scholarly journals Relations between demographic, geographic, and environmental statistics, and the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Italy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Rovetta ◽  
Lucia Castaldo
Keyword(s):  
Normal Distribution ◽  
Strong Correlation ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Population Number ◽  
Environmental Statistics ◽  
Particulate Pollution ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Pm2.5 And Pm10

BACKGROUND: Since January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has raged around the world, causing nearly a million deaths and hundreds of severe economic crises. In this scenario, Italy has been one of the most affected countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated significant correlations between COVID-19 cases and demographic, geographical, and environmental statistics of each Italian region from February 26 to August 12, 2020. We further investigated the link between the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10 concentrations before the lockdown in Lombardy. METHODS: All demographic data were obtained from the AdminStat Italia website, and geographic data were from the Il Meteo website. The collection frequency was one week. Data on PM2.5 and PM10 average daily concentrations were collected from previously published articles. We used Pearson's coefficients to correlate the quantities that followed a normal distribution, and Spearman's coefficient to correlate quantities that did not follow a normal distribution. RESULTS: We found significant strong correlations between COVID-19 cases and population number in 60.0% of the regions. We also found a significant strong correlation between the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the various regions and their latitude, and with the historical averages (last 30 years) of their minimum temperatures. We identified a significant strong correlation between the number of COVID-19 cases until August 12 and the average daily concentrations of PM2.5 in Lombardy until February 29, 2020. No significant correlation with PM10 was found in the same periods. However, we found that 40 μg/m^3 for PM2.5 and 50 μg/m^3 PM10 are plausible thresholds beyond which particulate pollution clearly favors the spread of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: Since SARS-CoV-2 is correlated with historical minimum temperatures and PM10 and 2.5, health authorities are urged to monitor pollution levels and to invest in precautions for the arrival of autumn. Furthermore, we suggest creating awareness campaigns for the recirculation of air in enclosed places and to avoid exposure to the cold. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Italy, Pandemic, Epidemiology, Coronavirus-2019

scholarly journals How Clean Is the Air You Breathe? Air Quality During Commuting Using Various Transport Modes in Nottingham

2021 ◽  
pp. 247-254
Author(s):  
Bubaker Shakmak ◽  
Matthew Watkins ◽  
Amin Al-Habaibeh
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Particulate Pollution ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
3D Data ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Transport Modes ◽  
Pm2.5 And Pm10 ◽  
The City

AbstractAir quality has developed into a significant global issue and its negative effect on human health, wellbeing and ultimately the effect of shortening of life expectancy is becoming a pressing concern. Such concerns are most acute in cities in the UK. Although many cities, including Nottingham, are taking significant measures to enhance air quality, there was limited work focusing on the individual’s experience during commuting. This paper suggests a novel approach for measuring commuting air quality through quantifying particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, using the city of Nottingham as a case study. Portable low-cost systems comprising of a GPS sensor and an Aeroqual pollution data logger were used to capture data and develop the sensor fusion via newly developed software. Data was collected from a variety of transport modes comprising bike, bus, car, tram and walking to provide evidence on relative particulate levels and 2D and 3D data maps were produced to communicate the relative pollution levels in a publicly accessible manner. The study found as expected particulate pollution to be higher during peak hours and typically closer to the city. However whilst the lowest particulate concentrations were found on the Tram the highest were for cyclists contrary to the literature. The project encompasses a democratic crowd sourced approach to data collection by enabling the public to gather data via their daily commute, increasing people’s awareness of the air quality in their locality. The acquired data permitted a range of comparisons considering differing times of day and zones such as the city centre and surrounding residential areas in the City council boundary.

scholarly journals On the optimal control of coronavirus (2019-nCov) mathematical model; a numerical approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. Sweilam ◽  
S. M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
A. O. Albalawi ◽  
D. Baleanu
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Optimal Control ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Necessary Optimality Conditions ◽  
Numerical Approach ◽  
Population Number ◽  
Infected People ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Theoretical Results

Abstract In this paper, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) mathematical model with modified parameters is presented. This model consists of six nonlinear fractional order differential equations. Optimal control of the suggested model is the main objective of this work. Two control variables are presented in this model to minimize the population number of infected and asymptotically infected people. Necessary optimality conditions are derived. The Grünwald–Letnikov nonstandard weighted average finite difference method is constructed for simulating the proposed optimal control system. The stability of the proposed method is proved. In order to validate the theoretical results, numerical simulations and comparative studies are given.

scholarly journals Experiences of Australian podiatrists working through the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: an online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cylie M. Williams ◽  
Anna Couch ◽  
Terry Haines ◽  
Hylton B. Menz
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Medical Officer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Business Decisions ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background On the 19th of January, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Australia issued a statement about a novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2. Since this date, there have been variable jurisdictional responses, including lockdowns, and restrictions on podiatry practice. This study aimed to describe impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the podiatry profession in Australia. Methods This was a cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists using demographic data collected between 2017 and 2020, and pandemic-related question responses collected between 30th March and 31st August, 2020. Data were collected online and participants described their work settings, patient funding types, business decisions and impacts, and information sources used to guide practice decisions during this time-period. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions about their practice impact of SARS-CoV-2. Results There were 732 survey responses, with 465 Australian podiatrists or podiatric surgeons providing responses describing pandemic impact. From these responses, 223 (49% of 453) podiatrists reported no supply issues, or having adequate supplies for the foreseeable future with personal protective equipment (PPE) or consumables to support effective infection prevention and control. The most frequent responses about employment, or hours of work, impact were reported in the various categories of “business as usual” (n = 312, 67%). Participants described most frequently using the local state and territory Department of Health websites (n = 347, 75%), and the Australian Podiatry Association (n = 334, 72%) to make decisions about their business. Overarching themes which resounded through open-ended comments was that working through the pandemic was likened to a marathon, and not a sprint. Themes were: (i) commitment to do this, (ii) it’s all in the plan, but not everything goes to plan, (iii) my support team must be part of getting through it, (iv) road blocks happen, and (v) nothing is easy, what’s next? Conclusion Podiatrists in Australia reported variable pandemic impact on their business decisions, PPE stores, and their valued sources of information. Podiatrists also described their “marathon” journey through the pandemic to date, with quotes describing their challenges and highlights. Describing these experiences should provide key learnings for future workforce challenges, should further restrictions come into place.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Particulate Pollution Levels in Australian Cities, Meteorology, and Landscape Fire Activity Detected from MODIS Hotspots

PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e47327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen F. Price ◽  
Grant J. Williamson ◽  
Sarah B. Henderson ◽  
Fay Johnston ◽  
David M. J. S. Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Pollution ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Fire Activity ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals The Impact of ‘Stay At Home’ Orders on Emergency Room Admissions

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-169
Author(s):  
Abdullah Osman Kocak ◽  
◽  
Sinem Dogruyol ◽  
Ilker Akbas ◽  
Bugra Kerget ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Room ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Admission Diagnosis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
First Case ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. The 2019-novel-coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has become a common problem for the whole world. Aim. To investigate the impact of the 2019-nCoV pandemic period in our country on emergency room admissions. Materials and methods. The study was designed as a retrospective cohort. The first case of pneumonia infected with nCoV in our country was diagnosed on March 11, 2020. Considering the date of March 11, 2020, emergency room admissions for two periods of 7 days were investigated, pre-COVID-19 and COVID19. Demographic data, admission diagnosis, vital findings, stay times in emergency room, terminations and emergency department mortality examined. A group of ‘geriatric’ patient populations were created to examine the admission characteristics of patients aged-65 and over. Results. The 3466 patients included in the study. The average number of daily admissions was significantly higher in the pre-COVID-19 period (350.4 ± 54.5), compared to the COVID-19 period (144.7 ± 20.2, p=0001). While the proportion of cardiac- caused admissions increased during the COVID period, the proportion of gastrointestinal-induced admissions decreased (p<0001). Hospitalization rates for both adult and geriatric patients increased during the COVID period (p<0001). Conclusion. Despite all the negativity caused by the outbreak, this period has been one in which the public is aware of unnecessary emergency room which has been subsequently lessened.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infestation in HIV Positive and Negative Patients Attending Clinics in a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Benue State, Nigeria.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-131
Author(s):  
L Utume ◽  
TE Ikpom ◽  
AE Obaje ◽  
EA Omudu
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Health Care Centre ◽  
Awareness Campaigns

Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is usually asymptomatic thus goes unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. In HIV positive patients, the effects usually are more devastating owing to the fact that such patients are already immunocompromised. For this study, HIV positive patients were raised from the BSUTH STD/ART clinic records while HIV negative patients were recruited from other clinics by confirming their HIV status  using Determine test strips to check for HIV antibodies; socio-demographic data was generated from questionnaires administered. Patients already placed on anti-helminths or anti-protozoan medicines were exempted from the study. Stool samples (n=550; 304 males 246 females) were examined for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological procedures for direct wet mount and Formol-Ether Concentration methods. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from 199 (36.2%) samples implying positive results for these infections: Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Entamoeba coli (4.2%), Trichuris trichuria (3.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.2%), Taenia sp. (1.8%), Trichomonas hominis (0.5%) and hookworms (2.9%). Out of this 199 only 55 (27.6%) were HIV positive; statistically there was a significant relationship between HIV status and the rate of parasitic infection (P<0.05). Personal hygiene practices, environmental sanitary conditions, overcrowding, limited access to clean potable water and poor drainage systems influenced gastrointestinal parasitic infection in both HIV positive and negative patients, HIV status may have increased intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infection. The need for preventive awareness campaigns and mass chemoprophylaxis exercises cannot be overemphasized; government and private sector collaborations will have a wider coverage area and make a lot of impact.

scholarly journals Novel Coronavirus: How Atmospheric Particulate Affects Our Environment and Health

Challenges ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Lorenzo Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Erika Bellini
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate Matter ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Prompt Action

It is well-known that atmospheric pollution, first and foremost the particulate matter (PM), causes serious diseases in humans. China’s metropolises and Italy’s Po Valley have in fact achieved a concerning degree of notoriety thanks to runaway air pollution problems. The spread of viral respiratory diseases is facilitated in polluted environments, an example of which is the respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. In this opinion paper, we consider the possible relationship between air pollution, primarily airborne PM10–2.5, and the spread of the novel coronavirus in Northern Italy. If it is true that the novel coronavirus remains active from some hours to several days on various surfaces, it is logical to postulate that the same can occur when it is adsorbed or absorbed by the atmospheric particulate matter, which may also help carry the virus into the human respiratory system. As the Earth presents us with a very high bill to pay, governments and other authorities need to take prompt action to counter excessive pollution levels, both in Italy and in other countries.

scholarly journals Attributable Risk and Economic Cost of Cardiovascular Hospital Admissions Due to Ambient Particulate Matter in Wuhan, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5453
Author(s):  
Xuyan Wang ◽  
Chuanhua Yu ◽  
Yunquan Zhang ◽  
Fang Shi ◽  
Runtang Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Attributable Risk ◽  
Ambient Particulate Matter ◽  
Particulate Pollution ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
Pm2.5 And Pm10

Although the adverse effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been previously documented, information about their economic consequence was insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the attributable risk and economic cost of cardiovascular hospitalizations due to ambient PM. Data of CVD hospitalizations and PM concentrations from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 were collected in Wuhan, China. A generalized additive model was applied to quantify the PM-attributable CVD hospitalizations, and total attributable hospitalization costs were calculated via multiplying the total attributable cases by the case-average hospitalization costs. A total of 45,714 CVD hospitalizations were included in this study. The results showed that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations at lag7 day, respectively, contributed to a 1.01% (95% confidence interval: 0.67–1.34) and 0.48% (0.26–0.70) increase in CVD hospitalizations. During the study period, 1487 and 983 CVD hospitalizations were attributable to PM2.5 and PM10, equaling an economic cost of 29.27 and 19.34 million RMB (1 RMB = 0.1424 USD), respectively, and significant differences in PM-attributable hospitalizations and economic burden were found between gender and age groups. Our study added evidence in heavily polluted megacities regarding the increased health risk and economic cost of CVD hospitalizations associated with ambient particulate pollution.

scholarly journals The Pavlov University experience in medical assistance for patients with the novel coronavirus infection: first results and lessons

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
S. F. Bagnenko, ◽  
Yu. S. Polushin ◽  
I. V. Shlyk ◽  
V. M. Teplov ◽  
E. A. Karpova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Medical Department ◽  
Results Of Treatment ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The constant mutation of the virus and the complicated epidemiological situation in other countries keep the probability of a third wave of the pandemic in the Russian Federation fairly high. It is important to summarize the gained experience as fast as possible to use it appropriately once it is needed.The objective: to analyze the specific parameters of care for critically ill patients with the novel coronavirus infection in Pavlov Multidisciplinary Medical Center.Subjects and methods. This is a result-based report on the work performed by the Infection Center, which was deployed twice in Pavlov Multidisciplinary Medical Center (from 28.04.2020 to 03.08.2020 and from 01.11.2020 to 15.03.2021). Totally, 3,830 patients with SARS-CoV-2 were managed (1,680 patients during the first deployment and 2,150 patients during the second one). In the preparatory period, the operation of the emergency department based on the inpatient emergency medical department (EMD) had been simulated to clarify its staff structure and the procedure for admission, examination, and treatment of patients. Here we compare the organizational approaches during the first and second waves of the pandemic and present the characteristics of the demographic data of the treated patients, the incidence of certain complications, and outcomes.Results. The overall lethality in the Center made 6.2%. Despite the experience gained in the first wave, the results of treatment during the second wave (autumn-winter) did not improve (5.7% died in the first wave and 6.7% in the second one). Lethality in ICU and EMD was 40.0% and 49.6%, in ICU only – 38.5% and 46.9% respectively. A moderate lethality increase in ICU was due to the concentration of critically ill and most critically ill patients. There were 51.4% of patients with comorbidities and 53.5% were above 65 years of age. Refinement and differentiation of tasks performed by departments, simulation of the operation of the Center before opening made it possible to increase the throughput of the medical unit avoiding rush during admission and deterioration the quality of treatment.Conclusion. Certain aspects of the organization of medical care affect the performance of a multidisciplinary medical institution transformed into an infectious diseases hospital. The experience gained under such circumstances can be useful in other emergencies with a large number of victims and patients.

scholarly journals Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at the emergency department using routine testing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steef Kurstjens ◽  
Armando van der Horst ◽  
Robert Herpers ◽  
Mick W.L. Geerits ◽  
Yvette C.M. Kluiters-de Hingh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Validation Population ◽  
Score Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreads rapidly across the world. The exponential increase in the number of cases has resulted in overcrowding of emergency departments (ED). Detection of SARS-CoV-2 is based on an RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab material. However, RT-PCR testing is time-consuming and many hospitals deal with a shortage of testing materials. Therefore, we aimed to develop an algorithm to rapidly evaluate an individual’s risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the ED.MethodsIn this multicenter retrospective study, routine laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts), demographic data and the chest X-ray/CT result from 967 patients entering the ED with respiratory symptoms were collected. Using these parameters, an easy-to-use point-based algorithm, called the corona-score, was developed to discriminate between patients that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and those testing negative. Computational sampling was used to optimize the corona-score. Validation of the model was performed using data from 592 patients.ResultsThe corona-score model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 in the validation population. Patients testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 showed a median corona-score of 3 versus 11 (scale 0-14) in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (p<0.001). Using cut-off values of 4 and 11 the model has a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 95%, respectively.ConclusionThe corona-score effectively predicts SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR outcome based on routine parameters. This algorithm provides the means for medical professionals to rapidly evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infection status of patients presenting at the ED with respiratory symptoms.

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