Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Genetic diversity, virulence profiles, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolated from typhoid fever patients in Baghdad, Iraq","authors":"Muna Sabah Dawood,&nbsp;Nadheema Hammood Hussein,&nbsp;Khetam Habeeb Rasool","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Typhoid fever is an important health issue in developing countries, and the pathogenicity of <em>Salmonella enterica</em> serovar Typhi (<em>S.</em> ser. Typhi) depends on the presence of different virulence factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the spread of virulence genes among <em>S.</em> Typhi isolates from patients with typhoid fever in Baghdad, Iraq. Sixty <em>S.</em> Typhi isolates were collected from several hospitals in Baghdad and identified using VITEK-II and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction <strong>(</strong>PCR) to detect the <em>16S rRNA</em> gene. After testing their susceptibility to different antimicrobials (via the disk diffusion method), we found the highest resistance rates (100 %) were to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, and ceftriaxone. The highest sensitivity rates (100 %) were to ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The presence of genes encoding for virulence in <em>S.</em> Typhi isolates was tested by conventional PCR. The results showed that out of 60 isolates, 59 (98.3 %), 59 (98.3 %), 58 (96.7 %), and 60 (100 %) were positive for <em>viaB, staA, cdtB,</em> and <em>orfL</em> genes, respectively. The sequencing of PCR products (<em>viaB, staA, cdtB,</em> and <em>orfL</em> genes) was carried out at the Macrogen Company (Seoul, Korea). The sequences were compared with nucleotide sequences in the BLAST GenBank database, and data obtained from the sequencing of these virulence genes were submitted to GenBank under different accession numbers. A phylogenetic analysis of the <em>16S rRNA</em> gene sequence found a high similarity between local sequences and the closely related sequences of genes in GenBank. The presence of the <em>viaB, staA, cdtB,</em> and <em>orfL</em> virulence genes in nearly all of the isolates under examination suggests that they play an important role in the pathogenicity of local isolates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 225-233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000396/pdfft?md5=29e047c9e195776b3f4303349920534c&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000396-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142083192","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":"Pseudovirus technology in global health: A critical need for robust biosecurity measures","authors":"Abhijit Poddar ,&nbsp;S.R. Rao","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 223-224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000384/pdfft?md5=e08b2d7d323a451bf516682ba068e063&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000384-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142050451","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":"Computational modeling and inhibition of SARS-COV-2 Papain-like protease enzyme: A potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19","authors":"Auwal Rabiu Auwal ,&nbsp;Isa Abdullahi Baba ,&nbsp;Evren Hincal ,&nbsp;Fathalla A. Rihan","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aims to investigate the potential impact of inhibitors targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 on viral replication and the host immune response. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the interaction among susceptible cells, infected cells, PLpro, and immune cells, incorporating data on PLpro inhibition. Through numerical simulations using MATLAB, the model parameters were estimated based on available statistical data. The results indicate that strategically positioned inhibitors could impede the virus’s access to host cellular machinery, thereby enhancing the immune response and gradually reducing susceptible and infected cells over time. The dynamics of the viral enzyme PLpro showed reduced activity with the introduction of the inhibitor, leading to a decline in viral replication. Moreover, the immune cell population exhibited functional recovery as the inhibitor suppressed PLpro activity. These findings suggest that inhibitors targeting PLpro may serve as therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting viral replication and bolstering the immune response.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 211-221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000372/pdfft?md5=fdbf876165b0e2e2b70466ae5d584222&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000372-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141978304","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}