Markovian Approach for Exploring Competitive Diseases with Heterogeneity-Evidence from COVID-19 and Influenza in China.

Due to the complex interactions between multiple infectious diseases, the spreading of diseases in human bodies can vary when people are exposed to multiple sources of infection at the same time. Typically, there is heterogeneity in individuals' responses to diseases, and the transmission routes of different diseases also vary. Therefore, this paper proposes an SIS disease spreading model with individual heterogeneity and transmission route heterogeneity under the simultaneous action of two competitive infectious diseases. We derive the theoretical epidemic spreading threshold using quenched mean-field theory and perform numerical analysis under the Markovian method. Numerical results confirm the reliability of the theoretical threshold and show the inhibitory effect of the proportion of fully competitive individuals on epidemic spreading. The results also show that the diversity of disease transmission routes promotes disease spreading, and this effect gradually weakens when the epidemic spreading rate is high enough. Finally, we find a negative correlation between the theoretical spreading threshold and the average degree of the network. We demonstrate the practical application of the model by comparing simulation outputs to temporal trends of two competitive infectious diseases, COVID-19 and seasonal influenza in China.

Applications of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment to Respiratory Pathogens and Implications for Uptake in Policy: A State-of-the-Science Review.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory tract infections are major contributors to the global disease burden. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) holds potential as a rapidly deployable framework to understand respiratory pathogen transmission and inform policy on infection control. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this paper was to evaluate, motivate, and inform further development of the use of QMRA as a rapid tool to understand the transmission of respiratory pathogens and improve the evidence base for infection control policies. METHODS: We conducted a literature review to identify peer-reviewed studies of complete QMRA frameworks on aerosol inhalation or contact transmission of respiratory pathogens. From each of the identified studies, we extracted and summarized information on the applied exposure model approaches, dose-response models, and parameter values, including risk characterization. Finally, we reviewed linkages between model outcomes and policy. RESULTS: We identified 93 studies conducted in 16 different countries with complete QMRA frameworks for diverse respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, Legionella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, influenza, and Bacillus anthracis. Six distinct exposure models were identified across diverse and complex transmission pathways. In 57 studies, exposure model frameworks were informed by their ability to model the efficacy of potential interventions. Among interventions, masking, ventilation, social distancing, and other environmental source controls were commonly assessed. Pathogen concentration, aerosol concentration, and partitioning coefficient were influential exposure parameters as identified by sensitivity analysis. Most (84%, n=78) studies presented policy-relevant content including a) determining disease burden to call for policy intervention, b) determining risk-based threshold values for regulations, c) informing intervention and control strategies, and d) making recommendations and suggestions for QMRA application in policy. CONCLUSIONS: We identified needs to further the development of QMRA frameworks for respiratory pathogens that prioritize appropriate aerosol exposure modeling approaches, consider trade-offs between model validity and complexity, and incorporate research that strengthens confidence in QMRA results. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12695.

A quanta-independent approach for the assessment of strategies to reduce the risk of airborne infection.

The Wells-Riley model is extensively used for retrospective and prospective modelling of the risk of airborne transmission of infection in indoor spaces. It is also used when examining the efficacy of various removal and deactivation methods for airborne infectious aerosols in the indoor environment, which is crucial when selecting the most effective infection control technologies. The problem is that the large variation in viral load between individuals makes the Wells-Riley model output very sensitive to the input parameters and may yield a flawed prediction of risk. The absolute infection risk estimated with this model can range from nearly 0 % to 100 % depending on the viral load, even when all other factors, such as removal mechanisms and room geometry, remain unchanged. We therefore propose a novel method that removes this sensitivity to viral load. We define a quanta-independent maximum absolute before-after difference in infection risk that is independent of quanta factors like viral load, physical activity, or the dose-response relationships. The input data needed for a non-steady-state calculation are just the removal rates, room volume, and occupancy duration. Under steady-state conditions the approach provides an elegant solution that is only dependent on removal mechanisms before and after applying infection control measures. We applied this method to compare the impact of relative humidity, ventilation rate and its effectiveness, filtering efficiency, and the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on the infection risk. The results demonstrate that the method provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of infection control strategies on the risk of airborne infection, enabling rational decisions to be made regarding the most effective strategies in a specific context. The proposed method thus provides a practical tool for mitigation of airborne infection risk.

A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak investigation at a storage and distribution centre in England: an assessment of worker- and workplace-related risk factors.

An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (1 March to 10 May 2021) with an attack rate of 26.5% among approximately 1150 workers at a storage and distribution centre in England prompted a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation (5 May to 6 August 2021), with the aim of better understanding worker- and workplace-related risk factors for viral transmission in the warehousing sector. Overall, environmental factors (e.g., ventilation, humidity and temperature) were assessed to be appropriate at the facility. Nevertheless, 39 (51.3%) surface samples from across the site tested positive for low/ very low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (Ct value ≥ 32.0 for all). Among the study participants, of whom 35.6% were confirmed or suspected cases, 95.5% reported having received COVID-19 prevention training, 100.0% reported handwashing, and 80.0% reported use of face coverings at work. Notably, 43.9% and 19.0% reported working with a symptomatic and a positive contact respectively. Furthermore, 80.5% and 46.3% had concerns regarding reduction in their income and future unemployment, respectively, due to self-isolation. The findings of this study suggest that, in addition to targeted workplace infection control measures and tailored work area specific risk assessments, an enhanced and equitable sick leave policy may help limit presenteeism and viral transmission in large workplaces.

Screening Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Mortality in Nursing Homes.

Importance: Nursing home residents continue to bear a disproportionate share of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, accounting for 9% of all US COVID-19 deaths in 2023, despite comprising only 0.4% of the population. Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening strategies in reducing COVID-19 mortality in nursing homes. Design and Setting: An agent-based model was developed to simulate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the nursing home setting. Parameters were determined using SARS-CoV-2 virus data and COVID-19 data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that were published between 2020 and 2023, as well as data on nursing homes published between 2010 and 2023. The model used in this study simulated interactions and SARS-CoV-2 transmission between residents, staff, and visitors in a nursing home setting. The population used in the simulation model was based on the size of the average US nursing home and recommended staffing levels, with 90 residents, 90 visitors (1 per resident), and 83 nursing staff members. Exposure: Screening frequency (none, weekly, and twice weekly) was varied over 30 days against varying levels of COVID-19 community incidence, booster uptake, and antiviral use. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infections, detected cases per 1000 tests, and incremental cost of screening per life-year gained. Results: Nursing home interactions were modeled between 90 residents, 90 visitors, and 83 nursing staff over 30 days, completing 4000 to 8000 simulations per parameter combination. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of weekly and twice-weekly screening were less than $150 000 per resident life-year with moderate (50 cases per 100 000) and high (100 cases per 100 000) COVID-19 community incidence across low-booster uptake and high-booster uptake levels. When COVID-19 antiviral use reached 100%, screening incremental cost-effectiveness ratios increased to more than $150 000 per life-year when booster uptake was low and community incidence was high. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cost-effectiveness analysis suggest that screening may be effective for reducing COVID-19 mortality in nursing homes when COVID-19 community incidence is high and/or booster uptake is low. Nursing home administrators can use these findings to guide planning in the context of widely varying levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and intervention measures across the US.

The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review.

COVID-19 has a deep impact on the economic, environmental, and social life of the global population. Particularly, it disturbed the entire agriculture supply chain due to a shortage of labor, travel restrictions, and changes in demand during lockdowns. Consequently, the world population faced food insecurity due to a reduction in food production and booming food prices. Low-income households face food security challenges because of limited income generation during the pandemic. Thus, there is a need to understand comprehensive strategies to meet the complex challenges faced by the food industry and marginalized people in developing countries. This research is intended to review the agricultural supply chain, global food security, and environmental dynamics of COVID-19 by exploring the most significant literature in this domain. Due to lockdowns and reduced industrial production, positive environmental effects are achieved through improved air and water quality and reduced noise pollution globally. However, negative environmental effects emerged due to increasing medical waste, packaging waste, and plastic pollution due to disruptions in recycling operations. There is extensive literature on the effects of COVID-19 on the environment and food security. This study is an effort to review the existing literature to understand the net effects of the pandemic on the environment and food security. The literature suggested adopting innovative policies and strategies to protect the global food supply chain and achieve economic recovery with environmental sustainability. For instance, food productivity should be increased by using modern agriculture technologies to ensure food security. The government should provide food to vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Trade restrictions should be removed for food trade to improve international collaboration for food security. On the environmental side, the government should increase recycling plants during the pandemic to control waste and plastic pollution.

Long-term effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on total disease burden in parsimonious epidemiological models.

The recent global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in governments enacting non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) targeted at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. But the NPIs also affected the transmission of viruses causing non-target seasonal respiratory diseases, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In many countries, the NPIs were found to reduce cases of such seasonal respiratory diseases, but there is also evidence that subsequent relaxation of NPIs led to outbreaks of these diseases that were larger than pre-pandemic ones, due to the accumulation of susceptible individuals prior to relaxation. Therefore, the net long-term effects of NPIs on the total disease burden of non-target diseases remain unclear. Knowledge of this is important for infectious disease management and maintenance of public health. In this study, we shed light on this issue for the simplified scenario of a set of NPIs that prevent or reduce transmission of a seasonal respiratory disease for about a year and are then removed, using mathematical analyses and numerical simulations of a suite of four epidemiological models with varying complexity and generality. The model parameters were estimated using empirical data pertaining to seasonal respiratory diseases and covered a wide range. Our results showed that NPIs reduced the total disease burden of a non-target seasonal respiratory disease in the long-term. Expressed as a percentage of population size, the reduction was greater for larger values of the basic reproduction number and the immunity loss rate, reflecting larger outbreaks and hence more infections averted by imposition of NPIs. Our study provides a foundation for exploring the effects of NPIs on total disease burden in more-complex scenarios.

Avaliação da qualidade de sono e ansiedade em profissionais e estudantes da saúde no contexto da pandemia pela covid-19 / Evaluación de la calidad del sueño y la ansiedad en profesionales y estudiantes de la salud en el contexto de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Assessment of sleep quality and anxiety in healthcare professionals and students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução: Na pandemia desencadeada pela COVID-19, o desenvolvimento progressivo de sintomas de ansiedade e a má qualidade do sono devem ser investigados em profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde para o adequado manejo. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de problemas de sono e sintomas ansiosos em profissionais e estudantes da saúde, e analisar o efeito de variáveis sociodemográficas-clínicas na ansiedade e sono dessa população.Metodologia: Neste estudo transversal de caráter quantitativo aplicou-se um formulário online a 3.337 profissionais e estudantes da saúde do Brasil participantes de um congresso virtual, contendo 51 perguntas subdivididas em três categorias: Perfil sociodemográfico-clínico, Escala de Sono de Jenkins e Inventário de Ansiedade de BECK.Resultados: Dentre os participantes, 81,4% eram estudantes da área da saúde e 12,8% profissionais de saúde. Os achados obtidos indicam que 41% dos participantes apresentaram problemas de sono muito frequentes e 46,6% sinais de ansiedade moderada a grave. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis sociodemográficas-clínicas e os questionários validados de sono e ansiedade. Conclusão: Essa pesquisa identificou importante prevalência de problemasde sono e sintomas ansiosos em profissionais e estudantes da saúde, sendo primordial a identificação precoce dessas alterações para um manejo efetivo (AU).

Introduction: In the pandemic triggered by COVID-19, the progressive development of anxiety symptoms and poor sleep quality should be investigated in healthcare professionals and students for proper management.Objective: To identify the prevalence of sleep problems and anxious symptoms in healthcare professionals and students, and to analyze the effect of sociodemographic-clinical variables on anxiety and sleep in this population. Methodology: In this cross-sectional quantitative study, an online form was applied to 3,337 healthcare professionals and students from Brazil participating in a virtual congress, containing 51 questions subdivided into three categories: Sociodemographic-clinical profile, Jenkins Sleep Scale and BECK Anxiety Inventory.Results: Among the participants, 81.4% were healthcare students and 12.8% were healthcare professionals. The findings indicate that 41% of the participants had very frequent sleep problems and 46.6% showed signs of moderate to severe anxiety. There was a statistically significant association between the sociodemographic-clinical variables and the validated sleep and anxiety questionnaires. Conclusion:This study identified a high prevalence of sleep problems and anxiety symptoms among healthcare professionals and students, and early identification of these alterations is essential for effective management (AU).

Introducción: En la pandemia desencadenada por el COVID-19, el desarrollo progresivo de síntomas de ansiedad y la mala calidad del sueño deben ser investigados en profesionales y estudiantes de la salud para su adecuado manejo. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de problemas de sueño y síntomas ansiosos en profesionales y estudiantes de la salud, y analizar el efecto de las variables sociodemográficas-clínicas sobre la ansiedad y el sueño en esta población. Metodología:En este estudio transversal y cuantitativo, se aplicó un formulario línea 3.337 profesionales y estudiantes de la salud de Brasil que participaron en un congreso virtual, conteniendo 51 preguntas subdivididas en tres categorías: perfil sociodemográfico-clínico, Escala de Sueño de Jenkins e Inventario de Ansiedad de BECK. Resultados: Entre los participantes, 81,4% eran estudiantes de salud y 12,8% profesionales de la salud. Los resultados indican que el 41% de los participantes tenía problemas de sueño muy frecuentes y el 46,6% mostraba signos de ansiedad de moderada a grave. Hubo una asociación estadísticamentesignificativa entre las variables sociodemográficas-clínicas y los cuestionarios validados de sueño y ansiedad. Conclusión:Este estudio identificó una alta prevalencia de problemas de sueño y síntomas de ansiedad en profesionales de la salud y estudiantes, y la identificación precoz de estas alteraciones es esencial para un manejo eficaz (AU).

A weapon to fight against pervasive Omicron: systematic actions transiting to pre-COVID normal.

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is not just a health crisis but also a social crisis. Confronted with the resurgence of variants with massive infections, the triggered activities from personal needs may promote the spread, which should be considered in risk management. Meanwhile, it is important to ensure that the policy responses on citizen life to a lower level. In the face of Omicron mutations, we need to sum up the control experience accumulated, adapting strategies in the dynamic coevolution process while balancing life resumption and pandemic control, to meet challenges of future crises. We collected 46 cases occurring between 2021 and 2022, mainly from China, but also including five relevant cases from other countries around the world. Based on case studies, we combine micro-view individual needs/behaviors with macro-view management measures linking Maslow's hierarchy of needs with the transmission chain of Omicron clusters. The proposed loophole chain could help identify both individual and management loopholes in the spread of the virus. The systematic actions that were taken have effectively combated these ubiquitous vulnerabilities at lower costs and lesser time. In the dynamic coevolution process, the Chinese government has made effective and more socially acceptable prevention policies while meeting the divergent needs of the entire society at the minimum costs. Systematic actions do help maintain the balance between individuals' satisfaction and pandemic containment. This implies that risk management policies should reasonably consider individual needs and improve the cooperation of various stakeholders with targeted flexible measures, securing both public health and life resumption.

Metapopulation dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a small-scale Amazonian society.

The severity of infectious disease outbreaks is governed by patterns of human contact, which vary by geography, social organization, mobility, access to technology and healthcare, economic development, and culture. Whereas globalized societies and urban centers exhibit characteristics that can heighten vulnerability to pandemics, small-scale subsistence societies occupying remote, rural areas may be buffered. Accordingly, voluntary collective isolation has been proposed as one strategy to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and other pandemics on small-scale Indigenous populations with minimal access to healthcare infrastructure. To assess the vulnerability of such populations and the viability of interventions such as voluntary collective isolation, we simulate and analyze the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Amazonian forager-horticulturalists in Bolivia using a stochastic network metapopulation model parameterized with high-resolution empirical data on population structure, mobility, and contact networks. Our model suggests that relative isolation offers little protection at the population level (expected approximately 80% cumulative incidence), and more remote communities are not conferred protection via greater distance from outside sources of infection, due to common features of small-scale societies that promote rapid disease transmission such as high rates of travel and dense social networks. Neighborhood density, central household location in villages, and household size greatly increase the individual risk of infection. Simulated interventions further demonstrate that without implausibly high levels of centralized control, collective isolation is unlikely to be effective, especially if it is difficult to restrict visitation between communities as well as travel to outside areas. Finally, comparison of model results to empirical COVID-19 outcomes measured via seroassay suggest that our theoretical model is successful at predicting outbreak severity at both the population and community levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that the social organization and relative isolation from urban centers of many rural Indigenous communities offer little protection from pandemics and that standard control measures, including vaccination, are required to counteract effects of tight-knit social structures characteristic of small-scale populations.

Mídias sociais como ferramentas para a extensão remota: um relato de experiência de uma liga acadêmica de enfermagem / Social media as tools for remote extension: an experience reportof an academic nursing league / Las redes sociales como herramientas de extensión a distancia: relato de experiencia de uma liga académica de enfermería

O Coronavírus da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causador da pandemia de COVID-19, tem causado problemas mundiais para além da doença, como na Educação, que, na impossibilidade da promoção de encontros presenciais, precisou encontrar formas de oportunizar a continuidade dos processos de ensino-aprendizagem. Desse modo, a Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família, considerando o cenário pandêmico e a necessidade de seguir com as atividades, teve que se adequar ao formato remoto e usar da sua criatividade para transpor as barreiras físicas da sala de aula.Objetivo:Relatar as ações extensionistas desenvolvidas virtualmente pela Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família, demonstrando sua importância para a formação acadêmica em Enfermagem.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência,sobre atividades desenvolvidas por acadêmicos de Enfermagem na Liga de Enfermagem em Saúde da Família vinculada ao Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará.Resultados:A extensão foi desempenhada de forma onlinepor meio do Instagrame Youtube, com a criação de vídeos, imagens educativas e eventos com temas atuais e relevantes para a promoção da saúde, considerando a realidade sanitária, divididos em eixos: cooperação social, integração interprofissional, acadêmica e comunitária, politização acadêmica, datas comemorativas e vacinação.Conclusões:Esse relato reforça a interação universidade-sociedade frente a momentos de reestruturação, e a relevância das Ligas como estratégias extracurriculares de ensino, integrando-se à pesquisa e à extensão (AU).

The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, has been causing worldwide problems beyond the disease itself, for instance in Education, which became unable to provide face-to-face meetings, it had tofind ways to make possible to continue the teaching-learning processes. Considering the pandemic scenario and the need to continue their activities, the members of Academic Nursing League in Family Healthhad to adapt to a remote format and use their creativity to bridge the physical barriers of a classroom. Objective:To report academic extension actions developed virtually by members of the Nursing League in Family Health, demonstrating its importance for college education in nursing.Methodology:This is a descriptive study, an experience report developed from the activities performed by members of theAcademic Nursing League in Family Health, bounded to the Nursing College of Vale do Acaraú State University, in Sobral city, Ceará state.Results:Extension actions were performed using Instagramand Youtubeplatforms, by creating videos, educational images, and events approaching current and relevant topics for health promotion. Taking into consideration the sanitary reality of the population, topics werecategorized in the following groups: social cooperation; professional, academic, and community integration; academic politization; special dates; and vaccination.Conclusions:This report reinforces the university-society interaction facing restructuring moments and the relevance of academic leagues as an extracurricular strategy of teaching, integrating it to research and extension actions (AU).

El Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), provocador de la pandemia del COVID-19, ha ocasionado a nivel mundial problemas más allá de la enfermedad, como por ejemplo en la Educación, que, ante la imposibilidad de ofrecer citas presenciales, ha necesitado encontrar formas de generar oportunidades para la continuidad de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. De esa forma, la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia, considerando el escenario de la pandemia y la necesidadde seguir con las actividades, ha tenido que adaptarse al formato remoto y a echar creatividad para rebasar las barreras físicas del aula. Objetivo:Informar las acciones de extensión desarrolladas virtualmente por la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia, demostrando su relevancia para la formación académica en el curso de Enfermería. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, del tipo relato de experiencia, desarrollado a partir de las actividades de los estudiantes de Enfermería de la Liga de Enfermería en Salud de la Familia vinculada al Curso de Enfermería de la Universidad Estatal Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará. Resultados: Se ha realizado la extensión en línea a través de Instagramy Youtube, con la creación de videos, imágenes educativas y eventos con temas actuales y relevantes para la promoción de la salud, considerando la realidad de la salud, divididos en ejes: cooperación social, interprofesional, académica e integración comunitaria, politización académica, fechas conmemorativas y vacunación.Conclusiones: Este informe refuerza la interacción universidad-sociedad frente a momentos de reestructuración, y la relevancia de lasLigas como estrategias de enseñanza extracurricular, integrándose con la investigación y la extensión (AU).

Contribuições da associação brasileira de saúde coletiva no enfrentamento à covid-19 no brasil: análise documental / Contributions of the Brazilian Association of Collective Health in Fighting Covid-19 in Brazil: Documental Analysis / Contribuciones de la Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectiva en el Combate a la Covid-19 en Brasil: Análisis Documental

A Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletivaatua visando o fomento do campo científico e acadêmico da saúde coletiva, bem como na disseminação de informações, recomendações e posicionamentos para a sociedade e gestores públicos sobre a formulação de políticas públicas efetivas no contexto da saúde pública no país. Objetivo:Analisar as contribuições da Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva no enfrentamento da Covid-19 no Brasil. Metodologia:Trata-se de uma análise documental, de natureza descritiva e com abordagem qualitativa, realizada no períodode julho a setembro de 2022. As publicaçõesforam retiradas dositeda Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletivae analisadas com o auxílio do referencial teórico-metodológico da Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados:Dentre as 664 publicações no período estudado, 41 foram incluídas por se tratarem de posicionamentos emitidos ou apoiados para o enfrentamento à Covid-19. Conforme as congruências temáticas, os posicionamentos foram organizados em três categorias: Prevenção à Covid-19, Atenção aos Grupos Prioritáriose Dados e Inovação em Saúde. Conclusões:Diante da presenteanálise documental observou-se que os posicionamentos emitidos pela Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva detêm um caráter técnico, pautados sob o olhar de especialistas de diversas áreas e embasados nos posicionamentos de outras instituições brasileiras e internacionais, reforçando seu papel articulador e político, destacando-se com relevância nas publicações em meio aos cenários considerados críticos diante da Covid-19 (AU).

The Brazilian Association of Collective Health works to promote the scientific and academic field of public health, as well as to disseminate information, recommendations and positions for society and public managers on the formulation of effective public policies in the context of public health in the country.Objective:To analyze the contributions of the Brazilian Association of Collective Health in the fight against Covid-19 in Brazil. Methodology:This is a documentary analysis, of a descriptive nature and with a qualitative approach, carried out from July to September 2022. The publications were taken from the website of the Brazilian Association of Collective Health and analyzed with the aid of the theoretical-methodological framework of Content Analysis. Results:Among the 664 publications in the studied period, 41 were included because they hadpositions issued or supported to face Covid-19. Accordingto thematic congruence, the positions were organized into three categories: Prevention of Covid-19, Attention to Priority Groups and Data and Innovation in Health. Conclusions:The present documentary analysisrevealed that the positions issued by the Brazilian Association of Collective Healthhave a technical nature, based on the eyes of experts from different areas and based on the positions of other Brazilian and international institutions, reinforcing its articulating role and political, and standing out with relevance in publications in the midst of scenarios considered critical in the face of Covid-19 (AU).

La Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectiva trabaja para promover el campo científico y académico de la salud pública, así como para difundir informaciones, recomendaciones y posiciones para la sociedad y los gestores públicos sobre la formulación de políticas eficaces en el contextode la salud pública en el país Objetivo:Analizar las contribuciones de la Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectivaen la lucha contra el Covid-19 en Brasil. Metodología:Se trata de un análisis documental, de carácter descriptivo y con abordaje cualitativo, realizado de julio a septiembre de 2022. Las publicaciones fueron extraídas del sitio web de la Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectiva y analizadas con la ayuda del referencial teórico-metodológico de Análisis de contenido. Resultados:Entre las 664 publicaciones en el período estudiado, se incluyeron 41 por tratarse de posiciones emitidas o apoyadas para enfrentar el Covid-19. Según congruencias temáticas, los cargos se organizaron en tres categorías: Prevención delCovid-19, Atención a Grupos Prioritarios y Datos e Innovación en Salud. Conclusiones: A partirdel presente análisis documental,se observó que las posiciones emitidas por la Asociación Brasileña de Salud Colectiva tienen un carácter técnico, desde el punto de vista de losespecialistas de diferentes áreas y a partir de las posiciones de otras instituciones brasileñas e internacionales, reforzando su rol articulador y político, destacándose con relevancia en publicaciones en medio de escenarios considerados críticos frente al Covid-19 (AU).

A televigilância à saúde da pessoa idosa em tempos de pandemia da covid-19: uma avaliação da satisfação quanto aos cuidados de saúde / Telesurveillance for the health ofelderlypatientsduring the COVID-19 pandemic: ahealth care assessment satisfaction / La televigilancia a la salud del anciano entiempo de pandemiadel COVID-19: evaluación de la satisfacción conla atención ensalud

No cenário pandêmico do novo coronavírus, o uso de ferramentas tecnológicas por profissionais de saúde foi imprescindível e muito contribuiu na assistência ao público vulnerável. Com o intuito de evitar a exposição da pessoa idosa ao coronavírus e monitorá-la quanto ao seu estado de saúde, um projeto de telemonotiramento foi desenvolvido. Objetivo:Esse estudo visou avaliar a satisfação dos idosos monitorados pelo serviço de televigilância durante a pandemia da COVID-19 no município de Natal/RN.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com amostragem de 719 idosos avaliados, considerando uma média de 35 idosos por unidade básica de saúde, dentre as 21 unidades básicas vinculadas ao projeto, de 25 de novembro de 2020 a 10 de dezembro de 2020.Resultados:Entre os 376 idosos participantes,238eramdo sexo feminino (63,3%), com idade média de 69 anos. Dentre os partícipes, consideraram satisfeitos quanto ao acesso à informação acerca da COVID-19 (89,6%), orientação aos cuidados (90,7%), acolhimento (90,2%). Quanto à satisfação, (67,6%) consideraram o telemonitoramento responsável pela aproximação entre idosos e unidades básicas. Conclusões:Foi alta a satisfação dos idosos acompanhados pelo serviço de televigilância, na medida que se sentiram acolhidos, bem informados e cuidados pelas equipes de saúde das unidades básicas. Dessa forma, a longitudinalidade da atenção, uma atribuição essencial da Estratégia de Saúde da Família, foi mantida pelo trabalho da televigilância (AU).

In the pandemic scenario of the new coronavirus, the use of technological tools by health professionals was essential and contributed greatlyto the assistance of the vulnerable public. In order to avoid the exposure of the elderly person to the coronavirus and monitor them regarding their health status, a telemonitoringproject was developed.Objective:This research aimed at evaluatingthe satisfaction of the elderly monitored by the telesurveillance service during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Natal/RN. Methodology:This is a descriptive study, with a sample of 719 elderly people evaluated, considering an average of 35 elderly people per basic health unit, among the 21 basic units linked to the project, from November 25, 2020 to December 10, 2020.Results:Among the 376 elderly participants, 238 were female (63,3%), with an average age of 69 years. The participants considered the access to information about COVID-19(89,6%), care guidance (90,7%), reception (90,2%)satisfactory. As for satisfaction, (67,6%) the participants also considered telemonitoring responsible for bringing the elderly closer to health units.Conclusions:Thesatisfaction from the elderly was enormous. They were accompanied by surveillance service and as they felt welcomed, well-informed and taken care by the basic health service caretakers. This way, the longitudinality of attention, an essential attribution of Family Health Strategy, was maintained by the surveillance service (AU).

En el escenario de pandemia delnuevo coronavirus, el uso de herramientas tecnológicas por parte de los profesionales de la salud fue fundamental y contribuyó en gran medida a la asistencia al público vulnerable. Con el objetivo de evitar la exposición dela persona mayor al coronavirusy monitorear su estado de salud, se desarrolló un proyecto de telemonitoreo.Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la satisfacción de los ancianos monitoreados por el servicio de televigilancia durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la ciudad de Natal/RN.Metodología: Este es unestudio descriptivo, con una muestra de 719 ancianos evaluados, considerando un promedio de 35 ancianos por unidad básica de salud, entre las 21 unidades básicas vinculadas al proyecto, del 25 de noviembre de 2020 al 10 de diciembre de 2020.Resultados: Entre los 376 ancianos participantes,238 eran mujeres (63,3%), con una edad media de 69 años. Entre los participantes,consideraron satisfecho el acceso a la información sobre la COVID-19 (89,9%), la orientación asistencial (90,7%), la recepción (90,2%). En cuanto a la satisfacción, (67,6%) consideró al teleseguimiento responsable de acercar a los ancianos a las unidades básicas. Conclusiones: La satisfacción de los ancianos por el servicio de telemonitoreo fue elevada, una vez que se sintieron acogidos, bien informados y asistidos por los equipos de salud de las unidades básicas. De esa manera, la atención longitudinal, una atribución esencial de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia, se mantuvo por el trabajo del telemonitoreo (AU).

Genomic assessment of invasion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) now arise in the context of heterogeneous human connectivity and population immunity. Through a large-scale phylodynamic analysis of 115,622 Omicron BA.1 genomes, we identified >6,000 introductions of the antigenically distinct VOC into England and analyzed their local transmission and dispersal history. We find that six of the eight largest English Omicron lineages were already transmitting when Omicron was first reported in southern Africa (22 November 2021). Multiple datasets show that importation of Omicron continued despite subsequent restrictions on travel from southern Africa as a result of export from well-connected secondary locations. Initiation and dispersal of Omicron transmission lineages in England was a two-stage process that can be explained by models of the country's human geography and hierarchical travel network. Our results enable a comparison of the processes that drive the invasion of Omicron and other VOCs across multiple spatial scales.

Atuação do cirurgião - dentista da atenção primária à saúde durante a pandemia da covid-19 / Role of primary health care dental surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic / Papel de los cirujanos dentistas de atención primaria de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introdução:A Atenção Primária à Saúde é caracterizada como a porta de entrada preferencial do Sistema Único de Saúde, ocupando lugar central no serviço. Todavia, a pandemia da COVID-19 instigou a necessidade de mudanças naorganização do trabalho das equipes de saúde da atenção básica.Objetivo:Neste cenário, torna-se fundamental conhecer a atuação docirurgião-dentista da Atenção Primária à Saúdeno que se refere à oferta dos serviços odontológicos, alterações no processode trabalho e capacidade técnica de ação, frente às condições estabelecidas pela pandemiadaCOVID-19.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo de caráter transversal descritivo e abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em um município do interior baiano, com 29 cirurgiões-dentistas vinculados àatenção básica. Esses profissionais foram convidados a responder um questionário on-lineque abordou questões relativas ao desempenho dos cirurgiões-dentistas e a condução das ações de saúde bucal frente às medidas restritivas impostas pela pandemiada COVID-19.Resultados:Foi possível identificar que o processo de trabalho e acesso da população aos serviços de odontologia sofreram interferências, expressas através da limitação do acesso da população à saúde bucal, alterações nas técnicas terapêuticas e interrupção das ações em saúde de abrangência coletiva.Conclusões:O presente estudo apontou limitaçõesno processo de trabalho do cirurgião-dentista da Atenção Primária à Saúdedurante a pandemia da COVID-19, como a dificuldade para atuar em equipe interprofissional e atender as proposições estabelecidas pelaPolítica Nacional da Atenção Básica (AU).

Introduction:Primary Health Care is the preferred gateway to the Brazilian Unified Health System, occupying a central place in the service. However, the COVID-19 pandemic instigated the need for changes in the organization of work of primary care health teams.Objective:In this scenario, it is essential to know the performance of dental surgeons in terms ofdental care offer, changes in the work process and of their technical capacity for action, in the face of the conditions established by the pandemic.Methodology:This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach developed in a city in the countryside of Bahia with 29 dental surgeons linked to primary care. These professionals were invited to answer an online questionnaire that addressed issues related to the performance of dental surgeons and the management of oral health actions in the face of the restrictive measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Results:It was possible to identify that the pandemic interfered with the work process and the population's access to dental services, expressed through the limitation of the population's access to oral health, changes in therapeutic techniques and interruption of collective health actions.Conclusions:The present study pointed out limitations in the work process of the primary care dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the difficulty in working in an interprofessional team and meeting the propositions established by the Brazilian National Primary Care Policy in Health (AU).

Introducción: La Atención Primaria de Salud se caracteriza por ser la puerta de entrada preferente al Sistema Único de SaludBrasileño, ocupando un lugar central en el servicio. Sin embargo, la pandemia de COVID-19 instigó la necesidad de cambios en la organización del trabajo de los equipos de salud de atención primaria.Objetivo: En este escenario, es fundamental conocer el desempeño del odontólogo en cuanto, oferta de cuidado dental, cambios enel procesode trabajo, ya su capacidad técnica de actuación, ante las condiciones establecidas por la pandemiaMetodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, desarrollado en una ciudad del interior de Bahía, con 29 odontólogos vinculados a la atención primaria. Estos profesionales fueron invitados a responder un cuestionario en línea que abordaba cuestiones relacionadas con la actuación de los odontólogos y la realización de acciones de salud bucal frente a las medidas restrictivas impuestas por la pandemia de la COVID-19.Resultados: Con los resultados fue posible identificar que el proceso de trabajo y el acceso de la población a los servicios odontológicos sufrieron interferencias, expresadas a través de la limitación del acceso de la población a la salud bucal, cambios en las técnicas terapéuticas e interrupción de las acciones de salud colectiva. Conclusiones: El presente estudio señaló limitaciones en el proceso de trabajo del cirujano dentista de la atención en lasaluddurante la pandemia de COVID-19, como la dificultad para trabajar enequipo interprofesional y cumplir con las proposiciones establecidas por la Política Brasileña de Atención Primaria en Salud (AU).

Avaliação qualitativa das preparações servidas em um restaurante popular e os impactos do cenário pandêmico da covid-19 / Qualitative assessment of preparations served in a popular restaurant and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario / Evaluación cualitativa de las preparaciones servidas en un restaurante popular y los impactos del escenario de pandemia COVID-19

Introdução:A chegadadapandemia da COVID-19 afetou diretamente o planejamento alimentar de instituições municipais, estaduais e de demais âmbitos, dentre eles as refeiçõesofertadas peloprograma restaurante popular, importante na garantia da segurança alimentarda população mais vulnerável.Objetivo:Avaliar de forma qualitativa as preparações do cardápio do almoço do Restaurante Popular do município de Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Nortee os impactos do cenário pandêmico da COVID-19.Metodologia:Para tanto, avaliou-se os cardápios referentes aos meses de março, abril, maio, agosto e setembro de 2021, pelo método avaliação qualitativa das preparações do cardápio. Além disso, por meio da adaptação dométodosupracitado, designou-se as preparações de acordo com as recomendações do tipo de processamento segundo o Guia Alimentar para população Brasileira. Resultados:Identificou-se uma baixa oferta de frutas e folhosos, alta de carnes gordurosas e doce, regular de preparações ricas em enxofre e as cores iguais, todavia, quanto à fritura e ao conjunto de fritura + doce apresentou-se em apenas umdiada semana (n=109). Além disso, nos dois últimos meses de análisehouve aumento na oferta de folhosos, diminuição da monotonia, alimentos ricos em enxofre e doces, e ainda, as preparações com alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados + processados fizeram-se presentestodos os dias. Conclusões:Com a utilizaçãodométodo estudadofoipossível identificar ajustesno cardápiopara o período analisado, a fim de ofertar qualidade para os comensais.Ressalta-se que foi observadoque com a adaptação e redução dos casos da COVID-19, houve aumento na oferta de in natura e minimamente processados. Espera-se que melhorias e ajustes sejam realizadosnos cardápios, visto a necessidadede ser mais enfático em seu princípiode garantir a segurança alimentar (AU).

Introduction:The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic affected directly the food planning of municipal, state and other institutions, including the meals offered by the popular restaurant program, which is important in guaranteeing the food security of the vulnerablepopulation. Objective: To qualitatively evaluate the preparations of the lunch menu at Restaurante Popular in the municipality of Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Norteand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.Methodology:To this, the menus for the months of March, April, May, August and September 2021 were evaluated by the methodqualitative evaluation of menu preparations. Furthermore, through the adaptation of the methodaformentioned, preparations were designated according to the recommendations for type of processing following the Food Guide for the Brazilian population.Results:A low supply of fruits and leafy vegetables was identified, high supply of fatty and sweet meats, regular supply of preparations rich in sulfur and the same colors. However, regarding the frying and the frying + sweet combination, it was presented in just one daythe week(n=109).Moreover, in the last two months of analysis there was an increase in the supply of hardwoods, decrease in monotony,foods rich in sulfur and sweets, and even, preparations in natura or minimally processed + processed foods were presentsevery day. Conclusions:With the use of the method studied it waspossible to adjust the menufor the analyzed periodto offer qualityto diners. It should the increase in the supply of in natura and minimally processed foods stands out with the adaptation and progression of the reduction of COVID-19cases.It is expected that improvements and adjustments will be madethe menus,given the need to be more emphatic in its principleof ensuring food safety (AU).

ntroducción: La llegada de la pandemia del COVID-19 afectó directamente la planificación alimentaria de las instituciones municipales, estatales y otras, incluyendo las comidas que ofrece el programa de restaurantes populares, importante para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria de la población más vulnerable. Objetivo:Evaluar cualitativamente las preparaciones del menú del almuerzo en el Restaurante Popular del municipio de Santa Cruz-Rio Grande do Nortey los impactos del escenario de pandemia del COVID-19.Metodología:Para ello, se evaluaron los menús de los meses de marzo, abril, mayo, agosto y septiembre de 2021 por el método evaluación cualitativa de la elaboración de menús. Además, al adaptar el métodocitado, las preparaciones fueron designadas de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del tipo de procesamiento según la Guía de Alimentos para la población brasileña.Resultados: Se identificó una baja oferta de frutas y hortalizas de hoja, alta oferta de carnes grasas y dulces, regular oferta de preparaciones ricasen azufre y los mismos colores,aún,en cuanto a la fritura y la combinación fritura + dulce, se presentó en un solo díade lasemana(n=109). Además, en los últimos dos meses de análisishubo un aumento en la oferta de maderas duras, una disminución de la monotonía, alimentos ricos en azufre y dulces, y aun, las preparaciones con alimentos in natura o mínimamente procesados + procesados presentes todos los días. Conclusiones: Con el uso del método estudió fueposible identificar ajustes en el menúpara el período analizado, con el fin de ofrecer calidad a los comensales. Cabe señalar que se observó que con la adaptación y reducción delcasosCOVID-19, hubo un aumento en la oferta de productos in natura y mínimamente procesados. Se espera que se realicenmejoras y ajustesa los menús, dada las necesidades más enfáticasen su principiode garantizar la seguridad alimentaria (AU).

The impact of built and socio-economic environment factors on Covid-19 transmission at the ZIP-code level in Florida.

Most studies have explored the Covid-19 outbreak by mainly focusing on restrictive public policies, human health, and behaviors at the macro level. However, the impacts of built and socio-economic environments, accounting for spatial effects on the spread at the local levels, have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, the relationships between the spatial spread of the virus and various indicators of the built and socio-economic environments are investigated, using Florida ZIP-code data on accumulated cases before large-scale vaccination campaigns began in 2021. Spatial regression models are used to account for the spatial dependencies and interactions that are core factors in Covid-19 spread. This study reveals both the spillover dynamics of the coronavirus spread at the ZIP code level and the existence of spatial dependencies among the unobserved variables represented by the error term. In addition, the findings show a positive association between the expected number of Covid-19 cases and specific land uses, such as education facilities and retail densities. Finally, the study highlights critical socio-economic characteristics causing a substantial increase in Covid-19 spread. Such results could help policymakers, public health experts, and urban planners design strategies to mitigate the spread of future Covid-19-like diseases.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes hospitalizados com covid-19 no município de Mossoró - RN / Epidemiological profile of COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the municipality of Mossoró-RN / Perfil Epidemiológico de pacientes con COVID-19 en el municipio de Mossoró-RN

Introdução: Assim como observado no cenário nacional, o município de Mossoró apresentou altas taxas de letalidade nos primeiros meses de pandemia. Todavia, o conhecimento epidemiológico em torno da COVID-19 no município tem ocorrido, sobretudo, através de documentos institucionais das Secretarias de Saúde. Desse modo, a finalidade deste estudo é fornecer evidências que permitam ampliar a compreensão da ocorrência da doença em nível local, ofertar dados e informações que venham a subsidiar as políticas públicas de saúde municipais e gerar hipóteses sobre a morbimortalidade da doença para futuras investigações científicas. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos internados e confirmados de COVID-19 no município de Mossoró no estado do Rio Grande do Norte/Brasil. Metodologia: Estudo observacional transversal, baseado em dados secundários de casos internados de COVID-19 registrados no Sistema Único de Saúde entre março e outubro de 2020.Resultados:Foram incluídos na amostra 664 pacientes, dos quais 46,5% evoluíram para óbito. Entre as internações, 63,1% resultaram em internações em unidades de terapia intensiva. Observamos diferenças estatísticas significativas entre 'admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva e evolução para óbito' e 'faixa etária e evolução para óbito' e, maior risco entre idosos acima de 60 anos, com comorbidades, dispneia e saturação de O2 <95%. A necessidade de suporte ventilatório invasivo foi considerada fator predisponente para óbito. O risco de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi maior entre as idosas. Conclusões: A hospitalização e o óbito de pacientes com COVID-19foram maiores em pacientes idosos com comorbidades (AU).

Introduction:As observed in the national scenario, the city of Mossoró showed high lethality rates in the first months of the pandemic. However, the epidemiological knowledge around COVID-19 in the municipality has occurred mostly through institutional documents from the Health Secretariats. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide evidence to broaden the understanding of the occurrence of the disease at the local level, provide data and information that will support municipal health public policies and generate hypotheses about the morbidity and mortality of the disease for future scientific investigations. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalized and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the municipality of Mossoró in the state of Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil. Methodology:This is a cross-sectional and observational study, based on secondary data from the hospitalized COVID-19 cases recorded in the Unified Health System (Sistema Unificado de Saúde, SUS) between March and October 2020. Results:664 patients were included in the sample, of which 46.5% evolved to death. Among hospitalizations, 63.1% resulted in intensive care units admissions. We observed significant differences between intensive care unit admission and evolution to death' and 'age group and evolution to death' and, higher risk among elderly individuals over 60 years, with comorbidities, dyspnea and O2 saturation<95%. Need for invasive ventilatory support was considered a predisposing factor for death. The risk of intensive care unit admission was higher among eldery women.Conclusions:Hospitalization and death of patients with COVID-19 were higher in elderly patients with comorbidities (AU).

Introducción: Como se observó en el escenario nacional, el municipio de Mossoró presentó altas tasas de letalidad en los primeros meses de la pandemia. Sin embargo, el conocimiento epidemiológico en torno al COVID-19 en el municipio se ha dado principalmente a través dedocumentos institucionales de las Secretarías de Salud. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar evidencias para ampliar el conocimiento de la ocurrencia de la enfermedad en el ámbito local, proporcionar datos e informaciones que apoyen las políticas públicas municipales de salud y generar hipótesis sobre la morbilidad y mortalidad de la enfermedad para futuras investigaciones científicas. Objetivo: Analizar el perfil epidemiológico de los casos hospitalizados y confirmados de COVID-19 en el municipio de Mossoró en el estado de Rio Grande do Norte/Brasil.Metodología: Se trata de un estudio transversal y observacional, basado en datos secundarios de los casos hospitalizados de COVID-19 registrados en el Sistema Unificado de Salud (SUS) entre marzo y octubre de 2020. Resultados: La muestra incluyó 664 pacientes, de los cuales el 46,5% falleció. Entre los ingresos, el 63,1% resultaron en ingresos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Se observaron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre el "ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y la evolución hasta la muerte" y el "grupo de edad y la evolución hasta la muerte", y un mayor riesgo entre los pacientes mayores de 60 años, con comorbilidades, disnea y saturación de O2 <95%. La necesidad de soporte ventilatorio invasivo se consideró un factor predisponente para la muerte. El riesgo de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue mayor entre las mujeres de edad avanzada. Conclusiones: La hospitalización y la muerte de los pacientes con COVID-19 fueron mayores en los pacientes de edad avanzada con comorbilidades (AU).

Genomic assessment of quarantine measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 importation and transmission.

Mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from international travel is a priority. We evaluated the effectiveness of travellers being required to quarantine for 14-days on return to England in Summer 2020. We identified 4,207 travel-related SARS-CoV-2 cases and their contacts, and identified 827 associated SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Overall, quarantine was associated with a lower rate of contacts, and the impact of quarantine was greatest in the 16-20 age-group. 186 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sufficiently unique to identify travel-related clusters. Fewer genomically-linked cases were observed for index cases who returned from countries with quarantine requirement compared to countries with no quarantine requirement. This difference was explained by fewer importation events per identified genome for these cases, as opposed to fewer onward contacts per case. Overall, our study demonstrates that a 14-day quarantine period reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the onward transmission of imported cases, mainly by dissuading travel to countries with a quarantine requirement.