Water Temperature Effect on Flexural Strength of Posterior Ankle Splint: An Experimental Study.

Introduction: Plaster of Paris splints are commonly utilised for foot and ankle injuries. However, during follow-ups, some of these splints were found to be broken. Various methods, including splint form or augmentation changes, have been explored to enhance flexural strength. However, the impact of water temperature on the splint's flexural strength still needs to be studied. This research aimed to investigate the effect of water temperature on the flexural strength of the Plaster of Paris splint. Materials and Methods: Three groups were set up based on different water temperatures: cold, hot, and room temperature. Posterior ankle splints were created and immersed in water at these varying temperatures, with five pieces tested per group. The splints were then allowed to harden fully over three days. Each splint underwent a tensile strength test using an axial pressure machine, which recorded their flexural strength data. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the general characteristics of the splints. The flexural strengths of the three splint groups (pre-cooled, pre-heated, and room temperature) were 182.6N, 162.45N, and 228.91N, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that room-temperature splints demonstrated a statistically significant increase in flexural strength compared to pre-heated splints (p<0.05). However, they did not differ significantly from pre-cooled splints. Conclusion: The highest flexural strength was observed in splints immersed in room-temperature water.

Impact of lack of knowledge on risk perception and protective practices of home nurses handling antineoplastic drugs.

Introduction: Health care workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are at risk of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic risks (CMR). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the lack of knowledge (K) on risk perception (P) and on protective practices (PP) related to the handling of home-based chemotherapy (HC) by home nurses. Methods: This study was conducted in Normandy among home nurses. A questionnaire was developed to explore the K, P and PP related to handling ADs by home nurses working with four different providers from two hospitals. Results: Among the 28 home nurses included, 25.93% had received initial training on the specific treatment of ADs, 48.15% scored below average on risk management K, 52.00% scored below average on personal PP. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of adapted and regular training on the handling of ADs. It will help develop a climate of safety and reinforce adherence to wearing personal protective equipment to protect health care workers from contamination.

Impact of low- and high-risk operators handling irinotecan on the blood contamination of health care workers in oncology day care units.

INTRODUCTION: Health care workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are at risk of mutagenicity and adverse reproductive effects. Despite protective equipment and AD handling guidelines, AD levels are still detected in caregivers in oncology units. This study attempted to assess blood contamination by irinotecan and its metabolites in all health care workers in oncology day hospital units according to activities specific to each employment category. METHODS: The study was performed at two different hospitals: a university hospital and a comprehensive cancer centre. Forty-four participants were categorized according to their daily activity as a high-risk operator (29 nurses/ward aides and 5 cleaning staff) and a low-risk operator (7 doctors and 3 secretaries). The collected blood samples were subjected to UHPLC-MS/MS. The plasma and red blood cell (RBC) levels of irinotecan and its metabolites (SN-38; APC) were determined using a validated analytical method detection test. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-four assay results were collected (132 plasma results and 132 RBC results). The comparison between low- and high-risk operator-contaminated workers was not significant (18.33% positive results in low-risk operators vs. 25.98% positive results in high-risk operators; P = 0.22). This homogeneity showed overall contamination within the unit. Positive results were obtained in 21.43% of physicians, 11.11% of secretaries, 25.86% of nurses/ward aides and 26.67% of cleaning staff. These results could be explained by the lack or failure of personal and collective protective equipment. A lack of protection and inadequate decontamination procedures can result in surface contamination. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated blood contamination with irinotecan and its metabolites in health care workers from day hospital care units. Among the 24.24% of contaminations observed in care units, the difference between low- and high-risk operator contamination was not significant (P = 0.22). The impact on blood contamination found is the same between low- and high-risk caregivers. This implies that the protective precautions associated with the handling of anticancer drugs must therefore be followed by all staff, including those believed to be at low risk of exposure.