Science, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7K, 9220 Aalborg Øst, Denmark;
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
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21
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Okada N, Fujiwara N, Azuma M, Tsujinaka K, Chuma M, Yagi K, Hamano H, Aizawa F, Goda M, Kirino Y, Nakamura T, Zamami Y, Hashimoto I, Ishizawa K. Assessment of Adherence to Post-exposure Prophylaxis with Oseltamivir in Healthcare Workers: A Retrospective Questionnaire-Based Study. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:869-874. [PMID: 34078819 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for healthcare workers is one of the effective strategies for preventing nosocomial outbreaks of influenza. However, PEP adherence in healthcare workers is rarely analysed, and no strategies have been established to improve adherence to PEP for healthcare workers. We aimed to retrospectively analyse adherence to PEP and the factors associated with non-adherence in healthcare workers. A survey of 221 healthcare workers who were eligible for PEP at Tokushima University Hospital in the 2016/2017 season was conducted. Once-daily oseltamivir (75 mg for 10 d) was used as the PEP regimen. Of the 221 healthcare workers, 175 received PEP and were surveyed for adherence using a questionnaire. Of the 130 healthcare workers who responded to the questionnaire, 121 (93.1%) had been vaccinated. In this survey, 82 healthcare workers (63.1%) did not fully complete PEP. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that physicians (odds ratio: 4.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.08-10.25) and non-vaccination (odds ratio: 9.60, 95% CI: 1.12-82.25) were the factors for non-adherence to PEP. Of the 47 healthcare workers who responded to the item regarding reasons for non-adherence, 36 (76.6%) reported forgetting to take oseltamivir or discontinuing it due to a misguided self-decision that continuation of PEP was unnecessary, and 5 (10.6%) reported discontinuing treatment due to adverse effects. In conclusion, healthcare workers, particularly physicians, had low PEP adherence owing to forgetting or stopping to take oseltamivir due to a misguided self-decision. To obtain the maximum preventive effect of PEP, medication education should be provided to endorse PEP compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Okada
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokushima University Hospital.,Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Tokushima University Hospital
| | - Noriko Fujiwara
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Tokushima University Hospital
| | - Momoyo Azuma
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Tokushima University Hospital
| | | | - Masayuki Chuma
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital
| | - Kenta Yagi
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital
| | - Hirofumi Hamano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Fuka Aizawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokushima University Hospital
| | - Mitsuhiro Goda
- Clinical Research Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Tokushima University Hospital
| | | | | | - Yoshito Zamami
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokushima University Hospital.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Ichiro Hashimoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Tokushima University Hospital.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
| | - Keisuke Ishizawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokushima University Hospital.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
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22
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Toulkeridis T, Seqqat R, Torres Arias M, Salazar-Martinez R, Ortiz-Prado E, Chunga S, Vizuete K, Heredia-R M, Debut A. Volcanic Ash as a Precursor for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Susceptible Populations in Ecuador: A Satellite Imaging and Excess Mortality-Based Analysis. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:1-13. [PMID: 34006342 PMCID: PMC8314306 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has altered entire nations and their health systems. The greatest impact of the pandemic has been seen among vulnerable populations, such as those with comorbidities like heart diseases, kidney failure, obesity, or those with worse health determinants such as unemployment and poverty. In the current study, we are proposing previous exposure to fine-grained volcanic ashes as a risk factor for developing COVID-19. Based on several previous studies it has been known since the mid 1980s of the past century that volcanic ash is most likely an accelerating factor to suffer from different types of cancer, including lung or thyroid cancer. Our study postulates, that people who are most likely to be infected during a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) widespread wave will be those with comorbidities that are related to previous exposure to volcanic ashes. We have explored 8703 satellite images from the past 21 y of available data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database and correlated them with the data from the national institute of health statistics in Ecuador. Additionally, we provide more realistic numbers of fatalities due to the virus based on excess mortality data of 2020-2021, when compared with previous years. This study would be a very first of its kind combining social and spatial distribution of COVID-19 infections and volcanic ash distribution. The results and implications of our study will also help countries to identify such aforementioned vulnerable parts of the society, if the given geodynamic and volcanic settings are similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theofilos Toulkeridis
- Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
- Universidad de Especialidades Turísticas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Rachid Seqqat
- Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- OneHealth Global Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Karla Vizuete
- Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Marco Heredia-R
- Centro de Innovación en Tecnología para el Desarrollo, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexis Debut
- Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
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23
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Hasan SM, Das S, Hanifi SMA, Shafique S, Rasheed S, Reidpath DD. A place-based analysis of COVID-19 risk factors in Bangladesh urban slums: a secondary analysis of World Bank microdata. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:502. [PMID: 33722207 PMCID: PMC7957470 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of research investigating the confluence of risk factors in urban slums that may make them accelerators for respiratory, droplet infections like COVID-19. Our working hypothesis was that, even within slums, an inverse relationship existed between living density and access to shared or private WASH facilities. METHODS In an exploratory, secondary analysis of World Bank, cross-sectional microdata from slums in Bangladesh we investigated the relationship between intra-household population density (crowding) and access to private or shared water sources and toilet facilities. RESULTS The analysis showed that most households were single-room dwellings (80.4%). Median crowding ranged from 0.55 m2 per person up to 67.7 m2 per person. The majority of the dwellings (83.3%), shared both toilet facilities and the source of water, and there was a significant positive relationship between crowding and the use of shared facilities. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the practical constraints on implementing, in slums, the conventional COVID19 management approaches of social distancing, regular hand washing, and not sharing spaces. It has implications for the management of future respiratory epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Mehdi Hasan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Susmita Das
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Manzoor Ahmed Hanifi
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sohana Shafique
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sabrina Rasheed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Daniel D Reidpath
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Health System and Population Studies Division, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
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24
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Danesh-Meyer HV, McGhee CNJ. Implications of COVID-19 for Ophthalmologists. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 223:108-118. [PMID: 32976847 PMCID: PMC7506460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe and explain the implications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for ophthalmologists considering the rapid developments in our understanding of the virology, transmission, and ocular involvement. DESIGN Evidence-based perspective. METHODS Review and synthesis of pertinent literature. RESULTS Retrospective studies highlight that <1% of patients display COVID-19-related conjunctivitis. However, prospective studies suggest the rate is higher (~6%). Viral RNA has been identified in tears and conjunctival secretions in patients with active conjunctivitis as well as asymptomatic cases. Overall, conjunctival swabs are positive in 2.5%. Samples taken earlier in the disease course are more likely to demonstrate positive virus. Viral transmission through ocular tissues has not been substantiated. Ophthalmologists are in the high-risk category for COVID-19 infection for several reasons: high-volume clinics, close proximity with patients, equipment-intense clinics, and direct contact with patients' conjunctival mucosal surfaces. COVID-19 is predominantly contracted through direct or airborne transmission by inhalation of respiratory droplets. Evidence that aerosol transmission occurs is increasing in particularly prolonged exposure to high concentrations in a relatively closed environment. Based on the current evidence, ophthalmologists should consider measures that include social distancing, wearing masks, sterilization techniques, and managing clinic volumes. CONCLUSIONS A major challenge to containing COVID-19 is that many infected people are asymptomatic. Droplet spread, contaminated environmental surfaces, and shared medical devices are areas that require management by ophthalmologists. More studies are required to explore the role of the conjunctiva and ocular tissues in the transmission of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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25
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Haigh KZ, Gandhi M. COVID-19 Mitigation With Appropriate Safety Measures in an Essential Workplace: Lessons for Opening Work Settings in the United States During COVID-19. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab086. [PMID: 33880391 PMCID: PMC7928548 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Essential workplaces remained open during COVID-19, but few US-based settings detail outcomes. Methods Mercury Systems is a US-based manufacturing company that remained open during COVID-19. NPIs—distancing, masking, hand hygiene, ventilation—were successively deployed from March to August 2020. The company expanded sick leave, asked employees to report work outages from illness, and administered employee satisfaction surveys. Three sites in Arizona, Southern California, and New Hampshire administered testing campaigns via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasal swabs in late July to early August for all employees at work or at home self-isolating due to symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarized findings. Results Among 586 employees at 3 sites, only 1.5% employees developed severe illness over the study duration. Testing campaigns revealed 44 with positive PCR results at a cycle threshold (CT) <37 (likely infectious) and 61 with a CT ≥37 (low-level viral load). True positivity rates were consistent with community prevalence at the time: 1.1% in New Hampshire, 6.2% in California, 12.9% in Arizona. Of all employees with positive tests, 99% were asymptomatic. Employee surveys showed high satisfaction. Conclusions In a multisite US company that instituted NPIs for COVID-19 mitigation, the proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections on surveillance testing was high (99%). Although surges in community transmission were seen in 2 sites during the study, employee prevalence reflected community prevalence, despite daily workplace presence. This study demonstrates that NPIs likely mitigate severe COVID-19 illness, that PCR tests should incorporate CT values, and that expanded sick leave likely encourages self-isolation, suggesting strategies for work re-openings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of San Francisco, California (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
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26
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Rando HM, MacLean AL, Lee AJ, Lordan R, Ray S, Bansal V, Skelly AN, Sell E, Dziak JJ, Shinholster L, McGowan LD, Guebila MB, Wellhausen N, Knyazev S, Boca SM, Capone S, Qi Y, Park Y, Sun Y, Mai D, Boerckel JD, Brueffer C, Byrd JB, Kamil JP, Wang J, Velazquez R, Szeto GL, Barton JP, Goel RR, Mangul S, Lubiana T, Gitter A, Greene CS. Pathogenesis, Symptomatology, and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through Analysis of Viral Genomics and Structure. ARXIV 2021:arXiv:2102.01521v4. [PMID: 33594340 PMCID: PMC7885912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019, has since spread around the world and infected hundreds of millions of people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While this viral species was unknown prior to January 2020, its similarity to other coronaviruses that infect humans has allowed for rapid insight into the mechanisms that it uses to infect human hosts, as well as the ways in which the human immune system can respond. Here, we contextualize SARS-CoV-2 among other coronaviruses and identify what is known and what can be inferred about its behavior once inside a human host. Because the genomic content of coronaviruses, which specifies the virus's structure, is highly conserved, early genomic analysis provided a significant head start in predicting viral pathogenesis and in understanding potential differences among variants. The pathogenesis of the virus offers insights into symptomatology, transmission, and individual susceptibility. Additionally, prior research into interactions between the human immune system and coronaviruses has identified how these viruses can evade the immune system's protective mechanisms. We also explore systems-level research into the regulatory and proteomic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the immune response. Understanding the structure and behavior of the virus serves to contextualize the many facets of the COVID-19 pandemic and can influence efforts to control the virus and treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halie M Rando
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America; Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552); the National Human Genome Research Institute (R01 HG010067)
| | - Adam L MacLean
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Alexandra J Lee
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552)
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158, USA
| | - Sandipan Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Biomedical Data Science and Machine Learning Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ashwin N Skelly
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States of America · Funded by NIH Medical Scientist Training Program T32 GM07170
| | - Elizabeth Sell
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John J Dziak
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Lamonica Shinholster
- Mercer University, Macon, GA, United States of America · Funded by the Center for Global Genomics and Health Equity at the University of Pennsylvania
| | - Lucy D'Agostino McGowan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marouen Ben Guebila
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nils Wellhausen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sergey Knyazev
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Simina M Boca
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Stephen Capone
- St. George's University School of Medicine, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Yanjun Qi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - YoSon Park
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America · Funded by NHGRI R01 HG10067
| | - Yuchen Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - David Mai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joel D Boerckel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | | | - James Brian Byrd
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America · Funded by NIH K23HL128909; FastGrants
| | - Jeremy P Kamil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Gregory L Szeto
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - John P Barton
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Rishi Raj Goel
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Tiago Lubiana
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anthony Gitter
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America; Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America · Funded by John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe Center for Research in Virology
| | - Casey S Greene
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Childhood Cancer Data Lab, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America; Center for Health AI, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America · Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF 4552); the National Human Genome Research Institute (R01 HG010067)
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27
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Chavis SE, Hines SE, Dyalram D, Wilken NC, Dalby RN. Can extraoral suction units minimize droplet spatter during a simulated dental procedure? J Am Dent Assoc 2021; 152:157-165. [PMID: 33494869 PMCID: PMC7826119 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Aerosol and droplet production is inherent to dentistry. Potential for COVID-19 spread through aerosols and droplets characterizes dentistry as having a high risk of experiencing viral transmission, with necessity for aerosol and droplet mitigation. Methods Simulations of restorative treatment were completed on a dental manikin with a high-speed handpiece and high-volume evacuation suction. Variable experimental conditions with use of an extraoral vacuum suction at different distances from the simulated patient's mouth and different vacuum settings were tested to evaluate extraoral suction ability for droplet reduction. Results Using the extraoral suction unit during dental procedure simulations reduced droplet spatter at the dentist’s eye level, as well as the level of the simulated patient's mouth. When the extraoral suction unit was used at level 10 and 4 inches from the simulated patient's mouth, less spatter was detected. Conclusions Extraoral suction units are an effective method of reducing droplet spatter during operative dental procedures and can be useful in helping reduce risk of experiencing COVID-19 spread during dental procedures. Practical Implications During the pandemic, dentistry and its aerosol-generating procedures were placed on hold. The process to getting back to patient care is multifactorial, including personal protective equipment, patient screening, and mitigating aerosol spread.
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28
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Farthing TS, Lanzas C. Assessing the efficacy of interventions to control indoor SARS-Cov-2 transmission: an agent-based modeling approach. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.01.21.21250240. [PMID: 33501461 PMCID: PMC7836133 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.21.21250240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Intervention strategies for minimizing indoor SARS-CoV-2 transmission are often based on anecdotal evidence because there is little evidence-based research to support them. We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model for simulating indoor respiratory pathogen transmission, and used it to compare effects of four interventions on reducing individual-level SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk by simulating a well-known case study. We found that imposing movement restrictions and efficacious mask usage appear to have the greatest effects on reducing infection risk, but multiple concurrent interventions are required to minimize the proportion of susceptible individuals infected. Social distancing had little effect on reducing transmission if individuals move during the gathering. Furthermore, our results suggest that there is potential for ventilation airflow to expose susceptible people to aerosolized pathogens even if they are relatively far from infectious individuals. Maximizing rates of aerosol removal is the key to successful transmission-risk reduction when using ventilation systems as intervention tools. ARTICLE SUMMARY LINE Imposing mask usage requirements, group size restrictions, duration limits, and social distancing policies can have additive, and in some cases multiplicative protective effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk during indoor events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Lanzas
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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29
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Cao J, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Yao M, Pei R, Wang Y, Yue Y, Huang Y, Wang J, Guan W. Ozone Gas Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Provides Possible Control Measures. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021; 5:516-523. [PMCID: PMC8378106 DOI: 10.1007/s41810-021-00118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of deaths currently. Mounting effective responses to the pandemic have become top priorities for governments around the world. Laboratory experiments have confirmed for the first time that fumigation with ozone (O3) at low O3 doses (7500–15,000 μg m−3·min) can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 and inactivate the virus at high O3 doses (129,000 μg m−3·min). The RNA copy number of SARS-CoV-2 significantly decreased (95.9–97.7% reduction) when exposed to O3 at a low concentration of 250 μg m−3 for 30 and 60 min. A significant negative relationship between the numbers of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases and ambient O3 in Chinese cities indicated that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 may have been inhibited by high O3. An analysis of data from Chongqing showed that the transmission of COVID-19 increased when the O3 mixing ratios in the air were relatively low, and transmission decreased when O3 increased. Based on these findings, we also propose a new Safety O3 Emission (SOE) method to increase indoor O3 to levels (< 160 μg m−3) that inhibit the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 but are not harmful for humans. This could serve as timely and low-cost solution for suppressing COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an, China
| | - Yecheng Zhang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Quanjiao Chen
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Rongjuan Pei
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yue
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yu Huang
- Key Lab of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wuxiang Guan
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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30
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Saran S, Gurjar M, Baronia AK, Lohiya A, Azim A, Poddar B, Rao NS. Personal protective equipment during COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review on technical aspects. Expert Rev Med Devices 2020; 17:1265-1276. [PMID: 33203245 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2020.1852079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The current pandemic of novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a significant shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in many countries of the world, stressing medical services during this crisis. Along with addressing problems of demand and supply mismatch, there also a need to ensure the procurement of high-quality PPEs that provides both safety and comfort to users. The purpose of this article is to review existing standards and recommendations on the technical aspects of PPE. Areas covered: For this review, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Research Gate were searched. Studies reporting technical aspects of the components of PPE including mask and respirator, gown, and coverall, gloves, goggles, face shields, or visors, and boots, are included in this review. Expert opinion: The design and materials of PPE needs further research, which might have minimal carriage of infective biological load like the use of antimicrobial repellent finishes along with adequate tensile strength and breathability through the fabric. Respirators should have the least resistance while providing maximum protection; goggles should not have fogging. Also, there is a need of formulating universal technical specifications for medically used PPE and ensuring easy availability of the testing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Saran
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Super Specialty Cancer Institute & Hospital , Lucknow, India
| | - Mohan Gurjar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) , Lucknow, India
| | - Arvind Kumar Baronia
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) , Lucknow, India
| | - Ayush Lohiya
- Department of Public Health, Super Speciality Cancer Institute & Hospital , Lucknow, India
| | - Afzal Azim
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) , Lucknow, India
| | - Banani Poddar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) , Lucknow, India
| | - Namrata S Rao
- Department of Nephrology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences , Lucknow, India
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Rohrer M, Flahault A, Stoffel M. Peaks of Fine Particulate Matter May Modulate the Spreading and Virulence of COVID-19. EARTH SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT 2020; 4:789-796. [PMID: 34723075 PMCID: PMC7679238 DOI: 10.1007/s41748-020-00184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A probe of a patient, seeking help in an emergency ward of a French hospital in late December 2019 because of Influenza like symptoms, was retrospectively tested positive to COVID-19. Despite the early appearance of the virus in Europe, the prevalence and virulence appeared to be low for several weeks, before the spread and severity of symptoms increased exponentially, yet with marked spatial and temporal differences. Here, we compare the possible linkages between peaks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the sudden, explosive increase of hospitalizations and mortality rates in the Swiss Canton of Ticino, and the Greater Paris and London regions. We argue that these peaks of fine particulate matter are primarily occurring during thermal inversion of the boundary layer of the atmosphere. We also discuss the influence of Saharan dust intrusions on the COVID-19 outbreak observed in early 2020 on the Canary Islands. We deem it both reasonable and plausible that high PM2.5 concentrations-favored by air temperature inversions or Saharan dust intrusions-are not only modulating but even more so boosting severe outbreaks of COVID-19. Moreover, desert dust events-besides enhancing PM2.5 concentrations-can be a vector for fungal diseases, thereby exacerbating COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We conclude that the overburdening of the health services and hospitals as well as the high over-mortality observed in various regions of Europe in spring 2020 may be linked to peaks of PM2.5 and likely particular weather situations that have favored the spread and enhanced the virulence of the virus. In the future, we recommended to monitor not only the prevalence of the virus, but also to consider the occurrence of weather situations that can lead to sudden, very explosive COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rohrer
- Meteodat GmbH, 8903 Birmensdorf ZH, Switzerland
- Climate Change Impacts and Risks in the Anthropocene, Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Climate Change Impacts and Risks in the Anthropocene, Institute for Environmental Sciences (ISE), University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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32
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Melikov AK, Ai ZT, Markov DG. Intermittent occupancy combined with ventilation: An efficient strategy for the reduction of airborne transmission indoors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 744:140908. [PMID: 32721678 PMCID: PMC7362827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
It is important that efficient measures to reduce the airborne transmission of respiratory infectious diseases (including COVID-19) should be formulated as soon as possible to ensure a safe easing of lockdown. Ventilation has been widely recognized as an efficient engineering control measure for airborne transmission. Room ventilation with an increased supply of clean outdoor air could dilute the expiratory airborne aerosols to a lower concentration level. However, sufficient increase is beyond the capacity of most of the existing mechanical ventilation systems that were designed to be energy efficient under non-pandemic conditions. We propose an improved control strategy based on source control, which would be achieved by implementing intermittent breaks in room occupancy, specifically that all occupants should leave the room periodically and the room occupancy time should be reduced as much as possible. Under the assumption of good mixing of clean outdoor supply air with room air, the evolution of the concentration in the room of aerosols exhaled by infected person(s) is predicted. The risk of airborne cross-infection is then evaluated by calculating the time-averaged intake fraction. The effectiveness of the strategy is demonstrated for a case study of a typical classroom. This strategy, together with other control measures such as continuous supply of maximum clean air, distancing, face-to-back layout of workstations and reducing activities that increase aerosol generation (e.g., loudly talking and singing), is applicable in classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Melikov
- International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Z T Ai
- Department of Building Environment and Energy, College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - D G Markov
- Department of Hydroaerodynamics and Hydraulic Machines, Technical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Host-to-host airborne transmission as a multiphase flow problem for science-based social distance guidelines. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPHASE FLOW 2020; 132. [PMCID: PMC7471834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2020.103439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has strikingly demonstrated how important it is to develop fundamental knowledge related to the generation, transport and inhalation of pathogen-laden droplets and their subsequent possible fate as airborne particles, or aerosols, in the context of human to human transmission. It is also increasingly clear that airborne transmission is an important contributor to rapid spreading of the disease. In this paper, we discuss the processes of droplet generation by exhalation, their potential transformation into airborne particles by evaporation, transport over long distances by the exhaled puff and by ambient air turbulence, and their final inhalation by the receiving host as interconnected multiphase flow processes. A simple model for the time evolution of droplet/aerosol concentration is presented based on a theoretical analysis of the relevant physical processes. The modeling framework along with detailed experiments and simulations can be used to study a wide variety of scenarios involving breathing, talking, coughing and sneezing and in a number of environmental conditions, as humid or dry atmosphere, confined or open environment. Although a number of questions remain open on the physics of evaporation and coupling with persistence of the virus, it is clear that with a more reliable understanding of the underlying flow physics of virus transmission one can set the foundation for an improved methodology in designing case-specific social distancing and infection control guidelines.
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Luo K, Lei Z, Hai Z, Xiao S, Rui J, Yang H, Jing X, Wang H, Xie Z, Luo P, Li W, Li Q, Tan H, Xu Z, Yang Y, Hu S, Chen T. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Public Transportation Vehicles: A Case Study in Hunan Province, China. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa430. [PMID: 33123609 PMCID: PMC7543623 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report a case study of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak event during bus trips of an index patient in Hunan Province, China. This retrospective investigation suggests potential airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the possibility of superspreading events in certain close contact and closed space settings, which should be taken into account when control strategies are planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwei Luo
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Workstation for Emerging Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Changsha City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Hai
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanliang Xiao
- Shaoyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Rui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yang
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Workstation for Emerging Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Changsha City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinping Jing
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shaoyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengshen Xie
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Luo
- Shaoyang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanying Li
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Li
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huilu Tan
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zicheng Xu
- Shaodong Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shaodong City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Shixiong Hu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Workstation for Emerging Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), Changsha City, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianmu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China
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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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Suzuki S, Kusano C, Ikehara H. Simple barrier device to minimize facial exposure of endoscopists during COVID-19 pandemic. Dig Endosc 2020; 32:e118-e119. [PMID: 32529793 PMCID: PMC7307132 DOI: 10.1111/den.13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Watch a video of this article
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Chika Kusano
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hisatomo Ikehara
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNihon University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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Gray RS. Agriculture, transportation, and the COVID‐19 crisis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS/REVUE CANADIENNE D'AGROECONOMIE 2020; 68:239-243. [PMCID: PMC7264623 DOI: 10.1111/cjag.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In this short paper, I assess how COVID‐19‐related disruptions in transportation services, as well as new demands for transportation services, could impact Canadian agricultural supply chains. The brief analysis reveals that agricultural access to bulk ocean freight, rail movement, and trucking has generally improved in the pandemic, bolstered by the reduced demand for these transportation services by other sectors of the economy. The intermodal containerized movement of grains and food products has seen some disruption from the lack of empty containers in North America. The widespread consumer adoption of physical distancing measures has vastly increased the demand for retail food pickup and delivery services to the point where these services are being rationed by long wait times. From a policy perspective, there is an apparent need for (a) continued supply chain monitoring and industry engagement, (b) the proactive development of strategies to deal with absenteeism and other potential threats to the supply chain, and (c) an assessment of the economic and health merits of providing additional public resources to provide greater access to grocery pickup and delivery services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Gray
- Professor and Grain Policy Chair, Department of Agricultural and Resource EconomicsUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
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Abstract
COVID-19 is a newly emerging viral respiratory disease first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is related to the viruses that cause SARS and MERS. While the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 (5%) is far lower than that for SARS (11%) and MERS (34%), COVID-19 is spreading relatively uncontrolled at this time across the globe. In contrast, SARS appears to be contained, and MERS is controlled. This paper will explore why COVID-19 is able to progress to a global pandemic that affects our daily lives to an extent not known in recent history. The COVID-19 outbreak and spread will be examined based on the current literature, using a researcher's perspective of risk assessment and risk mitigation; this approach will be related to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Schröder
- University of California Center for Laboratory Safety and the Department of
Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, 607
Charles E Young Drive, Los Angeles, California 90095, United
States
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39
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Cervino G, Oteri G. COVID-19 Pandemic and Telephone Triage before Attending Medical Office: Problem or Opportunity? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:E250. [PMID: 32443828 PMCID: PMC7279364 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56050250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 emergency, the medical operating protocols have been largely modified for reducing any type of contamination risk, for working in a safe way and for making the patient feel in a safe environment. Telemedicine, smart phones and apps could represent important devices for the community, in order to prevent virus trasmission and to perform quick diagnosis and management at medical offices. This manuscript could be useful for clinicians with regard to the current state of the effectiveness of the telephone triage in this COVID-19 epidemic period. Therefore, it could be an important starting point for future perspectives about telemedicine and virtual patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cervino
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Messina University, 1-98100 Messina, Italy;
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Fiorillo L, Cervino G, Matarese M, D’Amico C, Surace G, Paduano V, Fiorillo MT, Moschella A, La Bruna A, Romano GL, Laudicella R, Baldari S, Cicciù M. COVID-19 Surface Persistence: A Recent Data Summary and Its Importance for Medical and Dental Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3132. [PMID: 32365891 PMCID: PMC7246498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many guidelines and anti-contagion strategies continue to report unclear information about the persistence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the environment. This certainly generates insecurity and fear in people, with an important psychological component that is not to be underestimated at this stage of the pandemic. The purpose of this article is to highlight all the sources currently present in the literature concerning the persistence of the different coronaviruses in the environment as well as in medical and dental settings. As this was a current study, there are still not many sources in the literature, and scientific strategies are moving towards therapy and diagnosis, rather than knowing the characteristics of the virus. Such an article could be an aid to summarize virus features and formulate new guidelines and anti-spread strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fiorillo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
| | - Gabriele Cervino
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
| | - Marco Matarese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
| | - Cesare D’Amico
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
| | - Giovanni Surace
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory “Dott. Francesco Siracusa Rizzi s.r.l.”, Via Nazionale Archi, 89121 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, North Health Center ASP 5, 89100 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy; (V.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Valeria Paduano
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, North Health Center ASP 5, 89100 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy; (V.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Maria Teresa Fiorillo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, North Health Center ASP 5, 89100 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy; (V.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Antonio Moschella
- Azienda Ospedaliera Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli, 89100 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy;
| | | | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Laudicella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Marco Cicciù
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100 Messina, Italy; (G.C.); (M.M.); (C.D.); (S.B.)
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Xi J, Talaat M, Si X, Dong H, Donepudi R, Kabilan S, Corley R. Ventilation Modulation and Nanoparticle Deposition in Respiratory and Olfactory Regions of Rabbit Nose. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1107. [PMID: 31835419 PMCID: PMC6940773 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The rabbit nose's ability to filter out inhaled agents is directly related to its defense to infectious diseases. The knowledge of the rabbit nose anatomy is essential to appreciate its functions in ventilation regulation, aerosol filtration and olfaction. The objective of this study is to numerically simulate the inhalation and deposition of nanoparticles in a New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit nose model with an emphasis on the structure-function relation under normal and sniffing conditions. To simulate the sniffing scenario, the original nose model was modified to generate new models with enlarged nostrils or vestibules based on video images of a rabbit sniffing. Ventilations into the maxilloturbinate and olfactory region were quantified with varying nostril openings, and deposition rates of inhaled aerosols ranging from 0.5 nm to 1000 nm were characterized on the total, sub-regional and local basis. Results showed that particles which deposited in the olfactory region came from a specific area in the nostril. The spiral vestibule played an essential role in regulating flow resistance and flow partition into different parts of the nose. Increased olfactory doses were persistently predicted in models with expanded nostrils or vestibule. Particles in the range of 5-50 nm are more sensitive to the geometry variation than other nanoparticles. It was also observed that exhaled aerosols occupy only the central region of the nostril, which minimized the mixing with the aerosols close to the nostril wall, and potentially allowed the undisruptive sampling of odorants. The results of this study shed new light on the ventilation regulation and inhalation dosimetry in the rabbit nose, which can be further implemented to studies of infectious diseases and immunology in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiang Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Mohamed Talaat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Xiuhua Si
- Department of Aerospace, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 91752, USA;
| | - Haibo Dong
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Ramesh Donepudi
- Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | | | - Richard Corley
- Greek Creek Toxicokinetics Consulting, LLC, Boise, ID 83701, USA;
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Mendoza-Silva GM, Torres-Sospedra J, Huerta J. A Meta-Review of Indoor Positioning Systems. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E4507. [PMID: 31627331 PMCID: PMC6832486 DOI: 10.3390/s19204507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An accurate and reliable Indoor Positioning System (IPS) applicable to most indoor scenarios has been sought for many years. The number of technologies, techniques, and approaches in general used in IPS proposals is remarkable. Such diversity, coupled with the lack of strict and verifiable evaluations, leads to difficulties for appreciating the true value of most proposals. This paper provides a meta-review that performed a comprehensive compilation of 62 survey papers in the area of indoor positioning. The paper provides the reader with an introduction to IPS and the different technologies, techniques, and some methods commonly employed. The introduction is supported by consensus found in the selected surveys and referenced using them. Thus, the meta-review allows the reader to inspect the IPS current state at a glance and serve as a guide for the reader to easily find further details on each technology used in IPS. The analyses of the meta-review contributed with insights on the abundance and academic significance of published IPS proposals using the criterion of the number of citations. Moreover, 75 works are identified as relevant works in the research topic from a selection of about 4000 works cited in the analyzed surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Martín Mendoza-Silva
- Institute of New Imaging Technologies, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Vicente Sos Baynat S/N, 12071 Castellón, Spain.
| | - Joaquín Torres-Sospedra
- Institute of New Imaging Technologies, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Vicente Sos Baynat S/N, 12071 Castellón, Spain.
| | - Joaquín Huerta
- Institute of New Imaging Technologies, Universitat Jaume I, Avda. Vicente Sos Baynat S/N, 12071 Castellón, Spain.
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43
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Stephens B, Azimi P, Thoemmes MS, Heidarinejad M, Allen JG, Gilbert JA. Microbial Exchange via Fomites and Implications for Human Health. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2019; 5:198-213. [PMID: 34171005 PMCID: PMC7149182 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-019-00123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fomites are inanimate objects that become colonized with microbes and serve as potential intermediaries for transmission to/from humans. This review summarizes recent literature on fomite contamination and microbial survival in the built environment, transmission between fomites and humans, and implications for human health. RECENT FINDINGS Applications of molecular sequencing techniques to analyze microbial samples have increased our understanding of the microbial diversity that exists in the built environment. This growing body of research has established that microbial communities on surfaces include substantial diversity, with considerable dynamics. While many microbial taxa likely die or lay dormant, some organisms survive, including those that are potentially beneficial, benign, or pathogenic. Surface characteristics also influence microbial survival and rates of transfer to and from humans. Recent research has combined experimental data, mechanistic modeling, and epidemiological approaches to shed light on the likely contributors to microbial exchange between fomites and humans and their contributions to adverse (and even potentially beneficial) human health outcomes. SUMMARY In addition to concerns for fomite transmission of potential pathogens, new analytical tools have uncovered other microbial matters that can be transmitted indirectly via fomites, including entire microbial communities and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Mathematical models and epidemiological approaches can provide insight on human health implications. However, both are subject to limitations associated with study design, and there is a need to better understand appropriate input model parameters. Fomites remain an important mechanism of transmission of many microbes, along with direct contact and short- and long-range aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Stephens
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Alumni Memorial Hall 228E, 3201 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616 USA
| | - Parham Azimi
- Environmental Health Department, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Megan S. Thoemmes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Mohammad Heidarinejad
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Alumni Memorial Hall 228E, 3201 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616 USA
| | - Joseph G. Allen
- Environmental Health Department, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jack A. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA USA
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Tomar J, Patil HP, Bracho G, Tonnis WF, Frijlink HW, Petrovsky N, Vanbever R, Huckriede A, Hinrichs WLJ. Advax augments B and T cell responses upon influenza vaccination via the respiratory tract and enables complete protection of mice against lethal influenza virus challenge. J Control Release 2018; 288:199-211. [PMID: 30218687 PMCID: PMC7111335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Administration of influenza vaccines via the respiratory tract has potential benefits over conventional parenteral administration, inducing immunity directly at the site of influenza exposure as well as being needle free. In this study, we investigated the suitability of Advax™, a stable particulate polymorph of inulin, also referred to as delta inulin, as a mucosal adjuvant for whole inactivated influenza vaccine (WIV) administered either as a liquid or dry powder formulation. Spray freeze-drying produced Advax-adjuvanted WIV powder particles in a size range (1-5 μm) suitable for inhalation. The physical and biological characteristics of both WIV and Advax remained unaltered both by admixing WIV with Advax and by spray freeze drying. Upon intranasal or pulmonary immunization, both liquid and dry powder formulations containing Advax induced significantly higher systemic, mucosal and cellular immune responses than non-adjuvanted WIV formulations. Furthermore, pulmonary immunization with Advax-adjuvanted WIV led to robust memory B cell responses along with an increase of lung localization factors i.e. CXCR3, CD69, and CD103. A less pronounced but still positive effect of Advax was seen on memory T cell responses. In contrast to animals immunized with WIV alone, all animals pulmonary immunized with a single dose of Advax-adjuvanted WIV were fully protected with no visible clinical symptoms against a lethal dose of influenza virus. These data confirm that Advax is a potent mucosal adjuvant that boosts vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses both in the lung and systemically with major positive effects on B-cell memory and complete protection against live virus. Hence, respiratory tract immunization, particularly via the lungs, with Advax-adjuvanted WIV formulation as a liquid or dry powder is a promising alternative to parenteral influenza vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Tomar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harshad P Patil
- Advanced Drug Delivery & Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Gustavo Bracho
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia
| | - Wouter F Tonnis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henderik W Frijlink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
| | - Rita Vanbever
- Advanced Drug Delivery & Biomaterials, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Anke Huckriede
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter L J Hinrichs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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