The Effects of Boxing Glove Design on Thumb Position When Making a Fist for Striking.

ABSTRACT: Peveler, WW, Schoffstall, J, Coots, J, Kilian, J, and Glauser, J. The effects of boxing glove design on thumb position when making a fist for striking. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): 948-950, 2024-It has been suggested that boxing glove design alters thumb position increasing the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of boxing glove design on thumb joint angles when making a fist. Ten experienced fighters participated in this study. A DEXA scan was used to produce an x-ray image of thumb position for all conditions (no gloves and 10-oz boxing gloves). Mean values for dependent measures were compared using a paired-sample T test and an alpha of 0.05. The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint angle was significantly different between no glove (14.1 ± 6.54°) and boxing glove (34.2 ± 7.60°) at p ≤ 0.001. The metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint angle was significantly different between no glove (132.6 ± 12.74°) and boxing glove (149.40 ± 8.15°) at p ≤ 0.001. The IP joint angle was not significantly different between no glove (135.50 ± 19.12°) and boxing glove (144.40 ± 17.39°) at p = 0.269. The perpendicular distance from the second metacarpal of the hand to the center of the MP joint was significantly different between no glove (0.48 ± 0.54 cm) and boxing glove (1.84 ± 0.29 cm) at p ≤ 0.001. Use of a boxing glove resulted in abduction of the thumb away from the hand and increased CMC and MP joint angles that were significantly different in relation to making a fist without a glove. Information from this study may provide insight into the high rate of thumb injury and provide insight for future boxing glove design.

Incorporating Machine Learning Strategies to Smart Gloves Enabled by Dual-Network Hydrogels for Multitask Control and User Identification.

Smart gloves are often used in human-computer interaction scenarios due to their portability and ease of integration. However, their application in the field of information security has been less studied. Herein, we propose a smart glove using an iontronic capacitive sensor with significant pressure-sensing performance. Besides, an operator interface has been developed to match the smart glove, which is capable of multitasking integration of mouse movement, music playback, game control, and message typing in Internet chat rooms by capturing and encoding finger-tapping movements. In addition, by integrating machine learning, we can mine the characteristics of individual behavioral habits contained in the sensor signals and, based on this, achieve a deep binding of the user to the smart glove. The proposed smart glove can greatly facilitate people's lives, as well as explore a new strategy in research on the application of smart gloves in data security.

Examination of Permeation Resistance of Chemical Protective Gloves Made of Laminate-Film Materials Against Chemical Substances.

This study investigated the permeation resistance of chemical protective gloves made of laminate film comprising nylon, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), and other materials against different chemical substances to examine their usability in different work processes. The permeation resistance of the chemical protective glove was tested using the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) test method against twelve substances: acetone, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 1,4-diethylene dioxide, and ethanol. After 480 min, no substance, except for methanol and ethanol, permeated at a standard permeation rate of 0.1 µg/cm2/min. Methanol and ethanol showed permeation at 1 min and 30 min elapsed, respectively. Hence, the gloves tested in this study exhibited permeation resistance to various chemical substances, and can thus be used in many work processes. Some film materials have short permeation time against certain chemical substances, but the chemical protective gloves tested in this study can be used at work sites, such as manufacturing sites, that require permeation resistance to different chemical substances.

Unveiling the efficacy of latex gloves in preventing viral infections during needlestick injuries: An in vitro mixed-methods study.

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.

How and why do healthcare workers use gloves in two Norwegian nursing homes?

BACKGROUND: Incorrect glove use can cause cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections. Previous research has identified reasons for this, such as lack of indication, improper changing, and poor hand hygiene post use. Limited research has investigated the reasons behind healthcare workers' glove usage. AIM: To develop an in-depth understanding of healthcare worker (HCW) attitudes and perceptions of glove use and to explore barriers and facilitators as well as compliance with national guidelines. METHODS: A small-scale convergent-parallel mixed methods study design consisting of observations with focus group interviews (FGIs) by using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS). The study was conducted at two Norwegian municipal nursing homes in Oslo for two weeks in January-February 2023. FINDINGS: Out of 73 observations, gloves were used in 67 episodes, not worn even if indicated in six observations, and were overused 16 times (21.9%). Lack of hand hygiene after glove removal was observed in 36 out of 67 instances (53.7%). Two FGIs disclosed that glove usage decisions are shaped by habits, knowledge, experience, and emotions linked to patient requirements, tasks, and glove type. Double gloves were used for self-protection and efficiency. Availability of gloves was a facilitator, while poor glove quality posed a barrier. CONCLUSION: Despite HCWs' knowledge of glove guidelines, their attitudes did not consistently ensure compliance. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve hand hygiene after glove removal, urging awareness of glove overuse to reduce infections, protect HCWs' skin, and promote sustainability.

Statistical study and investigation of the cut-resistant and thermo-physiological performance of protective gloves: a new prospective.

Objectives. This research investigated the performance properties of protective gloves alongside improvement in thermo-physiological comfort properties. Methods. Knitted gloves prepared from filament stainless steel, filament Kevlar, staple spun Kevlar and filament glass were used in the core, while 100% viscose rayon and 50/50% polyester/viscose rayon were used in the sheath. Gloves were tested for cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance as the prime focus, and thermo-physiological comfort properties were also tested. In this research, a multi-response optimization technique, i.e., principal component analysis, was applied to identify the best yarn combination for gloves based on the aforementioned properties. Thermal images were also taken in constant ambient conditions for temperature distribution maps across the hand's surface. Results. All of the results were evaluated statistically with analysis of variance, and concluded that the effects of the core yarn on thermo-physiological properties were less significant. Conclusion. The results revealed that samples having dual-core yarn exhibited better in terms of overall properties. The sample having dual-core filament Kevlar and staple spun Kevlar ranked the best. In addition, developed samples exhibited better comfort properties than the control sample.

Contact precautions as a barrier to hand hygiene: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework to improve compliance with gloved hand hygiene.

In an identified quality improvement effort, nurses were observed regarding their workflow while in contact precaution rooms. Multiple opportunities for hand hygiene were missed while nurses were in gloves, predominantly while moving between "dirty" and "clean" tasks. An education initiative afterward did not show improvement in hand hygiene rates.

Effects of love glove application on vital signs for COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of love glove application on vital signs for COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit. DESIGN: A single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used. TREND Statement Checklist was followed during the present study. METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 intubated/extubated adult patients. The gloves were filled with warm water and air to prevent pressure injuries. Then they were tied together and applied to both hands of the patient for 30 min. The patient's vital signs were recorded before and after the application. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed. RESULTS: It was determined that respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation were significantly affected after the application of the love glove. The application of love gloves is a cheap and non-pharmacological method with no side effects. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients were involved in the design and conduct of this study.

Factors associated with patient-to-healthcare personnel (HCP) and HCP-to-subsequent patient transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Transient acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on healthcare personnel (HCP) gloves and gowns following patient care has been examined. However, the potential for transmission to the subsequent patient has not been studied. We explored the frequency of MRSA transmission from patient to HCP, and then in separate encounters from contaminated HCP gloves and gowns to a subsequent simulated patient as well as the factors associated with these 2 transmission pathways. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study with 2 parts. In objective 1, we studied MRSA transmission from random MRSA-positive patients to HCP gloves and gowns after specific routine patient care activities. In objective 2, we simulated subsequent transmission from random HCP gloves and gowns without hand hygiene to the next patient using a manikin proxy. RESULTS: For the first objective, among 98 MRSA-positive patients with 333 randomly selected individual patient-HCP interactions, HCP gloves or gowns were contaminated in 54 interactions (16.2%). In a multivariable analysis, performing endotracheal tube care had the greatest odds of glove or gown contamination (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.3-12.6 relative to physical examination). For the second objective, after 147 simulated HCP-patient interactions, the subsequent transmission of MRSA to the manikin proxy occurred 15 times (10.2%). CONCLUSION: After caring for a patient with MRSA, contamination of HCP gloves and gown and transmission to subsequent patients following HCP-patient interactions occurs frequently if contact precautions are not used. Proper infection control practices, including the use of gloves and gown, can prevent this potential subsequent transmission.

Lead-containing radiation-attenuating sterile gloves in simulated use: Lead transfer to sweat as an unknown risk to users.

BACKGROUND: Lead protective gloves are widely used to attenuate scattered radiations during fluoroscopic-guided medical procedures, thereby reducing hand exposure to radiation. AIMS: To determine whether lead-containing gloves present a risk of metal leaching onto the operator's skin, particularly due to the presence of sweat. METHODS: Artificial sweat of varying acidity was introduced into two types of commercial gloves containing lead. The level of lead in the sweat was then assessed after different exposure times. Electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the glove layers. RESULTS: Lead was detected in artificial sweat during each contact test on two different types of gloves. The concentration of lead increased with the acidity of the sweat, and the contact time. Gloves with a protective lining transferred less lead into sweat, but it was still present at significant levels. (i.e. few milligrams of lead per glove after one hour contact). CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy operators should be aware of the risk of leaching of lead ions when using lead gloves under intensive conditions, although the potential harmfulness of lead ions leached into the glove remains essentially unknown.

Analysis of Contact Allergens in Polyvinyl Chloride Examination Gloves in the United States.

Background: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gloves are recommended as a safe alternative for patients with rubber accelerator allergy. However, allergic contact dermatitis to other chemicals in PVC gloves has been reported. Objective: To analyze single-use PVC medical examination gloves in the United States for the presence of potential contact allergens. Methods: Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, 20 unique PVC gloves were analyzed in triplicate for 6 chemicals: benzisothiazolinone, bisphenol A, mono(2-ethylhexyl) maleate, tricresyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, and triphenyl phosphite. Results: All 20 PVC gloves contained detectable quantities of benzisothiazolinone (range, 0.001-1.48 parts per million [ppm]), bisphenol A (0.01-0.11 ppm), triphenyl phosphate (0.01-2.11 ppm), and triphenyl phosphite (0.001-0.22 ppm). Eighteen (90%) gloves contained mono(2-ethylhexyl) maleate (0.001-0.14 ppm) and 3 (15%) contained tricresyl phosphate (0.001-0.002 ppm). Conclusions: Known allergens were present in all 20 PVC gloves. However, the detected levels were mostly low and their relationship with sensitization and elicitation thresholds requires further study.

Donning and doffing of personal protective equipment for health care workers in a tertiary hospital in China: A simulation study.

The application and removal of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health care workers (HCWs) is pivotal to their health and safety and the comprehensive efficacy of hospital infection control measures. This investigation was orchestrated to elucidate the challenges that HCWs may encounter during the donning and doffing of PPE. A total of 110 participants from a tertiary hospital in China were engaged. The study employed fluorescent markers to mimic the exposure of HCWs to tainted body fluids, quantified the contamination outcomes, and evaluated adherence to procedures for donning and doffing. Factors including gender, educational background, and the timing of the most recent instruction on PPE donning and doffing were found to influence the occurrence of contamination points (p < 0.05). No significant differences were identified in contamination frequency when assessing age, body mass index (BMI), occupation, educational background, positional title, working tenure, and experience in managing respiratory infectious diseases (p > 0.05). Predominant contamination sites for fluorescent marker residue included the shoulder (32.73%), neck (21.82%), forearm (16.36%), chest (12.73%), and abdomen (11.82%), with the shoulder being the most contaminated body part. A majority of HCWs exhibited susceptibility to errors during the removal of protective clothing, boot covers, and gloves. The contamination frequency was observed to be correlated with the timing of the last PPE training, educational background, and gender. In acknowledging the intricacy of PPE removal and the deficiencies in HCWs' removal techniques, there emerges a perpetual necessity to refine training methodologies and perpetuate regular PPE instruction.

A Glove-Wearing Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv8.

Wearing gloves during machinery operation in workshops is essential for preventing accidental injuries, such as mechanical damage and burns. Ensuring that workers are wearing gloves is a key strategy for accident prevention. Consequently, this study proposes a glove detection algorithm called YOLOv8-AFPN-M-C2f based on YOLOv8, offering swifter detection speeds, lower computational demands, and enhanced accuracy for workshop scenarios. This research innovates by substituting the head of YOLOv8 with the AFPN-M-C2f network, amplifying the pathways for feature vector propagation, and mitigating semantic discrepancies between non-adjacent feature layers. Additionally, the introduction of a superficial feature layer enriches surface feature information, augmenting the model's sensitivity to smaller objects. To assess the performance of the YOLOv8-AFPN-M-C2f model, this study conducted multiple experiments using a factory glove detection dataset compiled for this study. The results indicate that the enhanced YOLOv8 model surpasses other network models. Compared to the baseline YOLOv8 model, the refined version shows a 2.6% increase in mAP@50%, a 63.8% rise in FPS, and a 13% reduction in the number of parameters. This research contributes an effective solution for the detection of glove adherence.

Evaluation of the risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in healthcare sector: part I - medical gloves.

Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are essential tools in cancer treatment, but their cytotoxicity poses a risk to workers involved in their handling. In a hospital environment fundamental strategies for minimising exposure involve proper use of safety cabinets and closed-circuit transfer devices, along with personnel training and increased awareness of risks. However, medical gloves remain the first line of defence. In this respect the evaluation of glove materials and best choices can improve hospital safety management and prevent potential hazards and long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to assess contamination of gloves in samples taken from AD administration and preparation units of nine Italian hospitals and to raise awareness of the importance of evaluating chemico-physical properties of gloves. Our findings show that 33 % of the analysed gloves were positive for at least one AD, with contaminations ranging from 0.6 to 20,729 pg/ cm2. We proposed the alert glove values (AGVs) for each AD as a limit value for contamination assessment and good practice evaluation. Our findings also point to multiple AD contamination (43 % of positive findings in preparation units), calculated as total AGV (AGV-T), and confirm that gloves should be replaced after 30 min of AD handling, based on cumulative permeation and area under the curve (AUC), to maintain safety and limit dermal exposure.

Microbiological Profiles of Disposable Gloves Used for Handling Ready-to-Eat Foods.

Hand hygiene is critical in the food service industry. Bacteria can easily be transferred between different surfaces to food during food preparation. Common hygiene practices include hand washing and usage of disposable gloves. Food handlers are often susceptible to transferring pathogenic bacteria to food, thus proper hand hygiene can limit such transmission. While gloves serve as a barrier between bare hands and food, their misuse, including reuse or lack of change, can potentially result in cross-contamination, compromising on food safety. In Singapore, strict regulations and consumer perceptions have encouraged the use of gloves in food handling. This study assessed the microbiological profile of gloves used by food handlers across fifty randomly chosen food establishments, by swabbing samples from the inner and outer surfaces of gloves. Glove samples were also subjected to a watertight test to detect significant physical damage. The results revealed that gloves with damage exhibited significantly higher mean Standard Plate Counts (SPCs), suggesting the likelihood that damaged gloves promoted the transfer of bacteria. Damaged gloves used to handle certain types of food, like noodles and rice dishes, also had significantly higher mean SPC than those used for beverages and snacks. However, gloves without visible damage showed no significant difference in mean SPC across different food types. The study highlighted that proper glove use can help in preventing bacterial transfer and consequently, maintaining food safety. Regular glove changes, particularly when damaged, are imperative. The findings underscore the importance of proper glove use in conjunction with other hand hygiene practices to uphold food hygiene and safety standards.

Os malefícios da "Luva Chupeta" de látex na Unidade Neonatal / The harmful effects of the latex "Glove Pacifier" in the Neonatal Unit / Los efectos nocivos del "Guante Chupete" de látex em La Unidad Neonatal

Na Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança-Neofoi proposto o uso da chupeta na Unidade Neonatal (UN) de modo terapêutico, e sempre com supervisão de um profissional de saúde. Mas observa-se que o aparato conhecido como "Luva Chupeta" fabricado com o uso de uma luva de látex está sendo utilizado como alternativa para acalentar o recém-nascido (RN). Apesar de poucos estudos, é evidente que esse dispositivo deve ser contraindicado na UN, uma vez que pode provocar alergia ao látex, transmitir infecções, provocar acidentes graves como aspiração laringotraqueal do algodão devido ao rompimento da luva de látex, e dependendo do tamanho do material, obstruir as vias aéreas, e levar a óbito. Além do mais, o dispositivo pode interferir negativamente no crescimento e no desenvolvimento craniofacial e causar prejuízos associados à amamentação e na saúde materno infantil. A substituição da "Luva Chupeta" por outras estratégias, até mesmo pela chupeta convencional ou ortodôntica, para lidar com a dor e situações de estresse do RN deve ser decisiva para evitar os riscos de acidentes graves. O Protocolo de uso de bicos, Protocolo de manejo da dor do RN, adoção do Método Canguru na UN para promoção do desenvolvimento e comportamento do RN, e a capacitação/monitoramento das práticas adotas pela Equipe Materno Infantil, quanto ao cuidado ofertado são alternativas mais complexas, mas que devem ser analisadas por aqueles que desejam oferecer confiabilidade aos seus processos institucionais. (AU)

In the Baby-Friendly Hospital-Neo Initiative, the use of pacifiers in the Neonatal Unit (UN) was proposed in a therapeutic way, and always under the supervision of a health professional. However, it should be noted that the device known as "Pacifier Glove" manufactured using a latex glove is being used as an alternative to cherish the newborn. Despite few studies, it is clear that this device should be contraindicated in the UN, since it can cause allergy to latex, transmit infections, cause serious accidents such as laryngotracheal aspiration of cotton due to the rupture of the latex glove, and depending on the size of the material, obstruct the airways, and lead to death. Furthermore, the device may interfere with craniofacial growth and development and cause harm associated with breastfeeding and maternal and child health. The substitution of the "Pacifier Glove" for other strategies, even for the conventional or orthodontic pacifier, to deal with the pain and stress situations of the baby should be avoided to avoid the risk of serious accidents.The teat use protocol, the baby's pain management protocol, the adoption of the Kangaroo Method in the neonatal unit to promote the baby's development and behavior, and the training/monitoring of the practices adopted by the Maternal and Child Team, regarding the care offered, are alternatives more complex, but which must be analyzed by those who wish to offer reliability to their institutional processes. (AU)

En la Iniciativa Hospital Amigo del Niño-Neo, se propuso terapéuticamente el uso del chupete en la Unidad Neonatal (UN), y siempre bajo la supervisión de un profesional de la salud. Pero se observa que el dispositivo conocido como "chupete Gluva", fabricado con el uso de un guante de látex, está siendo utilizado como una alternativa para cuidar al recién nacido (NB). A pesar de los pocos estudios, es evidente que este dispositivo debe estar contraindicado en la NU, ya que puede causar alergia al látex, transmitir infecciones, ocasionar accidentes graves como aspiración laringotraqueal de algodón por rotura del guante de látex, y dependiendo de la El tamaño del material obstruye las vías respiratorias y provoca la muerte. Además, el dispositivo puede interferir negativamente con el crecimiento y desarrollo craneofacial y causar daños asociados con la lactancia materna y la salud maternoinfantil. La sustitución del "Dummy Glove" por otras estrategias, incluso el chupete convencional u ortodóncico, para hacer frente a las situaciones de dolor y estrés del RN debe ser determinante para evitar el riesgo de accidentes graves. El Protocolo de Uso del Pezón, el Protocolo de Manejo del Dolor del RN, la adopción del Método Canguro en la NU para promover el desarrollo y comportamiento del RN, y la capacitación/seguimiento de las prácticas adoptadas por el Equipo Materno Infantil, en cuanto a los cuidados ofrecidos, son más alternativas eficientes, complejas, pero que deben ser analizadas por quienes deseen brindar confiabilidad a sus procesos institucionales. (AU)

Development of optimal sizing system for tactical gloves applying empirical loss coefficient ratio.

This study aims to improve Korean male soldiers' mission performance and protect them from safety accidents by establishing an optimal sizing system that considers the fit of tactical gloves and production and supply efficiency. First, the wearing condition of tactical gloves was investigated through in-depth interviews and surveys. The optimal glove fit and loss coefficient ratio was then analyzed through a glove size selection experiment. Finally, the sizing system was optimized and verified by comparing the coverage rate to the current sizing system. The empirically derived loss coefficient ratio was 0.075, and the optimal sizing system for tactical gloves was S-hand length: 168 mm, hand width: 81 mm, M-hand length: 177 mm, hand width: 83 mm, L-hand length: 184 mm, hand width: 86 mm, XL-hand length: 191 mm, and hand width: 89 mm. The coverage rate of the optimal sizing system proposed in this study was 86.4%, showing an improvement of approximately 21.1% compared to the current sizing system (65.3%). In conclusion, the optimal sizing system for tactical gloves proposed in this study can realistically solve current sizing issues, as it improved the coverage rate by 21.1% without incurring additional costs for production or hindering the supply efficiency.

Hand hygiene beliefs and practices and glove use attitudes of health professionals working in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Hand washing and the use of gloves in accordance with the standards are among the most significant methods used in infection control. METHODOLOGY: This study is an analytical cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consisted of 132 health personnel working in the emergency department of a public hospital. RESULTS: The mean of the hand hygiene belief scale was 85.50 ± 8.71, mean of the hand hygiene practice inventory was 67.70 ± 5.19. The participants' mean general attitude towards the use of gloves was 43.71 ± 7.57, the mean of awareness about the use of gloves was 15.17 ± 3.88, the mean attitude towards the usefulness of glove use was 19.43 ± 1.47, and their attitude towards the necessity of using gloves was 12.63 ± 3.57. It was determined that glove usefulness score has a statistically significant and increasing effect on hand hygiene belief, while glove usefulness and glove awareness scores have statistically significant and increasing effects on hand hygiene practice. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that the hand hygiene beliefs and practices of the health personnel working in the emergency department are quite high, their attitudes towards the use of gloves are positive, the attitude towards the usefulness of glove use has a significant and increasing effect on hand hygiene belief, and glove usefulness and glove awareness attitudes have a significant and increasing effect on hand hygiene practice.