scholarly journals The impact of thermal pasteurization on viral load and detectable live viruses in human milk and other matrices: a rapid review

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Pitino ◽  
Deborah L. O’Connor ◽  
Allison J. McGeer ◽  
Sharon Unger

Holder pasteurization (62.5 °C, 30 min) of human milk is thought to reduce the risk of transmitting viruses to an infant. Some viruses may be secreted into milk – others may be contaminants. The effect of thermal pasteurization on viruses in human milk has yet to be rigorously reviewed. The objective of this study is to characterize the effect of common pasteurization techniques on viruses in human milk and non-human milk matrices. Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from inception to April 20th, 2020, for primary research articles assessing the impact of pasteurization on viral load or detection of live virus. Reviews were excluded, as were studies lacking quantitative measurements or those assessing pasteurization as a component of a larger process. Overall, of 65 131 reports identified, 109 studies were included. Pasteurization of human milk at a minimum temperature of 56−60 °C is effective at reducing detectable live virus. In cell culture media or plasma, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV) are highly susceptible to heating at ≥56 °C. Although pasteurization parameters and matrices reported vary, all viruses studied, except parvoviruses, were susceptible to thermal killing. Future research important for the study of novel viruses should standardize pasteurization protocols and should test inactivation in human milk. Novelty In all matrices, including human milk, pasteurization at 62.5 °C was generally sufficient to reduce surviving viral load by several logs or to below the limit of detection. Holder pasteurization (62.5 °C, 30 min) of human milk should be sufficient to inactivate nonheat resistant viruses, including coronaviruses, if present.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Pitino ◽  
Deborah L. O’Connor ◽  
Allison J. McGeer ◽  
Sharon Unger

AbstractHolder pasteurization (62.5°C, 30 min) of human milk (HM) is thought to reduce the risk of transmitting viruses to an infant. Some viruses may be secreted into milk – others may be contaminants. The effect of thermal pasteurization on viruses in HM has yet to be rigorously reviewed. The objective of this study is to characterize the effect of commonly used pasteurization techniques on viruses in HM and non-HM matrices. Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from inception to April 20th, 2020 for primary research articles assessing the impact of pasteurization on viral load or detection of live virus. Reviews were excluded, as were studies lacking quantitative measurements or those assessing pasteurization as a component of a larger process. Overall, 65,131 reports were identified, and 108 studies included. Pasteurization of HM at a minimum temperature of 56°C-60°C is effective at reducing detectable live virus. In cell culture media or plasma, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS) are highly susceptible to heating at ≥56°C. Although pasteurization parameters and matrices reported vary, all viruses studied, with the exception of parvoviruses, were susceptible to thermal killing. Future research important for the study of novel viruses should standardize pasteurization protocols and should test viral inactivation using a human milk matrix.Novelty bulletsIn all matrices, including human milk, pasteurization at temperatures of 62.5°C was generally sufficient to reduce surviving viral load by several logs or to below the limit of detection.Holder pasteurization (62.5°C, 30 min) of human donor milk should be sufficient to inactivate non-heat resistant viruses, including coronaviruses, if present.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
Nicole M. Glenn ◽  
Lisa Allen Scott ◽  
Teree Hokanson ◽  
Karla Gustafson ◽  
Melissa A. Stoops ◽  
...  

Financial well-being describes when people feel able to meet their financial obligations, feel financially secure and are able to make choices that benefit their quality of life. Financial strain occurs when people are unable to pay their bills, feel stressed about money and experience negative impacts on their quality of life and health. In the face of the global economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, community-led approaches are required to address the setting-specific needs of residents and reduce the adverse impacts of widespread financial strain. To encourage evidence-informed best practices, a provincial health authority and community-engaged research centre collaborated to conduct a rapid review. We augmented the rapid review with an environmental scan and interviews. Our data focused on Western Canada and was collected prior to the pandemic (May–September 2019). We identified eight categories of community-led strategies to promote financial well-being: systems navigation and access; financial literacy and skills; emergency financial assistance; asset building; events and attractions; employment and educational support; transportation; and housing. We noted significant gaps in the evidence, including methodological limitations of the included studies (e.g. generalisability, small sample size), a lack of reporting on the mechanisms leading to the outcomes and evaluation of long-term impacts, sparse practice-based data on evaluation methods and outcomes, and limited intervention details in the published literature. Critically, few of the included interventions specifically targeted financial strain and/or well-being. We discuss the implications of these gaps in addition to possibilities and priorities for future research and practice. We also consider the results in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 421
Author(s):  
Muzammal Ahmad Khan

This rapid systematic review aims to examine emerging evidence on the effects of COVID-19 on educational institutions and assess the prevalence of e-learning changes in the sector. This paper reviews literature on learning, teaching, and assessment approaches adopted since the COVID-19 outbreak, and assesses the impact on the sector, staff, and students, summarizing findings from peer-reviewed articles. It categorizes these into five key themes: (1) digital learning, (2) e-learning challenges, (3) digital transition to emergency virtual assessment (EVA), (4) psychological impact of COVID-19, and (5) creating collaborative cultures. This represents the first systematic review of COVID-19’s impact on education, clarifying current themes being investigated. The author suggests that the term ‘emergency virtual assessment’ (EVA) is now added for future research discussion. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps, including researching the impact on lesser developed countries, the psychological impact of transition, and the important role of leadership and leadership styles during the transition and handling of the pandemic.


Author(s):  
Gregory J. Walker ◽  
Vanessa Clifford ◽  
Nidhi Bansal ◽  
Alberto Ospina Stella ◽  
Stuart Turville ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTAs the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, human milk banks worldwide continue to provide donor human milk to vulnerable infants who lack access to mother’s own milk. Under these circumstances, ensuring the safety of donor human milk is paramount, as the risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is not well understood. Here, we investigate the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in human milk by pasteurisation, and the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in human milk under cold storage (freezing or refrigeration). Following heating to 63°C or 56°C for 30 minutes, SARS-CoV-2 replication competent (i.e. live) virus was undetected in both human milk and the control medium. Cold storage of SARS-CoV-2 in human milk (either at 4°C or - 30°C) did not significantly impact infectious viral load over a 48 hour period. Our findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 can be effectively inactivated by Holder pasteurisation, and confirm that existing milk bank processes will effectively mitigate the risk of transmission of SARS-COV-2 to vulnerable infants through pasteurised donor human milk.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tea Vukusic Rukavina ◽  
Josko Viskic ◽  
Lovela Machala Poplasen ◽  
Danko Relic ◽  
Marko Marelic ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND As we are witnessing the evolution of social media (SM) use globally among the general population, popularity of SM has also been embraced by healthcare professionals. In the context of SM evolution and exponential growth of users, this rapid review summarizes recent findings about e-professionalism of healthcare professionals (HCPs). OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to review and characterize the original peer-reviewed research studies published from November 1, 2014 to November 31,, 2018 on e-professionalism of healthcare professionals, to assess the quality of methodologies and approaches used, to explore the impact of social media on e-professionalism of healthcare professionals recognizing benefits and dangers of social media and to provide insights to guide future research in this area. METHODS A search of the literature was performed in December 2018 using 3 databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus). The searches were conducted using the following defined search terms: 'professionalism’ AND 'social media' OR 'Internet' OR ‘Facebook’ OR ‘Twitter’ OR ‘Instagram’. The search strategy was limited to studies published in English. This rapid review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews guidelines. RESULTS Of the 709 retrieved papers, a total of 58 studies were finally included in this review. Overall, the quality of the studies was satisfactory. Participants in the reviewed studies were from diverse healthcare professions. Medical health professionals were involved in about three-quarters of the studies. Three key benefits of SM on e-professionalism of HCPs were identified: 1) professional networking and collaboration, 2) professional education and training and 3) effectiveness of educational interventions about e-professionalism or impact of existing SM policies. For the selected studies, there are five recognized dangers of SM on e-professionalism of HCPs: 1) loosening accountability, 2) compromising confidentiality, 3) blurred professional boundaries, 4) depiction of unprofessional behavior, and 5) legal issues. This rapid review also recognizes recommendations for changes in educational curricula regarding e-professionalism or adopting novel approaches to existing SM policies as opportunities for improvement and barriers that influence HCPs use of SM in the context of e-professionalism. CONCLUSIONS Findings in reviewed studies indicate existence of both benefits and dangers of SM on e-professionalism of HCPs. Even though there are some barriers recognized, this review has highlighted existing recommendations for including e-professionalism in educational curricula of HCPs. Based on all evidence provided, this review provided new insights and guides for future research on this area. There is a clear need for robust research to investigate new emerging SM platforms, the efficiency of guidelines and educational interventions, and the specifics of each profession regarding their SM potential and usage. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42019131532; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019131532


Author(s):  
Claire Kamaliddin ◽  
Colin J Sutherland ◽  
Sandrine Houze ◽  
Gilles Cottrell ◽  
Valerie Briand ◽  
...  

Abstract Ultra-sensitive molecular diagnostics are lowering the limit of detection for malaria parasites in the blood and providing insights not captured by conventional tool such as microscopy and rapid antigen tests. Low-level malaria infections identified by molecular tools may influence clinical outcomes, transmission events, and elimination efforts. While many ultra-sensitive molecular methods require well-equipped laboratories, technologies such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) provide more portable and analytically sensitive solutions. These tools may benefit asymptomatic patient screening, antenatal care, and elimination campaigns. We review the recent evidence, offer our perspective on the impact of these new tests and identify future research priorities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 727-728
Author(s):  
Sophia Perez ◽  
Alexandria Nuccio ◽  
Ashley Stripling

Abstract The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic continues to drastically impact older adults. Despite COVID-19 being linked to increased social isolation and loneliness, more research is needed on the psychological effects associated with older adults’ concerns of the pandemic. The current review explores associations between the COVID-19 Pandemic and older adults’ mental health to increase awareness and understanding. For this rapid review, empirical peer-reviewed source documents were identified through a computerized search using APA PsycInfo and Google Scholar bibliographical databases covering the years 2019 to 2021. The following keywords and combinations were used: “older adults,” “COVID-19,” and “mental health effects.” Relevant exclusion criteria were applied, and all related English-language journal articles were read. 47 articles met inclusion criteria. Eight associated COVID-19 stress with loneliness, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor psychological well-being, with three additional articles reporting elevations in women. Three articles revealed mixed findings regarding the impact of age on psychological variables. 13 articles evaluated changes among those with psychological/psychiatric diagnoses, and six explored physical activity and depression. Of the remaining articles, two concentrated on nutrition; seven examined routines, behaviors, and societal or risk perceptions; two evaluated coping mechanisms; and three examined emotional distress changes. Understanding COVID-19’s psychological impact on older adults will take time. This rapid review revealed mixed findings regarding COVID-19 related concerns on older adults’ psychological well-being, with multiple demographic variables uniquely impacting these outcomes. It is imperative that future research explore older adults’ risks and develop interventions related to the psychological impact of COVID-19.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2425
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura ◽  
Natalia Machaj ◽  
Piotr Sobieraj ◽  
Olga Barbarska ◽  
Gabriela Olędzka ◽  
...  

A primary role of Human Milk Banks (HMBs) is to provide human milk (HM) for preterm infants and to support the mothers of these infants as they establish their own milk supply. A better understanding of the variation in the energy and macronutrients contents of donor human milk (DHM) potentiates targeted nutrition for preterm babies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the variability of energy and macronutrients content in DHM and to investigate the impact of maternal factors and feeding practices on the nutritional value of DHM. The study involved 49 donors registered in the HMB in the Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw, Poland. Samples from each donor were pooled within a maximum of two weeks. The composition of DHM, including energy content, protein, fat, and carbohydrate concentrations, was analyzed using the Miris Human Milk Analyzer. The analyses were performed before the pasteurization process. The mean time of milk donation to HMB was 13.2 ± 6.0 weeks. There were no significant differences in energy and macronutrients contents of DHM in the beginning and at the end of milk donation to HMB, however, HM fat concentration was positively correlated with afternoon feedings (r = 0.289, p = 0.044). The method of feeding (breastfeeding vs. feeding only expressed milk) also did not impact the nutritional value of DHM. Future research for the DHM should include a further cross-sectional observational study with the collection of detailed donor information and characteristics of milk expression and feeding practices to further evaluate the pooling processes and the effect on DHM composition.


1997 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Roesch ◽  
James RP Ogloff ◽  
Stephen D Hart ◽  
Rebecca J Dempster ◽  
Patricia A Zapf ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the impact in British Columbia of the 1992 Criminal Code of Canada amendments dealing with remands for fitness to stand trial and not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD) assessments. Method: Information on 620 remands for evaluation of fitness to stand trial and/or NCRMD were collected from a sample obtained in British Columbia from 1992 to 1994. The data collected included length of remand order, length of evaluation, criminal charges, psychiatric diagnoses, and the decisions about fitness or NCRMD. Results: Remands increased by about 20% in a 1993–1994 fiscal year compared with the previous year. The majority of evaluations continue to be conducted in an inpatient facility. The goal of a 5-day evaluation period is rarely met: only 12.5% of inpatients were released within 5 days of admission, and the average length of evaluation was about 3 weeks. The use and success of the NCRMD defence appears to be on the rise. In addition, there were some striking differences in remands from metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in terms of rates of referral and recommendations of unfitness or NCRMD. Conclusion: Results indicated that Bill C-30 has not yet had the anticipated impact on remands as inpatient evaluations continue to be the norm and evaluations typically take several weeks. Suggestions for policy reform and future research are presented.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9541
Author(s):  
Cristina Rodríguez-Varela ◽  
Elena Labarta

Acquiring oocyte competence requires optimal mitochondrial function and adequate ATP levels. In this context, CoQ10 supplementation may improve human oocyte quality and subsequent reproductive performance given its role in ATP synthesis and mitochondrial protection from ROS oxidative damage. In infertility treatments, CoQ10 therapy can be orally supplied to promote a more favorable environment for oocyte development in vivo or by its addition to culture media in an attempt to improve its quality in vitro. Human clinical studies evaluating the impact of CoQ10 on reproductive performance are summarized in this review, although the available data do not clearly prove its ability to improve human oocyte quality. The main objective is to provide readers with a complete overview of this topic’s current status as well as the keys for potential future research lines that may help to take this therapy to clinical practice. Indeed, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results along with molecular studies to evaluate the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress status and mitochondrial function in human gametes.


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