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Navel V, Labetoulle M, Lazreg S, Brémond-Gignac D, Chiambaretta F. COVID-19 pandemic and impact of universal face mask wear on ocular surface health and risk of infection. J Fr Ophtalmol 2024; 47:104170. [PMID: 38569271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2024.104170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Universal mask wear is an effective public health intervention to reduce SARS-Cov-2 transmission, especially in enclosed public spaces and healthcare environments. Concerns have been raised about possible transmission of the SARS-Cov-2 through ocular secretions, leading to enhanced protective measures during ophthalmic procedures. However, there is some evidence for air jets from the upper edge of the surgical mask to the ocular surface, especially when the mask is not well fit. Prolonged airflow towards the ocular surface during expiration may alter tear-film stability, leading to hyperosmolarity and ocular surface inflammation. This also raises the question of whether the ocular surface is contaminated with oral flora from airflow directed toward the eyes, thus increasing the risk of ocular infection. Herein we review the impact of patient face mask wear on the ocular surface, eyelids and risk of ocular infection, particularly during ocular surgery. There is some evidence for increased incidence of dry eye or eyelid disease during periods of mandatory face mask wear. While high daily exposure is consistent with a direct association, this should be mitigated by various cofounding factors which could also affect the ocular health during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increased risk of post-intravitreal injection endophthalmitis, possibly due to face mask wear by the patient, including culture-positive endophthalmitis, has been reported in one retrospective study. Several measures have been shown to prevent or limit the risk of developing dry eye disease or exacerbation, eyelid cyst, and ocular infection during intravitreal injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Navel
- CHU Gabriel-Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - M Labetoulle
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - S Lazreg
- Centre d'ophtalmologie Lazreg, Blida, Algeria
| | - D Brémond-Gignac
- Hôpital universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Graf S, Engelmann L, Jeleff Wölfler O, Albrecht I, Schloderer M, Kramer A, Klankermayer L, Gebhardt F, Chaker AM, Spinner CD, Schwab R, Wollenberg B, Protzer U, Hoffmann D. Reopening the Bavarian State Opera Safely: Hygiene Strategies and Incidence of COVID-19 in Artistic Staff During Theater Season 2020/2021. J Voice 2024; 38:798.e7-798.e20. [PMID: 34906415 PMCID: PMC8627642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the drastically rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) incidence since March 2020, social life was shut down across the globe, and most opera houses were closed. As a result, there are limited data on SARS-CoV-2 infections among artists. The Bavarian State Opera has been reopened in September 2020. This study aimed to identify the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among employees in the Bavarian State Opera. In addition, the various hygiene strategies for the work groups within the institution are described. During the study period from September 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021, 10,061 nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 1,460 artistic staff members in a rolling system. During the entire study period, 61 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. None of the patients had a severe disease course. Compared to the seven-day-incidence per 100,000 German inhabitants, the estimated corresponding incidence among employees was lower at 37 weeks and higher or equal at 9 weeks. Among the infected individuals, 58.3% were symptomatic, 23.3% were presymptomatic, and 18.3% were asymptomatic. Forty-five percent of employees reported that they had been infected in their private environment, 41.7% suspected that their colleagues were the main contact, and 13.3% were unsure about the origin of their infection. Twenty-four diseased employees were ballet dancers, eight from the orchestra, seven from the administration, seven from the choir singers, six from the costume department, 10 from technical support, and one guest solo singer. In the 2020/2021 theater season, increased SARS-CoV-2 infections and large disease outbreaks were avoided at the Bavarian State Opera. Hygiene strategies, that existed since the beginning, was specifically designed for various work areas in the opera. Regular, mandatory PCR testing and follow-up of positive cases with the issuance of quarantine were performed. Using this disease management approach, artistic work at and reopening of the Bavarian State Opera was feasible with a well-controlled risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Graf
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany.
| | - Luca Engelmann
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany
| | - Olivia Jeleff Wölfler
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Lucia Klankermayer
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany
| | - Friedemann Gebhardt
- Technical University of Munich /Helmholtz Center, School of Medicine, Munich, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Germany
| | - Adam M Chaker
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany; Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM)
| | - Christoph D Spinner
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Internal Medicine II, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, University hospital rechts der Isar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Technical University of Munich /Helmholtz Center, School of Medicine, Munich, Institute of Virology, Germany
| | - Dieter Hoffmann
- Technical University of Munich /Helmholtz Center, School of Medicine, Munich, Institute of Virology, Germany
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Gund MP, Naim J, Rupf S, Gärtner B, Hannig M. Bacterial contamination potential of personal protective equipment itself in dental aerosol-producing treatments. Odontology 2024; 112:309-316. [PMID: 37702832 PMCID: PMC10925564 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00848-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has long been a high priority in dental aerosol-producing treatments. Since COVID-19 pandemic, its importance has increased yet again. While importance of PPE in preventing transmission and thus possible infection of pathogens is well known, contamination potential of PPE after treatment itself is less investigated. This review aims to give an overview of the current literature and contamination potential (viral, blood, bacterial) of components of protective equipment itself. The literature search was performed using the Medline database; furthermore, a hand search was conducted. Last search took place on 23 November 2022. Two categories of hygiene-related keywords were formed (category A: mask, face shield, goggles, eyewear, personal protective equipment; category B: contamination, aerosol). Each keyword from one category was combined with all keywords from the other one. In addition, the keyword "dental" was always added. First, a title and abstract screening was performed. Afterward, a full-text analysis was followed for the included studies. A total of 648 search hits were found in the Medline database. 47 were included after title and abstract screening. 22 studies were excluded after full-text analysis, 25 studies were included. The hand search resulted in 4 studies that were included. Bacterial contamination of PPE after treatment has been adequately studied, contamination with blood less. Microorganisms mainly originate from the oral and cutaneous flora; however, a transmission of potential pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli was also described. Studies showing transmission pathways starting from PPE and its various components are lacking. No measures have yet been described that fully protect the protective equipment from contamination. There is growing awareness that PPE itself can be a source of pathogen transmission, and thus possible infection. Therefore, not only wearing of protective clothing, but also conscious handling of it is crucial for transmission and possible infection prevention. However, studies showing transmission pathways starting from PPE and its various components are lacking. Several studies have investigated what measures can be taken to protect the protective equipment itself. So far, none of the methods evaluated can prevent contamination of PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madline Priska Gund
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Saarland University Hospital, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 73, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - Jusef Naim
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Saarland University Hospital, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 73, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Stefan Rupf
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Saarland University Hospital, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 73, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
- Chair of Synoptic Dentistry, Homburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Gärtner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Department of Hospital Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hannig
- Department of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Saarland University Hospital, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str. 100, Building 73, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
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Onishi K, Nojima M. Comparison of the inward leakage rate between N95 filtering facepiece respirators and modified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environ Health Prev Med 2024; 29:8. [PMID: 38369324 PMCID: PMC10898862 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to shortage of surgical and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-2019 pandemic, various masks were developed to prevent infection. This study aimed to examine the inward leakage rate (ILR) of sealed face masks and modified surgical masks using a quantitative fit test and compared it with the ILR of unmodified N95 FFRs. METHODS We conducted paired comparisons of ILRs of bent nose-fit wire masks, double masks, and N95 FFRs from October to December 2021. To measure the protective effectiveness of masks, participants wore masks, and the number of particles outside and inside the mask were measured. The ILR was based on the percentage of particles entering the mask using a fit tester. RESULTS We enrolled 54 participants (20 men and 34 women) in this study. The median ILR for surgical masks without and with a W-shaped bend in the nose-fit wire were 96.44% and 50.82%, respectively. The nose-fit wire adjustment reduced the ILR of surgical masks by a mean of 28.57%, which was significantly lower than the ILR without adjustment (P < 0.001). For double masks, with surgical or polyurethane masks on top of the W-shaped mask, the ILR did not differ significantly from that of N95. Although the filtration performance of double surgical masks matched that of N95 masks, their ILR was notably higher, indicating that double masks do not provide equivalent protection. CONCLUSIONS Wearing N95 masks alone is effective in many cases. However, surgical mask modifications do not guarantee consistent effectiveness. Properly selected, sealed masks with a good fit overcome leakage, emphasizing their crucial role. Without evidence, mask-wearing may lead to unexpected infections. Education based on quantitative data is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunari Onishi
- Division of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University, 3-6-2 Tsukiji Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Masanori Nojima
- Center for Translational Research, The Institute of Medical Science Hospital, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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Scholfield S, Kavembe GD, Duncan RR, Ragama BO, Mecha J, Orwa A, Otomu G, Wanga E, Astleford J, Gutto J, Kibwage I, Ogato J, Verma A, Brennan K, Huck J, Mitlin D, Nirmalan M. A cross-sectional survey on the effectiveness of public health campaigns for changing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Kenyan informal settlements during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294202. [PMID: 38134188 PMCID: PMC10745220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We performed two cross-sectional surveys across three informal settlements in Kenya (within Kisii county, Nairobi, and Nakuru county) to study the effectiveness of public health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 720 participants were surveyed from 120 randomly selected geographical locations (240 participants/settlement/survey), and a coordinated health promotion campaign was delivered between the two surveys by trained staff. Information relating to knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) were collected by trained field workers using a validated questionnaire. The main outcomes showed improvements in: (i) mask-wearing (% of participants 'Always' using their mask increased from 71 to 74%, and the percentage using their masks 'Sometimes' decreased from 15% to 6%; p<0.001); (ii) practices related to face mask usage (% of subjects covering the mouth and nose increased from 91 to 95%, and those covering only part of their face decreased from around 2.5% to <1%; p<0.001). Significant improvements were also seen in the attitudes and expectations relating to mask wearing, and in the understanding of government directives. Over 50% of subjects in the post-campaign survey reported that social distancing was not possible in their communities and fears associated with COVID-19 testing were resistant to change (unchanged at 10%). Access to COVID-19 testing facilities was limited, leaving a large proportion of people unable to test. As willingness to take a COVID-19 test did not change between surveys (69 vs 70%; p = 0.57), despite increased availability, we recommend that policy level interventions are needed, aimed at mitigating adverse consequences of a positive test. Improvements of KAPs in the more crowded urban environment (Nairobi) were less than at settlements in rural or semi-urban settings (Nakuru and Kisii). We conclude that coordinated public health campaigns are effective in facilitating the change of KAPs amongst people living amidst challenging socio-economic conditions in informal settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Scholfield
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rodney R. Duncan
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Central Kenya Conference of SDA, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernhards O. Ragama
- Centre for Research and Therapeutic Sciences, Strathmore University and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared Mecha
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Albert Orwa
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey Otomu
- Department of Medicine, Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisii, Kenya
| | - Erick Wanga
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Astleford
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Gutto
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julius Ogato
- Division of Health Systems Strengthening, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arpana Verma
- Division of Population Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Brennan
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Huck
- MCGIS, Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Mitlin
- Global Development Institute, Faculty of Humanities, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mahesh Nirmalan
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Gupta P, Bansal A, Aggarwal A, Singla R. Study of Face Mask-associated Dry Eye among Medical Students. Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2023; 13:240-245. [PMID: 38229728 PMCID: PMC10789469 DOI: 10.4103/ijabmr.ijabmr_366_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate face mask-associated factors causing dry eye among medical students. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted on undergraduate medical and dental students, of all phases, while they were attending offline classes and were required to wear face masks in accordance with the government regulations. Sociodemographic data, ocular and medical history, face mask-wearing practices, screen usage, and quantification of symptoms using the modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were collected. Objective tests were conducted in students having dry eye. The association of quantitative variables was done using ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis test, whereas the Chi-square test was done for qualitative variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for varying severity of dry eye. Results The mean age of the 410 students was 21 ± 1.6 years. According to the OSDI, 39.51% (162/410) of students had dry eyes, 23.41% (96/410) had mild dry eye, 8.78% (36/410) had moderate dry eye, and 7.32% (30/410) had severe dry eye. Face mask-associated factors which were significantly linked to dry eye were N95 masks, loose-fit masks, and 6-8 h of continuous mask use. The Schirmer's test and tear film break-up time were performed on 29 and 20 students, respectively, mean values being 19.25 ± 5.29 mm and 10.15 ± 1.41 s for nonsevere and 6.53 ± 1.55 mm and 5.3 ± 0.98 s for severe dry eye, respectively. Conclusion It is important to educate medical students and create awareness regarding "face mask-appropriate behavior" to reduce the chances of dry eye secondary to face masks use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Aditi Bansal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anupriya Aggarwal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Ritesh Singla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Liu L, Deng Y, Xia S, Sun Z, Zhu Z, Chen W, Xiao D, Sheng W, Chen K. A "safety cap" for improving hospital sanitation and reducing potential disease transmission. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:589. [PMID: 37679704 PMCID: PMC10486032 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During endotracheal intubation, extubation, tracheotomy, and tracheotomy tube replacement, the splashed airway secretions of patients will increase the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and many other potential viral and bacterial diseases, such as influenza virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, Middle East respiratory coronavirus syndrome (MERS-CoV), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a barrier between patients and medical workers to reduce the risk of operators' infection with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. METHODS We designed a "safety cap" that can be connected to the opening of an endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube to reduce the diffusion area of respiratory secretions during the process of endotracheal intubation, extubation and tracheotomy tube replace, so as to reduce the infection risk of medical workers. RESULTS Through a series of hydrodynamic simulation analysis and experiments, we demonstrated that the use of "safety cap" can substantially limit the spatter of airway secretions, so as to improve the hospital sanitation. CONCLUSION The "safety cap" can effectively limit the dissemination of patients' respiratory secretions, thus reducing the risk of potential diseases transmission and may have certain application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilong Liu
- Department of Urology, TongJi Hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Research Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shouli Xia
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zengpeng Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical Department of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhu
- School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongdong Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
| | - Weiyong Sheng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. 2 Zheshan West Road, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China.
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, TongJi Hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Marco L, Cambien G, Garcia M, Broutin L, Cateau E, Lariviere A, Castel O, Thevenot S, Bousseau A. [Respiratory infections: Additional transmission-based precautions in healthcare facilities]. Rev Mal Respir 2023; 40:572-603. [PMID: 37365075 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In health care, measures against cross-transmission of microorganisms are codified by standard precautions, and if necessary, they are supplemented by additional precautions. STATE OF THE ART Several factors impact transmission of microorganisms via the respiratory route: size and quantity of the emitted particles, environmental conditions, nature and pathogenicity of the microorganisms, and degree of host receptivity. While some microorganisms necessitate additional airborne or droplet precautions, others do not. PROSPECTS For most microorganisms, transmission patterns are well-understood and transmission-based precautions are well-established. For others, measures to prevent cross-transmission in healthcare facilities remain under discussion. CONCLUSIONS Standard precautions are essential to the prevention of microorganism transmission. Understanding of the modalities of microorganism transmission is essential to implementation of additional transmission-based precautions, particularly in view of opting for appropriate respiratory protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Marco
- Unité d'hygiène hospitalière, département des agents infectieux, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - G Cambien
- Unité d'hygiène hospitalière, département des agents infectieux, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; Inserm CIC 1402, université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - M Garcia
- Département des agents infectieux, laboratoire de virologie et mycobactériologie, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; Laboratoire inflammation, tissus épithéliaux et cytokines, EA 4331, université de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - L Broutin
- Département des agents infectieux, laboratoire de bactériologie, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - E Cateau
- Laboratoire écologie et biologie des interactions, UMR CNRS 7267, université de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; Département des agents infectieux, laboratoire de parasitologie et mycologie médicale, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - A Lariviere
- Département des agents infectieux, laboratoire de virologie et mycobactériologie, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - O Castel
- Unité d'hygiène hospitalière, département des agents infectieux, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - S Thevenot
- Unité d'hygiène hospitalière, département des agents infectieux, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France; Inserm CIC 1402, université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - A Bousseau
- Unité d'hygiène hospitalière, département des agents infectieux, pôle BIOSPHARM, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France.
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Poopipatpab S, Nuchpramool P, Phairatwet P, Lertwattanachai T, Trongtrakul K. The use of respiratory rate-oxygenation index to predict failure of high-flow nasal cannula in patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287432. [PMID: 37343046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can be treated with a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The use of the respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index, calculated as the ratio of oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fractional oxygen (FiO2) to respiratory rate, in the first few hours after HFNC initiation can help identify patients who fail HFNC therapy later. However, few studies have documented the use of the ROX index during the period of HFNC therapy. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic performance of the ROX index when calculated throughout the HFNC therapy period and to determine the best cut-off point for predicting HFNC failure. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS who commenced HFNC at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Thailand, between April 1 and August 30, 2021. We calculated the ROX index every 4 h throughout the HFNC therapy period and defined HFNC failure as a subsequent endotracheal tube intubation. The performance of the ROX index was analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We applied the ROX index ≤ 4.88 to predict HFNC failure and obtained a new ROX cut-off point using Youden's method. In total, 212 patients with COVID-19 treated with HFNC were included in the study. Of these, 81 patients (38.2%) experienced HFNC failure. The ROX index ≤ 4.88 demonstrated a reasonable performance in predicting HFNC failure (AUC, 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.83; p<0.001). However, compared with the original cut-off point of ≤ 4.88, the new ROX index cut-off point of ≤ 5.84 delivered optimal performance (AUC, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88; p<0.001), with a significantly better discriminative ability (p = 0.007). In conclusion, a ROX index ≤ 5.84 was found to be optimal for predicting HFNC failure in patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujaree Poopipatpab
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pruchwilai Nuchpramool
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyarat Phairatwet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Todspol Lertwattanachai
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konlawij Trongtrakul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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10
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Hua L, Wang Y, Mo B, Guo Z, Wang Y, Su Z, Huang M, Chen H, Ma X, Xie J, Luo M. The hidden inequality: the disparities in the quality of daily use masks associated with family economic status. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1163428. [PMID: 37397746 PMCID: PMC10313325 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1163428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wearing high-quality masks plays a critical role in reducing COVID-19 transmission. However, no study has investigated socioeconomic inequality in the quality of masks. Addressing this gap, this paper explored the relationships between mask's quality and family economic status. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in two Chinese universities by distributing structured questionnaires to assess participants' characteristics including family economic status, and meanwhile collecting their masks to evaluate the quality by measuring particle filtration efficiency. The valid responses were obtained from 912 students with mean age of 19.556 ± 1.453 years and were analyzed by using fractional or binary logistic regression. Three main findings were presented. First, inequality existed in the quality of masks. 36.07% of students were using unqualified masks with average filtration efficiency of 0.795 ± 0.119, which was much lower than China's national standard (0.9). Of those masks with identified production date, 11.43% were manufactured during COVID-19 outbreak when market was flooded with counterfeit production, and thus were of poor quality with average filtration efficiency of 0.819 ± 0.152. Second, better family economic status was associated with better masks' filtration efficiency and greater probability of using qualified masks. Third, students with better family economic status tend to use masks with individual packaging, and unique patterns and special designs, which may lead to inequality on a psychological level. Our analysis reveals the hidden socioeconomic inequality that exist behind cheap masks. In facing the challenges of future emerging infectious diseases, it is important to address the inequity to ensure equal access to affordable qualified personal protection equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hua
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bijuan Mo
- School of Foreign Language, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zuqi Guo
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulei Wang
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexuan Su
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minqi Huang
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Chen
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Ma
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Xie
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxian Luo
- School of Public Administration, Nanfang College · Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
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Blacksell SD, Dhawan S, Kusumoto M, Le KK, Summermatter K, O'Keefe J, Kozlovac J, Almuhairi SS, Sendow I, Scheel CM, Ahumibe A, Masuku ZM, Kojima K, Harper DR, Hamilton K. The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in the Laboratory-SARS-CoV-2. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2023; 28:87-95. [PMID: 37342515 PMCID: PMC10278019 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2022.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged as a novel virus and is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It spreads readily human-to-human through droplets and aerosols. The Biosafety Research Roadmap aims to support the application of laboratory biological risk management by providing an evidence base for biosafety measures. This involves assessing the current biorisk management evidence base, identifying research and capability gaps, and providing recommendations on how an evidence-based approach can support biosafety and biosecurity, including in low-resource settings. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify potential gaps in biosafety and focused on five main sections, including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Results There are many knowledge gaps related to biosafety and biosecurity due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus's novelty, including infectious dose between variants, personal protective equipment for personnel handling samples while performing rapid diagnostic tests, and laboratory-acquired infections. Detecting vulnerabilities in the biorisk assessment for each agent is essential to contribute to the improvement and development of laboratory biosafety in local and national systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sandhya Dhawan
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marina Kusumoto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kim Khanh Le
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Joseph O'Keefe
- Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Kozlovac
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Indrawati Sendow
- Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
| | - Christina M. Scheel
- WHO Collaborating Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Office of the Associate Director for Laboratory Science, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anthony Ahumibe
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Zibusiso M. Masuku
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Kazunobu Kojima
- Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David R. Harper
- The Royal Institute of International Affairs, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hamilton
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Paris, France
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12
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Steinhilber B, Seibt R, Gabriel J, Bär M, Dilek Ü, Brandt A, Martus P, Rieger MA. Influence of Face Masks on Physiological and Subjective Response during 130 Min of Simulated Light and Medium Physical Manual Work-An Explorative Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091308. [PMID: 37174850 PMCID: PMC10178085 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undesirable side effects from wearing face masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continue to be discussed and pose a challenge to occupational health and safety when recommending safe application. Only few studies examined the effects of continuously wearing a face mask for more than one hour. Therefore, the influence of wearing a medical mask (MedMask) and a filtering facepiece class II respirator (FFP2) on the physiological and subjective outcomes in the course of 130 min of manual work was exploratively investigated. Physical work load and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were additionally considered as moderating factors. METHODS Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 females) from three different cardiorespiratory fitness levels each performed 130 min of simulated manual work with light and medium physical workload using either no mask, a MedMask or FFP2. Heart rate, transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PtcO2, PtcCO2) as well as perceived physical exertion and respiratory effort were assessed continuously at discrete time intervals. Wearing comfort of the masks were additionally rated after the working period. RESULTS There was no difference in time-dependent changes of physiological outcomes when using either a MedMask or a FFP2 compared to not wearing a mask. A stronger increase over time in perceived respiratory effort occurred when the face masks were worn, being more prominent for FFP2. Physical workload level and cardiorespiratory fitness level were no moderating factors and higher wearing comfort was rated for the MedMask. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that using face masks during light and medium physical manual work does not induce detrimental side effects. Prolonged wearing episodes appeared to increase respiratory effort, but without affecting human physiology in a clinically relevant way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Robert Seibt
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julia Gabriel
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mona Bär
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ümütyaz Dilek
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Adrian Brandt
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
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13
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Gesese AA, Thot TD. "Face mask utilization and associated factors among students: Mixed methods study". Interact J Med Res 2023; 12:e41365. [PMID: 37130014 DOI: 10.2196/41365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corona virus disease has gravely affected the world including students due to the high level of contracting an infection. OBJECTIVE Thus, this study assessed the magnitude of mask utilization and associated factors among students. METHODS a cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted among students in Gambella Teachers' Education and Health Science College, Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia from March 5 to March 30, 2021. Stratified random sampling technique was employed. Proportional allocation of samples was used to the randomly selected case teams, and a simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit the students. The data were collected by trained and experienced enumerators. Data were entered in to Epi Data version 3.1and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Logistic regression was executed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was used to see the association and strength with the outcome variable. The qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Then, the themes were used to triangulate the quantitative study. RESULTS The study included a total of 379 participants yielding a response rate of 95.5%. The majority of study participants were greater than 25 years of age with the mean age of 26.34 ±5.8 (SD). This study found that the magnitude of mask utilization among students was 87%. The odds of mask utilization among female students AOR=3.32 95 CI: (1.191, 9.248), younger age AOR=2.55,95 CI: (1.155,5.627), not all persons with COVID-19 develop severe cases AOR=3.38 95 CI: (1.36,8.41), who say yes has currently no effective cure AOR=6.28 95 CI:(1.36,28.99), proper washing with soap and water AOR=0.027,95 CI:(0.004,0.182), have started to stay home AOR=0.168, 95 CI: (0.054,0.52), COVID-19 is fatal AOR=0.236, 95 CI:(0.084,0.666), flu vaccine is sufficient for COVID-19 prevention AOR=3.874, 95 CI(1.540, 9.749), disinfect equipment and working area at least once a day AOR=0.222, 95, CI(0.086, 0.575) were associated with mask utilization. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the magnitude of mask utilization among students was relatively moderate in Ethiopia. Sex, age, not all persons with COVID-19 develop severe cases, currently, no effective cure, proper washing with soap and water, have started to stay home, COVID-19 is fatal, and the flu vaccine is sufficient to prevent COVID-19 were independently associated with mask utilization among students. Therefore, the college should aggressively encourage students to wear mask, monitor the implementation of COVID-19 prevention regulations along with the accessibility of masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abreha Addis Gesese
- Department of Clinical nursing, Gambella Teachers Education and Health Science College, Gambella town, Gambella, South West Ethiopia, Gambella,no, Gambella, ET
| | - Tut Duer Thot
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Eastern Ethiopia, Harar, ET
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14
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Coker MO, Subramanian G, Davidow A, Fredericks-Younger J, Gennaro ML, Fine DH, Feldman CA. Impact of DHCWs' Safety Perception on Vaccine Acceptance and Adoption of Risk Mitigation Strategies. JDR Clin Trans Res 2023; 8:188-197. [PMID: 35191352 PMCID: PMC10029133 DOI: 10.1177/23800844211071111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the association between safety perception on vaccine acceptance and adoptions of risk mitigation strategies among dental health care workers (DHCWs). METHODS A survey was emailed to DHCWs in the New Jersey area from December 2020 to January 2021. Perceived safety from regular SARS-CoV-2 testing of self, coworkers, and patients and its association with vaccine hesitancy and risk mitigation were ascertained. Risk Mitigation Strategy (RiMS) scores were computed from groupings of office measures: 1) physical distancing (reduced occupancy, traffic flow, donning of masks, minimal room crowding), 2) personal protective equipment (fitted for N95; donning N95 masks; use of face shields; coverings for head, body, and feet), and 3) environmental disinfection (suction, air filtration, ultraviolet, surface wiping). RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 testing of dental professionals, coworkers, and patients were perceived to provide safety at 49%, 55%, and 68%, respectively. While dentists were least likely to feel safe with regular self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 (P < 0.001) as compared with hygienists and assistants, they were more willing than hygienists (P = 0.004; odds ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.21 to 2.66]) and assistants (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 3.32 [95% CI, 1.93 to 5.71]) to receive the vaccine. RiMS scores ranged from 0 to 19 for 467 participants (mean [SD], 10.9 [2.9]). RiMS scores did not significantly differ among groups of DHCWs; however, mean RiMS scores were higher among those who received or planned to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than those with who did not (P = 0.004). DHCWs who felt safer with regular testing had greater RiMS scores than those who did not (11.0 vs. 10.3, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Understanding DHCWs' perception of risk and safety is crucial, as it likely influences attitudes toward testing and implementation of office risk mitigation policies. Clinical studies that correlate risk perception and RiMS with SARS-CoV-2 testing are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of RiMS in dental care settings. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT Educators, clinicians, and policy makers can use the results of this study when improving attitudes toward testing and implementation of risk mitigation policies within dental offices, for current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Coker
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - G Subramanian
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - A Davidow
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - J Fredericks-Younger
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - M L Gennaro
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Public Health Research Institute and New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - D H Fine
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - C A Feldman
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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15
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Erogul O, Gobeka HH, Kasikci M, Erogul LE, Balci A. Impacts of protective face masks on ocular surface symptoms among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ir J Med Sci 2023; 192:521-526. [PMID: 35697968 PMCID: PMC9191881 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the impacts of prolonged protective face masks (PFM) wear on ocular surface symptoms among healthcare professionals (HCPs), and how these symptoms affected PFM wear. METHODS Thirty-question survey forms were distributed via social media platform to 396 HCPs (110 doctors, 164 nurses, and 122 health technicians) between September 8 and 30, 2021. Participants who could not be reached via social media were given a face-to-face questionnaire. Aside from sociodemographic data, the questionnaire inquired about PFM wear, PFM types, ocular surface symptoms, and how PFM wear has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS A total of 74.5% of HCPs reported wearing PFMs, mostly surgical ones (76.8%), for half a day at work but not at home, with redness (29.3%) being the most frequently encountered ocular surface symptom, followed by burning (15.7%), pain (14.1%), tingling (10.9%), and rash (6.6%). The presence of associated restrictions in conjunction with PFM-related ocular symptoms was more likely in dry and hot environments. There was no significant relationship between PFM type, PFM-wearing duration, and HCPs' daily activities (p > 0.05). Despite the lack of a significant relationship between PFM types and ocular surface symptoms (p > 0.05), there was a significant relationship between PFM-wearing duration and ocular pain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS PFM-related ocular surface symptoms can be alleviated by properly wearing PFMs, reducing wear time, and using long-acting topical lubricants. This could improve PFM wear compliance, prevent disease transmission, and ultimately help with COVID-19 protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozgur Erogul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Hamidu Hamisi Gobeka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Murat Kasikci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Education and Research Hospital, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Leyla Eryigit Erogul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Afyonkarahisar Parkhayat Hospital, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Aydin Balci
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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16
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Singh P, Ali SW, Kale RD. Antimicrobial Nanomaterials as Advanced Coatings for Self-Sanitizing of Textile Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:8159-8171. [PMID: 36910928 PMCID: PMC9996805 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Controlling bioaerosols has become increasingly critical in affecting human health. Natural product treatment in the nano form is a potential method since it has lower toxicity than inorganic nanomaterials like silver nanoparticles. This research is important for the creation of a bioaerosol control system that is effective. Nanoparticles (NPs) are gradually being employed to use bacteria as a nonantibiotic substitute for treating bacterial infections. The present study looks at nanoparticles' antimicrobial properties, their method of action, their impact on drug-opposing bacteria, and the hazards connected with their operation as antimicrobial agents. The aspects that influence nanoparticle conduct in clinical settings, as well as their distinctive features and mode of action as antibacterial assistants, are thoroughly examined. Nanoparticles' action on bacterial cells is presently accepted by way of the introduction of oxidative stress induction, metal-ion release, and nonoxidative methods. Because many concurrent mechanisms of action against germs would necessitate multiple simultaneous gene modifications in the same bacterial cell for antibacterial protection to evolve, bacterial cells developing resistance to NPs is difficult. This review discusses the antimicrobial function of NPs against microbes and presents a comprehensive discussion of the bioaerosols: their origin, hazards, and their prevention. This state of the art method is dependent upon the use of personal protective gear against these bioaerosols. The benefit of the utmost significant categories of metal nanoparticles as antibacterial agents is given important consideration. The novelty of this review depends upon the antimicrobial properties of (a) silver (Ag), (b) zinc oxide (ZnO), and (c) copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. The value-added features of these nanoparticles are discussed, as well as their physicochemical characterization and pharmacokinetics, including the toxicological danger they pose to people. Lastly, the effective role of nanomaterials and their future in human wellness is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Singh
- Fibers
& Textile Processing Technology, Institute
of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
- Department
of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - S. Wazed Ali
- Department
of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ravindra D. Kale
- Fibers
& Textile Processing Technology, Institute
of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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17
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Campo M, Hyland M, Hansen R. Experiences of physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interpretive phenomenological analysis. Physiother Theory Pract 2023; 39:369-383. [PMID: 34978523 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2021576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic is the most fundamental challenge to the healthcare system in current generations. Physical therapists (PTs), as essential members of the healthcare team, were impacted substantially. Understanding their experiences during this unique and challenging time would help PTs manage the pandemic and future crises in healthcare. It may also reveal professional changes that may persist through the pandemic and beyond. PURPOSE To describe the experiences of PTs in the New York metropolitan area during the initial wave of the pandemic. METHODS This was an interpretive phenomenological study. Data were collected during 8 focus groups of 2-3 PTs each in August and September 2020 via videoconference. Audio recordings of the groups were transcribed, and data were coded in 3 rounds. RESULTS Twenty-two PTs from a range of settings participated. Four themes were identified: (1) Everything was disrupted; (2) It was not safe; (3) It was overwhelming; and (4) There was a professional transformation. In hospitals, participants described chaos, poor communication, and unsafe working environments. In outpatient settings, participants described job instability and challenges adapting to telehealth. As the pandemic progressed inpatient PTs felt safer, gained confidence, and became critical members of interdisciplinary care teams. Outpatient therapists adapted to telehealth and experienced rising caseloads as patients returned to therapy. CONCLUSION Physical therapists experienced a variety of challenges during the initial phases of the pandemic. As the pandemic progressed, they redefined practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Campo
- School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Hyland
- School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Hansen
- School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA
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18
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Ganji V, Mali KR, Yadav K, Patnaik N, Morya AK. Face Mask in COVID-19 and Its Association With Dry Eye Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e32937. [PMID: 36712728 PMCID: PMC9873484 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To determine whether wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day leads to the new onset of symptoms or worsening of pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) in healthcare workers (HCWs) of our institute. METHODOLOGY An observational cross-sectional study, where 114 HCWs using face masks regularly participated voluntarily in the study. A survey with a modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed by participants. They were divided into groups based on their sex, age, how long they had been wearing face masks, and whether they had a history of DED. RESULTS We found that for HCWs who had previously experienced DED and who were under the age of 40, wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day could contribute to or worsen symptoms of DED. Also, we observed that the N-95 mask has a higher chance of causing DED than surgical masks. CONCLUSION Medical professionals need to be aware of any potential dry eye symptoms related to the prolonged use of a face mask. Additional consideration should be given to patients who already have DED. The possible concerns that incorrectly fitted facemasks may cause to the health of their ocular surface should be discussed with patients by ophthalmologists. Future research involving larger populations will shed light on the prevalence and scope of the mask-associated dry eye problem.
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19
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Bal C, Aksoy M, Ozturk Z, Unuvar M, Arslan Y. Does combined usage of FFP2 and Surgical mask against SARS-CoV-2 affect SpO 2 values and pulse rates of dental health-care workers? Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:1969-1972. [PMID: 36537452 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_6_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Combined use of surgical mask with filtering facepiece (FFP) 2 masks has been popular among the health-care workers. However, the effect of this preference on the vital values of individuals stays as a challenge among the professionals. The present study aimed to assess the effect of FFP2 mask versus combined use of it with surgical mask on the SpO2 values and pulse rates of individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 20 health-care workers. The pulse rates and SpO2 values were evaluated by pulse oximeter placed in the index fingers of the participants. The participants were divided into two groups: those using the FFP2 mask and those using FFP2-surgical mask combination. Individuals wearing FFP2 mask were examined for a period of 60 min and the same examination was repeated for another period of 60 min in those using combination of FFP2 with surgical mask. The values were measured at the beginning and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min intervals, respectively. The examinations were conducted in the rest position to obtain standardization. RESULTS The observed data showed no statistical difference at all periods in either SpO2 values or pulse rates between FFP2 and FFP2-surgical mask combined groups. The SpO2 values reduced from the initial time to 15 min in the FFP2-surgical mask group. Also, in the FFP2-SM group, statistically significant increase in values was observed between 15 and 45 min and 15 and 60 min. Another increase in SpO2 value was found in the observations made between made 30 and 45 min in the same group (P < 0.05). The pulse rates of the individuals showed no statistical difference in both the groups and at all experimental periods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION According to the present study, wearing only the FFP2 mask or FFP2-surgical mask combination seems not to cause any effect on the SpO2 values and pulse rates of the participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bal
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Sciences University Gülhane Dentistry Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Aksoy
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Sciences University Gülhane Dentistry Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Z Ozturk
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Sciences University Gülhane Dentistry Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M Unuvar
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Sciences University Gülhane Dentistry Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Y Arslan
- Department of Chest Disease, Health Sciences University Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Valenzuela-Fernández A, Cabrera-Rodriguez R, Ciuffreda L, Perez-Yanes S, Estevez-Herrera J, González-Montelongo R, Alcoba-Florez J, Trujillo-González R, García-Martínez de Artola D, Gil-Campesino H, Díez-Gil O, Lorenzo-Salazar JM, Flores C, Garcia-Luis J. Nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2: Strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1052436. [PMID: 36507266 PMCID: PMC9732709 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1052436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which severely affect the respiratory system and several organs and tissues, and may lead to death, have shown how science can respond when challenged by a global emergency, offering as a response a myriad of rapid technological developments. Development of vaccines at lightning speed is one of them. SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have stressed healthcare systems, questioning patients care by using standard non-adapted therapies and diagnostic tools. In this scenario, nanotechnology has offered new tools, techniques and opportunities for prevention, for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the nanotechnological applications and nano-based materials (i.e., personal protective equipment) to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, infection, organ damage and for the development of new tools for virosurveillance, diagnose and immune protection by mRNA and other nano-based vaccines. All the nano-based developed tools have allowed a historical, unprecedented, real time epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at community and international levels. The nano-based technology has help to predict and detect how this Sarbecovirus is mutating and the severity of the associated COVID-19 disease, thereby assisting the administration and public health services to make decisions and measures for preparedness against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and severe or lethal COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Valenzuela-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Romina Cabrera-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Laura Ciuffreda
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Silvia Perez-Yanes
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Judith Estevez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Julia Alcoba-Florez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Trujillo-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Matemático, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Helena Gil-Campesino
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Oscar Díez-Gil
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José M. Lorenzo-Salazar
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos Flores
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jonay Garcia-Luis
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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21
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Reiter AJ, Ingram MCE, Raval MV, Garcia E, Hill M, Aranda A, Chandler NM, Gonzalez R, Born K, Mack S, Lamoshi A, Lipskar AM, Han XY, Fialkowski E, Spencer B, Kulaylat AN, Barde A, Shah AN, Adoumie M, Gross E, Mehl SC, Lopez ME, Polcz V, Mustafa MM, Gander JW, Sullivan TM, Sulkowski JP, Ghani O, Huang EY, Rothstein D, Muenks EP, St. Peter SD, Fisher JC, Levy-Lambert D, Reichl A, Ignacio RC, Slater BJ, Tsao K, Berman L. Postoperative respiratory complications in SARS-CoV-2 positive pediatric patients across 20 United States hospitals: A Cohort Study. J Pediatr Surg 2022:S0022-3468(22)00716-3. [PMID: 36428183 PMCID: PMC9632239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data examining rates of postoperative complications among SARS-CoV-2 positive children are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive status on postoperative respiratory outcomes for children. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included SARS-CoV-2 positive pediatric patients across 20 hospitals who underwent general anesthesia from March to October 2020. The primary outcome was frequency of postoperative respiratory complications, including: high-flow nasal cannula/non invasive ventilation, reintubation, pneumonia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and 30-day respiratory-related readmissions or emergency department (ED) visits. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between patient and procedure characteristics and stratified analyses by symptoms were performed examining incidence of complications. RESULTS Of 266 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 163 (61.7%) were male, and the median age was 10 years (interquartile range 4-14). The majority of procedures were emergent or urgent (n = 214, 80.5%). The most common procedures were appendectomies (n = 78, 29.3%) and fracture repairs (n = 40,15.0%). 13 patients (4.9%) had preoperative symptoms including cough or dyspnea. 26 patients (9.8%) had postoperative respiratory complications, including 15 requiring high-flow oxygen, 8 with pneumonia, 4 requiring non invasive ventilation, 3 respiratory ED visits, and 2 respiratory readmissions. Respiratory complications were more common among symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (30.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.01). Higher ASA class and comorbidities were also associated with postoperative respiratory complications. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative respiratory complications are less common in asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-COV-2 positive children. Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions for time-sensitive, non urgent procedures in selected asymptomatic patients may be reasonably considered. Additionally, further research is needed to evaluate the costs and benefits of routine testing for asymptomatic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Iii, Respiratory complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra J. Reiter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633N. St. Clair St., 20th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States,Corresponding author
| | - Martha-Conley E. Ingram
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633N. St. Clair St., 20th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Mehul V. Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 633N. St. Clair St., 20th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Elisa Garcia
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston TX, United States
| | - Madelyn Hill
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Dayton Children's Hospital, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Arturo Aranda
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Dayton Children's Hospital, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Nicole M Chandler
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Raquel Gonzalez
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
| | - Kristen Born
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Hospital - Delaware, Wilmington DE, United States
| | - Shale Mack
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Hospital - Delaware, Wilmington DE, United States
| | - Abdulraouf Lamoshi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States
| | - Aaron M. Lipskar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, United States
| | - Xiao-Yue Han
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elizabeth Fialkowski
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Brianna Spencer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Afif N. Kulaylat
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Children's Hospital, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Amrene Barde
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ami N. Shah
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Maeva Adoumie
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Erica Gross
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Steven C. Mehl
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston TX, United States
| | - Monica E. Lopez
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Nashville TN, United States
| | - Valerie Polcz
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, UF Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Moiz M. Mustafa
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, UF Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Gander
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, UVA Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Travis M. Sullivan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond VA, United States
| | - Jason P. Sulkowski
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond VA, United States
| | - Owais Ghani
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Nashville TN, United States
| | - Eunice Y. Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Nashville TN, United States
| | - David Rothstein
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle WA, United States
| | - E. Peter Muenks
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City MO, United States
| | - Shawn D. St. Peter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City MO, United States
| | - Jason C. Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Dina Levy-Lambert
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Allison Reichl
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Romeo C. Ignacio
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Bethany J. Slater
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comer Children's Hospital, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - KuoJen Tsao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston TX, United States
| | - Loren Berman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Hospital - Delaware, Wilmington DE, United States
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Shevachman M, Mandal A, Gelston K, Mitragotri S, Joshi N. A Long-Lasting Skin Protectant Based on CG-101, a Deep Eutectic Solvent Comprising Choline and Geranic Acid. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2200064. [PMID: 36381128 PMCID: PMC9638410 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 public health crisis has spotlighted the need to improve global hygiene and sanitization. In addition to causing staggering rates of transmission and fatality, COVID-19 has severely impacted the quality of life and mental health of global citizens. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage hand hygiene as the first defense against the spread of infection, yet frequent handwashing is often impractical. Widely used ethanol-based hand sanitizers provide immediate protection against pathogens on the skin, albeit short-lived, due to their rapid evaporation. Herein, a novel, long-lasting skin protectant formulated with biocompatible ionic liquid/deep eutectic solvents prepared using generally recognized as safe materials - choline and geranic acid (CG-101, 5% w/w) - is described. In vitro studies demonstrated that CG-101 inactivates bacteria and the human coronavirus, hCoV229E, for 4 h after application. Two human clinical studies demonstrate that CG-101 does not cause skin irritation or sensitization, and a single application of CG-101 gel imparts skin protection against microbes for significantly longer than conventional 70% ethanol-based hand sanitizers. These data are the first to indicate that CG-101 may be a better alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers for long-term skin protection against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Shevachman
- CAGE Bio Inc733 Industrial RoadSan CarlosCA94070USA
- CAGE Bio Inc181 Grand Avenue, Suite 225SouthlakeTX76092USA
| | - Abhirup Mandal
- CAGE Bio Inc733 Industrial RoadSan CarlosCA94070USA
- CAGE Bio Inc181 Grand Avenue, Suite 225SouthlakeTX76092USA
| | - Kevin Gelston
- CAGE Bio Inc733 Industrial RoadSan CarlosCA94070USA
- CAGE Bio Inc181 Grand Avenue, Suite 225SouthlakeTX76092USA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMA02138USA
- Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard UniversityBostonMA02115USA
| | - Nitin Joshi
- CAGE Bio Inc733 Industrial RoadSan CarlosCA94070USA
- CAGE Bio Inc181 Grand Avenue, Suite 225SouthlakeTX76092USA
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23
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Sussman RA, Golberstein E, Polosa R. Analytic modeling and risk assessment of aerial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus through vaping expirations in shared micro-environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:83020-83044. [PMID: 35754079 PMCID: PMC9244239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that airborne transmission of COVID-19 in indoor spaces occurs through various respiratory activities: breathing, vocalizing, coughing, and sneezing. However, there is a complete lack of knowledge of its possible transmission through exhalations of e-cigarette aerosol (ECA), which is also a respiratory activity. E-cigarettes have become widely popular among smokers seeking a much safer way of nicotine consumption than smoking. Due to restrictive lockdown measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, many smokers and vapers (e-cigarette users) were confined to shared indoor spaces, making it necessary to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus aerial transmission through their exhalations. We summarize inferred knowledge of respiratory particles emission and transport through ECA, as well as a theoretical framework for explaining the visibility of exhaled ECA, which has safety implications and is absent in other respiratory activities (apart from smoking). We also summarize and briefly discuss the effects of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccination rates, and environmental factors that may influence the spread of COVID-19. To estimate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus aerial transmission associated with vaping exhalations, we adapt a theoretical risk model that has been used to analyze the risks associated with other respiratory activities in shared indoor spaces. We consider home and restaurant scenarios, with natural and mechanical ventilation, with occupants wearing and not wearing face masks. We consider as "control case" or baseline risk scenario an indoor space (home and restaurant) where respiratory droplets and droplet nuclei are uniformly distributed and aerial contagion risk might originate exclusively from occupants exclusively rest breathing, assuming this to be the only (unavoidable) respiratory activity they all carry on. If an infected occupant uses an e-cigarette in a home or restaurant scenarios, bystanders not wearing face masks exposed to the resulting ECA expirations face a [Formula: see text] increase of risk of contagion with respect the control case. This relative added risk with respect to the control case becomes [Formula: see text] for high-intensity vaping, [Formula: see text], and over [Formula: see text] for speaking for various periods or coughing (all without vaping). Infectious emissions are significantly modified by mechanical ventilation, face mask usage, vaccination, and environmental factors, but given the lack of empiric evidence, we assume as a working hypothesis that all basic parameters of respiratory activities are equally (or roughly equally) affected by these factors. Hence, the relative risk percentages with respect to the control state should remain roughly the same under a wide range of varying conditions. By avoiding direct exposure to the visible exhaled vaping jet, wearers of commonly used face masks are well protected from respiratory droplets and droplet nuclei directly emitted by mask-less vapers. Compared to the control case of an already existing (unavoidable) risk from continuous breathing, vaping emissions in shared indoor spaces pose just a negligible additional risk of COVID-19 contagion. We consider that it is not necessary to take additional preventive measures beyond those already prescribed (1.5 m separation and wearing face masks) in order to protect bystanders from this contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto A Sussman
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eliana Golberstein
- Myriad Pharmaceuticals Limited, Unit 3, 36 Greenpark Rd, Penrose, 1061, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Riccardo Polosa
- Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of HArm Reduction (CoEHAR), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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24
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Thalheim T, Krüger T, Galle J. Indirect Virus Transmission via Fomites Can Counteract Lock-Down Effectiveness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14011. [PMID: 36360891 PMCID: PMC9658534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised major health policy questions. Direct transmission via respiratory droplets seems to be the dominant route of its transmission. However, indirect transmission via shared contact of contaminated objects may also occur. The contribution of each transmission route to epidemic spread might change during lock-down scenarios. Here, we simulate viral spread of an abstract epidemic considering both routes of transmission by use of a stochastic, agent-based SEIR model. We show that efficient contact tracing (CT) at a high level of incidence can stabilize daily cases independently of the transmission route long before effects of herd immunity become relevant. CT efficacy depends on the fraction of cases that do not show symptoms. Combining CT with lock-down scenarios that reduce agent mobility lowers the incidence for exclusive direct transmission scenarios and can even eradicate the epidemic. However, even for small fractions of indirect transmission, such lockdowns can impede CT efficacy and increase case numbers. These counterproductive effects can be reduced by applying measures that favor distancing over reduced mobility. In summary, we show that the efficacy of lock-downs depends on the transmission route. Our results point to the particular importance of hygiene measures during mobility lock-downs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Thalheim
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Haertelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tyll Krüger
- Institute of Computer Engineering, Control and Robotics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Janiszewskiego 11-17, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jörg Galle
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics (IZBI), Leipzig University, Haertelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Ayala‐Peña VB, Martin MJ, Favatela F, Otarola J, Morán P, Ventura M, Gentili C, Salcedo MF, Mansilla A, Pérez S, Dolcini G, Alvarez V, Lassalle V. Chitosan-Based Formulations Intended as Protective Spray for Mask Surfaces in Prevention of Coronavirus Dissemination. ChemistrySelect 2022; 7:e202202410. [PMID: 36711229 PMCID: PMC9874787 DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The extraordinary occurrence of COVID-19 by the fast expansion of viral infections has propelled particular interest in developing novel antiviral and virucidal agents to guarantee personal security. The main objective of this work is to propose novel formulations able to optimize the use of personal protection elements. In recent years, chitosan (CH) has attracted attention for being an interesting multifunctional, biodegradable, non-antigenic, non-toxic, and biocompatible natural polymer with antimicrobial properties. In this work, formulations based on a CH matrix containing silver, and Copper based nanoparticles have been developed. The novelty of this proposal is that almost liquid formulations have been reached, possessing verified properties to inhibit evolved virus such as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine betacoronavirus (BCoV), the latter belonging to the same family of the well-known the well-known SARS-CoV-2. Besides antibacterial bioactivity; as well as the ability of these formulations to be easily sprayed on various surfaces, including conventional face masks, have been verified and discussed. The results presented in this contribution provide strong evidence on CH films as an ideal biosafe surface-protective for several daily used materials including the conventional face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Belen Ayala‐Peña
- INIBIBBDepartamento de BiologíaBioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET.Camino La Carrindanga km 7B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - María Julia Martin
- INQUISURDepartamento de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET.Av. Leandro Niceforo Alem 1253B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina,INBIOSURDepartamento de BiologíaBioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICETSan Juan 671B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Florencia Favatela
- INQUISURDepartamento de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET.Av. Leandro Niceforo Alem 1253B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Jessica Otarola
- INQUISURDepartamento de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET.Av. Leandro Niceforo Alem 1253B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Pedro Morán
- CIVETAN - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pje ArroyoSeco s/n campus universitarioB7000TandilArgentina
| | - María Ventura
- IAE-Instituto Analítico EspecializadoCórdoba3935, B1653BJKVilla Ballester - Pcia.deBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Claudia Gentili
- INBIOSURDepartamento de BiologíaBioquímica y FarmaciaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICETSan Juan 671B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - María Florencia Salcedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiológicasUE-CONICET-UNMdPFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y NaturalesUniversidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. DéanFunes 3240B7600Mar del PlataArgentina
| | - Andrea Mansilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiológicasUE-CONICET-UNMdPFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y NaturalesUniversidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. DéanFunes 3240B7600Mar del PlataArgentina
| | - Sandra Pérez
- CIVETAN - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pje ArroyoSeco s/n campus universitarioB7000TandilArgentina
| | - Guillermina Dolcini
- CIVETAN - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pje ArroyoSeco s/n campus universitarioB7000TandilArgentina
| | - Vera Alvarez
- INTEMAFacultad de IngenieríaUniversidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP)-CONICET.Av. Cristóbal Colón 10850B7600Mar del PlataArgentina
| | - Verónica Lassalle
- INQUISURDepartamento de QuímicaUniversidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET.Av. Leandro Niceforo Alem 1253B8000Bahía BlancaProvincia de Buenos AiresArgentina
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26
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Mrochen DM, Miebach L, Skowski H, Bansemer R, Drechsler CA, Hofmanna U, Hein M, Mamat U, Gerling T, Schaible U, von Woedtke T, Bekeschus S. Toxicity and virucidal activity of a neon-driven micro plasma jet on eukaryotic cells and a coronavirus. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:105-118. [PMID: 36041652 PMCID: PMC9420207 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plasma medicine is a developing field that utilizes the effects of cold physical plasma on biological substrates for therapeutic purposes. Approved plasma technology is frequently used in clinics to treat chronic wounds and skin infections. One mode of action responsible for beneficial effects in patients is the potent antimicrobial activity of cold plasma systems, which is linked to their unique generation of a plethora of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS). During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it became increasingly clear that societies need novel ways of passive and active protection from viral airway infections. Plasma technology may be suitable for superficial virus inactivation. Employing an optimized neon-driven micro plasma jet, treatment time-dependent ROS production and cytotoxic effects to different degrees were found in four different human cell lines with respect to their metabolic activity and viability. Using the murine hepatitis virus (MHV), a taxonomic relative of human coronaviruses, plasma exposure drastically reduced the number of infected murine fibroblasts by up to 3000-fold. Direct plasma contact (conductive) with the target maximized ROS production, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity compared to non-conductive treatment with the remote gas phase only. Strikingly, antioxidant pretreatment reduced but not abrogated conductive plasma exposure effects, pointing to potential non-ROS-related mechanisms of antiviral activity. In summary, an optimized micro plasma jet showed antiviral activity and cytotoxicity in human cells, which was in part ROS-dependent. Further studies using more complex tissue models are needed to identify a safe dose-effect window of antiviral activity at modest toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Mrochen
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lea Miebach
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Department of General, Visceral, Vascular, and Thoracic Surgery, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Skowski
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Bansemer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Chiara A Drechsler
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulfilas Hofmanna
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Manuel Hein
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany
| | - Uwe Mamat
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Germany
| | - Torsten Gerling
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schaible
- Department of Cellular Microbiology, Program Area Infections, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Parkallee, 23845, Borstel, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance INFECTIONS, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany; Leibniz Research Alliance HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, Germany.
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27
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Dimashkieh MR, Nassani MZ, Talic YF, Alqerban A, Demachkia AM. Mouth shield to minimize airborne transmission risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in the dental office. World J Methodol 2022; 12:461-464. [PMID: 36186742 PMCID: PMC9516543 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i5.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other infectious diseases is a significant risk during dental procedures because most dental interventions involve aerosols or droplets that could contaminate the surrounding environment. Current protection guidelines to address the high risk of droplets, aerosols, and airborne particle transmission of COVID-19 in the dental office recommend minimizing aerosol-generating procedures. In this paper, an innovative mouth shield is presented that should minimize water backsplash from the air-water syringe during dental treatment. The mouth shield can be added to the personal protective equipment to provide the dental team with extra protection. It can be made of different materials, is straightforward, inexpensive, and safe to fabricate, and is easy to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohiddin R Dimashkieh
- Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Zakaria Nassani
- Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Fouad Talic
- Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alqerban
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amir M Demachkia
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University - Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12224-300, Brazil
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28
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Broichhaus L, Book J, Feddern S, Grüne B, Neuhann F, Nießen J, Wiesmüller GA, Kossow A, Joisten C. Where is the greatest risk of COVID-19 infection? Findings from Germany's largest public health department, Cologne. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273496. [PMID: 36001614 PMCID: PMC9401106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading worldwide since late 2019. Before vaccines became available, exclusively non-pharmaceutical measures were used to prevent transmission of infection. Despite the fact that vaccinations are now available, it is still important to identify relevant transmission routes in order to contain the COVID-19- or further pandemics. Therefore, this study aims to systematically analyse data from the largest public health department in Germany to determine the significance of the various known and unknown transmission situations in terms of the proportion of infections. METHODS All infections in Cologne were systematically recorded by the local health department. In addition to clinical data, the transmission situations were recorded and categorised as pertaining to social contact, work contact, travellers, health care workers, users of educational institutions, visitors of community institutions, infection in the context of medical treatment, and unknown infection. FINDINGS The analysis included 25,966 persons. A transmission situation could be identified in 82.7% of the cases (n = 21,477). Most persons (42.1%) were infected due to social contact, primarily within their own household. Another 22.3% were infected at their place of work; this was particularly common among staff members of medical facilities, nursing homes and educational institutions. In 17.3% of the cases, the transmission situation remained unknown; the cases with unknown transmission situation were slightly more often symptomatic (75.2%) than the cases with known transmission situation (69.4%). INTERPRETATION Considering that during the study period the leading strains were the wild-type and alpha-variant transmission rather occurred during scenarios involving close contacts than in anonymous situations. Presumably, however, the findings can be transferred to the new variants. Therefore, in order to prevent transmission, besides vaccination regular antigen tests and/or appropriate protective measures remain relevant until this pandemic has subsided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Broichhaus
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julian Book
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven Feddern
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
| | - Barbara Grüne
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
| | - Florian Neuhann
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Johannes Nießen
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
| | - Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Social Medicine, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Annelene Kossow
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christine Joisten
- Cologne Health Department, Infektions- und Umwelthygiene, Neumarkt, Köln, Germany
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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29
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Subat YW, Meyer TJ, Torgerud KD, Lim KG, Scanlon PD, Niven AS. Use of a Viral Filter to Reduce Exposure to Exhaled Aerosol Does Not Affect Methacholine Dose Delivery During Bronchoprovocation Testing. Respir Care 2022; 67:899-905. [PMID: 35610032 PMCID: PMC9994149 DOI: 10.4187/respcare.09703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methacholine challenge testing (MCT) is a common bronchoprovocation technique used to assess airway hyper-responsiveness. We previously demonstrated that the addition of a viral filter to the nebulizer exhalation limb substantially reduced expelled particles during MCT. Our aim was to evaluate whether this modification affects the delivered dose of methacholine. METHODS A mechanical ventilator was connected to a lung simulator with breathing frequency 15 breaths/min, tidal volume 500 mL, inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:1, with a sinusoidal waveform. We compared methacholine dose delivery using the Hudson Micro Mist or AeroEclipse II BAN nebulizers powered by either a dry gas source or a compressor system. A filter placed in line between the nebulizer and test lung was weighed before and after 1 min of nebulized methacholine delivery. Mean inhaled mass was measured with and without a viral filter on the exhalation limb. Dose delivery was calculated by multiplying the mean inhaled mass by the respirable fraction (particles < 5 μm) and inhalation time. Unpaired t test was used to compare methacholine dose delivery with and without viral filter placement. RESULTS The addition of a viral filter did not significantly affect methacholine dose delivery across all devices tested. Using a 50-psi dry gas source, dose delivered with or without a viral filter did not differ with the Hudson (422.3 μg vs 282.0 μg, P = .11) or the AeroEclipse nebulizer (563.0 μg vs 657.6 μg, P = .59). Using the compressor, dose delivered with and without a viral filter did not differ with the Hudson (974.0 μg vs 868.0 μg, P = .03) or the AeroEclipse nebulizer (818.0 μg vs 628.5 μg, P = .42). CONCLUSIONS The addition of a viral filter to the nebulizer exhalation limb did not affect methacholine dose during bronchoprovocation testing. Routine use of a viral filter should be considered to improve pulmonary function technician safety and infection control measures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuf W Subat
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Todd J Meyer
- Respiratory Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Keith D Torgerud
- Respiratory Care and Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics, Mayo Clinic, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Kaiser G Lim
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Paul D Scanlon
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alexander S Niven
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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30
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Patel J, McGain F, Bhatelia T, Wang S, Sun B, Monty J, Pareek V. Vented Individual Patient (VIP) Hoods for the Control of Infectious Airborne Diseases in Healthcare Facilities. ENGINEERING (BEIJING, CHINA) 2022; 15:126-132. [PMID: 35721872 PMCID: PMC9197795 DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
By providing a means of separating the airborne emissions of patients from the air breathed by healthcare workers (HCWs), vented individual patient (VIP) hoods, a form of local exhaust ventilation (LEV), offer a new approach to reduce hospital-acquired infection (HAI). Results from recent studies have demonstrated that, for typical patient-emitted aerosols, VIP hoods provide protection at least equivalent to that of an N95 mask. Unlike a mask, hood performance can be easily monitored and HCWs can be alerted to failure by alarms. The appropriate use of these relatively simple devices could both reduce the reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE) for infection control and provide a low-cost and energy-efficient form of protection for hospitals and clinics. Although the development and deployment of VIP hoods has been accelerated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, these devices are currently an immature technology. In this review, we describe the state of the art of VIP hoods and identify aspects in need of further development, both in terms of device design and the protocols associated with their use. The broader concept of individual patient hoods has the potential to be expanded beyond ventilation to the provision of clean conditions for individual patients and personalized control over other environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Patel
- CSIRO Energy, Melbourne, VIC 3169, Australia
| | - F McGain
- Western Health, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Centre for Integrated Critical Care, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - T Bhatelia
- The Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - S Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - B Sun
- The Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - J Monty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - V Pareek
- The Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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31
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Moharir SC, Thota SC, Goel A, Thakur B, Tandel D, Reddy SM, Vodapalli A, Singh Bhalla G, Kumar D, Singh Naruka D, Kumar A, Tuli A, Suravaram S, Chander Bingi T, Srinivas M, Mesipogu R, Reddy K, Khosla S, Harshan KH, Bharadwaj Tallapaka K, Mishra RK. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air in Indian hospitals and houses of COVID-19 patients. JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE 2022; 164:106002. [PMID: 35495416 PMCID: PMC9040488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2022.106002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To understand the transmission characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) through air, samples from different locations occupied by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients were analyzed. Three sampling strategies were used to understand the presence of virus in the air in different environmental conditions. In the first strategy, which involved hospital settings, air samples were collected from several areas of hospitals like COVID-intensive-care units (ICUs), nurse-stations, COVID-wards, corridors, non-COVID-wards, personal protective equipment (PPE) doffing areas, COVID rooms, out-patient (OP) corridors, mortuary, COVID casualty areas, non-COVID ICUs and doctors' rooms. Out of the 80 air samples collected from 6 hospitals from two Indian cities- Hyderabad and Mohali, 30 samples showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids. In the second sampling strategy, that involved indoor settings, one or more COVID-19 patients were asked to spend a short duration of time in a closed room. Out of 17 samples, 5 samples, including 4 samples collected after the departure of three symptomatic patients from the room, showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids. In the third strategy, involving indoor settings, air samples were collected from rooms of houses of home-quarantined COVID-19 patients and it was observed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in the air in the rooms occupied by COVID-19 patients but not in the other rooms of the houses. Taken together, we observed that the air around COVID-19 patients frequently showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in both hospital and indoor residential settings and the positivity rate was higher when 2 or more COVID-19 patients occupied the room. In hospitals, SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in ICUs as well as in non-ICUs, suggesting that the viral shedding happened irrespective of the severity of the infection. This study provides evidence for the viability of SARS-CoV-2 and its long-range transport through the air. Thus, airborne transmission could be a major mode of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 and appropriate precautions need to be followed to prevent the spread of infection through the air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivranjani C Moharir
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
- The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Sharath Chandra Thota
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Arushi Goel
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Bhuwaneshwar Thakur
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Dixit Tandel
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - S Mahesh Reddy
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Amareshwar Vodapalli
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | | | - Dinesh Kumar
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Amit Tuli
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | | | | | - M Srinivas
- ESI Hospital and Medical College, Hyderabad, 500018, India
| | | | - Krishna Reddy
- Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital, Hyderabad, 500044, India
| | - Sanjeev Khosla
- CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Krishnan H Harshan
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | | | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, 500007, India
- The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore, 560065, India
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32
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Al-Moraissi EA, Kaur A, Günther F, Neff A, Christidis N. Can aerosols-generating dental, oral and maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgical procedures lead to disease transmission? An implication on the current COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:974644. [PMID: 35979536 PMCID: PMC9376374 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.974644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Various dental, maxillofacial, and orthopedic surgical procedures (DMOSP) have been known to produce bioaerosols, that can lead to the transmission of various infectious diseases. Hence, a systematic review (SR) aimed at generating evidence of aerosols generating DMOSP that can result in the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), further investigating their infectivity and assessing the role of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) an essential to preventing the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). This SR was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA) guidelines based on a well-designed Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study (PICOS) framework, and various databases were searched to retrieve the studies which assessed potential aerosolization during DMOSP. This SR included 80 studies (59 dental and 21 orthopedic) with 7 SR, 47 humans, 5 cadaveric, 16 experimental, and 5 animal studies that confirmed the generation of small-sized < 5 μm particles in DMOSP. One study confirmed that HIV could be transmitted by aerosolized blood generated by an electric saw and bur. There is sufficient evidence that DMOSP generates an ample amount of bioaerosols, but the infectivity of these bioaerosols to transmit diseases like SARS-CoV-2 generates very weak evidence but still, this should be considered. Confirmation through isolation and culture of viable virus in the clinical environment should be pursued. An evidence provided by the current review was gathered by extrapolation from available experimental and empirical evidence not based on SARS-CoV-2. The results of the present review, therefore, should be interpreted with great caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
- *Correspondence: Essam Ahmed Al-Moraissi ;
| | - Amanjot Kaur
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Frank Günther
- Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Marburg University Hospital, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Neff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Marburg Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg GmbH, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Christidis
- Division of Oral Diagnostics and Rehabilitation, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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33
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Physician Engagement before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081394. [PMID: 35893216 PMCID: PMC9332341 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the quality of care and patient safety but also physician engagement. The aim of this study was to investigate physician engagement before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the areas to improve regarding physician engagement. An online survey was conducted from April 2019 to September 2020 among the physicians of 44 hospitals under the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results were analyzed using an independent T-test and one-way ANOVA to compare the continuous variables across groups. Multiple linear regression was used to identify and adjust the variables to determine the areas for improvement. Among the 10,746 respondents, physician engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher than in the pre-COVID-19 period (4.12 vs. 4.06, p-value < 0.001). The top three recommendations to promote physician engagement during the COVID-19 situation comprised (1) marketing (70%), (2) intra-and inter-organizational communication (69%), and (3) the competency of clinical staff (67%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the positive outcomes toward physician engagement focused on infra-organizational development. These results can be considered in a strategy to optimize physician engagement, which affects the quality of care and patient safety.
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34
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Henke L, Guseva M, Wagemans K, Pischedda D, Haynes JD, Jahn G, Anders S. Surgical face masks do not impair the decoding of facial expressions of negative affect more severely in older than in younger adults. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:63. [PMID: 35841438 PMCID: PMC9287709 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical face masks reduce the spread of airborne pathogens but also disturb the flow of information between individuals. The risk of getting seriously ill after infection with SARS-COV-2 during the present COVID-19 pandemic amplifies with age, suggesting that face masks should be worn especially during face-to-face contact with and between older people. However, the ability to accurately perceive and understand communication signals decreases with age, and it is currently unknown whether face masks impair facial communication more severely in older people. We compared the impact of surgical face masks on dynamic facial emotion recognition in younger (18–30 years) and older (65–85 years) adults (N = 96) in an online study. Participants watched short video clips of young women who facially expressed anger, fear, contempt or sadness. Faces of half of the women were covered by a digitally added surgical face mask. As expected, emotion recognition accuracy declined with age, and face masks reduced emotion recognition accuracy in both younger and older participants. Unexpectedly, the effect of face masks did not differ between age groups. Further analyses showed that masks also reduced the participants’ overall confidence in their emotion judgements, but not their performance awareness (the difference between their confidence ratings for correct and incorrect responses). Again, there were no mask-by-age interactions. Finally, data obtained with a newly developed questionnaire (attitudes towards face masks, atom) suggest that younger and older people do not differ in how much they feel impaired in their understanding of other people’s emotions by face masks or how useful they find face masks in confining the COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, these findings do not provide evidence that the impact of face masks on the decoding of facial signals is disproportionally larger in older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Henke
- Department of Psychology, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maja Guseva
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wagemans
- Department of Neurology, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Doris Pischedda
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John-Dylan Haynes
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Science of Intelligence, Research Cluster of Excellence, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Jahn
- Department of Psychology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Silke Anders
- Department of Neurology, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany. .,Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. .,Department of Psychology, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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35
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Manzar S, Kazmi F, Arshad AI, Awais F, Majeed HA, Shahzad HB, Alam MK. Safe protocol of resuming routine dental procedures in a tertiary care hospital setting post COVID-19 lockdown. Work 2022; 72:819-826. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected dentistry. Dental procedures are considered one of the modes of transfer of COVID-19 infection due to generation of aerosols. To prevent transmission of this virus through dental procedures, guidelines were issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Ministry of Health of each country. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to establish a safe protocol for performing dental procedures in a crisis capacity situation of personal protective equipment (PPE). METHODS: A strategy for performing the dental procedures was formulated in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health, Pakistan before vaccination of HCPs against COVID-19. These guidelines also accorded the strategies provided by the WHO and CDC. 40 health care professionals (HCPs) participated in the study and were divided in two groups. Group A performed non-aerosol generating procedures (non- AGPs) and group B performed aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). A total of 6372 aerosol generating procedures were performed from 1 August 2020 to 31 March 2021. The safety of this protocol was established by the number of HCPs contracting COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Only 1 HCP contracted COVID-19 infection preceding the AGPs from group B following the formulated strategy. CONCLUSION: Reported strategy based on the dental system in Pakistan is considered safe to be implemented worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadia Manzar
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Kazmi
- Oral Pathology Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Anas Imran Arshad
- Paedriatric Dentistry Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
- Paediatric Dentistry Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Faiza Awais
- Community Dentistry Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hanna Abdul Majeed
- Operative Dentistry Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hazik Bin Shahzad
- Community Dentistry Department, Rashid Latif Dental College, Rashid Latif Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
- Dental Public Health Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khursheed Alam
- Preventive Dentistry Department, Orthodontic Division, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
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Impact of local mask mandates upon COVID-19 case rates in Oklahoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269339. [PMID: 35709189 PMCID: PMC9202880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of face coverings has been shown to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Despite encouragements from the CDC and other public health entities, resistance to usage of masks remains, forcing government entities to create mandates to compel use. The state of Oklahoma did not create a state-wide mask mandate, but numerous municipalities within the state did. This study compares case rates in communities with mandates to those without mandates, at the same time and in the same state (thus keeping other mitigation approaches similar). Diagnosed cases of COVID-19 were extracted from the Oklahoma State Department of Health reportable disease database. Daily case rates were established based upon listed city of residence. The daily case rate difference between each locality with a mask mandate were compared to rates for the portions of the state without a mandate. All differences were then set to a d0 point of reference (date of mandate implementation). Piecewise linear regression analysis of the difference in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates between mandated and non-mandated populations before and after adoption of mask mandates was then done. Prior to adopting mask mandates, those municipalities that eventually adopted mandates had higher transmission rates than the rest of the state, with the mean case rate difference per 100,000 people increasing by 0.32 cases per day (slope of difference = 0.32; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.51). For the post-mandate time period, the differences are decreasing (slope of -0.24; 95% CI -0.32 to -0.15). The pre- and post- mandate slopes differed significantly (p<0.001). The change in slope direction (-0.59; 95% CI -0.80 to -0.37) shows a move toward reconvergence in new case diagnoses between the two populations. Compared to rates in communities without mask mandates, transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2 slowed notably in those communities that adopted a mask mandate. This study suggests that government mandates may play a role in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and other infectious respiratory conditions.
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Infectious Aerosol Capture Mask as Environmental Control to Reduce Spread of Respiratory Viral Particles. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061275. [PMID: 35746746 PMCID: PMC9227466 DOI: 10.3390/v14061275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative pressure isolation of COVID-19 patients is critical to limiting the nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, airborne isolation rooms are limited. Alternatives to traditional isolation procedures are needed. The evaluation of an Infectious Aerosol Capture Mask (IACM) that is designed to augment the respiratory isolation of COVID-19 patients is described. Efficacy in capturing exhaled breath aerosols was evaluated using laboratory experimentation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and measurements of exhaled breath from COVID-19 patients and their surroundings. Laboratory aerosol experiments indicated that the mask captured at least 99% of particles. Simulations of breathing and speaking showed that all particles between 0.1 and 20 µm were captured either on the surface of the mask or in the filter. During coughing, no more than 13% of the smallest particles escaped the mask, while the remaining particles collected on the surfaces or filter. The total exhaled virus concentrations of COVID-positive patients showed a range from undetectable to 1.1 × 106 RNA copies/h of SARS-CoV-2, and no SARS-CoV-2 aerosol was detected in the samples collected that were adjacent to the patient when the mask was being worn. These data indicate that the IACM is useful for containing the exhaled aerosol of infected individuals and can be used to quantify the viral aerosol production rates during respiratory activities.
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Development of Metal Complexes for Treatment of Coronaviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126418. [PMID: 35742870 PMCID: PMC9223400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) is a global epidemic. This pandemic, which has been linked to high rates of death, has forced some countries throughout the world to implement complete lockdowns in order to contain the spread of infection. Because of the advent of new coronavirus variants, it is critical to find effective treatments and vaccines to prevent the virus’s rapid spread over the world. In this regard, metal complexes have attained immense interest as antibody modifiers and antiviral therapies, and they have a lot of promise towards SARS-CoV-2 and their suggested mechanisms of action are discussed, i.e., a new series of metal complexes’ medicinal vital role in treatment of specific proteins or SARS-CoV-2 are described. The structures of the obtained metal complexes were fully elucidated by different analytical and spectroscopic techniques also. Molecular docking and pharmacophore studies presented that most of complexes studied influenced good binding affinity to the main protease SARS-CoV-2, which also was attained as from the RCSB pdb (Protein Data Bank) data PDB ID: 6 W41, to expect the action of metal complexes in contradiction of COVID-19. Experimental research is required to determine the pharmacokinetics of most of the complexes analyzed for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-related disease. Finally, the toxicity of a metal-containing inorganic complex will thus be discussed by its capability to transfer metals which may bind with targeted site.
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Khan J, E N, Mariatti M, Vilay V, Todo M. A comprehensive review on facemask manufacturing, testing, and its environmental impacts. JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES 2022; 52:15280837221111175. [PMID: 36249720 PMCID: PMC9548449 DOI: 10.1177/15280837221111175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is currently the biggest threat to human lives due to its rapid transmission rate causing severe damage to human health and economy. The transmission of viral diseases can be minimized at its early stages with proper planning and preventive practices. The use of facemask has proved to be most effective measure to curb the spread of virus along with social distancing and good hygiene practices. This necessitates more research on facemask technology to increase its filtration efficiencies and proper disposal, which can be accelerated with knowledge of the current manufacturing process and recent research in this field. This review article provides an overview of the importance of facemask, fundamentals of nonwoven fabrics, and its manufacturing process. It also covers topics related to recent research reported for improved facemask efficiencies and testing methods to evaluate the performance of facemask. The plastic waste associated with the facemask and measures to minimize its effect are also briefly described. A systematic understanding is given in order to trigger future research in this field to ensure that we are well equipped for any future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Khan
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia
| | - Netnapa E
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia
| | - M Mariatti
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal Penang, Malaysia
| | - V Vilay
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sokpaluang Campus, National University of Laos, Vientiane, Laos
| | - M Todo
- Renewable Energy Center, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Melzow F, Mertens S, Todorov H, Groneberg DA, Paris S, Gerber A. Aerosol exposure of staff during dental treatments: a model study. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:128. [PMID: 35428223 PMCID: PMC9012061 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Due to exposure to potentially infectious aerosols during treatments, the dental personnel is considered being at high risk for aerosol transmitted diseases like COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate aerosol exposure during different dental treatments as well as the efficacy of dental suction to reduce aerosol spreading.
Methods Dental powder-jet (PJ; Air-Flow®), a water-cooled dental handpiece with a diamond bur (HP) and water-cooled ultrasonic scaling (US) were used in a simulation head, mounted on a dental unit in various treatment settings. The influence of the use of a small saliva ejector (SE) and high-volume suction (HVS) was evaluated. As a proxy of aerosols, air-born particles (PM10) were detected using a Laser Spectrometer in 30 cm distance from the mouth. As control, background particle counts (BC) were measured before and after experiments. Results With only SE, integrated aerosol levels [median (Q25/Q75) µg/m3 s] for PJ [91,246 (58,213/118,386) µg/m3 s, p < 0.001, ANOVA] were significantly increased compared to BC [7243 (6501/8407) µg/m3 s], whilst HP [11,119 (7190/17,234) µg/m3 s, p > 0.05] and US [6558 (6002/7066) µg/m3 s; p > 0.05] did not increase aerosol levels significantly. The use of HVS significantly decreased aerosol exposure for PJ [37,170 (29,634/51,719) µg/m3 s; p < 0.01] and HP [5476 (5066/5638) µg/m3 s; p < 0.001] compared to SE only, even reaching lower particle counts than BC levels for HP usage (p < 0.001). Conclusions To reduce the exposure to potentially infectious aerosols, HVS should be used during aerosol-forming dental treatments.
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Kosztin A, Merkely B, Szabó AJ, Blaha B, Varga P, Vásárhelyi B, Vokó Z. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and seropositivity among healthcare workers and medical students in summer 2020, Hungary. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2022; 35:209-216. [PMID: 34981793 PMCID: PMC10464783 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare the prevalence of acute infection and seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical students. MATERIAL AND METHODS A high-volume, single-center analysis was conducted in the period of July 1‒August 1, 2020, at the Semmelweis University. Naso- and oropharyngeal samples were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and blood samples for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. A questionnaire was also administered about the infection symptoms and the obtained results were assessed by profession and site of care delivery. RESULTS From the total cohort (N = 7948), 4478 (56%) and 3470 (44%) were health professionals and medical students, respectively. They were mainly female (67%), and the mean age of HCWs and students was 40 and 25 years, respectively. By profession, physicians (1.5%) and other HCWs (1.8%) showed a comparable SARS-CoV-2 exposure. International students had the highest (2.1%), whereas Hungarian students had the lowest (0.6%) prevalence of seropositivity. The highest prevalence was detected among the staff of COVID-19 wards (12.1%). By PCR, medical students showed the lowest occurrence of active infection with a prevalence of 0.17%, while physicians and other HCWs had a higher prevalence (1.46% and 1.71%, respectively). By site of care delivery, positive test results were the most frequent at COVID-19 wards (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS Physicians and other HCWs showed comparable SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity prevalence, approximately twice as high as in the general population of Budapest. Hungarian students had lower prevalence of seropositivity than this reference. High prevalence among international students suggests that they had imported the infection. The very high prevalence of documented exposure among staff members at COVID-19 wards urges for improving the safety measures. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):209-16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamária Kosztin
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Heart and Vascular Center)
| | - Béla Merkely
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Heart and Vascular Center)
| | - Attila J Szabó
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (1st Department of Pediatrics)
| | - Béla Blaha
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Department of Laboratory Medicine)
| | - Péter Varga
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Clinical Centre)
| | - Barna Vásárhelyi
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Center for Health Technology Assessment)
| | - Zoltán Vokó
- Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (Center for Health Technology Assessment)
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Buonavoglia A, Lanave G, Marchi S, Lorusso P, Montomoli E, Martella V, Camero M, Prati C, Trombetta CM. In vitro
virucidal activity of mouthwashes on SARS‐CoV‐2. Oral Dis 2022; 28 Suppl 2:2509-2515. [PMID: 35398970 PMCID: PMC9115502 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Buonavoglia
- Dental School Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences University of Bologna 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Bari 70010 Valenzano Italy
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine University of Siena 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Pantaleo Lorusso
- Section of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation Aldo Moro University of Bari 70121 Bari Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine University of Siena 53100 Siena Italy
- VisMederi srl 53100 Siena Italy
- VisMederi Research srl 53100 Siena Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Bari 70010 Valenzano Italy
| | - Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Bari 70010 Valenzano Italy
| | - Carlo Prati
- Dental School Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences University of Bologna 40126 Bologna Italy
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Thomas A, Suresh M. Assessment of COVID-19 prevention and protection measures in hospitals. CLEANER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 7:100440. [PMID: 35156071 PMCID: PMC8820025 DOI: 10.1016/j.clet.2022.100440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to develop an assessment framework for the Covid-19 prevention and protection measures in hospitals. The conceptual model is developed by using fifty-four attributes, fifteen criteria, and three enablers. The multi-grade fuzzy approach is used to develop the assessment framework, and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) identifies the weaker attributes in the case organization. The case hospital's preventive and safety measures assessment level is 8.05, which is 'very highly focused on protection measures,' and fourteen weaker attributes were identified. The case hospital management should focus on the guidelines of Covid-19 preventive and protection measures, strict protocols, regular audits, education and training of the staff, and active surveillance. Case hospital managers should also focus on staffing and timings, the formulation of policies, and abiding by those policies without any fail. This proposed assessment model is a new initiative in-hospital assessment in preventive and safety measures in the healthcare sector during the Covid-19 era. This framework will enable hospital managers as a continuous assessment tool to improve their Covid-19 prevention operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albi Thomas
- Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, 641 112, India
| | - M Suresh
- Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, 641 112, India
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Schimmel M, Berkowitz DM. Pulmonary Procedures in the COVID-19 Era. CURRENT PULMONOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:39-47. [PMID: 35371910 PMCID: PMC8960220 DOI: 10.1007/s13665-022-00285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pulmonary procedures, including new guidelines, restrictions, techniques, and overall effect on patient care. Recent Findings SARS-CoV-2 predominately impacts the pulmonary system and can result in a severe lower respiratory tract infection. Early guidelines based largely on data from the SARS epidemic recommended significant restrictions on procedure volume out of concern for healthcare worker safety. Newer data suggests relative safety in performing airway and pleural procedures as long as appropriate precautions are followed and new techniques are utilized. The introduction of effective vaccines and more reliable testing has led to a re-expansion of elective procedures. Summary Many guidelines and expert statements exist for the management and practice of pulmonary procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A flexible and individualized approach may be necessary as our understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Schimmel
- Division of Interventional Pulmonology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - David M. Berkowitz
- Division of Interventional Pulmonology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
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Guo Q, Wang J, Estill J, Lan H, Zhang J, Wu S, Yao J, Yan X, Chen Y. Risk of COVID-19 Transmission Aboard Aircraft: An Epidemiological Analysis Based on the National Health Information Platform. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 118:270-276. [PMID: 35331931 PMCID: PMC8935959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to investigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission on aircraft. Methods We obtained data on all international flights to Lanzhou, China, from June 1, 2020, to August 1, 2020, through the Gansu Province National Health Information Platform and the official website of the Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We then performed the statistical analysis. Results Three international flights arrived in Lanzhou. The flights had a total of 700 passengers, of whom 405 (57.9%) were male, and 80 (11.4%) were children under the age of 14 years. Twenty-seven (3.9%) passengers were confirmed to have COVID-19. Confirmed patients were primarily male (17, 65.4%) with a median age of 27.0 years. Most confirmed cases were seated in the middle rows of economy class or near public facility areas such as restrooms and galleys. The prevalence of COVID-19 did not differ between passengers sitting in the window, aisle, or middle seats. However, compared with passengers sitting in the same row up to 2 rows behind a confirmed case, passengers seated in the 2 rows in front of a confirmed case were at a slightly higher risk of being infected. Conclusions COVID-19 may be transmitted during a passenger flight, although there is still no direct evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Guo
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianjian Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hui Lan
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shouyuan Wu
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Yao
- Health Statistics Information Center of Health Commission of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuanchen Yan
- Health Statistics Information Center of Health Commission of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Yaolong Chen
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University Institute of Health Data Science, Lanzhou, China; Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou, China; WHO Collaborating Centre for Guideline Implementation and Knowledge Translation, Lanzhou, China.
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Gasparini G, Castioni D, Spina G, Familiari F, Galasso O, Mercurio M. The use of a surgical helmet system with a high-efficiency particulate air filter as possible protection equipment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a double-blinded randomized control study. INTERNATIONAL ORTHOPAEDICS 2022; 46:1233-1240. [PMID: 35292837 PMCID: PMC8923968 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-022-05371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the use of personal protective equipment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a commercially available sterile surgical helmet system (SSHS) can be considered protective against COVID-19 and therefore safe for use. METHODS A double-blinded randomized controlled study was performed to investigate the efficacy of the ViVi® SSHS with a high-efficiency particulate air filter called HFD Hood (THI, Total Healthcare Innovation GmbH, Feistritz im Rosental, Austria) to protect against respiratory droplets. Forty recruited participants were divided into two different groups. The SSHS was tested using a validated qualitative test for respirator masks through saccharin or placebo solutions based on random allocation into two cohorts. Saccharin droplets are a validated surrogated marker for any elements of viral size, such as coronaviruses. A positive report of sweet taste after saccharin exposure was suggestive of ViVi® SSHS inefficacy in protection against droplets. RESULTS One participant out of 21 (4.8%) reported positive for taste within the placebo cohort, while five out of 19 (26.3%) reported positive for taste within the saccharin cohort upon testing. Two out of 21 (9.5%) participants reported positive for taste within the placebo cohort, and two out of 19 (10.5%) reported positive for taste within the saccharin cohort upon retesting. There were no statistically significant differences between the saccharin and placebo groups in either the test or retest measurements (p = 0.085 and p = 1.000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the ViVi® SSHS equipped with HFD Hood protects against respiratory droplets, increasing protection against several microorganisms, including the virus that causes COVID-19, allowing surgeons to carry out procedures on COVID-positive patients in a more comfortable and safer way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Gasparini
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Davide Castioni
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Spina
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Filippo Familiari
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Olimpio Galasso
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Mercurio
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, "Magna Græcia" University, "Mater Domini" University Hospital, V.Le Europa, (Loc. Germaneto), 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Shinohara N, Tatsu K, Kagi N, Kim H, Sakaguchi J, Ogura I, Murashima Y, Sakurai H, Naito W. Air exchange rates and advection-diffusion of CO 2 and aerosols in a route bus for evaluation of infection risk. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13019. [PMID: 35347782 PMCID: PMC9111735 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As COVID-19 continues to spread, infection risk on public transport is concerning. Air exchange rates (ACH) and advection-diffusion of CO2 and particles were determined in a route bus to evaluate the infection risk. ACH increased with bus speed whether windows were open or closed, and ACH were greater when more windows were open. With two open windows, ACH was greater when a front and rear window were open than when two rear windows were open. With both front and rear ventilation fans set to exhaust, ACH was more than double that when both were set to supply. With air conditioning (AC) off, CO2 and particles spread proportionally at the same rate from a source, whereas with the AC on, the spread rate of particles was about half that of CO2 , because particles might be trapped by a prefilter on the AC unit. Infection risk can be reduced by equipping AC unit with an appropriate filter. Calculations with a modified Wells-Riley equation showed that average infection risk was reduced by 92% in the moving bus with windows open comparing to with windows closed. When the bus was moving with windows closed, exhaust fan operation reduced the average risk by 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohide Shinohara
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | | | - Naoki Kagi
- Tokyo Institute of TechnologyMeguro‐ku, TokyoJapan
| | - Hoon Kim
- National Institute of Public HealthWakoSaitamaJapan
| | - Jun Sakaguchi
- University of Niigata PrefectureNiigata‐City, NiigartaJapan
| | - Isamu Ogura
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Yoshiko Murashima
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Hiromu Sakurai
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
| | - Wataru Naito
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)TsukubaIbarakiJapan
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48
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Demoulin B, Duvivier C, Marchal F, Demoulin-Alexikova S. A Physical Analog to Assess Surgical Face Mask Air Flow Resistance During Tidal Ventilation. Front Physiol 2022; 13:808588. [PMID: 35250615 PMCID: PMC8891640 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.808588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A large variety of disposable face masks have been produced since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreased resistance to inspiration improves adherence to the use of the mask; the so called breathability is usually estimated by the measurement of air flow across a section of the tissue under a given pressure difference. We hypothesized that the mask pressure—flow relationship studied in conditions that mimic tidal breathing could allow a more comprehensive characterization of airflow resistance, a major determinant of mask comfort. A physical analog was made of a plaster cast dummy head connected through a pneumotachograph to a series of bellows inflated/deflated by a respirator. Pressure was measured at the mock airway opening over which the mask was carefully secured. The precision of the measurement equipment was quantified using two estimates of measurement error: repeatability coefficient (RC) and within-mask coefficient of variation (CVwm). The airflow resistance of 10 surgical masks was tested on 4 different days. Resistance means did not differ significantly among four repeated measures (0.34 hPa.s.L−1; 0.37 hPa.s.L−1; 0.37 hPa.s.L−1; and 0.37 hPa.s.L−1; p = 0.08), the estimated RC was 0.08 hPa.s.L−1 [95%CI: 0.06–0.10 hPa.s.L−1], and CVwm was 8.7% [95%CI: 1.5–12.2%]. Multiple comparisons suggest the presence of a learning effect by which the operator reduced the error over the course of repetitive resistance measurements. Measurement precision improved considerably when the first set of measures was not taken into account [RC ~ 0.05 hPa.s.L−1 (95%CI: 0.03–0.06 hPa.s.L−1); CVwm~4.5% (95%CI: 1.9–6.1%)]. The testing of the face mask resistance (R) appears simple and highly repeatable in conditions that resemble tidal breathing, once operator training was assured. The procedure adds further to the current standard assessment of breathability and allows estimating the maximal added respiratory load, about 10–20% of the respiratory resistance reported in heathy adult subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Demoulin
- EA 3450 DevAH, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Claude Duvivier
- EA 3450 DevAH, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - François Marchal
- EA 3450 DevAH, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Silvia Demoulin-Alexikova
- Service des Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR9017-CIIL-Centre d′Infection et d′Immunité de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
- *Correspondence: Silvia Demoulin-Alexikova,
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49
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Hardman S, Muthukrishnan S, Jacobs B, Trussell A, Chesterton A. Patients in older adult psychiatric hospital during first
COVID
‐19 wave. PROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pnp.736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Hardman
- Dr Hardman is a Clinical Research Fellow, and Dr Muthukrishnan is a Consultant Psychiatrist, both at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust
| | - Sabarigirivasan Muthukrishnan
- Dr Hardman is a Clinical Research Fellow, and Dr Muthukrishnan is a Consultant Psychiatrist, both at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust
| | - Benjamin Jacobs
- Dr Jacobs is a Foundation Doctor at Avon Royal United Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Augusta Trussell
- Ms Trussell is a Medical Student at University of Exeter, and Mr Chesterton is Operational Manager at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust, UK
| | - Alex Chesterton
- Ms Trussell is a Medical Student at University of Exeter, and Mr Chesterton is Operational Manager at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust, UK
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50
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Haller S, Güsewell S, Egger T, Scanferla G, Thoma R, Leal-Neto OB, Flury D, Brucher A, Lemmenmeier E, Möller JC, Rieder P, Rütti M, Stocker R, Vuichard-Gysin D, Wiggli B, Besold U, Kuster SP, McGeer A, Risch L, Schlegel M, Friedl A, Vernazza P, Kahlert CR, Kohler P. Impact of respirator versus surgical masks on SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in healthcare workers: a prospective multicentre cohort. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35123572 PMCID: PMC8817591 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is insufficient evidence regarding the role of respirators in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We analysed the impact of filtering facepiece class 2 (FFP2) versus surgical masks on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 acquisition among Swiss healthcare workers (HCW). Methods Our prospective multicentre cohort enrolled HCW from June to August 2020. Participants were asked about COVID-19 risk exposures/behaviours, including preferentially worn mask type when caring for COVID-19 patients outside of aerosol-generating procedures. The impact of FFP2 on (1) self-reported SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal PCR/rapid antigen tests captured during weekly surveys, and (2) SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion between baseline and January/February 2021 was assessed. Results We enrolled 3259 participants from nine healthcare institutions, whereof 716 (22%) preferentially used FFP2. Among these, 81/716 (11%) reported a SARS-CoV-2-positive swab, compared to 352/2543 (14%) surgical mask users; seroconversion was documented in 85/656 (13%) FFP2 and 426/2255 (19%) surgical mask users. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and risk behaviour, FFP2 use was non-significantly associated with decreased risk for SARS-CoV-2-positive swab (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0) and seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0); household exposure was the strongest risk factor (aHR 10.1, 95% CI 7.5–13.5; aOR 5.0, 95% CI 3.9–6.5). In subgroup analysis, FFP2 use was clearly protective among those with frequent (> 20 patients) COVID-19 exposure (aHR 0.7 for positive swab, 95% CI 0.5–0.8; aOR 0.6 for seroconversion, 95% CI 0.4–1.0). Conclusions Respirators compared to surgical masks may convey additional protection from SARS-CoV-2 for HCW with frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01070-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Haller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Public and Global Health, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Güsewell
- Clinical Trials Unit, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Scanferla
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Reto Thoma
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Onicio B Leal-Neto
- Epitrack, Recife, Brazil.,Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Domenica Flury
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Angela Brucher
- Psychiatry Services of the Canton of St. Gallen (South), Pfäfers, Switzerland
| | - Eva Lemmenmeier
- Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clienia Littenheid AG, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - J Carsten Möller
- Center for Neurological Rehabilitation, Zihlschlacht, Switzerland
| | | | - Markus Rütti
- Hospital Region Fürstenland Toggenburg, Wil, Switzerland
| | | | - Danielle Vuichard-Gysin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Thurgau Hospital Group, Münsterlingen, Switzerland.,Swiss National Centre for Infection Prevention (Swissnoso), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benedikt Wiggli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Besold
- Geriatric Clinic St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Stefan P Kuster
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorenz Risch
- Labormedizinisches Zentrum Dr Risch Ostschweiz AG, Buchs, Switzerland.,Private Universität Im Fürstentum Liechtenstein, Triesen, Liechtenstein.,Centre of Laboratory Medicine, University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schlegel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andrée Friedl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian R Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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