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Sharma K, Syeda S, Shah SM, Kori SA, Shetty P, Kazi S, Khaiterpal A, Choudhary A, Pathak S, Ahmed S. Overcoming barriers to medical countermeasures: Strengthening global biosecurity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2025; 21:2483043. [PMID: 40132079 PMCID: PMC11938316 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2483043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2025] [Accepted: 03/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed global disparities in accessing medical countermeasures, as high-income countries prioritised their own interests while disregarding low- and middle-income countries. Despite global efforts to ensure an equitable pandemic response, these initiatives largely failed to achieve their objectives for LMICs due to systemic inequalities. This review critically examines these disparities, identifying that excessive stockpiling by HICs, fragmented international coordination, inadequate research and manufacturing capacity, restricted access to emergency research funding, intellectual property constraints, unequal participation in clinical trials, and inadequate regulatory harmonisation collectively hinder LMICs ability to respond effectively. By analysing diverse case scenarios and global response strategies, all plausible key shortcomings that contributed to the failure of coordinated pandemic preparedness were highlighted. Based on these insights, actionable strategies are proposed to address these gaps in LMICs so as to ensure affordability, accessibility, and equitable distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and biotherapeutics in future public health emergencies, strengthening global biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Sharma
- Business Development and Strategy, TechInvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Safia Syeda
- Business Development and Strategy, TechInvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Sanket M. Shah
- Strategic Medical Affairs, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Sonali A. Kori
- Regulatory Affairs, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Pratiksha Shetty
- Regulatory Affairs, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Saniya Kazi
- Intellectual Property and Legal, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Archana Khaiterpal
- Regulatory Affairs, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Aasiya Choudhary
- Intellectual Property and Legal, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Sarang Pathak
- Global Business Development, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Syed Ahmed
- Global Business Development and Strategy, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Mumbai, India
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Guerrero-Araya E, Ravello C, Rosemblatt M, Perez-Acle T. Socioeconomic status correlates with COVID-19 vaccination coverage among primary and secondary students in the most populated city of Chile. Sci Rep 2025; 15:1509. [PMID: 39789033 PMCID: PMC11718089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025] Open
Abstract
The burden of COVID-19 was heterogeneous, indicating that the effects of this disease are synergistic with both other non-communicable diseases and socioeconomic status (SES), highlighting its syndemic character. While the appearance of vaccines moderated the pandemic effects, their coverage was heterogeneous too, both when comparing different countries, and when comparing different populations within countries. Of note, once again SES appears to be a correlated factor. We analyzed publicly available data detailing the percentage of school-aged, vaccinated children in different municipalities belonging to the Metropolitan Area (MA) of Santiago, Chile. Vaccination data was compiled per school type, either public, state-subsidized, or private, at three different dates during the COVID-19 pandemic to cover the dispersion of Delta, Omicron, and its subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. We computed the median vaccination ratio for each municipality and school type and calculated their Spearman's rank correlation coefficient with each one of nine SES indices. The percentage of school-age children who received vaccinations against COVID-19 correlates with SES. This strong correlation is observed in public and state-subsidized schools, but not in private schools. Although inequity in vaccination coverage decreased over time, it remained higher among students enrolled either in public or state-subsidized schools compared to those of private schools. Although available data was insufficient to explore plausible causes behind lower vaccination coverage, it is likely that a combination of factors including the lack of proper information about the importance of vaccination, the lack of incentives for children's vaccination, low trust in the government, and limited access to vaccines for lower-income people, may all have contributed. These findings raise the need to design better strategies to overcome shortcomings in vaccination campaigns to confront future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Guerrero-Araya
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cesar Ravello
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, Recoleta, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Rosemblatt
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Lota, Providencia, Santiago, 2465, Chile
| | - Tomas Perez-Acle
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida del Valle Norte 725, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile.
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, Recoleta, Santiago, Chile.
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Miao Y, Zhang J, Shen Z, Li Y, Zhang W, Bai J, Zhu D, Ren R, Guo D, Tarimo CS, Dong W, Zhao Q, Hu J, Li M, Liu R. Impacts of travel duration on urban-rural resident free vaccination behavior: Chinese COVID-19 vaccine booster dose evidence. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2352914. [PMID: 38845401 PMCID: PMC11164221 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2352914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate how the duration of travel affects the behavior of urban and rural residents regarding free COVID-19 vaccination, and provide scientific evidence for promoting free vaccination and building an immune barrier to cope with future epidemics. From August 3, 2022 to February,18,2023, A follow-up survey was conducted in urban and rural adults in four cities in China to collect information on socio-demographic factors, vaccination status and travel time for vaccination. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was deployed to measure the net difference of the enhanced vaccination rate between urban and rural residents in different traffic time distribution. A total of 5780 samples were included in the study. The vaccination rate of the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine among rural residents was higher than that of urban residents with a significant P-value (69.36% VS 64.49%,p < .001). The traffic time had a significant negative impact on the COVID-19 booster vaccination behavior of urban and rural residents. There was a significant interaction between the travel time to the vaccination point and the level of trust in doctors. Travel time had a negative impact on the free vaccination behavior of both urban and rural residents. The government should optimize and expand the number of vaccination sites and enhance residents' trust in the medical system. This is crucial for promoting free vaccination and effective epidemic management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wanliang Zhang
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Junwen Bai
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongfang Zhu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruizhe Ren
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar es salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wenyong Dong
- Department of Hypertension, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiuping Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory for Health Management of Chronic Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- Henan Medical Communication, Henan Medical Communication and Project Forward Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Miaojun Li
- Henan Medical Communication, Henan Medical Communication and Project Forward Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rongmei Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory for Health Management of Chronic Diseases, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Paschoalotto MAC, Cima J, Costa E, Valente de Almeida S, Gomes da Costa J, Santos JV, Passador CS, Passador JL, Barros PP. Politics and confidence toward the COVID-19 vaccination: A Brazilian cross-sectional study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2318139. [PMID: 38407171 PMCID: PMC10900266 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2318139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study has the aim of assessing the Brazilian perceptions, influencing factors and political positioning on the confidence concerning COVID-19 vaccination. To achieve the objective, the methods rely on a cross-sectional survey of Brazilian citizens, distributed through different social networks. The sample is composed of 1,670 valid responses, collected from almost all Brazilian states and state capitals. To analyze the data and give a clear view of the variables' relationship, the study used bivariate and comparative graphs. Results show a higher level of confidence in vaccines from Pfizer and AstraZeneca, while the lower level of confidence is associated with vaccines from Sinopharm and Sputinik5. Vaccine efficacy is the most significant influencing factor that helps in the decision to get vaccinated. Also, individuals are less willing to get vaccinated if their political preferences are related to the right-wing. The results led to three main health and social implications: i) the vaccination strategy campaigns should take in count vaccine efficacy and political aspects; ii) the vaccination process should be adapted to regions with different political positions; and iii) a reinforcement in the educational policies of the vaccine's importance to the public health, to avoid the politization of a health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonio Catussi Paschoalotto
- School of Economics and Management, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- Research Center in Political Science (CICP), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Cima
- Centre for Research in Economics and Management (NIPE), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Costa
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Joana Gomes da Costa
- Center for Economics and Finance; School of Economics and Management, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vasco Santos
- MEDCIDS – Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Public Health Unit, ACES Grande Porto VIII - Espinho/Gaia, ARS Norte, Porto, Portugal
| | - Claudia Souza Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Passador
- School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro Pita Barros
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Yu MKL, Chan SHS, Leung D, Cheng S, Tsang LCH, Kwan TC, Zhang K, Wang X, Tu W, Peiris M, Lau YL, Rosa Duque JS. Medium-term immunogenicity of three doses of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac in Hong Kong neuromuscular disease patients. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2424615. [PMID: 39539036 PMCID: PMC11572069 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2424615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The durability of the immunogenicity elicited by three doses of mRNA-based BNT162b2 and whole-virus inactivated CoronaVac in patients with neuromuscular diseases, particularly those on immunosuppressive drugs and variants of concern, has not been well-established. Our goal was to evaluate medium-term humoral immunogenicity outcomes after 3 doses of these vaccines. Peripheral blood samples were collected from participants 14-49 days and 155-210 days after administration of the third vaccine dose to assess humoral immune responses through serological assays. The immunogenicity outcomes of each patient were compared to those of three age-matched healthy control participants, ensuring a balanced comparison. Both patients that received 3 doses of BNT162b2 and 10 (90.9%) patients that received CoronaVac seroconverted against wild-type-SARS-CoV-2 virus, showing comparable antibody responses to healthy participants. After 6 months, one patient in BNT162b2 and all four patients in CoronaVac groups maintained seropositivity. The JN-1 specific binding antibody response was lower compared to wild-type virus. The use of corticosteroids did not affect seroconversion rate against wild-type virus or JN.1 variant. BNT162b2 and CoronaVac were immunogenic for neuromuscular diseases patients, maintaining durability after 6 months even for those on corticosteroids. Our data support a rapid immunization series utilizing mRNA-based and whole-virus inactivated vaccines for future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kwan Leung Yu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Daniel Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Samuel Cheng
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Leo Chi Hang Tsang
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tsz Chun Kwan
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xiwei Wang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wenwei Tu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yu Lung Lau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jaime S. Rosa Duque
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Matovu JKB, Nuwematsiko R, Aanyu C, Tabwenda L, Okade T, Musoke D, Buregyeya E. COVID-19 vaccination, perceptions about the vaccine and willingness to take the vaccine among unvaccinated individuals at two Ugandan border points of entry. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:3308. [PMID: 39604916 PMCID: PMC11603881 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20823-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/21/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent systematic review shows high COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in fully-vaccinated people in Africa. However, vaccine uptake has varied across populations. We assessed the uptake, perceptions of and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine among unvaccinated individuals at two Ugandan border points of entry. METHODS This was a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted at Malaba and Mutukula points of entry into Uganda between February and March 2023. We targeted people living in, working at, or transiting through the two points of entry, including truck drivers, point-of-entry customs officers and female sex workers, market vendors, among others. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccine uptake, perceptions and willingness to take the vaccine among unvaccinated individuals. We computed descriptive statistics and determined the factors associated with uptake of and willingness to take the vaccine using a modified Poisson regression model. Data analysis was conducted using STATA statistical package (version 14.0). RESULTS Of the 854 respondents, 50% (n = 427) were from Mutukula. Overall, 80.3% (n = 686) of the respondents reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose; no booster doses were reported. Respondents perceived that the vaccine was efficacious against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccine uptake was associated with age-group 35-44 years [adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] (95%CI) = 1.13 (1.01, 1.27)] or 45 + years [aPR (95%CI) = 1.19 (1.07, 1.33)]; being a truck driver [aPR (95%CI) = 1.16 (1.04, 1.29)] or health worker [aPR (95%CI) = 1.18 (1.05, 1.32)]; and the belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is protective against COVID-19 [aPR (95%CI) = 1.32 (1.10, 1.58)]. Nearly 60% of unvaccinated respondents (n = 99) were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to take the vaccine was associated with the belief that one can contract the coronavirus if not vaccinated [aPR (95%CI) = 3.67 (1.90, 7.10)] or the community was at risk of COVID-19 [aPR (95%CI) = 1.86 (1.33, 2.62)]. CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccine uptake was high in this setting while nearly six out of every ten unvaccinated individuals were willing to take the vaccine. Our findings lend credence for ongoing vaccination efforts at points of entry to contain the importation of new COVID-19 variants into the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K B Matovu
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda.
| | | | - Christine Aanyu
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Tabwenda
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tom Okade
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Musoke
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Buregyeya
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Avramov M, Gabriele-Rivet V, Milwid RM, Ng V, Ogden NH, Hongoh V. A conceptual health state diagram for modelling the transmission of a (re)emerging infectious respiratory disease in a human population. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:1198. [PMID: 39448915 PMCID: PMC11515510 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-10017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mathematical modelling of (re)emerging infectious respiratory diseases among humans poses multiple challenges for modellers, which can arise as a result of limited data and surveillance, uncertainty in the natural history of the disease, as well as public health and individual responses to outbreaks. Here, we propose a COVID-19-inspired health state diagram (HSD) to serve as a foundational framework for conceptualising the modelling process for (re)emerging respiratory diseases, and public health responses, in the early stages of their emergence. The HSD aims to serve as a starting point for reflection on the structure and parameterisation of a transmission model to assess the impact of the (re)emerging disease and the capacity of public health interventions to control transmission. We also explore the adaptability of the HSD to different (re)emerging diseases using the characteristics of three respiratory diseases of historical public health importance. We outline key questions to contemplate when applying and adapting this HSD to (re)emerging infectious diseases and provide reflections on adapting the framework for public health-related interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Avramov
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Vanessa Gabriele-Rivet
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Rachael M Milwid
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Victoria Ng
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Nicholas H Ogden
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M1, Canada
| | - Valerie Hongoh
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 Rue Sicotte, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M1, Canada.
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Demongeot J, Magal P. Data-driven mathematical modeling approaches for COVID-19: A survey. Phys Life Rev 2024; 50:166-208. [PMID: 39142261 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we successively present the methods for phenomenological modeling of the evolution of reported and unreported cases of COVID-19, both in the exponential phase of growth and then in a complete epidemic wave. After the case of an isolated wave, we present the modeling of several successive waves separated by endemic stationary periods. Then, we treat the case of multi-compartmental models without or with age structure. Eventually, we review the literature, based on 260 articles selected in 11 sections, ranging from the medical survey of hospital cases to forecasting the dynamics of new cases in the general population. This review favors the phenomenological approach over the mechanistic approach in the choice of references and provides simulations of the evolution of the number of observed cases of COVID-19 for 10 states (California, China, France, India, Israel, Japan, New York, Peru, Spain and United Kingdom).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Demongeot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS EA7407, La Tronche, F-38700, France.
| | - Pierre Magal
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, 519087, China; Univ. Bordeaux, IMB, UMR 5251, Talence, F-33400, France; CNRS, IMB, UMR 5251, Talence, F-33400, France
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Mori M, Omae Y, Kakimoto Y, Sasaki M, Toyotani J. Analyzing factors of daily travel distances in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2024; 21:6936-6974. [PMID: 39483101 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2024305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is widely recognized as a significant concern, with human flow playing a crucial role in its propagation. Consequently, recent research has focused on identifying and analyzing factors that can effectively regulate human flow. However, among the multiple factors that are expected to have an effect, few studies have investigated those that are particularly associated with human flow during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, few studies have investigated how regional characteristics and the number of vaccinations for these factors affect human flow. Furthermore, increasing the number of verified cases in countries and regions with insufficient reports is important to generalize conclusions. Therefore, in this study, a group-level analysis was conducted for Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, using a human flow prediction model based on machine learning. High-importance groups were subdivided by regional characteristics and the number of vaccinations, and visual and correlation analyses were conducted at the factor level. The findings indicated that tree-based models, especially LightGBM, performed better in terms of prediction. In addition, the cumulative number of vaccinated individuals and the number of newly infected individuals are likely explanatory factors for changes in human flow. The analyses suggested a tendency to move with respect to the number of newly infected individuals in Japan or Tokyo, rather than the number of new infections in the area where they lived when vaccination had not started. With the implementation of vaccination, attention to the number of newly infected individuals in their residential areas may increase. However, after the spread of vaccination, the perception of infection risk may decrease. These findings can contribute to the proposal of new measures for efficiently controlling human flows and determining when to mitigate or reinforce specific measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Mori
- College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Izumi, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuto Omae
- College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Izumi, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yohei Kakimoto
- College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Izumi, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Makoto Sasaki
- College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Izumi, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jun Toyotani
- College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University, Izumi, Narashino, Chiba, Japan
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Harrigan SP, Velásquez García HA, Abdia Y, Wilton J, Prystajecky N, Tyson J, Fjell C, Hoang L, Kwong JC, Mishra S, Wang L, Sander B, Janjua NZ, Sbihi H. The Clinical Severity of COVID-19 Variants of Concern: Retrospective Population-Based Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e45513. [PMID: 39190434 PMCID: PMC11387920 DOI: 10.2196/45513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) emerged and rapidly replaced the original strain worldwide. The increased transmissibility of these new variants led to increases in infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, there is a scarcity of retrospective investigations examining the severity of all the main VOCs in presence of key public health measures and within various social determinants of health (SDOHs). OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a retrospective assessment of the clinical severity of COVID-19 VOCs in the context of heterogenous SDOHs and vaccination rollout. METHODS We used a population-based retrospective cohort design with data from the British Columbia COVID-19 Cohort, a linked provincial surveillance platform. To assess the relative severity (hospitalizations, intensive care unit [ICU] admissions, and deaths) of Gamma, Delta, and Omicron infections during 2021 relative to Alpha, we used inverse probability treatment weighted Cox proportional hazard modeling. We also conducted a subanalysis among unvaccinated individuals, as assessed severity differed across VOCs and SDOHs. RESULTS We included 91,964 individuals infected with a SARS-CoV-2 VOC (Alpha: n=20,487, 22.28%; Gamma: n=15,223, 16.55%; Delta: n=49,161, 53.46%; and Omicron: n=7093, 7.71%). Delta was associated with the most severe disease in terms of hospitalization, ICU admissions, and deaths (hospitalization: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.00, 95% CI 1.92-2.08; ICU: aHR 2.05, 95% CI 1.91-2.20; death: aHR 3.70, 95% CI 3.23-4.25 relative to Alpha), followed generally by Gamma and then Omicron and Alpha. The relative severity by VOC remained similar in the unvaccinated individual subanalysis, although the proportion of individuals infected with Delta and Omicron who were hospitalized was 2 times higher in those unvaccinated than in those fully vaccinated. Regarding SDOHs, the proportion of hospitalized individuals was higher in areas with lower income across all VOCs, whereas among Alpha and Gamma infections, 2 VOCs that cocirculated, differential distributions of hospitalizations were found among racially minoritized groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides robust severity estimates for all VOCs during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada. Relative to Alpha, we found Delta to be the most severe, followed by Gamma and Omicron. This study highlights the importance of targeted testing and sequencing to ensure timely detection and accurate estimation of severity in emerging variants. It further sheds light on the importance of vaccination coverage and SDOHs in the context of pandemic preparedness to support the prioritization of allocation for resource-constrained or minoritized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Harrigan
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Younathan Abdia
- University of British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Wilton
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie Prystajecky
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Tyson
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Fjell
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Linda Hoang
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linwei Wang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hind Sbihi
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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11
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Moffett KW, Marshall MC, Kim JEC, Dahlen H, Denison B, Kranzler EC, Meaney M, Hoffman B, Pavisic I, Hoffman L. Analyzing Google COVID-19 Vaccine Intent Search Trends and Vaccine Readiness in the United States: Panel Data Study. Online J Public Health Inform 2024; 16:e55422. [PMID: 39073868 PMCID: PMC11319879 DOI: 10.2196/55422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors such as anxiety, worry, and perceptions of insufficient knowledge about a topic motivate individuals to seek web-based health information to guide their health-related decision-making. These factors converged during the COVID-19 pandemic and were linked to COVID-19 vaccination decision-making. While research shows that web-based search relevant to COVID-19 was associated with subsequent vaccine uptake, less is known about COVID-19 vaccine intent search (which assesses vaccine availability, accessibility, and eligibility) as a signal of vaccine readiness. OBJECTIVE To increase knowledge about vaccine intent search as a signal of vaccine readiness, we investigated the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine readiness and COVID-19 vaccine intent relative search volume on Google. METHODS We compiled panel data from several data sources in all US counties between January 2021 and April 2023, a time during which those with primary COVID-19 vaccinations increased from <57,000 to >230 million adults. We estimated a random effects generalized least squares regression model with time-fixed effects to assess the relationship between county-level COVID-19 vaccine readiness and COVID-19 vaccine intent relative search volume. We controlled for health care capacity, per capita COVID-19 cases and vaccination doses administered, and sociodemographic indicators. RESULTS The county-level proportions of unvaccinated adults who reported that they would wait and see before getting a COVID-19 vaccine were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccine intent relative search volume (β=9.123; Z=3.59; P<.001). The county-level proportions of vaccine-enthusiast adults, adults who indicated they were either already vaccinated with a primary COVID-19 vaccine series or planned to complete the vaccine series soon, were negatively associated with COVID-19 vaccine intent relative search volume (β=-10.232; Z=-7.94; P<.001). However, vaccine intent search was higher in counties with high proportions of people who decided to wait and see and lower in counties with high proportions of vaccine enthusiasts. CONCLUSIONS During this period of steep increase in COVID-19 vaccination, web-based search may have signaled differences in county-level COVID-19 vaccine readiness. More vaccine intent searches occurred in high wait-and-see counties, whereas fewer vaccine intent searches occurred in high vaccine-enthusiast counties. Considering previous research that identified a relationship between vaccine intent search and subsequent vaccine uptake, these findings suggest that vaccine intent search aligned with people's transition from the wait-and-see stage to the vaccine-enthusiast stage. The findings also suggest that web-based search trends may signal localized changes in information seeking and decision-making antecedent to vaccine uptake. Changes in web-based search trends illuminate opportunities for governments and other organizations to strategically allocate resources to increase vaccine uptake. Resource use is part of the larger public policy decisions that influence vaccine uptake, such as efforts to educate the public during evolving public health crises, including future pandemics.
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12
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Dong W, Miao Y, Shen Z, Zhang W, Bai J, Zhu D, Ren R, Zhang J, Wu J, Tarimo CS, Ojangba T, Li Y. Quantifying Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Rates by Rural and Urban Areas: Cross-Sectional Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e50595. [PMID: 39028548 PMCID: PMC11297372 DOI: 10.2196/50595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination plays an important role in preventing COVID-19 infection and reducing the severity of the disease. There are usually differences in vaccination rates between urban and rural areas. Measuring these differences can aid in developing more coordinated and sustainable solutions. This information also serves as a reference for the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases in the future. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the current coverage rate and influencing factors of COVID-19 (second booster) vaccination among Chinese residents, as well as the disparities between urban and rural areas in China. METHODS This cross-sectional study used a stratified random sampling approach to select representative samples from 11 communities and 10 villages in eastern (Changzhou), central (Zhengzhou), western (Xining), and northeast (Mudanjiang) Mainland China from February 1 to February 18, 2023. The questionnaires were developed by experienced epidemiologists and contained the following: sociodemographic information, health conditions, vaccine-related information, information related to the Protective Motivation Theory (PMT), and the level of trust in the health care system. Vaccination rates among the participants were evaluated based on self-reported information provided. Binary logistic regression models were performed to explore influencing factors of vaccination among urban and rural participants. Urban-rural disparities in the vaccination rate were assessed using propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS A total of 5780 participants were included, with 53.04% (3066/5780) being female. The vaccination rate was 12.18% (704/5780; 95% CI 11.34-13.02) in the total sample, 13.76% (341/2478; 95% CI 12.40-15.12) among the rural participants, and 10.99% (363/3302; 95% CI 9.93-12.06) among the urban participants. For rural participants, self-reported health condition, self-efficacy, educational level, vaccine knowledge, susceptibility, benefits, and trust in the health care system were independent factors associated with vaccination (all P<.05). For urban participants, chronic conditions, COVID-19 infection, subjective community level, vaccine knowledge, self-efficacy, and trust in the health care system were independent factors associated with vaccination (all P<.05). PSM analysis uncovered a 3.42% difference in vaccination rates between urban and rural participants. CONCLUSIONS The fourth COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate (second booster) among the Chinese population was extremely low, significantly lower than the previous vaccine coverage rate. Given that COVID-19 infection is still prevalent at low levels, efforts should focus on enhancing self-efficacy to expand the vaccine coverage rate among the Chinese population. For rural residents, building awareness of the vaccine's benefits and improving their overall health status should be prioritized. In urban areas, a larger proportion of people with COVID-19 and patients with chronic illness should be vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Dong
- Department of Hypertension, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yudong Miao
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanlei Shen
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wanliang Zhang
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junwen Bai
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongfang Zhu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruizhe Ren
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Theodora Ojangba
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Health Management, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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Li Y, Li J, Dang Y, Chen Y, Tao C. Adverse Events of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States: Temporal and Spatial Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e51007. [PMID: 39008362 PMCID: PMC11287098 DOI: 10.2196/51007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a profound impact worldwide, leading to widespread morbidity and mortality. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a critical tool in controlling the spread of the virus and reducing the severity of the disease. However, the rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns about potential adverse events following immunization (AEFIs). Understanding the temporal and spatial patterns of these AEFIs is crucial for an effective public health response and vaccine safety monitoring. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines in the United States reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), thereby providing insights into the patterns and distributions of the AEFIs, the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines, and potential risk factors associated with the AEFIs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of administration data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n=663,822,575) and reports from the surveillance system VAERS (n=900,522) between 2020 and 2022. To gain a broader understanding of postvaccination AEFIs reported, we categorized them into system organ classes (SOCs) according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Additionally, we performed temporal analysis to examine the trends of AEFIs in all VAERS reports, those related to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and the top 10 AEFI trends in serious reports. We also compared the similarity of symptoms across various regions within the United States. RESULTS Our findings revealed that the most frequently reported symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination were headache (n=141,186, 15.68%), pyrexia (n=122,120, 13.56%), and fatigue (n=121,910, 13.54%). The most common symptom combination was chills and pyrexia (n=56,954, 6.32%). Initially, general disorders and administration site conditions (SOC 22) were the most prevalent class reported. Moderna exhibited a higher reporting rate of AEFIs compared to Pfizer-BioNTech. Over time, we observed a decreasing reporting rate of AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the overall rates of AEFIs between the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were comparable. In terms of spatial analysis, the middle and north regions of the United States displayed a higher reporting rate of AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines, while the southeast and south-central regions showed notable similarity in symptoms reported. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insights into the temporal and spatial patterns of AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. The findings underscore the critical need for increasing vaccination coverage, as well as ongoing surveillance and monitoring of AEFIs. Implementing targeted monitoring programs can facilitate the effective and efficient management of AEFIs, enhancing public confidence in future COVID-19 vaccine campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Li
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jianfu Li
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yifang Dang
- McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cui Tao
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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14
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Du Z, Liu C, Bai Y, Wang L, Lim WW, Lau EHY, Cowling BJ. Predicting Efficacies of Fractional Doses of Vaccines by Using Neutralizing Antibody Levels: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e49812. [PMID: 39012087 PMCID: PMC11259582 DOI: 10.2196/49812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that have eluded immunity from vaccines and prior infections, vaccine shortages and vaccine effectiveness pose unprecedented challenges for governments in expanding booster vaccination programs. The fractionation of vaccine doses might be an effective strategy for helping society to face these challenges, as fractional doses may have efficacies comparable with those of the standard doses. Objective This study aims to investigate the relationship between vaccine immunogenicity and protection and to project efficacies of fractional doses of vaccines for COVID-19 by using neutralizing antibody levels. Methods In this study, we analyzed the relationship between in vitro neutralization levels and the observed efficacies against both asymptomatic infection and symptomatic infection, using data from 13 studies of 10 COVID-19 vaccines and from convalescent cohorts. We further projected efficacies for fractional doses, using neutralization as an intermediate variable, based on immunogenicity data from 51 studies included in our systematic review. Results In comparisons with the convalescent level, vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic infection and symptomatic infection increased from 8.8% (95% CI 1.4%-16.1%) to 71.8% (95% CI 63%-80.7%) and from 33.6% (95% CI 23.6%-43.6%) to 98.6% (95% CI 97.6%-99.7%), respectively, as the mean neutralization level increased from 0.1 to 10 folds of the convalescent level. Additionally, mRNA vaccines provided the strongest protection, which decreased slowly for fractional dosing with dosages between 50% and 100% of the standard dose. We also observed that although vaccine efficacy increased with the mean neutralization level, the rate of this increase was slower for vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic infection than for vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection. Conclusions Our results are consistent with studies on immune protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on our study, we expect that fractional-dose vaccination could provide partial immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the efficacy of fractional-dose vaccines, serving as reference evidence for implementing fractional dosing vaccine policies in areas facing vaccine shortages and thereby mitigating disease burden. Fractional-dose vaccination could be a viable vaccination strategy comparable to full-dose vaccination and deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanwei Du
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Caifen Liu
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Yuan Bai
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wey Wen Lim
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Eric H Y Lau
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
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15
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Songane M, Tchakounte Youngui B, Mambo A, Bonabe G, Djikeussi T, Epee E, Tsigaing PN, Ndongo MLA, Mayap Njoukam C, Kana R, Tenkeu SZ, Simo L, Kouatchouang AV, Machekano R, Zoung-Kanyi Bissek AC, Tchendjou P, Tiam A, Guay L, Suleiman K, Akinwusi O, Kadam R, Akugizibwe P, Mukherjee S, Woelk G, Tchounga B. Using an app for COVID-19 contact tracing costs less per person traced than manual tracing: microcosting analysis of a randomised trial in Cameroon. BMJ PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 2:e001064. [PMID: 40017704 PMCID: PMC11867548 DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2024-001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 contact tracing in Cameroon has been done manually using paper forms and phone calls. However, there were reports of inaccurate contact details, resulting in delays in identifying and testing contacts. A recently introduced digital contact-tracing module using the Mamal Pro app automatically sends SMS messages to notify all reported contacts and the district unit. We assessed the total costs, cost per contact reached, tested and found SARS-CoV-2-positive for both manual (standard of care, SOC) and app-based (intervention, ITV) contact-tracing approaches. Methods A cluster randomised trial comparing the SOC and ITV was implemented across eight health districts in Cameroon between October 2022 and March 2023. The cost per contact reached, tested and found SARS-CoV-2-positive was calculated by dividing the total cost of each approach by the number of contacts reached, tested and found SARS-CoV-2-positive, respectively. We also estimated the minimum number of SARS-CoV-2-positive contacts that need to be found and the maximum total cost of ITV in order to equal the SOC's cost per SARS-CoV-2-positive contact. Results In the SOC, of 849 contacts identified, 463, 123 and 5 were reached, tested and found SARS-CoV-2-positive, respectively. In the ITV, of the 854 contacts identified, 801, 182 and 4 were reached, tested and found SARS-CoV-2-positive, respectively. In the SOC, the cost per contact reached was US$70, per contact tested was US$262 and per SARS-CoV-2-positive contact was US$6437. In the ITV, the cost per contact reached was US$48, per contact tested was US$210 and per SARS-CoV-2-positive contact was US$9573. The minimum number of SARS-CoV-2-positive contacts the ITV needs to find and the maximum total cost of the ITV to equal the SOC's cost per SARS-CoV-2-positive were 6 and US$25 748, respectively. Conclusion Using the Mamal Pro digital contact tracing app module increased the number of clients' contacts reached and tested for SARS-CoV-2 and reduced the cost per contact reached and tested. Trial registration number NCT05684887.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Songane
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Albert Mambo
- Littoral Regional Delegation for Public Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Georges Bonabe
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Emilienne Epee
- Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Center, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Rogacien Kana
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Leonie Simo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Rhoderick Machekano
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | - Appolinaire Tiam
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Laura Guay
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sushant Mukherjee
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Godfrey Woelk
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Boris Tchounga
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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16
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Çiçek T, Uzel Sener M, Öztürk A. Predicting the Need for Advanced Respiratory Support in COVID-19 Patients During the Initial Pandemic Phase: A Retrospective Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e64678. [PMID: 39149665 PMCID: PMC11326856 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), led to high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. It is known that some patients, initially hospitalized in general wards, deteriorate over time and require advanced respiratory support (ARS). This study aimed to identify key risk factors predicting the need for ARS in patients during the pandemic's early months. METHODOLOGY In this retrospective study, we included patients admitted within the first three months of the pandemic who were diagnosed with COVID-19 via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients who required ARS or invasive mechanical ventilation at admission were excluded. Data on demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, vital signs, and laboratory parameters were collected. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were performed to identify independent predictors of ARS and determine the cut-off point. RESULTS Among 162 patients, 32.1% required ARS. Key differences between ARS and non-ARS groups included age, body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease prevalence, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, D-dimer, troponin T levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation response index (SIRI), and symptom-to-admission time. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, elevated CRP levels, elevated ferritin levels, and SIRI were significant predictors for ARS. The ROC curve for SIRI showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.785, with a cut-off value of 1.915. CONCLUSIONS Age, CRP levels, ferritin levels, and SIRI are crucial predictors of the need for ARS in COVID-19 patients. The early identification of high-risk patients is essential for timely interventions and resource optimization, particularly during the early stages of pandemics. These insights may assist in optimizing strategies for future respiratory health crisis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Çiçek
- Chest Disease, Konya Numune Hospital, Konya, TUR
| | - Melahat Uzel Sener
- Chest Disease, Health Science University, Ataturk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, TUR
| | - Ayperi Öztürk
- Chest Disease, Health Science University, Ataturk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, TUR
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17
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McClymont H, Hu W. The effect of public health interventions on COVID-19 incidence in Queensland, Australia: a spatial cluster analysis. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:460-475. [PMID: 38446488 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2324355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using SaTScan™ Geographical Information Systems (GIS), spatial cluster analysis was used to examine spatial trends and identify high-risk clusters of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) incidence in response to changing levels of public health intervention phases including international and state border closures, statewide vaccination coverage, and masking requirements. METHODS Changes in COVID-19 incidence were mapped at the statistical area 2 (SA2) level using a GIS and spatial cluster analysis was performed using SaTScan™ to identify most-likely clusters (MLCs) during intervention phases. RESULTS Over the study period, significant high-risk clusters were identified in Brisbane city (relative risk = 30.83), the southeast region (RR = 1.71) and moving to Far North Queensland (FNQ) (RR = 2.64). For masking levels, cluster locations were similar, with MLC in phase 1 in the southeast region (RR = 2.56) spreading to FNQ in phase 2 (RR = 2.22) and phase 3 (RR = 2.64). All p values <.0001. CONCLUSIONS Movement restrictions in the form of state and international border closures were highly effective in delaying the introduction of COVID-19 into Queensland, with very low levels of transmission prior to border reopening while mandatory masking may have played a role in decreasing transmission through behavioural changes. Early clusters were in highly populated regions, as restrictions eased clusters were identified in regions more likely to be rural or remote, with higher numbers of Indigenous people, lower vaccination coverage or lower socioeconomic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah McClymont
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Ecosystem Change, Population Health and Early Warning (ECAPH) Research Group, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Ecosystem Change, Population Health and Early Warning (ECAPH) Research Group, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
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Post LA, Wu SA, Soetikno AG, Ozer EA, Liu Y, Welch SB, Hawkins C, Moss CB, Murphy RL, Mason M, Havey RJ, Lundberg AL. Updated Surveillance Metrics and History of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2023) in Latin America and the Caribbean: Longitudinal Trend Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e44398. [PMID: 38568194 PMCID: PMC11129782 DOI: 10.2196/44398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In May 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 40% of worldwide COVID-19-related deaths at the time. This high disease burden was a result of the unique circumstances in LAC. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) measure whether the pandemic was expanding or contracting in LAC when the WHO declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern on May 5, 2023; (2) use dynamic and genomic surveillance methods to describe the history of the pandemic in the region and situate the window of the WHO declaration within the broader history; and (3) provide, with a focus on prevention policies, a historical context for the course of the pandemic in the region. METHODS In addition to updates of traditional surveillance data and dynamic panel estimates from the original study, we used data on sequenced SARS-CoV-2 variants from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) to identify the appearance and duration of variants of concern (VOCs). We used Nextclade nomenclature to collect clade designations from sequences and Pangolin nomenclature for lineage designations of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we conducted a 1-sided t test for whether the regional weekly speed (rate of novel COVID-19 transmission) was greater than an outbreak threshold of 10. We ran the test iteratively with 6 months of data across the period from August 2020 to May 2023. RESULTS The speed of pandemic spread for the region had remained below the outbreak threshold for 6 months by the time of the WHO declaration. Acceleration and jerk were also low and stable. Although the 1- and 7-day persistence coefficients remained statistically significant for the 120-day period ending on the week of May 5, 2023, the coefficients were relatively modest in magnitude (0.457 and 0.491, respectively). Furthermore, the shift parameters for either of the 2 most recent weeks around May 5, 2023, did not indicate any change in this clustering effect of cases on future cases. From December 2021 onward, Omicron was the predominant VOC in sequenced viral samples. The rolling t test of speed=10 became entirely insignificant from January 2023 onward. CONCLUSIONS Although COVID-19 continues to circulate in LAC, surveillance data suggest COVID-19 is endemic in the region and no longer reaches the threshold of the pandemic definition. However, the region experienced a high COVID-19 burden in the early stages of the pandemic, and prevention policies should be an immediate focus in future pandemics. Ahead of vaccination development, these policies can include widespread testing of individuals and an epidemiological task force with a contact-tracing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Ann Post
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Scott A Wu
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alan G Soetikno
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Egon A Ozer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yingxuan Liu
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah B Welch
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Claudia Hawkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Global Communicable and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Charles B Moss
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Robert L Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maryann Mason
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert J Havey
- Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alexander L Lundberg
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics, Robert J Havey, MD Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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19
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Kurita J, Iwasaki Y. Effect of Long-Distance Domestic Travel Ban Policies in Japan on COVID-19 Outbreak Dynamics During Dominance of the Ancestral Strain: Ex Post Facto Retrospective Observation Study. Online J Public Health Inform 2024; 16:e44931. [PMID: 38648635 PMCID: PMC11037452 DOI: 10.2196/44931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, long-distance domestic travel was banned while the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain was dominant under the first declared state of emergency from March 2020 until the end of May 2020. Subsequently, the "Go To Travel" campaign travel subsidy policy was activated, allowing long-distance domestic travel, until the second state of emergency as of January 7, 2021. The effects of this long-distance domestic travel ban on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity have not been adequately evaluated. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effects of the long-distance domestic travel ban in Japan on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, considering climate conditions, mobility, and countermeasures such as the "Go To Travel" campaign and emergency status. METHODS We calculated the effective reproduction number R(t), representing infectivity, using the epidemic curve in Kagoshima prefecture based on the empirical distribution of the incubation period and procedurally delayed reporting from an earlier study. Kagoshima prefecture, in southern Japan, has several resorts, with an airport commonly used for transportation to Tokyo or Osaka. We regressed R(t) on the number of long-distance domestic travelers (based on the number of airport limousine bus users provided by the operating company), temperature, humidity, mobility, and countermeasures such as state of emergency declarations and the "Go To Travel" campaign in Kagoshima. The study period was June 20, 2020, through February 2021, before variant strains became dominant. A second state of emergency was not declared in Kagoshima prefecture but was declared in major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. RESULTS Estimation results indicated a pattern of declining infectivity with reduced long-distance domestic travel volumes as measured by the number of airport limousine bus users. Moreover, infectivity was lower during the "Go To Travel" campaign and the second state of emergency. Regarding mobility, going to restaurants, shopping malls, and amusement venues was associated with increased infectivity. However, going to grocery stores and pharmacies was associated with decreased infectivity. Climate conditions showed no significant association with infectivity patterns. CONCLUSIONS The results of this retrospective analysis suggest that the volume of long-distance domestic travel might reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Infectivity was lower during the "Go To Travel" campaign period, during which long-distance domestic travel was promoted, compared to that outside this campaign period. These findings suggest that policies banning long-distance domestic travel had little legitimacy or rationale. Long-distance domestic travel with appropriate infection control measures might not increase SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in tourist areas. Even though this analysis was performed much later than the study period, if we had performed this study focusing on the period of April or May 2021, it would likely yield the same results. These findings might be helpful for government decision-making in considering restarting a "Go To Travel" campaign in light of evidence-based policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Kurita
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Sports & Health Science, Daitobunka University, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Japan
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20
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Coccia M, Benati I. Negative effects of high public debt on health systems facing pandemic crisis: Lessons from COVID-19 in Europe to prepare for future emergencies. AIMS Public Health 2024; 11:477-498. [PMID: 39027392 PMCID: PMC11252587 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2024024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The investigation goal here was to analyze how the level of public debt affects preparedness of health systems to face emergencies. In particular, this study examined the negative effects of high public debt on health systems of European countries in the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Empirical evidence revealed that European countries with a lower level of government debt as a percentage of GDP both in 2009 and 2019 (the period before the arrival of the pandemic) had lower COVID-19 fatality rates compared to countries with higher levels of public debt. The explanation is that high levels of public debt in countries trigger budget constraints that limit their ability to allocate resources to healthcare systems (e.g., health expenditures and investments), weakening health system performance and causing systemic vulnerability and lower preparedness during emergencies, such as with the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications of health policies are suggested to improve strategies of crisis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Coccia
- CNR – National Research Council of Italy, Department of Social Science and Humanities, IRCRES, Torino, Italy
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21
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Ullah N, Martin S, Poduval S. A Snapshot of COVID-19 Vaccine Discourse Related to Ethnic Minority Communities in the United Kingdom Between January and April 2022: Mixed Methods Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51152. [PMID: 38530334 DOI: 10.2196/51152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing literature highlights the role of social media as a key source of information for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on vaccination attempts. Yet there is little research exploring its role in the public discourse specifically among ethnic minority communities, who have the highest rates of vaccine hesitancy (delay or refusal of vaccination despite availability of services). OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand the discourse related to minority communities on social media platforms Twitter and YouTube. METHODS Social media data from the United Kingdom was extracted from Twitter and YouTube using the software Netlytics and YouTube Data Tools to provide a "snapshot" of the discourse between January and April 2022. A mixed method approach was used where qualitative data were contextualized into codes. Network analysis was applied to provide insight into the most frequent and weighted keywords and topics of conversations. RESULTS A total of 260 tweets and 156 comments from 4 YouTube videos were included in our analysis. Our data suggests that the most popular topics of conversation during the period sampled were related to communication strategies adopted during the booster vaccine rollout. These were noted to be divisive in nature and linked to wider conversations around racism and historical mistrust toward institutions. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a shift in narrative from concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine itself, toward the strategies used in vaccination implementation, in particular the targeting of ethnic minority groups through vaccination campaigns. The implications for public health communication during crisis management in a pandemic context include acknowledging wider experiences of discrimination when addressing ethnic minority communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazifa Ullah
- Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Martin
- Vaccines and Society Unit, Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shoba Poduval
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Espuche B, Moya SE, Calderón M. Nanogels: Smart tools to enlarge the therapeutic window of gene therapy. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123864. [PMID: 38309484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy can potentially treat a great number of diseases, from cancer to rare genetic disorders. Very recently, the development and emergency approval of nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines confirmed its strength and versatility. However, gene therapy encounters limitations due to the lack of suitable carriers to vectorize therapeutic genetic material inside target cells. Nanogels are highly hydrated nano-size crosslinked polymeric networks that have been used in many biomedical applications, from drug delivery to tissue engineering and diagnostics. Due to their easy production, tunability, and swelling properties they have called the attention as promising vectors for gene delivery. In this review, nanogels are discussed as vectors for nucleic acid delivery aiming to enlarge gene therapy's therapeutic window. Recent works highlighting the optimization of inherent transfection efficiency and biocompatibility are reviewed here. The importance of the monomer choice, along with the internal structure, surface decoration, and responsive features are outlined for the different transfection modalities. The possible sources of toxicological endpoints in nanogels are analyzed, and the strategies to limit them are compared. Finally, perspectives are discussed to identify the remining challenges for the nanogels before their translation to the market as transfection agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Espuche
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sergio E Moya
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Paseo de Miramon 194, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain.
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23
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Xian X, Neuwirth RJ, Chang A. Government-Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) Collaboration in Macao's COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion: Social Media Case Study. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:e51113. [PMID: 38502184 PMCID: PMC10988378 DOI: 10.2196/51113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented global vaccination efforts, with social media being a popular tool for vaccine promotion. OBJECTIVE This study probes into Macao's COVID-19 vaccine communication dynamics, with a focus on the multifaceted impacts of government agendas on social media. METHODS We scrutinized 22,986 vaccine-related Facebook posts from January 2020 to August 2022 in Macao. Using automated content analysis and advanced statistical methods, we unveiled intricate agenda dynamics between government and nongovernment entities. RESULTS "Vaccine importance" and "COVID-19 risk" were the most prominent topics co-occurring in the overall vaccine communication. The government tended to emphasize "COVID-19 risk" and "vaccine effectiveness," while regular users prioritized vaccine safety and distribution, indicating a discrepancy in these agendas. Nonetheless, the government has limited impact on regular users in the aspects of vaccine importance, accessibility, affordability, and trust in experts. The agendas of government and nongovernment users intertwined, illustrating complex interactions. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the influence of government agendas on public discourse, impacting environmental awareness, public health education, and the social dynamics of inclusive communication during health crises. Inclusive strategies, accommodating public concerns, and involving diverse stakeholders are paramount for effective social media communication during health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechang Xian
- Department of Publicity, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China
- Department of Communication, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Rostam J Neuwirth
- Department of Global Legal Studies, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Angela Chang
- Department of Communication, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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Kopilaš V, Nasadiuk K, Martinelli L, Lhotska L, Todorovic Z, Vidmar M, Machado H, Svalastog AL, Gajović S. Perspectives on the COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout in 17 Countries: Reflexive Thematic and Frequency Analysis Based on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Framework. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e44258. [PMID: 38373020 PMCID: PMC10896317 DOI: 10.2196/44258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the SARS-CoV-2 virus created a global pandemic and rapidly became an imminent threat to the health and lives of people worldwide, the need for a vaccine and its quick distribution among the population was evident. Due to the urgency, and on the back of international collaboration, vaccines were developed rapidly. However, vaccination rollouts showed different success rates in different countries and some also led to increased vaccine hesitancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the role of information sharing and context sensitivity in various vaccination programs throughout the initial COVID-19 vaccination rollout in different countries. Moreover, we aimed to identify factors in national vaccination programs related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, safety, and effectiveness. Toward this end, multidisciplinary and multinational opinions from members of the Navigating Knowledge Landscape (NKL) network were analyzed. METHODS From May to July 2021, 25 completed questionnaires from 27 NKL network members were collected. These contributors were from 17 different countries. The responses reflected the contributors' subjective viewpoints on the status and details of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in their countries. Contributors were asked to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (ie, SWOT) of the respective vaccination programs. The responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by frequency analysis of identified themes according to the represented countries. RESULTS The perspectives of NKL network members showed a link between organizational elements of the vaccination rollout and the accompanying societal response, both of which were related to strengths and weaknesses of the process. External sociocultural variables, improved public communication around vaccination-related issues, ethical controversies, and the spread of disinformation were the dominant themes related to opportunities and challenges. In the SWOT 2×2 matrix, Availability and Barriers emerged as internal categories, whereas Transparent communication and promotion and Societal divide emerged as key external categories. CONCLUSIONS Inventory of themes and categories inspired by elements of the SWOT framework provides an informative multidisciplinary perspective for effective implementation of public health strategies in the battle against COVID-19 or any future pandemics of a similar nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Kopilaš
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Khrystyna Nasadiuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | | | - Lenka Lhotska
- Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zoran Todorovic
- University Hospital Medical Center "Bežanijska kosa", Belgrade,
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade,
| | - Matjaz Vidmar
- Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Machado
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Anna Lydia Svalastog
- Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Srećko Gajović
- BIMIS-Biomedical Research Center Šalata, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Kharazmi E, Bayati M, Majidpour Azad Shirazi A. Vaccination and its impact on healthcare utilization in two groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Iran between 2021 and 2022. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1914. [PMID: 38405172 PMCID: PMC10885182 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims One of the main responsibilities of health systems impacted by the global Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where the first case was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, is the provision of medical services. The current study looked into the impact of vaccination on the utilization of services provided to COVID-19 patients. Methods This study was conducted in Iran between 2021 and 2022, utilizing a cross-sectional research design. The research team collected data on the utilization of provided services and the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered to 1000 patients in Iran through a random sampling approach. The data were analyzed with statistical methods, including the mean difference test, and multiple linear regression. Results Regression estimates show that after controlling for confounding variables like age, type of admission, and comorbidities, vaccination reduces the utilization of healthcare services in the general majority of services. The study's results reveal a fall in COVID-19 patients' utilization of services, specifically in patients administered two or three doses of the vaccine. However, the reduction is not statistically significant. Regression models are in contrast to univariate analysis findings that vaccination increases the mean utilization of healthcare services for COVID-19 patients in general. Comorbidities are a crucial factor in determining the utilization of diagnostic and treatment services for COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Full COVID-19 vaccination and other implementations, including investing in public health, cooperating globally, and vaccinating high-risk groups for future pandemics, are essential as a critical response to this pandemic as they reduce healthcare service utilization to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and allocate resources more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Kharazmi
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information SciencesShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohsen Bayati
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information SciencesShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Ali Majidpour Azad Shirazi
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information SciencesShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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26
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Purvis RS, Moore R, Rojo MO, Riklon S, Alik E, Alik D, Maddison BK, McElfish PA. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Marshallese in Northwest Arkansas (USA). J Public Health Res 2024; 13:22799036241231549. [PMID: 38440055 PMCID: PMC10910884 DOI: 10.1177/22799036241231549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Pacific Islander communities, with disparities in the prevalence of infection, serious illness, and death compared to non-Hispanic whites in the US. Marshallese Pacific Islanders face significant COVID-19 disparities. Design and methods This exploratory study aimed to understand Marshallese community attitudes about the COVID-19 vaccine to identify and implement culturally relevant strategies to encourage vaccine uptake. Data were collected from 17 participants in three focus groups. Results Using content analysis, researchers identified two global themes: (1) barriers to vaccination and (2) facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Within these themes, participants described fear, lack of knowledge about vaccines, negative perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine, health concerns, and transportation as barriers to vaccination. Participants described several factors influencing vaccine behavior, including location of and personnel at vaccine clinics, vaccine experiences, the need for trusted information, positive perceptions, cultural leaders, and mandates. Conclusions The qualitative study makes a significant contribution as the first to report community perceptions and experiences related to the COVID-19 vaccine in Marshallese participants' own words. Findings show that cultural influencers and brokers are crucial bridges for public health messaging related to COVID-19 vaccination targeted to this vulnerable and underserved population. Culturally appropriate and effective public health messaging can help achieve vaccine equity and improve COVID-19-related health disparities in the Marshallese community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Purvis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR, USA
| | - Ramey Moore
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR, USA
| | - Martha O Rojo
- College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Sheldon Riklon
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Eldon Alik
- Republic of the Marshall Islands Consulate, Springdale, AR, USA
| | - Derek Alik
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR, USA
| | | | - Pearl A McElfish
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Springdale, AR, USA
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Zhang S, Li J, Xu R, Chen Q, Sun G, Lin Y, Cao Y, Chen Y, Geng C, Teng Y, Nie J, Li X, Xu G, Liu X, Jin F, Fan Z, Luo T, Liu H, Wang FS, Jiang Z. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Breast Cancer: Cross-Sectional Study in China. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e46009. [PMID: 38060302 PMCID: PMC10739232 DOI: 10.2196/46009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of vaccines against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become one of the most effective means to establish a population immune barrier. Patients with cancer are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, adverse events, and high mortality, and should be the focus of epidemic prevention and treatment. However, real-world data on the safety of vaccines for patients with breast cancer are still scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare the safety of COVID-19 vaccines between patients vaccinated before or after being diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS Patients with breast cancer who sought medical advice from October 2021 to December 2021 were screened. Those who received COVID-19 vaccines were enrolled in this study to analyze the safety of the vaccines. The primary outcome was patient-reported adverse events (AEs). All events after vaccine injection were retrospectively documented from the patients. RESULTS A total of 15,455 patients with breast cancer from 41 hospitals in 20 provinces in China were screened, and 5766 patients who received COVID-19 vaccines were enrolled. Of those enrolled, 45.1% (n=2599) of patients received vaccines before breast cancer diagnosis, 41.3% (n=2379) were vaccinated after diagnosis, and 13.6% (n=784) did not known the accurate date of vaccination or cancer diagnosis. Among the patients vaccinated after diagnosis, 85.4% (n=2032) were vaccinated 1 year after cancer diagnosis and 95.4% (n=2270) were vaccinated during early-stage cancer. Of all 5766 vaccinated patients, 93.9% (n=5415) received an inactivated vaccine, 3.7% (n=213) received a recombinant subunit vaccine, and 2.4% (n=138) received other vaccines, including adenovirus and mRNA vaccines. In the first injection of vaccines, 24.4% (n=10, 95% CI 11.2-37.5) of patients who received an adenovirus vaccine reported AEs, compared to only 12.5% (n=677, 95% CI 11.6-13.4) of those who received an inactivated vaccine. Patients with metastatic breast cancer reported the highest incidence of AEs (n=18, 16.5%, 95% CI 9.5-23.5). Following the second injection, patients who received an inactivated vaccine (n=464, 8.7%, 95% CI 8.0-9.5) and those who received a recombinant vaccine (n=25, 8.7%, 95% CI 5.5-12.0) reported the same incidence of AEs. No significant differences in patient-reported AEs were found between the healthy population and patients with breast cancer (16.4% vs 16.9%, respectively); the most common AEs were local pain (11.1% vs 9.1%, respectively), fatigue (5.5% vs 6.3%, respectively), and muscle soreness (2.3% vs 3.6%, respectively). The type of vaccine and time window of vaccination had little impact on patient-reported AEs. CONCLUSIONS Compared with patients vaccinated before breast cancer diagnosis, there were no significant differences in patient-reported AEs in the patients vaccinated after diagnosis. Thus, it is safe for patients with breast cancer, especially for those in the early stage, to receive COVID-19 vaccines. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200055509; https://tinyurl.com/33zzj882.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Zhang
- Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbin Li
- Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruonan Xu
- Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Gang Sun
- Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ying Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yali Cao
- Nanchang Third Hospital, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuizhi Geng
- Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Yuee Teng
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | | | | | | | - Xinlan Liu
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
| | - Feng Jin
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Sichuan Uniersity Huaxi Campus, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Tumor Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zefei Jiang
- Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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da Silva RE, Novaes MRCG, de Oliveira C, Guilhem DB. National governance and excess mortality due to COVID-19 in 213 countries: a retrospective analysis and perspectives on future pandemics. Global Health 2023; 19:80. [PMID: 37907968 PMCID: PMC10619274 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00982-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND National governance may have influenced the response of institutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, being a key factor in preparing for the next pandemics. The objective was to analyze the association between excess mortality due to COVID-19 (daily and cumulative per 100 thousand people) and national governance indicators in 213 countries. METHOD Multiple linear regression models using secondary data from large international datasets that are in the public domain were performed. Governance indicators corresponded to six dimensions: (i) Voice and Accountability; (ii) Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism; (iii) Government Effectiveness; (iv) Regulatory Quality; (v) Rule of Law and (vi) Control of Corruption. The statistical analysis consisted of adjusting a multiple linear regression model. Excess mortality due to COVID-19 was adjusted for potential confounding factors (demographic, environmental, health, economic, and ethnic variables). RESULTS The indicators Control of Corruption, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality and Rule of Law had a significant inverse association (p < 0.0001) with the estimated excess mortality in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, the governance indicators had a direct significant association (p < 0.0001) with the vaccination variables (People_fully_vaccinated; Delivered population; The total number of vaccination doses administered per 100 people at the country level), except for the variables Vaccination policies and Administration of first dose, which were inversely associated. In countries with better governance, COVID-19 vaccination was initiated earlier. CONCLUSION Better national governance indicators were associated with lower excess mortality due to COVID-19 and faster administration of the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Eccard da Silva
- Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency - Anvisa, Setor de Indústrias, Trecho 5, Área Especial 57, Brasília-DF, 71205-050, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília - UnB, Campos Univ. Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília-DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Cesar de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London (UCL), 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Dirce Bellezi Guilhem
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília - UnB, Campos Univ. Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília-DF, 70910-900, Brazil
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Xu S, Hong V, Sy LS, Bruxvoort KJ, Lewin B, Han B, Holmquist KJ, Qian L. Risk Factors for Not Completing a 2-Dose Primary Series of Messenger RNA COVID-19 Vaccination in a Large Health Care System in Southern California: Retrospective Cohort Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e46318. [PMID: 37792452 PMCID: PMC10563864 DOI: 10.2196/46318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination is crucial in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccines were initially authorized as a 2-dose primary series and have been widely used in the United States; completing the 2-dose primary series offers protection against infection, severe illness, and death. Understanding the risk factors for not completing the 2-dose primary series is critical to evaluate COVID-19 vaccination programs and promote completion of the 2-dose primary series. OBJECTIVE This study examined potential risk factors for not completing a 2-dose primary series of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study among members aged ≥18 years from a large integrated health care system, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, from December 14, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Noncompletion of the 2-dose primary series was defined as not completing the second dose within 6 months after receipt of the first dose. Crude noncompletion rates were estimated overall and by demographic characteristics, health care use patterns, comorbidity, and community-level socioeconomic factors. A Poisson regression model was fit to examine associations of individual-level and community-level risk factors with noncompletion of the 2-dose primary series. RESULTS Among 2.5 million recipients of ≥1 dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, 3.3% (n=81,202) did not complete the second dose within 6 months. Members aged 25-44 years, 65-74 years, and ≥75 years were less likely to not complete the 2-dose primary series than those aged 18-24 years, while members aged 45-64 years were more likely to not complete the 2-dose primary series (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.10-1.15). Male sex was associated with a higher risk of noncompletion (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.15-1.19). Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity were associated with a lower risk of noncompletion (range aRR 0.78-0.91). Having Medicaid and prior influenza vaccination were associated with a higher risk of noncompletion. Having SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing an adverse event, or having an inpatient and emergency department visit during the minimum recommended dose intervals were associated with a higher risk of not completing the 2-dose primary series (aRR 1.98, 95% CI 1.85-2.12; 1.99, 95% CI 1.43-2.76; and 1.85, 95% CI 1.77-1.93, respectively). Those who received the first dose after June 30, 2021, were more likely to not complete the 2-dose primary series within 6 months of receipt of the first dose. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations such as being a single-site study and the inability to consider social factors such as employment and vaccine attitudes, our study identified several risk factors for not completing a 2-dose primary series of mRNA vaccination, including being male; having Medicaid coverage; and experiencing SARS-CoV-2 infection, adverse events, or inpatient and emergency department visits during the minimum recommended dose intervals. These findings can inform future efforts in developing effective strategies to enhance vaccination coverage and improve the completion rate of necessary doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Xu
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Vennis Hong
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Lina S Sy
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Katia J Bruxvoort
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bruno Lewin
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly J Holmquist
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Lei Qian
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, CA, United States
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Tabassum T, Farzana M, Nahar AN, Araf Y, Ullah MA, Rahaman TI, Faruqui NA, Islam Prottoy MN, Anwar S, Ali N, Hosen MJ. COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Wave-centric assessments and mitigation measures for future pandemics. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20113. [PMID: 37810858 PMCID: PMC10550589 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has wreaked havoc globally by affecting millions of lives. Although different countries found the implementation of emergency measures useful to combat the viral pandemic, many countries are still experiencing the resurgence of COVID-19 cases with new variants even after following strict containment guidelines. Country-specific lessons learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can be utilized in commencing a successful battle against the potential future outbreaks. In this article, we analyzed the overall scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh from Alpha to Omicron variant and discussed the demographic, political, economic, social, and environmental influences on the mitigation strategies employed by the country to combat the pandemic. We also tried to explore the preparedness and precautionary measures taken by the responsible authorities, the choice of strategies implemented, and the effectiveness of the response initiated by the government and relevant agencies. Finally, we discussed the possible strategies that might help Bangladesh to combat future COVID-19 waves and other possible pandemics based on the experiences gathered from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Tabassum
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maisha Farzana
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abida Nurun Nahar
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjim Ishraq Rahaman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Nairita Ahsan Faruqui
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazmul Islam Prottoy
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Saeed Anwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nurshad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jakir Hosen
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Blázquez-Fernández C, Lanza-León P, Sanchez-Ruiz L, Cantarero-Prieto D. Economic costs related to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A systematic literature review. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504231201548. [PMID: 37876179 PMCID: PMC10601401 DOI: 10.1177/00368504231201548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressure on healthcare systems has been tremendous and it is having a huge economic impact. The objective of this paper is to carry out a systematic literature review of the publications that have analysed the costs derived from COVID-19 from the patient's perspective. Not only is this study aimed at measuring the impact of COVID-19 in economic terms, but also in qualitative terms, analysing, for instance, the types of costs (direct and indirect) and their variations depending on the geographical area under study. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus. The time frame for the analysis was from the start of the pandemic until 9th December 2021. A total of 322 papers were found. The number of articles assessed for eligibility was 32, and after applying the exclusion criteria, 13 papers were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most of the studies analysed only direct costs (69.23%) and were focused on Asia (61.54%), where the larger indirect costs, as well as the greater total costs, were found. However, the higher costs per patient and year were shown for the United States. This investigation showed the importance of COVID-19 in national, regional and local budgets. More studies are to be developed in Europe due to both the existing differences in the health care systems and financing by country and the difference in the incidence of COVID-19 by country and wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Blázquez-Fernández
- Departamento de Economía, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, España
- Health Economics Research Group-Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Paloma Lanza-León
- Departamento de Economía, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, España
- Health Economics Research Group-Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Lidia Sanchez-Ruiz
- Health Economics Research Group-Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Administración de Empresas, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, España
- Santander Financial Institute – SANFI, Santander, Spain
| | - David Cantarero-Prieto
- Departamento de Economía, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, España
- Health Economics Research Group-Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
- Santander Financial Institute – SANFI, Santander, Spain
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Shen K, Kejriwal M. Quantifying COVID-19 policy impacts on subjective well-being during the early phase of the pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis of United States survey data from March to August 2020. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291494. [PMID: 37733714 PMCID: PMC10513291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To stop the spread of COVID-19, a number of public health policies and restrictions were implemented during the pre-vaccination phase of the pandemic. This study provides a quantitative assessment of how these policies impacted subjective well-being (SWB) in the United States over a 6-month period spanning March to August 2020. We study two specific research objectives. First, we aim to quantify the impacts of COVID-19 public health policies at different levels of stringency on SWB. Second, we train and implement a conditional inference tree model for predicting individual SWB based both on socio-demographic characteristics and policies then in place. Our results indicate that policies such as enforcing strict stay-at-home requirements and closing workplaces were negatively associated with SWB, and that an individual's socio-demographic characteristics, including income status, job, and gender, conditionally interact with policies such as workplace closure in a predictive model of SWB. Therefore, although such policies may have positive health implications, they also have secondary environmental and social implications that need to be taken into account in any cost-benefit analysis of such policies for future pandemic preparedness. Our proposed methodology suggests a way to quantify such impacts through the lens of SWB, and to further advance the science of pandemic preparedness from a public health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shen
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Mayank Kejriwal
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Rajshekhar N, Pinchoff J, Boyer CB, Barasa E, Abuya T, Muluve E, Mwanga D, Mbushi F, Austrian K. Exploring COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake in Nairobi's urban informal settlements: an unsupervised machine learning analysis of a longitudinal prospective cohort study from 2021 to 2022. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071032. [PMID: 37699627 PMCID: PMC10503341 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To illustrate the utility of unsupervised machine learning compared with traditional methods of analysis by identifying archetypes within the population that may be more or less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. DESIGN A longitudinal prospective cohort study (n=2009 households) with recurring phone surveys from 2020 to 2022 to assess COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and practices. Vaccine questions were added in 2021 (n=1117) and 2022 (n=1121) rounds. SETTING Five informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS Individuals from 2009 households included. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS Respondents were asked about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (February 2021) and vaccine uptake (March 2022). Three distinct clusters were estimated using K-Means clustering and analysed against vaccine acceptance and vaccine uptake outcomes using regression forest analysis. RESULTS Despite higher educational attainment and fewer concerns regarding the pandemic, young adults (cluster 3) were less likely to intend to get the vaccine compared with cluster 1 (41.5% vs 55.3%, respectively; p<0.01). Despite believing certain COVID-19 myths, older adults with larger households and more fears regarding economic impacts of the pandemic (cluster 1) were more likely to ultimately to get vaccinated than cluster 3 (78% vs 66.4%; p<0.01), potentially due to employment requirements. Middle-aged women who are married or divorced and reported higher risk of gender-based violence in the home (cluster 2) were more likely than young adults (cluster 3) to report wanting to get the vaccine (50.5% vs 41.5%; p=0.014) but not more likely to have gotten it (69.3% vs 66.4%; p=0.41), indicating potential gaps in access and broader need for social support for this group. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest this methodology can be a useful tool to characterise populations, with utility for improving targeted policy, programmes and behavioural messaging to promote uptake of healthy behaviours and ensure equitable distribution of prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessie Pinchoff
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Eva Muluve
- Population Council Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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Zhao T, Wang C, Zhang S, Chen L, Han B, Liu H, Xie M, Cai X, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Li G, Liu B, Du J, Zeng J, Liu Y, Lu Q, Cui F. What Causes the Discrepancy in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Between Parental Hesitancy for Themselves and for Their Children During Lockdown Period? J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:422-434. [PMID: 37378822 PMCID: PMC10468446 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents are usually the decision-makers for vaccinations of children. Therefore, it is important to understand parental beliefs and attitudes toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine for themselves and their children when it was approved for children age 3-17. METHOD A cross-sectional survey based on an anonymous online questionnaire for parents was conducted in seven provinces of China, and demographic information, vaccination history, parental decision motives, and health belief model toward themselves and their children were collected, respectively. RESULTS The overall parental hesitancy rate toward themselves was 20.30%, and that toward their children was 7.80%. More parental concerns on disease severity (odd ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.61) and susceptibility (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63) of children could be the causes of discrepancy in hesitancy for themselves and for their children. Parents who hesitated to vaccinate themselves might also be hesitated to vaccinate their children (β = 0.077, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Threat perception may lead to inconsistencies in parental vaccination decisions toward themselves and toward their children. Correcting misinformation and strengthening education about COVID-19 are of great significance in addressing vaccine hesitancy among parents and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshuo Zhao
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihui Zhang
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Linyi Chen
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingfeng Han
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhu Xie
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianming Cai
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiguo Zhou
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxing Li
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Puyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Henan, 457005, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqiong Liu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuqiang Cui
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
- Vaccine Research Center, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China.
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Belmonte-Lopes R, Barquilha CER, Kozak C, Barcellos DS, Leite BZ, da Costa FJOG, Martins WL, Oliveira PE, Pereira EHRA, Filho CRM, de Souza EM, Possetti GRC, Vicente VA, Etchepare RG. 20-Month monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater of Curitiba, in Southern Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:76687-76701. [PMID: 37243767 PMCID: PMC10224667 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the collapse of healthcare systems and led to the development and application of several approaches of wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor infected populations. The main objective of this study was to carry out a SARS-CoV-2 wastewater based surveillance in Curitiba, Southern Brazil Sewage samples were collected weekly for 20 months at the entrance of five treatment plants representing the entire city and quantified by qPCR using the N1 marker. The viral loads were correlated with epidemiological data. The correlation by sampling points showed that the relationship between the viral loads and the number of reported cases was best described by a cross-correlation function, indicating a lag between 7 and 14 days amidst the variables, whereas the data for the entire city presented a higher correlation (0.84) with the number of positive tests at lag 0 (sampling day). The results also suggest that the Omicron VOC resulted in higher titers than the Delta VOC. Overall, our results showed that the approach used was robust as an early warning system, even with the use of different epidemiological indicators or changes in the virus variants in circulation. Therefore, it can contribute to public decision-makers and health interventions, especially in vulnerable and low-income regions with limited clinical testing capacity. Looking toward the future, this approach will contribute to a new look at environmental sanitation and should even induce an increase in sewage coverage rates in emerging countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Belmonte-Lopes
- Graduate Program On Pathology, Parasitology, and Microbiology, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
- Basic Pathology Department, Biological Sciences Sector, Microbiological Collections of Paraná Network, Room 135/136. 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos E R Barquilha
- Graduate Program On Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
- Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Caroline Kozak
- Environment Department, Maringa State University, SESI Block, 1800 Ângelo Moreira da Fonseca AvenueRoom 15, Parque Danielle, Umuarama, PR, 87506-370, Brazil
| | - Demian S Barcellos
- Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Z Leite
- Research and Innovation Management, Paraná Sanitation Company (SANEPAR), 1376 Eng. Rebouças St, Rebouças, Curitiba, PR, 80215-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda J O Gomes da Costa
- Research and Innovation Management, Paraná Sanitation Company (SANEPAR), 1376 Eng. Rebouças St, Rebouças, Curitiba, PR, 80215-900, Brazil
| | - William L Martins
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Pâmela E Oliveira
- Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Edy H R A Pereira
- Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Cesar R Mota Filho
- Sanitary and Environmental Engineering Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), 6627 Antonio Carlos Avenue, Block 1, Room 4529, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Emanuel M de Souza
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R C Possetti
- Research and Innovation Management, Paraná Sanitation Company (SANEPAR), 1376 Eng. Rebouças St, Rebouças, Curitiba, PR, 80215-900, Brazil
| | - Vania A Vicente
- Basic Pathology Department, Biological Sciences Sector, Microbiological Collections of Paraná Network, Room 135/136. 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
- Basic Pathology Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil
| | - Ramiro G Etchepare
- Hydraulics and Sanitation Department, Federal University of Paraná, 100 Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos Avenue, Curitiba, PR, 81530-000, Brazil.
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Wang Y, Gong G, Shi X, Huang Y, Deng X. Investigation of the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the propagation of COVID-19 in different climatic zones. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:83495-83512. [PMID: 37341939 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of temperature and relative humidity on the propagation of COVID-19 for indoor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning design and policy development in different climate zones. We proposed a cumulative lag model with two specific parameters of specific average temperature and specific relative humidity to evaluate the impact of temperature and relative humidity on COVID-19 transmission by calculating the relative risk of cumulative effect and the relative risk of lag effect. We considered the temperature and relative humidity corresponding to the relative risk of cumulative effect or the relative risk of lag effect equal to 1 as the thresholds of outbreak. In this paper, we took the overall relative risk of cumulative effect equal to 1 as the thresholds. Data on daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, for three sites in each of four climate zones similar to cold, mild, hot summer and cold winter, and hot summer and warm winter were selected for this study. Temperature and relative humidity had a lagged effect on COVID-19 transmission, with peaking the relative risk of lag effect at a lag of 3-7 days for most regions. All regions had different parameters areas with the relative risk of cumulative effect greater than 1. The overall relative risk of cumulative effect was greater than 1 in all regions when specific relative humidity was higher than 0.4, and when specific average temperature was higher than 0.42. In areas similar to hot summer and cold winter, temperature and the overall relative risk of cumulative effect were highly monotonically positively correlated. In areas similar to hot summer and warm winter, there was a monotonically positive correlation between relative humidity and the overall relative risk of cumulative effect. This study provides targeted recommendations for indoor air and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system control strategies and outbreak prevention strategies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In addition, countries should combine vaccination and non-pharmaceutical control measures, and strict containment policies are beneficial to control another pandemic of COVID-19 and similar viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- College of Civil Engineering of Hunan University (HNU), Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangcai Gong
- College of Civil Engineering of Hunan University (HNU), Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing Shi
- College of Civil Engineering of Hunan University (HNU), Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Huang
- College of Civil Engineering of Hunan University (HNU), Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorui Deng
- College of Civil Engineering of Hunan University (HNU), Changsha, 410082, People's Republic of China
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Butt R, Sherwani RAK, Aslam M, Albassam M. Smoking and prevalence of COVID-19: Evidence from studies from January 2020 - May 2020. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:538-552. [PMID: 37842271 PMCID: PMC10567969 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-known that smoking tobacco harms the respiratory system and can lead to various health problems. Regarding COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, smoking may have implications for both the risk of infection and the severity of the disease. Several studies have explored the association between smoking and COVID-19. However, findings have been somewhat inconsistent and vary from region to region for sample size. This article aims to study the prevalence of COVID-19 among those affected with their ongoing smoking history by computing pooled estimates of the published research. Fixed effect meta-analysis by following the guidelines of PRISMA has been carried out on 34 studies. The patients with confirmed RT-PCR and CT-scan were included, a total of 13,368; The studies' quality assessment was performed according to the Appraisal Checklist recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The effect sizes of the published research are presented in the form of pooled estimates with their respective confidence intervals. Forest plots are used to represent the effect size graphically. Current smokers' effect sizes are 0.12 (CI = 0.11-0.12); for non-smokers, it is estimated to be 0.88 (CI = 0.88-0.89). The heterogeneity statistic I2 describes 0% of the total variation, meaning no heterogeneity among studies exists. A higher prevalence of COVID-19 among non-smokers is observed than the smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafia Butt
- College of Statistical Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Aslam
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Albassam
- College of Statistical Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
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Archambault PM, Rosychuk RJ, Audet M, Bola R, Vatanpour S, Brooks SC, Daoust R, Clark G, Grant L, Vaillancourt S, Welsford M, Morrison LJ, Hohl CM. Accuracy of Self-Reported COVID-19 Vaccination Status Compared With a Public Health Vaccination Registry in Québec: Observational Diagnostic Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e44465. [PMID: 37327046 PMCID: PMC10278735 DOI: 10.2196/44465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accuracy of self-reported vaccination status is important to guide real-world vaccine effectiveness studies and policy making in jurisdictions where access to electronic vaccine registries is restricted. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the accuracy of self-reported vaccination status and reliability of the self-reported number of doses, brand, and time of vaccine administration. METHODS This diagnostic accuracy study was completed by the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network. We enrolled consecutive patients presenting to 4 emergency departments (EDs) in Québec between March 24, 2020, and December 25, 2021. We included adult patients who were able to consent, could speak English or French, and had a proven COVID-19 infection. We compared the self-reported vaccination status of the patients with their vaccination status in the electronic Québec Vaccination Registry. Our primary outcome was the accuracy of the self-reported vaccination status (index test) ascertained during telephone follow-up compared with the Québec Vaccination Registry (reference standard). The accuracy was calculated by dividing all correctly self-reported vaccinated and unvaccinated participants by the sum of all correctly and incorrectly self-reported vaccinated and unvaccinated participants. We also reported interrater agreement with the reference standard as measured by unweighted Cohen κ for self-reported vaccination status at telephone follow-up and at the time of their index ED visit, number of vaccine doses, and brand. RESULTS During the study period, we included 1361 participants. At the time of the follow-up interview, 932 participants reported at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The accuracy of the self-reported vaccination status was 96% (95% CI 95%-97%). Cohen κ for self-reported vaccination status at phone follow-up was 0.91 (95% CI 0.89-0.93) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.77-0.92) at the time of their index ED visit. Cohen κ was 0.89 (95% CI 0.87-0.91) for the number of doses, 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.84) for the brand of the first dose, 0.76 (95% CI 0.70-0.83) for the brand of the second dose, and 0.59 (95% CI 0.34-0.83) for the brand of the third dose. CONCLUSIONS We reported a high accuracy of self-reported vaccination status for adult patients without cognitive disorders who can express themselves in English or French. Researchers can use self-reported COVID-19 vaccination data on the number of doses received, vaccine brand name, and timing of vaccination to guide future research with patients who are capable of self-reporting their vaccination data. However, access to official electronic vaccine registries is still needed to determine the vaccination status in certain susceptible populations where self-reported vaccination data remain missing or impossible to obtain. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04702945; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04702945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Archambault
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche intégrée pour un système de santé apprenant en santé et services sociaux, Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
- VITAM - Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Rhonda J Rosychuk
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Martyne Audet
- Centre de recherche intégrée pour un système de santé apprenant en santé et services sociaux, Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | - Rajan Bola
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shabnam Vatanpour
- Center for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Steven C Brooks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Raoul Daoust
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gregory Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lars Grant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Vaillancourt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Welsford
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie J Morrison
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Emergency Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Corinne M Hohl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Trigo-Tasende N, Vallejo JA, Rumbo-Feal S, Conde-Pérez K, Vaamonde M, López-Oriona Á, Barbeito I, Nasser-Ali M, Reif R, Rodiño-Janeiro BK, Fernández-Álvarez E, Iglesias-Corrás I, Freire B, Tarrío-Saavedra J, Tomás L, Gallego-García P, Posada D, Bou G, López-de-Ullibarri I, Cao R, Ladra S, Poza M. Wastewater early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and variants in a Coruña, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27877-3. [PMID: 37286834 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology has been widely used as a cost-effective method for tracking the COVID-19 pandemic at the community level. Here we describe COVIDBENS, a wastewater surveillance program running from June 2020 to March 2022 in the wastewater treatment plant of Bens in A Coruña (Spain). The main goal of this work was to provide an effective early warning tool based in wastewater epidemiology to help in decision-making at both the social and public health levels. RT-qPCR procedures and Illumina sequencing were used to weekly monitor the viral load and to detect SARS-CoV-2 mutations in wastewater, respectively. In addition, own statistical models were applied to estimate the real number of infected people and the frequency of each emerging variant circulating in the community, which considerable improved the surveillance strategy. Our analysis detected 6 viral load waves in A Coruña with concentrations between 103 and 106 SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies/L. Our system was able to anticipate community outbreaks during the pandemic with 8-36 days in advance with respect to clinical reports and, to detect the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in A Coruña such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529 and BA.2) in wastewater with 42, 30, and 27 days, respectively, before the health system did. Data generated here helped local authorities and health managers to give a faster and more efficient response to the pandemic situation, and also allowed important industrial companies to adapt their production to each situation. The wastewater-based epidemiology program developed in our metropolitan area of A Coruña (Spain) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic served as a powerful early warning system combining statistical models with mutations and viral load monitoring in wastewater over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Trigo-Tasende
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Juan A Vallejo
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Soraya Rumbo-Feal
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Kelly Conde-Pérez
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Manuel Vaamonde
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Ángel López-Oriona
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Inés Barbeito
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mohammed Nasser-Ali
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rubén Reif
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno K Rodiño-Janeiro
- BFlow, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Campus Vida, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Elisa Fernández-Álvarez
- University of A Coruña (UDC), Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), Database Laboratory, Campus de Elviña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Iago Iglesias-Corrás
- University of A Coruña (UDC), Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), Database Laboratory, Campus de Elviña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Borja Freire
- University of A Coruña (UDC), Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), Database Laboratory, Campus de Elviña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Tarrío-Saavedra
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Laura Tomás
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36312, Vigo, Spain
| | - Pilar Gallego-García
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36312, Vigo, Spain
| | - David Posada
- CINBIO, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
- Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36312, Vigo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Immunology, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Germán Bou
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Ignacio López-de-Ullibarri
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Ricardo Cao
- Research Group MODES, Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Campus de Elviña, 15071 , A Coruña, Spain
| | - Susana Ladra
- University of A Coruña (UDC), Research Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CITIC), Database Laboratory, Campus de Elviña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Margarita Poza
- University of A Coruña (UDC) - Microbiome and Health group (meiGAbiome), Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC) - University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC) - Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA) - Spanish Network for Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-ISCIII), Campus da Zapateira, 15008, A Coruña, Spain.
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Iwamura N, Tsutsumi K. SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection probability estimated by using indoor carbon dioxide. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27944-9. [PMID: 37286835 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is one of the main routes of SARS-CoV-2 spread. It is important to determine the circumstances under which the risk of airborne transmission is increased as well as the effective strategy to reduce such risk. This study aimed to develop a modified version of the Wells-Riley model with indoor CO2 to estimate the probability of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strains with a CO2 monitor and to evaluate the validity of this model in actual clinical practices. We used the model in three suspected cases of airborne transmission presented to our hospital to confirm its validity. Next, we estimated the required indoor CO2 concentration at which R0 does not exceed 1 based on the model. The estimated R0 (R0, basic reproduction number) based on the model in each case were 3.19 in three out of five infected patients in an outpatient room, 2.00 in two out of three infected patients in the ward, and 0.191 in none of the five infected patients in another outpatient room. This indicated that our model can estimate R0 with an acceptable accuracy. In a typical outpatient setting, the required indoor CO2 concentration at which R0 does not exceed 1 is below 620 ppm with no mask, 1000 ppm with a surgical mask and 16000 ppm with an N95 mask. In a typical inpatient setting, on the other hand, the required indoor CO2 concentration is below 540 ppm with no mask, 770 ppm with a surgical mask, and 8200 ppm with an N95 mask. These findings facilitate the establishment of a strategy for preventing airborne transmission in hospitals. This study is unique in that it suggests the development of an airborne transmission model with indoor CO2 and application of the model to actual clinical practice. Organizations and individuals can efficiently recognize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission in a room and thus take preventive measures such as maintaining good ventilation, wearing masks, or shortening the exposure time to an infected individual by simply using a CO2 monitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narumichi Iwamura
- Sasebo Chuo Hospital, 15, Yamato-Cho, Sasebo-Shi, Nagasaki, 857-1165, Japan.
| | - Kanako Tsutsumi
- Sasebo Chuo Hospital, 15, Yamato-Cho, Sasebo-Shi, Nagasaki, 857-1165, Japan
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Gedik A, Ozcan O, Ozcanan S. Recycling COVID-19 health care wastes in bitumen modification: a case of disposable medical gloves. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:74977-74990. [PMID: 37209343 PMCID: PMC10199443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Disposable medical gloves (DMGs) have long been used to mitigate the risk of direct exposure to diverse microorganisms and body fluids; hence, they are a critical weapon to protect patients and healthcare staff from infectious diseases. Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 have sparked the production of an excessive number of DMGs, most of which are eventually being disposed of in landfills. Untreated DMGs in landfills do not only pose a direct risk of transmitting coronavirus and other pathological germs but also pollute air, water, and soil dramatically. As a healthier alternative, recycling discarded polymer-rich DMGs into bitumen modification is considered to be a prospective waste management strategy applicable to the asphalt pavement industry. In this study, this conjecture is tested by examining two common DMGs - latex gloves and vinyl gloves - at four different percentages (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight). The morphological characteristics of DMG-modified specimens were inspected by using a high-definition scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). A wide range of laboratory tests including penetration, softening point temperature, ductility, and elastic recovery were undertaken to evaluate the impact of waste gloves on the conventional engineering properties of bitumen. Moreover, viscoelastic behavior and modification processing were studied by conducting the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Test results have revealed the outstanding potential of recycled DMG waste for modifying neat asphalt binder. More specifically, bitumens modified with 4% latex glove and 3% vinyl glove were seen as capable of superiorly withstanding permanent deformations caused by heavy axle loads at high service temperatures. Furthermore, it has been shown that 1.2 tons of modified binder would embed approximately 4000 pairs of recycled DMGs. This study shows that DMG waste can be used as a viable modifier, which would help open a new avenue for mitigating the environmental pollution arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulgazi Gedik
- Darende Bekir Ilicak Vocational School, Construction Technology Program, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, 44700 Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozcan
- Department of Civil Engineering, M. Emin Acar Campus, Sirnak University, Sirnak, 73000 Turkey
| | - Sedat Ozcanan
- Department of Civil Engineering, M. Emin Acar Campus, Sirnak University, Sirnak, 73000 Turkey
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42
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Zhang Z, Fu D, Wang J. How containment policy and medical service impact COVID-19 transmission: A cross-national comparison among China, the USA, and Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2023; 91:103685. [PMID: 37069850 PMCID: PMC10088288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
As COVID-19 shows a heterogeneous spreading process globally, investigating factors associated with COVID-19 spreading among different countries will provide information for containment strategy and medical service decisions. A significant challenge for analyzing how these factors impact COVID-19 transmission is assessing key epidemiological parameters and how they change under different containment strategies across different nations. This paper builds a COVID-19 spread simulation model to estimate the core COVID-19 epidemiological parameters. Then, the correlation between these core COVID-19 epidemiological parameters and the times of publicly announced interventions is analyzed, including three typical countries, China (strictly containment), the USA (moderately control), and Sweden (loose control). Results show that the recovery rate leads to a distinct COVID-19 transmission process in the three countries, as all three countries finally have similar and close to zero spreading rates in the third period of COVID-19 transmission. Then, an epidemic fundamental diagram between COVID-19 "active infections" and "current patients" is discovered, which could plan a country's COVID-19 medical capacity and containment strategies when combined with the COVID-19 spreading simulation model. Based on that, the hypothetical policies are proved effectively, which will give support for future infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Zhang
- School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Daocheng Fu
- School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Du M, Qin C, Liu M, Liu J. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of COVID-19 Inactivated Vaccines in Reducing the Economic Burden of Ischaemic Stroke after SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:957. [PMID: 37243061 PMCID: PMC10224220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to significant economic burden and disability from ischaemic stroke and the relationship between ischaemic stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection, we aimed to explore the cost-effectiveness of the two-dose inactivated COVID-19 vaccination program in reducing the economic burden of ischaemic stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We constructed a decision-analytic Markov model to compare the two-dose inactivated COVID-19 vaccination strategy to the no vaccination strategy using cohort simulation. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and used number of the ischaemic stroke cases after SARS-CoV-2 infection and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) to assess effects. Both one-way deterministic sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the results. We found that the two-dose inactivated vaccination strategy reduced ischaemic stroke cases after SARS-CoV-2 infection by 80.89% (127/157) with a USD 1.09 million as vaccination program cost, saved USD 3675.69 million as direct health care costs and gained 26.56 million QALYs compared with no vaccination strategy among 100,000 COVID-19 patients (ICER < 0 per QALY gained). ICERs remained robust in sensitivity analysis. The proportion of older patients and the proportion of two-dose inactivated vaccination among older people were the critical factors that affected ICER. This study suggests the importance of COVID-19 vaccination is not only in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, but also in considering its long-term value in reducing the economic burden of non-communicable diseases such as ischaemic stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chenyuan Qin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, No. 5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Badi S, Babiker LA, Aldow AY, Abas ABA, Eisa MA, Abu-Ali MN, Abdella WA, Marzouq ME, Ahmed M, Omer AAM, Ahmed MH. Knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination in Sudan: A cross-sectional study. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:310-323. [PMID: 37304594 PMCID: PMC10251048 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccines are an essential part of public health interventions to mitigate the devastating health and non-health impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the fact that Sudan launched the COVID-19 vaccination program in March 2021, only 10% of the population received their two primary doses of vaccines by the end of May 2022. This delayed uptake of vaccines obviously warrants investigation. Therefore, we have conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and acceptance of the general population in Sudan toward COVID-19 vaccines. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire from 403 individuals living in Khartoum, Sudan. The data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and data analysis was performed using appropriate tests. Results 51% of the participants were found to have sufficient knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the knowledge level is higher among those educated beyond the secondary school and those who were employed. Among those unvaccinated, only 47% of the participants expressed their intention to take the vaccine when offered to them. The major reason for not trusting the vaccine is safety concerns expressed by 65.5% of the unvaccinated. Conclusion Higher education levels and employment were associated with an increase in sufficient knowledge about the vaccine in around half of the participants. However, most of participants had not taken the vaccine at the time of the study, and the trust in vaccines is not high. Effective interventions by the health authorities are needed to address these issues in order to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccination program in Sudan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa Badi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Loai Abdelgadir Babiker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Abdullah Yasseen Aldow
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Mazen Abdelhafiez Eisa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Nour Abu-Ali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Mohamed Elsir Marzouq
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Musaab Ahmed
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abubakr Ali M Omer
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed H Ahmed
- Department of Medicine and HIV Metabolic Clinic, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
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45
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Lanzarini NM, Mannarino CF, Ribeiro AVC, Prado T, Vahia LS, Siqueira MM, Resende PC, Quintaes BR, Miagostovich MP. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance-based on municipal solid waste leachate in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:67368-67377. [PMID: 37101215 PMCID: PMC10132925 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste leachate-based epidemiology is an alternative viral tracking tool that applies fresh truck leachate as an early warning of public health emergencies. This study aimed to investigate the potential of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance based on solid waste fresh truck leachate. Twenty truck leachate samples were ultracentrifugated, nucleic acid extracted, and real-time RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 N1/N2 applied. Viral isolation, variant of concern (N1/N2) inference, and whole genome sequencing were also performed. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 40% (8/20) of samples, with a concentration from 2.89 to 6.96 RNA Log10 100 mL-1. The attempt to isolate SARS-CoV-2 and recover the whole genome was not successful; however, positive samples were characterized as possible pre-variant of concern (pre-VOC), VOC Alpha (B.1.1.7) and variant of interest Zeta (P.2). This approach revealed an alternative tool to infer SARS-CoV-2 in the environment and may help the management of local surveillance, health, and social policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Maria Lanzarini
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.
| | - Camille Ferreira Mannarino
- Department of Sanitation and Environmental Health, Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - André Vinicius Costa Ribeiro
- Department of Sanitation and Environmental Health, Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prado
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Saboia Vahia
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Marilda Mendonça Siqueira
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Paola Cristina Resende
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Marize Pereira Miagostovich
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
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Coccia M. High potential of technology to face new respiratory viruses: mechanical ventilation devices for effective healthcare to next pandemic emergencies. TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY 2023; 73:102233. [PMID: 36993793 PMCID: PMC10028215 DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Some countries in the presence of unforeseen Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have experienced lower total deaths, though higher numbers of COVID-19 related infections. Results here suggest that one of the explanations is the critical role of ventilator technology in clinical health environment to cope with the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Statistical evidence shows that a large number of ventilators or breathing devices in countries (26.76 units per 100,000 inhabitants) is associated with a fatality rate of 1.44% (December 2020), whereas a higher fatality rate given by 2.46% is in nations with lower numbers of ventilator devices (10.38 average units per 100,000 people). These findings suggest that a large number of medical ventilators in clinical setting has a high potential for more efficient healthcare and improves the effective preparedness of crisis management to cope with new respiratory pandemic diseases in society. Hence, a forward-thinking and technology-oriented strategy in healthcare sector, based on investments in high-tech ventilator devices and other new medical technologies, can help clinicians deliver effective care and reduce negative effects of present and future respiratory infectious diseases, in particular when new drugs and appropriate treatments are missing in clinical environment to face unknown respiratory viral agents .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Coccia
- CNR -- National Research Council of Italy, Research Area of the National Research Council, Strada delle Cacce, 73-10135, Turin, Italy
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47
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Neisi A, Goudarzi G, Mohammadi MJ, Tahmasebi Y, Rahim F, Baboli Z, Yazdani M, Sorooshian A, Attar SA, Angali KA, Alam K, Ahmadian M, Farhadi M. Association of the corona virus (Covid-19) epidemic with environmental risk factors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:60314-60325. [PMID: 37022543 PMCID: PMC10078041 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus disease 2019; previously 2019-nCoV), epicenter in Hubei Province (Wuhan), People's Republic of China, has spread too many other countries. The transmission of the corona virus occurs when people are in the incubation stage and do not have any symptoms. Therefore, the role of environmental factors such as temperature and wind speed becomes very important. The study of Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) indicates that there is a significant relationship between temperature and virus transmission and three important factors, namely temperature, humidity and wind speed, cause SARS transmission. Daily data on the incidence and mortality of Covid-19 disease were collected from World Health Organization (WHO) website and World Meter website (WMW) for several major cities in Iran and the world. Data were collected from February 2020 to September 2021. Meteorological data including temperature, air pressure, wind speed, dew point and air quality index (AQI) index are extracted from the website of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Statistical analysis carried out for significance relationships. The correlation coefficient between the number of infected people in one day and the environmental variables in the countries was different from each other. The relationship between AQI and number of infected was significant in all cities. In Canberra, Madrid and Paris, a significant inverse relationship was observed between the number of infected people in one day and wind speed. There is a significant positive relationship between the number of infected people in a day and the dew point in the cities of Canberra, Wellington and Washington. The relationship between the number of infected people in one day and Pressure was significantly reversed in Madrid and Washington, but positive in Canberra, Brasilia, Paris and Wuhan. There was significant relationship between Dew point and prevalence. Wind speed showed a significant relationship in USA, Madrid and Paris. AQI was strongly associated with the prevalence of covid19. The purpose of this study is to investigate some environmental factors in the transmission of the corona virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolkazem Neisi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Goudarzi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yasser Tahmasebi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Baboli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Nursing, Torbat Jaam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jaam, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Somayeh Alizade Attar
- Department of Environmental Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kambiz Ahmadi Angali
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Khan Alam
- Department of Physics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120 Pakistan
| | - Maryam Ahmadian
- Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Farhadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Yang K, Guo J, Møhlenberg M, Zhou H. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in medical and industrial wastewater-a global perspective: a narrative review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:63323-63334. [PMID: 36988799 PMCID: PMC10049894 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread at an unprecedented rate since late 2019, leading to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, being able to detect SARS-CoV-2 in human populations with high coverage quickly is a huge challenge. As SARS-CoV-2 is excreted in human excreta and thus exposed to the aqueous environment through sewers, the goal is to develop an ideal, non-invasive, cost-effective epidemiological method for detecting SARS-CoV-2. Wastewater surveillance has gained widespread interest and is increasingly being investigated as an effective early warning tool for monitoring the spread and evolution of the virus. This review emphasizes important findings on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in different continents and techniques used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater during the period 2020-2022. The results show that WBE is a valuable population-level method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and is a valuable early warning alert. It can assist policymakers in formulating relevant policies to avoid the negative impacts of early or delayed action. Such strategy can also help avoid unnecessary wastage of medical resources, rationalize vaccine distribution, assist early detection, and contain large-scale outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Michelle Møhlenberg
- Department of Biomedicine, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, Building 1115, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liutai Road 1166, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 610000, China.
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Amodio E, Battisti M, Gravina AF, Lavezzi AM, Maggio G. School-age vaccination, school openings and Covid-19 diffusion. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2023; 32:1084-1100. [PMID: 36754980 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This article investigates the relationship between school openings and Covid-19 diffusion when school-age vaccination becomes available. The analysis relies on a unique geo-referenced high frequency database on age of vaccination, Covid-19 cases and hospitalization indicators from the Italian region of Sicily. The study focuses on the change of Covid-19 diffusion after school opening in a homogeneous geographical territory (i.e., with the same control measures and surveillance systems, centrally coordinated by the Regional Government). The identification of causal effects derives from a comparison of the change in cases before and after school opening in the school year 2020/21, when vaccination was not available, and in 2021/22, when the vaccination campaign targeted individuals of age 12-19 and above 19. Results indicate that, while school opening determined an increase in the growth rate of Covid-19 cases in 2020/2021, this effect has been substantially reduced by school-age vaccination in 2021/2022. In particular, we find that an increase of approximately 10% in the vaccination rate of school-age population reduces the growth rate of Covid-19 cases after school opening by approximately 1%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Amodio
- Department of Health, Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Maggio
- Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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50
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Luebben G, González-Parra G, Cervantes B. Study of optimal vaccination strategies for early COVID-19 pandemic using an age-structured mathematical model: A case study of the USA. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:10828-10865. [PMID: 37322963 PMCID: PMC11216547 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we study different vaccination strategies that could have been implemented for the early COVID-19 pandemic. We use a demographic epidemiological mathematical model based on differential equations in order to investigate the efficacy of a variety of vaccination strategies under limited vaccine supply. We use the number of deaths as the metric to measure the efficacy of each of these strategies. Finding the optimal strategy for the vaccination programs is a complex problem due to the large number of variables that affect the outcomes. The constructed mathematical model takes into account demographic risk factors such as age, comorbidity status and social contacts of the population. We perform simulations to assess the performance of more than three million vaccination strategies which vary depending on the vaccine priority of each group. This study focuses on the scenario corresponding to the early vaccination period in the USA, but can be extended to other countries. The results of this study show the importance of designing an optimal vaccination strategy in order to save human lives. The problem is extremely complex due to the large amount of factors, high dimensionality and nonlinearities. We found that for low/moderate transmission rates the optimal strategy prioritizes high transmission groups, but for high transmission rates, the optimal strategy focuses on groups with high CFRs. The results provide valuable information for the design of optimal vaccination programs. Moreover, the results help to design scientific vaccination guidelines for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Luebben
- Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, New Mexico, 87801, USA
| | | | - Bishop Cervantes
- Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, New Mexico, 87801, USA
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