Prevention Of COVID-19 Infections Research Articles

Towards prevention of new COVID-19 infections in institutions of higher education: factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among public university students in Ghana.

Ghana's mask-wearing compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols has not been as impressive among the general population. In this study, we examined factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among public university students in Ghana to make recommendations for the prevention of new COVID-19 infections in public universities. We conducted this Census in a public university in Ghana between January and December 2022. The study design was an exploratory-cross-sectional and online survey. Structured questionnaires developed by the authors were used to collect data from 3,272 students. Data were analyzed with Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). Frequency distributions were used to summarize the data into tables and graphs whilst logistic regression analysis was done to examine the factors influencing compliance with mask-wearing among participants as well as their mask-wearing behaviors in school. Compliance with mask-wearing measures was high with 85.9% of the students wearing a nose mask always or often. Agreeing that the reusable masks do not last long was associated with a reduced chance of non-compliance (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.86). However, agreeing with some challenges was associated with increased chances of non-compliance. These included concerns that it is boring to mask after wearing makeup or having a haircut (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.14), and that masking is burdensome because it has to be removed when talking (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.01, 1.57), and that it is difficult to hear while masked (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.79). Cost-benefit analyses, opinions about one's look, and communication difficulties are the key factors influencing students' non-compliance with mask-wearing regulations. To encourage student compliance with mask-wearing regulations at Ghana's public universities, we recommend innovation in nose mask manufacture.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 at a Selected Regional Hospital in Namibia.

As the threat of COVID-19 continues, new evidence and knowledge of the disease is coming to light, thus it is critical to evaluate nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the control and prevention of COVID-19 infections. The objective of the study was to assess the KAP of nurses regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 at a selected regional hospital in Namibia. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was used to quantify and measure the relationships between the demographic variables and the key variables of KAP regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19. A total of 101 respondents were conveniently sampled. Data were collected online and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The mean scores were: knowledge 26.8 (83.8%), attitude 44.8 (70%), and practice 46.8 (78%). The Pearson's correlation showed that the practice score was positively correlated to the attitude score (r = 0.556, p < 0.01), while the independent samples t-test showed that gender, COVID-19 status, and nurse status had no effect on knowledge, attitude, or practices (p > 0.05). There was a significant mean difference in the attitude scores between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated nurses: t (86.251) = 2.974, p ≤ 0.05, as well as in the practice scores: t (98.956) = 1.989, p < -0.05. Multiple linear regression indicated that the regression model was statistically significant (F = 2.536, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.145). The results of this study revealed that some of the nurses had inadequate KAP related to the prevention and control of COVID-19. Consequently, these nurses need more intensive training to ensure that they display a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices regarding the virus. This will both safeguard the nurses and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Revisiting the personal protective equipment components of transmission-based precautions for the prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory virus infections in healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some potential limitations of transmission-based precautions. The distinction between transmission through large droplets vs aerosols, which have been fundamental concepts guiding infection control measures, has been questioned, leading to considerable variation in expert recommendations on transmission-based precautions for COVID-19. Furthermore, the application of elements of contact precautions, such as the use of gloves and gowns, is based on low-quality and inconclusive evidence and may have unintended consequences, such as increased incidence of healthcare-associated infections and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms. These observations indicate a need for high-quality studies to address the knowledge gaps and a need to revisit the theoretical background regarding various modes of transmission and the definitions of terms related to transmission. Further, we should examine the implications these definitions have on the following components of transmission-based precautions: (i) respiratory protection, (ii) use of gloves and gowns for the prevention of respiratory virus infections, (iii) aerosol-generating procedures and (iv) universal masking in healthcare settings as a control measure especially during seasonal epidemics. Such a review would ensure that transmission-based precautions are consistent and rationally based on available evidence, which would facilitate decision-making, guidance development and training, as well as their application in practice.

COVID-19 pandemisinin Çin Hindi'ndeki rutin doğum öncesi idrar iyot tarama programına etkisi

The healthcare sector has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The prevention of COVID-19 infections was given priority, and personnel and resources for the healthcare industry were reassigned. How the COVID-19 pandemic might impact common screening practices in public healthcare is an intriguing subject. Prior studies have amply demonstrated the value of regular cancer screening and cervical cancer screening1-2. Alternative cancer screening methods are used in addition to the standard public health laboratory tests in different parts of the world, depending on the problem that is present at that area.

A Validated UPLC-MS/MS Method for Rapid Quantification of Umifenovir in Plasma Samples and Its Greenness Assessment

Umifenovir is one of the most often prescribed antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other viral infections. Herein, a UPLC-MS/MS method is developed through using ibrutinib as an internal standard (IS) for quantifying umifenovir in plasma samples. Both umifenovir and the IS were analytically separated on an Acquity BEH C18 column with a total run time of only 2.5 min. At a flow rate of 0.3 mLmin−1, acetonitrile:15 mM ammonium acetate (80:20) was employed as the mobile phase composition. Electrospray ionization in positive mode was used for ionization of the samples. Detection and quantification were performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode with parent-to-daughter ionization of 477.05 → 279.02 and 441.16 → 84.4 for umifenovir and the IS, respectively. The method was validated through following international guidelines for bioanalytical method validation, and all parameters were within the acceptable limits. Moreover, the eco-scale method using AGREE software was used for the evaluation of greenness, and results showed that the method is very environmentally friendly. The validated assay was successfully employed in the bioavailability assessment of a newly developed formulation of kneaded ternary umifenovir/β-cyclodextrin with 1% poloxamer 188 (KDB).

#4363 MULTINATIONAL COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF 6 DIFFERENT COVID-19 VACCINES FOR THE PREVENTION OF BREAKTHROUGH INFECTION AND MORTALITY IN HD PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims COVID-19 vaccines induce specific immune responses to reduce COVID-19 infections and severe complications. Dialysis patients exhibit increased COVID-19-related incidence rates and mortality due to poor immune responses. We studied retrospectively the efficacy of 6 different COVID-19 vaccines as well as the combination of vaccines for the prevention of new COVID-19 infections and related mortality in a large multi-national hemodialysis cohort. Method All patients from 22 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, 18 years or older, registered within in the network of a multi-national dialysis provider on January 31st 2021, were included into the study. We analyzed the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 in HD patients with vaccination status after 2 doses of 6 different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in comparison to HD patients who did not receive any vaccine. Patients were screened for COVID-19 symptoms at each dialysis visit and SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were performed in all symptomatic patients. All PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infections, and deaths occurring between January 31st, and July 15th, 2021 were analyzed. Results were stratified by vaccine type and compared to unvaccinated patients. Data are presented as incidence rate ratios per 1000 patient days and odds ratios vs. no vaccine (95% CI). Results Of 38342 eligible patients registered on the index date, 2413 were excluded due to a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR within 3 months before baseline and 26 were excluded due to unclear vaccination data. The remaining 35903 patients were analyzed. 7816 patients (21.7%) had received a single vaccine dose and 18853 patients (52.5%) had received two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria 3180 and 1321, Comirnaty 2823 and 13116, Spikevax 185 and 1521, Sputnik V 1194 and 432, Sinovac 266 and 1722, Sinopharm 168 and 416, or any combination of two different vaccines 325). The 9119 patients (25.4%) who remained unvaccinated during the observational period showed an incidence rate of 0.74/1000 patient days. In the cohort of patients vaccinated two times, 232 developed Covid-19. The lowest incidence rate ratio was observed in patients that had received Spikevax 0.06 (0.02-0.14). By contrast, patients after Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Sputnik V exhibited highest incidence rate ratios 0.53 (0.21-1.09), 0.46 (0.34-0.61), 0.68 (0.34-1.23), respectively. The largest sub-cohort of 13116 patients, who had received Comirnaty, however, had an incidence rate ratio of 0.15 (0.12-0.17). Albeit incidence rates and ratios were heterogenous, all vaccines including Sputnik V showed a significant efficacy to reduce mortality compared to no vaccine. Conclusion Combinations of different vaccines and two doses of mRNA-based vaccines very effectively prevented breakthrough infections. Despite considerable differences in preventing COVID-19 infections, all vaccines effectively reduced mortality, compared to no vaccines, in this high-risk dialysis patient cohort.

Biopsychosocial analysis of antibiotic use for the prevention or management of COVID-19 infections: A scoping review.

The novelty and complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in various coping mechanisms adopted by individuals as a means of averting the perceived fatalities of the pandemic. The use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19 is clinically recommended under specific conditions. However, there are increasing trends of non-adherence to the recommended criteria resulting in the unwarranted use of antibiotics as an adaptative approach to the ongoing pandemic. The objective was to identify and classify factors associated with the unwarranted use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19 from published literature and the perspectives of key stakeholders along a Biopsychosocial model. Literature was searched in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar for studies published between 31st December 2019 and 31st January 2022. The Arskey and O'Malley framework modified by Levac in the six-stage methodological process was adopted for this review and included: a) identification of research questions, b) identification of relevant research articles, c) selection of studies, d) data charting and synthesis, e) summary, discussion and analysis, and f) stakeholder consultations. Out of 10,252 records identified from all sources, 12 studies were selected for inclusion in this scoping review. The selected articles reflected both antibiotic use and COVID-19 whilst capturing the biological (medical) and psychosocial perspectives. Most of the studies reported the overuse or abuse of Azithromycin especially in hospital settings. Common themes across the review and stakeholder consultations included fear, anxiety, media influences and deficits in public knowledge. The findings of the study highlight the complexity of antibiotic control especially in the context of a pandemic. The identified determinants of antibiotic use provide the necessary framework to simulate health emergencies and be better positioned in the future through the development of targeted and comprehensive policies on antibiotic stewardship.

Interim Report on a Live Review of Systematic Reviews of Natural Health Products and Natural Therapies in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19

Objective: This living review of systematic reviews investigates the types and volume of research pertaining to natural health products and therapies as they relate to the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome. Methods: A monthly search for published peer-reviewed systematic reviews of the topic was initiated May 2022 and is ongoing. Using a systematic keyword search strategy with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, a summary of the types of studies included, the overall outcome and treatment focus were assessed. Results: A total of 225 systematic reviews encompassing 5,636 studies of randomized controlled trials (49.8%, n=112), observational studies (21.3%, n=48), clinical studies (20.4%, n=46), and other studies (12%, n=27) were included. Of those, 28.9% (n=65) of the systematic reviews focused on prevention, 67.6% (n=152) on treatment, and 3.1% (n=8) on post-COVID. The natural health products reviewed included herbal medicine, vitamins, minerals, other natural health products, and other therapies, with 83.5% (n=188) of all systematic reviews stating a positive outcome and beneficial potential of the natural treatment or therapy investigated. Conclusion: This living systematic review concludes that there is a growing interest in research pertaining to natural health products and therapies with respect to the prevention of COVID-19 infections and addressing disease severity and mortality, especially in adjunct to conventional medical intervention. Nonetheless, there is a lack of high-quality evidence and consistency in outcome reporting across the large breadth of natural treatment and management options.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine for prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections in older adults with comorbidities: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo test whether Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination would reduce the incidence of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in older adults with one or more comorbidities. MethodsCommunity-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older with one or more underlying comorbidities and no contraindications to BCG vaccination were randomized 1:1 to BCG or placebo vaccination and followed for 6 months. The primary endpoint was a self-reported, test-confirmed COVID-19 incidence. Secondary endpoints included COVID-19 hospital admissions and clinically relevant RTIs (i.e. RTIs including but not limited to COVID-19 requiring medical intervention). COVID-19 and clinically relevant RTI episodes were adjudicated. Incidences were compared using Fine-Gray regression, accounting for competing events. ResultsA total of 6112 participants with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range, 65–74) and median of 2 (interquartile range, 1–3) comorbidities were randomized to BCG (n = 3058) or placebo (n = 3054) vaccination. COVID-19 infections were reported by 129 BCG recipients compared to 115 placebo recipients [hazard ratio (HR), 1.12; 95% CI, 0.87–1.44]. COVID-19-related hospitalization occurred in 18 BCG and 21 placebo recipients (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.46–1.61). During the study period, 13 BCG recipients died compared with 18 placebo recipients (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.35–1.43), of which 11 deaths (35%) were COVID-19-related: six in the placebo group and five in the BCG group.Clinically relevant RTI was reported by 66 BCG and 72 placebo recipients (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.66–1.28). DiscussionBCG vaccination does not protect older adults with comorbidities against COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, or clinically relevant RTIs.

Reduced Social Distancing and Face Mask Wearing at Massive Soccer-Related Gatherings Did Not Affect Daily COVID-19 Infections in Argentina

AIMS. To determine the contribution of social distancing and face mask wearing in the prevention of COVID-19 infections in Argentina. METHODS. Attendance to the funeral of ex-soccer star Diego Maradona was estimated by the area occupied by the mourners and their density. The people congregated to celebrate the America's Cup victory was deduced mainly from TV ratings. The proportion of individuals wearing or not face masks was calculated from photographs taken at both events. The COVID-19 epidemiological data used was released by the Argentinean Ministry of Health from March 3rd 2020 to August 31st 2021. RESULTS. We estimated that Maradona's funeral was attended by approximately 250,000 mourners. On the other hand, approximately 5.084.000 followed by television the America’s cup final in Buenos Aires alone. Extrapolating to the whole country suggests that over 4 million individuals congregated in person to celebrate the victory. The percentage of individuals not wearing face masks at the funeral was 54.0% ± 5.2 % and at the soccer victory celebrations 84.5 % ± 6.9 %, both estimates with a confidence of 99%. Daily COVID-19 infections in Buenos Aires remained at less than 5,000 per day during 30 days before- as well as during 24 days following-the funeral. New infections in Argentina remained less than 21,000 during 10 days before as well as 30 days following the soccer cup celebrations. CONCLUSIONS. Considering that SARS-CoV-2 median incubation is 5.1 days, the time periods following Maradona’s funeral and the America Soccer Cup celebrations provided ample time for COVID-19 to flare up if significant contagion would have proliferated amongst the crowds. The lack of an increase in COVID-19 infections after two independent and large gatherings with people in close proximity and limited wearing of face masks, contradicts any beneficial effect of social distancing and of mask wearing during the pandemic. These findings seem particularly important when considering that social distancing and mask wearing limited attendance to public events, negatively impacted commerce, burdening restaurants and many other businesses; and overall taxed society unnecessarily, according to the data presented here. (A summary of some of these findings were presented at the European Society of Medicine Annual Meeting. August 04, 2022. Entitled: Unexpected effect of sunlight, the environment, and public health measures in the progression of COVID-19) https://esmed.org/video-detail/?id=86 )

Prevention of Nosocomial COVID-19 Infections in a Designated Hospital for Children in Guangzhou, China

Background: Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center was chosen as the designated facility for screening, diagnosing, and treating children in Guangzhou with SARS-CoV-2 infection after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. From January 23 to March 20, 2020, the center opened new wards for screening and treatment, taking measures to prevent and control nosocomial infections. This article summarizes and evaluates measures for preventing and controlling nosocomial infections to provide reference information during the pandemic. Methods: The COVID-19 nosocomial infection prevention and control strategies were summarized and analyzed, including the formulation of the hospital partition, the improvement of the hospitalization process, environmental cleaning and disinfection, graded protection based on risk assessment, enhanced training on-site quality control inspection, data monitoring and evaluation, among others, and evaluating the effects by comparing before and after the intervention. Results: There were 159 patients admitted to the screening wards, including 98 males and 61 females, with a median age of 34 years (interquartile range (IQR): 15, 60) months. There were no abnormal findings in these patients and their families during follow-up. During the screening ward opening period, hand hygiene compliance was significantly improved. Fifty staff members in close contact with the contaminated area had tested for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which showed zero infections and no nosocomial infections occurred. Conclusions: For SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial infections, taking the “standard prevention & contact isolation & droplet isolation & air isolation” strategies can prevent patients and staff effectively.

Effectiveness of Facial Masks in the Prevention of COVID-19 Infections

The COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, is thought to transmit mostly by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing when people are in close proximity. It is advised to wear a face mask or respirator (N95/KN95) to prevent the spread of COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2. Although few studies have examined their real-world efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, well-fitting face masks and respirators efficiently filter virus-sized particles in laboratory settings. Mathematical modelling demonstrates that wearing masks significantly slows the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and lowers the chance of infection, particularly when paired with other non-medical interventions (such as maintaining a safe social distance). In many studies, it has been discovered that both N95 masks and ordinary masks are effective. This study is aimed at evaluation effectiveness of wearing facial masks at preventing Covid-19 infections.

Use of Item Response Models in Assessing the Health Literacy Facet Understanding Health Information for Early Childhood Allergy Prevention and Prevention of COVID-19 Infections by Pregnant Women and Mothers of Infants

Abstract. Appropriate parental health literacy (HL) is essential to preventively maintain and promote child health. Understanding health information is assumed to be fundamental in HL models. We developed N = 67 items (multiple-choice format) based on information materials on early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP) and prevention of COVID-19 infections to assess the parental HL facet Understand. N = 343 pregnant women and mothers of infants completed the items in an online assessment. Using exploratory factor analysis for ordinal data (RML estimation) and item response models (1-pl and 2-pl model), we proved the psychometric homogeneity of the item pool. 57 items assess the latent dimension Understand according to the assumptions of the 1-pl model (weighted MNSQ &lt; 1.2; separation reliability = .855). Person parameters of the latent trait Understand correlate specifically with subjective socioeconomic status ( r = .27), school graduation ( r = .46), allergy status ( r = .11), and already infected with COVID-19 ( r = .12). The calibrated item pool provides a psychometrically sound, construct-valid assessment of the HL facet Understand Health Information in the areas of ECAP and prevention of COVID-19 infections.

Prevention of covid-19 and other acute respiratory infections with cod liver oil supplementation, a low dose vitamin D supplement: quadruple blinded, randomised placebo controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine if daily supplementation with cod liver oil, a low dose vitamin D supplement, in winter, prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection, serious covid-19, or other acute respiratory infections in adults in...

Determinants of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Frontline Health Workers During the First Wave of COVID-19 in Africa: A Multicenter Online Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundDuring its first wave of COVID-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa, there was insufficient understanding of the pandemic among frontline health workers. This study was carried out to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of frontline health workers (HWs) towards COVID-19 in Africa and their related factors.MethodsThis was a multicenter online cross-sectional study conducted between April 2020 and July 2020 using a Google survey link among frontline HWs involved in the COVID-19 response in 26 African countries. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the determinants of KAP. Data were analyzed using STATA ver 16; all tests were two-sided with 95% confidence interval.ResultsFive hundred and seventeen participated in this study from 26 African countries; 289 (55.9%) were male and 228 (44.1%) female. Most of HWs, 379 (73.3%) showed poor knowledge about COVID-19 infection and preventive measures. In contrast, majority of them showed good attitude (89%) and practice (90.3%) towards prevention of COVID-19 infections. Knowledge varied among countries; Uganda had the greatest number of HWs with good knowledge (OR: 28.09, p<0.0001) followed by Ghana (OR=10.92, p=0.001) and DRC (OR: 4.59, p=0.015). The cadre of HWs also influenced knowledge; doctors were the most knowledgeable as compared to other cadres (OR: 3.4, p= 0.005). Attitude and practice were both influenced by HWs country of workplace and their cadre (p<0.05).ConclusionMajority of the frontline HWs in the African region had an overall good attitude and practice towards COVID-19 infection and practice measures despite relatively poor knowledge. The KAP is influenced by HWs country of workplace, their cadre. The knowledge of HWs in Africa should be increased to concourt with their attitude and practice to reduce the burden of intra-hospital transmission of the COVID-19.

Hydroxychloroquine plus personal protective equipment versus personal protective equipment alone for the prevention of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers: a multicentre, parallel-group randomised controlled trial from India

ObjectivesTo determine whether hydroxychloroquine when used with personal protective equipment reduces the proportion of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 among healthcare workers in comparison to the use of personal protective equipment alone.DesignMulticentre, parallel-group,...

Ivermectin associated adverse events in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 reported to the FACT pharmacovigilance project

Background In August 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a health alert following the rapid increase in ivermectin prescriptions and reports of severe illness associated with use of products containing ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 infections. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC have explicitly discouraged the use of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 outside of clinical trials. The study aims to describe the adverse events (AEs) related to ivermectin use for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Methods This is a prospective case series of adverse events related to therapeutics used in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 submitted to the FDA ACMT COVID-19 ToxIC (FACT) Pharmacovigilance Project sub-registry between October 2020 and December 2021. This is an ongoing toxico-surveillance system at 15 major academic medical centers in 12 states. Data collected included sociodemographics, exposure related information including dose, frequency, route, duration, and reason for taking ivermectin as well as a clinical description of the adverse event and the outcome. Results A total of 40 patients who developed AEs following ivermectin use were reported to FACT over 15 months. Self-medication with veterinary formulations were reported in 18/40 patients Thirty-three patients presented to emergency departments and nineteen patients were admitted to the hospital. Patients reported using ivermectin for prevention (24/40), treatment of symptoms (19/40), and for treatment of documented COVID-19 (8/40). Neurological toxicity was the most frequent finding. Fifteen patients had minor symptoms while 25 developed severe toxicity. Conclusions Ivermectin use for the attempted treatment of COVID-19 has potential adverse health effects primarily related to neurological function. This is especially true when patients are self-treating with this medication and when they are using formulations intended for non-human use.

Health, Economic and Social Development Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies for Multiple and Interconnected Issues.

The COVID-19-pandemic-related economic and social crises are leading to huge challenges for all spheres of human life across the globe. Various challenges highlighted by this pandemic include, but are not limited to, the need for global health cooperation and security, better crisis management, coordinated funding in public health emergencies, and access to measures related to prevention, treatment and control. This systematic review explores health, economic and social development issues in a COVID-19 pandemic context and aftermath. Accordingly, a methodology that focuses on identifying relevant literature with a focus on meta-analysis is used. A protocol with inclusion and exclusion criteria was developed, with articles from 15 December 2019 to 15 March 2022 included in the study. This was followed by a review and data analysis. The research results reveal that non-pharmaceutical measures like social distancing, lockdown and quarantine have created long-term impacts on issues such as changes in production and consumption patterns, market crashes resulting in the closure of business operations, and the slowing down of the economy. COVID-19 has exposed huge health inequalities across most countries due to social stratification and unequal distribution of wealth and/or resources. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds lack access to essential healthcare services during this critical time for both COVID-19 and other non-COVID ailments. The review shows that there is minimal literature available with evidence and empirical backup; similarly, data/studies from all countries/regions are not available. We propose that there is a need to conduct empirical research employing a trans-disciplinary approach to develop the most effective and efficient strategies to combat the pandemic and its aftermath. There is a need to explore the social and ecological determinants of this contagious infection and develop strategies for the prevention and control of COVID-19 or similar infections in future.

Hybrid Proteins with Short Conformational Epitopes of the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Promote Production of Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies When Used for Immunization

Based on the previously developed approach, hybrid recombinant proteins containing short conformational epitopes (a.a. 144-153, 337-346, 414-425, 496-507) of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S protein) were synthesized in Escherichia coli cells as potential components of epitope vaccines. Selected epitopes are involved in protein–protein interactions in the S protein complexes with neutralizing antibodies and ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). The recombinant proteins were used for immunization of mice (three doses with 2-week intervals), and the immunogenicity of protein antigens and ability of the resulting sera to interact with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and RBD produced in eukaryotic cells were examined. All recombinant proteins showed high immunogenicity; the highest titer in the RBD binding assay was demonstrated by the serum obtained after immunization with the protein containing epitope 414-425. At the same time, the titers of sera obtained against other proteins in the RBD and inactivated virus binding assays were significantly lower than the titers of sera obtained with the previously produced four proteins containing the loop-like epitopes 452-494 and 470-491, the conformation of which was fixed with a disulfide bond. We also studied activation of cell-mediated immunity by the recombinant proteins that was monitored as changes in the levels of cytokines in the splenocytes of immunized mice. The most pronounced increase in the cytokine synthesis was observed in response to the proteins containing epitopes with disulfide bonds (452-494, 470-491), as well as epitopes 414-425 and 496-507. For some recombinant proteins with short conformational epitopes, adjuvant optimization allowed to obtained mouse sera displaying virus-neutralizing activity in the microneutralization assay with live SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Russia/StPetersburg-3524/2020 EPI_ISL_415710 GISAID). The results obtained can be used to develop epitope vaccines for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Fostering compliance with physical distancing by interactive feedback in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo slow down the spread of COVID-19, the observance of basic hygiene measures, and physical distancing is recommended. Initial findings suggest that physical distancing in particular can prevent the spread of COVID-19. ObjectivesTo investigate how information to prevent the spread of infectious diseases should be presented to increase willingness to comply with preventive measures. MethodsIn a preregistered online experiment, 817 subjects were presented with either interactively controllable graphics on the spread of COVID-19 and information that enable them to recognize how much the spread of COVID-19 is reduced by physical distancing (experimental group) or text-based information about quantitative evidence (control group). It was hypothesized that participants receiving interactive information on the prevention of COVID-19 infections show a significantly higher willingness to comply with future containment measures than participants reading the text-based information. Explorative analyses were conducted to examine whether other factors influence compliance. ResultsAs predicted, we found a small effect (d = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11; 0.23, p < .001) for the tested intervention. The exploratory analysis suggests a decline in compliance later in the study (r = −0.10, 95% CI: −0.15; −0.07). Another significant predictor of change in compliance was health-related anxiety, but the effect was trivial. ConclusionsWhen presented interactively, information on how the own behavior can help prevent infectious diseases can lead to slightly stronger changes in attitude towards behavioral prevention measures than just text-based information. Given the scalability of this simple internet-based intervention, it could play a role in fostering compliance during a pandemic within universal prevention strategies. Future work on the predictive validity of self-reported compliance and the real-world effects on the intervention is needed.