scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 Testing on College Campuses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuoting Yu ◽  
Akane B. Fujimoto ◽  
Pinar Keskinocak ◽  
Julie L Swann
Keyword(s):  
Attack Rate ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
College Campuses ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Antigen Testing ◽  
Testing Protocols ◽  
Partial Implementation

Background: After moving instruction online for more than a year, many colleges and universities are preparing to reopen and offering fully in-person classes for the Fall 2021 semester. In this paper, we study the impact of weekly testing protocols on college campuses. Methods: An extended susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) compartmental model was used to simulate COVID-19 spread on a college campus setting. Seven scenarios were evaluated which considered polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid antigen testing kits available at various levels of supply. The infection attack rate (IAR), the number of infections, and the number of tests utilized by the end of the simulation semester are reported and compared. Results: Weekly testing significantly reduces the number of infections compared to when testing is not available. The use of PCR tests results in the lowest infection attack rate and the total number of cases; however, using rapid antigen tests with higher coverage is more effective than using PCR tests with lower coverage. Conclusions: The implementation of COVID-19 testing protocols should be considered and evaluated as using testing allows for identification and isolation of cases which reduces the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses. Even if testing capacity is limited, its partial implementation can be beneficial.

scholarly journals Excess Risk of COVID-19 to University Populations Resulting from In-Person Sporting Events

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie S Johnson ◽  
Katelin C Jackson ◽  
Matthew S Mietchen ◽  
Samir Sbai ◽  
Elissa J Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parameter Uncertainty ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Campus Community ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Background: One of the consequences of COVID-19 has been the cancelation of in-person collegiate sporting events. We explore the impact of having in-person sports on COVID-19 transmission on a college campus, specifically the excess cases within the campus community can be anticipated. Methods: Using a stochastic compartmental model representing the interactions between the university community, we model the impact of transient influxes of visitors attending sporting events and ancillary activities (bars, dining out, etc.). We consider a number of scenarios, varying the extent to which visitors interact with the campus, the number of infectious visitors, and the extent to which the campus has controlled COVID-19 absent events. We also conducted a sensitivity analysis, exploring the model's outcomes over a wide range of uncertainty. Results: Events caused an increase in the number of cases among the campus community, ranging from a 25% increase in a scenario where the campus already had an uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak and visitors had a low prevalence of COVID-19 and mixed lightly with the campus community to an 822% increase where the campus had controlled their COVID-19 outbreak and visitors had both a high prevalence of COVID-19 and mixed heavily with the campus community. The model was insensitive to parameter uncertainty, save for the duration a symptomatic individual was infectious. Conclusion: In-person sporting events represent a threat to the health of the campus community. This is the case even in circumstances where COVID-19 seems controlled both on-campus and among the larger population visitors are drawn from.

scholarly journals A simple model for control of COVID-19 infections on an urban campus

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (36) ◽  
pp. e2105292118
Author(s):  
Robert A. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Compartmental Model ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Effective Contact ◽  
Frequent Testing ◽  
Urban Campus ◽  
The Impact

A customized susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered compartmental model is presented for describing the control of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 infections on a residential, urban college campus embedded in a large urban community by using public health protocols, founded on surveillance testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine. Analysis in the limit of low infection rates—a necessary condition for successful operation of the campus—yields expressions for controlling the infection and understanding the dynamics of infection spread. The number of expected cases on campus is proportional to the exogenous infection rate in the community and is decreased by more frequent testing and effective contact tracing. Simple expressions are presented for the dynamics of superspreader events and the impact of partial vaccination. The model results compare well with residential data from Boston University’s undergraduate population for fall 2020.

scholarly journals Excess Risk of COVID-19 to University Populations Resulting from In-Person Sporting Events

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8260
Author(s):  
Stephanie S. Johnson ◽  
Katelin C. Jackson ◽  
Matthew S. Mietchen ◽  
Samir Sbai ◽  
Elissa J. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parameter Uncertainty ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
Global Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Campus Community ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Background: One of the consequences of COVID-19 has been the cancelation of collegiate sporting events. We explore the impact of sports on COVID-19 transmission on a college campus. Methods: Using a compartmental model representing the university, we model the impact of influxes of 10,000 visitors attending events and ancillary activities (dining out, visiting family, shopping, etc.) on 20,000 students. We vary the extent visitors interact with the campus, the number of infectious visitors, and the extent to which the campus has controlled COVID-19 absent events. We also conduct a global sensitivity analysis. Results: Events caused an increase in the number of cases ranging from a 25% increase when the campus already had an uncontrolled COVID-19 outbreak and visitors had a low prevalence of COVID-19 and mixed lightly with the campus community to an 822% increase where the campus had controlled their COVID-19 outbreak and visitors had both a high prevalence of COVID-19 and mixed heavily with the campus community. The model was insensitive to parameter uncertainty, save for the duration a symptomatic individual was infectious. Conclusion: Sporting events represent a threat to the health of the campus community. This is the case even in circumstances where COVID-19 seems controlled both on-campus and among the general population.

scholarly journals Pooling of samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection using rapid antigen tests

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nol Salcedo ◽  
Alexander Harmon ◽  
Bobby Brooke Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Positive Sample ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Pooled Testing ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pooling Strategy ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
Antigen Testing

AbstractWhile molecular assays, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR), have been widely used throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the technique is resource intensive and costly. As a means to reduce costs and expand diagnostic efficiency, pooled testing using RT-PCR has been implemented. However, pooled testing using rapid antigen tests has not been evaluated. Here, we propose a pooling strategy for rapid antigen testing that would significantly expand COVID-19 surveillance, especially for low-to-middle income countries, and schools and workplaces. Our data demonstrate that combining of up to 20 samples per pool can expand surveillance with rapid antigen tests, even if a pool contains only one positive sample.

scholarly journals Pooling of Samples for SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using a Rapid Antigen Test

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nol Salcedo ◽  
Alexander Harmon ◽  
Bobby Brooke Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Positive Sample ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Pooled Testing ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Pooling Strategy ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
Antigen Testing

While molecular assays, such as reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), have been widely used throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the technique is costly and resource intensive. As a means to reduce costs and increase diagnostic efficiency, pooled testing using RT-PCR has been implemented. However, pooling samples for antigen testing has not been evaluated. Here, we propose a proof-of-concept pooling strategy for antigen testing that would significantly expand SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, especially for low-to-middle income countries, schools, and workplaces. Our laboratory-based testing demonstrates that combining of up to 20 nasal swab specimens per pool can expand surveillance with antigen tests, even if a pool contains only one positive sample.

scholarly journals Point-of-Care PCR Assays for COVID-19 Detection

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Niharika Gupta ◽  
Shine Augustine ◽  
Tarun Narayan ◽  
Alan O’Riordan ◽  
Asmita Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Antigen Tests ◽  
Distinct Features ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Molecular diagnostics has been the front runner in the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the quantitative variant (qRT-PCR) have been the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, faster antigen tests and other point-of-care (POC) devices have also played a significant role in containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by facilitating mass screening and delivering results in less time. Thus, despite the higher sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR assays, the impact of POC tests cannot be ignored. As a consequence, there has been an increased interest in the development of miniaturized, high-throughput, and automated PCR systems, many of which can be used at point-of-care. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of miniaturized PCR systems with an emphasis on COVID-19 detection. The distinct features of digital PCR and electrochemical PCR are detailed along with the challenges. The potential of CRISPR/Cas technology for POC diagnostics is also highlighted. Commercial RT–PCR POC systems approved by various agencies for COVID-19 detection are discussed.

scholarly journals Screening, Diagnostic and Prognostic Tests for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 561
Author(s):  
Mariana Ulinici ◽  
Serghei Covantev ◽  
James Wingfield-Digby ◽  
Apostolos Beloukas ◽  
Alexander G. Mathioudakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Diagnostic Screening ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Prognostic Tests ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Antigen Testing

While molecular testing with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold-standard test for COVID-19 diagnosis and screening, more rapid or affordable molecular and antigen testing options have been developed. More affordable, point-of-care antigen testing, despite being less sensitive compared to molecular assays, might be preferable for wider screening initiatives. Simple laboratory, imaging and clinical parameters could facilitate prognostication and triage. This comprehensive review summarises current evidence on the diagnostic, screening and prognostic tests for COVID-19.

scholarly journals The impact of population-wide rapid antigen testing on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Slovakia

Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. eabf9648
Author(s):  
Martin Pavelka ◽  
Kevin Van-Zandvoort ◽  
Sam Abbott ◽  
Katharine Sherratt ◽  
Marek Majdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Household Members ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Antigen Testing

Slovakia conducted multiple rounds of population-wide rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2 in late 2020, combined with a period of additional contact restrictions. Observed prevalence decreased by 58% (95% CI: 57-58%) within one week in the 45 counties that were subject to two rounds of mass testing, an estimate that remained robust when adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Adjusting for epidemic growth of 4.4% (1.1-6.9%) per day preceding the mass testing campaign, the estimated decrease in prevalence compared to a scenario of unmitigated growth was 70% (67-73%). Modelling indicated that this decrease could not be explained solely by infection control measures, but required the additional impact of isolation and quarantine of household members of those testing positive.

Does Delivery Location Matter? A National Study of the Impact of Dual Enrollment on College Readiness and Early Academic Momentum

2021 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Xiaodan Hu ◽  
Hsun-Yu Chan
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
College Readiness ◽  
Dual Enrollment ◽  
College Campus ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Momentum ◽  
Delivery Location

Background/Context Although dual enrollment (DE) programs have indicated positive impact on various high school and postsecondary outcomes, access to DE programs remains unequal; historically marginalized students are less likely than other students to attempt college credits in high school. Despite DE being a widely adopted program at the state level, these programs vary greatly by eligibility criteria, funding models, delivery location, and modality. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study Guided by prominent learning theories, we hypothesize that the influence of early DE on later educational pathways and outcomes may vary by the location in which DE is delivered. This study examines whether the delivery location of DE (i.e., on a college campus or otherwise) influences students’ college readiness and first-year academic momentum in college, with a special focus on its heterogeneous effect among students of diverse racial and socioeconomic background. Research Design Using the restricted-use data from High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), we use a quasi-experimental approach (i.e., inverse probability weighting models) with a nationally representative sample of students who have taken at least one DE course by 11th grade. Findings/Results The findings reveal that students who took at least one DE course on a college campus do not differ in their cumulative high school GPA, in their probability of attending college, in whether they took developmental courses, in whether they attended college immediately after high school graduation, and in their probability of full-time enrollment when compared with those who took DE course(s) elsewhere. However, the findings are not applicable to all students of varying background defined by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Conclusions/Recommendations This study provides several implications: (1) Because DE courses taken on a high school or college campus equally fuel students’ college readiness and early academic momentum, advising practices should acknowledge the benefits of DE courses regardless of delivery location. (2) DE participation with college exposure may particularly benefit students of higher socioeconomic status (SES), so interventions that offer holistic college experiences beyond academic work are needed to effectively prepare lower SES students for college life and accumulate academic momentum are needed. (3) States and educational entities should be mindful about the potential disparate effect of DE programs and provide regulation, oversight, and quality assurance so that these programs can narrow the postsecondary achievement gap.

scholarly journals Modeling Chickenpox Dynamics with a Discrete Time Bayesian Stochastic Compartmental Model

Complexity ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Corberán-Vallet ◽  
F. J. Santonja ◽  
M. Jornet-Sanz ◽  
R.-J. Villanueva
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Time ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
Predictive Distribution ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Immunization Program ◽  
Posterior Predictive Distribution ◽  
Vaccination Strategies ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Routine Immunization Program ◽  
The Impact

We present a Bayesian stochastic susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model in discrete time to understand chickenpox transmission in the Valencian Community, Spain. During the last decades, different strategies have been introduced in the routine immunization program in order to reduce the impact of this disease, which remains a public health’s great concern. Under this scenario, a model capable of explaining closely the dynamics of chickenpox under the different vaccination strategies is of utter importance to assess their effectiveness. The proposed model takes into account both heterogeneous mixing of individuals in the population and the inherent stochasticity in the transmission of the disease. As shown in a comparative study, these assumptions are fundamental to describe properly the evolution of the disease. The Bayesian analysis of the model allows us to calculate the posterior distribution of the model parameters and the posterior predictive distribution of chickenpox incidence, which facilitates the computation of point forecasts and prediction intervals.

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