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Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked heated debate among scholars on the relevance of lockdowns. There are those in favor of the lockdown and others who are critical of it. However, despite the increased interest in understanding the relevance of lockdowns, there still has not been much focus on its relevance in countries like Zambia. Thus, with the help of the Social Representation Theory (SRT), we set out to explore and document the local characterization of the lockdown by residents of Lusaka, Zambia. METHODS We recruited our participants through convenient and purposive sampling techniques. This was done through the use of the ZAMTEL public phone records. Initial contact was made to potential participants, and they were asked of their availability and willingness to participate in the interview. Upon agreeing to participate, they were included in the sample. A total of 68 people were selected to take part in this study. Their age ranged from 20 to 76 years old. 33 of them were male and 35 females. After this, we conducted interviews with the 68 participants. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our interviews were conducted via telephone in conformity with the recommendations from the IRB in Lusaka and the advice of the ministry of health. We anonymized the demographic characteristics and responses from our participants. Later, thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The lockdown was on one hand lauded for slowing down the incidence rates, preventing fatalities, and protecting the healthcare system from collapse. On the other hand, it was criticized for exacerbating poverty levels, unemployment rates, increasing the rate of mental health problems, aiding gender-based violence, and intensifying political repression and corruption. The results speak to the complexity in the characterization of the lockdown as a response to COVID-19 in Lusaka, Zambia. This observation demonstrates the folly of viewing, applying and characterizing the COVID-19 lockdown as a 'one-size-fits-all' approach in Lusaka, Zambia. CONCLUSION Rather than establishing the lockdown as an incontestable good, as it is depicted by some scholars or as useless by its critics, our findings instead demonstrate the diversity and complexity in how it is locally viewed by Lusaka residents. The study provides grounds for caution on simplistic and binary characterization of lockdowns. It indicates the need for careful dialog between the designers of lockdowns and citizens in order to tailor such interventions to local realities in context-specific ways. It also shows that though the development of such interventions, all the various and complex elements it embodies must be taken into account in order to realize optimum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choolwe Muzyamba
- University College Utrecht, Campusplein 1, 3584 ED, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- , Lusaka, Zambia.
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Fathmawati F, Rauf S, Indraswari BW. Factors related with the incidence of acute respiratory infections in toddlers in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Evidence from the Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257881. [PMID: 34559864 PMCID: PMC8462707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors associated with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in toddlers have been widely observed, but there are no studies using data from the Sleman Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). This study aimed to determine the factors associated with ARI in children under five in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This research was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design, using secondary data from the Sleman HDSS. Data of 463 children under five who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were used in this study. Inclusion criteria were toddlers who have complete observed variable data. The variables observed were the characteristics of children under five, the attributes of the mother, the physical condition of the house, the use of mosquito coils, sanitation facilities, and sources of drinking water. The exclusion criteria were toddlers with pulmonary tuberculosis in the past year. Data analysis used chi-squared tests for bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results showed that working mothers had a greater risk of ARI under five children with OR 1.46 (95% CI = 1.01–2.11), and groundwater as a water source was a protective factor against the occurrence of ARI in toddlers with OR 0.46 (95% CI = 0.26–0.81). After a logistic regression analysis was performed, only the drinking water source variable had a statistically significant relationship with the incidence of ARI in children under five with OR = 0.47 (95% CI = 0.268–0.827). Research on the relationship between water quality and the incidence of ARI in children under five is needed to follow up on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathmawati Fathmawati
- Department of Environmental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Saidah Rauf
- Masohi Nursing Study Program, Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Maluku, Ambon, Indonesia
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Hallock GG. The COVID-19 facemask: Friend or foe? J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 74:1101-1160. [PMID: 33353836 PMCID: PMC7834513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey G Hallock
- Division of Plastic Surgery, St. Luke's Hospital, Sacred Heart Campus, Allentown, Pennsylvania USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiran Panda
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411 026, Maharashtra, India
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - Harkiran Kaur
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi 110 017, India
| | - Lalit Dandona
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi 110 017, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - Balram Bhargava
- Department of Health Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi 110 001, India
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Vanden Driessche K, Mahlobo PZ, Venter R, Caldwell J, Jennings K, Diacon AH, Cotton MF, de Groot R, Hens N, Marx FM, Warren RM, Mishra H, Theron G. Face masks in the post-COVID-19 era: a silver lining for the damaged tuberculosis public health response? Lancet Respir Med 2021; 9:340-342. [PMID: 33493446 PMCID: PMC7826055 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Vanden Driessche
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa; Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium; Section Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Precious Z Mahlobo
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa
| | - Rouxjeane Venter
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa
| | - Judy Caldwell
- Department of Health, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Jennings
- Department of Health, City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andreas H Diacon
- Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; TASK Applied Science, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark F Cotton
- Family Clinical Centre for Research with Ubuntu (FAMCRU), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Section Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Niel Hens
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics (I-BIOSTAT), Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Florian M Marx
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; DSI-NRF South African Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Robin M Warren
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa
| | - Hridesh Mishra
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa
| | - Grant Theron
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research and SA/MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7550, South Africa.
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Pedersen MG, Meneghini M. Data-driven estimation of change points reveals correlation between face mask use and accelerated curtailing of the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 53:243-251. [PMID: 33631075 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.29.2014152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Italy was the first Western country to be seriously affected by COVID-19, and the first to implement drastic measures, which successfully curtailed the first wave of the epidemic. METHODS To understand which containment measures altered disease dynamics, we estimated change points in COVID-19 dynamics from official Italian data. RESULTS We found an excellent correlation between nationwide lockdown and the epidemic peak in late March 2020. Surprisingly, we found a change point in mid-April, which did not correspond to national measures, but may be explained by regional interventions. Change points in regional COVID-19 dynamics correlated well with local distribution of free face masks and regional orders requiring their mandatory use. Regions with no specific interventions showed no change point during April. CONCLUSIONS Our findings of the observed correlation between face mask use and disease dynamics lend further support to the importance of face masks in addition to lockdowns and other restrictions for the control of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Gram Pedersen
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Mathematics "Tullio Levi-Civita", University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Meneghini
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Wendling JM, Fabacher T, Pébaÿ PP, Cosperec I, Rochoy M. Experimental Efficacy of the Face Shield and the Mask against Emitted and Potentially Received Particles. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:1942. [PMID: 33671300 PMCID: PMC7922468 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is currently not sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of face shields for source control. In order to evaluate the comparative barrier performance effect of face masks and face shields, we used an aerosol generator and a particle counter to evaluate the performance of the various devices in comparable situations. We tested different configurations in an experimental setup with manikin heads wearing masks (surgical type I), face shields (22.5 cm high with overhang under the chin of 7 cm and circumference of 35 cm) on an emitter or a receiver manikin head, or both. The manikins were face to face, 25 cm apart, with an intense particle emission (52.5 L/min) for 30 s. The particle counter calculated the total cumulative particles aspirated on a volume of 1.416 L In our experimental conditions, when the receiver alone wore a protection, the face shield was more effective (reduction factor = 54.8%), while reduction was lower with a mask (reduction factor = 21.8%) (p = 0.002). The wearing of a protective device by the emitter alone reduced the level of received particles by 96.8% for both the mask and face shield (p = NS). When both the emitter and receiver manikin heads wore a face shield, the protection allowed for better results in our experimental conditions: 98% reduction for the face shields versus 97.3% for the masks (p = 0.01). Face shields offered an even better barrier effect than the mask against small inhaled particles (<0.3 µm-0.3 to 0.5 µm-0.5 to 1 µm) in all configurations. Therefore, it would be interesting to include face shields as used in our experimental study as part of strategies to reduce transmission within the community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thibaut Fabacher
- Department of Public Health, GMRC, CHRU, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | | | | | - Michaël Rochoy
- General Medicine Department, University Lille, CERIM, ULR 2694, F-59000 Lille, France
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Abstract
Gene drives are selfish genetic elements that can be re-designed to invade a population and they hold tremendous potential for the control of mosquitoes that transmit disease. Much progress has been made recently in demonstrating proof of principle for gene drives able to suppress populations of malarial mosquitoes, or to make them refractory to the Plasmodium parasites they transmit. This has been achieved using CRISPR-based gene drives. In this article, I will discuss the relative merits of this type of gene drive, as well as barriers to its technical development and to its deployment in the field as malaria control. This article is part of the theme issue 'Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Nolan
- Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing global health challenge, threatening over 40% of the world's population. Despite major advances in malaria control since 2000, recent progress has stalled. Additionally, the risk of Aedes-borne arboviruses is rapidly growing, with the unprecedented spread of dengue and chikungunya viruses, outbreaks of yellow fever and the 2015 epidemic of Zika virus in Latin America. To counteract this growing problem, diverse and innovative mosquito control technologies are currently under development. Conceptually, these span an impressive spectrum of approaches, from invasive transgene cassettes with the potential to crash mosquito populations or reduce the vectorial capacity of a population, to low-cost alterations in housing design that restrict mosquito entry. This themed issue will present articles providing insight into the breadth of mosquito control research, while demonstrating the requirement for an interdisciplinary approach. The issue will highlight mosquito control technologies at varying stages of development and includes both opinion pieces and research articles with laboratory and field-based data on control strategy development. This article is part of the theme issue 'Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Jones
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Thomas H. Ant
- Centre for Virus Research, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Mary M. Cameron
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - James G. Logan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Dutour M, Kirchhoff A, Janssen C, Meleze S, Chevalier H, Levy-Amon S, Detrez MA, Piet E, Delory T. Family medicine practitioners' stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Fam Pract 2021; 22:36. [PMID: 33583410 PMCID: PMC7882249 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world in early 2020. In France, General Practitioners (GPs) were not involved in the care organization's decision-making process before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This omission could have generated stress for GPs. We aimed first to estimate the self-perception of stress as defined by the 10-item Perceived Stress Score (PSS-10), at the beginning of the pandemic in France, among GPs from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a french administrative area severely impacted by COVID-19. Second, we aimed to identify factors associated with a self-perceived stress (PSS-10 ≥ 27) among socio-demographic characteristics of GPs, their access to reliable information and to personal protective equipment during the pandemic, and their exposure to well established psychosocial risk at work. METHODS We conducted an online cross-sectional survey between 8th April and 10th May 2020. The self-perception of stress was evaluated using the PSS-10, so to see the proportion of "not stressed" (≤20), "borderline" (21 ≤ PSS-10 ≤ 26), and "stressed" (≥27) GPs. The agreement to 31 positive assertions related to possible sources of stress identified by the scientific study committee was measured using a 10-point numeric scale. In complete cases, factors associated with stress (PSS-10 ≥ 27) were investigated using logistic regression, adjusted on gender, age and practice location. A supplementary analysis of the verbatims was made. RESULTS Overall, 898 individual answers were collected, of which 879 were complete. A total of 437 GPs (49%) were stressed (PSS-10 ≥ 27), and 283 GPs (32%) had a very high level of stress (PSS-10 ≥ 30). Self-perceived stress was associated with multiple components, and involved classic psychosocial risk factors such as emotional requirements. However, in this context of health crisis, the primary source of stress was the diversity and quantity of information from diverse sources (614 GPs (69%, OR = 2.21, 95%CI [1.40-3.50], p < 0.001). Analysis of verbatims revealed that GPs felt isolated in a hospital-based model. CONCLUSION The first wave of the pandemic was a source of stress for GPs. The diversity and quantity of information received from the health authorities were among the main sources of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Dutour
- Infectious disease department, Annecy-Genevois hospital, Annecy, France.
| | - Anna Kirchhoff
- Infectious disease department, Annecy-Genevois hospital, Annecy, France
| | - Cécile Janssen
- Infectious disease department, Annecy-Genevois hospital, Annecy, France
| | - Sabine Meleze
- Institut national d'études démographiques (Ined), UR 14, Aubervillers, France
| | | | | | | | - Emilie Piet
- Infectious disease department, Annecy-Genevois hospital, Annecy, France
| | - Tristan Delory
- Institut national d'études démographiques (Ined), UR 14, Aubervillers, France
- Clinical research unit, Annecy-Genevois hospital, Annecy, France
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Wilson N, Blakely T, Baker MG, Eichner M. Estimating the risk of outbreaks of COVID-19 associated with shore leave by merchant ship crews: simulation studies for New Zealand. N Z Med J 2021; 134:26-38. [PMID: 33582705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in a COVID-19-free destination country (New Zealand) associated with shore leave by merchant ship crews who were infected prior to their departure or on their ship. METHODS We used a stochastic version of the SEIR model CovidSIM v1.1 designed specifically for COVID-19. It was populated with parameters for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, shipping characteristics and plausible control measures. RESULTS When no control interventions were in place, we estimated that an outbreak of COVID-19 in New Zealand would occur after a median time of 23 days (assuming a global average for source country incidence of 2.66 new infections per 1,000 population per week, crews of 20 with a voyage length of 10 days and 1 day of shore leave per crew member both in New Zealand and abroad, and 108 port visits by international merchant ships per week). For this example, the uncertainty around when outbreaks occur is wide (an outbreak occurs with 95% probability between 1 and 124 days). The combination of PCR testing on arrival, self-reporting of symptoms with contact tracing and mask use during shore leave increased this median time to 1.0 year (14 days to 5.4 years, or a 49% probability within a year). Scenario analyses found that onboard infection chains could persist for well over 4 weeks, even with crews of only 5 members. CONCLUSION This modelling work suggests that the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 through shore leave from international shipping crews is likely, even after long voyages. But the risk can be substantially mitigated by control measures such as PCR testing and mask use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Wilson
- BODE3 Programme, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand; HEIRU, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tony Blakely
- Population Interventions, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Nawrocki CC, Hinckley AF. Experiences with tick exposure, Lyme disease, and use of personal prevention methods for tick bites among members of the U.S. population, 2013-2015. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101605. [PMID: 33217712 PMCID: PMC10862656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Consistent and effective use of personal prevention methods for tickborne diseases, including Lyme disease (LD), is dependent on risk awareness. To improve our understanding of the general U.S. population's experiences with tick exposure and use of personal prevention methods, we used data from ConsumerStyles, a web-based, nationally representative questionnaire on health-related topics. Questions addressed tick bites and LD diagnosis in the last year, use of personal prevention methods to prevent tick bites, and willingness to receive a theoretical LD vaccine. Of 10,551 participants surveyed over three years, 12.3 % reported a tick bite for themselves or a household member in the last year, including 15.4 % of participants in high LD incidence (LDI) states, 16.3 % in states neighboring high LDI states, and 9.4 % in low LDI states. Participants in high LDI states and neighboring states were most likely to use personal prevention methods, though 46.6 % of participants in high LDI states and 53.9 % in neighboring states reported not using any method. Participants in low LDI states, adults ≥ 75 years of age, those with higher incomes, and those living in urban housing tended to be less likely to practice personal prevention methods. Likeliness to receive a theoretical LD vaccine was high in high LDI (64.5 %), neighboring (52.5 %), and low LDI (49.7 %) states. Targeted educational efforts are needed to ensure those in high LDI and neighboring states, particularly older adults, are aware of their risk of LD and recommended personal prevention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Nawrocki
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA; Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - A F Hinckley
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Antommaria AHM, Monhollen L, Schaffzin JK. An Ethical Analysis of Hospital Visitor Restrictions and Masking Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Ethics 2021; 32:38-47. [PMID: 33416516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nonpharmaceutical interventions to minimize the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are necessary because we currently lack a vaccine or specific treatments. Healthcare facilities have adopted visitor restrictions and masking requirements. These interventions should be evaluated as public health measures, focusing on their efficacy, the availability of less-restrictive alternatives, and the minimization of the burdens and their balance with the benefits. These interventions, as well as exceptions, can be justified by the same analysis. For example, visitor restrictions are sound, as are exceptions for women in labor, adults with disabilities, minor children, and individuals who are dying. In implementing these policies, specific rules are preferable to general principles because they are more efficient and reduce possible bias. There should, however, be appeal mechanisms and retrospective review processes. Evaluating requests for medical exemptions to masking requirements is particularly difficult, given the prevalence of nonmedical objections, false claims of medical exemptions, and a lack of objective medical criteria. Requiring written statements by licensed healthcare providers that undergo subsequent substantive review may therefore be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand H Matheny Antommaria
- Director of the Ethics Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, OH USA.
| | - Laura Monhollen
- Director of the Division of Social Services at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH USA.
| | - Joshua K Schaffzin
- Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, OH USA.
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Ho CWL, Caals K, Zhang H. Heralding the Digitalization of Life in Post-Pandemic East Asian Societies. J Bioeth Inq 2020; 17:657-661. [PMID: 33169256 PMCID: PMC7651810 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-020-10050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Following the outbreak of what would become the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were quickly introduced across East Asia-including drastic shelter-in-place orders in some cities-drawing on experience with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) almost two decades ago. "Smart City" technologies and other digital tools were quickly deployed for infection control purposes, ranging from conventional thermal scanning cameras to digital tracing in the surveillance of at-risk individuals. Chatbots endowed with artificial intelligence have also been deployed to shift part of healthcare provision away from hospitals and to support a number of programmes for self-management of chronic disease in the community. With the closure of schools and adults working from home, digital technologies have also sustained many aspects of both professional and social life at a pace and scale not considered to be practicable before the outbreak. This paper considers how these new experiences with digital technologies in public health surveillance are spurring digitalization in East Asian societies beyond the conventional public health context. It also considers some of the concerns and challenges that are likely to arise with rapid digitalization, particularly in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Wai-Loon Ho
- Faculty of Law and Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, The University of Hong Kong, Cheng Yu Tung Tower, Centennial Campus, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong S.A.R., People's Republic of China.
| | - Karel Caals
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD11, Clinical Research Centre #02-03, 10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore
| | - Haihong Zhang
- Health Science Center, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Raymond JR. The Great Mask Debate: A Debate That Shouldn't Be a Debate at All. WMJ 2020; 119:229-239. [PMID: 33428832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a rapidly growing and evolving literature, there continues to be a vigorous public debate about whether the community use of face coverings can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 ten months into the pandemic. OBJECTIVES This article describes a semi-structured literature review of the use of face coverings to prevent the spread of coronaviruses and similar respiratory pathogens, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). METHODS : The author conducted a semi-structured literature review using search terms "COVID19" or "SARS-CoV-2" crossed with "mask/s" or "face covering/s." Articles were evaluated through October 30, 2020 for inclusion, as were key references cited within the primary references and other references identified through traditional and social media outlets. RESULTS There is strong evidence to support the community use of face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 from various laboratory, epidemiological, natural history, clinical, and economic studies, although there was only 1 high-quality published randomized controlled trial of this topic at the time of review. CONCLUSIONS The evidence in favor of community face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19 is strong. Although most of the benefit of wearing a face covering is conferred to the community and to bystanders, a face covering also can protect the wearer to some extent, both by reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection, and perhaps by reducing the severity of illness for those who contract a COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Raymond
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology), and Office of the President, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
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Fortaleza CR, de Souza LDR, Rúgolo JM, Fortaleza CMCB. COVID-19: What we talk about when we talk about masks. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20200527. [PMID: 33174963 PMCID: PMC7670747 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0527-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though most current recommendations include the general use of masks to prevent community transmission of SARS-Cov-2, the effectiveness of this measure is still debated. The studies on this policy include physical filtering tests with inanimate microparticles, randomized clinical trials, observational studies, ecological analyses, and even computational modeling of epidemics. Much of the so-called evidence is inferred from studies on different respiratory viruses and epidemiological settings. Heterogeneity is a major factor limiting the generalization of inferences. In this article, we reviewed the empirical and rational bases of mask use and how to understand these recommendations compared to other policies of social distancing, restrictions on non-essential services, and lockdown. We conclude that recent studies suggest a synergistic effect of the use of masks and social distancing rather than opposing effects of the two recommendations. Developing social communication approaches that clarify the need to combine different strategies is a challenge for public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Ravagnani Fortaleza
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Hospital das Clínicas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Programa de Pós-graduação em doenças infecciosas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Lenice do Rosário de Souza
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Programa de Pós-graduação em doenças infecciosas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Departamento de doenças infecciosas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Juliana Machado Rúgolo
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Hospital das Clínicas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
| | - Carlos Magno Castelo Branco Fortaleza
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Programa de Pós-graduação em doenças infecciosas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Departamento de doenças infecciosas, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Sultan S, Siddique SM, Altayar O, Caliendo AM, Davitkov P, Feuerstein JD, Francis D, Inadomi JM, Lim JK, Falck-Ytter Y, Mustafa RA. AGA Institute Rapid Review and Recommendations on the Role of Pre-Procedure SARS-CoV-2 Testing and Endoscopy. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:1935-1948.e5. [PMID: 32735862 PMCID: PMC7386603 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Sultan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Shazia M Siddique
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Osama Altayar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Angela M Caliendo
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Perica Davitkov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Northeast Ohio Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph D Feuerstein
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dawn Francis
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - John M Inadomi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Joseph K Lim
- Yale Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yngve Falck-Ytter
- Division of Gastroenterology, Northeast Ohio Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Reem A Mustafa
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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Walls C, Emrys G, Gavaghan S, Gorman D, McBride D, McLean D. A model respiratory personal protective programme for the New Zealand healthcare industry. N Z Med J 2020; 133:161-166. [PMID: 32994627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of advice from the workplace regulator, a model respiratory protection programme for healthcare workers is presented based in healthcare and wider industry experience. Hospital and other healthcare institutions can use this as a basis for their programmes in preparation for the next infective disease outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Walls
- Occupational Physician, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland
| | - Geraint Emrys
- Occupational Physician, MidCentral District Health Board, Palmerston North
| | | | - Des Gorman
- Faculty of Medicine, Auckland University, Auckland
| | - David McBride
- Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin
| | - Dave McLean
- Senior Research Officer, Massey University, Centre for Public Health Research, Wellington
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Das O, Neisiany RE, Capezza AJ, Hedenqvist MS, Försth M, Xu Q, Jiang L, Ji D, Ramakrishna S. The need for fully bio-based facemasks to counter coronavirus outbreaks: A perspective. Sci Total Environ 2020; 736:139611. [PMID: 32473458 PMCID: PMC7243761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The onset of coronavirus pandemic has sparked a shortage of facemasks in almost all nations. Without this personal protective equipment, healthcare providers, essential workers, and the general public are exposed to the risk of infection. In light of the aforementioned, it is critical to balance the supply and demand for masks. COVID-19 will also ensure that masks are always considered as an essential commodity in future pandemic preparedness. Moreover, billions of facemasks are produced from petrochemicals derived raw materials, which are non-degradable upon disposal after their single use, thus causing environmental pollution and damage. The sustainable way forward is to utilise raw materials that are side-stream products of local industries to develop facemasks having equal or better efficiency than the conventional ones. In this regard, wheat gluten biopolymer, which is a by-product or co-product of cereal industries, can be electrospun into nanofibre membranes and subsequently carbonised at over 700 °C to form a network structure, which can simultaneously act as the filter media and reinforcement for gluten-based masks. In parallel, the same gluten material can be processed into cohesive thin films using plasticiser and hot press. Additionally, lanosol, a naturally-occurring substance, imparts fire (V-0 rating in vertical burn test), and microbe resistance in gluten plastics. Thus, thin films of flexible gluten with very low amounts of lanosol (<10 wt%) can be bonded together with the carbonised mat and shaped by thermoforming to create the facemasks. The carbon mat acting as the filter can be attached to the masks through adapters that can also be made from injection moulded gluten. The creation of these masks could simultaneously be effective in reducing the transmittance of infectious diseases and pave the way for environmentally benign sustainable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oisik Das
- Material Science Division, Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden; School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 210094 Nanjing, China.
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Department of Materials and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Antonio Jose Capezza
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 100 44, Sweden; Department of Plant Breeding, SLU Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BOX 101, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Mikael S Hedenqvist
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 100 44, Sweden.
| | - Michael Försth
- Structural and Fire Engineering Division, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå 97187, Sweden
| | - Qiang Xu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 210094 Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 210094 Nanjing, China
| | - Dongxiao Ji
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117575, Singapore
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, New York City closed all nonessential businesses and restricted the out-of-home activities of residents as of March 22, 2020. This order affected different neighborhoods differently, as stores and workplaces are not randomly distributed across the city, and different populations may have responded differently to the out-of-home restrictions. This study examines how the business closures and activity restrictions affected COVID-19 testing results. An evaluation of whether such actions slowed the spread of the pandemic is a crucial step in designing effective public health policies. METHODS Daily data on the fraction of COVID-19 tests yielding a positive result at the zip code level were analyzed in relation to the number of visits to local businesses (based on smartphone location) and the number of smartphones that stayed fixed at their home location. The regression model also included vectors of fixed effects for the day of the week, the calendar date, and the zip code of residence. RESULTS A large number of visits to local businesses increased the positivity rate of COVID-19 tests, while a large number of smartphones that stayed at home decreased it. A doubling in the relative number of visits increases the positivity rate by about 12.4 percentage points (95% CI, 5.3 to 19.6). A doubling in the relative number of stay-at-home devices lowered it by 2.0 percentage points (95% CI, -2.9 to -1.2). The business closures and out-of-home activity restrictions decreased the positivity rate, accounting for approximately 25% of the decline observed in April and May 2020. CONCLUSION Policy measures decreased the likelihood of positive results in COVID-19 tests. These specific policy tools may be successfully used when comparable health crises arise in the future.
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Ho KF, Lin LY, Weng SP, Chuang KJ. Medical mask versus cotton mask for preventing respiratory droplet transmission in micro environments. Sci Total Environ 2020; 735:139510. [PMID: 32480154 PMCID: PMC7233209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether cotton mask worn by respiratory infection person could suppress respiratory droplet levels compared to medical mask. We recruited adult volunteers with confirmed influenza and suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to wear medical masks and self-designed triple-layer cotton masks in a regular bedroom and a car with air conditioning. Four 1-hour repeated measurements (two measurements for bedroom the others for car) of particles with a size range of 20-1000 nm measured by number concentrations (NC0.02-1), temperature and relatively humidity, and cough/sneeze counts per hour were conducted for each volunteer. The paired t-tests were used for within-group comparisons in a bedroom and in a car. The results showed that there was no significant difference in NC0.02-1 or cough/sneeze counts between volunteers with medical masks and cotton masks in a bedroom or a car. We concluded that the cotton mask could be a potential substitute for medical mask for respiratory infection person in microenvironment with air conditioning. Healthy people may daily use cotton mask in the community since cotton mask is washable and reusable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin-Fai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lian-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Wang YH, Bychkov A, Chakrabarti I, Jain D, Liu Z, He S, Hanum SF, Bakrin I, Templo F, Nguyen T, Kumarasinghe P, Jung CK, Kakudo K, Chen CC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cytology practice: An international survey in the Asia-Pacific region. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:895-904. [PMID: 32931161 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on various aspects of cytology practice in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS An online questionnaire was distributed to cytopathology laboratories in 24 Asia-Pacific countries to explore the impact of restrictive measures on access to health care, use of general and personal protective equipment (PPE), and changes in cytology workflow and workload from February to April 2020. RESULTS A total of 167 cytopathology laboratories from 24 countries responded to the survey; the majority reported that restrictive measures that limited the accessibility of health care services had been implemented in their cities and/or countries (80.8%) and their hospitals (83.8%). The respondents noted that COVID-19 had an impact on the cytologic workflow as well as the workload. Approximately one-half of the participants reported the implementation of new biosafety protocols (54.5%) as well as improvements in laboratory facilities (47.3%). Rearrangement or redeployment of the workforce was reported in 53.3% and 34.1% of laboratories, respectively. The majority of the respondents reported a significant reduction (>10%) in caseload associated with both gynecological (82.0%) and nongynecological specimens (78.4%). Most laboratories reported no significant change in the malignancy rates of both gynecological (67.7%) and nongynecological specimens (58.7%) compared with the same period in 2019. CONCLUSIONS The results of the survey demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cytology specimens examined along with the need to implement new biosafety protocols. These findings underscore the need for the worldwide standardization of biosafety protocols and cytology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeh-Han Wang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Taipei Institute of Pathology, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andrey Bychkov
- Department of Pathology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shurong He
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Ikmal Bakrin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Putra Malaysia University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Felipe Templo
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Truong Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Priyanthi Kumarasinghe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, PathWest, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
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Bhattacharjee S, Bahl P, Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR. Last-resort strategies during mask shortages: optimal design features of cloth masks and decontamination of disposable masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Open Respir Res 2020; 7:e000698. [PMID: 32913005 PMCID: PMC7484883 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2020-000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Face masks and respirators are the most widely used intervention measures for respiratory protection. In the wake of COVID-19, in response to shortages and lack of availability of surgical masks and respirators, the use of cloth masks has become a research focus. Various fabrics have been promoted with little evidence-based foundation and without guidelines on design principles for optimal performance. In these circumstances, it is essential to understand the properties, key performance factors, filter mechanisms and evidence on cloth masks materials. The general community might also need to decontaminate and reuse disposable, single-use devices as a last resort. We present an overview of the filter materials, filter mechanisms and effectiveness, key performance factors, and hydrophobicity of the common disposable masks, as well as cloth masks. We also reviewed decontamination methods for disposable respiratory devices. As an alternative to surgical masks and respirators, we recommend a cloth mask made of at least three layers (300-350 threads per inch) and adding a nylon stocking layer over the mask for a better fit. Water-resistant fabrics (polyesters/nylon), blends of fabrics and water-absorbing fabrics (cotton) should be in the outside layer, middle layer/layers and inside layer, respectively. The information outlined here will help people to navigate their choices if facing shortages of appropriate respiratory protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Prateek Bahl
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abrar Ahmad Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- College of Public Service and Community Solutions and College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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Sasmita NR, Ikhwan M, Suyanto S, Chongsuvivatwong V. Optimal control on a mathematical model to pattern the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Indonesia. Glob Health Res Policy 2020; 5:38. [PMID: 32775696 PMCID: PMC7402809 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-020-00163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the pattern of COVID-19 infection progression is critical for health policymakers. Reaching the exponential peak of cases, flattening the curve, and treating all of the active cases are the keys to success in reducing outbreak transmission. The objective of this study was to determine the most effective model for predicting the peak of COVID-19 in Indonesia, using a deterministic model. Methods The SEI2RS model considers five strategies for control, namely: large-scale social restriction ( u1 ), contact tracing ( u2 ), mass testing ( u3 ) , case detection and treatment ( u4 ), and the wearing of face masks ( u5 ). Three scenarios were developed, each differentiated by the controls. The model used April 10, 2020, and December 31, 2020, as the initial and final times. Results The simulation results indicated that the peak of COVID-19 cases for scenarios 1, 2, and 3 occur on the 59th day with 33,151 cases, on the 38th day with 37,908 cases, and on the 40th day with 39,305 cases. For all of the scenarios, the decline phase shows a slow downward slope and about 8000 cases of COVID-19 still active by the end of 2020. Conclusion The study concludes that scenario 2, which consists of large-scale social restriction (u1), contact tracing (u2), case detection and treatment (u4), and the wearing of face masks (u5), is the most rational scenario to control COVID-19 spreading in Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Novi Reandy Sasmita
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ikhwan
- Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
| | - Suyanto Suyanto
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, 28000 Indonesia
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Abstract
Among the most critical strategies in the fight against the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) is the rapid tracing and notification of potentially infected persons. Several nations have implemented mobile software applications ("apps") to alert persons exposed to the coronavirus. The expected advantages of this new technology over the traditional method of contact tracing include speed, specificity, and mass reach. Beyond its use for mitigating and containing COVID-19, digital technology can complement or even augment the traditional approach to global health program implementation. However, as with any new system, strong regulatory frameworks are necessary to ensure that individual information is not used for surveillance purposes, and user privacy will be maintained. Having safeguarded this, perhaps the global health community will witness the beginning of a new era of implementing mass health programs through the medium of digital technology.
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Marcone V. Reduction of Contagion Risks by SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) in Air-Conditioned Work Environments. Pain Physician 2020; 23:S475-S482. [PMID: 32942811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus emergency obliged Italy's government to stop production and trade activities to limit the =risk of contagion. Italy will restart activities in a few days and some security measures will have to be taken to limit the risks of spreading the virus as much as possible. OBJECTIVE This work summarizes the rules that are to be adopted for the reduction of the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection with particular regard to the air conditioning systems in working environments, the sources of risk, and possible risk reduction measures. RESULTS Ducted air systems are of great importance, widespread, and often overlooked in risk assessment. Scientific evidence has shown that air conditioning systems can be both an infection risk reducer and, if misused, a multiplier of infection possibility. LIMITATIONS A narrative review with paucity of literature.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Bed nets are the commonest malaria prevention tool and arguably the most cost-effective. Their efficacy is because they prevent mosquito bites (a function of physical durability and integrity), and kill mosquitoes (a function of chemical content and mosquito susceptibility). This essay follows the story of bed nets, insecticides and malaria control, and asks whether the nets must always have insecticides. METHODS Key attributes of untreated or pyrethroid-treated nets are examined alongside observations of their entomological and epidemiological impacts. Arguments for and against adding insecticides to nets are analysed in contexts of pyrethroid resistance, personal-versus-communal protection, outdoor-biting, need for local production and global health policies. FINDINGS Widespread resistance in African malaria vectors has greatly weakened the historical mass mosquitocidal effects of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), which previously contributed communal benefits to users and non-users. Yet ITNs still achieve substantial epidemiological impact, suggesting that physical integrity, consistent use and population-level coverage are increasingly more important than mosquitocidal properties. Pyrethroid-treatment remains desirable where vectors are sufficiently susceptible, but is no longer universally necessary and should be re-examined alongside other attributes, e.g. durability, coverage, acceptability and access. New ITNs with multiple actives or synergists could provide temporary relief in some settings, but their performance, higher costs, and drawn-out innovation timelines do not justify singular emphasis on insecticides. Similarly, sub-lethal insecticides may remain marginally-impactful by reducing survival of older mosquitoes and disrupting parasite development inside the mosquitoes, but such effects vanish under strong resistance. CONCLUSIONS The public health value of nets is increasingly driven by bite prevention, and decreasingly by lethality to mosquitoes. For context-appropriate solutions, it is necessary to acknowledge and evaluate the potential and cost-effectiveness of durable untreated nets across different settings. Though ~ 90% of malaria burden occurs in Africa, most World Health Organization-prequalified nets are manufactured outside Africa, since many local manufacturers lack capacity to produce the recommended insecticidal nets at competitive scale and pricing. By relaxing conditions for insecticides on nets, it is conceivable that non-insecticidal but durable, and possibly bio-degradable nets, could be readily manufactured locally. This essay aims not to discredit ITNs, but to illustrate how singular focus on insecticides can hinder innovation and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredros Okumu
- Environmental Health & Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science & Technology, Arusha, Tanzania.
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Jutel
- Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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32
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Price S. On Pause for the Pandemic: Health Issues Sidelined Amid COVID-19 Response. Tex Med 2020; 116:22-28. [PMID: 32872700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Any physician can look out over the COVID-19 landscape and see important areas of health care tied to their specialty that are being downplayed or ignored as resources pour into fighting the pandemic and scared patients chose not to come to their doctors' offices.
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Ming DK, Sangkaew S, Chanh HQ, Nhat PTH, Yacoub S, Georgiou P, Holmes AH. Continuous physiological monitoring using wearable technology to inform individual management of infectious diseases, public health and outbreak responses. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 96:648-654. [PMID: 32497806 PMCID: PMC7263257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal management of infectious diseases is guided by up-to-date information at the individual and public health levels. For infections of global importance, including emerging pandemics such as COVID-19 or prevalent endemic diseases such as dengue, identifying patients at risk of severe disease and clinical deterioration can be challenging, considering that the majority present with a mild illness. In our article, we describe the use of wearable technology for continuous physiological monitoring in healthcare settings. Deployment of wearables in hospital settings for the management of infectious diseases, or in the community to support syndromic surveillance during outbreaks, could provide significant, cost-effective advantages and improve healthcare delivery. We highlight a range of promising technologies employed by wearable devices and discuss the technical and ethical issues relating to implementation in the clinic, focusing on low- and middle- income countries. Finally, we propose a set of essential criteria for the rollout of wearable technology for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien K Ming
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO), Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Sorawat Sangkaew
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Family Medicine, Hat Yai Regional Hospital, Thailand
| | - Ho Q Chanh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Phung T H Nhat
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Sophie Yacoub
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Alison H Holmes
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO), Imperial College London, UK
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Law SK, Leung AWN, Xu C. Are face masks useful for limiting the spread of COVID-19? Hong Kong Med J 2020; 26:267-268. [PMID: 32536613 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj208566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S K Law
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - A W N Leung
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Aging Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong
| | - C Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Lim HW, Feldman SR, Van Voorhees AS, Gelfand JM. Recommendations for phototherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:287-288. [PMID: 32339700 PMCID: PMC7195284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henry W Lim
- Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan.
| | - Steven R Feldman
- Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Abby S Van Voorhees
- Department of Dermatology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Joel M Gelfand
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Romero MP, Chang YM, Brunton LA, Parry J, Prosser A, Upton P, Rees E, Tearne O, Arnold M, Stevens K, Drewe JA. Decision tree machine learning applied to bovine tuberculosis risk factors to aid disease control decision making. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104860. [PMID: 31812850 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Identifying and understanding the risk factors for endemic bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle herds is critical for the control of this disease. Exploratory machine learning techniques can uncover complex non-linear relationships and interactions within disease causation webs, and enhance our knowledge of TB risk factors and how they are interrelated. Classification tree analysis was used to reveal associations between predictors of TB in England and each of the three surveillance risk areas (High Risk, Edge, and Low Risk) in 2016, identifying the highest risk herds. The main classifying predictor for farms in England overall related to the TB prevalence in the 100 nearest cattle herds. In the High Risk and Edge areas it was the number of slaughterhouse destinations and in the Low Risk area it was the number of cattle tested in surveillance tests. How long ago the last confirmed incident was resolved was the most frequent classifier in trees; if within two years, leading to the highest risk group of herds in the High Risk and Low Risk areas. At least two different slaughterhouse destinations led to the highest risk group of herds in England, whereas in the Edge area it was a combination of no contiguous low-risk neighbours (i.e. in a 1 km radius) and a minimum proportion of 6-23 month-old cattle in November. A threshold value of prevalence in 100 nearest neighbours increased the risk in all areas, although the value was specific to each area. Having low-risk contiguous neighbours reduced the risk in the Edge and High Risk areas, whereas high-risk ones increased the risk in England overall and in the Edge area specifically. The best classification tree models informed multivariable binomial logistic regression models in each area, adding statistical inference outputs. These two approaches showed similar predictive performance although there were some disparities regarding what constituted high-risk predictors. Decision tree machine learning approaches can identify risk factors from webs of causation: information which may then be used to inform decision making for disease control purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pilar Romero
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom; Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom.
| | - Yu-Mei Chang
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy A Brunton
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Parry
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Prosser
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Upton
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Rees
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Tearne
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Arnold
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Stevens
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Julian A Drewe
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
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Mtema Z, Changalucha J, Cleaveland S, Elias M, Ferguson HM, Halliday JEB, Haydon DT, Jaswant G, Kazwala R, Killeen GF, Lembo T, Lushasi K, Malishee AD, Mancy R, Maziku M, Mbunda EM, Mchau GJM, Murray-Smith R, Rysava K, Said K, Sambo M, Shayo E, Sikana L, Townsend SE, Urassa H, Hampson K. Mobile Phones As Surveillance Tools: Implementing and Evaluating a Large-Scale Intersectoral Surveillance System for Rabies in Tanzania. PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1002002. [PMID: 27070315 PMCID: PMC4829224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Katie Hampson and colleagues describe their experience of developing and deploying a large-scale rabies surveillance system based on mobile phones in southern Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharia Mtema
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Elias
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Heather M. Ferguson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jo E. B. Halliday
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel T. Haydon
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gurdeep Jaswant
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Rudovick Kazwala
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Gerry F. Killeen
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kennedy Lushasi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rebecca Mancy
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Maziku
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eberhard M. Mbunda
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Kristyna Rysava
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Khadija Said
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Preventative Veterinary Medicine, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Maganga Sambo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Shayo
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Sunny E Townsend
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katie Hampson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Obenauer PJ, Farooq M, Knapp JA, Yans MW, Santana LA, Richardson AG, Nador NN, Diclaro JW. Comparison of Indoor Residual Spray Equipment for Malaria Control in Liberia. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2015; 31:388-391. [PMID: 26675465 DOI: 10.2987/moco-31-04-388-391.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe and compare a new innovative backpack compressed-air sprayer (JQSX-12) to a Stihl® 450 backpack mist blower and a manually operated compression sprayer for its effectiveness as an alternative operational tool for indoor residual insecticide application to control malaria in Liberia. Advantages and physical characteristics of each sprayer and their spray atomization parameters are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Obenauer
- 1 The Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL 32003
| | - Mohammad Farooq
- 1 The Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL 32003
| | - Jennifer A Knapp
- 1 The Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL 32003
| | - Matthew W Yans
- 1 The Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL 32003
| | - Luis A Santana
- 1 The Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, FL 32003
| | | | - Nadoris N Nador
- 2 Preventive Medicine Services for the Armed Forces of Liberia, Camp EBK, Liberia
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Zhu H, Zheng ZH, Tang L, Cai SX, Huang XB, Tu ZW, Qin J, Zeng MX, Sun Q, Liu JB. [Effect of standardized construction of laboratories of schistosomiasis control institutions in Hubei Province in 2013]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2015; 27:22-25. [PMID: 26094408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and current situation of the standardized construction of laboratories of schis- tosomiasis control institutions in Hubei Province, so as to provide the evidence for establishing and improving the quality control system of diagnosis of schistosomiasis after the transmission of schistosomiasis was under control. METHODS According to the procedures of self-examination, field operation, and laboratory on-site, five laboratories were assessed, and all the results were analyzed comparatively. RESULTS The average number of staffs were (7.00±1.58) persons, and the staffs of the laboratories of the schistosomiasis control institutions with senior professional titles in the city level were more than that in the county level (t = 5.563, P < 0.05). The average space was (3.20±1.64) rooms, and the average area was (117.00±88.29) m2. The average score of field operation was (96.40±4.49) points. The average score of laboratory on-site assessment was (106.6±6.15) points. The highest and lowest of the laboratory on-site assessment scores were environment and facilities (19.60 ± 0.55) points and management system of laboratory quality control (15.70±2.39) points (F = 2.869, P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION The cultivation of laboratory staff should be strengthened, and the diagnostic capacity should be maintained and improved. The laboratory quality control system should be paid more attention to, and the construction and management of schistosomiasis laboratories should be standardized.
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Cao CL, Bao ZP, Yang PC, Chen Z, Yan J, Ren GH, Li YY, Cai SX, Liu JB, Xu J, Li SZ, Guo JG, Zhou XN. [Schistosomiasis control effect of measures of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation and forbidding depasturage of livestock on marshlands in marshland and lake regions]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2014; 26:602-607. [PMID: 25856882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the schistosomiasis control effect of the measures of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation and forbidding depasturage of livestock on marshlands in marshland and lake regions. METHODS The retrospective review and field survey were implemented in the Jiangling and Gongan counties of Hubei Province where were implemented with the measure of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation, and Yuanjiang and Huarong counties of Hunan Province where were implemented with the measure of forbidding the depasturage of livestock on marshlands. The schistosome infection status of human, cattle, and Oncomelania hupensis snails, and schistosome-infested field excreta were surveyed from 2007 to 2013. The effects of the interventions were compared before and after their implementations. RESULTS The 6 villages of Hubei Province were implemented with the measure of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation, and 7 villages of Hunan Province were implemented with the measure of forbidding the depasturage of livestock on marshlands. From 2007 to 2013, the schistosome infection rates of residents declined from 3.95% to 0.70% (χ2 = 128.376, P < 0.05), with the descend range of 82.53%. The descend ranges of the measures of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation and forbidding the depasturage of livestock on marshlands were 83.081% and 81.62% respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two measures (χ2 = 0.132, P > 0.05). The infection rate of cattle decreased from 3.66% in 2007 to 0.65% in 2013, and the descend range was 82.24% (χ2 = 13.692, P < 0.05). The field excreta was surveyed in the snail breeding place in 2013. The investigated area was 157.435 hm2, and 625 samples of field feces of cattle were collected with the density of field excreta of 3.97/hm2, and the positive rate was 1.12% (7/625). The schistosome infection rate of snails and the density of infected snails decreased successively from 2007, and no infected snails were detected from 2011 to 2013. CONCLUSIONS The schistosomiasis endemic situation are decreased significantly after the interventions of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation and forbidding the depasturage of livestock on marshlands. Therefore, schistosomiasis control effect of these measures is notable in the marshland and lake regions.
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Xiang RD, Zhang ZH, Yu B, Shan XW, Deng F, Xu XW, Fang R, Zhang HE, Wang HL. [Effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control strategy based on infection source control in Hanchuan City]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2014; 26:658-661. [PMID: 25856894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures based on infection source control in Hanchuan City (marshland and lake endemic regions). METHODS The data of comprehensive schistosomiasis control in Hanchuan City from 2004 to 2013 were collected, and the change trends of the Oncomelania hupensis snail status and the infection situation of human and livestock were analyzed to evaluate the control effect. RESULTS After the implementation of the comprehensive measures, the infection rates of residents and cattle decreased from 6.38% and 8.11% in 2004 to 0.16% and 0 in 2013 respectively. There were no acute schistosomiasis patients since 2007, no new infection cases since 2011, and no infected snails since 2012. Compared with 2004, the occurrence rate of frames with living snails and the average density of living snails decreased by 56.78% and 68.35%, respectively, but the snail area and susceptible area increased by 0.62% and 7.10%, respectively. In 2013, all the 367 endemic villages in 26 townships reached the criteria of transmission controlled. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures based on infection source control can control the schistosomiasis transmission effectively in marshland and lake endemic regions. When consolidating the achievement, the snail area in inner embankment should be compressed to prevent the schistosome re-infection in human and livestock.
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Xu JQ, Zhou FC, Yin QB, Wu CY. [Evaluation of comprehensive measures of schistosomiasis control in Caidian District, Wuhan City]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2014; 26:690-692. [PMID: 25856904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of comprehensive control measures of schistosomiasis in Caidian District, Wuhan City. METHODS The data of implementation of the schistosomiasis control measures in Caidian District was collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS The number of Oncomelania hupensis snail environments and snail area decreased from 213 sites and 223.47 hm2 in 2003 to 59 sites and 51.20 hm2 in 2013, with the decreasing rate of 72.30% and 77.09%, respectively. The infection rate of schistosomiasis of human decreased from 1.58% in 2006 to 0.24% in 2013, with the decreasing rate of 84.81%. The positive rate of stool tests of cattle was 2.19% in 2006 while it was 0 in 2013. CONCLUSION The comprehensive control measures of schistosomiasis are effective.
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Dubianskiĭ VM, Kulichenko AN, Semenko OV, Maletskaia OV, Mezentsev VM. [Improvement of epidemiologic control of infectious diseases by using geoinformational systems]. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol 2014:85-91. [PMID: 24738301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Problems of the perspective of geoinformational systems (GIS) use for improvement of epidemiologic control of infectious diseases including during mass events are examined. A scheme of creation of the decision making support system (DMSS) is proposed, the system is based on GIS, has general primary data and analytical-prognostic tool base including subsystems: real-time primary information intake, information analysis, epizootic and epidemic activity prognosis on the certain territories and the federal level. Specialized personnel training, creation of infrastructure for DMSS functioning in primary Federal Service of Surveillance for Protection of Consumers Rights and Human Welfare units are designated as priority tasks.
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Friend DR, Clark JT, Kiser PF, Clark MR. Multipurpose prevention technologies: products in development. Antiviral Res 2013; 100 Suppl:S39-47. [PMID: 24188708 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are broadly defined as products capable of simultaneously addressing multiple sexual and reproductive health needs including unintended pregnancy, STIs including HIV-1, and other reproductive tract infections. MPTs have been discussed for a few decades but little product development has occurred. With the recent proof-of-concept that a topically applied antiretroviral (ARV) can effectively reduce sexual transmission of HIV-1 (tenofovir 1% gel) the impetus to develop MPTs is gaining momentum. Products currently in development are broadly categorized as either long-acting or on-demand. Long-acting MPTs include intravaginal rings (IVRs) and long-acting injectable products. Several IVR MPTs are under development including one designed to release tenofovir to prevent transmission of HIV-1 and levonorgestrel (LNG) to prevent unintended pregnancy over a 90-day period. Another MPT IVR under development is designed to release the ARV dapivirine and LNG for 2 months. Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) formulations of rilpivirine (TMC278) and GSK1265744 have entered clinical evaluation and could form the basis of long-acting injectable products for HIV-1 prevention and prevention of unintended pregnancy. On-demand products include TFV 1% gel (HIV-1/HSV-2 prevention), a zinc/carrageenan zinc gel (HIV-1/HSV-2 prevention), and the SILCS diaphragm administered with TFV 1% gel. Significant technical, funding, and regulatory hurdles must be overcome to develop most MPTs; however, the significant reproductive health benefits to many women around the world should provide motivation to overcome these hurdles. This article is based on a presentation at the "Product Development Workshop 2013: HIV and Multipurpose Prevention Technologies", held in Arlington, Virginia on February 21-22, 2013. It forms part of a special supplement to Antiviral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Friend
- CONRAD Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209, United States.
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Zheng SB, Zhou YB, Li LH, Wu JY, Yao BD, Zhu SP, Wei CJ, Li FP, Hu BJ, Ren GH, Yi P, Jiang QW. [Short-term effect of black film covering on Oncomelania hupensis snail control in marshland and lake regions]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2013; 25:357-361. [PMID: 24358741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short-term effect of the black film covering combined with niclosamide on Oncomelania hupensis snail control in marshland and lake regions. METHODS A ditch with snails in Anxiang County was selected as the experimental sites. The ditch was divided into 3 groups: a film group, a niclosamide group, and a niclosamide and film group. The snails were surveyed before the test and 1, 3, 5, 7 days after the experiment. RESULTS After the film covering, the highest temperature of the surface of soil was 63.7 degrees C on the first day, and the temperature higher than 40 degrees C lasted 4.34 hours. On the second day, the highest temperature was 52.3 degrees C, and the temperature higher than 40 degrees C lasted 4.96 hours. On the fourth day and fifth day, the temperature was lower than 30 degrees C, while the temperature was lower than 34 degrees C on the sixth day. On the seventh day of the experiment, the snail death rates of the film group, the niclosamide group, and the niclosamide and film group on the soil surface were 16.36%, 58.40% and 53.57%, respectively. On the seventh day, the snail death rates of the film group, and the niclosamide and film group under the soil were 20.00% and 40.00%, respectively, while no snails were found under the soil in the niclosamide group 3 days after the experiment. In mesh bags, the snail death rates of the film group, the niclosamide group, and the niclosamide and film group were 84.00%, 95.33% and 95.33%, respectively. CONCLUSION The short-term effect of the black film covering on snail control is not obvious, and the black film covering does no promote the molluscicidal effect of niclosamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-bang Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-biao Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin-han Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jin-yi Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bao-dong Yao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shao-ping Zhu
- Anxiang Office of Leading Group for Schistosomiasis Control, China
| | - Cheng-jian Wei
- Anxiang Office of Leading Group for Schistosomiasis Control, China
| | - Fu-ping Li
- Huangshantou Station for Schistosomiasis Control, China
| | - Ben-jiao Hu
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China
| | | | - Ping Yi
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China
| | - Qing-wu Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Tropical Disease Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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47
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Abstract
Personal protection measures against biting arthropods include topical insect repellents, area repellents, insecticide-treated bednets and treated clothing. The literature on the effectiveness of personal protection products against arthropods is mainly limited to studies of prevention of bites, rather than prevention of disease. Tungiasis was successfully controlled by application of topical repellents and scrub typhus was reduced through the use of treated clothing. Successful reduction of leishmaniasis was achieved through the use of topical repellents, treated bednets and treated clothing in individual studies. Malaria has been reduced by the use of insecticide-treated bednets (ITN), certain campaigns involving topical repellents, and the combination of treated bednets and topical repellents. Although area repellents such as mosquito coils are used extensively, their ability to protect humans from vector-transmitted pathogens has not been proven. Taken together, the literature indicates that personal protection measures must be used correctly to be effective. A study that showed successful control of malaria by combining treated bednets and topical repellents suggests that combinations of personal protection measures are likely to be more effective than single methods. Implementation of successful programmes based on personal protection will require a level of cooperation commonly associated with other basic societal functions, such as education and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Debboun
- Department of Preventive Health Services, Academy of Health Sciences, US Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA
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48
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Lai ACK, Poon CKM, Cheung ACT. Effectiveness of facemasks to reduce exposure hazards for airborne infections among general populations. J R Soc Interface 2012; 9:938-48. [PMID: 21937487 PMCID: PMC3306645 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2011.0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Facemasks are widely used as a protective measure by general public to prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens including seasonal, swine and other forms of influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), etc. However, scientific data on effectiveness of facemasks in reducing infections in the community are extremely limited and even inconsistent. In this work, two manikins labelled as 'source' and 'susceptible' were used to measure the protection provided by facemasks under various emission scenarios. The source was modified to generate polydisperse ultrafine particles, whereas the susceptible was modified to mimic a realistic breathing pattern. The facemask was challenged by both pseudo-steady and highly transient emissions generated by an expiratory process where parameters, such as separation distance between manikins, emission velocity and expiratory duration, were controlled and measured systematically. Performances of four different types of facemask fits, varying from ideal to normal wearing practice, were also investigated. Under the pseudo-steady concentration environment, facemask protection was found to be 45 per cent, while under expiratory emissions, protection varied from 33 to 100 per cent. It was also observed that the separation between the source and the manikin was the most influential parameter affecting facemask protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C K Lai
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering (retitled from Building and Construction), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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49
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Feng J, Wu XH, Li SZ, Zhou XN. [Application of spatial statistical analysis methods and related analytic softwares in research of infectious diseases]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2011; 23:217-220. [PMID: 22164636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the application of several spatial statistical analysis methods, and their related softwares in the research of infectious diseases, in order to improve the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, China
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50
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Abstract
The spread of infectious disease via commercial airliner travel is a significant and realistic threat. To shed some light on the feasibility of detecting airborne pathogens, a sensor integration study has been conducted and computational investigations of contaminant transport in an aircraft cabin have been performed. Our study took into consideration sensor sensitivity as well as the time-to-answer, size, weight and the power of best available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices. We conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations to investigate three types of scenarios: (1) nominal breathing (up to 20 breaths per minute) and coughing (20 times per hour); (2) nominal breathing and sneezing (4 times per hour); and (3) nominal breathing only. Each scenario was implemented with one or seven infectious passengers expelling air and sneezes or coughs at the stated frequencies. Scenario 2 was implemented with two additional cases in which one infectious passenger expelled 20 and 50 sneezes per hour, respectively. All computations were based on 90 minutes of sampling using specifications from a COTS aerosol collector and biosensor. Only biosensors that could provide an answer in under 20 minutes without any manual preparation steps were included. The principal finding was that the steady-state bacteria concentrations in aircraft would be high enough to be detected in the case where seven infectious passengers are exhaling under scenarios 1 and 2 and where one infectious passenger is actively exhaling in scenario 2. Breathing alone failed to generate sufficient bacterial particles for detection, and none of the scenarios generated sufficient viral particles for detection to be feasible. These results suggest that more sensitive sensors than the COTS devices currently available and/or sampling of individual passengers would be needed for the detection of bacteria and viruses in aircraft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Hwang
- Department of the Office of Chief Engineer, The MITRE Corporation, McLean, Virginia, United States of America.
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