Stability and infectivity of coronaviruses in inanimate environments

Viral etiology of febrile respiratory syndrome among patients in Liaoning Province, China

BACKGROUND

Febrile respiratory syndrome (FRS) is often associated with viral infections. The aim of this study was to identify the viral pathogens responsible for FRS in Liaoning Province, China.

METHODS

We tested eight respiratory viruses, namely, influenza virus (IFV), rhinovirus (RV), human adenovirus (HAdV), human bocavirus (HBoV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0, and the data were plotted using RStudio 4.2.1 software.

RESULTS

IFV was the most frequently identified pathogen, followed by RV, HAdV, HBoV, HPIV, HCoV, RSV, and HMPV. RSV/HBoV coinfection occurred most frequently among the mixed cases. The rate of respiratory virus detection was highest in children under one year of age and decreased significantly with age. Seasonal trends showed a peak in virus detection during the winter months.

CONCLUSIONS

IFV is the leading cause of FRS in Liaoning Province, China, with single-virus infections prevailing over coinfections. Observations indicate a differential virus detection rate across age groups and seasons, highlighting the need for focused preventive strategies to mitigate the transmission of respiratory viruses, particularly among susceptible populations in the colder season.

Bioengineered self-assembled nanofibrils for high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 capture and neutralization

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spurred intense research efforts to develop new materials with antiviral activity. In this study, we genetically engineered amyloid-based nanofibrils for capturing and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. Building upon the amyloid properties of a short Sup35 yeast prion sequence, we fused it to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) capturing proteins, LCB1 and LCB3. By tuning the reaction conditions, we achieved the spontaneous self-assembly of the Sup35-LCB1 fusion protein into a highly homogeneous and well-dispersed amyloid-like fibrillar material. These nanofibrils exhibited high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, effectively inhibiting its interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the primary entry point for the virus into host cells. We further demonstrate that this functional nanomaterial entraps and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs), with a potency comparable to that of therapeutic antibodies. As a proof of concept, we successfully fabricated patterned surfaces that selectively capture SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein on wet environments. Collectively, these findings suggest that these protein-only nanofibrils hold promise as disinfecting coatings endowed with selective SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing properties to combat viral spread or in the development of sensitive viral sampling and diagnostic tools.

SARS-CoV-2 genome incidence on the inanimate surface of the material used in the flow of biological samples from the collection point to the testing unit

Despite the undeniable effect of vaccination against COVID-19 in reducing disease severity, there is still a need to monitor and limit SARS-CoV-2 circulation and transmission. Thus, this study evaluated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the surfaces of highly touched objects manipulated in the biological sample collection point and at the reception unit of the diagnostic laboratory. Surfaces were sampled once a week, for 6 weeks, between September 18th and October 23rd, 2020. RT-qPCR was used for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The coolers for biological sample transportation and the envelope containing the patient form were the objects with the highest occurrence of viral genome detection, although it was detected in each object in only two of the 6 evaluations. And the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected just once on the vehicle steering wheel, computer keyboard, bathroom door handle and disinfection bench. The virus genome was not detected in any object on three of the six evaluations. And eight was the largest number of surfaces contaminated by the virus genome on one occasion. The reduced incidence of object contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 genome can be explained by the exposure of the objects to environmental conditions and the adoption of virus-spread containment measures. It can also reflect the low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the study's development period. Despite the low frequency of SARS-CoV-2 genome detection, our findings show that the virus was present in the environment at some point. This highlights the importance of adopting personal preventive measures to reduce respiratory virus spread, especially during epidemics and outbreaks.

Evaluating Droplet Survivability on Face Masks with X-ray Microtomography

When a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are expelled and inevitably land on several surfaces, representing a route for respiratory disease transmission. Here, face masks act as a barrier by obstructing the passage of droplets during exhalation and inhalation. Being constantly exposed to respiratory events and carrying droplet residue, understanding the evaporation and absorption dynamics for tiny droplets on face masks and the fate of viral particle deposition is necessary to analyze the contamination risk. We explore the ideal design for masks from the interaction of mask surfaces with surrogate respiratory droplets by X-ray microscopy and microtomography. We show that the respiratory droplet survivability is significantly reduced in masks with a hydrophilic surface where absorption takes place, leading to a reduction of the postevaporation droplet residue at the mask surface compared with a hydrophobic surface. The results allow us to propose a better mask layer design dependent on wettability, reducing the risk of contamination from respiratory droplets.

Environmental dissemination of respiratory viruses: dynamic interdependencies of respiratory droplets, aerosols, aerial particulates, environmental surfaces, and contribution of viral re-aerosolization

During the recent pandemic of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), influential public health agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have favored the view that SARS CoV-2 spreads predominantly via droplets. Many experts in aerobiology have openly opposed that stance, forcing a vigorous debate on the topic. In this review, we discuss the various proposed modes of viral transmission, stressing the interdependencies between droplet, aerosol, and fomite spread. Relative humidity and temperature prevailing determine the rates at which respiratory aerosols and droplets emitted from an expiratory event (sneezing, coughing, etc.) evaporate to form smaller droplets or aerosols, or experience hygroscopic growth. Gravitational settling of droplets may result in contamination of environmental surfaces (fomites). Depending upon human, animal and mechanical activities in the occupied space indoors, viruses deposited on environmental surfaces may be re-aerosolized (re-suspended) to contribute to aerosols, and can be conveyed on aerial particulate matter such as dust and allergens. The transmission of respiratory viruses may then best be viewed as resulting from dynamic virus spread from infected individuals to susceptible individuals by various physical states of active respiratory emissions, instead of the current paradigm that emphasizes separate dissemination by respiratory droplets, aerosols or by contaminated fomites. To achieve the optimum outcome in terms of risk mitigation and infection prevention and control (IPAC) during seasonal infection peaks, outbreaks, and pandemics, this holistic view emphasizes the importance of dealing with all interdependent transmission modalities, rather than focusing on one modality.

Investigation and analysis of children's behavior and outpatient number of respiratory diseases in Shanghai before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

Alterations in behavioral habits of children were analyzed in Shanghai in the winters prior to and following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of assisting in the prevention of children's respiratory diseases in the post-pandemic era.

Method

This cross-sectional survey was conducted via an offline questionnaire from January 1 to February 28, 2021. The behavioral habits of Shanghainese children in different age groups during the winter of 2019 and 2020 were statistically analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 software. The parameters surveyed and analyzed included the frequency of outdoor activities, self-protection measures (frequency of wearing masks and washing hands after going out), travel history, time to visit since symptom onset, and influenza vaccination status. Lastly, the number of cases of respiratory diseases in the pediatric outpatient department of our hospital was analyzed during the same period.

Result

A total of 1816 questionnaires were investigated and analyzed, and the results revealed that self-protection measures were significantly enhanced in children of all age groups after the COVID-19 pandemic breakout compared with those before the pandemic, whereas the frequency of outdoor activities and traveling were reduced. In the age group over 3 years old, the time to visit since symptom onset was shorter, and the influenza vaccination rate increased following the pandemic. During the same period, the number of cases of children with respiratory diseases in our outpatient department was significantly decreased compared with that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on self-protection measures, outdoor activities, and other children's behaviors in all age groups in Shanghai. These changes in habits were correlated with a lower incidence and transmission of respiratory diseases in children. Overall, this study lays a theoretical basis for the prevention of childhood illnesses in the post-pandemic era.

Access to Information, and Concerns, Myths and Truths about Food Safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Portuguese Population

The COVID-19 pandemic raised questions and concerns about the possibility of the virus being transmitted through food, as the virus was found in sewage, shrimps and packages of frozen food. During the first wave of COVID-19, concerns about the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through food arose. As the number of cases began to increase rapidly, so did the availability of information regarding the virus and ways to prevent infection. A significant portion of this information was disseminated by the media and the general public. Identifying and understanding the main doubts and concerns about food hygiene and safety raised by the Portuguese population during the first wave of COVID-19 is important in order to understand whether these issues have influenced their practices and what lessons can be learnt for food safety and hygiene education. The aims of this work were (1) to understand the doubts and concerns of the Portuguese population regarding food safety and hygiene during the first wave of COVID-19, and how these issues were clarified, (2) to analyze the population's opinion on food/hygiene myths and truths related to the transmission and prevention of the infection, and (3) to understand how the first wave of COVID-19 may have influenced the population's practices linked to food handling and consumption. The main doubts of the respondents were related to food handling (41.6%) and the possibility of transmission of COVID-19 through food (17%). Television was the main source of information used to clarify these doubts (32.9%), followed by a guideline issued by the Directorate-General of Health (30.7%). However, most respondents (50.9%) said that they had only found answers to some of their questions. Most respondents reported washing and disinfecting hands before (85% and 63.4%, respectively) and after (73.8% and 57.3%, respectively) the handling and organization of food purchases. Most respondents did not believe the myths about COVID-19 and food safety, but this depended on their level of education. Some practices may have changed as a result of the pandemic, particularly with regard to washing and disinfecting hands and food, as well as kitchen hygiene.

Environmental Stability and Transmissibility of Enveloped Viruses at Varied Animate and Inanimate Interfaces

Enveloped viruses have been the leading causative agents of viral epidemics in the past decade, including the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. In epidemics caused by enveloped viruses, direct contact is a common route of infection, while indirect transmissions through the environment also contribute to the spread of the disease, although their significance remains controversial. Bridging the knowledge gap regarding the influence of interfacial interactions on the persistence of enveloped viruses in the environment reveals the transmission mechanisms when the virus undergoes mutations and prevents excessive disinfection during viral epidemics. Herein, from the perspective of the driving force, partition efficiency, and viral survivability at interfaces, we summarize the viral and environmental characteristics that affect the environmental transmission of viruses. We expect to provide insights for virus detection, environmental surveillance, and disinfection to limit the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Viral respiratory infections in a rapidly changing climate: the need to prepare for the next pandemic

Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) cause seasonal epidemics and pandemics, with their transmission influenced by climate conditions. Despite the risks posed by novel VRIs, the relationships between climate change and VRIs remain poorly understood. In this review, we synthesized existing literature to explore the connections between changes in meteorological conditions, extreme weather events, long-term climate warming, and seasonal outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics of VRIs from an interdisciplinary perspective. We proposed a comprehensive conceptual framework highlighting the potential biological, socioeconomic, and ecological mechanisms underlying the impact of climate change on VRIs. Our findings suggested that climate change increases the risk of VRI emergence and transmission by affecting the biology of viruses, host susceptibility, human behavior, and environmental conditions of both society and ecosystems. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to address the dual challenge of climate change and pandemics.

Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Utility of NLR, LMR, PLR and SII in the Course of COVID-19: A Literature Review

Nowadays, society is increasingly struggling with infectious diseases that are characterized by severe course and even death. Recently, the whole world has faced the greatest epidemiological threat, which is COVID-19 caused by SARS CoV-2 virus. SARS CoV-2 infection is often accompanied by severe inflammation, which can lead to the development of different complications. Consequently, clinicians need easily interpreted and effective markers of inflammation that can predict the efficacy of the treatment and patient prognosis. Inflammation is associated with changes in many biochemical and hematological parameters, including leukocyte counts and their populations. In COVID-19, changes in leukocytes count populations such as neutrophils, lymphocytes or monocytes are observed. The numerous research confirm that indicators like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII) may prove effective in assessment patient prognosis and choosing optimal therapy. Therefore, in this review, we would like to summarize the latest knowledge about the diagnostic utility of systemic inflammatory ratios - NLR, LMR, PLR and SII in patients with COVID-19. We focused on the papers evaluating the diagnostic utility of inflammatory ratios using ROC curve published in the recent 3 years. Identification of biomarkers associated with inflammation would help the selection of patients with severe course of COVID-19 and high risk of death.

Efficacy of copper blend coatings in reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious virus and etiologic agent of COVID-19, which is spread by respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces. Copper is a known antiviral agent, and has resulted in successful reduction of pathogens and infections by 83-99.9% when coated on surfaces in intensive care units. Additionally, copper has been shown to inactivate pathogens such as Coronavirus 226E, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we examine the ability of two copper blends with differing compositions to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus at different time points. Copper Blend 2 (75.07% pure copper) was found to significantly reduce (over 50%) the viability of SARS-CoV-2 at 5 min of contact, with at least 98% reduction in recovered virus at 20 min (vs. plastic control). However, Copper Blend 1 (48.26% pure copper), was not found to significantly reduce viability of SARS-CoV-2 at any time point when compared to plastic. This may indicate that there is an important percentage of copper content in materials that is needed to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Overall, this study shows that over the course of 20 min, coatings made of copper materials can significantly reduce the recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 compared to uncoated controls, indicating the effective use of copper for viral inactivation on surfaces. Furthermore, it may suggest higher copper content has stronger antiviral properties. This could have important implications when short turnaround times are needed for cleaning and disinfecting rooms or equipment, especially in strained healthcare settings which are struggling to keep up with demand.

Evaluation of compressed sodium chloride on the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and surrogates

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the global COVID-19 pandemic. Limited studies have been performed on various types of disinfectants utilized to control the spread of this highly contagious virus. This study aimed to investigate the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 using compressed sodium chloride (CSC) surface. A real-time reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay was used to evaluate the effectiveness of CSC on the disintegration of viral RNA in a time dependent manner. The effects of CSC on viral infectivity were determined using a TCID50 assay of a surrogate virus, hCoV-229E, in MRC-5 cell culture. The results demonstrated that CSC achieved a 2 to 3- log10 reduction of viral genomic RNA for a laboratory strain of hCoV-229E, and clinical samples of hCoV-229E and hCoV-OC43. A 3 to 4-log10 reduction was observed for SARS-CoV-2 (RdRp and E gene) suggesting that a CSC surface could effectively disintegrate the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome. CSC was observed to have a 6 log10 inactivation of infectious hCoV-229E using cell culture after 5 minutes of exposure compared to the control, indicating good disinfection efficacy of a CSC surface against virus.

Effect of Reducing Agent on Characteristics and Antibacterial Activity of Copper-Containing Particles in Textile Materials

Textile materials modified with copper-containing particles have antibacterial and antiviral properties that have prospects for use in healthcare. In the study, textile materials were saturated with copper-containing particles in their entire material volume by the absorption/diffusion method. The antibacterial properties of modified textile materials were confirmed by their inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium that spreads predominantly through the respiratory tract. For the modification, ordinary textile materials of various origins and fiber structures were used. Technological conditions and compositions of modifying solutions were established, as well as the most suitable textile materials for modification. To assess the morphological and physical characteristics of copper-containing particles and the textile materials themselves, X-ray diffraction, a scanning electron microscope, and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum were used. In modified textile samples, XRD data showed the presence of crystalline phases of copper (Cu) and copper (I) oxide (Cu2O). On the grounds of the SEM/EDS analysis, the saturation of textile materials with copper-containing particles depends on the structure of the textile materials and the origins of the fibers included in their composition, as well as the modification conditions and the copper precursor.

Amine-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles: A Potential Antiviral-Coating Material with Trap and Kill Efficiency to Combat Viral Dissemination (COVID-19)

The outbreak of COVID-19 has drastically affected the daily lifestyles of people globally where specific Coronavirus-2 transmits primarily by respiratory droplets. Structurally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is made up of four types of proteins in which S-protein is indispensable among them, as it causes rapid replication in the host body. Therefore, the glycine and alanine composed of HR1 of S-protein is the ideal target for antiviral action. Different forms of surface-active PPEs can efficiently prevent this transmission in this circumstance. However, the virus can survive on the conventional PPEs for a long time. Hence, the nanotechnological approaches based on engineered nanomaterials coating on medical equipments can potentially prevent the dissemination of infections in public. Silver nanoparticles with tuneable physicochemical properties and versatile chemical functionalization provide an excellent platform to combat the disease. The coating of amine-functionalized silver nanoparticle (especially amine linked to aliphatic chain and trialkoxysilane) in its nanostructured form enables cloths trap and kill efficient. PPEs are a primary and reliable preventive measure, although they are not 100% effective against viral infections. So, developing and commercializing surface-active PPEs with trap and kill efficacy is highly needed to cope with current and future viral infections. This review article discusses the COVID-19 morphology, antiviral mechanism of Ag-NPs against SARS-CoV-2 virus, surface factors that influence viral persistence on fomites, the necessity of antiviral PPEs, and the potential application of amine-functionalized silver nanoparticles as a coating material for the development of trap and kill-efficient face masks and PPE kits.

Point-of-care CRISPR/Cas biosensing technology: A promising tool for preventing the possible COVID-19 resurgence caused by contaminated cold-chain food and packaging

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused great public health concern and has been a global threat due to its high transmissibility and morbidity. Although the SARS-CoV-2 transmission mainly relies on the person-to-person route through the respiratory droplets, the possible transmission through the contaminated cold-chain food and packaging to humans has raised widespread concerns. This review discussed the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via the contaminated cold-chain food and packaging by tracing the occurrence, the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated cold-chain food and packaging, as well as the transmission and outbreaks related to the contaminated cold-chain food and packaging. Rapid, accurate, and reliable diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 is of great importance for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 resurgence. Therefore, we summarized the recent advances on the emerging clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system-based biosensing technology that is promising and powerful for preventing the possible COVID-19 resurgence caused by the contaminated cold-chain food and packaging during the COVID-19 pandemic, including CRISPR/Cas system-based biosensors and their integration with portable devices (e.g., smartphone, lateral flow assays, microfluidic chips, and nanopores). Impressively, this review not only provided an insight on the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the food supply chain, but also proposed the future opportunities and challenges on the development of CRISPR/Cas system-based detection methods for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.

Chitosan-Based Formulations Intended as Protective Spray for Mask Surfaces in Prevention of Coronavirus Dissemination

The extraordinary occurrence of COVID-19 by the fast expansion of viral infections has propelled particular interest in developing novel antiviral and virucidal agents to guarantee personal security. The main objective of this work is to propose novel formulations able to optimize the use of personal protection elements. In recent years, chitosan (CH) has attracted attention for being an interesting multifunctional, biodegradable, non-antigenic, non-toxic, and biocompatible natural polymer with antimicrobial properties. In this work, formulations based on a CH matrix containing silver, and Copper based nanoparticles have been developed. The novelty of this proposal is that almost liquid formulations have been reached, possessing verified properties to inhibit evolved virus such as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine betacoronavirus (BCoV), the latter belonging to the same family of the well-known the well-known SARS-CoV-2. Besides antibacterial bioactivity; as well as the ability of these formulations to be easily sprayed on various surfaces, including conventional face masks, have been verified and discussed. The results presented in this contribution provide strong evidence on CH films as an ideal biosafe surface-protective for several daily used materials including the conventional face masks.

Human Responses in Public Health Emergencies for Infectious Disease Control: An Overview of Controlled Topologies for Biomedical Applications

COVID-19 originated in Wuhan city of Hubei Province in China in December three years ago. Since then, it has spread to more than 210 countries and territories. This disease is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. The virus has a size of one to two nanometers and a single-stranded positive RNA. Droplets spread the virus from coughing and sneezing. This condition causes coughing, fever, acute respiratory problems, and even death. According to the WHO, the virus can survive outside the body for several hours. This research aimed to determine how environmental factors influenced the COVID-19 virus's survival and behavior, as well as its transmission, in a complex environment. Based on the results, virus transmissions are influenced by various human and environmental factors such as population distribution, travel, social behavior, and climate change. Environmental factors have not been adequately examined concerning the transmission of this epidemic. Thus, it is necessary to examine various aspects of prevention and control of this disease, including its effects on climate and other environmental factors.

COVID-19 and vaccination: myths vs science

INTRODUCTION

Several vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed since the inception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019, at unprecedented speed. However, these rapidly developed vaccines raised many questions related to the efficacy and safety of vaccines in different communities across the globe. Various hypotheses regarding COVID-19 and its vaccines were generated, and many of them have also been answered with scientific evidence. Still, there are many myths/misinformation related to COVID-19 and its vaccines, which create hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccination, and must be addressed critically to achieve success in the battle against the pandemic.

AREA COVERED

The development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines against COVID-19, their safety and efficacy, and myths/misinformation relating to COVID-19 and vaccines are presented.

EXPERT OPINION

In this pandemic we have seen a global collaborative effort of researchers, governments, and industry, supported by billions of dollars in funding, have allowed the development of vaccines far more quickly than in the past. Vaccines go through rigorous testing, analysis, and evaluations in clinical settings prior to their approval, even if they are approved for emergency use. Despite the myths, vaccination represents an important strategy to get back to normality.

Environmental detection of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital rooms in different wards of an University Hospital

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Inanimate Surfaces as a Source of Hospital Infections Caused by Fungi, Bacteria and Viruses with Particular Emphasis on SARS-CoV-2

The carriers of nosocomial infections are the hands of medical personnel and inanimate surfaces. Both hands and surfaces may be contaminated as a result of contact with the patient, their body fluids, and touching contaminated surfaces in the patient's surroundings. Visually clean inanimate surfaces are an important source of pathogens. Microorganisms have properties thanks to which they can survive in unfavorable conditions, from a few days to several months. Bacteria, viruses and fungi are able to transmit from inanimate surfaces to the skin of the patient and the medical staff. These pathogens include SARS-CoV-2, which can survive on various types of inanimate surfaces, being a potential source of infection. By following the recommendations related to washing and disinfecting hands and surfaces, and using appropriate washing and disinfecting agents with a broad biocidal spectrum, high material compatibility and the shortest duration of action, we contribute to breaking the chain of nosocomial infections.

First case of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in municipal solid waste leachate from Brazil

This work presents the first case of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in leachate collected from a transfer station in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. After calibration of the viral detection method already used for wastewater samples with a pilot leachate sample and virus fragments in laboratory, twelve polyethylene glycol concentrated leachates samples were tested by RT-qPCR. The results confirmed the presence of N1 gene in 9 of the 12 analyzed samples between epidemiological weeks 33 and 38 of the year 2021 (08/15/2021 to 09/19/2021). The occurrence of the N2 gene was only observed in 5 of the 12 samples. The concentration values for N1 and N2 genes varied between 3.1 and 4.6 log10.GC·L-1, which are values close to those measured in sanitary wastewater. This method showed to be a promising procedure to verify the presence of viral RNA in municipal solid waste leachate, being especially useful where there is no treatment system and sanitation infrastructure, which makes the conventional wastewater surveillance unfeasible.

Safe provision of elective endocrine surgery operations amid the COVID-19 crisis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of clinical services (perioperative clinical outcomes and productivity) of the department of endocrine and general surgery at a teaching hospital in the UK.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who were operated in our department during two periods: 1 April to 31 October 2019 (pre-COVID-19 period) and 1 April to 31 October 2020 (COVID-19 period). The perioperative clinical outcomes and productivity of our department for the two time periods were compared.

RESULTS

In the pre-COVID-19 period, 130 operations were carried out, whereas in the COVID-19 group, this reduced to 89. The baseline characteristics between the two groups did not significantly differ. Parathyroid operations decreased significantly by 68% between the two study periods. Overall, during the COVID-19 phase, the department maintained 68% of its operating workload compared with the respective 2019 time period. The clinical outcomes for the patients who had a thyroid/parathyroid/adrenal operation were not statistically different for the two study periods. There were no COVID-19 related perioperative complications for any of the operated patients and no patient tested positive for COVID-19 while an inpatient. For the COVID-19 group, the department maintained 67% of its outpatient appointments for endocrine surgery and 26% for general surgery pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the clinical activity of our department. However, it is possible to continue providing clinical services for urgent/cancer cases with the appropriate safety measures in place.