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Aims: Hand hygiene (HH) is an essential practice to evade the transmission of germs and minimize community-acquired infections. This study assesses the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of HH and other health and safety measures before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. in university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023, targeting university students from all disciplines and study levels. A 44-item questionnaire was used which included student demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of HH, as well as the anticipated risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Participants consented before commencing the questionnaire, and the collected data were analysed using the student's t-test and ANOVA test, as required. Results: A total of 378 responses were received nationwide, with a valid response rate of 98%. The HH knowledge revealed an average score of 62%, which was significantly higher in students with moderate family income. Additionally, the average attitude score was 74.7%, as measured on the Likert scale, and the score lacked any correlation with the other variables. HH practice showed an average score of 86.8%, which was correlated with the students' gender and field of study. Conclusions: This study showed a moderate level of knowledge, a good attitude, and good practice around HH and other safety measures among the UAE's university students. Socioeconomic status, gender, and field of study influenced the study outcomes. This study highlights the need for effective awareness campaigns to reinforce students' health and safety, especially for male and non-health science students, in order to protect against communicable diseases.
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INTRODUCTION: Primary sternal osteomyelitis is a rare condition that is frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It is often confused with other cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Early antimicrobial treatment and surgical debridement is the cornerstone of treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old male adult came to the emergency room (ER) with a 2-week history of chest pain, fever, and malaise. His past medical history was unremarkable. Examination revealed a tender anterior chest wall swelling. White Blood Cells (WBCs) (21.6 × 104)/mm3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (294.10 mg/L) were elevated. Pus from the swelling and blood samples were sent for culture and sensitivity. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed a large dense anterior chest wall abscess extending deep in the chest and to both axillae which caused bony erosion of the sternum. Incision and drainage of the abscess were performed, followed by surgical debridement of the wound. Cultures along the course showed both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus. The patient improved gradually and 2 months after his initial presentation, he became free of symptoms, and CT has shown complete resolution. DISCUSSION: Osteomyelitis usually happens after an external bacterium seeds the bone where it begins to grow and thrive, leading to the destruction and pus accumulation under the periosteum. For the treatment, identifying the causative agent is critical in giving intravenous (IV) antibiotic. Thereafter, incision and drainage of an abscess can be performed, similar to what was done with the patient mentioned. Radiography, specifically a CT scan, is crucial as it clearly reveals bony margins and can differentiate between a sequestrum and an involucrum. It also identifies cortical erosion, intraosseous gases and periosteal reactions. CONCLUSION: Sternal osteomyelitis can have a nonspecific clinical presentation. Laboratory investigations and radiological findings are crucial for a prompt diagnosis. To prevent the progression of the disease and complications, early intervention is vital to ensure a good prognosis.
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Despite the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) being used in neuroscience, it has recently been highlighted that it has cardioprotective functions. However, many studies related to VNS are not mechanistic in nature. This systematic review aims to focus on the role of VNS in cardioprotective therapy, selective vagus nerve stimulators (sVNS), and their functional capabilities. A systemic review of the current literature was conducted on VNS, sVNS, and their ability to induce positive effects on arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. Both experimental and clinical studies were reviewed and assessed separately. Of 522 research articles retrieved from literature archives, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Literature analysis proves that combining fiber-type selectivity with spatially-targeted vagus nerve stimulation is feasible. The role of VNS as a tool for modulating heart dynamics, inflammatory response, and structural cellular components was prominently seen across the literature. The application of transcutaneous VNS, as opposed to implanted electrodes, provides the best clinical outcome with minimal side effects. VNS presents a method for future cardiovascular treatment that can modulate human cardiac physiology. However, continued research is needed for further insight.