scholarly journals Scalable, effective, and rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 respirators using germicidal ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation device

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raveen Rathnasinghe ◽  
Robert F. Karlicek ◽  
Michael Schotsaert ◽  
Mattheos Koffas ◽  
Brigitte L. Arduini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Virus ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Ultraviolet C ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Primary Measure ◽  
Level 2 ◽  
Irradiation Device ◽  
Biosafety Level

AbstractParticulate respirators such as N95s are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line workers. This study describes a rapid and effective UVC irradiation system that would facilitate the safe re-use of N95 respirators and provides supporting information for deploying UVC for decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess the inactivation potential of the proposed UVC germicidal device as a function of time by using 3 M 8211-N95 particulate respirators inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. A germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose was developed and test coupons (2.5 cm2) of the 3 M-N95 respirator were inoculated with 106 plaque-forming units (PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 and were UV irradiated. Different exposure times were tested (0–164 s) by fixing the distance between the lamp and the test coupon to 15.2 cm while providing an exposure of at least 5.43 mWcm−2. Primary measure of outcome was titration of infectious virus recovered from virus-inoculated respirator test coupons after UVC exposure. Other measures included the method validation of the irradiation protocol, using lentiviruses (biosafety level-2 agent) and establishment of the germicidal UVC exposure protocol. An average of 4.38 × 103 PFU ml−1 (SD 772.68) was recovered from untreated test coupons while 4.44 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 203.67), 4.00 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 115.47), 1.56 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 76.98) and 4.44 × 101 PFU ml−1 (SD 76.98) was recovered in exposures 2, 6, 18 and 54 s per side respectively. The germicidal device output and positioning was monitored and a minimum output of 5.43 mW cm−2 was maintained. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was not detected by plaque assays (minimal level of detection is 67 PFU ml−1) on N95 respirator test coupons when irradiated for 120 s per side or longer suggesting 3.5 log reduction in 240 s of irradiation, 1.3 J cm−2. A scalable germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose for rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 was developed. UVC germicidal irradiation of N95 test coupons inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 for 120 s per side resulted in 3.5 log reduction of virus. These data support the reuse of N95 particle-filtrate apparatus upon irradiation with UVC and supports use of UVC-based decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Scalable, effective, and rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 respirators using germicidal ultra-violet C (UVC) irradiation device

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raveen Rathnasinghe ◽  
Robert F. Karlicek ◽  
Michael Schotsaert ◽  
Mattheos Koffas ◽  
Brigitte Arduini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Primary Measure ◽  
Level 2 ◽  
Irradiation Device ◽  
Biosafety Level

AbstractImportanceParticulate respirators such as N95 masks are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line workers. This study describes a rapid and effective UVC irradiation system that would facilitate the safe re-use of N95 respirators and provides supporting information for deploying UVC for decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo assess the inactivation potential of the proposed UVC germicidal device as a function of time by using 3M® 8211 - N95 particulate respirators inoculated with SARS-CoV-2.DesignA germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose was developed and snippets (2.5cm2) of the 3M-N95 respirator were inoculated with 106 plaque-forming units (PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 and were UV irradiated. Different exposure times were tested (0-164 seconds) by fixing the distance between the lamp (10 cm) and the mask while providing an exposure of at least 5.43 mWcm-2.SettingThe current work is broadly applicable for healthcare-settings, particularly during a pandemic such as COVID-19.ParticipantsNot applicable.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)Primary measure of outcome was titration of infectious virus recovered from virus-inoculated respirator pieces after UVC exposure. Other measures included the method validation of the irradiation protocol, using lentiviruses (biosafety level-2 agent) and establishment of the germicidal UVC exposure protocol.ResultsAn average of 4.38×103 PFUml-1(SD 772.68) was recovered from untreated masks while 4.44×102 PFUml-1(SD 203.67), 4.00×102 PFUml-1(SD 115.47), 1.56×102 PFUml-1(SD 76.98) and 4.44×101 PFUml-1(SD 76.98) was recovered in exposures 2s,6s,18s and 54 seconds per side respectively. The germicidal device output and positioning was monitored and a minimum output of 5.43 mWcm-2 was maintained. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was not detected by plaque assays (minimal level of detection is 67 PFUml-1) on N95 respirator snippets when irradiated for 120s per side or longer suggesting 3.5 log reduction in 240 seconds of irradiation.Conclusions and RelevanceA scalable germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose for rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 was developed. UVC germicidal irradiation of N95 snippets inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 for 120s per side resulted in 100% (3.5 log in total) reduction of virus. These data support the reuse of N95 particle-filtrate apparatus upon irradiation with UVC and supports use of UVC-based decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 virus during the COVID19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Factors influencing participation in an Ebola vaccine trial among front-line workers in Guinea

Vaccine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (48) ◽  
pp. 7165-7170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyra H. Grantz ◽  
Pauline Claudot ◽  
Micky Kambala ◽  
Mariama Kouyaté ◽  
Aboubacar Soumah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Trial ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Front Line Workers

scholarly journals A comprehensive influenza reporter virus panel for high-throughput deep profiling of neutralizing antibodies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Creanga ◽  
Rebecca A. Gillespie ◽  
Brian E. Fisher ◽  
Sarah F. Andrews ◽  
Julia Lederhofer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Depth Profiling ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Level 2 ◽  
Biosafety Level ◽  
Major Target

AbstractBroadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) have been developed as potential countermeasures for seasonal and pandemic influenza. Deep characterization of these bnAbs and polyclonal sera provides pivotal understanding for influenza immunity and informs effective vaccine design. However, conventional virus neutralization assays require high-containment laboratories and are difficult to standardize and roboticize. Here, we build a panel of engineered influenza viruses carrying a reporter gene to replace an essential viral gene, and develop an assay using the panel for in-depth profiling of neutralizing antibodies. Replication of these viruses is restricted to cells expressing the missing viral gene, allowing it to be manipulated in a biosafety level 2 environment. We generate the neutralization profile of 24 bnAbs using a 55-virus panel encompassing the near-complete diversity of human H1N1 and H3N2, as well as pandemic subtype viruses. Our system offers in-depth profiling of influenza immunity, including the antibodies against the hemagglutinin stem, a major target of universal influenza vaccines.

scholarly journals COVID-19 confessions: a qualitative exploration of healthcare workers experiences of working with COVID-19

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e043949
Author(s):  
Paul Bennett ◽  
S Noble ◽  
Stephen Johnston ◽  
David Jones ◽  
Rachael Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Front Line ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The Face ◽  
Discharged Patients ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

ObjectivesTo gain insight into the experiences and concerns of front-line National Health Service (NHS) workers while caring for patients with COVID-19.DesignQualitative analysis of data collected through an anonymous website (www.covidconfidential) provided a repository of uncensored COVID-19 experiences of front-line NHS workers, accessed via a link advertised on the Twitter feed of two high profile medical tweeters and their retweets.SettingCommunity of NHS workers who accessed this social media.Participants54 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, accessed the website and left a ‘story’.ResultsStories ranged from 1 word to 10 min in length. Thematic analysis identified common themes, with a central aspect being the experience and psychological consequence of trauma. Specific themes were: (1) the shock of the virus, (2) staff sacrifice and dedication, (3) collateral damage ranging from personal health concerns to the long-term impact on, and care of, discharged patients and (4) a hierarchy of power and inequality within the healthcare system.ConclusionsCOVID-19 confidential gave an outlet for unprompted and uncensored stories of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. In addition to personal experiences of trauma, there were perceptions that many operational difficulties stemmed from inequalities of power between management and front-line workers. Learning from these experiences will reduce staff distress and improve patient care in the face of further waves of the pandemic.

Older adults’ philanthropic crafting of face masks during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Guy Schnittka
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Moral Values ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Front Line Workers

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages began sewing fabric face masks. Organized through separate grassroots movements, oftentimes using social media platforms, people pooled their resources to make masks for front line workers and others in desperate need. While some people sold these face masks, many participated in philanthropic crafting, donating them to hospitals and other health care centres. Older adults were identified early on as being particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus, and so their response to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic through crafting was salient. This study investigated the experience of philanthropic hand crafting by older adults who were living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-seven older adults of age 60–87 who sewed masks for others were interviewed. A comprehensive data analysis of these interviews yielded 39 descriptive codes that were collapsed into eight themes: emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, accomplishment, intellect, moral values and agency. One finding was that there were psychological, relational and existential benefits for the crafters. Making masks allowed participants to help other people, and it gave the participants a feeling of value, worthiness and purpose. Additionally, participants felt more in control in a chaotic world as they made masks to protect themselves, their loved ones, as well as strangers. The philanthropic crafting enhanced older adults’ well-being in many ways, and lessons learned from this study could be extended into ‘normal times’. For example, more older adults would be able to participate in craft-based philanthropy if they had access to the tools and materials. They would be more motivated if they received thank you notes and pictures of the recipients using their handmade gifts, and if they could express their creativity more. Finally, creating a physical or virtual community for older adults around craft philanthropy would help older adults feel more connected to and supported by their peers, and the community at large.

scholarly journals Mapping of UV-C dose and SARS-CoV-2 viral inactivation across N95 respirators during decontamination

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisha Geldert ◽  
Alison Su ◽  
Allison W. Roberts ◽  
Guillaume Golovkine ◽  
Samantha M. Grist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Simulation ◽  
Pathogen Inactivation ◽  
Viral Inactivation ◽  
Flexible Form ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Ultraviolet C ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Uv C ◽  
Dose Difference

AbstractDuring public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, ultraviolet-C (UV-C) decontamination of N95 respirators for emergency reuse has been implemented to mitigate shortages. Pathogen photoinactivation efficacy depends critically on UV-C dose, which is distance- and angle-dependent and thus varies substantially across N95 surfaces within a decontamination system. Due to nonuniform and system-dependent UV-C dose distributions, characterizing UV-C dose and resulting pathogen inactivation with sufficient spatial resolution on-N95 is key to designing and validating UV-C decontamination protocols. However, robust quantification of UV-C dose across N95 facepieces presents challenges, as few UV-C measurement tools have sufficient (1) small, flexible form factor, and (2) angular response. To address this gap, we combine optical modeling and quantitative photochromic indicator (PCI) dosimetry with viral inactivation assays to generate high-resolution maps of “on-N95” UV-C dose and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 viral inactivation across N95 facepieces within a commercial decontamination chamber. Using modeling to rapidly identify on-N95 locations of interest, in-situ measurements report a 17.4 ± 5.0-fold dose difference across N95 facepieces in the chamber, yielding 2.9 ± 0.2-log variation in SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. UV-C dose at several on-N95 locations was lower than the lowest-dose locations on the chamber floor, highlighting the importance of on-N95 dose validation. Overall, we integrate optical simulation with in-situ PCI dosimetry to relate UV-C dose and viral inactivation at specific on-N95 locations, establishing a versatile approach to characterize UV-C photoinactivation of pathogens contaminating complex substrates such as N95s.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Related Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Nurses Working as Front Line Workers in a Selected Hospital in Mumbai City

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 163-168
Author(s):  
Sheryl Cornelio ◽  
Saly Suseel ◽  
Valsa Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
Mumbai City

Background: Healthcare workers getting exposed to Covid-19 patients could be psychologically stressed. With the rapid spread of the disease, tremendous pressure and challenges are faced by the nurses. Purpose: The purpose/aim of the study was to assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress among Nurses working in the Covid-19 ICU and wards and Covid-19 clinic. Method: Quantitative approach with descriptive design was used for the study and convenient sampling was used with the sample size being 83. Standardized scale known as DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and stress scale) scale was used for the collection of data. Results: To analyze the data, inferential statistics was used. The major findings of the study showed that majority of the Nurses (34%) (N=28) had moderate anxiety. Also, majority of them (75%) (N=63) did not find any symptoms of depression. A majority of (48%) (N=40) had moderate level of stress. Conclusion/Implications: The findings of the study suggest that working in the Covid-19have both negative and positive impact on the emotional impact of the Nurses. Providing required basic needs and support both physical and psychological plays a vital role in maintaining the mental health of the Nurses. Key words: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Nurses, Covid-19.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers at a cancer care centre

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atika Dogra ◽  
Anuj Parkash ◽  
Anurag Mehta ◽  
Meenu Bhatia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe services of front-line health care workers (HCWs) have been paramount in the management of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health care professionals have been at high occupational risk of getting disease and even dying of the disease, however; they have been the subject of very limited studies in terms of COVID-19. The objectives of this study are to examine the incidence and the impact of COVID-19 infection among HCWs in terms of recovery, productivity, quality of life (QOL) and post-COVID complications.Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective, questionnaire based study including demographic details, workplace characteristics, symptoms, source/ spread of infection, details of recovery and the consequences of COVID-19 comprising impaired productivity/ QOL, post-COVID-19 complications and others. The data were analyzed by using IBM SPSS software (Version 23, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results and ConclusionsOut of a total of 1482 employees, 18.3% (271) were laboratory confirmed to have contracted novel contagion during the study period of 5 months. The median age at diagnosis was 29 (range, 21-62) years. Front-line workers and female workers were the most infected personnel with COVID-19. Flu-like symptoms were the most frequently experienced symptoms. The median time for recovery was 20 (range, 2-150) days. The relationship between pre-existing comorbidities and age was highly significant. The QOL and productivity were associated with pre-existing comorbidities, severity of the disease, time for recovery and post-COVID syndrome. More than a half (51.8%) of all HCWs had suffered from post-COVID complications. There was no fatality reported due to COVID-19. The post-COVID complications were related to pre-existing comorbidities, severity of disease, time for recovery and status of recovery. Further research to explore the consequences of COVID-19 is warranted. The general public needs to be aware of symptoms and management of the post-COVID syndrome.

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