scholarly journals Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 associated with aircraft travel: a systematic review (Version 1)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Cecilia Rosca ◽  
Carl Heneghan ◽  
Elizabeth A Spencer ◽  
Jon Brassey ◽  
Annette Pluddemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Respiratory Virus Infections

Background: Air travel may be associated with the spread of viruses via infected passengers and potentially through in-flight transmission. Given the novelty of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, transmission associated with air travel is based on what is known about the dynamics of transmission of other respiratory virus infections, especially those due to other coronaviruses and influenza. Our objective was to provide a rapid summary and evaluation of relevant data on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aboard aircraft, report important policy implications, and highlight research gaps requiring urgent attention. Methods: This review is part of an Open Evidence Review on Transmission Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. We searched LitCovid, medRxiv, Google Scholar, and the WHO Covid-19 database from 1 February 2020 to 27 January 2021 and included studies on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aboard aircraft. We assessed study quality based on five criteria and reported important findings. Results: We included 18 studies on in-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2, representing 130 unique flights and two studies on wastewater from aircraft. The overall quality of reporting was low. Two wastewater studies reported PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, but with relatively high Cycle threshold values ranging from 36 to 40. The definition of an index case was very heterogeneous across the studies. The proportion of contacts traced ranged from 0.68% to 100%. In total, the authors successfully traced 2800/19729 passengers, 140/180 crew members, and 8/8 medical staff. Altogether, 273 index cases were reported, with 64 secondary cases. No secondary cases were reported in three studies, each investigating one flight. The secondary attack rate among the studies that followed up >80% of the passengers and crew (including data on 10 flights) varied between 0% and 8.2%. The included studies reported on the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and symptomatic individuals. Viral cultures were performed in two studies, with 10 positive results reported. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed in individuals from four flights, with the completeness of genomic similarity ranging from 81-100%. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted during aircraft travel, but the published data do not permit any conclusive assessment of the likelihood and extent. Furthermore, the quality of evidence from most published studies is low. The variation in study design and methodology restricts the comparison of findings across studies. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting future studies of transmission on aircrafts should be developed.

scholarly journals Reporting Experiments in Homeopathic Basic Research—Description of the Checklist Development

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Stock-Schröer ◽  
H. Albrecht ◽  
L. Betti ◽  
G. Dobos ◽  
C. Endler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basic Research ◽  
Delphi Process ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Dilution Method ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Consensus Conferences ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Replication Quality ◽  
Criteria Catalogue

The objective of this study was to develop a criteria catalogue serving as a guideline for authors to improve quality of reporting experiments in basic research in homeopathy. A Delphi Process was initiated including three rounds of adjusting and phrasing plus two consensus conferences. European researchers who published experimental work within the last 5 years were involved. A checklist for authors provide a catalogue with 23 criteria. The “Introduction” should focus on underlying hypotheses, the homeopathic principle investigated and state if experiments are exploratory or confirmatory. “Materials and methods” should comprise information on object of investigation, experimental setup, parameters, intervention and statistical methods. A more detailed description on the homeopathic substances, for example, manufacture, dilution method, starting point of dilution is required. A further result of the Delphi process is to raise scientists' awareness of reporting blinding, allocation, replication, quality control and system performance controls. The part “Results” should provide the exact number of treated units per setting which were included in each analysis and state missing samples and drop outs. Results presented in tables and figures are as important as appropriate measures of effect size, uncertainty and probability. “Discussion” in a report should depict more than a general interpretation of results in the context of current evidence but also limitations and an appraisal of aptitude for the chosen experimental model. Authors of homeopathic basic research publications are encouraged to apply our checklist when preparing their manuscripts. Feedback is encouraged on applicability, strength and limitations of the list to enable future revisions.

scholarly journals Critical Appraisal on the Quality of Reporting on Safety and Efficacy of Transcarotid Artery Stenting With Flow Reversal

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (9) ◽  
pp. 2863-2871
Author(s):  
Andreia Coelho ◽  
Tossapol Prassaparo ◽  
Armando Mansilha ◽  
Jaap Kappelle ◽  
Ross Naylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
True Value ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Periprocedural Stroke

Transcarotid revascularization is an alternative to transfemoral carotid artery stenting, designed to avoid aortic arch manipulation and concomitant periprocedural stroke. This article aims to perform a detailed analysis on the quality of the currently available evidence on safety and efficacy of transcarotid artery revascularization. Although current evidence is promising, independent randomized controlled studies comparing transcarotid artery revascularization with carotid endarterectomy in recently symptomatic patients are lacking and will be necessary to establish the true value of transcarotid artery revascularization in carotid artery revascularization.

scholarly journals The Disappearance of Respiratory Viruses in Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9550
Author(s):  
Anna Chiara Vittucci ◽  
Livia Piccioni ◽  
Luana Coltella ◽  
Claudia Ciarlitto ◽  
Livia Antilici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Epidemic Period ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Virus Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Social distancing measures are used to reduce the spreading of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of local restrictions on the transmission of respiratory virus infections. Methods: we retrospectively analyzed the nasopharyngeal samples of all patients (0–18 years old) admitted with respiratory symptoms in a large Italian tertiary hospital during the last three seasons from 2018 to 2021. Results: A strong reduction in all viral respiratory infections was observed in the last season (2020–2021) compared to the two previous seasons (−79.69% and −80.66%, respectively). In particular, we found that during the epidemic period 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, the total number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases was, respectively 726 and 689, while in the last season a total of five cases was detected. In the first months of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, the total flu infections were 240 and 354, respectively, while in the last season we did not detect any influenza virus. As other viruses, the presence of Rhinovirus declined, but to a lesser extent: a total of 488 cases were assessed compared to the 1030 and 1165 cases of the two previous respective epidemic seasons. Conclusions: Public health interventions and distancing (including continuous use of face masks) settled to counter the pandemic spread of COVID-19 had a macroscopic impact on all respiratory virus transmission and related diseases, with a partial exception of Rhinovirus. The absence of viruses’ circulation could result in a lack of immunity and increased susceptibility to serious infections in the next seasons.

Quality of reporting of phase II trials in oncology in highly ranked oncology journals.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6582-6582
Author(s):  
Thomas Grellety ◽  
Aurelie Petit-Monéger ◽  
Abou Diallo ◽  
Simone Mathoulin-Pelissier ◽  
Antoine Italiano
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Phase Ii Trials ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Score Analysis ◽  
Evaluable Population ◽  
Definition Of

6582 Background: Phase II trials represent an essential step in the development of anti-cancer drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of their reporting in highly-ranked oncology journals, to investigate predictive factors of quality and to develop better reporting guidelines for authors. Methods: We reviewed the tables of contents of 8 peer-reviewed oncology journals published between January 2011 and December 2011 and with a 2011 impact factor (IF) >4: Br J Cancer, Eur J Cancer, Oncologist, J Clin Oncol, Lancet Oncol, JNCI, Clin Cancer Res and Ann Oncol. Two reviewers assessed the quality of each report by using a 44-point overall quality score (OQS; range, 0 to 44 points) inspired from the revised Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Primary endpoint definition, justification of sample size and definition of the evaluable population for each endpoint, were assessed separately because of their crucial methodological importance using a 3-point key methodological score (KMS; range, 0 to 3). Exploratory analyses were used to identify predictive factors associated with the different scores. Results: 156 articles were included. Agreement between the reviewers for each item was good (kappa coefficient range: 0.62-1). The median OQS was 28 (range: 9-35). OQS sub-score analysis showed that reporting of statistical methods was particularly low with a mean of 2.5 (6 items). The median KMS was 2 (range 0-3). Primary endpoint definition, justification of sample size and definition of the evaluable population were reported only in 107 (68.6%), 121 (77.6%), and 52 (33.3%) cases, respectively. On multivariate analysis, reporting of clinicaltrial.gov registration was associated with improved OQS, OR = 3.2 (95CI, 1.5 to 7.1). No predictive factor for KMS were identified. Conclusions: Phases II trials reporting is still poor even in journals with strict editorial policies. This may lead to biased interpretation of phase II trial results. We have developed a checklist for use by authors, reviewers, and editors to improve reporting of these studies. As well as using a checklist during the preparation of their manuscript, we recommend that authors provide reviewers and readers with the last version of the study’s protocol.

scholarly journals Significant impact of nationwide SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures on the circulation of other respiratory virus infections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Redlberger-Fritz ◽  
Michael Kundi ◽  
Stephan W Aberle ◽  
Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Human Metapneumovirus ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Virus Surveillance ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Respiratory Virus Infections ◽  
Short Time

Abstract Since the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, different European countries reacted with temporarily nationwide lockdowns with the aim to limit the virus transmission in the population. Also Austria started a lockdown of public life in March. In this study we investigated whether the circulation of different respiratory virus infections in Austria, as assessed by using the established respiratory virus surveillance system, is affected by these measures as well and may reflect the success of the lockdown in limiting respiratory virus transmission. Sentinel data obtained for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus cases were analyzed and compared between the season 2019/ 2020 and the five previous seasons. We observed a rapid and statistically significant reduction of cumulative cases for all these viruses within short time after the lockdown in March 2020, compared to previous seasons (each p<0.001). Also, sentinel screening for SARS-CoV-2 infections was performed and a decrease of SARS-CoV-2 was seen after the lockdown. While for the seasonally occurring viruses as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus or human metapneumovirus the lockdown led to the end of the annual epidemics, a re-increase of rhinovirus infections was observed after liberalization of numerous lockdown measures. Our data provide evidence that occurrence of different respiratory virus infections reflect not only the efficiency of lockdown measures taken against SARS-CoV-2 but also the effects of their release on respiratory transmission.

scholarly journals The Yanus-Like Quality of the Ukrainian Audit

2020 ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
О. REDKO
Keyword(s):  
Two Dimensions ◽  
External Control ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Normative Documents ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Definition Of

The external control over the quality of audit is exercised in Ukraine due to the requirement of the specialized law, in spite of the missing definition of the quality of audit and its criteria in domestic and international normative documents. The article’s objective is to draw attention to the issue of the quality of audit by elaborating on its dual nature, terms and principles for organization of control over business results of auditing entities and user expectations concerning these results. For this purpose, the quality of audit is addressed from two dimensions: external and internal. The external dimension of the quality of audit is analyzed in terms of expectations concerning the quality of audit, held by users of audit results (official regulatory bodies of bank, financial and corporate relations; official fiscal bodies and controlling bodies of public supervision over auditors; actual owners of businesses; hired management) and the coincidence between these expectations and actual results of audit. The internal dimension of the quality of audit is analyzed in terms of auditing entities and their expectations from the categories of entities such as customers, owners of customers, controlling bodies, personnel of auditing entities or invited external auditors or experts. Distinctive features of the Ukrainian market of audit services are highlighted, prevalence of supply over demand in the first place. Questions are posed which need to be responded for proper organization of control over the quality of audit:      Is control over the quality of audit is necessary? If “yes”, then to whom? Do formalized expectations of users of audit results concerning the quality of its result really exist? If audit is a type of control over the quality of reporting and management on the whole, would it be expedient to set up control over the controller? What is the essential meaning of effectiveness and performance of control over the quality of audit, especially external one? Can positive results of the external inspection of auditing entities to the effect of the quality of audit be regarded as “indulgence” for a certain period, or the permanent external control is needed after all? Should control over the quality of audit be obligatory only for the auditing entities involved in inspections of entities of public interest, or should it cover all the auditing entities without exception? The analysis gave grounds to the author to ask if it would be more expedient in the Ukrainian realities that the term “quality of auditing” was abandoned and replaced by the term “compliance with the standards”.  

Immunoferritin localization of intracellular antigens in positively stained frozen sections

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-169
Author(s):  
K. T. Tokuyasu
Keyword(s):  
Surface Tension ◽  
Water Surface ◽  
Thin Layers ◽  
The Other ◽  
Positive Staining ◽  
Frozen Sections ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ultrathin Frozen Sections ◽  
Definition Of

During the past investigations of immunoferritin localization of intracellular antigens in ultrathin frozen sections, we found that the degree of negative staining required to delineate u1trastructural details was often too dense for the recognition of ferritin particles. The quality of positive staining of ultrathin frozen sections, on the other hand, has generally been far inferior to that attainable in conventional plastic embedded sections, particularly in the definition of membranes. As we discussed before, a main cause of this difficulty seemed to be the vulnerability of frozen sections to the damaging effects of air-water surface tension at the time of drying of the sections.Indeed, we found that the quality of positive staining is greatly improved when positively stained frozen sections are protected against the effects of surface tension by embedding them in thin layers of mechanically stable materials at the time of drying (unpublished).

Microsurgery Fellowship Website and Social Media Presence: Are Programs Optimizing Recruitment Strategy?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Atia ◽  
Hannah C. Langdell ◽  
Andrew Hollins ◽  
Ronnie L. Shammas ◽  
Adam Glener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Plastic Surgery ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Recruitment Strategy ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Social Media Presence ◽  
Eligibility Requirements ◽  
Program Description

Abstract Background Microsurgery fellowship applicants make decisions for future training based on information obtained from colleagues, mentors, and microsurgery fellowship program Websites (MFWs). In this study, we sought to evaluate the accessibility and quality of available information by microsurgery programs by analyzing the most commonly used web resources and social media outlets for applicants. Methods The San Francisco (SF) Match and American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Websites were queried in April 2020 for microsurgery fellowship programs (MFPs) participating in the SF Match. Twenty-two independent variables of information were assessed on MFWs based on previously published data. Social media presence was also assessed by querying Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for official hospital, plastic surgery residency, and microsurgery fellowship accounts. Results All 24 MFWs participating in the SF Match had a webpage. Program description, faculty listing, operative volume, and eligibility requirements were listed for all programs (100%). The majority of MFWs listed affiliated hospitals (75%), provided a link to the fellowship application (66.7%), listed interview dates (66.7%), and highlighted research interests (50%). A minority of MFWs provided information on conference schedule (37.5%), current fellow listing (25%), previous fellow listing (16.67%), and positions held by previous fellows (8.33%). No MFWs (0%) presented information on selection process, or rotation schedule.All hospitals with an MFP had a Facebook page and nearly all had Instagram (83.3%) and Twitter accounts (95.8%). Plastic surgery residency programs at the same institution of an MFP had social media presence on Facebook (38.9%), Twitter (38.9%), and Instagram (66.7%). Only three MFPs had Facebook accounts (12.5%) and none had Instagram or Twitter accounts. Conclusion As the field of microsurgery continues to grow, the need for effective recruitment and training of microsurgeons continues to be essential. Overall, we conclude that both the accessibility and quality of information available to applicants are limited, which is a missed opportunity for recruitment.

The Influence Of The Led Luminaires Electrical Parameters On Their Correlated Colour Temperature During Operation Mode

2020 ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Sergei S. Kapitonov ◽  
Alexei S. Vinokurov ◽  
Sergei V. Prytkov ◽  
Sergei Yu. Grigorovich ◽  
Anastasia V. Kapitonova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operation Mode ◽  
Light Sources ◽  
Electrical Parameters ◽  
Colour Temperature ◽  
Radiation Spectra ◽  
Service Period ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Comprehensive Study

The article describes the results of comprehensive study aiming at increase of quality of LED luminaires and definition of the nature of changes in their correlated colour temperature (CCT) in the course of operation. Dependences of CCT of LED luminaires with remote and close location of phosphor for 10 thousand hours of operation in different electric modes were obtained; the results of comparison between the initial and final radiation spectra of the luminaires are presented; using mathematical statistics methods, variation of luminaire CCT over the service period claimed by the manufacturer is forecast; the least favourable electric operation modes with the highest CCT variation observed are defined. The obtained results have confirmed availability of the problem of variation of CCT of LED luminaires during their operation. Possible way of its resolution is application of more qualitative and therefore expensive LEDs with close proximity of phosphor or LEDs with remote phosphor. The article may be interesting both for manufacturers and consumers of LED light sources and lighting devices using them.

Assessment of multimorbidity of diseases in geriatric practice

2020 ◽  
pp. 17-21
Author(s):  
Mark Oprenko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
The Core ◽  
Definition Of

The definition of the multimorbidity concept reveals insufficient specificity of the comorbidity and multimorbidity definitions and, as a result, confusion in the use of these terms. Most authors are unanimous that the “core” of multimorbidity is presence of more than one disease in a patient. These coexisting diseases can be pathogenetically interconnected and non-interconnected. Regardless, the degree of multimorbidity always affects prognosis and quality of life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document