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Brito AAMP, Pati S, Schreiber M. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic blood shortage on trauma patients. Transfusion 2024. [PMID: 38899841 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alex Marie Pawliuk Brito
- Donald D. Trunkey Center for Civilian and Combat Casualty Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Shibani Pati
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Martin Schreiber
- Donald D. Trunkey Center for Civilian and Combat Casualty Care, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Sumual V, Sutanto RL, Chandra AP. Emergency surgical management for ocular trauma with confirmed COVID-19 symptoms: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 119:109761. [PMID: 38772242 PMCID: PMC11128506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Conducting urgent eye trauma surgery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic poses distinct difficulties, as strict infection control measures are crucial to safeguard both patients and medical staff. Nonetheless, eye trauma remains a significant contributor to avoidable vision loss in developing countries. CASE PRESENTATION A 57-year-old man presented with redness, bleeding, and injury in the left eye after a motorcycle accident 9 h prior to hospital admission, along with a torn wound on his left cheek. The visual acuity in the left eye showed no light perception. Limited eye movement in all directions, eyelid hematoma, conjunctival injection, hyphema, and tissue protrusion from the limbus at 6 to 8 o'clock positions were observed. The patient had a history of cataract surgery (+) in both eyes and was diagnosed with an open globe injury with zone II penetrating trauma, accompanied by full hyphema, vitreous and choroid prolapse in the left eye, and a confirmed case of COVID-19. Evisceration of the left eye was performed following the basic guidelines for ocular trauma surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Postoperative follow-up was conducted as usual by the operator in isolation for confirmed COVID-19 patients with no significant complaints. CLINICAL DISCUSSION Urgent surgical intervention is necessary to prevent visual impairment, following guidelines recommending surgery within 4-72 h. Ocular tissue may facilitate COVID-19 transmission via the nasolacrimal system, posing risks to healthcare workers, particularly during surgery. Preoperative measures, including obtaining COVID-19 status and providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), are crucial. Minimizing aerosol-generating procedures and employing virucidal disinfection further mitigates the transmission risks. This case underscores the need to balance immediate intervention for eye injuries with safety protocols for COVID-19, emphasizing standardized PPE and surgical procedures to safeguard healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION Incorporating insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic will fortify healthcare systems against future pandemics. In particular, it enables effective surgical emergency response while mitigating infectious disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Sumual
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University - Prof. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Indonesia.
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Buzanelo Machado M, Oliveira VDC, Amadio Domingues PC, Maciel Monteiro R, Pereira Dos Santos A, Lazarini Bim L, de Andrade D, Watanabe E. Unveiling the efficacy of latex gloves in preventing viral infections during needlestick injuries: An in vitro mixed-methods study. Infect Dis Health 2024; 29:65-72. [PMID: 38368141 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.10.001] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gloves are personal protective equipment designed to prevent contamination and reduce the spread of microorganisms. This study aimed to assess in vitro the physical integrity of latex gloves and the retention of biological contamination in healthcare simulation. METHOD Three different batches of latex procedure gloves from five different brands and specific batches were evaluated before use for physical integrity by the standard protocols of the Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and of the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Moreover, the retention of biological contamination by latex procedure gloves in needlestick injury simulation with crystal violet and bacteriophages were applied in order to mimic human blood and virus presence. RESULTS Brands D and C showed the best and worst results in the immediate inspections and after 2 min, respectively. For Brand C, damage occurred in one finger/region in a total of 12 gloves, while seven gloves were damaged/unable to be worn. Brand D presented only two gloves with tears and/or holes in one finger/region. Regarding the viral contamination, in a simulated needlestick injury, data showed no significant difference among the groups. CONCLUSION All glove brands presented physical damage that might affect the spread of microorganisms. The gloves did not exert an additional protective effect during a needlestick injury simulation in accordance with the two techniques used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinila Buzanelo Machado
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Viviane de Cássia Oliveira
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Castania Amadio Domingues
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rachel Maciel Monteiro
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - André Pereira Dos Santos
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Lazarini Bim
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Denise de Andrade
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Evandro Watanabe
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID), School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Restorative Dentistry, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Doos D, Hughes AM, Pham T, Barach P, Bona A, Falvo L, Moore M, Cooper DD, Ahmed R. Front-Line Health Care Workers' COVID-19 Infection Contamination Risks: A Human Factors and Risk Analysis Study of Personal Protective Equipment. Am J Med Qual 2024; 39:4-13. [PMID: 38127677 DOI: 10.1097/jmq.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Infectious risks escalate with complex donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Recent studies suggest that PPE donning and doffing behaviors that deviate from protocol during PPE reuse compounded the risks of health care worker (HCW) self-contamination. This study quantified the occurrence of behaviors associated with known risks in PPE use and reuse. We conducted a prospective study of emergency department HCWs and video-recorded PPE donning and doffing 5 times in simulated patient encounters. Trained coders recorded HCW behaviors according to an evidence-based guide. All 28 participants deviated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sanctioned donning and doffing protocol order, and most were documented to have (92.85%) self-contaminated at least once during each simulated clinical encounter. Behaviors that compounded self-contamination due to PPE reuse were also observed. Wide variation in PPE donning and doffing behaviors was found among front-line, experienced HCWs. Future work is needed to determine which deviations put HCWs at increased risk for accidental self-contamination and what changes are needed to the CDC protocol for protecting HCW from infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Doos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ashley M Hughes
- Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Center of Innovation for Chronic Complex Health (CINCCH), Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
| | - Trang Pham
- Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Paul Barach
- Department of Anesthesiology and City of Philadelphia, Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine, PA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Brisbane Queensland, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Bona
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lauren Falvo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Malia Moore
- Simulation Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Dylan D Cooper
- Clinical Emergency Medicine, Simulation Education, Department of Emergency Medicine, Simulation Center at Fairbanks Hall, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Rami Ahmed
- Division of Simulation, Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Integration von SARS-CoV-2 als Erreger von Infektionen in der endemischen Situation in die Empfehlungen der KRINKO „Infektionsprävention im Rahmen der Pflege und Behandlung von Patienten mit übertragbaren Krankheiten“. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:1279-1301. [PMID: 37861707 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
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Dempster P, Hutchinson A, Oldland E, Bouchoucha SL. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department team dynamics and workforce sustainability in Australia. A qualitative study. Int Emerg Nurs 2023; 71:101378. [PMID: 37918279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101378] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health care professionals and changed our approach to care delivery. The aim in this study was to explore nurses' experiences providing care in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and the impact of this on ED team functioning. METHODS A qualitative explorative descriptive study was conducted using thematic analysis strategies. Participants comprised: Registered Nurses (n = 18) working in clinical roles in the Emergency Department and Leadership Registered Nurses (n = 6) within the organisation. One on one interviews (n = 21) and one focus group interview were conducted utilising semi-structured, conversational style, in-depth interviews between January 2022 and April 2022. RESULTS Two major themes were identified that described the impact on ED team dynamics and longer-term impacts on the ED nursing workforce. The first major theme was: 'Changed Emergency Department team identity and dynamics' and included four sub-themes: i) PPE is a barrier to team camaraderie; ii) outsiders versus insiders - ambivalence to PPE spotter role; iii) personal safety comes first in a pandemic; and iv) using PPE depersonalises the whole patient experience. The second major theme was: 'This pandemic caught everyone off guard' and had three sub-themes. The associated sub-themes were: i) People outside ED have no understanding of what it has been like; ii) COVID-19 is here to stay - Permanent changes to care delivery and nursing practice; and iii) tenacity of a true profession. CONCLUSIONS Study findings illuminated the dynamics and functionality of ED nursing, encompassing the unique qualities of camaraderie, autonomy, resilience and tenacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Dempster
- Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Australia; Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Australia.
| | - Ana Hutchinson
- Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Australia; Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Epworth Healthcare Partnership, Australia; Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Oldland
- Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Australia
| | - Stéphane L Bouchoucha
- Deakin University Geelong, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Australia; Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia
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Weerarathna IN, Luharia A, Tivaskar S, Nankong FA, Raymond D. Emerging Applications of Biomedical Science in Pandemic Prevention and Control: A Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e44075. [PMID: 37750154 PMCID: PMC10518042 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear how crucial biomedical science is to pandemic control and prevention on a global scale. The importance of biomedical science in the fight against pandemics has increased with the appearance of new, deadly infectious diseases. Biomedical science and engineering have been presented as possible areas for combating the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to the unique challenges raised by the pandemic, as reported by epidemiologists, immunologists, and doctors, including the survival, symptoms, protein surface composition, and infection mechanisms of COVID-19. These multidisciplinary engineering concepts are applied to design and develop prevention methods, diagnostics, monitoring, and therapies. An infectious disease outbreak that has spread over a sizable region, such as several continents or the entire world, and is affecting a sizable number of people is referred to as a "pandemic. While current knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still limited, various (old and new) biomedical approaches have been developed and tested. Here, we review the emerging applications of biomedical science in pandemic prevention and control, including rapid diagnosis tests, the development of vaccines, antiviral therapies, artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, and personal protective equipment. Biomedical science and nanotechnology are two fields that have the potential to combine to develop emerging applications for combating pandemics. In this review, we also discuss the intersection of biomedical science and nanotechnology in pandemic prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Induni N Weerarathna
- Biomedical Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Anurag Luharia
- Medical Physics, Radiology, Radiotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Radiobiology, and Radiation Safety, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Suhas Tivaskar
- Radiology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Francis A Nankong
- Science and Technology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - David Raymond
- Computer Science and Medical Engineering, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Lyski ZL, Porter C, Uhrlaub JL, Ellingson KD, Jeddy Z, Gwynn L, Rivers P, Sprissler R, Hegmann KT, Coughlin M, Fowlkes A, Hollister J, LeClair L, Mak J, Beitel SC, Fuller S, Grant L, Newes-Adeyi G, Yoo YM, Olsho L, Burgess JL, Caban-Martinez A, Yoon S, Britton A, Gaglani M, Lutrick K. Humoral Immune Response to Messenger RNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Among Children Aged 5-11 Years in a Multisite Prospective Cohort Study, September 2021-September 2022. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad431. [PMID: 37663086 PMCID: PMC10468733 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The PROTECT study is a longitudinal cohort study initiated in July 2021 with weekly testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 4 states: Arizona, Florida, exas, and Utah. This study aims to examine vaccine-elicited antibody response against postvaccination SARS-CoV-2 infections. Methods Children aged 5-11 years had serum collected 14-59 days after their second dose of monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccine. Vaccine-elicited antibodies were measured using the area under the curve (AUC) and end-point titer using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (receptor-binding domain [RBD] and S2) and surrogate neutralization assays against ancestral (WA1) and Omicron (BA.2). Results 79 vaccinated participants (33 [41.7%] female; median age, 8.8 years [standard deviation, 1.9 years]), 48 (60.8%) were from Tucson, Arizona; 64 (81.0%) were non-Hispanic white; 63 (80.8%) attended school in person; 68 (86.1%) did not have any chronic conditions; and 47 (59.5%) were infected after vaccination. Uninfected children had higher AUCs against WA1 (P = .009) and Omicron (P = .02). The geometric mean and surrogate neutralization titer above the limit of detection was 346.0 for WA1 and 39.7 for Omicron, an 8.7-fold decrease (P < .001). After adjustment of covariates in the WA1-specific model, we observed a 47% reduction in the odds of postvaccination infection for every standard deviation increase in RBD AUC (aOR, 0.53 [95% confidence interval, .29-.97) and a 69% reduction in the odds of infection for every 3-fold increase in RBD end titer (0.31 [.06-1.57]). Conclusions Children with higher antibody levels experienced a lower incidence of postvaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe L Lyski
- Immunobiology, College of Medicine–Tucson, University of Arizona, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Cynthia Porter
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jennifer L Uhrlaub
- Immunobiology, College of Medicine–Tucson, University of Arizona, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Katherine D Ellingson
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Zuha Jeddy
- Abt Associates, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa Gwynn
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Rivers
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine–Tucson, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Ryan Sprissler
- University of Arizona Genetics Core—Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Melissa Coughlin
- Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley Fowlkes
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James Hollister
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Josephine Mak
- Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shawn C Beitel
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Lauren Grant
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Young M Yoo
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Sarang Yoon
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Amadea Britton
- Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manjusha Gaglani
- Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Karen Lutrick
- Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine–Tucson, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Lu Y, Okpani AI, McLeod CB, Grant JM, Yassi A. Masking strategy to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19: An umbrella meta-analysis. Infect Dis Health 2023; 28:226-238. [PMID: 36863978 PMCID: PMC9932689 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of severe disease and death due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic among healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide has been substantial. Masking is a critical control measure to effectively protect HCWs from respiratory infectious diseases, yet for COVID-19, masking policies have varied considerably across jurisdictions. As Omicron variants began to be predominant, the value of switching from a permissive approach based on a point of care risk assessment (PCRA) to a rigid masking policy needed to be assessed. METHODS A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid platform), Cochrane Library, Web of Science (Ovid platform), and PubMed to June 2022. An umbrella review of meta-analyses investigating protective effects of N95 or equivalent respirators and medical masks was then conducted. Data extraction, evidence synthesis and appraisal were duplicated. RESULTS While the results of Forest plots slightly favoured N95 or equivalent respirators over medical masks, eight of the ten meta-analyses included in the umbrella review were appraised as having very low certainty and the other two as having low certainty. CONCLUSION The literature appraisal, in conjunction with risk assessment of the Omicron variant, side-effects and acceptability to HCWs, along with the precautionary principle, supported maintaining the current policy guided by PCRA rather than adopting a more rigid approach. Well-designed prospective multi-centre trials, with systematic attention to the diversity of healthcare settings, risk levels and equity concerns are needed to support future masking policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Lu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), V6T 1Z3, Canada; Workplace Health & Safety, Interior Health, Kelowna, BC, V1Y OC5, Canada.
| | - Arnold Ikedichi Okpani
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christopher B McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Grant
- Divisons of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Divisions of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Vancouver Coastal Health, BC, Canada
| | - Annalee Yassi
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), V6T 1Z3, Canada; Medical Practitioners Occupational Safety and Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, BC, Canada
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An Old Acquaintance: Could Adenoviruses Be Our Next Pandemic Threat? Viruses 2023; 15:v15020330. [PMID: 36851544 PMCID: PMC9966032 DOI: 10.3390/v15020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are one of the most important pathogens detected in acute respiratory diseases in pediatrics and immunocompromised patients. In 1953, Wallace Rowe described it for the first time in oropharyngeal lymphatic tissue. To date, more than 110 types of HAdV have been described, with different cellular tropisms. They can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, even urinary tract inflammation, although most infections are asymptomatic. However, there is a population at risk that can develop serious and even lethal conditions. These viruses have a double-stranded DNA genome, 25-48 kbp, 90 nm in diameter, without a mantle, are stable in the environment, and resistant to fat-soluble detergents. Currently the diagnosis is made with lateral flow immunochromatography or molecular biology through a polymerase chain reaction. This review aimed to highlight the HAdV variability and the pandemic potential that a HAdV3 and 7 recombinant could have considering the aggressive outbreaks produced in health facilities. Herein, we described the characteristics of HAdV, from the infection to treatment, vaccine development, and the evaluation of the social determinants of health associated with HAdV, suggesting the necessary measures for future sanitary control to prevent disasters such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with an emphasis on the use of recombinant AdV vaccines to control other potential pandemics.
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Soleman SR, Lyu Z, Okada T, Sassa MH, Fujii Y, Mahmoud MA, Ebner DK, Harada KH. Efficacy of personal protective equipment to prevent environmental infection of COVID-19 among healthcare workers: a systematic review. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:1. [PMID: 36624079 PMCID: PMC9845060 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00131] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) employed personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, crucial to protecting themselves from infection. To highlight the efficacy of PPE in preventing environmental infection among HCWs, a systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidance. METHODS A search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted from January 2019 to April 2021 using pre-defined search terms. Articles were screened by three researchers. The approved papers were read in full and included in this review if relevance was mutually agreed upon. Data were extracted by study design and types of PPEs. RESULTS 47 of 108 identified studies met the inclusion criteria, with seven reviews and meta-analyses, seven cohort, nine case-control, fifteen cross-sectional studies, four before and after, four case series, and one modeling studies. Wearing PPE offered COVID-19 protection in HCWs but required adequate training. Wearing surgical masks provided improved protection over cloth masks, while the benefit of powered air-purifying respirators is less clear, as are individual gowns, gloves, and/or face shields. CONCLUSIONS Wearing PPE, especially facial masks, is necessary among HCWs, while training in proper use of PPE is also important to prevent COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sani Rachman Soleman
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta 55584, Indonesia
| | - Zhaoqing Lyu
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Okada
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mariko Harada Sassa
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fujii
- Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka 8158511, Japan
| | | | - Daniel K Ebner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905, United States of America,QST Hospital, National Institutes of Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kouji H. Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Manmadhan A, Ahuja T. Association Between COVID-19 Booster Vaccination and Omicron Infection in a Cohort of Players and Staff in the National Basketball Association. JAMA 2022; 328:2164-2165. [PMID: 36472599 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.18034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Manmadhan
- Seymour, Paul, and Gloria Milstein Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Tania Ahuja
- Department of Pharmacy, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
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Uptake of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among general hospital staff in Israel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022; 43:1925-1927. [PMID: 34725007 PMCID: PMC8576128 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Data from all general hospitals in Israel to April 2021 show that the mean hospital rate of staff vaccination was 84.4% for the first dose and 77.1% for the second dose, which are lower than general population rate, with mean 7% who did not complete their vaccinations. Healthcare workers have an important role in influencing the wider community.
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Zhang Y, Wang SK, Zheng B. Force application of laparoscopic surgeons under the impact of heavy personal protective equipment. LAPAROSCOPIC, ENDOSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY 2022; 5:106-110. [PMID: 35578593 PMCID: PMC9096646 DOI: 10.1016/j.lers.2022.05.002] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Surgeons are required to wear heavy personal protective equipment while delivering care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the impact of wearing double gloves on surgeons’ performance in laparoscopic surgery. Methods Eleven surgeons-in-training at the Surgical Simulation Research Lab of the University of Alberta were recruited to perform laparoscopic cutting tasks in simulation while wearing none, one pair, and two pairs of surgical gloves. Forces applied to laparoscopic instruments were measured. Results Wearing gloves prolonged task times (one pair of gloves: 301.6 ± 61.7 s; two pairs of gloves: 295.8 ± 65.3 s) compared with no gloves (241.7 ± 46.9 s; p = 0.043). Wearing double gloves increased cutting errors (20.4 ± 5.1 mm2) compared with wearing one pair of gloves (16.9 ± 5.5 mm2) and no gloves (14.4 ± 4.6 mm2; p = 0.030). Wearing gloves reduced the peak force (one pair of gloves: 2.4 ± 0.7 N; two pairs of gloves: 2.7 ± 0.6 N; no gloves: 3.4 ± 1.4 N; p = 0.049), and the total force (one pair of gloves: 10.1 ± 2.8 N; two pairs of gloves: 10.3 ± 2.6 N; no glove: 12.6 ± 1.9 N; p = 0.048) delivered onto laparoscopic scissors compared with wearing no glove. Conclusion The combined effects of wearing heavy gloves and using tools reduced the touching sensation, which limited the surgeons’ confidence in performing surgical tasks. Increasing practice in simulation is suggested to allow surgeons to overcome difficulties brought by personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Surgical Simulation Research Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shuyi Kiana Wang
- Surgical Simulation Research Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bin Zheng
- Surgical Simulation Research Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Patterson PD, Mcilvaine QS, Nong L, Liszka MK, Miller RS, Guyette FX, Martin‐Gill C. Masking by health care and public safety workers in non‐patient care areas to mitigate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A systematic review. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12699. [PMID: 35356376 PMCID: PMC8957376 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12699] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Daniel Patterson
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Quentin S. Mcilvaine
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Lily Nong
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Emergency Medicine Program University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Mary K. Liszka
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Rebekah S. Miller
- Health Sciences Library System University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Francis X. Guyette
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Christian Martin‐Gill
- School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
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Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk among Healthcare Workers of an Italian University Hospital. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111495. [PMID: 34828540 PMCID: PMC8622462 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the results of a study on the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in about 6000 workers of the University Hospital of Modena, Northern Italy, in the period March 2020–January 2021, and the relations with some individual and occupational factors. Overall, in healthcare workers (HCW) the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 during the period was 13.8%. Results confirm the role of overweight and obesity as significant risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma, also proved to be significantly associated with the infection rate. Considering occupational factors, the COVID-19 risk was about threefold (OR: 2.7; 95% CI 1.7–4.5) greater in nurses and nurse aides than in non-HCW, and about double (OR: 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–3.2) in physicians. Interestingly, an association was also observed between infection risk and nightshifts at work (OR: 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.3), significantly related to the total number of shifts in the whole eleven-month period. Even if the vaccination campaign has now greatly modified the scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW, the results of this study can be useful for further development of health and policy strategies to mitigate the occupational risk related to the new variants of coronavirus, and therefore the evolution of the pandemic.
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