401
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Abstract
Pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in all obstetrical health care settings requires consistent implementation of multiple evidence-based practices and consideration of local epidemiology, local regulations for COVID-19, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Professional Societies. COVID-safe practices should be implemented for patients, visitors/support persons, and health care personnel and include screening, appropriate personal protective equipment, and transmission precautions. Vaccination of all health care personnel, pregnant people, and their support persons remains the best strategy to prevent COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Acker
- Departments of Pediatrics
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Maria Eagen-Torkko
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
| | | | - Lisa Saiman
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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402
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Rios de Anda I, Wilkins JW, Robinson JF, Royall CP, Sear RP. Modeling the filtration efficiency of a woven fabric: The role of multiple lengthscales. Phys Fluids (1994) 2022; 34:033301. [PMID: 35342280 PMCID: PMC8939465 DOI: 10.1063/5.0074229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many millions have worn masks made of woven fabric to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Masks are essentially air filters worn on the face that should filter out as many of the dangerous particles as possible. Here, the dangerous particles are the droplets containing the virus that are exhaled by an infected person. Woven fabric is unlike the material used in standard air filters. Woven fabric consists of fibers twisted together into yarns that are then woven into fabric. There are, therefore, two lengthscales: the diameters of (i) the fiber and (ii) the yarn. Standard air filters have only (i). To understand how woven fabrics filter, we have used confocal microscopy to take three-dimensional images of woven fabric. We then used the image to perform lattice Boltzmann simulations of the air flow through fabric. With this flow field, we calculated the filtration efficiency for particles a micrometer and larger in diameter. In agreement with experimental measurements by others, we found that for particles in this size range, the filtration efficiency is low. For particles with a diameter of 1.5 μm, our estimated efficiency is in the range 2.5%-10%. The low efficiency is due to most of the air flow being channeled through relatively large (tens of micrometers across) inter-yarn pores. So, we conclude that due to the hierarchical structure of woven fabrics, they are expected to filter poorly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jake W. Wilkins
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Richard P. Sear
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. URL:https://richardsear.me/
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403
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Martinez-Boubeta C, Simeonidis K. Airborne magnetic nanoparticles may contribute to COVID-19 outbreak: Relationships in Greece and Iran. Environ Res 2022; 204:112054. [PMID: 34547249 PMCID: PMC8450134 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This work attempts to shed light on whether the COVID-19 pandemic rides on airborne pollution. In particular, a two-city study provides evidence that PM2.5 contributes to the timing and severity of the epidemic, without adjustment for confounders. The publicly available data of deaths between March and October 2020, updated it on May 30, 2021, and the average seasonal concentrations of PM2.5 pollution over the previous years in Thessaloniki, the second-largest city of Greece, were investigated. It was found that changes in coronavirus-related deaths follow changes in air pollution and that the correlation between the two data sets is maximized at the lag time of one month. Similar data from Tehran were gathered for comparison. The results of this study underscore that it is possible, if not likely, that pollution nanoparticles are related to COVID-19 fatalities (Granger causality, p < 0.05), contributing to the understanding of the environmental impact on pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Martinez-Boubeta
- Ecoresources P.C, Giannitson-Santaroza Str. 15-17, 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - K Simeonidis
- Ecoresources P.C, Giannitson-Santaroza Str. 15-17, 54627, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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404
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Ortiz-Prado E, Andrade F, Vasconez E, Escobar-Espinosa C, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Freire-Paspuel B, Coronel B, Galvis H, Morales-Jadan D, Rivera-Olivero IA, Lozada T, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rates Among Special Forces Police Units During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ecuador. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:735821. [PMID: 35295184 PMCID: PMC8918664 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.735821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers and first-responders, such as police officers, were in charge of trying to contain a disease that was unknown at that time. The lack of information and the tremendous need to contain new outbreaks put police officers at higher risk. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among Police Special Forces Officers in Quito, Ecuador. In this study, 163 community-dwelling police officers from elite divisions voluntarily participated in our SARS-CoV-2 detection program using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results A total of 20 out of 163 police officers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, yielding an infection rate of 12.3%. Within this cohort, 10% (2/20) of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were potentially super spreaders with viral loads over 108 copies/ul. About 85% of the SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals were asymptomatic and 15% reported mild symptoms related to COVID-19. Conclusions We found a high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate within the special forces police officers that, beyond a high health risk for themselves, their families, and coworkers. Our results point out the need for permanent SARS-CoV-2 testing among asymptomatic essential workers and first-responders to avoid local outbreaks and to prevent work-place absenteeism among police special units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,*Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado
| | - Felipe Andrade
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Eduardo Vasconez
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Escobar-Espinosa
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alexander Paolo Vallejo-Janeta
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Barbara Coronel
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Heberson Galvis
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diana Morales-Jadan
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ismar A. Rivera-Olivero
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tannya Lozada
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
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405
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Matheis C, Norrefeldt V, Will H, Herrmann T, Noethlichs B, Eckhardt M, Stiebritz A, Jansson M, Schön M. Modeling the Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Public Transport. Atmosphere 2022; 13:389. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the main types of public transport vehicles and stations to comparatively assess the relative theoretical risk of infection of travelers. The presented approach benchmarks different measures to reduce potential exposure in public transport and compares the relative risk between different means of transport and situations encountered. Hence, a profound base for the selection of measures by operators, travelers and staff is provided. Zonal modeling is used as the simulation method to estimate the exposure to passengers in the immediate vicinity as well as farther away from the infected person. The level of exposure to passengers depends on parameters such as the duration of stay and travel profile, as well as the ventilation situation and the wearing of different types of masks. The effectiveness of technical and behavioral measures to minimize the infection risk is comparatively evaluated. Putting on FFP2 (N95) masks and refraining from loud speech decreases the inhaled viral load by over 99%. The results show that technical measures, such as filtering the recirculated air, primarily benefit passengers who are a few rows away from the infected person by reducing exposure 84–91%, whereas near-field exposure is only reduced by 30–69%. An exception is exposure in streetcars, which in the near-field is 17% higher due to the reduced air volume caused by the filter. Thus, it can be confirmed that the prevailing measures in public transport protect passengers from a high theoretical infection risk. At stations, the high airflows and the large air volume result in very low exposures (negligible compared to the remaining means of transport) provided that distance between travelers is kept. The comparison of typical means of transport indicates that the inhaled quanta dose depends primarily on the duration of stay in the vehicles and only secondarily on the ventilation of the vehicles. Due to the zonal modeling approach, it can also be shown that the position of infected person relative to the other passengers is decisive in assessing the risk of infection.
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406
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Cadnum JL, Alhmidi H, Donskey CJ. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Use of Carbon Dioxide Monitoring to Assess Ventilation During Travel. Pathog Immun 2022; 7:31-40. [PMID: 35316971 PMCID: PMC8932639 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i1.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Travel poses a risk for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses. Poorly ventilated indoor settings pose a particularly high risk for transmission.
Methods: We used carbon dioxide measurements to assess adequacy of ventilation during 5 trips that included air travel. During selected parts of each trip that involved indoor settings, we monitored carbon dioxide levels every 1 minute and recorded peak levels and the number of people present. Carbon dioxide readings above 800 parts per million (ppm) were considered an indicator of suboptimal ventilation.
Results: Carbon dioxide levels remained below 800 ppm during train rides to and from the airport and inside airports except in a crowded boarding area with ~300 people present. Carbon dioxide levels exceeded 800 ppm inside the airplanes, but the air was filtered with high efficiency particulate air filters. Carbon dioxide levels remained below 800 ppm in common areas of a hotel but exceeded 800 ppm in a hotel room with 2 to 3 occupants and in a fitness center with 3 people exercising. In restaurants, carbon dioxide levels increased above 800 ppm during crowded conditions with 24 or more people present and 75% or more seat occupancy.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that ventilation may be sufficient to minimize the risk for airborne transmission in many situations during travel. However, ventilation may be suboptimal in some areas or under certain conditions such as in hotel rooms or when restaurants, fitness centers, or airplane boarding areas are crowded. There is a need for larger scale studies to assess the quality of ventilation in a wide range of community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Heba Alhmidi
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Curtis J. Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Curtis J. Donskey, Infectious Diseases Section 1110W, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Phone: 216-791-3800 ext. 64788; Fax: 216-229-8509;
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407
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Shamim JA, Hsu WL, Daiguji H. Review of component designs for post-COVID-19 HVAC systems: Possibilities and challenges. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09001. [PMID: 35224237 PMCID: PMC8863315 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The globally occurring recurrent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily caused by the transmission of aerosolized droplets from an infected person to a healthy person in the indoor environment, has led to the urgency of designing new modes of indoor ventilation. To prevent cross-contaminations due to airborne viruses, bacteria, and other pollutants in indoor environments, heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems need to be redesigned with anti-pandemic components. The three vital anti-pandemic components for the post-COVID-19 HVAC systems, as identified by the authors, are: a biological contaminant inactivation unit, a volatile organic compound decomposition unit, and an advanced air filtration unit. The purpose of the current article is to provide an overview of the latest research outcomes toward designing these anti-pandemic components and pointing out the future promises and challenges. In addition, the role of personalized ventilation in minimizing the risk of indoor cross-contamination by employing various air terminal devices is discussed. The authors believe that this article will encourage HVAC designers to develop effective anti-pandemic components to minimize the indoor airborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jubair A Shamim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Daiguji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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408
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Faude O, Müller S, Schreiber S, Müller J, Nebiker L, Beaudouin F, Meyer T, Egger F. A video-based analysis of situations bearing the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football matches. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3034. [PMID: 35194146 PMCID: PMC8863802 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyze the number and type of contacts involving the risk of respiratory disease transmission during football match play. We analysed 50 matches from different playing levels. Two reviewers evaluated the contacts of all players in each match. We focused on between-player contacts, crowding, actions with potentially increased aerosol and droplet production and within-player hand-to-head contacts. We categorized the duels with direct contact into frontal and other ones and measured contact duration. The number of between-player contacts were similar between playing levels (median 28.3 [IQR 22.6, 33] contacts per player-hour). Frontal contacts summed up to 8% of all contacts. Contacts involving the head occurred less than once per player and match with none lasting longer than 3 s. Crowding included between two and six players and the duration was mostly less than 10 s. Aerosol and droplet producing activities were three to four times more frequent in adult compared to youth players. Our results suggest that the risk of respiratory pathogen transmission is low during football matches. This conclusion is based on the finding that most close contact situations are of short duration and on the fact that it is an outdoor sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Faude
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schreiber
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jonas Müller
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Lukas Nebiker
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Beaudouin
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tim Meyer
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Florian Egger
- Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
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409
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Abstract
Since late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, causing a pandemic (coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19) with dire consequences, including widespread death, long-term illness, and societal and economic disruption. Although initially uncertain, evidence is now overwhelming that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted primarily through small respiratory droplets and aerosols emitted by infected individuals. As a result, many effective nonpharmaceutical interventions for slowing virus transmission operate by blocking, filtering, or diluting respiratory aerosol, particularly in indoor environments. In this review, we discuss the evidence for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and implications for engineering solutions to reduce transmission risk. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Volume 13 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Faye McNeill
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA;
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410
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Dass SA, Balakrishnan V, Arifin N, Lim CSY, Nordin F, Tye GJ. The COVID-19/Tuberculosis Syndemic and Potential Antibody Therapy for TB Based on the Lessons Learnt From the Pandemic. Front Immunol 2022; 13:833715. [PMID: 35242137 PMCID: PMC8886238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
2020 will be marked in history for the dreadful implications of the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the world globally. The pandemic has reshaped the normality of life and affected mankind in the aspects of mental and physical health, financial, economy, growth, and development. The focus shift to COVID-19 has indirectly impacted an existing air-borne disease, Tuberculosis. In addition to the decrease in TB diagnosis, the emergence of the TB/COVID-19 syndemic and its serious implications (possible reactivation of latent TB post-COVID-19, aggravation of an existing active TB condition, or escalation of the severity of a COVID-19 during TB-COVID-19 coinfection), serve as primary reasons to equally prioritize TB. On a different note, the valuable lessons learnt for the COVID-19 pandemic provide useful knowledge for enhancing TB diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, the crucial need to focus on TB amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been discussed. Besides, a general comparison between COVID-19 and TB in the aspects of pathogenesis, diagnostics, symptoms, and treatment options with importance given to antibody therapy were presented. Lastly, the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is applicable to enhance the antibody-based immunotherapy for TB have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Venugopal Balakrishnan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Crystale Siew Ying Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Tissue Engineering Centre (TEC), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
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411
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Abstract
The fluid mechanical processes that govern the spread of infectious agents through the air in complex spaces are reviewed and the scientific gaps and challenges identified and discussed. Air, expelled from the nose and mouth, creates turbulent jets that form loosely coherent structures which quickly slow. For the transport and dispersion of aerosols, the suitability of the Eulerian as well as the Lagrangian approaches are brought into context. The effects of buoyancy and external turbulence are explored and shown to influence the horizontal extent of expulsion through distinct mechanisms which both inhibit penetration and enhance mixing. The general influence of inhomogeneous turbulence and stratification on the spread of infectious agents in enclosed complex spaces is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Eames
- Centre for Engineering in Extreme Environments, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Jan-Bert Flór
- Laboratoire des Écoulements Géophysiques et Industriels (LEGI), CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, Grenoble 38000, France
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412
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Greenhalgh T, Jimenez JL, Prather KA, Tufeki Z, Fisman D, Schooley R. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: still up in the air - Authors' reply. Lancet 2022; 399:519-520. [PMID: 35123690 PMCID: PMC8813063 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Jose L Jimenez
- Department of Chemistry and Cooperative Institute for Research in the Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kimberly A Prather
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zeynep Tufeki
- School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Schooley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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413
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Abstract
The surface of aqueous solutions of simple salts was not the main focus of scientific attention for a long while. Considerable interest in studying such systems has only emerged in the past two decades, following the pioneering finding that large halide ions, such as I-, exhibit considerable surface affinity. Since then, a number of issues have been clarified; however, there are still several unresolved points (e.g., the effect of various salts on lateral water diffusion at the surface) in this respect. Computer simulation studies of the field have largely benefited from the appearance of intrinsic surface analysis methods, by which the particles staying right at the boundary of the two phases can be unambiguously identified. Considering complex ions instead of simple ones opens a number of interesting questions, both from the theoretical point of view and from that of the applications. Besides reviewing the state-of-the-art of intrinsic surface analysis methods as well as the most important advances and open questions concerning the surface of simple ionic solutions, we focus on two such systems in this Perspective, namely, the surface of aqueous mixtures of room temperature ionic liquids and that of ionic surfactants. In the case of the former systems, for which computer simulation studies have still scarcely been reported, we summarize the theoretical advances that could trigger such investigations, which might well be of importance also from the point of view of industrial applications. Computer simulation methods are, on the other hand, widely used in studies of the surface of surfactant solutions. Here we review the most important theoretical advances and issues to be addressed and discuss two areas of applications, namely, the inclusion of information gathered from such simulations in large scale atmospheric models and the better understanding of the airborne transmission of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Lbadaoui-Darvas
- Laboratory
of Atmospheric Processes and their Impacts, EPFL, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abdenacer Idrissi
- CNRS,
UMR 8516 -LASIRe - Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour
les Interactions la Réactivité et l’environnement, University of Lille, F-5900 Lille, France
| | - Pál Jedlovszky
- Department
of Chemistry, Eszterházy Károly
University, Leányka utca 6, H-3300 Eger, Hungary,
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414
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Liu J, Zheng T, Xia W, Xu S, Li Y. Cold chain and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission: a review for challenges and coping strategies. Med Rev (Berl) 2022; 2:50-65. [PMID: 35658108 PMCID: PMC9047647 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2021-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since June 2020, the re-emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemics in parts of China was linked to the cold chain, which attracted extensive attention and heated discussions from the public. According to the typical characteristics of these epidemics, we speculated a possible route of transmission from cold chain to human. A series of factors in the supply chain contributed to the epidemics if the cold chain were contaminated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as temperature, humidity, personal hygiene/protection, and disinfection. The workers who worked in the cold chain at the receiving end faced a higher risk of being infected when they were not well protected. Facing the difficult situation, China put forward targeted and powerful countermeasures to block the cold chain-related risk. However, in the context of the unstable pandemic situation globally, the risk of the cold chain needs to be recognized and evaluated seriously. Hence, in this review, we reviewed the cold chain-related epidemics in China, analyzed the possible mechanisms, introduced the Chinese experience, and suggested coping strategies for the global epidemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangtao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tongzhang Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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415
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Ha W, Zabarsky TF, Eckstein EC, Alhmidi H, Jencson AL, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ. Use of carbon dioxide measurements to assess ventilation in an acute care hospital. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:229-232. [PMID: 34848292 PMCID: PMC8627286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Poorly ventilated indoor spaces pose a risk for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We measured carbon dioxide levels in a multiple areas in an acute care hospital to assess the adequacy of ventilation. Carbon dioxide levels remained below 800 parts per million in most areas but exceeded this level in a small conference room with 8 occupants, an office with 3 occupants, and a bathroom with 2 occupants. Measuring carbon dioxide levels could provide a simple means for healthcare facilities to assess the adequacy of ventilation.
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416
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Truyols Vives J, Muncunill J, Toledo Pons N, Baldoví HG, Sala Llinàs E, Mercader Barceló J. SARS-CoV-2 detection in bioaerosols using a liquid impinger collector and ddPCR. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e13002. [PMID: 35225399 PMCID: PMC9111801 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The airborne route is the dominant form of COVID-19 transmission, and therefore, the development of methodologies to quantify SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols is needed. We aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols by using a highly efficient sampler for the collection of 1-3 µm particles, followed by a highly sensitive detection method. 65 bioaerosol samples were collected in hospital rooms in the presence of a COVID-19 patient using a liquid impinger sampler. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected by ddPCR using different primer/probe sets. 44.6% of the samples resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 following this protocol. By increasing the sampled air volume from 339 to 650 L, the percentage of positive samples went from 41% to 50%. We detected five times less positives with a commercial one-step RT-PCR assay. However, the selection of primer/probe sets might be one of the most determining factor for bioaerosol SARS-CoV-2 detection since with the ORF1ab set more than 40% of the samples were positive, compared to <10% with other sets. In conclusion, the use of a liquid impinger collector and ddPCR is an adequate strategy to detect SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols. However, there are still some methodological aspects that must be adjusted to optimize and standardize a definitive protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Truyols Vives
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
| | - Josep Muncunill
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
| | - Núria Toledo Pons
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Department of Pulmonary MedicineHospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE)Balearic IslandsSpain
| | - Herme G. Baldoví
- Department of ChemistryUniversitat Politècnica de València (UPV)ValenciaSpain
| | - Ernest Sala Llinàs
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Department of Pulmonary MedicineHospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES)MadridSpain
| | - Josep Mercader Barceló
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Foners Medicina Veterinària i Innovació SLPPalmaSpain
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417
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Gohli J, Anderson AM, Brantsæter AB, Bøifot KO, Grub C, Hadley CL, Lind A, Pettersen ES, Søraas AVL, Dybwad M. Dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 in air surrounding COVID-19-infected individuals with mild symptoms. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e13001. [PMID: 35225394 PMCID: PMC9111593 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the transmission modes of SARS-CoV-2-particularly the role of aerosol transmission-have been much debated. Accumulating evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by aerosols, and not only via larger respiratory droplets. In this study, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 in air surrounding 14 test subjects in a controlled setting. All subjects had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by a recent positive PCR test and had mild symptoms when included in the study. RT-PCR and cell culture analyses were performed on air samples collected at distances of one, two, and four meters from test subjects. Oronasopharyngeal samples were taken from consenting test subjects and analyzed by RT-PCR. Additionally, total aerosol particles were quantified during air sampling trials. Air viral concentrations at one-meter distance were significantly correlated with both viral loads in the upper airways, mild coughing, and fever. One sample collected at four-meter distance was RT-PCR positive. No samples were successfully cultured. The results reported here have potential application for SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring schemes, and for increasing our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. Practical implications. In this study, quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in air was performed around infected persons with mild symptoms. Such persons may go longer before they are diagnosed and may thus be a disproportionately important epidemiological group. By correlating viral concentrations in air with behavior and symptoms, we identify potential risk factors for viral dissemination in indoor environments. We also show that quantification of total aerosol particles is not a useful strategy for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jostein Gohli
- Norwegian Defence Research EstablishmentKjellerNorway
| | | | - Arne Broch Brantsæter
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNorwegian National Unit for CBRNE MedicineOslo University HospitalNydalenNorway
| | - Kari Oline Bøifot
- Norwegian Defence Research EstablishmentKjellerNorway
- Department of AnalyticsEnvironmental & Forensic SciencesKing’s College LondonLondonUK
| | - Carola Grub
- Institute of microbiologyNorwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical ServicesKjellerNorway
| | | | | | | | | | - Marius Dybwad
- Norwegian Defence Research EstablishmentKjellerNorway
- Department of AnalyticsEnvironmental & Forensic SciencesKing’s College LondonLondonUK
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418
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Blachere FM, Lemons AR, Coyle JP, Derk RC, Lindsley WG, Beezhold DH, Woodfork K, Duling MG, Boutin B, Boots T, Harris JR, Nurkiewicz T, Noti JD. Face mask fit modifications that improve source control performance. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:133-140. [PMID: 34924208 PMCID: PMC8674119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks are used as source control devices to reduce the expulsion of respiratory aerosols from infected people. Modifications such as mask braces, earloop straps, knotting and tucking, and double masking have been proposed to improve mask fit however the data on source control are limited. METHODS The effectiveness of mask fit modifications was determined by conducting fit tests on human subjects and simulator manikins and by performing simulated coughs and exhalations using a source control measurement system. RESULTS Medical masks without modification blocked ≥56% of cough aerosols and ≥42% of exhaled aerosols. Modifying fit by crossing the earloops or placing a bracket under the mask did not increase performance, while using earloop toggles, an earloop strap, and knotting and tucking the mask increased performance. The most effective modifications for improving source control performance were double masking and using a mask brace. Placing a cloth mask over a medical mask blocked ≥85% of cough aerosols and ≥91% of exhaled aerosols. Placing a brace over a medical mask blocked ≥95% of cough aerosols and ≥99% of exhaled aerosols. CONCLUSIONS Fit modifications can greatly improve the performance of face masks as source control devices for respiratory aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francoise M Blachere
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV.
| | - Angela R Lemons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Jayme P Coyle
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Raymond C Derk
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - William G Lindsley
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Donald H Beezhold
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Karen Woodfork
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV; Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
| | - Matthew G Duling
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Brenda Boutin
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Theresa Boots
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - James R Harris
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
| | - Tim Nurkiewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV; Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
| | - John D Noti
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV
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419
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Pracher F, Agarwal S, Goldrick P, Davies J. Repatriation of a Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019–Positive Patient Across Closed Borders. Air Med J 2022; 41:323-325. [PMID: 35595343 PMCID: PMC8830750 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report on the international retrieval of a critically ill, ventilated, coronavirus disease 2019–positive patient from Dili, East Timor, into the intensive care unit of the Royal Darwin Hospital in Australia. The patient had severe respiratory failure, and the medical team in Dili was struggling to maintain adequate oxygenation with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 1 most of the time. This occurred during an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in East Timor, placing strain on the local health system. Therefore, it was decided to transfer the patient to Australia. Given the closed international borders of Australia, organization of the retrieval and infection control measures were challenging and are described in the article. We discuss the need for a pathway to retrieve critically ill patients into a well-resourced country during a pandemic and the importance of public health measures including a robust vaccination program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Pracher
- Careflight, Darwin, Australia; Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | | | - Paul Goldrick
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia; Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
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420
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Shy CG, Lu JH, Lin HC, Hung MN, Chang HC, Lu ML, Chao HR, Chen YS, Wang PS. Rapid Control of a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant COVID-19 Community Outbreak: The Successful Experience in Pingtung County of Taiwan. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19031421. [PMID: 35162443 PMCID: PMC8834902 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was an outbreak in December, 2019 and rapidly spread to the world. All variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the globally and currently dominant Delta variant (Delta-SARS-CoV-2), caused severe disease and mortality. Among all variants, Delta-SARS-CoV-2 had the highest transmissibility, growth rate, and secondary attack rate than other variants except for the new variant of Omicron that still exists with many unknown effects. In Taiwan, the pandemic Delta-SARS-CoV-2 began in Pingtung from 14 June 2021 and ceased at 11 July 2021. Seventeen patients were infected by Delta-SARS-CoV-2 and 1 person died during the Pingtung outbreak. The Public Health Bureau of Pingtung County Government stopped the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 outbreak within 1 month through measures such as epidemic investigation, rapid gene sequencing, rapidly expanding isolation, expanded screening of the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 antigen for people who lived in regional villages, and indirect intervention, including rapid vaccination, short lockdown period, and travel restrictions. Indirect environmental factors, such as low levels of air pollution, tropic weather in the summer season, and rural areas might have accelerated the ability to control the Delta-SARS-CoV-2 spread. This successful experience might be recommended as a successful formula for the unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherng-Gueih Shy
- Public Health Bureau, Pingtung County Government, Pingtung, Pingtung County 900, Taiwan; (C.-G.S.); (H.-C.C.); (M.-L.L.)
- Department of Radiology, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Pingtung County 900, Taiwan
| | - Jian-He Lu
- Emerging Compounds Research Center, General Research Service Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan;
| | - Hui-Chen Lin
- Kaohsiung-Pingtung Regional Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Taipei City 10050, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (M.-N.H.)
| | - Min-Nan Hung
- Kaohsiung-Pingtung Regional Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Executive Yuan, Taipei City 10050, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (M.-N.H.)
| | - Hsiu-Chun Chang
- Public Health Bureau, Pingtung County Government, Pingtung, Pingtung County 900, Taiwan; (C.-G.S.); (H.-C.C.); (M.-L.L.)
| | - Meng-Lun Lu
- Public Health Bureau, Pingtung County Government, Pingtung, Pingtung County 900, Taiwan; (C.-G.S.); (H.-C.C.); (M.-L.L.)
| | - How-Ran Chao
- Emerging Compounds Research Center, General Research Service Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan;
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety Management, College of Agriculture, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-87703202 (ext. 7517); Fax: +886-87740256
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Department of Administration, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Sheng Wang
- Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Commission, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nangang, Taipei City 11558, Taiwan;
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421
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Mjokane N, Maliehe M, Folorunso OS, Ogundeji AO, Gcilitshana OMN, Albertyn J, Pohl CH, Sebolai OM. Cryptococcal Protease(s) and the Activation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein. Cells 2022; 11:437. [PMID: 35159253 PMCID: PMC8834071 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this contribution, we report on the possibility that cryptococcal protease(s) could activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. The S protein is documented to have a unique four-amino-acid sequence (underlined, SPRRAR↓S) at the interface between the S1 and S2 sites, that serves as a cleavage site for the human protease, furin. We compared the biochemical efficiency of cryptococcal protease(s) and furin to mediate the proteolytic cleavage of the S1/S2 site in a fluorogenic peptide. We show that cryptococcal protease(s) processes this site in a manner comparable to the efficiency of furin (p > 0.581). We conclude the paper by discussing the impact of these findings in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 disease manifesting while there is an underlying cryptococcal infection.
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422
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Abstract
To date, the protracted pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had widespread ramifications for the economy, politics, public health, etc. Based on the current situation, definitively stopping the spread of the virus is infeasible in many countries. This does not mean that populations should ignore the pandemic; instead, normal life needs to be balanced with disease prevention and control. This paper highlights the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for the prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in enclosed spaces. The proposed booking algorithm is able to control the gathering of crowds in specific regions. K-nearest neighbors (KNN) is utilized for the implementation of a navigation system with a congestion control strategy and global path planning capabilities. Furthermore, a risk assessment model is designed based on a “Sliding Window-Timer” algorithm, providing an infection risk assessment for individuals in potential contact with patients.
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423
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Whyte HE, Montigaud Y, Audoux E, Verhoeven P, Prier A, Leclerc L, Sarry G, Laurent C, Le Coq L, Joubert A, Pourchez J. Comparison of bacterial filtration efficiency vs. particle filtration efficiency to assess the performance of non-medical face masks. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1188. [PMID: 35075199 PMCID: PMC8786818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facemasks has become commonplace. The performance of medical facemasks is assessed using Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) tests. However, as BFE tests, require specific expertise and equipment and are time-consuming, the performance of non-medical facemasks is assessed with non-biological Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) tests which are comparatively easier to implement. It is necessary to better understand the possible correlations between BFE and PFE to be able to compare the performances of the different types of masks (medical vs. non-medical). In this study BFE results obtained in accordance with the standard EN 14683 are compared to the results of PFE from a reference test protocol defined by AFNOR SPEC S76-001 with the aim to determine if BFE could be predicted from PFE. Our results showed a correlation between PFE and BFE. It was also observed that PFE values were higher than BFE and this was attributed to the difference in particle size distribution considered for efficiency calculation. In order to properly compare these test protocols for a better deduction, it would be interesting to compare the filtration efficiency for a similar granulometric range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Essie Whyte
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France. .,IMT Atlantique, CNRS, GEPEA, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307, Nantes, France.
| | - Yoann Montigaud
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Estelle Audoux
- CIRI (Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie), GIMAP Team, University of Lyon, University of St-Etienne, INSERM, U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, St-Etienne, France
| | - Paul Verhoeven
- CIRI (Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie), GIMAP Team, University of Lyon, University of St-Etienne, INSERM, U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, St-Etienne, France.,Laboratory of Infectious Agents and Hygiene, University Hospital of St-Etienne, St-Etienne, France
| | - Amélie Prier
- CIRI (Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie), GIMAP Team, University of Lyon, University of St-Etienne, INSERM, U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, St-Etienne, France
| | - Lara Leclerc
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Gwendoline Sarry
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Coralie Laurent
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Laurence Le Coq
- IMT Atlantique, CNRS, GEPEA, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - Aurélie Joubert
- IMT Atlantique, CNRS, GEPEA, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - Jérémie Pourchez
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, Centre CIS, 42023, Saint-Etienne, France
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424
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Affiliation(s)
- David Michaels
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Ezekiel J Emanuel
- Perelman School of Medicine and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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425
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Viklund E, Kokelj S, Larsson P, Nordén R, Andersson M, Beck O, Westin J, Olin AC. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 can be detected in exhaled aerosol sampled during a few minutes of breathing or coughing. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022; 16:402-410. [PMID: 35037404 PMCID: PMC8983906 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The knowledge on the concentration of viral particles in exhaled breath is limited. The aim of this study was to explore if severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be detected in aerosol from subjects with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during various types of breathing and coughing and how infection with SARS-CoV-2 may influence the number and size of exhaled aerosol particles. METHODS We counted and collected endogenous particles in exhaled breath in subjects with COVID-19 disease by two different impaction-based methods, during 20 normal breaths, 10 airway opening breaths, and three coughs, respectively. Breath samples were analyzed with reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Detection of RNA in aerosol was possible in 10 out of 25 subjects. Presence of virus RNA in aerosol was mainly found in cough samples (n = 8), but also in airway opening breaths (n = 3) and in normal breaths (n = 4), with no overlap between the methods. No association between viral load in aerosol and number exhaled particles <5 μm was found. Subjects with COVID-19 exhaled less particles than healthy controls during normal breathing and airway opening breaths (all P < 0.05), but not during cough. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in exhaled aerosol, sampled during a limited number of breathing and coughing procedures. Detection in aerosol seemed independent of viral load in the upper airway swab as well as of the exhaled number of particles. The infectious potential of the amount of virus detected in aerosol needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Viklund
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Spela Kokelj
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Larsson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rickard Nordén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olof Beck
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Johan Westin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna-Carin Olin
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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426
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Esneau C, Duff AC, Bartlett NW. Understanding Rhinovirus Circulation and Impact on Illness. Viruses 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 35062345 DOI: 10.3390/v14010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhinoviruses (RVs) have been reported as one of the main viral causes for severe respiratory illnesses that may require hospitalization, competing with the burden of other respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV in terms of severity, economic cost, and resource utilization. With three species and 169 subtypes, RV presents the greatest diversity within the Enterovirus genus, and despite the efforts of the research community to identify clinically relevant subtypes to target therapeutic strategies, the role of species and subtype in the clinical outcomes of RV infection remains unclear. This review aims to collect and organize data relevant to RV illness in order to find patterns and links with species and/or subtype, with a specific focus on species and subtype diversity in clinical studies typing of respiratory samples.
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427
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Parhizkar H, Dietz L, Olsen-Martinez A, Horve PF, Barnatan L, Northcutt D, Van Den Wymelenberg KG. Quantifying environmental mitigation of aerosol viral load in a controlled chamber with participants diagnosed with COVID-19. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:e174-e184. [PMID: 34996097 PMCID: PMC8755398 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies indicate that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted within indoor spaces. Therefore, environmental characterization of SARS-CoV-2 viral load with respect to human activity, building parameters, and environmental mitigation strategies is critical to combat disease transmission. Methods We recruited 11 participants diagnosed with COVID-19 to individually occupy a controlled chamber and conduct specified physical activities under a range of environmental conditions; we collected human and environmental samples over a period of three days for each participant. Results Here we show that increased viral load, measured by lower RNA cycle threshold (CT) values, in nasal samples is associated with higher viral loads in environmental aerosols and on surfaces captured in both the near field (1.2 m) and far field (3.5 m). We also found that aerosol viral load in far field is correlated with the number of particles within the range of 1 µm -2.5 µm. Furthermore, we found that increased ventilation and filtration significantly reduced aerosol and surface viral loads, while higher relative humidity resulted in lower aerosol and higher surface viral load, consistent with an increased rate of particle deposition at higher relative humidity. Data from near field aerosol trials with high expiratory activities suggest that respiratory particles of smaller sizes (0.3 µm -1 µm) best characterize the variance of near field aerosol viral load. Conclusions Our findings indicate that building operation practices such as ventilation, filtration, and humidification substantially reduce the environmental aerosol viral load, and therefore inhalation dose, and should be prioritized to improve building health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Parhizkar
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Leslie Dietz
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Andreas Olsen-Martinez
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Patrick F Horve
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Liliana Barnatan
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Dale Northcutt
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Kevin G Van Den Wymelenberg
- Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States
- Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
- Corresponding Author: Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg, , Biology and the Built Environment Center, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States, 97403, Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States, 97403, Institute for Health and the Built Environment, University of Oregon, Portland, OR, United States, 97209
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428
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Gagne M, Corbett KS, Flynn BJ, Foulds KE, Wagner DA, Andrew SF, Todd JPM, Honeycutt CC, McCormick L, Nurmukhambetova ST, Davis-Gardner ME, Pessaint L, Bock KW, Nagata BM, Minai M, Werner AP, Moliva JI, Tucker C, Lorang CG, Zhao B, McCarthy E, Cook A, Dodson A, Teng IT, Mudvari P, Roberts-Torres J, Laboune F, Wang L, Goode A, Kar S, Boyoglu-Barnum S, Yang ES, Shi W, Ploquin A, Doria-Rose N, Carfi A, Mascola JR, Boritz EA, Edwards DK, Andersen H, Lewis MG, Suthar MS, Graham BS, Roederer M, Moore IN, Nason MC, Sullivan NJ, Douek DC, Seder RA. Protection from SARS-CoV-2 Delta one year after mRNA-1273 vaccination in rhesus macaques coincides with anamnestic antibody response in the lung. Cell 2022; 185:113-130.e15. [PMID: 34921774 PMCID: PMC8639396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
mRNA-1273 vaccine efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 Delta wanes over time; however, there are limited data on the impact of durability of immune responses on protection. Here, we immunized rhesus macaques and assessed immune responses over 1 year in blood and upper and lower airways. Serum neutralizing titers to Delta were 280 and 34 reciprocal ID50 at weeks 6 (peak) and 48 (challenge), respectively. Antibody-binding titers also decreased in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Four days after Delta challenge, the virus was unculturable in BAL, and subgenomic RNA declined by ∼3-log10 compared with control animals. In nasal swabs, sgRNA was reduced by 1-log10, and the virus remained culturable. Anamnestic antibodies (590-fold increased titer) but not T cell responses were detected in BAL by day 4 post-challenge. mRNA-1273-mediated protection in the lungs is durable but delayed and potentially dependent on anamnestic antibody responses. Rapid and sustained protection in upper and lower airways may eventually require a boost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gagne
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kizzmekia S. Corbett
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Barbara J. Flynn
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Foulds
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Danielle A. Wagner
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shayne F. Andrew
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John-Paul M. Todd
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christopher Cole Honeycutt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lauren McCormick
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Saule T. Nurmukhambetova
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Meredith E. Davis-Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Kevin W. Bock
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bianca M. Nagata
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mahnaz Minai
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anne P. Werner
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Juan I. Moliva
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Courtney Tucker
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cynthia G. Lorang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Bingchun Zhao
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth McCarthy
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - I-Ting Teng
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Prakriti Mudvari
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jesmine Roberts-Torres
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Farida Laboune
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lingshu Wang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eun Sung Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Shi
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aurélie Ploquin
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicole Doria-Rose
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - John R. Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Eli A. Boritz
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mehul S. Suthar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Barney S. Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mario Roederer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ian N. Moore
- Infectious Disease Pathogenesis Section, Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Martha C. Nason
- Biostatistics Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nancy J. Sullivan
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel C. Douek
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Robert A. Seder
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA,Corresponding author
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429
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Greenhalgh T, Katzourakis A, Wyatt TD, Griffin S. Rapid evidence review to inform safe return to campus in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17270.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted predominantly through the air in crowded and unventilated indoor spaces, especially among unvaccinated people. Universities and colleges are potential settings for its spread. Methods: An interdisciplinary team from public health, virology, and biology used narrative methods to summarise and synthesise evidence on key control measures, taking account of mode of transmission. Results: Evidence from a wide range of primary studies supports six measures. Vaccinate (aim for > 90% coverage and make it easy to get a jab). Require masks indoors, especially in crowded settings. If everyone wears well-fitting cloth masks, source control will be high, but for maximum self-protection, respirator masks should be worn. Masks should not be removed for speaking or singing. Space people out by physical distancing (but there is no “safe” distance because transmission risk varies with factors such as ventilation, activity levels and crowding), reducing class size (including offering blended learning), and cohorting (students remain in small groups with no cross-mixing). Clean indoor air using engineering controls—ventilation (while monitoring CO2 levels), inbuilt filtration systems, or portable air cleaners fitted with high efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filters). Test asymptomatic staff and students using lateral flow tests, with tracing and isolating infectious cases when incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is high. Support clinically vulnerable people to work remotely. There is no direct evidence to support hand sanitising, fomite controls or temperature-taking. There was no evidence that freestanding plastic screens, face visors and electronic air-cleaning systems are effective. Conclusions: The above evidence-based measures should be combined into a multi-faceted strategy to maximise both student safety and the continuation of in-person and online education provision. Those seeking to provide a safe working and learning environment should collect data (e.g. CO2 levels, room occupancy) to inform their efforts.
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430
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da Silva PG, Gonçalves J, Lopes AIB, Esteves NA, Bamba GEE, Nascimento MSJ, Branco PTBS, Soares RRG, Sousa SIV, Mesquita JR. Evidence of Air and Surface Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in a Major Hospital in Portugal. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19010525. [PMID: 35010785 PMCID: PMC8744945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Portugal, it forced the country to reintroduce lockdown measures due to hospitals reaching their full capacities. Under these circumstances, environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in different areas of one of Portugal's major Hospitals was assessed between 21 January and 11 February 2021. Air samples (n = 44) were collected from eleven different areas of the Hospital (four COVID-19 and seven non-COVID-19 areas) using Coriolis® μ and Coriolis® Compact cyclone air sampling devices. Surface sampling was also performed (n = 17) on four areas (one COVID-19 and three non-COVID-19 areas). RNA extraction followed by a one-step RT-qPCR adapted for quantitative purposes were performed. Of the 44 air samples, two were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (6575 copies/m3 and 6662.5 copies/m3, respectively). Of the 17 surface samples, three were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (200.6 copies/cm2, 179.2 copies/cm2, and 201.7 copies/cm2, respectively). SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination was found both in air and on surfaces in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. Moreover, our results suggest that longer collection sessions are needed to detect point contaminations. This reinforces the need to remain cautious at all times, not only when in close contact with infected individuals. Hand hygiene and other standard transmission-prevention guidelines should be continuously followed to avoid nosocomial COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (P.T.B.S.B.); (S.I.V.S.)
| | - José Gonçalves
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ariana Isabel Brito Lopes
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (A.I.B.L.); (N.A.E.); (G.E.E.B.)
| | - Nury Alves Esteves
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (A.I.B.L.); (N.A.E.); (G.E.E.B.)
| | - Gustavo Emanuel Enes Bamba
- Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho E.P.E., 4904-858 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (A.I.B.L.); (N.A.E.); (G.E.E.B.)
| | | | - Pedro T. B. S. Branco
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (P.T.B.S.B.); (S.I.V.S.)
| | - Ruben R. G. Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Sofia I. V. Sousa
- LEPABE–Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; (P.T.B.S.B.); (S.I.V.S.)
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS–School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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431
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Turkyilmazoglu M. Indoor transmission of airborne viral aerosol with a simplistic reaction-diffusion model. Eur Phys J Spec Top 2022; 231:3591-3601. [PMID: 35669449 PMCID: PMC9148948 DOI: 10.1140/epjs/s11734-022-00614-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A simplistic reaction-diffusion model is undertaken in the present work to mathematically explore the spatio-temporal development of concentration of indoor aerosols containing infectious COVID-19 respiratory virus nuclei. Extracting exact solutions of concentration field under the influence of several physical parameters is preferred rather than adopting a more realistic complex model requiring time-consuming numerical simulations. Even though the proposed model is not sophisticated, the analytical solutions can provide quick prediction of the probability of contracting the virus in a ventilated closed room. Moreover, from the obtained elementary solutions of the viral concentration field, it is easy to analyze its spatio-temporal evolution and final equilibrium state. Formulae enable us to estimate the time to get infected and the risk of getting infected within an elapsed time under various physical operative situations involving a uniform infectious particle mixture ejection into the medium, wearing a face mask with a well-defined efficiency parameter and taking into account a localized source of infection. One of the essential conclusion from the current research is that less aerosols carrying COVID-19 particles are as a result of good indoor ventilation conditions, of removing the medium air through windows (or other exits) and of wearing masks of high efficiency. Moreover, the risk and probability of being caught by the indoor COVID-19 disease increases in time, particularly in the downstream of a localized infectious person. The results can be beneficial to understand and take necessary safety considerations against the infection risk in closed public or governmental environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Turkyilmazoglu
- Department of Mathematics, Hacettepe University, 06532 Beytepe, Ankara Turkey
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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432
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Auvinen M, Kuula J, Grönholm T, Sühring M, Hellsten A. High-resolution large-eddy simulation of indoor turbulence and its effect on airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens-Model validation and infection probability analysis. Phys Fluids (1994) 2022; 34:015124. [PMID: 35340682 PMCID: PMC8939551 DOI: 10.1063/5.0076495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution large-eddy simulation (LES) is exploited to study indoor air turbulence and its effect on the dispersion of respiratory virus-laden aerosols and subsequent transmission risks. The LES modeling is carried out with unprecedented accuracy and subsequent analysis with novel mathematical robustness. To substantiate the physical relevance of the LES model under realistic ventilation conditions, a set of experimental aerosol concentration measurements are carried out, and their results are used to successfully validate the LES model results. The obtained LES dispersion results are subjected to pathogen exposure and infection probability analysis in accordance with the Wells-Riley model, which is here mathematically extended to rely on LES-based space- and time-dependent concentration fields. The methodology is applied to assess two dissimilar approaches to reduce transmission risks: a strategy to augment the indoor ventilation capacity with portable air purifiers and a strategy to utilize partitioning by exploiting portable space dividers. The LES results show that use of air purifiers leads to greater reduction in absolute risks compared to the analytical Wells-Riley model, which fails to predict the original risk level. However, the two models do agree on the relative risk reduction. The spatial partitioning strategy is demonstrated to have an undesirable effect when employed without other measures, but may yield desirable outcomes with targeted air purifier units. The study highlights the importance of employing accurate indoor turbulence modeling when evaluating different risk-reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Auvinen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palmenin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
| | - Joel Kuula
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palmenin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiia Grönholm
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palmenin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matthias Sühring
- Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Leibniz University Hannover, Herrenhäuser Strasse 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Antti Hellsten
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palmenin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
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433
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Wang J, Dalla Barba F, Roccon A, Sardina G, Soldati A, Picano F. Modelling the direct virus exposure risk associated with respiratory events. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210819. [PMID: 35016556 PMCID: PMC8753145 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of accurately modelling the pathogen transmission via droplets and aerosols emitted while speaking, coughing and sneezing. In this work, we present an effective model for assessing the direct contagion risk associated with these pathogen-laden droplets. In particular, using the most recent studies on multi-phase flow physics, we develop an effective yet simple framework capable of predicting the infection risk associated with different respiratory activities in different ambient conditions. We start by describing the mathematical framework and benchmarking the model predictions against well-assessed literature results. Then, we provide a systematic assessment of the effects of physical distancing and face coverings on the direct infection risk. The present results indicate that the risk of infection is vastly impacted by the ambient conditions and the type of respiratory activity, suggesting the non-existence of a universal safe distance. Meanwhile, wearing face masks provides excellent protection, effectively limiting the transmission of pathogens even at short physical distances, i.e. 1 m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jietuo Wang
- Centro di Ateneo di Studi e Attività Spaziali - CISAS, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Roccon
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Polytechnic Department, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Gaetano Sardina
- Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alfredo Soldati
- Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, TU Wien, Vienna 1060, Austria
- Polytechnic Department, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Picano
- Centro di Ateneo di Studi e Attività Spaziali - CISAS, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
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434
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Das SK, Alam JE, Plumari S, Greco V. Airborne virus transmission under different weather conditions. AIP Adv 2022; 12:015019. [PMID: 35070489 PMCID: PMC8759630 DOI: 10.1063/5.0082017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID19 infection is known to disseminate through droplets ejected by infected individuals during coughing, sneezing, speaking, and breathing. The spread of the infection and hence its menace depend on how the virus-loaded droplets evolve in space and time with changing environmental conditions. In view of this, we investigate the evolution of the droplets within the purview of the Brownian motion of the evaporating droplets in the air with varying weather conditions under the action of gravity. We track the movement of the droplets until either they gravitationally settle on the ground or evaporate to aerosols of size 2 μm or less. Droplets with radii 2 μm or less may continue to diffuse and remain suspended in the air for a long time. The effects of relative humidity and temperature on the evaporation are found to be significant. We note that under strong flowing conditions, droplets travel large distances. It is found that the bigger droplets fall on the ground due to the dominance of gravity over the diffusive force despite the loss of mass due to evaporation. The smaller evaporating droplets may not settle on the ground but remain suspended in the air due to the dominance of the diffusive force. The fate of the intermediate size droplets depends on the weather conditions and plays crucial roles in the spread of the infection. These environment dependent effects indicate that the maintenance of physical separation to evade the virus is not corroborated, making the use of face masks indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K. Das
- School of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Goa, Ponda 403401, Goa, India
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435
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Assadi I, Guesmi A, Baaloudj O, Zeghioud H, Elfalleh W, Benhammadi N, Khezami L, Assadi AA. Review on inactivation of airborne viruses using non-thermal plasma technologies: from MS2 to coronavirus. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:4880-4892. [PMID: 34796437 PMCID: PMC8601095 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Although several non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) technologies have been widely investigated in air treatment, very few studies have focused on the inactivation mechanism of viruses by NTPs. Due to its efficiency and environmental compatibility, non-thermal plasma could be considered a promising virus-inactivation technology. Plasma is a partly or fully ionized gas including some species (i.e., electrons, free radicals, ions, and neutral molecules) to oxidize pollutants or inactivate harmful organisms. Non-thermal plasmas are made using less energy and have an active electron at a much higher temperature than bulk gas molecules. This review describes NTPs for virus inactivation in indoor air. The different application processes of plasma for microorganism inactivation at both laboratory and pilot-scale was also reviewed This paper reports on recent advances in this exciting area of viral inactivation identifying applications and mechanisms of inactivation, and summarizing the results of the latest experiments in the literature. Moreover, special attention was paid to the mechanism of virus inactivation. Finally, the paper suggests research directions in the field of airborne virus inactivation using non-thermal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Assadi
- Laboratoire Energie, Eau, Environnement Et Procèdes, ENIG, Université de Gabès, LR18ES356072, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Guesmi
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), P.O. Box 5701, 11432, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oussama Baaloudj
- Laboratory of Reaction Engineering, USTHB, BP 32, 16111, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hichem Zeghioud
- Department of Process Engineering, Badji Mokhtar University, P.O. Box 12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria
| | - Walid Elfalleh
- Laboratoire Energie, Eau, Environnement Et Procèdes, ENIG, Université de Gabès, LR18ES356072, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Naoufel Benhammadi
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), P.O. Box 5701, 11432, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lotfi Khezami
- Department of Chemistry, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), P.O. Box 5701, 11432, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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436
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Ohya T, Nakagawa K, Arai Y, Kato H. Visualization of droplets produced by dental air turbines that require infection control measured during coronavirus 2019 outbreaks. J Hosp Infect 2022; 119:196-198. [PMID: 34637853 PMCID: PMC8501514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Ohya
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan,Corresponding author. Address: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan. Tel.: +81-45-787-2659
| | - K. Nakagawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Precision Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y. Arai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - H. Kato
- Infection Prevention and Control Department, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
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437
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Stanislas TT, Bilba K, de Oliveira Santos RP, Onésippe-Potiron C, Savastano Junior H, Arsène MA. Nanocellulose-based membrane as a potential material for high performance biodegradable aerosol respirators for SARS-CoV-2 prevention: a review. Cellulose (Lond) 2022; 29:8001-8024. [PMID: 35990792 PMCID: PMC9383689 DOI: 10.1007/s10570-022-04792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The controversy surrounding the transmission of COVID-19 in 2020 has revealed the need to better understand the airborne transmission route of respiratory viruses to establish appropriate strategies to limit their transmission. The effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19 has led to a high demand for face masks. This includes the single-use of non-degradable masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators by a large proportion of the public, leading to environmental concerns related to waste management. Thus, nanocellulose-based membranes are a promising environmental solution for aerosol filtration due to their biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, high specific surface area, non-toxicity, ease of functionalization and worldwide availability. Although the technology for producing high-performance aerosol filter membranes from cellulose-based materials is still in its initial stage, several promising results show the prospects of the use of this kind of materials. This review focuses on the overview of nanocellulose-based filter media, including its processing, desirable characteristics and recent developments regarding filtration, functionalization, biodegradability, and mechanical behavior. The porosity control, surface wettability and surface functional groups resulting from the silylation treatment to improve the filtration capacity of the nanocellulose-based membrane is discussed. Future research trends in this area are planned to develop the air filter media by reinforcing the filter membrane structure of CNF with CNCs. In addition, the integration of sol-gel technology into the production of an air filter can tailor the pore size of the membrane for a viable physical screening solution in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tido Tiwa Stanislas
- Laboratoire COVACHIM-M2E EA3592, UFR SEN, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe France
- Research Nucleus on Materials for Biosystems, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900 Brazil
- Mechanic and Adapted Materials Laboratory, ENSET, University of Douala, P.O. BOX 1872, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Ketty Bilba
- Laboratoire COVACHIM-M2E EA3592, UFR SEN, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe France
| | - Rachel Passos de Oliveira Santos
- Research Nucleus on Materials for Biosystems, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900 Brazil
| | - Cristel Onésippe-Potiron
- Laboratoire COVACHIM-M2E EA3592, UFR SEN, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe France
| | - Holmer Savastano Junior
- Research Nucleus on Materials for Biosystems, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900 Brazil
| | - Marie-Ange Arsène
- Laboratoire COVACHIM-M2E EA3592, UFR SEN, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe France
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438
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Abstract
In humans, several respiratory viruses can have neurologic implications affecting both central and peripheral nervous system. Neurologic manifestations can be linked to viral neurotropism and/or indirect effects of the infection due to endothelitis with vascular damage and ischemia, hypercoagulation state with thrombosis and hemorrhages, systemic inflammatory response, autoimmune reactions, and other damages. Among these respiratory viruses, recent and huge attention has been given to the coronaviruses, especially the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic started in 2020. Besides the common respiratory symptoms and the lung tropism of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), neurologic manifestations are not rare and often present in the severe forms of the infection. The most common acute and subacute symptoms and signs include headache, fatigue, myalgia, anosmia, ageusia, sleep disturbances, whereas clinical syndromes include mainly encephalopathy, ischemic stroke, seizures, and autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms of COVID-19 in the various acute neurologic manifestations are partially understood, little is known about long-term consequences of the infection. These consequences concern both the so-called long-COVID (characterized by the persistence of neurological manifestations after the resolution of the acute viral phase), and the onset of new neurological symptoms that may be linked to the previous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria,Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Moro
- Division of Neurology, CHU of Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Grenoble, France,Correspondence to: Elena Moro, Service de neurologie, CHU de Grenoble (Hôpital Nord), Boulevard de la Chantourne, 38043 La Tronche, France. Tel: + 33-4-76-76-94-52, Fax: +33-4-76-76-56-31
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439
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Nazaroff WW. Indoor aerosol science aspects of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Indoor Air 2022; 32:e12970. [PMID: 34873752 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is reviewed, emphasizing three components: emission of virus-containing particles and drops from infectious persons; transport and fate of such emissions indoors; and inhalation of viral particles by susceptible persons. Emissions are usefully clustered into three groups: small particles (diameter 0.1-5 µm), large particles (5-100 µm), and ballistic drops (>100 µm). Speaking generates particles and drops across the size spectrum. Small particles are removed from indoor air at room scale by ventilation, filtration, and deposition; large particles mainly deposit onto indoor surfaces. Proximate exposure enhancements are associated with large particles with contributions from ballistic drops. Masking and social distancing are effective in mitigating transmission from proximate exposures. At room scale, masking, ventilation, and filtration can contribute to limit exposures. Important information gaps prevent a quantitative reconciliation of the high overall global spread of COVID-19 with known transmission pathways. Available information supports several findings with moderate-to-high confidence: transmission occurs predominantly indoors; inhalation of airborne particles (up to 50 µm in diameter) contributes substantially to viral spread; transmission occurs in near proximity and at room scale; speaking is a major source of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus; and emissions can occur without strong illness symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W Nazaroff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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440
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Xu C, Liu W, Luo X, Huang X, Nielsen PV. Prediction and control of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ventilated context: from source to receptor. Sustain Cities Soc 2022; 76:103416. [PMID: 34611508 PMCID: PMC8484231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Global spread of COVID-19 has seriously threatened human life and health. The aerosol transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 is observed often associated with infection clusters under poorly ventilated environment. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, significant transformation and optimization of traditional ventilation systems are needed. This paper is aimed to offer better understanding and insights into effective ventilation design to maximize its ability in airborne risk control, for particularly the COVID-19. Comprehensive reviews of each phase of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from source to receptor are conducted, so as to provide a theoretical basis for risk prediction and control. Infection risk models and their key parameters for risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 are analyzed. Special focus is given on the efficacy of different ventilation strategies in mitigating airborne transmission. Ventilation interventions are found mainly impacting on the dispersion and inhalation phases of aerosol transmission. The airflow patterns become a key factor in controlling the aerosol diffusion and distribution. Novel and personalized ventilation design, effective integration with other environmental control techniques and resilient HVAC system design to adapt both common and epidemic conditions are still remaining challenging, which need to be solved with the aid of multidisciplinary research and intelligent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwen Xu
- College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Wenbing Liu
- College of Pipeline and Civil Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Xilian Luo
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Xingyu Huang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Peter V Nielsen
- Division of Sustainability, Energy and Indoor Environment, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9000, Denmark
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441
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Klompas M, Rhee C. OUP accepted manuscript. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:191-194. [PMID: 35535586 PMCID: PMC9384050 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klompas
- Correspondence: Michael Klompas, MD, MPH, Department of Population Medicine, 401 Park Drive, Suite 401 E, Boston, MA 02215, USA ()
| | - Chanu Rhee
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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442
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Abstract
The dynamics of respiratory airflows and the associated transport mechanisms of inhaled aerosols characteristic of the deep regions of the lungs are of broad interest in assessing both respiratory health risks and inhalation therapy outcomes. In the present review, we present a comprehensive discussion of our current understanding of airflow and aerosol transport phenomena that take place within the unique and complex anatomical environment of the deep lungs, characterized by submillimeter 3D alveolated airspaces and nominally slow resident airflows, known as low-Reynolds-number flows. We exemplify the advances brought forward by experimental efforts, in conjunction with numerical simulations, to revisit past mechanistic theories of respiratory airflow and particle transport in the distal acinar regions. Most significantly, we highlight how microfluidic-based platforms spanning the past decade have accelerated opportunities to deliver anatomically inspired in vitro solutions that capture with sufficient realism and accuracy the leading mechanisms governing both respiratory airflow and aerosol transport at true scale. Despite ongoing challenges and limitations with microfabrication techniques, the efforts witnessed in recent years have provided previously unattainable in vitro quantifications on the local transport properties in the deep pulmonary acinar airways. These may ultimately provide new opportunities to explore improved strategies of inhaled drug delivery to the deep acinar regions by investigating further the mechanistic interactions between airborne particulate carriers and respiratory airflows at the pulmonary microscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Sznitman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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443
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Coyle JP, Derk RC, Lindsley WG, Blachere FM, Boots T, Lemons AR, Martin SB, Mead KR, Fotta SA, Reynolds JS, McKinney WG, Sinsel EW, Beezhold DH, Noti JD. Efficacy of Ventilation, HEPA Air Cleaners, Universal Masking, and Physical Distancing for Reducing Exposure to Simulated Exhaled Aerosols in a Meeting Room. Viruses 2021; 13:2536. [PMID: 34960804 PMCID: PMC8707272 DOI: 10.3390/v13122536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is strong evidence associating the indoor environment with transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 can spread by exposure to droplets and very fine aerosol particles from respiratory fluids that are released by infected persons. Layered mitigation strategies, including but not limited to maintaining physical distancing, adequate ventilation, universal masking, avoiding overcrowding, and vaccination, have shown to be effective in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within the indoor environment. Here, we examine the effect of mitigation strategies on reducing the risk of exposure to simulated respiratory aerosol particles within a classroom-style meeting room. To quantify exposure of uninfected individuals (Recipients), surrogate respiratory aerosol particles were generated by a breathing simulator with a headform (Source) that mimicked breath exhalations. Recipients, represented by three breathing simulators with manikin headforms, were placed in a meeting room and affixed with optical particle counters to measure 0.3-3 µm aerosol particles. Universal masking of all breathing simulators with a 3-ply cotton mask reduced aerosol exposure by 50% or more compared to scenarios with simulators unmasked. While evaluating the effect of Source placement, Recipients had the highest exposure at 0.9 m in a face-to-face orientation. Ventilation reduced exposure by approximately 5% per unit increase in air change per hour (ACH), irrespective of whether increases in ACH were by the HVAC system or portable HEPA air cleaners. The results demonstrate that mitigation strategies, such as universal masking and increasing ventilation, reduce personal exposure to respiratory aerosols within a meeting room. While universal masking remains a key component of a layered mitigation strategy of exposure reduction, increasing ventilation via system HVAC or portable HEPA air cleaners further reduces exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme P. Coyle
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Raymond C. Derk
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - William G. Lindsley
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Francoise M. Blachere
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Theresa Boots
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Angela R. Lemons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Stephen B. Martin
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Kenneth R. Mead
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
| | - Steven A. Fotta
- Facilities Management Office, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Jeffrey S. Reynolds
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Walter G. McKinney
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Erik W. Sinsel
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Donald H. Beezhold
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
| | - John D. Noti
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.P.C.); (R.C.D.); (F.M.B.); (T.B.); (A.R.L.); (J.S.R.); (W.G.M.); (E.W.S.); (D.H.B.); (J.D.N.)
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444
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Abstract
Yearly administration of influenza vaccines is our best available tool for controlling influenza virus spread. However, both practical and immunological factors sometimes result in sub-optimal vaccine efficacy. The call for improved, or even universal, influenza vaccines within the field has led to development of pre-clinical and clinical vaccine candidates that aim to address limitations of current influenza vaccine approaches. Here, we consider the route of immunization as a critical factor in eliciting tissue resident memory (Trm) populations that are not a target of current licensed intramuscular vaccines. Intranasal vaccination has the potential to boost tissue resident B and T cell populations that reside within specific niches of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Within these niches, Trm cells are poised to respond rapidly to pathogen re-encounter by nature of their anatomic localization and their ability to rapidly deliver anti-pathogen effector functions. Unique features of mucosal immunity in the upper and lower respiratory tracts suggest that antigen localized to these regions is required for the elicitation of protective B and T cell immunity at these sites and will need to be considered as an important attribute of a rationally designed intranasal vaccine. Finally, we discuss outstanding questions and areas of future inquiry in the field of lung mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea J. Sant
- David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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445
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Esquivel-Chirino C, Valero-Princet Y, Gaitán-Cepeda LA, Hernández-Hernández C, Hernández AM, Laparra-Escareño H, Ventura-Gallegos JL, Montes-Sánchez D, Lopéz-Macay A, Hernández-Sánchez F, de Oliveira WA, Morales-González JA, Carmona-Ruiz D, Rosen-Esquivel K, Zentella-Dehesa A. The Effects of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers and Non-Healthcare Workers in Mexico: 14 Months into the Pandemic. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57:medicina57121353. [PMID: 34946297 PMCID: PMC8706611 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57121353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) play important roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and are more likely to become infected with COVID-19. Mexico, among other countries, had a high incidence and prevalence of cases and deaths from this disease. Material and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical characteristics as well as the geographical distribution of cases, deaths, and active cases of COVID-19 in HCWs and non-HCWs using official information from the Ministry of Health of Mexico. Results: A total of 235,343 cases of COVID-19 were reported in healthcare workers, and 2,094,191 cases were reported in non-healthcare workers. A total of 76.0% of cases in healthcare workers occurred in those who were between 25 and 50 years of age, and 71.4% of deaths occurred in those who were 50 to 69 years of age. Among healthcare workers, the most frequent comorbidities were obesity (15.2%), hypertension (10.9%), and diabetes (6.8%). Nurses were the group with the most cases (39.7%), followed by other healthcare workers (30.6%), physicians (26%), and dentists (1.6%). Physicians were the group with the most deaths (46%), followed by other professionals (30%), nurses (19%), and dentists (3%). Conclusion: These findings are likely the result of healthcare workers in Mexico being at a greater risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Esquivel-Chirino
- Área de Básicas Médicas, División de Estudios Profesionales, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5109-8656
| | - Yolanda Valero-Princet
- División de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Intercontinental, Ciudad de México 14420, Mexico;
| | - Luis Alberto Gaitán-Cepeda
- Departamento de Medicina y Patología Oral Clínica, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Hernández-Hernández
- Servicio de Estomatología, Instituto de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Macías Hernández
- Área de Microbiología y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Medicina y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Guanajuato, León 37670, Mexico;
| | - Hugo Laparra-Escareño
- Departamento de Cirugía, Sección de Cirugía Vascular y Terapia, Instituto de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - José Luis Ventura-Gallegos
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (J.L.V.-G.); (A.Z.-D.)
| | - Delina Montes-Sánchez
- Investigación Biomédica Básica, Licenciatura en Estomatología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 75770, Mexico;
| | - Ambar Lopéz-Macay
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Neuromusculares, 2do Piso de la Torre de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico;
| | - Fernando Hernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Virología y Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Ciudad de México 04502, Mexico;
| | - William Alves de Oliveira
- Investigación de la División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Intercontinental, Ciudad de México 14420, Mexico;
- División de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Intercontinental, Ciudad de México 14420, Mexico
| | - José Antonio Morales-González
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - Daniela Carmona-Ruiz
- Área de Ortodoncia, División de Estudios Profesionales, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Karol Rosen-Esquivel
- Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Zentella-Dehesa
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; (J.L.V.-G.); (A.Z.-D.)
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
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446
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Park J, Kim G. Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Public Transportation: The Development of a Model. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:12790. [PMID: 34886516 PMCID: PMC8657409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
South Korea's social distancing policies on public transportation only involve mandatory wearing of masks and prohibition of food intake, similar to policies on other indoor spaces. This is not because public transportation is safe from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but because no suitable policies based on accurate data have been implemented. To relieve fears regarding contracting COVID-19 infection through public transportation, the government should provide accurate information and take appropriate measures to lower the risk of COVID-19. This study aimed to develop a model for determining the risk of COVID-19 infection on public transportation considering exposure time, mask efficiency, ventilation rate, and distance. The risk of COVID-19 infection on public transportation was estimated, and the effectiveness of measures to reduce the risk was assessed. The correlation between the risk of infection and various factors was identified through sensitivity analysis of major factors. The analysis shows that, in addition to the general indoor space social distancing policy, ventilation system installation, passenger number reduction in a vehicle, and seat distribution strategies were effective. Based on these results, the government should provide accurate guidelines and implement appropriate policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsik Park
- The Korea Transport Institute, Sejong-si 30147, Korea;
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447
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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448
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara N Palmore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - David K Henderson
- Hospital Epidemiology Service, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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449
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Samaranayake L, Fakhruddin KS. Pandemics past, present, and future: Their impact on oral health care. J Am Dent Assoc 2021; 152:972-980. [PMID: 34749921 PMCID: PMC8570943 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemics have significantly modified our societal behaviour over the millennia, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. TYPES OF ARTICLES REVIEWED In this article, the authors review the history of pandemics, the probable reasons for their emergence, and the COVID-19 pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, as well as its possible impact on dentistry during the postpandemic period. RESULTS There are multiple reasons why catastrophic pandemics occur due to new infectious organisms that cross the species barrier from animals to humans. These include, population explosion, mass migration, and prolonged survival of debilitated and susceptible cohorts on various immunosuppressants. Coupled with global warming and the resultant loss of habitats, such vicissitudes of humans and nature lead to microbes evolving and mutating at an exponential pace, paving the way for pandemics. The contemporary epidemics and pandemics beginning with the HIV pandemic have modulated dentistry beyond recognition, now with assiduous and robust infection control measures in place. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Because COVID-19 may become an endemic disease, particularly due to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants the dental community should adopt modified infection control measures, teledentistry, and point-of-care diagnostics, among other measures. It is likely, that clinical ecosystems in future would be rendered even safer by predicting how pathogens evolve and priming the human immune system for the next wave of microbial combatants through vaccines produced using deep mutational scanning in which artificial intelligence and machine learning can predict the next variants even before their arrival.
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450
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Kankaanranta H, Lehtimäki L, Tuomisto LE. Asthma Diagnosis without Aerosol-Generating Procedures (Spirometry): Evidence for and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice 2021; 9:4252-4253. [PMID: 34893187 PMCID: PMC8649113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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