1
|
McDiarmid M, Condon M, Gaitens J. The Healthcare Sector Employer's Duty of Care: Implications for Worker Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6015. [PMID: 34205069 PMCID: PMC8199909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pandemic diseases of this century have differentially targeted healthcare workers globally. These infections include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued this pattern, putting healthcare workers at extreme risk. Just as healthcare workers have historically been committed to the service of their patients, providing needed care, termed their "duty of care", so too do healthcare employers have a similar ethical duty to provide care toward their employees arising from historical common law requirements. This paper reports on results of a narrative review performed to assess COVID-19 exposure and disease development in healthcare workers as a function of employer duty of care program elements adopted in the workplace. Significant duty of care deficiencies reported early in the pandemic most commonly involved lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) availability. Beyond worker safety, we also provide evidence that an additional benefit of employer duty of care actions is a greater sense of employee well-being, thus aiding in the prevention of healthcare worker burnout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marian Condon
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (M.M.); (J.G.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
From the Role of Microbiota in Gut-Lung Axis to SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:6611222. [PMID: 33953641 PMCID: PMC8059477 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6611222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the outbreak of a new viral respiratory infection. It has been demonstrated that the microbiota has a crucial role in establishing immune responses against respiratory infections, which are controlled by a bidirectional cross-talk, known as the “gut-lung axis.” The effects of microbiota on antiviral immune responses, including dendritic cell (DC) function and lymphocyte homing in the gut-lung axis, have been reported in the recent literature. Additionally, the gut microbiota composition affects (and is affected by) the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and contributes to regulate inflammation. Several studies demonstrated an altered microbiota composition in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, it has been shown that vaccine efficacy against viral respiratory infection is influenced by probiotics pretreatment. Therefore, the importance of the gut microbiota composition in the lung immune system and ACE2 expression could be valuable to provide optimal therapeutic approaches for SARS-CoV-2 and to preserve the symbiotic relationship of the microbiota with the host.
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
COVID-19 deeply affects many spheres of life. Lockdown measures implemented worldwide have accentuated mental wellbeing changes in the population from the perspectives of space and social relations. These changes leave lasting imprints on individuals and communities. This article draws upon solidarity and care ethics in exploring their role in rebuilding mental wellbeing in the light of constraints arising from lockdown. The diversity of responses to physical and social isolation during the pandemic illuminates the distinctly relational nature of human beings, offering the opportunity for care and solidarity to respond to mental wellbeing challenges in an inclusive and context-sensitive way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yun Chan
- Department of Law, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang R, Hou T, Kong X, Wang G, Wang H, Xu S, Xu J, He J, Xiao L, Wang Y, Du J, Huang Y, Su T, Tang Y. PTSD Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Study Raises Concern for Non-medical Staff in Low-Risk Areas. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:696200. [PMID: 34322041 PMCID: PMC8310947 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.696200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of sleep quality and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of healthcare workers (HCWs) and identify the determinants for PTSD symptoms among HCWs in high-risk and low-risk areas during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Impact of Event Scale were used to assess sleep quality and symptoms of PTSD of 421 Chinese HCWs, respectively, from January 30 to March 2, 2020. The influencing factors of PTSD symptoms were identified by univariate analysis and multiple regression. Results: The incidence of HCWs getting PTSD symptoms were 13.2%. HCWs from high-risk areas had significantly poorer sleep quality (p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality was the risk factor of PTSD symptoms for HCWs from high-risk (p = 0.018) and low-risk areas (p < 0.001). Furthermore, non-medical staff were found to be the risk factor for PTSD symptoms only in low-risk areas. Discussion: HCWs in Hubei had poorer sleep quality. Non-medical HCWs from low-risk areas were associated with more severe PTSD symptoms. Mental health programs should be considered for HCWs, especially those who are often overlooked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruike Zhang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianya Hou
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huoshenshan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Guibin Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (The 921 Hospital of the Chinese PLA Joint Logistic Support Force), Changsha, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingzhou Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen He
- Medical Psychology Department, 96609 Military Hospital, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajing Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Du
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujia Huang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxiang Tang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taefehshokr N, Taefehshokr S, Heit B. Mechanisms of Dysregulated Humoral and Cellular Immunity by SARS-CoV-2. Pathogens 2020; 9:E1027. [PMID: 33302366 PMCID: PMC7762606 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in December 2019 in China, and has led to thousands of mortalities globally each day. While the innate immune response serves as the first line of defense, viral clearance requires activation of adaptive immunity, which employs B and T cells to provide sanitizing immunity. SARS-CoV-2 has a potent arsenal of mechanisms used to counter this adaptive immune response through processes, such as T cells depletion and T cell exhaustion. These phenomena are most often observed in severe SARS-CoV-2 patients, pointing towards a link between T cell function and disease severity. Moreover, neutralizing antibody titers and memory B cell responses may be short lived in many SARS-CoV-2 patients, potentially exposing these patients to re-infection. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of B and T cells immune responses and activity in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N0M 2N0, Canada;
| | - Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran;
| | - Bryan Heit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N0M 2N0, Canada;
- Robarts Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iqbal MS, Sardar N, Akmal W, Sultan R, Abdullah H, Qindeel M, Dhama K, Bilal M. ROLE OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS IN CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AND IMMUNE RESPONSE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.18006/2020.8(spl-1-sars-cov-2).s66.s78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a novel coronavirus referred to as SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health apprehension due to rapid transmission tendency, severity, and wide geographical spread. This emergence was started from Wuhan, China in 2019 from the zoonotic source and spread worldwide, infecting almost half of the community on this earth. Many of the receptors are involved in proceeding with this infection in the organism's body. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play essential and protective functions from a wide range of microbial pathogens. Small setup of TLR adaptor proteins leads to activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and interferon-regulatory factor (IRF). Consequently, various advanced inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and interferon reaction properties can be up-regulated. Similarly, TLR flagging works on autophagy in macrophages. Autophagy is a cell response to starvation that helps to eliminate damaged cytosol organelles and persistent proteins. It is also able to prevent the replication of intracellular pathogens. Several microbes subvert the autophagy pathways to sustain their viability. This review investigates how TLRs can modulate a macrophagic system and analyze the role of natural resistance autophagy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Indini A, Rijavec E, Ghidini M, Bareggi C, Cattaneo M, Galassi B, Gambini D, Grossi F. Coronavirus infection and immune system: An insight of COVID-19 in cancer patients. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 153:103059. [PMID: 32711241 PMCID: PMC7347348 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus respiratory illness (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of global concern. Patients with cancer are at high risk of infections, due to an overall immunocompromised status. However, this connection is not straightforward for coronavirus (CoV) infection, in which the host immune response is the main driver of tissue damage. We performed a thorough review of data on CoV pathogenesis and morbidity rate in cancer patients, through the analysis of the previous CoV pandemics. Considering the interaction between CoV and the host immune system, cancer patients receiving immunotherapy might be more at risk for an aberrant immune response in case of infection, and might therefore deserve additional precautions. The limited available data do not allow us to provide practical indications for the management of cancer patients in this critical situation. Efforts should be made to prospectively collect data, to identify effective interventions to guide treatment decision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Indini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Rijavec
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Bareggi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Monica Cattaneo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy,Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Galassi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Gambini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nikaeen G, Abbaszadeh S, Yousefinejad S. Application of nanomaterials in treatment, anti-infection and detection of coronaviruses. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1501-1512. [PMID: 32378459 PMCID: PMC7373208 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology and nanomedicine have excellent potential in dealing with a range of different health problems, including viruses, which are considered to be a serious challenge in the medical field. Application of nanobiotechnology could represent a new avenue for the treatment or disinfection of viruses. There is increasing concern regarding the control of coronaviruses, among these, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 are well known and dangerous examples. This article aims to provide an overview of recent studies on the effectiveness of nanoparticles as diagnostic or antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The possibilities of effectively using nanomaterials as vaccines and nanosensors in this field are also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Nikaeen
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Abbaszadeh
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Yousefinejad
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zheng F, Liao C, Fan QH, Chen HB, Zhao XG, Xie ZG, Li XL, Chen CX, Lu XX, Liu ZS, Lu W, Chen CB, Jiao R, Zhang AM, Wang JT, Ding XW, Zeng YG, Cheng LP, Huang QF, Wu J, Luo XC, Wang ZJ, Zhong YY, Bai Y, Wu XY, Jin RM. Clinical Characteristics of Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Hubei, China. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:275-280. [PMID: 32207032 PMCID: PMC7095065 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since December 2019, COVID-19 has occurred unexpectedly and emerged as a health problem worldwide. Despite the rapidly increasing number of cases in subsequent weeks, the clinical characteristics of pediatric cases are rarely described. A cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out in 10 hospitals across Hubei province. A total of 25 confirmed pediatric cases of COVID-19 were collected. The demographic data, epidemiological history, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological data, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. Of 25 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the boy to girl ratio was 1.27:1. The median age was 3 years. COVID-19 cases in children aged <3 years, 3.6 years, and ≥6-years patients were 10 (40%), 6 (24%), and 9 (36%), respectively. The most common symptoms at onset of illness were fever (13 [52%]), and dry cough (11 [44%]). Chest CT images showed essential normal in 8 cases (33.3%), unilateral involvement of lungs in 5 cases (20.8%), and bilateral involvement in 11 cases (45.8%). Clinical diagnoses included upper respiratory tract infection (n=8), mild pneumonia (n=15), and critical cases (n=2). Two critical cases (8%) were given invasive mechanical ventilation, corticosteroids, and immunoglobulin. The symptoms in 24 (96%) of 25 patients were alleviated and one patient had been discharged. It was concluded that children were susceptible to COVID-19 like adults, while the clinical presentations and outcomes were more favorable in children. However, children less than 3 years old accounted for majority cases and critical cases lied in this age group, which demanded extra attentions during home caring and hospitalization treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chun Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yichang No. 3 People's Hospital, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Qi-Hong Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Jingzhou First People's Hospital, Jingzhou, 434000, China
| | - Hong-Bo Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xue-Gong Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yichang No. 3 People's Hospital, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Zhong-Guo Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Jingzhou First People's Hospital, Jingzhou, 434000, China
| | - Xi-Lin Li
- Xishui People's Hospital, Huanggang, 438000, China
| | - Chun-Xi Chen
- Xishui People's Hospital, Huanggang, 438000, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Lu
- Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430015, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Liu
- Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430015, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Yichang Central Hospital, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Chun-Bao Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Yichang Central Hospital, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Rong Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangyang First People's Hospital, Xiangyang, 441000, China
| | - Ai-Ming Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangyang First People's Hospital, Xiangyang, 441000, China
| | - Jin-Tang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiyan People's Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Xi-Wei Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiyan People's Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Yao-Guang Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, 438000, China
| | - Li-Ping Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, 438000, China
| | - Qing-Feng Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jiangling People's Hospital, Jingzhou, 434101, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Huangshi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Huangshi, 435000, China
| | - Xi-Chang Luo
- Huangshi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Huangshi, 435000, China
| | - Zhu-Jun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Hospital, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yan Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Run-Ming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li G, Fan Y, Lai Y, Han T, Li Z, Zhou P, Pan P, Wang W, Hu D, Liu X, Zhang Q, Wu J. Coronavirus infections and immune responses. J Med Virol 2020; 92:424-432. [PMID: 31981224 PMCID: PMC7166547 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1108] [Impact Index Per Article: 277.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are by far the largest group of known positive-sense RNA viruses having an extensive range of natural hosts. In the past few decades, newly evolved Coronaviruses have posed a global threat to public health. The immune response is essential to control and eliminate CoV infections, however, maladjusted immune responses may result in immunopathology and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Gaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between Coronaviruses and the innate immune systems of the hosts may shed light on the development and persistence of inflammation in the lungs and hopefully can reduce the risk of lung inflammation caused by CoVs. In this review, we provide an update on CoV infections and relevant diseases, particularly the host defense against CoV-induced inflammation of lung tissue, as well as the role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis and clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaohua Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanni Lai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Han
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonghui Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiwen Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbiao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingwen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,School of Pubic Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology in the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province, China. The agent responsible was subsequently identified as a coronavirus-SARS-CoV-2. The WHO declared this disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern at the end of January 2020. This event evoked a sense of déjà vu, as it has many similarities to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) of 2002-2003. Both illnesses were caused by a zoonotic novel coronavirus, both originated during winter in China and both spread rapidly all over the world. However, the case-fatality rate of SARS (9.6%) is higher than that of COVID-19 (<4%). Another zoonotic novel coronavirus, MERS-CoV, was responsible for the Middle East respiratory syndrome, which had a case-fatality rate of 34%. Our experiences in coping with the previous coronavirus outbreaks have better equipped us to face the challenges posed by COVID-19, especially in the health care setting. Among the insights gained from the past outbreaks were: outbreaks caused by viruses are hazardous to healthcare workers; the impact of the disease extends beyond the infection; general principles of prevention and control are effective in containing the disease; the disease poses both a public health as well as an occupational health threat; and emerging infectious diseases pose a continuing threat to the world. Given the perspectives gained and lessons learnt from these past events, we should be better prepared to face the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Koh
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
- SSH School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Poh Goh
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Burns TE, Stephen C. Finding a Place for Systems-Based, Collaborative Research in Emerging Disease Research in Asia. ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:672-684. [PMID: 26582581 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The need to adequately predict, prevent and respond to infectious diseases emerging unexpectedly from human-animal-environmental systems has driven interest in multisectoral, socio-economic, systems-based, collaborative (MSC) research approaches such as EcoHealth and One Health. Our goals were to document how MSC research has been used to address EIDs in Asia, and to explore how MSC approaches align with current priorities for EID research in Asia. We gathered priorities for EID research from the peer-reviewed and grey literature, documented organizational descriptions of MCS research approaches, and analysed a series of EID MSC projects. We found that priority areas for EID research in Asia included (1) understanding host-pathogen-environment interactions; (2) improving tools and technologies; (3) changing people's behaviour; and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. We found that the unifying characteristics of MSC research were that it was action-oriented and sought to inspire change under real-world conditions at the complex interface of human and natural systems. We suggest that MSC research can be considered a type of 'pragmatic research' and might be most useful in describing change in complex human-animal-environmental systems, accelerating research-to-action, and evaluating effectiveness of interventions in 'real world' settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa E Burns
- Centre for Coastal Health, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5S5, Canada.
| | - Craig Stephen
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gu J, Zhong Y, Hao Y, Zhou D, Tsui H, Hao C, Gao Q, Ling W, Lau JTF. Preventive behaviors and mental distress in response to H1N1 among university students in Guangzhou, China. Asia Pac J Public Health 2012; 27:NP1867-79. [PMID: 22535550 DOI: 10.1177/1010539512443699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of and factors involved in influenza virus subtype H1N1 (H1N1)-related preventive behaviors and mental distress among university students in Guangzhou. PARTICIPANTS Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data for 825 students from 2 universities. RESULTS A total of 49.7% of the participants held misconception(s) concerning H1N1 transmission. Less than 30% washed their hands >10 times/d; 72.3% did not reduce the frequency of touching their mouths, noses, and eyes; only 9.3% would wear face masks if they had influenza-like symptoms. However, 45% worried that one/one's family would contract H1N1, 10.7% were panicking/feeling depressed/feeling emotionally disturbed as a result of H1N1, and 14.9% were fearful about the WHO's H1N1 pandemic announcement. Almost all cognitive variables of this study were significantly associated with mental distress caused by fear of H1N1 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29-3.81), but very few were associated with adoption of preventive measures (OR = 0.65-1.90). CONCLUSIONS Preventive measures are warranted to alleviate distress in the population studied via health education and promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gu
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Hiyi Tsui
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chun Hao
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Gao
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Joseph Tak Fai Lau
- Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Personal, Occupational, and Public Health Perspectives on Dealing with the First Case of Influenza A (H1N1) in the United Arab Emirates. Saf Health Work 2011; 2:83-6. [PMID: 22953191 PMCID: PMC3431893 DOI: 10.5491/shaw.2011.2.1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
New epidemics of infectious diseases often involve health care workers. In this short communication we present a case report of a health care professional who became the first case of influenza H1N1 virus to be notified in the United Arab Emirates. There are several issues related to workplace considerations and general public health, including preventive measures, the need for isolation of the patient, dealing with contacts, return to work, and communication with the workforce.
Collapse
|