Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity最新文献

{"title":"Health security disparities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A comparative analysis using an integrated MCDM and clustering approach","authors":"Adel A. Nasser ,&nbsp;Abed Saif Ahmed Alghawli ,&nbsp;S. Saleh ,&nbsp;Amani A.K. Elsayed","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to analyze and compare health security performance (HSP) between Gulf Cooperation Council and non-Gulf Cooperation Council countries within the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) for 2019 and 2021, recognizing the critical role of health security in managing global health threats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study utilized data from the Global Health Security Index (GHSI) for 2019 and 2021. Key health security priorities were identified using the entropy objective weighting method. The VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) method was employed to rank countries based on overall performance. K-means clustering was applied to group countries with similar health security profiles. Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between independent HSP indicators and overall performance scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A significant shift in health security priorities within the EMR was observed between 2019 and 2021, with prevention gaining prominence. Gulf Cooperation Council countries emphasized detection and reporting, while non-Gulf Cooperation Council countries prioritized health systems and prevention. Gulf Cooperation Council countries, particularly Qatar and Saudi Arabia, consistently demonstrated strong HSP. Conversely, non-Gulf Cooperation Council countries facing conflict and instability, such as Yemen, Somalia, and Syria, exhibited weaker performance. Health system capacity, prevention, detection and reporting, and risk environment showed robust correlations with overall HSP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study underscores the necessity for tailored, adaptive policies to address HSP disparities across regions, highlighting investment in prevention, detection, and reporting. It stresses international collaboration, improved policy implementation, and ongoing research to enhance global health security systems across diverse contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 38-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143519743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adherence to biosafety and biosecurity protocols: An assessment of biomedical and veterinary laboratories in Benin","authors":"Philippe Sessou ,&nbsp;Nestor Noudeke ,&nbsp;Yves Eric Denon ,&nbsp;Aretas Tonouhewa ,&nbsp;Alban Zohoun ,&nbsp;Nassirou Boukary ,&nbsp;Désirée Metodakou ,&nbsp;Brian Samuelson ,&nbsp;Dana Hag Hamed ,&nbsp;Jenny Zhao ,&nbsp;Sumegha Asthana ,&nbsp;Mohammed Abid ,&nbsp;Erin M. Sorrell","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diagnostic laboratories play a crucial role in surveillance and epidemic preparedness. However, gaps in adherence to biosecurity and biosafety protocols in managing, isolating, storing, and disposing of infectious pathogens in these facilities pose a serious risk to the laboratory, local populations, and the surrounding environment. In this study, we evaluated adherence to biosecurity and biosafety protocols in 96 public and private biomedical and veterinary laboratories in Benin to identify and address such gaps. We followed a cross-sectional study design. We used the Biosafety and Biosecurity in Laboratory Tool to assess biomedical laboratories and the Laboratory Mapping Tool to assess veterinary laboratories. Data were collected using KoBoCollect and analyzed with R software version 4.0.5. Descriptive analysis, the chi-squared test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that most laboratories did not comply with established guidelines. Of all laboratories surveyed, 42% presented a very high risk, 38% a high risk, 15% moderate risk, and 5% were low risk. Overall, 80% of biomedical laboratories and 100% of veterinary laboratories were rated high risk. To improve effective biosecurity practices in laboratories in Benin to an acceptable standard, it is essential to implement robust biosecurity and biosafety policies. Additionally, capacity-building sessions should be conducted for laboratory staff and managers to educate them on the latest biosecurity protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 28-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143096735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Effectiveness of chemical inactivation of infectious liquid biological waste: A randomized sample study of research laboratories in Switzerland” [J. Biosaf. Biosecur. 6(1) (2024) 16–26]","authors":"Alina C. Teuscher ,&nbsp;Charlotte Ruhnau ,&nbsp;Nicole Stöcklin ,&nbsp;Fabienne Wichmann ,&nbsp;Evelyn Ilg Hampe ,&nbsp;Claudia Bagutti","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Page 271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143160346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles from Juglans regia dry husk extract for biomedical applications","authors":"Khetam Habeeb Rasool ,&nbsp;Wedian K. Abad ,&nbsp;Ahmed N. Abd","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance threatens public health, necessitating the search for antimicrobial agents that are not only effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria but also harmless to the environment. Metal nanoparticles and their oxides are promising agents for battling antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and nanoparticles (NPs) of any size or form can be manufactured in high quality using low-cost and simple-to-follow processes that are friendly to the<!--> <!-->environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that were synthesized using the extract of Juglans regia dried husk, a waste product. Extract components were<!--> <!-->used as capping and reducing agents in reactions with zinc acetate salt. The properties of ZnO NPs were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antibacterial activity ZnO NPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans, which were isolated from patients with urinary tract infection, was assessed using the agar well diffusion method.<!--> <!-->ZnO NPs produced using the aqueous extract of Juglans regia dried husk had a band gap of 3.5 eV, which was determined using UV–visible spectra in the wavelength range of 200–1100 nm. The FTIR spectra of ZnO NPs, acquired in the range of 400–4000 cm⁻¹, contained bands corresponding to specific functional groups of biomolecules and metal oxides. X-ray patterns were acquired in the range of 2θ = 20° to 80°. The crystallite size of produced ZnO NPs, calculated using Scherrer’s formula, was 8.7 nm. The wurtzite hexagonal structure of ZnO NPs was confirmed by the presence of the wide band at 495 to 850 cm⁻¹. The peaks in the XRD pattern corresponded to the (100), (002), (101), (110), (103), and (201) planes. Prepared nanoparticles were semispherical, with a grain diameter of approximately 23 nm and mean roughness (Sa) of 1.65 nm. According to the results of antibacterial testing, ZnO NPs exhibited the greatest growth inhibition effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans (diameter of inhibition zones of 37 ± 0.89, 35.6 ± 0.52, 33.3 ± 1.36, and 35 ± 0.89 mm, respectively). ZnO NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity owing to their distinct toxicity toward microorganisms. Hence, they can be applied as antimicrobial agents in medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and nanomedicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142747010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A targeted vaccination strategy: Integrating vaccines into biosafety, biosecurity, and one health initiatives","authors":"Laith N. AL-Eitan,&nbsp;Rabi A. Abu Khiarah,&nbsp;Diana L. Almahdawi","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vaccination has saved millions of lives and is regarded as one of modern medicine’s most important successes. Effective vaccination programs should be based on risk assessment that considers demographic and occupational factors. When developing a vaccination program, it is essential to identify the target groups, including travelers, infants, high-risk workers, and those in critical roles such as farming and agriculture. In biosafety and biosecurity, vaccines are a key component of measures designed to protect laboratory personnel, the community, and the environment. Guidelines from global health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tailored to specific pathogens and depend on the type of work performed and the associated risk. These guidelines are continuously revised and updated to ensure the effectiveness of vaccination programs. Vaccines also play a role in One Health approaches that are focused on the interconnectedness of animals, humans, and the environment. Targeted vaccination strategies for both domestic animals and wildlife are necessary to maintain animal health, improve livestock productivity, and prevent the spread of zoonotic and foodborne diseases to humans. In this paper, we aimed to provide an overview regarding the crucial roles of vaccines in biosafety, biosecurity, and One Health approaches, as well as to highlight the importance of targeted and personalized strategies to improve the effectiveness of vaccination programs. Herein, we also discuss various vaccines aimed at specific target groups as recommended by global health organizations, with a particular emphasis on laboratory workers and the vaccines necessary to reduce laboratory-acquired infections. Finally, we discuss animal vaccines and targeted strategies for vaccinating domestic and wildlife populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"7 1","pages":"Pages 9-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142747011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation methods of reproduction numbers for epidemics of varying strains of COVID-19","authors":"Siying Xiong ,&nbsp;Shaojian Cai ,&nbsp;Fengying Wei ,&nbsp;Guangmin Chen ,&nbsp;Kuicheng Zheng ,&nbsp;Jianfeng Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The estimation methods of reproduction numbers and serial intervals are important in the early stages of infectious diseases. During the COVID pandemic, China implemented a dynamic zero-COVID policy on the Chinese mainland until the end of 2022. This study compares three estimation methods of basic reproduction numbers on small-scale, short-duration COVID-19 epidemics in Fujian Province. Basic reproduction numbers were investigated using a varying-strain model via a next-generation matrix method. Serial intervals were derived using the infector–infectee pairs of two epidemics from the Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic reproduction numbers were estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method and the exponential growth method. The curves of the effective reproduction numbers of the three epidemics were plotted by utilizing daily cases and the EpiEstim R package. The spatial heterogeneity of infection cases was described using the Gini coefficient. This study provides significant insights on the estimation methods of reproduction numbers for policymakers in the local government. The results reveal that social contacts between infectors and susceptible individuals should be reduced to avoid an increase in deaths and to fight against the spread of infectious diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 265-270"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142704617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transformative advances in veterinary laboratory practices: Evaluating the impact of preliminary training in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan","authors":"Javed Khan ,&nbsp;Asghar Ali ,&nbsp;Shaukat Khan ,&nbsp;Murad Khan ,&nbsp;Saima Mohsin ,&nbsp;Cecelia Madsen","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Veterinary laboratories face distinct challenges in Pakistan, including inadequate infrastructure, resources, and training opportunities, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan regions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training sessions for veterinary laboratory staff to improve methods and protocols related to sample collection, storage, and transport, while ensuring strict compliance with biosafety and biosecurity guidelines. The study employed a mixed methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Hands-on training, essential laboratory equipment, and a comprehensive training kit, including personal protective equipment (PPE), were provided to 13 laboratories within the Livestock and Dairy Development Departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. A random sample of 152 individuals from a cohort of 314 trained personnel was selected to assess procedural changes post-training, supplemented by Training Needs Assessments (TNAs) and follow-up visits. Data collection involved a combination of open- and closed-ended questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus group discussions by trained enumerators to maintain a standardized approach. Significant improvements were observed in laboratory practices and procedures, staff competency in sample collection, necropsy techniques, labeling, storage, a chain of custody, packaging, and transport, as well as biosafety and biosecurity practices, such as effective use of PPEs, good laboratory practices, standard operating procedures, handling of sharps, and waste management. However, areas needing refinement, particularly waste management protocols, were identified. The integrated approach combining TNAs, training initiatives, and resource distribution, including laboratory equipment and PPEs, was pivotal in achieving these outcomes. This comprehensive strategy provides a basis for improving biosafety and biosecurity measures within laboratories, thereby contributing to the global effort to mitigate unauthorized access to high-risk pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 258-264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142655992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons for biosecurity education from the International Nuclear Security Education Network","authors":"Iris Magne ,&nbsp;Olivia Ibbotson ,&nbsp;Lijun Shang ,&nbsp;Malcolm Dando","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the rapid advances in technology and life science, biological security is now at a defining moment. The mandate of the 2022 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention 9th Review Conference emphasised the urgent need for new tools to strengthen the Convention. In this paper, we review the development and efforts of the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) to provide examples of best practice for implementation of the newly founded International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN). Learning from the lessons of the INSEN, the sustainability of the network through continuous engagement of its members is essential for the further development of global biosecurity education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 252-257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142445180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical simulations of a two-strain dengue model to investigate the efficacy of the deployment of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes and vaccination for reducing the incidence of dengue infections","authors":"Meksianis Z. Ndii ,&nbsp;Nursanti Anggriani ,&nbsp;Bertha S. Djahi ,&nbsp;Sanubari Tansah Tresna ,&nbsp;Fatuh Inayaturohmat","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigated the usefulness of a two-serotype dengue mathematical model to gain insights into the effects of antibody-dependent enhancement and temperature on dengue transmission dynamics in the presence of vaccination and <em>Wolbachia</em>-carrying mosquitoes. In particular, the effects of temperature on the mosquito death and maturation rates in secondary infections were examined. A deterministic mathematical model was formulated and analysed to address this problem. The results suggest that controlling the population of aquatic mosquitoes is appropriate for reducing the incidence of secondary infections. Furthermore, the <em>wAu Wolbachia</em> strain was more effective in reducing secondary infections.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 244-251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000487/pdfft?md5=c755ea23a43690b6930ae1a984285d28&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000487-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A stochastic epidemic model with time delays and unreported cases based on Markovian switching","authors":"H.J. Alsakaji ,&nbsp;Y.A. El-Khatib ,&nbsp;F.A. Rihan (PhD; DSc) ,&nbsp;A. Hashish","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Disease dynamics are influenced by changes in the environment. In this study, unreported cases (U), environmental perturbations, and exogenous events are included in the epidemic Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Unreported–Removed model with time delays. We examine the process of switching from one regime to another at random. Ergodicity and stationary distribution criteria are discussed. A Lyapunov function is used to determine several conditions for disease extinction. The spread of a disease is affected when transitioning from one random regime to another via sudden external events, such as hurricanes. The model and theoretical results are validated using numerical simulations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 234-243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000475/pdfft?md5=f82949cbd4a1b36883019913a7b759e8&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000475-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142230135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}