scholarly journals Airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face mask to prevent it: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed-Amir Tabatabaeizadeh
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Fixed And Random Effects ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Eligibility Assessment ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Abstract Background and aims Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belonging to the Coronaviridae family, is agent of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province of China, in early December 2019 and is now considered a pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the role of face mask to prevent it. Methods A systematic search for English-language literature was done via PUBMED/Medline and Google Scholar up to October 2020. There was two search strategy; for airborne transmission and the role of face mask for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on a fixed and random effects model, the RR and 95% CI were used to evaluate the combined risk. This meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Guidelines. Results After eligibility assessment, four articles with a total of 7688 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The result of this meta-analysis has shown significant reduction in infection with face mask use; the pooled RR (95%CI) was 0.12 [0.06, 0.27] (P < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that there is association between face mask use and reduction of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 spreads primarily with contact routes and respiratory droplets, but its transmissibility has many mysteries yet and there is controversy about airborne transmission of COVID-19.

The Potential for Transmission of Coronaviruses via Sports Equipment; A Cricket Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rory England ◽  
Nicholas Peirce ◽  
Joseph Torresi ◽  
Sean Mitchell ◽  
Andy Harland
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Infected Person ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Transmission Pathways ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

AbstractA review of literature on the role of fomites in transmission of coronaviruses informed the development of a framework which was used to qualitatively analyse a cricket case study, where equipment is shared and passed around, and identify potential mitigation strategies. A range of pathways were identified that might in theory allow coronavirus transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person via communal or personal equipment fomites or both. Eighteen percent of potential fomite based interactions were found to be non-essential to play including all contact with another persons equipment. Six opportunities to interrupt the transmission pathway were identified, including the recommendation to screen participants for symptoms prior to play. Social distancing between participants and avoiding unnecessary surface contact provides two opportunities; firstly to avoid equipment exposure to infected respiratory droplets and secondly to avoid uninfected participants touching potential fomites. Hand sanitisation and equipment sanitisation provide two further opportunities by directly inactivating coronavirus. Preventing players from touching their mucosal membranes with their hands represents the sixth potential interruption. Whilst potential fomite transmission pathways were identified, evidence suggests that viral load will be substantially reduced during surface transfer. Mitigation strategies could further reduce potential fomites, suggesting that by comparison, direct airborne transmission presents the greater risk in cricket.

scholarly journals Impact of remdesivir on 28 day mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: February 2021 Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Robinson ◽  
Vidhya Prakash ◽  
Raad Al Tamimi ◽  
Nour Albast ◽  
Basma Al-Bast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated worldwide investigation into a myriad of potential therapeutic agents, including antivirals such as remdesivir. The first RCT reporting results on the impact of remdesivir on COVID-19 in a peer reviewed journal was the ACTT-1 trial published in November, 2020. The ACTT-1 trial showed more rapid clinical improvement and a reduced risk of 28-day mortality in patients who received remdesivir.This study is a meta-analysis of peer reviewed RCTs aims to estimate the association of remdesivir therapy compared to the usual care or placebo on all-cause mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Software based tools to accelerate the analysis process.MethodsMeta-analysis of peer reviewed RCTs comparing remdesivir to usual care or placebo. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered and published in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021229985) on February 5, 2021.ResultsFour English language RCTs were identified, including data from 7,333 hospitalized patients worldwide using remdesivir in COVID-19 positive patients.Meta-analysis of all identified RCTs showed no difference in survival in patients who received remdesivir therapy compared to usual care or placebo. The random effects meta-analysis has a summary odd ratio is 0.89 (95% CI 0.65-1.21, p = 0.30). Considerable variability in the severity of illness is noted with the rates of IMV at the time of randomization ranging from 0% to 27%.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed literature by February 1, 2021 did not show reduced mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received remdesivir. Further research is needed to clarify the role of remdesivir therapy in the management of COVID-19.

scholarly journals The new coronavirus disease: what do we know so far?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 193-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sammer Tang ◽  
Mike Brady ◽  
Jo Mildenhall ◽  
Ursula Rolfe ◽  
Alexandra Bowles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Older Age ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Clinical Guidance ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that causes the new disease COVID-19. Symptoms range from mild to severe with a higher incidence of severe cases in patients with risk factors such as older age and comorbidities. COVID-19 is mainly spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing or via contact with droplet-contaminated surfaces. Paramedics should be aware that some aerosol-generating procedures may put them at a higher risk of contracting the virus via possible airborne transmission. Use of remote triage clinical assessment is likely to increase as a result of the pandemic. There is no curative drug treatment for the virus and some medications may exacerbate its effects or make patients more susceptible to it. Evidence and guidelines are evolving on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Paramedics should keep up to date with the latest clinical guidance from their employers.

scholarly journals Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in 2019 novel coronavirus: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Esmaeili ◽  
Fatemeh Abdi ◽  
Gita Shafiee ◽  
Hadis Rastad ◽  
Hamid Asayesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Language Studies ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract BackgroundEvidence showed that partial or complete loss of smell and taste might be a possible primary symptom of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This study aimed to systematically review and pool all available evidence on the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. MethodsIn this systematic review, a comprehensive search was carried out systematically through e-databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS); that was limited to English-language studies published from 2019 up to 6th May 2020. Afterward, all studies reported the taste and smell dysfunction in the COVID-19 patients were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The pooled prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was estimated using the random effects meta-analysis method.ResultsAmong 28 eligible included studies in this systematic review, finally, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. According to the random effect meta-analysis, the global pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of any olfactory dysfunction, anosmia, and hyposmia was 55% (40%-70%), 40% (22%-57%), and 40% (20%-61%) respectively. The pooled estimated prevalence of any gustatory dysfunction, ageusia, and dysgeusia was 41% (23%-59%), 31% (3%-59%), and 34% (19%-48%) respectively. ConclusionOlfactory and gustatory dysfunction is prevalent among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, olfactory and gustatory dysfunction seems to be part of important symptoms and notify for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in the early phase of the infection.

scholarly journals Role of Preoperative Calcium and Vitamin D Therapy to prevent Post-thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunghwan suh ◽  
Ju Won Seok ◽  
Keunyoung Kim ◽  
Mi Kyoung Park ◽  
Kyoungjune Pak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
English Language ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptomatic Hypocalcemia

Abstract Purpose: Postsurgical hypocalcemia is the most common and troublesome consequence of thyroidectomy. We investigated the potential role of routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation in preventing postsurgical hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for English-language publications using the keywords “calcium”, “vitamin D”, and “thyroid cancer”. The primary outcome was any postoperative hypocalcemia, and the secondary outcome was symptomatic hypocalcemia. Results: Four studies that included 381 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed no significant difference in the occurrence of hypocalcemia between calcium/vitamin D treatment and placebo/no treatment. The occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower in patients with calcium/vitamin D treatment. In combined results, preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia.Conclusion: We support the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with routine postsurgical supplementation for patients after total thyroidectomy.

scholarly journals The Role of Machine Learning Techniques to Tackle COVID-19 Crisis: A Systematic Review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsa Bareen Syeda ◽  
Mahanazuddin Syed ◽  
Kevin Wayne Sexton ◽  
Shorabuddin Syed ◽  
Salma Begum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Detection And Diagnosis ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: The novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has caused havoc with patients presenting a spectrum of complications forcing the healthcare experts around the globe to explore new technological solutions, and treatment plans. Machine learning (ML) based technologies have played a substantial role in solving complex problems, and several organizations have been swift to adopt and customize them in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on the role of ML as a comprehensive and decisive technology to fight the COVID-19 crisis in the arena of epidemiology, diagnosis, and disease progression. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify all potentially relevant studies published and made available between December 1, 2019, and June 27, 2020. The search syntax was built using keywords specific to COVID-19 and ML. A total of 128 qualified articles were reviewed and analyzed based on the study objectives. Results: The 128 publications selected were classified into three themes based on ML applications employed to combat the COVID-19 crisis: Computational Epidemiology (CE), Early Detection and Diagnosis (EDD), and Disease Progression (DP). Of the 128 studies, 70 focused on predicting the outbreak, the impact of containment policies, and potential drug discoveries, which were grouped into the CE theme. For the EDD, we grouped forty studies that applied ML techniques to detect the presence of COVID-19 using the patient's radiological images or lab results. Eighteen publications that focused on predicting the disease progression, outcomes (recovery and mortality), Length of Stay (LOS), and number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) days for COVID-19 positive patients were classified under the DP theme. Conclusions: In this systematic review, we assembled the current COVID-19 literature that utilized ML methods to provide insights into the COVID-19 themes, highlighting the important variables, data types, and available COVID-19 resources that can assist in facilitating clinical and translational research.

scholarly journals Face mask use in the general population and optimal resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin J. Worby ◽  
Hsiao-Han Chang
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Peak Time ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Optimal Resource ◽  
Optimal Deployment ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

ABSTRACTThe ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread in early 2020, causing tens of thousands of deaths, over a million cases and widespread socioeconomic disruption. With no vaccine available and numerous national healthcare systems reaching or exceeding capacity, interventions to limit transmission are urgently needed. While there is broad agreement that travel restrictions and closure of non-essential businesses and schools are beneficial in limiting local and regional spread, recommendations around the use of face masks for the general population are less consistent internationally. In this study, we examined the role of face masks in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the general population, using epidemic models to estimate the total reduction of infections and deaths under various scenarios. In particular, we examined the optimal deployment of face masks when resources are limited, and explored a range of supply and demand dynamics. We found that face masks, even with a limited protective effect, can reduce infections and deaths, and can delay the peak time of the epidemic. We consistently found that a random distribution of masks in the population was a suboptimal strategy when resources were limited. Prioritizing coverage among the elderly was more beneficial, while allocating a proportion of available resources for diagnosed infected cases provided further mitigation under a range of scenarios. In summary, face mask use, particularly for a pathogen with relatively common asymptomatic carriage, can effectively provide some mitigation of transmission, while balancing provision between vulnerable healthy persons and symptomatic persons can optimize mitigation efforts when resources are limited.

Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials of Drug Therapy in Mild Chronic Asthma: The Role of Inhaled Corticosteroids

1994 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1285-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Milavetz ◽  
H. William Kelly ◽  
Hind T. Hatoum ◽  
Glen T. Schumock ◽  
Donald L. Kendzierski
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
English Language ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Chronic Asthma ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Effect Size Calculation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of mild chronic asthma. SOURCE OF STUDIES: Searches of MEDLINE and Index Medicus for English language literature dealing with asthma and inhaled corticosteroids. DESIGN: All retrieved articles were subjected to predetermined criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Inclusion criteria centered around randomized, double-blind studies reporting objective clinical endpoint(s) for subjects with mild chronic asthma who were treated for more than seven days. Studies that were included were not allowed to have any predetermined exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The literature search identified 129 articles, of which 41 satisfied some but not all of the criteria for inclusion. Five articles met all the criteria and were subjected to meta-analysis. The total number of subjects was 141. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was used as the objective endpoint for effect size calculation. Subjecting these five studies to quality review revealed a range of 0.607–0.741, with 1 as the highest attainable quality and 0 the lowest. Reported results for the different studies were found to be homogenous, thus allowing for the calculation of overall effect size. Inclusion of children in some of the studies added variance to the reported studies, but not to the point at which studies would be considered heterogenous. Effect sizes ranged between 0.41 and 0.89, and the overall weighted average effect size for PEFR was 0.59, with the calculated 95 percent confidence interval at 0.32 to 0.84. A tabulated display of binomial effect size for included trials provided ranges of success rates for treatment versus control values. Results of the studies were judged robust, as 92 studies reporting no significant effects are needed to turn the finding of the meta-analysis insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the existing literature suggests a role for inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of mild chronic asthma.

scholarly journals Elevated D-Dimer Levels are Associated with Increased Risk of Mortality in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddharth Shah ◽  
Kuldeep Shah ◽  
Siddharth B Patel ◽  
Forum S Patel ◽  
Mohammed Osman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
D Dimer

AbstractIntroductionThe 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), now declared a pandemic has an overall case fatality of 2–3% but it is as high as 50% in critically ill patients. D-dimer is an important prognostic tool, often elevated in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and in those who suffered death. In this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of D-dimer in COVID-19 infected patients.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane for studies reporting admission D-dimer levels in COVID-19 patients and its effect on mortality.Results18 studies (16 retrospective and 2 prospective) with a total of 3,682 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled mean difference (MD) suggested significantly elevated D-dimer levels in patients who died versus those survived (MD 6.13 mg/L, 95% CI 4.16 − 8.11, p <0.001). Similarly, the pooled mean D-dimer levels were significantly elevated in patients with severe COVID-19 infection (MD 0.54 mg/L, 95% CI 0.28 − 0.8, p< 0.001). In addition, the risk of mortality was four-fold higher in patients with positive D-dimer vs negative D-dimer (RR 4.11, 95% CI 2.48 − 6.84, p< 0.001) and the risk of developing the severe disease was two-fold higher in patients with positive D-dimer levels vs negative D-dimer (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.34 − 3.11, p < 0.001).ConclusionOur meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with COVID-19 presenting with elevated D-dimer levels have an increased risk of severe disease and mortality.

scholarly journals Update on COVID-19 Infection and Ivermectin Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Konne Felix Eedee ◽  
Emeji Roseline
Keyword(s):  
Mucous Membrane ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Ivermectin Treatment ◽  
Infected Person ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause disease in mammals and birds. COVID-19 infection is caused by a single stranded RNA virus called SARS-CoV-2 that is similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The aim of this review is to identify how COVID-19 infects man, the preventive approach and treatment possibility with ivermectin drug. The possible main source of transmission is thought to be a close contact with infected person or animal and respiratory droplets while the mucous membrane; conjunctiva, mouth, nasal cavity, and throat are the main routes of transmission. The virus enters the human through the ACE2 receptor which are found in the mucous membrane. This is an important step for coronavirus infection establishment. To stay safe from coronavirus, physical distancing, wearing of face mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning/washing your hands, the use of hand sanitizers and coughing into a bent elbow are precautionary measures to avoid contracting the infection. Ivemectin blocks the initiation of the binding of the viral protein to the cytoplasmic receptor (imp α/β). The inhibitory role of ivemectin prevents further increase in the viral load. Ivermectin drug could be a remarkable medical breakthrough for the lasting treatment of the infection; however, more clinical trials are suggested in this area.

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