Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity最新文献

In this paper, we briefly discuss the historical issues concerning the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and analyse the current situation after the COVID-19 pandemic with emphasis on the new developments at 9th Review Conference of the BTWC. In particular, we discuss the mission of the new working group agreed at the review conference to identify, examine, and develop specific and effective measures, including possible legally binding measures and to make recommendations to strengthen and institutionalise the Convention in all its aspects, and compare it with productive activities associated with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The enhanced role for civil society in support of the BTWC is then proposed with some solid examples from our own recent projects. We hope this analysis will help to facilitate new thinking about strengthening BTWC in coming years.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread worldwide, posing a global medical concern. This novel RNA virus enters cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptors. Additionally, ACE (ACE1) polymorphisms can influence ACE2 activity and consequently affect COVID-19 patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the insertion/deletion polymorphism (ACE I/D; rs4646994) in the ACE gene among Arab Jordanians. Moreover, we investigated if there is a genetic association between the allele and genotype frequencies of the rs4646994 polymorphism with respect to gender. We isolated DNA from approximately 525 blood samples for genotyping of the ACE I/D polymorphism, which was performed using a 3% agarose gel mixed with ethidium bromide. Our findings indicated a significantly higher distribution of the D allele (66%) compared with the I allele (34%) in the Jordanian population. Moreover, the DD genotype (42%) was more prevalent than the II genotype (11%). We observed a significant association in the genotypic frequency, but not the allelic frequency, between males and females. Our research has revealed the potential role of the ACE I/D variant in the increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates in the Jordanian population.

Development and sharing of model approaches to national science policies can enable States Parties to effectively raise awareness about the security dimensions of life science research and to promote research integrity and the responsible use of science, as well as enhancing accountability practices among practitioners and fostering access to emerging capabilities in science and technology. It is also important to incorporate convergent domains of scientific endeavors in biological and particularly computer and information sciences, upon which the life sciences increasingly depend. Indeed, the rapid development of science and technology may be outpacing necessary ethical and regulatory practices. Thus, governments and civil society often struggle to anticipate emerging capabilities and to identify and implement appropriate oversight mechanisms, particularly for activities that occur outside the direct oversight of government programs. However, these efforts are critical for public health and serve as an extremely powerful action to counter the use of biological weapons.

The mpox (previously monkeypox) outbreak in more than 100 non-endemic countries in 2022 posed a serious global health concern. Mpox is emerging as a global public health threat from a seemingly neglected disease. A42R profilin-like protein from mpox virus (PDB ID: 4QWO) could be a preferred target lead. The binding affinity of commonly used drugs/mAbs (tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir) for A42R profilin-like protein was examined in silico through molecular docking. Further, the results were compared with those of the phytochemicals curcumin, rutin, and theaflavin. Tecovirimat (−7.31 kcal/mol, IC₅₀ = 4.39 µM) and theaflavin (−6.99 kcal/mol, IC₅₀ = 7.54 µM) had the highest affinities. Molecular dynamics simulation of the theaflavin–4QWO complex was performed to ascertain the stability of ligand–protein interactions in natural charge, molecular electrostatic potential, and frontier molecular orbital analyses. The predicted QSAR and pharmacokinetic properties of all compounds were evaluated to find a suitable candidate for designing and developing new drugs. The evaluated log P values for brincidofovir and tecovirimat were higher than those of the other drugs in the QSAR study. Theaflavin had an impressive log P of 4.77, which hints at its high biological activity. The findings recommend further in vitro experimental validation to develop potential low-cost mpox therapies.

Biochemistry, hematology and serology laboratories produce very heterogeneous discharges capable of polluting water, soil and the environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physico-chemical quality of the ashes, effluents and the range of equipment that produce the much effluent and pollutions.

This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study of 82 laboratories followed by the sampling of effluents from automatons. The physico-chemical parameters and trace elements are determined according to French Standardization Association (AFNOR) standards and used atomic absorption spectrometers and molecular absorption spectrometers. The Mindray hematology automaton is used for 64.7% and 81.5% of the cans are used to collect waste. Semehow 77.8% of discharges are released into sinks without adequate treatment in 42.6% of cases. Chemical analyses show that trace elements (TE) levels in effluents range from 5.89 ± 0.21 to 105.80 ± 0.96 μg/L for Arsenic; from 5.62 ± 0.34 to 6.53 ± 0.49 μg/L for Cadmium; 0.70 ± 0.01 to 10.63 ± 1.17 μg/L for Mercure and 35.72 ± 1.88 to 61.98 ± 5.15 μg/L for Plomb. pH ranges from 7.17 ± 0.65 to 8.3 ± 1.35 with total dissolved salts (TDS) range from 3260.20 ± 401.68 to 17117.41 ± 265.37 mg/L. All averages of contamination indices (CI) and polymetallic contamination indices (PCI) for post-incineration ashes are greater than 1.5 with the exception of Hg (0.22). For effluents, in addition to polymetallic contamination indices (PCI), CI in hematology effluents (1.09), all CI are less than 1. Hematology effluents have a lower pH and are much more mineralized and concentrated in trace elements while those from biochemistry and serology appear to be similar. However, the effluents of Biochemistry and Serology are more basic and concentrated in Suspended Solids with higher values obtained in Biochemistry. Although the physico-chemical parameters comply with WHO standards, discharges from automatons deserve appropriate treatment before their disposal.

Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19, has undergone over three years of evolutionary changes. Throughout this evolutionary process, multiple variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, have emerged, leading to widespread outbreaks and pandemics. A comprehensive analysis of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 over the past three years reveals its progression through three distinct stages.

Availability of mobile laboratories can facilitate rapid on-spot detection of pathogens, monitor its presence in certain populations and inform health authorities to take immediate remedial measures. Currently available biosafety and biosecurity guidelines and policies may not completely articulate the increased demand to manage mobile units in infectious disease outbreaks in remote parts of the country for rapid diagnosis, and also allows research and epidemiological study take place appropriately.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the current limitations and develop and implement biosafety and biosecurity guidelines as well as the protocols for operations, security, and response plan of mobile biosafety level 2 laboratories and their deployment.

Keeping in view the sensitivity of it, a comprehensive plan was developed to address it in view of Global Health Security framework. Biosafety and biosecurity protocols were developed including Risk Assessment Tool (RAT) fitting the needs and strengthen the diagnostic and epidemiological capacity in the field covering remote parts of country to fill the gaps observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently the biosafety and biosecurity best practices guidelines and biosecurity policy and regulations are directed mostly towards static laboratories. A biosafety and biosecurity manual developed to adopt and meet the requirements for MBSL 2. For acute health infectious threats including the COVID-19 outbreak and other epidemics, rapid diagnosis can curb and mitigate the problem before it gets out of its boundaries creating significant health risks for the public and economy. The deployment of mobile laboratories will certainly help in curbing these catastrophes.

Routine microbial inactivation procedures used in microbiology laboratories must be verified. In this study, the efficacy of surface disinfection using 70% Isopropanol, 0.45% Presept, and 1% Virkon was tested against 24 bacterial strains commonly handled in aquaculture microbiology laboratories. Isopropanol was ineffective against Nocardia asteroides NCIMB 1290, while Virkon was not effective against Aeromonas eucrenophila NCIMB 74 or Pediococcus acidilacti R52037.