Feasibility and acceptability of daily testing at school as an alternative to self-isolation following close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19: A qualitative analysis

Background Daily testing using a rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) has been suggested as an alternative to self-isolation. A randomised trial comparing daily contact testing (DCT) in schools with self-isolation found that SARS-CoV-2 transmission within school was comparable and low in both groups. However, if this approach is to be adopted widely, it is critical that we understand the perspective of those who will be delivering and receiving DCT. The aim of this qualitative process study embedded in the randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to improve understanding of a range of behavioural factors that could influence implementation. Methods Interviews were conducted with 63 participants, including staff, students, and parents of students who had been identified as being in close contact with someone with COVID-19. The topic guide explored perceptions of daily testing, understanding of positive and negative test results, and adherence to guidance. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Results Results were organised under three main headings: (1) factors influencing daily testing (2) interpretation of test results (3) behaviour during testing period. Participants recognized that daily testing may allow students to remain in school, which was viewed as necessary for both education and social needs. Whilst some felt safer as a result of daily testing, others raised concerns about safety. Participants did not always understand how to interpret and respond to test results, and although participants reported high levels of adherence to the guidance, improved communications were desired. Conclusion Daily testing may be a feasible and acceptable alternative to self-isolation among close contacts of people who test positive. However, improved communications are needed to ensure that all students and parents have a good understanding of the rationale for testing, what test results mean, how test results should be acted on, and how likely students are to test positive following close contact. Support is needed for students and parents of students who have to self-isolate and for those who have concerns about the safety of daily testing.

The Role of Vitamin C in the Energy Supply of Cells Hypothetical Structure for Energy Transformation

The present paper represents a hypothetical structure, the structure for energy transformation (SET), which might be responsible for the proper energy transformation steps leading to the continuous production of H+ and ATP in living cells. We predict that the electron flow is realized through the electron flow device (EFD). We suppose that there are several versions of the SET. Two of them are described below [Structure of Aerobic Glycolysis (SET-AG) and Structure of Oxidative Phosphorylation (SET-OP). The hypothesis is based on the atom properties of the protonated adenine molecule and the docking computations of molecular mechanics involved, suggesting that two ascorbate molecules may occupy the empty NADPH pocket, preferably binding to the adenine binding site. We hypothesize that the adenine originates from uric acid (UA), resulting in an ATP-UA-ADP-ATP-UA cycle. It would also mean that UA is one of the oxygen sources in aerobic glycolysis. We also suppose that the EFD contains the well-known molecules of the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) supplemented with two additional UA-originated adenine molecules, two L-ascorbic acids, and two D-glucose molecules. Based on all this, we surmise that a tetra adenine octo phosphate ring (TAR) exists, in which the UA originated adenine molecules form a ring. The molecules are linked to each other through the N7-C2 and C8-N1 atoms of the adenine molecules by H2PO4e- molecules. The four N10 atoms of the adenine molecules bind one flavin, one nicotinamide, and two L-ascorbic acid molecules. Six D-glucose molecules complete one Unit of the structure. Both Fe-S and cytochrome clusters, as well as dehydrogenases, ensure the continuous operation of the Unit. The synchronized function of the three-stoke, three twin-cylinder engine results in continuous energy, ATP, and H+ production. Eukaryotic cells are equipped with the SET-AG and the SET-OP; thus, they can live in an anoxic and oxygenized environment. It is hoped that the SET concept developed here will help the better understanding the way of cancer treatment’s action regarding glucose deprivation or Vitamin C.