ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious virus and etiologic agent of COVID-19, which is spread by respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces. Copper is a known antiviral agent, and has resulted in successful reduction of pathogens and infections by 83-99.9% when coated on surfaces in intensive care units. Additionally, copper has been shown to inactivate pathogens such as Coronavirus 226E, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we examine the ability of two copper blends with differing compositions to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virus at different time points. Copper Blend 2 (75.07% pure copper) was found to significantly reduce (over 50%) the viability of SARS-CoV-2 at 5 min of contact, with at least 98% reduction in recovered virus at 20 min (vs. plastic control). However, Copper Blend 1 (48.26% pure copper), was not found to significantly reduce viability of SARS-CoV-2 at any time point when compared to plastic. This may indicate that there is an important percentage of copper content in materials that is needed to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2. Overall, this study shows that over the course of 20 min, coatings made of copper materials can significantly reduce the recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 compared to uncoated controls, indicating the effective use of copper for viral inactivation on surfaces. Furthermore, it may suggest higher copper content has stronger antiviral properties. This could have important implications when short turnaround times are needed for cleaning and disinfecting rooms or equipment, especially in strained healthcare settings which are struggling to keep up with demand.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The literature regarding bidirectional relationships of depressive symptoms to cigarette and alcohol use is mixed, and limited regarding e-cigarette and cannabis use. Moreover, COVID-19 has significantly impacted mental health and substance use, especially among young adults. Thus, this is a critical period for focused research on these relationships among young adults. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal data (assessments in Fall 2018, 2019, and 2020) from 3,006 young adults (Mage = 24.56 [SD = 4.72], 54.8% female, 31.6% sexual minority, 71.6% White, 5.3% Black, 12.2% Asian, 11.4% Hispanic) from 6 US metropolitan statistical areas. Cross-lagged panel models were conducted to examine bidirectional associations between depressive symptoms and past 30-day use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and alcohol (respectively), controlling for sociodemographics. RESULTS: During the study period, depressive symptoms decreased before the pandemic but increased during, cigarette and e-cigarette use decreased in both periods, alcohol use showed no change before but increases during the pandemic, and cannabis use increased in both periods. Additionally, each outcome demonstrated greater stability before versus during COVID-19. Finally, greater antecedent depressive symptoms correlated with more days of subsequent cigarette (ß = 0.03, SE = 0.01, p =.011) and e-cigarette use (ß = 0.03, SE = 0.01, p =.021), but fewer days of alcohol use (ß = -0.02, SE = 0.01, p =.035). W2 cannabis use and alcohol use, respectively, were related to W3 depressive symptoms (cannabis: ß = 0.09, SE = 0.02, p <.001; alcohol: ß = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p =.002). No other cross-lagged associations were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention efforts targeting depression and substance use should explicitly address the potential for onset and escalation of substance use and depressive symptoms, respectively, especially during societal stressors.
ABSTRACT
Given the need to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among US young adults, we examined the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in this population and related factors. We analyzed Fall 2020 survey data from 2,453 young adults (ages 18-34) across 6 US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs; Meanage = 24.67; 55.8% female; 5.4% Black, 12.7% Asian, 11.1% Hispanic; 75.5% college degree or higher). Multivariable linear regression examined correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (index score of willingness and likelihood of being vaccinated), including sociopolitical factors (MSA, political orientation, COVID-related news exposure), COVID-19 symptoms and testing, mental health (e.g., COVID-related stress), and sociodemographics. 45.3% were "extremely willing" to get the vaccine (19.8% very, 14.2% somewhat, 3.7% don't know, 7.0% a little, 10.1% not at all); 40.2% were "extremely likely" to get vaccinated (22.1% very, 14.2% somewhat, 5.2% don't know, 7.9% a little, 10.3% not at all). Greater vaccine hesitancy was significantly related to living in specific MSAs (i.e., Atlanta, Oklahoma City, San Diego, Seattle vs. Minneapolis or Boston), identifying as Republican or "no lean" (vs. Democrat), and reporting less COVID-related news exposure and less COVID-related stress, as well as identifying as older, female, Black or other race, having less (vs. greater) than a college education, being married/cohabitating, and having children in the home. Interventions to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among hesitant young adults should include communication that address concerns, particularly among women, minority groups, and those from certain geographic regions and/or differing political orientations, and require identifying communication channels that appeal to these groups.