Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity最新文献

{"title":"The association between mycotic pneumonia and neonatal septicemia","authors":"Salman Khalid Salman,&nbsp;Yasir Mufeed Abdulateef,&nbsp;Sawsan Qahtan Taha Al-Quhli","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.06.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobb.2024.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Candida species are the fourth most common etiological agents of late-onset infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality.</p></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>From November 2023 to February 2024, we investigated the association of mycotic pneumonia with septicemia in 60 neonates, and their roles of mycotic pneumonia in the morbidity and mortality of neonates in two NICUs in the Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>All infants in this study had been diagnosed with septicemia and treated with empirical antimicrobial therapy. An early morning nasogastric tube (NG-tube) was used to collect swallowed sputum by suction for culture and sensitivity testing.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The average white blood count for the neonates was 8547 ± 5884.5 cells/mm². The mean C-reactive protein was 39.3 ± 26 mg/l, the mean serum albumin was 2.9 ± 0.2 g/dl and the positive bacterial blood culture was 28 (46.7 %). 9 (15 %) neonates died during the study period. The NG-tube culture identified fungal growth in all samples. Of these, 49 (81.6 %) were identified as <em>Candida albicans</em>, 6 (10 %) as <em>Candida tropicalis</em>, and 5 (8.3 %) as <em>Cryptococcus laurentii</em>. The bacterial culture results from the NG-tube samples identified 13 (21.6 %) patients with gram-positive bacteria and 47 (78.3 %) with gram-negative bacteria.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We found a prevalence of Candida spp. among neonates in addition to microbial oxygen tube contamination, indicating a biosafety breach in the neonatal unit. Mycotic infection requires global attention as a probable cause of respiratory failure in neonatal septicemia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 137-141"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000323/pdfft?md5=e98223a68d44a37acdaeed7c16c9e563&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000323-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141541035","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":"Addressing poxvirus challenges in the Middle East to enhance biosafety and biosecurity measures","authors":"Laith N. AL-Eitan ,&nbsp;Haneen O. Ali ,&nbsp;Hana S. Abu Kharmah ,&nbsp;Maryam K. Alasmar ,&nbsp;Iliya Y. Khair ,&nbsp;Ahmad H. Mihyar","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.06.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobb.2024.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The emergence and zoonotic transmission of poxviruses in the Middle East have been recognized as complex public health issues. Poxviruses, a vast family of DNA viruses, can infect many hosts, including animals and humans. The Middle East has had multiple epidemics of poxvirus infections (e.g., Monkeypox, Smallpox, and Camelpox) that have raised concerns owing to their detrimental effects on livestock, wildlife, and sporadic human cases. This review aims to thoroughly examine the complexity of the epidemiological patterns, intricate genetic diversity, and several contributing factors that support the emergence and zoonotic transmission of poxviruses in the Middle East. Several aspects of poxviruses contribute to the emergence of endemics and zoonotic breakouts, such as the complex nature of human-animal interactions, environmental changes, and their subtle capacity for viral adaptability. This review was compiled in the hopes of contributing to the current understanding of poxvirus biology and its implications for human and animal health in the Middle East. We provide a comprehensive overview of the most common poxviruses in the Middle East, including their classification, structure, replication cycle, pathogenesis, route of transmissions, and of how the Middle East has developed ways to mitigate these biological threats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 142-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000335/pdfft?md5=951f14f2c0d40a84ed4f933830b032c0&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000335-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141594908","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":"2024-09-01","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}

{"title":"Biosafety and biosecurity in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region: Challenges and necessities","authors":"Karzan Qurbani,&nbsp;Safin Hussein,&nbsp;Sirwan Khalid Ahmed,&nbsp;Hanaw Darwesh,&nbsp;Seenaa Ali,&nbsp;Haider Hamzah","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.03.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobb.2024.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 65-66"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000104/pdfft?md5=7a33b5fa3f2627872bd208fe2551e5fe&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000104-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140550976","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":"Erratum regarding missing informed consents and ethic approval in previously published articles","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Page 135"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000219/pdfft?md5=b67e62575b4a4adff1684815153d99af&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000219-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141541774","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":"Kalman filter based on a fractional discrete-time stochastic augmented CoVid-19 model","authors":"Mohammad Ghani,&nbsp;Dwi Rantini,&nbsp;Maryamah","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this paper, we study the dynamics of the CoVid-19 outbreak in Semarang, Indonesia, using a fractional CoVid-19 model. We first determine the effects of the isolation rate &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and infection rate &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;β&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; on the reproduction number &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;R&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;0&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and infected number &lt;em&gt;V&lt;/em&gt;. We find that &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;R&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;0&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; is directly proportional to &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;β&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and inversely proportional to &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. For &lt;em&gt;V&lt;/em&gt;, the effect of physical distancing is not as significant as changing &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. As &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; increases, &lt;em&gt;V&lt;/em&gt; decreases, the number of susceptible individuals increases, the number of quarantined individuals decreases sharply, and the number of recovered individuals decreases. Moreover, the effect of vaccination is also considered. The combination of physical distancing, isolation, and vaccination has a significant impact on reducing the number of infected individuals. Analysis of dynamical systems allows us to understand the characteristics of our model, such as its boundedness and non-negativity, the existence of equilibrium points, the existence and uniqueness of solutions, and the local and global stability. To validate our fractional CoVid-19 model, we introduce the fractional extended Kalman filter (FracEKF) as a prediction method and compare the results against reported CoVid-19 data. FracEKF is a modified version of the basic extended Kalman filter with a time-fractional memory effect. The prediction results illustrate the accuracy of this model in terms of the root mean square error (&lt;em&gt;RMSE&lt;/em&gt;), normalized root mean square error (&lt;em&gt;NRMSE&lt;/em&gt;), and mean absolute percentage error (&lt;em&gt;MAPE&lt;/em&gt;) for each fractional-order. Varying &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; reproduces the trends observed in the reported data for the number of infected individuals, i.e., when &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;∊&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; increases, the infected number decreases. Moreover, a higher fractional-order results in higher model accuracy. Furthermore, higher values of the process noise &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Q&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;f&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; give smaller errors, whereas higher values of the observation noise &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;R&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;f&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; produce higher errors. &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Q&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;f&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and the fractional-order &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;α&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; are inversely proportional to &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;RMSE&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mo&gt;,&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;NRMSE","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 76-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000189/pdfft?md5=2065ed2bd4837d3db0e2355e9ccfeaa7&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000189-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141048701","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":"Analyzing co-infection dynamics: A mathematical approach using fractional order modeling and Laplace-Adomian decomposition","authors":"Isa Abdullahi Baba ,&nbsp;Fathalla A. Rihan ,&nbsp;Evren Hincal","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The co-infection of HIV and COVID-19 is a pressing health concern, carrying substantial potential consequences. This study focuses on the vital task of comprehending the dynamics of HIV-COVID-19 co-infection, a fundamental step in formulating efficacious control strategies and optimizing healthcare approaches. Here, we introduce an innovative mathematical model grounded in Caputo fractional order differential equations, specifically designed to encapsulate the intricate dynamics of co-infection. This model encompasses multiple critical facets: the transmission dynamics of both HIV and COVID-19, the host’s immune responses, and the influence of treatment interventions. Our approach embraces the complexity of these factors to offer an exhaustive portrayal of co-infection dynamics. To tackle the fractional order model, we employ the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method, a potent mathematical tool for approximating solutions in fractional order differential equations. Utilizing this technique, we simulate the intricate interactions between these variables, yielding profound insights into the propagation of co-infection. Notably, we identify pivotal contributors to its advancement. In addition, we conduct a meticulous analysis of the convergence properties inherent in the series solutions acquired through the Laplace-Adomian decomposition method. This examination assures the reliability and accuracy of our mathematical methodology in approximating solutions. Our findings hold significant implications for the formulation of effective control strategies. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and public health authorities will benefit from this research as they endeavor to curtail the proliferation and impact of HIV-COVID-19 co-infection.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 113-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000207/pdfft?md5=5e953fc571289722d8dcd925b1ff0a92&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000207-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141032851","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":"Regulation of toxins and bioregulators under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention","authors":"Michael Crowley,&nbsp;Malcolm Dando","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this paper we highlight how the apparent double coverage of toxins and bioregulators by both the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in fact masks a regulatory gap that has left such potentially dangerous agents neglected by both the control regimes during a period of rapid advances in relevant chemical, life and associated sciences and technologies. We first review what toxins, bioregulators and other mid-spectrum agents are and why they are of such concern and then examine how they are regulated under the BTWC and CWC. This paper then examines an illustrative range of contemporary chemical and life science research and associated activities of concern drawn from case study research on China, India, Iran, Russia, Syria and the United States, and assesses how the CWC and BTWC States Parties have inadequately addressed these threats. We then examine how both the CWC and BTWC Review Conferences failed to address these long-term challenges, and we end by providing a series of recommendations for how both regimes can be strengthened in this area.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 99-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000098/pdfft?md5=aa875d726ef0ce2dc9e47193a67fbf86&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000098-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140399615","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":"Dynamic evolution of an SVEIR model with variants and non-pharmaceutical interventions for controlling COVID-19","authors":"Ruiyang Zhou ,&nbsp;Shaojian Cai ,&nbsp;Guangmin Chen ,&nbsp;Senzhong Huang ,&nbsp;Zhen Jin ,&nbsp;Zhihang Peng ,&nbsp;Weichuan Lin ,&nbsp;Fengying Wei ,&nbsp;Kuicheng Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The epidemiological characteristics and distributions of two epidemics in Fujian Province of Southeast China were attributed to the complex interactions among variant, host, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). All reported cases in the Putian epidemic (September 8–October 2, 2021, Delta variant B.1.617.2) and Fuzhou epidemic (October 22–November 18, 2022, Omicron variant BA.5.2) were classified by sex, age group, occupation, and location in this study. Using surveillance data from the Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we established a virus-oriented SVEIR (Susceptible–Vaccinated–Exposed–Infected–Recovered) model to investigate the dynamic evolution features of these two variants and the effects of NPIs. The optimal simulations were carried out with variants and scenario investigations. The scenario investigations showed that NPIs significantly reduced the transmission risk and infection scales of COVID-19, and that the Omicron variant was more infectious than the Delta variant. Moreover, the dynamic investigations revealed the increasing tendencies from Delta to Omicron, such as the basic reproduction number, infection rate, percentage of high-risk cases, and the growth rate. Decreasing tendencies were also identified, such as the average recovery period, the awareness delay, and the percentage of symptomatic cases. This study highlighted that NPIs played critical roles in successfully containing the two epidemics. Such interventions are strongly recommended to public health policymakers.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 67-75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000050/pdfft?md5=e840458e0acbd9719fcb4c3a34a02694&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000050-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140792741","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":"Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis of the use of safety goggles and face masks as personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against occupational biohazards","authors":"Raúl Aguilar-Elena,&nbsp;Juán José Agún-González","doi":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobb.2024.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This study represents the first Spanish investigation to rigorously evaluate compliance with the use of safety goggles and face masks as essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in companies with workplaces involving exposure to biological agents.</p></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to examine the degree of use of face masks and safety goggles as personal protective equipment (PPE), the factors that influence their use, and the profile of workers exposed to occupational biological agents in Spanish companies in the health sector, farming sector, meat industry, waste treatment plants, food industry, and veterinary centers.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 590 Spanish workers from 51 companies. We developed a 34-item questionnaire to assess workers’ perception of risk related to exposure to biological agents in their workplaces. Among the questions, three were designed to measure the degree of use of key protective equipment in sectors with biological agent exposure: protective gloves, safety goggles or face masks. We only analyzed safety goggles and face masks. We performed various statistical analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, frequency of endorsement, content validity ratio using Lawshe’s method, varimax rotation, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, and Bartlett’s sphericity test, to assess the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire. Additionally, we employed a chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) segmentation analysis, using workers’ responses regarding their attitudes toward safety goggles and face mask usage as PPE for protection against biological risks, with demographic variables as independent factors.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In the current study, CHAID analysis revealed that workers exposed to group 2 biological agents used more safety goggles and face shields compared with workers exposed to other groups of biological agents. Moreover, workers in laboratories and the food industry used face masks more than workers of other sectors.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The CHAID analysis in the current study indicated that workers exposed to biological agents from both group 2 and group 3 demonstrated satisfactory levels of compliance and utilization of protective masks, surpassing their counterparts in terms of usage. Workers in the food and laboratory industries had subpar compliance with preventive measures, and employees from companies with internal health and safety departments exhibited significant adherence to workplace mask usage, safeguarding themselves against biological risks.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":52875,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 125-133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588933824000190/pdfft?md5=4e6d1b822442a2758e44cf734863021f&pid=1-s2.0-S2588933824000190-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141145411","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}