Surgical gowns as a safety barrier under non-standard environmental conditions.

In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether surgical gowns become contaminated during surgery. Samples from the gowns of five surgeons during 19 surgeries were collected using sterile swabs in circular standard delimited areas on both wrists and the mid-chest at three time-points: immediately before surgical incision (t=0), 30 min (t=30), and 60 min (t=60) later. Additionally, at t=0 and t=60, three settle plates of plate count agar were positioned at 1.5 m from the ground and remained open for 20 min. The operating room temperature and relative humidity were monitored. The swabs were cultivated and incubated, and colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) counts were measured. The CFU/g counts for bacteria or fungi did not differ among the three sampling sites. The surgeons' lateral dominance in manual dexterity did not influence the gowns' contamination. There were significant variations in the temperature and relative humidity over time, but not in the CFU/g counts. In conclusion, during the first hour of surgery, surgical gowns did not become a source of contamination and are an effective barrier against bacterial and fungal contamination even under non-standard surgical environmental conditions.

Evaluation of fluid leakage at the coverall and glove interface in single and double glove conditions.

BACKGROUND: Fluid leakage through the glove-protective clothing interface is an area of concern for many health care personnel, including emergency medical service providers, who may wear coveralls to protect themselves from multiple types of hazards. There is currently no established standard test method to specifically evaluate the barrier performance of the glove-protective clothing interface region for any personal protective equipment ensemble. OBJECTIVE: This study quantifies the fluid leakage at the coverall and glove interface using single and double gloving. METHODS: A robotic arm, which can simulate upper extremity movements of health care personnel, was used to test 5 coverall models and an extended examination glove model in single and double glove conditions. RESULTS: The results show that there was a significant difference in fluid leakage amounts between some of the coverall models and the number of glove layers studied. Findings also highlight that there is a high correlation between basis weight and stiffness of the coverall fabrics and the fluid leakage amounts. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline that coverall constructed from thin and less stiff fabrics can result in lower fluid leakage levels. Also, there was no significant difference in fluid leakage amounts between single and double gloves when tested with each of the coverall models, with the exception of the coveralls with the highest basis weight and stiffness.

Impact of different personal protective clothing for firefighters in mountain areas.

BACKGROUND: Mountain hiking is an unpredictable activity for firefighters during the search, rescue, and firefighting. Could the quality of the uniform worn by firefighters affect psychophysiological variables? OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to monitor the responses of perceived exertion (RPE), musculoskeletal pain (MP), and heart rate variability (HRV) responses in firefighters using different uniforms on a 5 km mountain walking activity. The feeling of comfort, safety, and ergonomic adjustment of the two types of uniforms also was verified. METHODS: Sixteen firefighters were divided into two groups: 4thRUPM"B2" (33% polyester and 67% cotton) vs. GOLD (50% polyamide and 50% cotton). The GOLD group wore a prototype that had not yet been operationally tested. RESULTS: The independent t-test showed that the groups had similar results in RPE at post-march (Omni-Walk/Run = 3.5±0.9 vs. 2.9±0.6 AU). ANOVA Two-way (2x group and 2x time) was used to verify differences in body mass (BM), MP, and HRV. There was a main effect of time (pre- vs. post-march; p < 0.05) for BM, MP, heart rate (HR), mean RR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF, regardless of group (4thRUPM"B2" vs. GOLD). Rainwater increased post-march BM (92.2±9.8 kg vs. 93.5±9.9 kg). MP (28.9±2.9 vs. 33.2±7.7 AU), HR (71.6±14.2 vs. 99.0±26.3 bpm), RMSSD (74.8±53.7 vs. 126.5±74.4 ms) and HF (48.5±20.2 vs. 60.0±16.7 nu) also increased post-march. The mean RR (875.2±153.3 vs. 673.9±155.3 ms) and pNN50 (33.1±18.6 vs. 46.3±23.9%) reduced post-march. There was a subjective preference for GOLD. CONCLUSION: Different uniforms do not compromise psychophysiological variables during the mountain hike but differentiate ergonomic subjectivity.

Saúde mental e atuação de psicólogos hospitalares brasileiros na pandemia da covid-19 / Health and works of brazilian hospital psychologists in the covid-19 pandemic / Salud mental y actuación de psicólogos en hospitales brasileños en la pandemia del covid-19

Em março de 2020 a situação causada pela covid-19 foi elevada à categoria de pandemia, impactando de inúmeras formas a vida em sociedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender os impactos da pandemia na atuação e saúde mental do psicólogo hospitalar, profissional que atua nos espaços de saúde e tem experienciado mais de perto o sofrimento dos doentes e dos profissionais de saúde frente à covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo com 131 psicólogos que atuam em hospitais. Os profissionais foram convidados a participar através de redes sociais e redes de contatos das pesquisadoras, utilizando-se a técnica Bola de Neve. Foram utilizados dois questionários, disponibilizados na plataforma Google Forms, um abordando os impactos da pandemia sentidos pelos profissionais e outro referente ao sofrimento psíquico. Os dados foram analisados a partir de estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Foram observados impactos na atuação de quase a totalidade dos participantes, constatada a necessidade de preparação dos profissionais para o novo cenário, a percepção de pouco apoio institucional e quase metade da população estudada referiu-se a sintomas de sofrimento psíquico considerável desde o início da pandemia. É fundamental dar atenção a sinais e sintomas de sofrimento psíquico, procurando evitar o adoecimento de uma categoria profissional que se encontra na linha de frente do combate aos danos psicológicos da pandemia e cuja própria saúde mental é pouco abordada na literatura.(AU)

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic breakout hugely impacted life in society. This study analyzes how the pandemic impacted hospital psychologists' mental health and performance, professional who more closely experienced the suffering of patients and health professionals in this period. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with 131 hospital psychologists. Professionals were invited to participate through the researchers' social and contact networks using the Snowball technique. Data were collected by two questionnaires available on the Google Forms platform, one addressing the impacts felt by professionals and the other regarding psychic suffering, and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that almost all participants had their performance affected by the need to prepare for the new scenario, the perceived little institutional support. Almost half of the study sample reported considerable psychological distress symptoms since the beginning of the pandemic. Paying attention to signs and symptoms of psychic suffering is fundamental to avoid compromising a professional category that is on the front line of combating the psychological damage caused by the pandemic and whose own mental health is little addressed by the literature.(AU)

En marzo de 2020, la situación provocada por el COVID-19 se caracterizó como pandemia e impactó el mundo de diversas maneras. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender los impactos de la pandemia en la salud mental y la actuación del psicólogo en los hospitales, uno de los profesionales que trabaja en espacios sanitarios y que ha experimentado más de cerca el sufrimiento de pacientes y profesionales sanitarios frente al COVID-19. Este es un estudio exploratorio descriptivo, realizado con 131 psicólogos que trabajan en hospitales. Los profesionales recibieron la invitación a participar a través de las redes sociales y redes de contactos de las investigadoras, mediante la técnica snowball. Se utilizaron dos cuestionarios disponibles en la plataforma Google Forms: uno sobre los impactos de la pandemia en los profesionales y el otro sobre el sufrimiento psíquico. Los datos se analizaron a partir de estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales. Se observaron impactos en el trabajo de casi todos los participantes, la necesidad de preparación de los profesionales para este nuevo escenario, la percepción de poco apoyo institucional, y casi la mitad de la población estudiada reportaron sentir síntomas de considerable angustia psicológica desde el inicio de la pandemia. Es esencial prestar atención a los signos y síntomas del sufrimiento psíquico, buscando evitar la enfermedad de una categoría profesional que está a la vanguardia de la lucha contra el daño psicológico de la pandemia y cuya propia salud mental se aborda poco en la literatura.(AU)

White Light-Photolysis for the Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Proximity Firefighting Protective Clothing.

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on firefighters' personal protective equipment is a concern. One form of preventing from these compounds is to decontaminate proximity firefighting protective clothing (PFPC). Traditional decontamination methods do not promote total removal of pollutants and alter the properties of PFPC. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of white light-photolysis (WLP), an advanced oxidation process (AOP), for removing PAHs from PFPC, while maintaining the integrity of the fabric fibers. Experiments were carried out, varying reaction time and concentration of H2O2. With WLP (without H2O2), it was possible to remove more than 73% of the PAHs tested from the outer layer of PFPC in 3 days. The WLP provided the greatest removal of PAHs, compared with the most common mechanical decontamination techniques (laundering and wet-soap brushing). The fibers' integrity after exposure to the white light was evaluated with infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. In addition, a tearing strength test was performed. No remarkable fabric degradation was observed, indicating a possible, routine-compatible, simple, and inexpensive method of decontamination of PFPC, based on photolysis, which is effective in the degradation of PAHs and maintains the integrity of fabric fibers.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre prevención y control de infecciones (PCI) en alumnos de Estomatología de la UAM-Xochimilco / Knowledge, attitudes and practices on infection prevention and control in Stomatology students UAM-Xochimilco

Introducción: la prevención y control de infecciones (PCI) pretenden prevenir, detener y propagar enfermedades infecciosas en pacientes y trabajadores de la salud. Este enfoque debe comenzar con la formación y capacitación del profesional de la salud, inmunizaciones recomendadas y ejecución de medidas universales de protección. Objetivos: evaluar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en la prevención y control de infec- ciones de los estudiantes y pasantes de servicio social de la licenciatura en Estomatología de la UAM-X. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y observacional mediante una encuesta anónima como instrumento para recolección de datos a una muestra de 108 alumnos y pasantes. Resultados: se encontró que al contestar el interrogatorio sobre «prevención y control de infecciones¼, 59.3% tuvo un nivel de conocimientos aceptable y 40.7% tuvo un nivel muy bueno. De los encuestados, 87% desinfecta y cambia las barreras de protección entre cada paciente, 9.3% al comenzar y finalizar el día; el restante 3.7%, cuando está visiblemente sucio o cuando hay derrame de sustancias de líquidos corporales. Conclusión: los encuestados tienen adecuados conocimientos y prácticas, lo que infiere que tienen el sustento teórico y habilidades para enfrentarse a la etapa postpandemia para la atención de pacientes (AU)

ntroduction: infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts to prevent, stopping and spreading infectious diseases in patients and healthcare workers. This approach should begin with education and training of the health professional, recommended immunizations and implementation of universal protective measures. Objectives: to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices in infection prevention and control stomatology career's students and social service interns UAM-X. Material and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study was carried out using an anonymous survey as an instrument for data collection from a sample of 108 students and interns. Results: it was found that when answering the questionnaire on «infection prevention and control¼, 59.3% had an acceptable level of knowledge and 40.7% had a very good level. 87% of the respondents disinfect and change the protective barriers between each patient, 9.3% at the beginning and end of the day; the remaining 3.7% when visibly dirty or when there is spillage of body fluids. Conclusion: respondents have adequate knowledge and practices, inferring that they have the theoretical support and skills to face the post-pandemic stage of patient care (AU)

Prevención de cáncer de piel en el Hospital de Clínicas: ¿qué sabe el personal de salud? / Prevention of skin cancer in the Hospital de Clínicas: what do health personnel know? / Prevenção do câncer de pele no Hospital de Clínicas: o que sabem os profissionais de saúde?

El cáncer de piel es la neoplasia maligna más frecuente en Uruguay así como a nivel mundial, donde muere una persona cada menos de cuatro días por ésta causa. La medida de prevención primaria más efectiva es tener hábitos de fotoprotección, lo cual se consigue mediante la educación en salud y campañas preventivas. En el presente trabajo se resumen los resultados del examen físico realizado a funcionarios del Hospital de Clínicas en el contexto de la Campaña de Prevención de Cáncer de Piel 2017 y los hábitos y conocimientos de fotoprotección de los mismos. La amplia mayoría de los asistentes considera que cuenta con información suficiente sobre cómo protegerse del sol, que proviene, en un 39% de los casos de la televisión. Aún asi, el 41% de ellos, sólo se protege en ocasiones especiales como viajes y verano y únicamente 3 de los participantes emplea medidas adecuadas. Con respecto a campañas previas, 94% no recordaba otra campaña de prevención de cáncer de piel y era la primera vez que concurría a una el 99% de los individuos, lo que pone en manifiesto la necesidad de reforzar la planificación y ejecución de campañas y medidas efectivas para la promoción y prevención del cáncer de piel en los próximos años a fin de lograr disminuir la incidencia de cáncer de piel que continúa en aumento.

O câncer de pele é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente no Uruguai e no mundo, onde uma pessoa morre a cada menos de quatro dias por essa causa. A medida de prevenção primária mais eficaz é ter hábitos fotoprotetores, o que é alcançado por meio de educação em saúde e campanhas preventivas. Este artigo sintetiza os resultados do exame físico realizado em funcionários do Hospital de Clínicas no contexto da Campanha de Prevenção do Câncer de Pele 2017 e seus hábitos e conhecimentos sobre fotoproteção. A grande maioria das pessoas considera que possui informações suficientes sobre como se proteger do sol, o que ocorre em 39% dos casos de televisão. Ainda assim, 41% deles são protegidos apenas em ocasiões especiais, como viagens e verão, e apenas 3 dos participantes usam medidas adequadas. Com relação às campanhas anteriores, 94% não se lembraram de outra campanha de prevenção do câncer de pele e foi a primeira vez que 99% dos indivíduos compareceram, o que evidencia a necessidade de reforçar o planejamento e a execução de campanhas e medidas eficazes para a promoção e prevenção do câncer de pele nos próximos anos, a fim de reduzir a incidência de câncer de pele que continua a aumentar.

Skin cancer is the most frequent malignancy in Uruguay as well as worldwide, where a person dies every less than four days for this cause. The most effective prevention measure is to have photoprotective habits, which is achieved through health education and preventive campaigns. This paper summarizes the results of the physical examination performed on officials of the Hospital de Clínicas in the context of the 2017 Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign and their habits and knowledge of photoprotection. The vast majority of individuals consider that they have enough information on how to protect themselves from the sun, which comes in 39% of television cases. Still, 41% of them are only protected on special occasions such as trips and summer and only 3 of the participants use adequate measures. With respect to previous campaigns, 94% did not remember another skin cancer prevention campaign and it was the first time that 99% of the individuals attended, which highlights the need to reinforce the planning and execution of campaigns and effective measures for the promotion and prevention of skin cancer in the coming years in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer that continues to increase.

Uso de elementos de protección personal en la atención del parto vaginal en tiempos de COVID-19 / Use of Personal Protective Equipment When Providing Vaginal Delivery Care in Times of COVID-19 / Uso de elementos de proteção individual na assistência ao parto vaginal em tempos de COVID-19

Introducción. En diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, China, se presentó un brote de neumonía atípica generado por el virus SARS-CoV-2, el cual es un tipo de coronavirus causante de la enfermedad COVID-19, que se convirtió con el tiempo en una pandemia. En este contexto, el uso de los elementos de protección personal tomó un especial interés, en especial para la atención del trabajo de parto vaginal, dada la confusión en los círculos obstétricos respecto a la mejor forma de proteger al personal sanitario en dichos casos. El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es identificar cuáles son los elementos de protección personal indicados en la atención del parto vaginal y su correcto uso en tiempos de COVID-19. División de temas tratados. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura accediendo a las bases de datos: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Académico y sitios web como la Organización Mundial de la salud (OMS), Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos (ACOG), entre otros. Se usaron palabras claves como "Infecciones por Coronavirus", "Parto Normal", "Protección Personal", "Personal de Salud", "Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria" y "Dispositivos de Protección de los Ojos". La literatura permitió identificar aspectos introductorios al tema, epidemiología, características generales de los elementos de protección personal, y los elementos específicos para el uso correcto en la atención del parto vaginal. Conclusiones. El trabajo de parto es considerado como un procedimiento generador de aerosoles, por lo que se recomienda principalmente el uso de tapabocas N95 o un respirador que ofrezca mayor protección para personal de salud en la atención del parto vaginal, con el fin de evitar la infección por SARS-CoV-2; sin embargo, se debe insistir en el uso adecuado y completo de los elementos de protección personal como lo son la bata quirúrgica, el gorro, el protector ocular y guantes, independientemente de la sintomatología de la paciente.

Introduction. In December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an outbreak of atypical pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a type of coronavirus causative of COVID-19, which overtime became a pandemic. In this context, the use of personal protective equipment is of special interest, especially when providing care in vaginal delivery, due to the confusion in obstetric circles regarding the best way to protect healthcare personnel in these cases. The objective of this review article is to identify which are the personal protective elements indicated for providing care in vaginal birth and their correct use during COVID-19. Division of Covered Topics. A narrative review of the literature was carried out, accessing the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and websites such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for the Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, among others. Keywords such as "Coronavirus Infections", "Normal Birth," Personal Protective Elements," "Healthcare Personnel", "Respiratory Protective Devices", and "Eye Protection Devices" were used. The literature allowed us to identify introductory aspects on the matter, epidemiology, general characteristics of personal protective elements, and the specific elements for correct use when providing care in vaginal birth. Conclusions. Labor is considered an aerosol-generating procedure. Therefore, the main recommendation is the use of an N95 mask or a respirator which allows for greater protection for healthcare personnel when assisting vaginal birth, in order to avoid infection due to SARS-CoV-2. However, there must be an adequate and complete use of personal protective equipment, such as surgical gowns, hats, eye protection and gloves, regardless of the patient's symptomatology

Introdução. Em dezembro de 2019 em Wuhan, na China, houve um surto de pneumonia atípica gerada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, que é um tipo de coronavírus que causa a doença COVID-19, que, com o tempo, acabou se tornando uma pandemia. Nesse contexto, o uso de elementos de proteção individual tornou-se de particular interesse, especialmente para a assistência do parto vaginal, dada a confusão nos círculos obstétricos quanto à melhor forma de proteger os profissionais da saúde nesses casos. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é identificar os elementos de proteção individual indicados na assistência do parto vaginal e seu uso correto em tempos de COVID-19. Divisão de tópicos abordados. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura acessando as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Medline, Elsevier, Google Scholar e sites como a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), Centros de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças (CDC, na sigla em inglês) e o Colégio Americano de Obstetras e Ginecologistas (ACOG), entre outros. Foram utilizadas palavras-chave como "Infecções por Coronavírus", "Parto Normal", "Proteção Pessoal", "Pessoal de Saúde", "Dispositivos de Proteção Respiratória" e "Dispositivos de Proteção Ocular". A literatura permitiu identificar aspectos introdutórios ao tema, epidemiologia, características gerais dos elementos de proteção individual e elementos específicos para o uso correto na assistência do parto vaginal. Conclusões. O trabalho de parto é considerado um procedimento gerador de aerossóis, portanto, recomenda-se principalmente o uso de máscaras N95 ou um respirador que ofereça maior proteção para os profissionais de saúde na assistência do parto vaginal, a fim de evitar a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2; no entanto, deve-se insistir no uso adequado e completo de elementos de proteção individual, como bata cirúrgica, touca, protetor ocular e luvas, independentemente dos sintomas do paciente.

Bioseguridad en el laboratorio dental / Biosafety in the dental laboratory

Una enfermedad infecciosa es aquella producida por un agente infeccioso (bacterias, hongos, virus, etc.) que ingresa y se desarrolla en el organismo de un hospedero. Posteriormente, puede trasmitirse de un individuo a otro directamente por contacto entre ambos, o bien, indirectamente, por medio de un vec-tor biológico (de naturaleza animal o vegetal), o de un fómite (objeto inanimado). Las vías por las que un agente infeccioso puede ingresar a un hospedero son: inhalación (respiración de aerosoles), ingestión (salpicaduras de gotas), penetración de mucosas (na-sal, ocular y bucal) o lesiones en la piel o mucosas. Las fuentes de infección pueden ser los pacientes, el personal del consultorio o laboratorio, las superficies e instrumental contaminados y las prótesis o com-ponentes de éstas. Para evitar la propagación de los agentes microbianos se debe interrumpir el proceso de transmisión de los mismos. Todo profesional debe fortalecer y readecuar normas y protocolos de biose-guridad en la tarea diaria, para minimizar el riesgo de transmisión directa y cruzada entre el profesional, su equipo auxiliar, el laboratorista y los pacientes (AU)

An infectious disease is one caused by an infectious agent (bacteria, fungi, virus, etc.) that enters and develops in a host. Then it can be transmitted from one individual to another directly by contact between the two or, indirectly through a biological vector (an animal or plant nature), or a fomite (an inanimate object). The routes by which an infectious agent can enter a host are: inhalation (breathing of aerosols), ingestion (splash of droplets), penetration of mucous membranes (nasal, ocular and oral) and skin or mucous lesions. Sources of infection can be patients, office or laboratory personnel, contaminated surfaces and instruments and the prosthesis or component thereof. To prevent the spread of microbial agents, the process of their transmission must be interrupted. Every professional must strengthen and readjust biosafety standards and protocols in daily work to minimize the risk of direct and cross-transmission between the professional, his auxiliary team, the laboratory technician and the patients (AU)

Assessment of Natural Sunlight Protection Provided by 10 High-SPF Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens and Sun-Protective Fabrics.

In 1978, the FDA Advisory Panel proposed both indoor and natural sunlight SPF testing methods but reverted to indoor testing only in 1993. Today's sunscreen sun protection and broad-spectrum claims are based on mandated clinical tests using solar simulators and in vitro spectrophotometers. This research evaluated the protection of 10 high-SPF (30-110), broad-spectrum sunscreen products, as well as 6 sun-protective fabrics against natural sunlight in Arequipa, Peru. Each of the 17 subjects was exposed to natural sunlight for 1 h and 59 min under clear skies, with temperatures and humidity similar to those in an indoor clinical laboratory. Test sites were photographed 16-24 h later. Four dermatologists evaluated the photographs for erythema and persistent pigment darkening (PPD). Perceptible sun-induced skin injury (sunburn and/or pigmentation) was detected at 97% of the sunscreen-protected scores. The most sun-sensitive subjects obtained the least erythema protection. The higher the SPF was, the higher the erythema protection, but the intensity of PPD was also higher. The 2 sunscreens using only FDA-approved sunscreen filters rated 30 SPF and 45+ SPF performed poorly: Eighty-one percent of the 136 scores were graded 1 minimal erythema dose or higher erythema, achieving, at a maximum, SPF of 5-7 in natural sunlight. Sun-protective fabrics tested provided excellent sun protection. The erythema and PPD observed through the sunscreens in less than 2 h are incongruous with the broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen claims. Reapplying these sunscreens and staying in the sun longer, as stated on the product labels, would have subjected the subjects to even more UV exposure. High-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen claims based on indoor solar simulator testing do not agree with the natural sunlight protection test results.

A simulation study to assess fluid leakage through the glove-gown interface in isolation settings.

BACKGROUND: Isolation gowns are recommended to protect healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors from transfer of microorganisms and body fluids in patient isolation situations. Standards provide limited information about barrier performance of isolation gowns for possible exposure scenarios. One of the most vulnerable areas of the personal protective equipment ensemble is considered the glove-gown interface. However, current isolation gown classification standards do not consider the interface regions of the personal protective equipment system while assessing the level of protection. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the fluid leakage through the glove-gown interface by simulating exposures and healthcare personnel arm movements in patient care for isolation settings. METHODS: We tested fluid leakage of two examination gloves with different cuff lengths and seven isolation gown models designed with varying levels of barrier resistance and multiple cuff types. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that leakage through the glove-gown interface depends on multiple factors, including glove cuff length and gown cuff design. Gowns with the thumb loop design provided better protection than the elastic cuff design, and the elastic cuff design provided better protection compared to the knit cuff design for a given AAMI PB70 level. More importantly, a substantial penetration through gown fabrics was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This research identifies a need to develop a standardized method to evaluate leakage at the glove-gown interface to improve worker protection.

Potential application of novel technology developed for instant decontamination of personal protective equipment before the doffing step.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been considered the most effective way to avoid the contamination of healthcare workers by different microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2. A spray disinfection technology (chamber) was developed, and its efficacy in instant decontamination of previously contaminated surfaces was evaluated in two exposure times. Seven test microorganisms were prepared and inoculated on the surface of seven types of PPE (respirator mask, face shield, shoe, glove, cap, safety glasses and lab coat). The tests were performed on previously contaminated PPE using a manikin with a motion device for exposure to the chamber with biocidal agent (sodium hypochlorite) for 10 and 30s. In 96.93% of the experimental conditions analyzed, the percentage reduction was >99% (the number of viable cells found on the surface ranged from 4.3x106 to <10 CFU/mL). The samples of E. faecalis collected from the glove showed the lowest percentages reduction, with 86.000 and 86.500% for exposure times of 10 and 30 s, respectively. The log10 reduction values varied between 0.85 log10 (E. faecalis at 30 s in glove surface) and 9.69 log10 (E. coli at 10 and 30 s in lab coat surface). In general, E. coli, S. aureus, C. freundii, P. mirabilis, C. albicans and C. parapsilosis showed susceptibility to the biocidal agent under the tested conditions, with >99% reduction after 10 and 30s, while E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa showed a lower susceptibility. The 30s exposure time was more effective for the inactivation of the tested microorganisms. The results show that the spray disinfection technology has the potential for instant decontamination of PPE, which can contribute to an additional barrier for infection control of healthcare workers in the hospital environment.

Early Skin-to-Skin Care with a Polyethylene Bag for Neonatal Hypothermia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early polyethylene bag use with skin-to-skin care compared with skin-to skin care alone reduce hypothermia among infants born at term in resource-limited settings. STUDY DESIGN: Infants born at term in the tertiary referral center in Lusaka, Zambia, were randomized using sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes in 2 phases: after birth (phase 1) and at 1 hour after birth (phase 2) to either skin-to-skin care with polyethylene bags or skin-to-skin care alone. Infant and maternal temperatures were recorded at birth, 1 hour, and every 4 hours until discharge or 24 hours. RESULTS: We enrolled 423 infants from May 2017 to August 2017. The rate of moderate-severe hypothermia (temperature <36.0°C) at 1 hour was 72 of 208 (34.6%) in the skin-to-skin care with a polyethylene bag group compared with 101 of 213 (47.4%) in the skin-to-skin care alone group (relative risk, 0.71; 95% CI 0.56-0.90; P < .01; number needed to treat = 8). phase 1 treatment assignment significantly modified the effect of phase 2 treatment (P = .02 for interaction effect). Among infants randomized to skin-to-skin care with a polyethylene bag in phase 1, the risk of moderate-severe hypothermia was decreased in infants randomized to continue this intervention until discharge compared with infants randomized to skin-to-skin care alone. The rates of severe hypothermia, hyperthermia, and other adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost polyethylene bags started after birth in combination with skin-to-skin care reduced moderate or severe hypothermia at 1 hour and at discharge among infants born at term in a resource-limited setting compared with skin-to-skin care alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141723.

The Botfly, A Tropical Menace: A Distinctive Myiasis Caused by Dermatobia hominis.

Dermatobia hominis, also known as the human botfly, is native to tropical and subtropical Central and South America and seen in travelers from endemic to temperate regions including the United States and Europe. Cutaneous infestation botfly myiasis involves the development of D. hominis larvae in the skin and is common in tropical locations. The distinct appearance of a cutaneous D. hominis infestation facilitates early diagnosis and intervention where cases are common. However, the identification of D. hominis in temperate regions may prove challenging due to its rarity. D. hominis may be misdiagnosed as folliculitis, an epidermal cyst, or an embedded foreign object with secondary impetigo. One should have a heightened suspicion in someone returning from a vacation in an endemic area, such as Belize. Here we describe the presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment and encourage enhanced preventative measures among tourists when visiting tropical and subtropical regions. Additionally, we propose a novel classification system for assessing the various stages of infestation and suggest that patients reporting travel to Latin America and experiencing pain disproportionate to an insect bite should lead physicians to consider myiasis caused by D. hominis.

The use of antimicrobial-impregnated fabrics in health services: an integrative review / Utilização de têxteis impregnados com antimicrobianos nos serviços de saúde: revisão integrativa / Utilización de textiles impregnados con antimicrobianos en los servicios sanitarios: revisión integradora

Objective: to analyze evidence concerning the feasibility of antimicrobial-impregnated fabrics in preventing and controlling microbial transmission in health services. Method: an integrative review using the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), regardless of language and date of publication. Seven studies were included in the analysis to verify the types of fabrics and substances used to impregnate the fabrics, applicability in health services, and decrease in microbial load. Results: silver nanoparticles and copper oxide are the main antimicrobial substances used to impregnate the fabrics. The patients' use of these fabrics, such as in bed and bath linens and clothing, was more effective in reducing antimicrobial load than in health workers' uniforms. Conclusion: the use of these antimicrobial-impregnated textiles, especially by patients, is a viable alternative to prevent and control microbial transmission in health services. Implementing these fabrics in health workers' uniforms requires further studies, however, to verify its effectiveness in decreasing microbial load in clinical practice.

Objetivo: analisar as evidências existentes sobre a viabilidade de utilizar têxteis impregnados com substâncias antimicrobianas na prevenção e no controle da transmissão microbiana em serviços de saúde. Método: revisão integrativa, utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus e Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), sem restrição de idioma e período de publicação. Após a busca na literatura científica, foram selecionados sete estudos para análise quanto ao tipo de têxtil e substância utilizada para a impregnação, a aplicabilidade no serviço de saúde e a redução da carga microbiana. Resultados: nanopartículas de prata e óxido de cobre foram as principais substâncias antimicrobianas utilizadas para a impregnação de têxteis. A utilização desses têxteis pelos pacientes, como roupas de hotelaria e vestuário, mostrou maior eficácia na redução da carga microbiana em comparação ao uso como uniforme por profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: a utilização de têxteis impregnados com substâncias antimicrobianas, sobretudo pelos pacientes, pode ser considerada uma alternativa viável na prevenção e no controle da transmissão microbiana nos serviços de saúde. Todavia, a implementação destes têxteis, como uniforme para profissionais de saúde, ainda necessita de maiores investigações quanto à redução da carga microbiana na prática clínica.

Objetivo: analizar las evidencias existentes sobre la viabilidad de utilizar textiles impregnados con sustancias antimicrobianas en la prevención y control de la transmisión microbiana en servicios sanitarios. Método: revisión integradora, utilizando las bases de dados MEDLINE (vía PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus y Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), sin restricción de idioma y período de publicación. Después de la búsqueda en la literatura científica, fueron seleccionados siete estudios para análisis en cuanto al tipo de textil y sustancia utilizada para impregnación, aplicabilidad en el servicio sanitario y reducción de la carga microbiana. Resultados: nanopartículas de plata y óxido de cobre fueron las principales sustancias antimicrobianas utilizadas para la impregnación de textiles. La utilización de esos textiles por los pacientes, como ropa de hotel y ropa, demostró mayor eficacia en la reducción de la carga microbiana en comparación al uso como uniforme por profesionales sanitarios. Conclusión: la utilización de textiles impregnados con sustancias antimicrobianas, sobre todo por los pacientes, puede ser considerada una alternativa viable en la prevención y control de la transmisión microbiana en los servicios sanitarios. Sin embargo, la implementación de estos textiles como uniforme para profesionales de la salud todavía necesita de mayores investigaciones en cuanto a la reducción de la carga microbiana en la práctica clínica.

Preventing Vector-Borne Transmission of Zika Virus Infection During Pregnancy, Puerto Rico, USA, 2016-20171.

We examined pregnant women's use of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites during the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico. Healthcare provider counseling on recommended measures was associated with increased use of insect repellent among pregnant women but not with wearing protective clothing.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology regarding the use of cloth face coverings, by chronic kidney patients in dialysis, during the new coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

These recommendations were created after the publication of informative note 3/2020- CGGAP/DESF/SAPS/MS, of April 4, 2020, in which the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommended the use of a cloth mask by the population, in public places. Taking into account the necessary prioritization of the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for patients with suspected or confirmed disease, as well as for healthcare professionals, the SBN is favorable concerning the wear of cloth masks by chronic kidney patients in dialysis, in public settings, except in the dialysis setting. The present recommendations have eleven items, related to this rationale, the procedures, indications, contraindications, as well as appropriate fabrics for the mask, and hygiene care to be adopted. These recommendations may change, at any time, in the light of new evidence.

A brief history of medical uniforms: from ancient history to the COVID-19 time.

Medical Uniforms date back from medieval times. Nursing uniforms were based on nuns clothes whereas doctors used the famous "plague costumes" and black "frock" coats from about 15th to early 19th century. In latter half 19th century medical uniforms started to change. Nursing uniforms gradually lost their similarities to religious outfits. Doctors started to use white clothing. With great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation, the idea of personal protective equipment (PPE) started to evolve with William Stewart Halsted introducing the use of rubber gloves in 1889. In the 1960s-1970s it became more usual to wear green and blue `scrubs in order to look for a greater contrast in clothing with the all-white hospital environment. In contemporary times, some specialties even stopped using specific uniforms, while others still use them. At the same time, PPE became more and more important, up to nowadays "plague costume" in the combat of the COVID-19 epidemics.

Cognitive load and performance of health care professionals in donning and doffing PPE before and after a simulation-based educational intervention and its implications during the COVID-19 pandemic for biosafety.

INTRODUCTION: The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to avoid the COVID-19 spread to health care workers. Its use can be difficult, posing a high risk of contamination, mainly during doffing, then with the risk of becoming infected. METHODS: We conducted a prospective before-and-after design that used clinical simulation as a research methodology in a clinical simulation center of Colombia. A simulation-based educational intervention with two cases related to COVID-19 was proposed in the emergency room and the intensive care unit. We conducted A workshop for donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a debriefing after the first case. RESULTS: In the pre-test, 100% of participants failed donning and doffing PPE, 98.4% were contaminated, only one-person did not contaminate out of. The mean cognitive load was high (7.43±0.9 points). In the post-test, 100% were successful in donning the PPE and 94.8% in doffing; only 9.8% were contaminated. The mean of the cognitive load was low (4.1±1.4 points), and the performance was high (7.9±1.1). Of the total, 73.8% of participants reported overload in the doffing. The most difficulties were in gown/overall, and N95 mask removal. DISCUSSION: The PPE donning and doffing is critical and may be changed significantly by active training. In responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, activities of training in donning and doffing PPE would provide a means of training personnel, reducing the cognitive load and maybe the risk of contamination and infection of health care workers.