ABSTRACT
This study was aimed at evaluating the changes in the antibody titers and neutralization ability before and after inoculation with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, USA) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Japan. A total of 221 HCPs were enrolled and their blood samples were collected at three time points: (1) before vaccination, (2) 3 weeks after the first dose, and (3) 3 weeks after the second dose. The titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein IgG antibody were measured in all the samples using VITROS-Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 Quant IgG Antibody (CLEIA, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.), and the surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (sVNT) (ELISA, GenScript, USA) was performed in the samples obtained after the vaccination. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were (1) median: 0.16;Interquartile (IQR): 0.10-0.27, (2) median: 250;IQR: 99.5-466 and (3) median: 2,400;IQR: 1,480-3,950, respectively, at the three time-points. Our study also revealed the relationship between the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titer and the antibody neutralization activity.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) require continuous interventions. This study aimed to assess the response and impact of COVID-19 on Hepatitis prevention and treatment in Japan. This international joint research was conducted by three research groups of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan with The Task Force for Global Health and in cooperation with Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH). Materials and Methods: We have conducted this cross-sectional study by questionnaire survey both in Japanese and English language on online Microsoft forms platform from 24 August to 03 October 2021. The questionnaire was designed to address the impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis treatment, testing, screening;mitigation strategies;response to COVID-19;and perceived benefits of COVID-19. Results: Total 196 medical doctors have participated from 35 prefectures among them 49.5% are in administrative positions. 55.6% of participants responded about no interruption while 11.7% reported supply chain disruptions during the survey period. 1-25% decrease in HBV screening, testing was reported by 38.8% and 43.9% participants, respectively. Decease of 1-25% in HCV screening, testing and were reported by 39.8% and 43.4% participants, respectively. However, no decline to initiate HBV and HCV treatment was reported by 53.6% and 45.4%, respectively. But extend of hospital visits was reported by 65.3%. The survey response illustrated the decrease in patients' imaging (65.8%), lab testing (68.4%), HCC screening (55.1%), gastrointestinal endoscopy (87.2%), and liver biopsy (43.4%). Patient anxiety and fear (67.4%), loss of staff to COVID-19 response (49.0%), and limited availability of staff (46.4%) are responded as challenges to resume services to pre-COVID-19 level. Conclusion: A greater decrease has been noticed in HBV and HCV testing, screening, and other associated liver diseases than treatment initiation in Japan. However, anxiety and fear of patients, lack of staff and facilities are major challenges to overcome such situation.
ABSTRACT
In response to the global Covid-19 pandemic, universities across the world moved coursework online andfrequently used Zoom videotelephony software to replicate the experience of learning in a classroom. While this platform supported certain aspects of the traditional classroom, such as immediacy of responses and the facilitation of social interactions, learning via Zoom also differed in various ways from the familiar classroom experience. Although there has been considerable research on online learning, most studies focused on an asynchronous design and interaction. Thus, the understanding of learning within synchronous, video-mediatedplatforms, such as Zoom, is nascent. In this study, the data was derivedfrom a focus group with eight university students from the United States that was conducted over Zoom. Using content analysis, the transcripts of the focus group's interaction yielded four themes: Zoom Challenges, Zoom Benefits, Faculty Proficiency, and Student Learning Experiences. Cameras, a distinguishing feature of Zoom, could strengthen engagement, yet they also heighten anxiety for some andfatigue for most users. However, when those challenges were mitigated and the benefits harnessed by faculty informed about how to support student learning, students experienced a deepened sense of connection to their peers, the faculty, and their learning. Family science educators who recognize the strengths and limitations of this platform have the opportunity to teach more effectively and support their students' socio-emotional learning and well-being. © 2022, Grand Canyon University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) protect wearers from inhalation of fine particulates and help prevent transmission of airborne viruses. Here, an FFR material is produced by successive deposition of contact drawn poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibers. Fibers are formed by immersing an array of pins in a highly viscous precursor solution of PEO and then rapidly removing the pins such that polymer entanglement occurs, forming multiple liquid bridges that rapidly dry as they extend. Tunable filtration is achieved by varying the number of PEO fiber elongation cycles. Placing the PEO textiles between two woven cotton cloths provides structural support and additional filtration capacity, achieving a maximum filtration efficiency of 95% with a corresponding initial pressure drop of 281 Pa. The entrapment of silver nanoparticles in the PEO fibers imparts virucidal properties to PEO-based textiles, as demonstrated by inactivation of a human coronavirus HCoV-OC43 and influenza A virus inoculum. The ability to tune filtration efficiency to application needs and provide advanced function through entrapment of active materials represents a versatile tool for limiting exposure to airborne particulates and pathogens.
ABSTRACT
Comprehensive COVID-19 diagnostic testing is regarded as a critical in preventing the spread of the virus, but only a few studies thus far have sought to assess the net benefits that sustained testing might offer, despite the importance accorded by researchers to evidence-based policy making. We performed a cost-benefit analysis using the extended SEIR model to assess whether maintaining the current level of COVID-19 testing is an economically rational choice compared with counterfactual scenarios. Our results suggest that the relationship between the net benefits and the level of testing assumes an inverted-U shape, which means that comprehensive diagnostic testing is effective in flattening the infection curve, but it is a financial burden to society. This study provides evidence that comprehensive diagnostic testing would not be a good strategy for countries with scant financial and medical resources, considering the costs. Furthermore, undertaking comprehensive diagnostic testing without implementing other strategies is a limited approach to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, this study suggests that policy makers should find ways to improve the effectiveness of tests, not just increase the level of tests. © 2020 by the GSPA, Seoul National University.