Food as a transmitter of viruses: A review

Viruses have been present throughout human history, causing diseases due to infections and food poisoning;they have caused frequent public health problems worldwide. These illnesses are usually mild, moderate, or severe in nature. The personal hygiene of food handlers and processing processes should be checked periodically. Virus detection protocols and safety measures should be continually reviewed as viruses change their mode of infection. The objective of this review was to discuss the possible routes of virus transmission to humans through food. Important topics have been reviewed such as: definition of food viruses, presence, and types of viruses in food, enteric viruses, zoonotic viruses, water as a means of transmission, risks of infection, other non-conventional foods as potential transmitters of viruses and food safety, in addition to current and future challenges, research work on viruses more resistant to heat treatments in food should be sought. Also, future work on survival time of active viruses on food surfaces. In addition, studies that determine the mechanisms of virus mutation in relation to the conditions of food handling and processing.

COVID-19 AI Inspector

In this paper, we aimed to aid the control measure that is implemented during the COVID-19 in Taiwan. As the virus spreads rapidly throughout the world, the Taiwanese government imposed three restrictions that help Taiwan to control the spread immediately. One of the restrictions that they imposed is to always wear a face mask. To avoid economic breakdown and still consider the general health of the public, Taiwan limits mass gatherings like in the food industry, entertainment, public transport, religious activities, etc. To be able to increase health security during a mass gathering, we developed an AI software to be able to detect people who are properly wearing a face mask, improperly wearing, and not wearing at all. The data that we used is from Kaggle to be able to use and process the data during image recognition, we use a raspberry pi board and camera. With the algorithm we used;we came up with an outstanding system where we could present excellent results due to the detection accuracy.

COVAC1 phase 2a expanded safety and immunogenicity study of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is well tolerated and immunogenic in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative and seropositive individuals aged 18-75. Methods: A phase 2a expanded safety and immunogenicity study of a saRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate LNP-nCoVsaRNA, was conducted at participating centres in the UK between 10th August 2020 and 30th July 2021. Participants received 1 µg then 10 µg of LNP-nCoVsaRNA, ∼14 weeks apart. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for one week post-each vaccine, and unsolicited AEs throughout. Binding and neutralisating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody raised in participant sera was measured by means of an anti-Spike (S) IgG ELISA, and SARS-CoV-2 pseudoneutralisation assay. (The trial is registered: ISRCTN17072692, EudraCT 2020-001646-20). Findings: 216 healthy individuals (median age 51 years) received 1.0 µg followed by 10.0 µg of the vaccine. 28/216 participants were either known to have previous SARS-CoV2 infection and/or were positive for anti-Spike (S) IgG at baseline. Reactogenicity was as expected based on the reactions following licensed COVID-19 vaccines, and there were no serious AEs related to vaccination. 80% of baseline SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals (147/183) seroconverted two weeks post second immunization, irrespective of age (18-75); 56% (102/183) had detectable neutralising antibodies. Almost all (28/31) SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals had increased S IgG binding antibodies following their first 1.0 µg dose with a ≥0.5log10 increase in 71% (22/31). Interpretation: Encapsulated saRNA was well tolerated and immunogenic in adults aged 18-75 years. Seroconversion rates in antigen naïve were higher than those reported in our dose-ranging study. Further work is required to determine if this difference is related to a longer dosing interval (14 vs. 4 weeks) or dosing with 1.0 µg followed by 10.0 µg. Boosting of S IgG antibodies was observed with a single 1.0 µg injection in those with pre-existing immune responses. Funding: Grants and gifts from the Medical Research Council UKRI (MC_PC_19076), the National Institute for Health Research/Vaccine Task Force, Partners of Citadel and Citadel Securities, Sir Joseph Hotung Charitable Settlement, Jon Moulton Charity Trust, Pierre Andurand, and Restore the Earth.

Enhanced immune responses following heterologous vaccination with self-amplifying RNA and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

The optimal vaccination strategy to boost responses in the context of pre-existing immune memory to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein is an important question for global public health. To address this, we explored the SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immune responses to a novel self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine followed by a UK authorised mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) in individuals with and without previous COVID-19, and compared these responses with those who received an authorised vaccine alone. 35 subjects receiving saRNA (saRNA group) as part of the COVAC1 clinical trial and an additional 40 participants receiving an authorised SARS-CoV-2 vaccine only (non-saRNA group) were recruited. Antibody responses were measured by ELISA and a pseudoneutralisation assay for wildtype, Delta and Omicron variants. Cellular responses were measured by IFN-Æ´ ELISpot and an activation induced marker (AIM) assay. Approximately 50% in each group had previous COVID-19 prior to vaccination, confirmed by PCR or antibody positivity on ELISA. All of those who received saRNA subsequently received a full course of an authorised vaccine. The majority (83%) of those receiving saRNA who were COVID-19 naïve at baseline seroconverted following the second dose, and those with previous COVID-19 had an increase in antibody titres two weeks following saRNA vaccination (median 27-fold), however titres were lower when compared to mRNA vaccination. Two weeks following the 2nd authorised mRNA vaccine dose, binding and neutralising antibody titres were significantly higher in the saRNA participants with previous COVID-19, compared to non-saRNA, or COVID-19 naive saRNA participants. Cellular responses were again highest in this group, with a higher proportion of spike specific CD8+ than CD4+ T cells when compared to those receiving the mRNA vaccine only. These findings suggest an immunological benefit of increased antigen exposure, both from natural infection and vaccination, particularly evident in those receiving heterologous vaccination with saRNA and mRNA.

Perception of Esl and Efl Students Towards Code-Switching in Online Classrooms: An Exploratory Study

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in paradigm shifts and changes in educational landscape especially in the field of English Language Teaching, thus requiring teachers to tailor instruction and even relax language prescription to aid students in the new normal. Code-switching, a linguistic phenomenon normally practiced by ESL and EFL students, penetrates online classrooms beyond doubt. The purpose of this study is to examine the ESL and EFL students' perception towards code-switching in online classrooms. Using a qualitative method, data were collected through a focus group discussion with 2 sets of participants: 9 Filipino ESL students and 7 Vietnamese EFL students. Moreover, this study used the sequential analysis by Creswell (2018) on data generation. Findings indicated that a majority of FGD participants believe that shifting from English to their native language enhances their language proficiency in the target language, increases their participation, and has become a normal linguistic practice in online classrooms. However, a few FGD participants have ambivalence towards code-switching such as poor English language proficiency and extreme dependence and reliance on their teachers. The analysis also revealed three ways how code-switching is used as tool for English language learning in the online classrooms: (1) achieving linguistic competencies prescribed in the curriculum, (2) managing online classrooms, and (3) building connection between teachers and students. FGD participants call ESL and EFL teachers to use code-switching as an accommodation strategy for more effective English language learning and teaching in the new normal.

COVID-19: Individual freedom and herd culture

Pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures recommended by health agencies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are rejected by some citizens and political leaders and have been the subject of protests. The argument used is the defense of individual freedoms such as the right not to be vaccinated, wear a face mask, or respect quarantine. This article analyzes such actions from the perspective of negative liberty and counterposes the advantages of positive liberty, such as the self-imposition of restrictions in the interests of collective well-being. The article argues that the exercise of negative liberty in relation to vaccination produces cost and benefit asymmetries between the unvaccinated and vaccinated, with the former placing the latter at risk and transferring the cost of their decision to others, while the latter produces herd immunity, reducing the possibility of infection and providing protection and benefits to the unvaccinated. Drawing on concepts from sociology that differentiate between disease (a physiological malfunction), illness (the subjective experience of a disease), and sickness (when a disease is recognized and accepted by society), it is argued that herd culture is created when a biological disease and illness is transformed into a social sickness. Herd culture as the exercise of positive liberty and respect for the rights of others is a necessary complement to herd immunity in a democratic society. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 AI Inspector

In this paper, we aimed to aid the control measure that is implemented during the COVID-19 in Taiwan. As the virus spreads rapidly throughout the world, the Taiwanese government imposed three restrictions that help Taiwan to control the spread immediately. One of the restrictions that they imposed is to always wear a face mask. To avoid economic breakdown and still consider the general health of the public, Taiwan limits mass gatherings like in the food industry, entertainment, public transport, religious activities, etc. To be able to increase health security during a mass gathering, we developed an AI software to be able to detect people who are properly wearing a face mask, improperly wearing, and not wearing at all. The data that we used is from Kaggle to be able to use and process the data during image recognition, we use a raspberry pi board and camera. With the algorithm we used;we came up with an outstanding system where we could present excellent results due to the detection accuracy. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthwash to Reduce Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

The airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via respiratory fluids and droplets suggests that mouthwashes containing substances with virucidal activity can help reduce viral spread. We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to assess the virucidal activity of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthwashes. Outpatients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection with or without symptoms were randomized to perform washes and gargles for 1 min with 15 mL of either colored distilled water or 0.07% CPC (Vitis CPC Protect) mouthwash. The study outcomes were the SARS-CoV-2 log10 viral RNA load and the nucleocapsid protein levels, both in saliva at 1 and 3 h after the intervention. In total, 118 patients were enrolled and randomized (mean [SD], age 46 [14] y). Thirteen of 118 participants (11%) did not complete follow-up or had insufficient sample volume for testing and were excluded from the analysis. The assessment of the viral load showed no significant differences between groups at any of the investigated points. However, the levels of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein of lysed viruses were significantly higher in the CPC group compared with the control group at 1 h (adjusted difference 269.3 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.1-441.5) and at 3 h postintervention (561.1 pg/mL; 95% CI, 380.0-742.2). In nonhospitalized patients with asymptomatic or mild symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, a 0.07% CPC mouthwash, compared to placebo, was associated with a significant increase of nucleocapsid protein levels in saliva, indicating enhanced disruption of viral particles.

CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE MOUTHWASHES to REDUCE the SHEDDING of VIABLE SARS-CoV-2

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is spread via airborne transmission. Mouthwashes containing virucidal compounds can help reduce viral spread. Here we show that cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a quaternary ammonium present in many oral mouthwashes, reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by disrupting viral membranes both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We tested the capacity of CPC-containing mouthwashes to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry into target cells by using a luciferase-based assay with a reporter lentivirus pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 and D614G variants were also assayed. Viral envelope disruption by CPC's virucidal effect was measured by dynamic light-scattering analyses (DSL). We confirmed these results by modifying an ELISA that detects the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (NC), which was used in the absence of its own lysis buffer. The effect of CPC in the saliva of individuals with CoVID-19 was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were randomized to gargle either water or 0.07% CPC mouthwash. The study outcomes were the SARS-CoV-2 log10 viral RNA load by RT-PCR and the NC protein levels by ELISA, both in saliva at 1h and 3h post-intervention. Results: CPC-containing mouthwashes inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral fusion in vitro in a dose-dependent manner and decreased more than a 1000 times the viral TCID50 in target cells, regardless of the variant tested. The ELISA and the DSL analyses pointed to the effective disruption of the integrity of viral membranes after treatment with CPC. The clinical study performed with 105 patients showed no significant differences in viral RNA load at 1h and 3h post-treatment in saliva between placebo and CPC-treated groups. However, the levels of SARS-CoV-2 NC protein of lysed viruses were significantly higher in the CPC group at 1h and 3h post-intervention. Conclusion: CPC decreased more than a 1000 times the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and was effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. In CoVID-19 patients, the use of a 0.07% CPC mouthwash correlated with a statistically significant increase of NC protein levels in saliva, indicating enhanced disruption of viral particles. CPC-containing mouth rinses can represent a cost-effective measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in saliva, aiding to reduce viral transmission from infected individuals regardless of the variants they are infected with.

Herd culture and herd immunity

Although communicable diseases affect our bodies, they occur in a society that interprets and gives them meaning. Herd immunity provides the body protection;however, long-term protection requires shifts in the way people interpret and respond to disease, cultural transformation that enables the development of the knowledge, habits and skills that make herd immunity feasible and sustainable. Herd culture allows individuals to protect themselves and restrict their liberty in order to protect others;it is a form of exercising positive liberty and a necessary complement to herd immunity in a democratic society.

Food as a transmitter of viruses: A review

Viruses have been present throughout human history, causing diseases due to infections and food poisoning;they have caused frequent public health problems worldwide. These illnesses are usually mild, moderate, or severe in nature. The personal hygiene of food handlers and processing processes should be checked periodically. Virus detection protocols and safety measures should be continually reviewed as viruses change their mode of infection. The objective of this review was to discuss the possible routes of virus transmission to humans through food. Important topics have been reviewed such as: definition of food viruses, presence, and types of viruses in food, enteric viruses, zoonotic viruses, water as a means of transmission, risks of infection, other non-conventional foods as potential transmitters of viruses and food safety, in addition to current and future challenges, research work on viruses more resistant to heat treatments in food should be sought. Also, future work on survival time of active viruses on food surfaces. In addition, studies that determine the mechanisms of virus mutation in relation to the conditions of food handling and processing. © 2022 Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. All right reserved.

Safety and immunogenicity of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine against COVID-19: COVAC1, a phase I, dose-ranging trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) is a novel technology formulated as a low dose vaccine against COVID-19. METHODS: A phase I first-in-human dose-ranging trial of a saRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate LNP-nCoVsaRNA, was conducted at Imperial Clinical Research Facility, and participating centres in London, UK, between 19th June to 28th October 2020. Participants received two intramuscular (IM) injections of LNP-nCoVsaRNA at six different dose levels, 0.1-10.0µg, given four weeks apart. An open-label dose escalation was followed by a dose evaluation. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for one week from enrolment, with follow-up at regular intervals (1-8 weeks). The binding and neutralisation capacity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody raised in participant sera was measured by means of an anti-Spike (S) IgG ELISA, immunoblot, SARS-CoV-2 pseudoneutralisation and wild type neutralisation assays. (The trial is registered: ISRCTN17072692, EudraCT 2020-001646-20). FINDINGS: 192 healthy individuals with no history or serological evidence of COVID-19, aged 18-45 years were enrolled. The vaccine was well tolerated with no serious adverse events related to vaccination. Seroconversion at week six whether measured by ELISA or immunoblot was related to dose (both p<0.001), ranging from 8% (3/39; 0.1µg) to 61% (14/23; 10.0µg) in ELISA and 46% (18/39; 0.3µg) to 87% (20/23; 5.0µg and 10.0µg) in a post-hoc immunoblot assay. Geometric mean (GM) anti-S IgG concentrations ranged from 74 (95% CI, 45-119) at 0.1µg to 1023 (468-2236) ng/mL at 5.0µg (p<0.001) and was not higher at 10.0µg. Neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 by participant sera was measurable in 15% (6/39; 0.1µg) to 48% (11/23; 5.0µg) depending on dose level received. INTERPRETATION: Encapsulated saRNA is safe for clinical development, is immunogenic at low dose levels but failed to induce 100% seroconversion. Modifications to optimise humoral responses are required to realise its potential as an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. FUNDING: This study was co-funded by grants and gifts from the Medical Research Council UKRI (MC_PC_19076), and the National Institute Health Research/Vaccine Task Force, Partners of Citadel and Citadel Securities, Sir Joseph Hotung Charitable Settlement, Jon Moulton Charity Trust, Pierre Andurand, Restore the Earth.

Food Security, Covid-19 and Crisis: An Application of the Binomial Logistic Regression Model for Its Study

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused serious consequences, especially regarding food security, particularly dire in the Venezuelan case. Quantitative descriptive research aimed at studying the perception and identification of indicators of food security in Venezuela provided knowledge for defining or reorienting public policy for the most vulnerable population. 507 surveys were carried out in the municipality of Fernandez Feo in Tachira, near the Colombian border. The analysis model used was that of Binary Logistic Regression, with SPSS (R), which produced nine key findings, both explanatory and predictive, that determined the presence or absence of specific characteristics in social food programs in Venezuela and groups with more or less possibilities of accessing these programs. Aside from new perspectives for the future, more specific research, it shows the way a sanitary emergency induced by a pandemic exponentially affects the demand of low-income populations for social aid, whether public or private, to meet their vital need for food as adequately as possible.

Addressing the opioid crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic with a virtual, interactive and interprofessional opioid overdose workshop for healthcare professionals

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a growing and significant public health concern in California's Fresno County. To prevent opioid misuse, overdoses, and deaths, health professionals must learn how to work collaboratively to rapidly identify overdose threats, reverse overdoses, link people to effective treatment and reduce harms associated with opioids. A traditional interprofessional in-person workshop was not feasible due to the COVID-19 pandemic;therefore, a virtual interprofessional workshop was developed and implemented. The faculty team who developed the workshop sought to discover if a virtual approach would promote learning and influence participants' attitudes toward opioid overdose. Research Question or Hypothesis: Does a virtual, synchronous, interprofessional workshop impact healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward opioid misuse? Study Design: A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre and post approach was used. The target population were healthcare professional providers and students. Methods: Participants attended a 4-hour online synchronous workshop focused on opioid overdose and Naloxone training. Firstresponder Naloxone kits were provided through California's Naloxone Distribution Project. Data were collected via an online survey platform using the Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) using a pre/post method, and the Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS), using a retrospective pre/post method. Data were confirmed to be non-parametric, so Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare pre- and post-test OOKS overall score and risk, sign, action, and naloxone use subscales and OOAS overall score and competence, concerns, and readiness subscales (Bonferroni adjusted α=0.006). Results: A total of 80 providers, students, and faculty from a variety of specialties participated. All OOKS and OOAS scores, except the readiness subscale, were significantly improved following the workshop and Naloxone training (p<0.004). Conclusion: A 4-hour online synchronous workshop significantly improved knowledge of and attitudes toward opioid overdose among healthcare professional providers and students. These study findings will inform future curriculum development and enhancement of future virtual programs to efficiently train healthcare professionals about approaching an opioid overdose.

Mouthwashes with CPC Reduce the Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants In Vitro.

Oral mouthwashes decrease the infectivity of several respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. However, the precise agents with antiviral activity in these oral rinses and their exact mechanism of action remain unknown. Here we show that cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a quaternary ammonium compound in many oral mouthwashes, reduces SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by inhibiting the viral fusion step with target cells after disrupting the integrity of the viral envelope. We also found that CPC-containing mouth rinses decreased more than a thousand times the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, while the corresponding vehicles had no effect. This activity was effective for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the B.1.1.7 or Alpha variant originally identified in United Kingdom, and in the presence of sterilized saliva. CPC-containing mouth rinses could therefore represent a cost-effective measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in saliva, aiding to reduce viral transmission from infected individuals regardless of the variants they are infected with.

Instrumental Music Educators in a COVID Landscape: A Reassertion of Relationality and Connection in Teaching Practice.

For many countries instrumental music tuition in secondary schools is a ubiquitous event that provides situated and personalized instruction in the learning of an instrument. Opportunities and methods through which teachers operate during the COVID-19 outbreak challenged music educators as to how they taught, engaged, and interacted with students across online platforms, with alarm over aerosol dispersement a major factor in maintaining online instrumental music tuition even as students returned to "normal" face to face classes. This qualitative study investigated the practices employed by instrumental music educators in secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia, analyzing teacher perspectives to music tuition amidst the restriction of interaction with students remotely via online means. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed music educational approaches that fostered connection, empathy and receptiveness to relationship-building, guiding students in slower and deeper learner-centered approaches, asserting pedagogical practices that reinforced and promoted interpersonal connectedness in and through musical experience and discovery. These findings provide a framework for how music educators can facilitate connection, motivation and student autonomy generating personal meaning and commitment to music making and the learning relationship, which can translate to significant student learning and value in the learning music. Exploring teachers' pedagogical practices and behaviors within this dyadic teacher-student relationship is a significant addition to the literature, enabling the consideration of the type of connective behaviors required to stimulate and develop long-term interest in music.

Large scale use of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-based detection tests: A three-month experience in Guatemala, June-August 2020

Objectives. To measure protocol adherence and antigen-based detection tests (AgDT) negative predictive value after 3 months of massive use as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 in Guatemala. Methods. The study period included nasopharyngeal swabs taken between March 12 and August 31, 2020, which results were entered in the national COVID-19 information system. Proportional increase in testing between one month before and one month after the introduction of AgDT (May 9–June 8 vs. June 9–July 8) was measured. Results. After AgDT introduction, there was a 139% increase in SARS-CoV-2 testing. Between June 9 and August 31, 7.8% of 110 657 AgDT-negative patients had follow-up RT-PCR testing. Of them, 30% were RT-PCR positive. Conclusions. While introducing AgDT improved access to diagnostics, ensuring the availability of timely RT-PCR capacities to confirm diagnosis is also key. © 2020 Pan American Health Organization. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of covid-19 at the primary care level: Diagnostic tests

The disease caused by the new coronavi-rus (sars-CoV-2) has affected virtually everyone since its first report in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019. In most cases, the disease will have a mild to moderate symptomatology;in cases of severe symptomatology, hospital care and monitoring with supportive treatment is necessary. Due to the absence of specific directed treatment or vaccines with proven effectiveness, a tool of great impact to reduce the transmission of sars-CoV-2 is a timely identification and isolation of the infected people, as well as of the asymp-tomatic people with antecedent of close contact with a confirmed case. The tests currently available consist of nucleic acid sequence detection using the Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reac-tion (rt-pcr) test, serology and viral antigen detection. The standard test for the covid-19 diagnosis is the rt-pcr. The sensitivity and specificity of the test varies according to the time the sample is taken with respect to the beginning of symptoms. The nasopharyngeal sample has a higher sensitivity. A correct interpretation of the tests depends on the context of the patient, the stage of the disease in which it is found and the pre-analytical variants. The updated information continues so it is essential to stay ahead of new diagnostic tests and the management of covid-19.