SARS-CoV-2 air and surface contamination in residential settings.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs mainly indoors, through virus-laden airborne particles. Although the presence and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol are now acknowledged, the underlying circumstances for its occurrence are still under investigation. The contamination of domiciliary environments during the isolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in their respective rooms in individual houses and in a nursing home was investigated by collecting surface and air samples in these environments. Surface contamination was detected in different contexts, both on high and low-touch surfaces. To determine the presence of virus particles in the air, two sampling methodologies were used: air and deposition sampling. Positive deposition samples were found in sampling locations above the patient's height, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in impactation air samples within a size fraction below 2.5 µm. Surface samples rendered the highest positivity rate and persistence for a longer period. The presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA occurred mainly in deposition samples and closer to symptom onset. To evaluate the infectivity of selected positive samples, SARS-CoV-2 viability assays were performed, but our study was not able to validate the virus viability. The presented results confirm the presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor compartments occupied by COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, in the absence of aerosol-generating clinical procedures.

Characterization of military police officers of Alagoas affected by COVID-19.

Introduction: COVID-19 has greatly affected society by limiting the functioning of sectors of the economy and public services. Considering the essential character of many of these services, especially public security, it is necessary to understand how the disease has affected different groups within the population so that public policies for facing this problem can be implemented. Objectives: To identify and describe the profile of military police officers affected by COVID-19. Methods: This is a descriptive observational study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data. The electronic medical records of 737 military police officers affected by COVID-19 were accessed; sociodemographic, biological, and professional data were collected, as well as data on disease progression. Data were analyzed using Bioestat® software, v5.3. Results: The peak of the COVID-19 contagion curve happened first among military police officers of the state of Alagoas than in the general population, and a positive effect of social distancing was observed in the containment of disease spread. Moreover, specialized operations units had a higher contagion rate in view of the higher level of exposure linked to their work activities. Conclusions: This study described the profile of military police officers affected by COVID-19, which can substantiate the adoption of public policies and new strategies to fight this disease among officers in Alagoas, thus ensuring the continuity of the service provided to society.

Knowledge about COVID-19 Best Practices in the North of Portugal and the Importance of Health Education in the Prevention of Pandemic Events

Introduction: The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made COVID-19 one of the biggest pandemics of all time, with several devastating public health challenges. In this study, we investigated the knowledge towards COVID-19 best practices in the north of Portugal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of the population of northern Portugal to assess their knowledge about COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and measures to prevent and mitigate pandemics. An online validated questionnaire was completed by 411 participants, from September to October 2020. Results: The overall correct knowledge was 81.3%, which indicates a good knowledge by the northern Portuguese respondents about COVID-19. The correct answer score differed considerably between men and women, being significantly higher among the latter (12.28 ±1.22;p = 0.011). Moreover, the highest knowledge was observed in participants who attended high school or above (12.27 ±1.21;p < 0.000). Conclusion: This study contributes to the analysis of COVID-19 knowledge by the northern Portuguese population, emphasizes the crucial role of health education in the control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides field-based evidence to prevent the next pandemic event.

The Role of Nutraceutical Containing Polyphenols in Diabetes Prevention.

Research in pharmacological therapy has led to the availability of many antidiabetic agents. New recommendations for precision medicine and particularly precision nutrition may greatly contribute to the control and especially to the prevention of diabetes. This scenario greatly encourages the search for novel non-pharmaceutical molecules. In line with this, the daily and long-term consumption of diets rich in phenolic compounds, together with a healthy lifestyle, may have a protective role against the development of type 2 diabetes. In the framework of the described studies, there is clear evidence that the bio accessibility, bioavailability, and the gut microbiota are indeed affected by: the way phenolic compounds are consumed (acutely or chronically; as pure compounds, extracts, or in-side a whole meal) and the amount and the type of phenolic compounds (ex-tractable or non-extractable/macromolecular antioxidants, including non-bioavailable polyphenols and plant matrix complexed structures). In this review, we report possible effects of important, commonly consumed, phenolic-based nutraceuticals in pre-clinical and clinical diabetes studies. We highlight their mechanisms of action and their potential effects in health promotion. Translation of this nutraceutical-based approach still requires more and larger clinical trials for better elucidation of the mechanism of action toward clinical applications.