ABSTRACT
Background: Human intravenous immunoglobulin preparations (IVIG) contain a consistent level of antibodies by using large plasma pools from healthy donors for production. Thus, they contain antibodies against a broad spectrum of pathogens and are used to protect against serious infections in patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiency. We have investigated the occurrence and quality of antibodies against a novel pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, in an IVIG preparation. Method(s): Consecutive batches of an IVIG preparation (IntratectTM) and experimental IgG preparations from convalescent or vaccinated donors are analysed. Modified commercial and in-house ELISA systems were used to measure the binding activities against different pathogens. Anti-SARSCoV- 2 IgG activity was determined with a quantitative in-house ELISA based on the spike protein (Wuhan strain). A Meso Scale Diagnostic Antibodies kit system was employed for the analysis of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants or various other respiratory pathogens. Result(s): All IVIG batches tested contained consistent levels of antibodies against common bacteria, viruses and fungi. IVIG batches from before the pandemic showed no detectable anti- SARS-CoV-2 activity. In more recent batches, this activity increased to levels comparable to hyperimmunoglobulin produced from convalescent plasma or vaccinated donors. In parallel, reactivity increased with MERS and anti-SARS-CoV-1, but not with other corona or influenza viruses. The reactivity of the present antibodies against other SARS-CoV-2 variants (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) was similar. They also bound the omicron variant, albeit more weakly. Conclusion(s): SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in an IVIG preparation reached a high level within two years of the pandemic outbreak. As antibody titres correlate with virus neutralisation, this may be beneficial for patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. As clinical trials with individual hyperimmune plasma donations have shown successful prophylaxis and therapy of mild diseases, an IVIG preparation could be beneficial for the treatment of certain patient groups.
ABSTRACT
Background. Learning the burden and seasonality of respiratory viral infections in children in resource-limited settings is critical for hospital infection care and prevention and national public health programs. We built a prospective surveillance program of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in hospitalized children at Hopital Saint Damien - Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs to gather local evidence and support informed clinical and policy decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic erupted as we were launching our project, requiring the use of available point-of-care diagnostics. Methods. Children < 18 years of age with cough, history of fever >= 38 Cdegree, of < 10 days evolution, and requiring hospitalization were included in the study. We obtained a nasopharyngeal swab and collected demographic and clinical data for eligible patients. Samples were tested using antigen test on-site for influenza A (Flu A) and B (Flu B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. Afterwards, all specimens (both negative and positive) were stored and shipped for molecular studies. Results. We obtained and tested 167 samples from patients since April 30, 2021, through January 31, 2022. Single isolates were detected in 88 samples (53%), multiple isolates in 20 samples (12%), and no isolates in 59 samples (35%). Positive cases for RSV, Flu A, and Flu B peaked between November and January. Rhinovirus 1A (RhV) was detected throughout the study period, with peaks around August-September and was the most often detected viral isolate (49, 38%), followed by RSV (37, 29%). Co-infections were seen with RSV, Flu A, RhV, and SARS-CoV-2. Molecular studies detected 7 isolates of Flu A not detected by rapid test, 1 isolate of Flu B, and 1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. However, it failed to detect 2 isolates of Flu A detected by rapid test, 1 isolate of Flu B, and 1 isolate of SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion. Our study captured circulating respiratory viruses in children with SARI in Haiti during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data suggest an increase in respiratory viruses between August and January. Improving point-of-care diagnostics can better inform providers of the local epidemiology of respiratory viruses and support clinical decision-making, such as good use of antibiotics. However, we confirmed the sensitivity of molecular testing. (Figure Presented).
ABSTRACT
The rules for studying from home during the COVID-19 pandemic 'forced' schools in Indonesia to conduct distance learning. The change from the face-to-face learning system to online learning has surprised schools, especially teachers. The school must quickly make a decision about the application that will be used as a distance learning tool. The decision to use the application is in the hands of the principal, but the success of using the application depends on the acceptance and use of each individual as a user. One of support application for distance learning is Streamyard. This study trying to determine the user behavioral on the use Streamyard application. The success of using the application, among others, is based on its user behavior. Using the modified UTAUT2 model, this study will analyse the factors that influence the user behavioral intention of the Streamyard application by 40 teachers at Canisius Junior High School Jakarta as case study. The research was conducted by distributing questionnaires with the four Linkert scales. Five variables to be tested are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, behavioral intention, and use behavior, with the moderating variable age. The results of data processing using the SmartPLS3.0 application show that users' behavior is not influenced by their behavioral intention to continue using the Streamyard application. Social influence and habit significantly influence behavioral intention, while age positively moderates habit on behavioral intention. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
The city-wide lockdown management was implemented in Shanghai from the end of March to the beginning of June in response to the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic. The sudden change of the way of work, lifestyle and industrial structure in the megacity would inevitably influence the characteristics of wastewater production, the composition of wastewater, the influent conditions, and operations of wastewater treatment plants（WWTPs）. The main countermeasures of operation in typical WWTPs were analyzed, which could provide a reference for early-warning and precaution when similar situations occur in WWTPs in the future. In order to eliminate the interference caused by the hysteresis effect after the rain stops in the combined drainage system, the corresponding relationship between the rainfall conditions and the influent quantity and quality of WWTPs was studied.The new statistical standard was established for distinguishing"rainy days"or"count dry days". The contemporaneous data of WWTPs in Shanghai central area during dry season in the past three years was analyzed. It was found that the quantity and quality of the influent showed a reverse trend during Shanghai's city-wide lockdown period. The quantity of wastewater decreased by 6% in the corresponding period, and the concentration of COD and NH3-N decreased by 33% and 17%, respectively. The addition of a large amount of chlorine-containing disinfectants led to an increase in the concentration of residual chlorine in the influent of some WWTPs. Based on the analysis of treatment process and design parameters of the existing WWTPs, the operation mode of exploiting potentialities was finally adopted.WWTPs operated stably and the effluent quality could meet the discharge standards through measures such as strengthening pretreatment, prolonging sludge retention time, controlling the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the biological reaction section, and increasing the dosage of phosphorus removal agents.