scholarly journals Brought to Light: How Ultraviolet Disinfection Can Prevent the Nosocomial Transmission of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-556
Author(s):  
Katrina Browne
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Microbial Inactivation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Current Infection ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Uv Technology

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought to light the role of environmental hygiene in controlling disease transmission. Healthcare facilities are hot spots for infectious pathogens where physical distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are not always sufficient to prevent disease transmission. Healthcare facilities need to consider adjunct strategies to prevent transmission of infectious pathogens. In combination with current infection control procedures, many healthcare facilities are incorporating ultraviolet (UV) disinfection into their routines. This review considers how pathogens are transmitted in healthcare facilities, the mechanism of UV microbial inactivation and the documented activity of UV against clinical pathogens. Emphasis is placed on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) that are commonly transmitted in healthcare facilities. The potential benefits and limitations of UV technologies are discussed to help inform healthcare workers, including clinical studies where UV technology is used in healthcare facilities.

scholarly journals The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches of COVID-19: a concise review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Eslamkhah ◽  
Nazila Alizadeh ◽  
Khalil Hajiasgharzadeh ◽  
Masoud Eslamkhah ◽  
Ahad Mokhtarzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

A series of cases of pneumonia occurred in China in late 2019. For this type of coronavirus, the WHO formally identified the condition as a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They announced that this disease is the recent main concern of health problems in the world. Transfer of this novel coronavirus (nCoV) from human to human exists predominantly among family members, who have close contact with each other. This review article is provided based on the recent findings of COVID-19, which were retrieved by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2020. Here, we highlighted the coronaviruses types, COVID-19 symptoms, epidemiology of the disease, transmission ways, and nCoV related pneumonia pathogenesis and continue with characteristic features and treatment methods. While no approved treatments are available for this type of infection therapy but several drugs may have potential benefits. It seems that identifying the detailed characteristics of the novel coronavirus disease offers the foundation for further research into the production of effective anti-COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.

scholarly journals Assessing the knowledge, attitude and perception on workplace readiness regarding COVID-19 among health care providers in Ethiopia—An internet-based survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0247848
Author(s):  
Agazi Fitsum Gebreselassie ◽  
Abebe Bekele ◽  
Heaven Yeshaneh Tatere ◽  
Rex Wong
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Workplace Readiness ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background Healthcare facilities in Ethiopia are responsible for collecting samples for testing and treating COVID-19 patients, providing COVID-19 information to staff, establishment of response teams, and provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Working at the frontlines against the pandemic, health care providers’ level of knowledge about COVID-19, attitude towards their work, and confidence in the preparedness of their facilities are essential factors in mounting a successful response. Objectives This study investigated the knowledge level of HCP in Ethiopia on this novel coronavirus, and their perspectives on whether their workplaces have sufficient preparedness to handle this disease. Methods A self-administered online survey was conducted. Results The knowledge related to COVID-19 among HCPs was high, with an overall average of 91.5%. The majority of our respondents were supportive to the government’s measures to minimize disease transmission, but most of them were also frustrated by how COVID affected their day to day lives. The majority of them were worried about contracting COVID at work and transmitting the infection to their families. Most respondents did not feel safe going to work (P<0.001). Apart from providing adequate information on COVID-19, most workplaces did not have sufficient PPE (P<000.1) and medical supplies (P<0.001). Close to 50% of respondents agreed and disagreed that their workplaces had clear protocols for handling COVID-19 (P = 0.144). Those who handled known COVID patients were more likely to agree their workplaces had clear protocols (OR = 2.69, P<0.001). Conclusion Improving supplies of PPEs and establishing a clear communicating protocol in handling COVID patients are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Predictive Analysis of Real-Time Strategy using Face book’s Prophet Model on Covid-19 Dataset of India

2021 ◽  
pp. 305-312
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
Renuka Sharma ◽  
S. K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Predictive Analytics ◽  
Series Data ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
The Government ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
And Control

The global epidemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has infected millions and killed millions. The prevalence of the virus is of paramount importance in identifying future infections and preparing healthcare facilities to avoid death. Accurately predicting the spread of COVID-19 is a challenging analytical and practical task for the research community. We can learn to use predictive analytics to predict the positive outcomes of these risks. These predictive analytics can look at the risks of past successes and failures. In this paper, the Facebook prophet model discusses the number of large-scale cases and deaths in India based on daily time-series data from 30 January 2020 to 30 April 2021, for forecasting and visualization. The covid-19 pandemic could end prematurely if social distancing and safety measures are required to stabilize and control is required to achieve treatment in India. This paper suggests that the Prophet Model is more effective in predicting COVID-19 cases. The forecast results will help the government plan strategies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

scholarly journals CONSCIOUSNESS AND PRECAUTIONARY HABIT RELATING TO COVID-19 INFECTIONS AMONG STUDENTS IN NWAFOR ORIZU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, NSUGBE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
NWANKWO NONYELUM STELLA
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
College Of Education ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
History Of ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Objective: Similar to outbreaks of many other infectious diseases, success in controlling the novel coronavirus infection requires a timely and accurate monitoring of the epidemic. The main objective of the present study is to assess consciousness and precautionary habit relating to COVID-19 infections among students. Methods: The descriptive survey research design method was used. The researcher formulated two research questions. A self-developed questionnaire was adopted for data collection. The sample size consists of students in Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, selected using purposive random sampling technique, subsequently, thirty copies of the questionnaire were administered by the researcher. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Results: The study showed among other findings that students are conscious about the possibility of the disease transmission by droplets when an infected person cough, sneezes, or speaks. These findings have the vantage of providing the researchers, government, students, policy makers, and government with adequate and correct baseline data on consciousness and precautionary habit relating to COVID-19 infections among students. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it was concluded that the world has a long history of successful efforts to prevent or cure widespread infections. The main points in preventing the spread in society are hand hygiene, social distancing, and quarantine. With increased testing capacity, detecting more positive patients in the community will also enable the reduction of secondary cases with stricter quarantine rules.

scholarly journals Content analysis and characterization of medical tweets during the early Covid-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross Prager ◽  
Michael Pratte ◽  
Rudy R. Unni ◽  
Sudarshan Bala ◽  
Nicholas Ng Fat Hing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Original Research ◽  
The Novel ◽  
False Information ◽  
Content Category ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
New Research ◽  
Policy Discussion

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has infected millions worldwide and impacted the lives of many folds more. Many clinicians share new Covid-19 related resources, research, and ideas within the online Free Open Access to Medical Education (FOAM) community of practice. This study provides a detailed content and contributor analysis of Covid-19 related tweets among the FOAM community.Design, Setting, ParticipantsTwitter was searched from November 1st, 2019 to March 21st, 2020 for English tweets discussing Covid-19 in the FOAM community. Tweets were classified into one of 13 pre-specified content categories: original research, editorials, FOAM resource, public health, podcast or video, learned experience, refuting false information, policy discussion, emotional impact, blatantly false information, other Covid-19, and non-Covid-19. Further analysis of linked original research and FOAM resources was performed. 1000 randomly selected contributor profiles and those deemed to have contributed false information were analyzed.ResultsThe search yielded 8541 original tweets from 4104 contributors. The number of tweets in each content category were: 1557 other Covid-19 (18·2%), 1190 emotional impact (13·9%), 1122 FOAM resources (13·1%), 1111 policy discussion (13·0%), 928 advice (10·9%), 873 learned experience (10·2%), 424 non-Covid-19 (5·0%), 410 podcast or video (4·8%), 304 editorials (3·6%), 275 original research (3·2%), 245 public health (2·9%), 83 refuting false information (1·0%), and 19 blatantly false (0·2%).ConclusionsEarly in the Covid-19 pandemic, the FOAM community used Twitter to share Covid-19 learned experiences, online resources, crowd-sourced advice, research, and to discuss the emotional impact of Covid-19. Twitter also provided a forum for post-publication peer review of new research. Sharing blatantly false information within this community was infrequent. This study highlights several potential benefits from engaging with the FOAM community on Twitter.

A coadunation of biological and mathematical perspectives on the pandemic COVID-19: A Review

Coronaviruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 02 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Qazi ◽  
Kayenat Sheikh ◽  
Mo Faheem ◽  
Arshad Khan ◽  
Khalid Raza
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Replication Process ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Models Of Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Preliminary Phylogenetic Analysis

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created an emergency globally, and social distancing and isolation is the only solution to prevent its spread. Several countries have announced full lockdown to tackle this pandemic. The coronavirus family is inclusive of pathogens of both – animal species and humans, encapsulating the isolated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Researchers round the globe have been dexterously working to decode this lethal virus. Many mathematical frameworks have also been depicted which have helped to understand the dynamics of the COVID-19. Methods: This systematic review highlights the virus genomic composition, preliminary phylogenetic analysis, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and prognosis along with mathematical models of disease transmission and dynamics. Results: Our preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the novel coronavirus sequence discerns that although shares its lineage with SARS, BAT-CoV, Beta-BAT-SARS,however, this protein is highly dissimilar to its ancestors. The widely prominent amino acid residues found in the protein are alanine (ALA), aspartic acid (ASP), phenylalanine (PHE), leucine (LEU), aspartic acid (ASP), threonine (THR), valine (VAL), tyrosine (TYR) and asparagine (ASN) that are responsible for its replication process. Conclusion: Research on coronaviruses continues towards developing a strong understanding of the rapidly evolving viral replication and its transmission between individuals.

scholarly journals The Effect of Mobility on the Spread of COVID-19 in Light of Regional Differences in the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5395
Author(s):  
Ali Cheshmehzangi ◽  
Maycon Sedrez ◽  
Junhang Ren ◽  
Dezhou Kong ◽  
Yifan Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
The Novel ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Population Mobility ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Geographical Locations

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly all over the world, affecting many countries to varying degrees. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing the spread of COVID-19 is offered mainly through big data in the European Union (EU) context. In doing so, the data of the first wave of the pandemic are assessed. Afterward, we evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 spread in specific countries and regions. Based on the existing literature, mobility is recognized as a significant direct factor affecting disease transmission. The same applies to the case of COVID-19. However, compared with the analysis of mobility itself, this paper explores more profound reasons that affect mobility, ranging from policy and economy to geographical and transportation factors. Specifically, this paper studies nine EU countries based on their population density and the degree of impact of the epidemic in the first six months (February to July 2020) of the pandemic. Our study aims to illustrate how policies, economies, and geographical locations (including transportation factors) directly or indirectly affect the spread of the novel coronavirus by applying the SEIR model to analyze all selected countries’ big data. The key findings of this research are: (1) the timeliness of relevant policies and the effectiveness of government implementation indirectly limit the spread of the epidemic by reducing population mobility; (2) a better medical level would contribute to detect, isolate, and treat patients, and help control the epidemic; and (3) the large land borders and developed transportation between countries exacerbate the spread of the COVID-19. The paper contributes to ongoing research on COVID-19 by addressing the above points.

scholarly journals Perception of telemedicine among medical practitioners in Malaysia during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-480
Author(s):  
How Kit Thong ◽  
◽  
Danny Kit Chung Wong ◽  
Hardip Singh Gendeh ◽  
Lokman Saim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Practice ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Insurance Reimbursement ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Conventional Health Care ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented changes in the way conventional health care is delivered. This study examined if clinicians’ perceptions regarding telemedicine and its barriers to implementation in Malaysia have changed during this pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Malaysian medical doctors of various specialties in four urban healthcare facilities between June 2020 and July 2020. A total of 146 (41.7%) out of 350 responses were obtained. 62% of doctors reported a reduction greater than 50% in outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of doctors either found telemedicine useful in situations similar to COVID-19 (34.2%) or that it is essential to their daily practice (42.5%). However, only 22% reported using telemedicine for consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 74% of doctors felt that telemedicine would only benefit up to 30% of their patient population. Significantly more female doctors (80%) felt that telemedicine would benefit their patients compared to male doctors (45.8%) (P=0.03). Physicians (51.3%) were more inclined to adopt telemedicine in comparison to surgeons (32.4%) (P=0.03). The majority cited medico-legal issues and consent (80.6%), billing and charges (66.7%) and insurance reimbursement (62.5%), technical difficulties (62.5%) as their barrier to the adoption of telemedicine. Female doctors and physicians were more willing to adopt telemedicine when compared to male doctors and surgeons. Although the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to improve the perception, significant barriers should be resolved before many can incorporate it into their practice.

scholarly journals Reduced social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with antisocial behaviors in an online United States sample

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine O'Connell ◽  
Kathryn Berluti ◽  
Shawn A Rhoads ◽  
Abigail Marsh
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Antisocial Behaviors ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Antisocial behaviors cause harm, directly or indirectly, to others’ welfare. The novel coronavirus pandemic has increased the urgency of understanding a specific form of antisociality: behaviors that increase risk of disease transmission. Because disease transmission-linked behaviors tend to be interpreted and responded to differently than other antisocial behaviors, it is unclear whether general indices of antisociality predict contamination-relevant behaviors. In a preregistered study using an online U.S. sample we found that individuals reporting high levels of antisociality engage in fewer social distancing measures: they report leaving their homes more frequently (p=.016, n=117) and standing closer to others while outside (p&lt;.001, n=114). These relationships were observed after controlling for sociodemographic variables, illness risk, and use of protective equipment. Antisociality was not significantly associated with level of worry about the coronavirus. These findings suggest that more antisocial individuals may pose health risks to themselves and their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Tuning a UV-C device to challenge new threats in the sanitization setting of healthcare facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Amodeo ◽  
L Pallecchi ◽  
C Nagaia ◽  
G Spataro ◽  
R Cardaci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Cross Transmission ◽  
Different Strains ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Uv Technology ◽  
Uv C

Abstract Background Environmental hospital hygiene plays a role in healthcare-associated infections emergency caused by resistant multi-drug organisms. The implementation of new and effective disinfection procedures is now more than ever important to prevent the cross-transmission of pathogens in the hospital facilities. In combination with common chemicals biocides, UV technology is a realistic option for environmental disinfection. In this study, we evaluate a UV device for its effectiveness on an emerging pathogen. Methods A laboratory cross section experiment was performed between August and October 2019. Two different strains of Candida auris (CBS 10913 and CBS 12372) were tested on 20 cm2 stainless steel carriers inoculated with 10 µl of bacterial culture at a concentration of 1x105 CFU/mL. The inoculum was spread until dry in aseptic condition. Carriers were placed parallel to the UV device, having 4 UV-C lamps that emit 325 W, at a fixed distance of 2.44 m. Biocidal tests were carried out in triple at three different light exposure times (5, 10 and 20 minutes). After treatment, laboratories procedures were used to detach and transfer the remaining microorganisms from the carriers to plates and compared them to controls after incubation at 37 °C for 48 h. Results A significant inactivation of C. auris already occurred at 5 minutes, reaching 3-4 log10 reduction at 20 minutes of UV-C exposure. No substantial differences were identified by analyzing the results between the two strains. Conclusions The chosen distance of 2.44 m from the target allows to ideally sanitize an entire hospital room. However, to avoid the limit of shaded areas due to the presence of non-movable objects, a couple of positions are recommended, so that shorter distances can reduce the exposure time or increase the average irradiance level of exposed surfaces. Key messages In sanitation of hospital environments, the use of viable alternatives as UV-C can contribute to the reduction of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Accurate testing of different space-time irradiation configurations allows to achieve important results related to the biocidal effects of UV devices.

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