Comparison of the inward leakage rate between N95 filtering facepiece respirators and modified surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND@#Owing to shortage of surgical and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-2019 pandemic, various masks were developed to prevent infection. This study aimed to examine the inward leakage rate (ILR) of sealed face masks and modified surgical masks using a quantitative fit test and compared it with the ILR of unmodified N95 FFRs.@*METHODS@#We conducted paired comparisons of ILRs of bent nose-fit wire masks, double masks, and N95 FFRs from October to December 2021. To measure the protective effectiveness of masks, participants wore masks, and the number of particles outside and inside the mask were measured. The ILR was based on the percentage of particles entering the mask using a fit tester.@*RESULTS@#We enrolled 54 participants (20 men and 34 women) in this study. The median ILR for surgical masks without and with a W-shaped bend in the nose-fit wire were 96.44% and 50.82%, respectively. The nose-fit wire adjustment reduced the ILR of surgical masks by a mean of 28.57%, which was significantly lower than the ILR without adjustment (P < 0.001). For double masks, with surgical or polyurethane masks on top of the W-shaped mask, the ILR did not differ significantly from that of N95. Although the filtration performance of double surgical masks matched that of N95 masks, their ILR was notably higher, indicating that double masks do not provide equivalent protection.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Wearing N95 masks alone is effective in many cases. However, surgical mask modifications do not guarantee consistent effectiveness. Properly selected, sealed masks with a good fit overcome leakage, emphasizing their crucial role. Without evidence, mask-wearing may lead to unexpected infections. Education based on quantitative data is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.

Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study

Abstract Background: Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. Methods: A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. Results: Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p = 0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p = 0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Expert consensus on organ donation from patients infected with novel coronavirus in China / 器官移植

The spread, prevention and control of novel coronavirus infection and the potential risks and uncertainties of novel coronavirus transmission from donor to recipient have brought serious impacts and great challenges to organ donation and transplantation. There is increasing evidence that the use of non-pulmonary organs (kidney, liver and heart) from novel coronavirus infected donors carries a low risk of transmission, regardless of whether they were symptomatic at the time of acquisition. Delaying organ donation after the death of those who are positive for novel coronavirus antigen or nucleic acid testing, and then waiting until turns negative, will result in the discarding of a significant number of organs that are medically suitable for transplantation. In order to maximally meet the demand for transplantation in patients with end-stage organ failure, Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts formulated the "Expert consensus on organ donation from patients infected with novel coronavirus in China" after citizen' s death by taking into account the epidemic situation of novel coronavirus infection in China and the clinical practice of organ donation and transplantation, and by referring to relevant research results and clinical research evidence at home and abroad. It aims to provide recommendations and references for the procurement and application of donor organs from patients infected with novel coronavirus.

Interpretation of and lessons from the guidelines on infection prevention and control of old-age institutions in the context of COVID-19 pandemic / 上海预防医学

This paper interprets the content and recommendations of the guidelines on infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities put forward by the World Health Organization （WHO） during the 2019 coronavirus disease （COVID-19） pandemic， and actively explores the key points of nursing and infection prevention and control measures for the long-term care facilities under the background of repeated outbreaks， with the aim of providing care measures and infection prevention and control measures that suit our national conditions to improve the living standards of the elderly and protect them from viral infection amid the recurring pandemic.

COVID-19 infection prevention preparedness, practices and case management in the primary health care units in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 as pandemic declared by WHO on March 11, 2020 and first case detected in Ethiopia on March 13/2020. The COVID-19 caused a global crisis, including millions of lives lost, public health systems in shock and economic and social disruption. Strategies depend on how an existing health system is organized. Even though public health emergency operation centers of the Ethiopia switched to emergency response, there is no national evidence about infection prevention and control. Therefore, this project aimed to assess the level of infection prevention and control and management of COVID- 19 in Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: The cross-sectional study conducted at four regions and one city (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Sidama Region, and Dire Dawa). Being with zonal health departments and woredas health offices, primary health care units were selected. The data were collected electronically through Kobocollect software from November 08-28/2021. Descriptive analysis like frequency and percentage was conducted by SPSS software version 25 and the results were presented by tables, figures and narration. RESULTS: Data were collected from 16 hospitals, 92 health centers, and 344 health posts. All hospitals have designated COVID-19 focal person. There were significant number of woredas and PHCUs who didn't have IPC guidelines and protocols. About 11 woredas had no any type of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that there were significant gaps on Infection prevention and control practice, shortage of personal protective equipment, isolation and specimen transportation problem, lack of call centers. We recommend concerned bodies to fill the identified gaps.

Cross-sectional study on the use of masks among occupational groups with high-risk positions for overseas import and pollution transmission / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the wearing of masks and the knowledge of masks among high-risk positions for overseas import and pollution transmission. Methods: From May 14 to 17, 2022, a convenient sampling method was used to conduct an online survey among 963 workers in high-risk positions for overseas import and pollution transmission in Beijing. The behaviors of individual use and wearing masks, the distribution and supervision of the unit, the knowledge of personal mask protection and the subjective feelings of wearing masks were analyzed. The χ(2) test and logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the correct selection of masks. Results: The majority of the workers in high-risk positions for overseas import and pollution transmission were male (86.0%, 828/963), age concentration in 18-44 years old (68.2%, 657/963), and the majority of them had college or bachelor degrees (49.4%, 476/963). 79.4%(765/963) of the workers chose the right type of masks, female, 45-59 years old and high school education or above were the risk factors for correct selection of masks (P <0.05). Workers had good behaviors such as wearing/removing masks, but only 10.5% (101/963) could correctly rank the protective effect of different masks. 98.4% (948/963) of the workers believed that their work units had provided masks to their employees, and 99.1% (954/963) and 98.2%(946/963) of them had organized training and supervision on the use of masks, respectively. 47.4%(456/963) of the workers were uncomfortable while wearing masks. Conclusion: The overall selection and use of masks among occupational groups in high-risk positions for overseas import and pollution transmission in China need to be further standardized. It is necessary to strengthen supervision and inspection on the use of masks among occupational groups, and take improvement measures to improve the comfort of wearing masks.

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)

Conocimiento y percepción sobre bioseguridad en estudiantes de medicina / Knowledge and perception about biosafety in medical students

Los estudiantes de medicina pueden estar expuestos a infecciones graves relacionadas con la atención de la salud si no siguen las medidas de prevención y control. Hay información limitada sobre el conocimiento y la percepción de los estudiantes de medicina con respecto a la bioseguridad y los enfoques educativos utilizados para enseñarles estas prácticas. El objetivo fue evaluar el conocimiento y la percepción de los estudiantes de medicina hacia las prácticas básicas de bioseguridad. Una encuesta descriptiva y transversal basada en entrevistas incluyó a 120 estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes, Ecuador. Los estudiantes completaron un cuestionario sobre el conocimiento y la percepción con respecto a las prácticas de bioseguridad. El conocimiento de los estudiantes se evaluó por sus respuestas correctas a las preguntas del instrumento. El 57,5% de los estudiantes cumplen con las medidas de bioseguridad. La mayoría de los estudiantes perciben alto de riesgo de exposición a través de diferentes rutas con distintos patógenos, el argumento mayormente reportado fue el que puede ocurrir un accidente. Se observó que 81(67,5%) de los estudiantes mostraron tener conocimiento adecuado sobre bioseguridad, mientras que 39 demostraron lo contrario. El conocimiento sobre la bioseguridad fue bueno aunque se necesita más énfasis para mejorar su conocimiento en secciones como la técnica de colocación de guantes, momento de colocarse el gorro y qué es una sustancia antiséptica. Los cursos de Prevención y Control de Infecciones se pueden impartir a partir de su primer año de educación universitaria(AU)

Medical students can be exposed to serious health care-associated infections, if they are not following prevention and control measures. There is limited information on medical students' knowledge and perception of biosafety and the educational approaches used to teach these practices. The objective was to evaluate the knowledge and perception of medical students towards basic biosafety practices. A descriptive and cross-sectional, interview-based survey included 120 medical students from the Autonomous Regional University of the Andes, Ecuador. The students completed a questionnaire on knowledge and perception regarding biosafety practices. The knowledge of the students was evaluated by their correct answers to the questions of the instrument. 57.5% of students comply with biosafety measures. Most of the students perceive a high risk of exposure through different routes with different pathogens, the most reported argument was that an accident can occur. It was observed that 81 (67.5%) of the students showed adequate knowledge about biosafety, while 39 showed the opposite. Biosafety knowledge was good although more emphasis is needed to improve their knowledge in sections such as gloving technique, time to put on the cap and what is an antiseptic substance. Infection Prevention and Control courses can be taught beginning in your first year of college education(AU)

Practice and exploration of capacity building for infection control practitioners / 中华医院管理杂志

Infection prevention and control(hereinafter referred to as " infection control" )practitioners are the backbone of infection control teams of individual departments. Their capacity-building is key to improving the management efficiency at both hospital and department levels, which can effectively ensure medical safety. Since 2017, a tertiary traditional Chinese medicine hospital had scored desirable results based on the analysis of the problems existing in their capacity-building. In its explorations, the hospital attempted to improve the professional competency and management ability by the following measures. These measures included improving and standardizing the organization and management, establishing an on-the-job training system, formulating an annual management manual of department′s infection control teams, implementing a cross inspection system and patrol system of the practitioners during an epidemic, establishing an assessment and evaluation system and incentive mechanism, establishing infection control elite teams, and building a mode dominated by infection control doctors. These experiences can provide reference for optimizing the capacity building of the infection control practitioners.

Observation on effect of immersive scenario simulation training on improving the competency of infection prevention for health-care workers / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of immersive scenario simulation training on improving the competency of infection prevention for health-care workers (HCWs).Methods:Taking the implementation time of immersive scenario simulation teaching training in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (August 2020) as the boundary, 352 new HCWs entered the hospital before the training (August 2019) were included as control group taking traditional teaching method, and 298 new HCWs entered the hospital after the training (August 2020) were included as observation group taking immersive scenario simulation combined with theoretical training. The mastery status of nosocomial infection-related knowledge and the implementation status of infection control measures (hand hygiene compliance, hand hygiene accuracy, correct personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, 100% of pass rate of PPE on and off, and qualified disposal of medical waste) were compared between the two groups of HCWs after theoretical teaching and different forms of practical training. The training effect (final assessment results) and training satisfaction (Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire, MSQ) of the two groups of HCWs were compared. SPSS 22.0 was used for t test and chi-square test. Results:The assessment results of the two groups of new HCWs trained by theoretical lecturing and immersive scenario simulation training were significantly improved compared with those just received theoretical lecturing, and the results of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group ( P<0.05). The implementation status of infection control measures after practical training were obviously improved in the two groups of HCWs compared to after theoretical lecturing, and the correct rates of PPE selection and all the procedure of donning and doffing PPE of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group ( P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the hand hygiene accuracy and qualified disposal of medical waste between the two groups ( P>0.05). At the end of training, the final assessment results and satisfaction MSQ score of HCWs in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Immersive scenario simulation teaching and training intervention is beneficial to improve the mastery of nosocomial infection knowledge of new HCWs, standardize their clinical infection control behaviors such as hand hygiene and aseptic operation, and finally obtain good training effect of infection prevention competency.

Impact of covid-19 on people living with HIV-1: care and prevention indicators at a local and nationwide level, Santo André, Brazil

ABSTRACT The world has been dealing with Aids for forty years, covid-19 accentuated societal inequalities and promoted a rupture in care and prevention, including for people living with HIV. We compiled official HIV indicators, analyzed the impact of covid-19 in Brazil, at São Paulo State (SP), and compared it to the municipality of Santo André (in the state of São Paulo), which adopted linkage/retention strategies to mitigate the impact of covid-19. From 2019 to 2020, suppression/adhesion rates remained stable. The number of new treatments decreased both in Brazil (-19.75%) and São Paulo (-16.44%), but not in Santo André, where 80% of new patients started treatment within 30 days from their first TCD4 test (70% in São Paulo and 64% in Brazil). However, PrEP dispensing increased during this period. The distribution of 2,820 HIV self-tests in Santo André lead to only one documented new HIV diagnosis linked to care. Synergistic strategies to swiftly diagnose and connect new cases, ensuring retention as well as rescuing missing patients deserve priority in the fight against HIV, especially in times of covid-19.

A Competency-based Approach to Promoting Effective Hand Hygiene in Longterm Care Facilities / Un enfoque basado en la competencia para promover la higiene de las manos eficaz en los centros de atención a largo plazo / Uma abordagem baseada na competência para promover a higiene das mãos ecaz em centros de atenção em longo prazo

Introduction: Long-term care facilities comprise a large proportion of healthcare service users due to the increasing ageing population. Healthcare-associated infections constitute a major burden in long-term care facilities and are associated with significant infectious disease outbreaks and mortality. The non-adherence to effective hand hygiene practice due to missed opportunities for staff to explore its role in infection prevention and control within these settings has been emphasised by the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This article is designed to assist the continuing professional development needs of nursing and associate professionals in long-term care facilities. It explores the factors contributing to the poor attitude of staff members towards non-compliance with infection prevention and control measures in long-term care facilities.Results: Recommendations for improving infection prevention and control measures were further made based on the Infection Prevention Society competency framework which serves as a tool for individuals to improve their performance continually and become efficient practitioners.Conclusion: After reading this article, healthcare practitioners should be able to (i) identify various means of promoting adequate hand hygiene in long-term care facilities; (ii) understand that every activity taken to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections begins and ends with effective hand hygiene; (iii) recognise steps to prevent cross-infection through improved compliance with the five moments of hand hygiene in long-term care facilities; (iv) develop a satisfactory attitude towards hand hygiene compliance in the workplace, and (v) appraise own competence, and promote staff compliance through feedback.

Introducción: Los centros de cuidados de larga duración representan una gran proporción de usuarios de servicios sanitarios debido al creciente envejecimiento de la población. Las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria constituyen una carga importante en los centros de asistencia de larga duración y están asociadas a importantes brotes de enfermedades infecciosas y a la mortalidad. La falta de adherencia a la práctica efectiva de la higiene de manos debido a la pérdida de oportunidades para que el personal explore su papel en la prevención y el control de las infecciones dentro de estos entornos ha sido enfatizada por la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Este artículo está diseñado para ayudar a las necesidades de desarrollo profesional continuo de los profesionales de enfermería y asociados en los centros de cuidados de larga duración. Explora los factores que contribuyen a la mala actitud de los miembros del personal hacia el incumplimiento de las medidas de prevención y control de infecciones en los centros de cuidados de larga duración. Resultados: Se formularon además recomendaciones para mejorar las medidas de prevención y control de las infecciones basadas en el marco de competencias de la Sociedad de Prevención de Infecciones, que sirve de herramienta para que los individuos mejoren continuamente su rendimiento y se conviertan en profesionales eficientes. Conclusión: Después de leer este artículo, los profesionales sanitarios deberían ser capaces de (i) identificar diversos medios para promover una adecuada higiene de las manos en los centros de cuidados de larga duración; (ii) comprender que toda actividad realizada para prevenir la propagación de las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria comienza y termina con una higiene de las manos eficaz; (iii) reconocer los pasos para prevenir la infección cruzada mediante un mejor cumplimiento de los cinco momentos de la higiene de las manos en los centros de cuidados de larga duración; (iv) desarrollar una actitud satisfactoria hacia el cumplimiento de la higiene de las manos en el lugar de trabajo, y (v) evaluar la propia competencia, y promover el cumplimiento del personal mediante la retroalimentación.

Introdução: Os centros de cuidados de longa duração representam uma grande proporção de usuários de serviços sanitários devido ao crescente envelhecimento da população. As infeções associadas à assistência sanitária constituem um fardo significativo em centros de assistência de longa duração e estão associadas a importantes surtos de doenças infeciosas e à mortalidade. A falta de adesão à prática efetiva da higiene de mãos devido à perda de oportunidades para o pessoal explorar o seu papel na prevenção e controle das infeções dentro desses ambientes já foi enfatizada pela pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Este artigo foi desenhado para ajudar às necessidades de desenvolvimento profissional continuo dos profissionais de enfermagem e associados nos centros de cuidados de longa permanencia. Explora os fatores que contribuem para as más atitudes dos funcionários para o não cumprimento das medidas de prevenção e controle de infeções nos centros de cuidados de longa duração. Resultados: Foram formuladas também recomendações para melhorar as medidas de prevenção e controle das infeções baseadas no quadro de competências da Sociedade de Prevenção de Infeções, que serve de ferramenta para que os indivíduos melhorem continuamente seu desempenho e se tornem profissionais eficientes. Conclusão: Após a leitura deste artigo, os profissionais sanitários devem ser capazes de (i) identificar diversos meios para promover uma adequada higiene das mãos nos centros de cuidados de longa duração; (ii) entender que toda atividade realizada para prevenir a propagação das infeções associadas à assistência sanitária começa e termina com uma higiene eficaz das mãos; (iii) reconhecer os passos para prevenir a infeção cruzada por meio de uma melhor adesão aos cinco momentos da higiene das mãos em centros de cuidados de longa duração; (iv) desenvolver uma atitude satisfatória em relação à adesão da higiene das mãos no local de trabalho, e (v) avaliar a própria competência, e promover a adesão da equipe mediante a retroalimentação.

Knowledge of COVID-19, use of personal protective equipment and other safety practices of healthcare workers in southwest Nigeria

Background:Healthcare workers have a higher risk of SARS CoV2 infection with implications for transmission of infection and the safety of workers and patients. Objective: To assess knowledge on COVID-19 and the safety practices among selected healthcare workers in southwest Nigeria. Methods:A cross-sectional study of 210 workers providing direct care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Respondents wererecruited through simple random sampling of members of online platforms of healthcare workers in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of PPE and safety practices was obtained through a close-ended questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36.5±7.5 years. About 29% and 30% of respondents were from the State and Federal Government-owned Teaching Hospitals, respectively. A little above half (58.1%) had good knowledge of COVID-19, while 62.1%used PPE always when attending to suspected COVID19 cases. More than half (53.8%) had been trained on infection prevention and control (IPC), but only 34.3% adhered to good safety practices. Healthcare workers in State government-owned teaching hospitals had lower odds of good safety practices than those in Federal Teaching Hospitals (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19-0.93, p = 0.031).Conclusion: The knowledge of appropriate PPE and practice of safety precautions among healthcare workers is sub-optimal. This may predispose to increased COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers, patients, and their families. Training and retraining healthcare workers, especially those from hospitals identified by the study as having poor safety practices, should be encouraged.

Comparative assessment of infection prevention and control practice among maternity unit health workers in public and private secondary health facilities in Kaduna state, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: Infection prevention and control (IPC) practice in health facility (HF) is abysmally low in developing countries, resulting in significant preventable morbidity and mortality. This study assessed and compared health workers' (HWs) practice of IPC strategies in public and private secondary HFs in Kaduna State. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was employed. Using multistage sampling, 227 participants each were selected comprising of doctors, midwives, and nurses from public and private HF. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation checklist and analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Statistical significance determined at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The practice of infection prevention was poor. Overall, 42.3% of the HWs did not change their gowns in-between patients, with the significantly higher rates in 73.1% of private compared to 42.3% of public HF workers (P < 0.001). In addition, 30.5% and 10.1% of HWs do not use face mask and eye goggle, respectively, when conducting procedures likely to generate splash of body fluids, however, there was no significant difference in these poor practices in public compared to private HFs. The mean IPC practice was 51.6 ± 12.5%, this was significantly lower among public (48.8 ± 12.5%) compared to private (54.5 ± 11.9%) HF workers (P < 0.0001). Private HF workers were 3 times more likely to implement IPC interventions compared to public HF workers. CONCLUSION: IPC practice especially among public HF workers was poor.

One Virus! But Different Masks in Different Countries for Protection Against it! How to Choose?

COVID -19 is causing plenty of deaths in India as well as globally andmany of them are health care workers (HCWs).As per data given by IMA 744 MBBS doctors have been died due to Covid–19 till 4 February 20213.As this disease transmitted between person to person by respiratory droplets hence mask hygiene is very important effective preventive measure for HCWs. In market due to high demand, much different type of masks is available with different specifications. Some of them are from Indian origin and many of them are procured from foreign. Many of them are not effective to safeguard health care workers against COVID 19 infection2. Hence this paper will discuss different country specific standards of masks in relation to SARS COV-2 as well as home based disinfection method of masks. In market many masks are available and most of them are sub-standard and making falsely claim of N95. Most of them are not able to protect Health Care Workers from the infection of SARS COV-2. Hence in this paper will examine different countries specific standard of mask with respect to size of SARS COV-2. US standard N95 masks will give desire level of protection against SARS COV-2. Conclusion:NIOSH certified N95 or N99 or N100 mask should be given priority over other counties N95 equivalent masks. Chinese masks GB2626-2006 are least recommended among all other countries N95 equivalent masks6.

Exploration and construction of the new generation of intelligent ICU unit based on 5G and artificial intelligence technology / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the new generation of intelligent ICU Unit based on 5G and artificial intelligence technology.Methods:This study was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from May 2019 to August 2020. Based on a multidisciplinary team including medical, nursing, hospital management, clinical medical engineering, 5G technology, information technology, artificial intelligence technology, logistics service, etc, was assembled to intelligently design and reconstruct an intelligent ICU Unit of Emergency ICU.Results:Based on 5G technology, a new intelligent ICU unit environment was constructed to realize remote and high-speed interaction of multi-dimensional information in ICU, including intelligent assistance of remote monitoring, remote ward rounds, remote consultation and family visits. An intelligent hospital infection prevention and control system was established including automatic identification and alarm of hand hygiene and personal protection.Conclusions:The new generation of intelligent ICU unit combined with 5G and artificial intelligence technology has changed the mode of medical service for critically ill patients and improved the service level, which is worthy of further exploration and application.

Design and application of auxiliary isolation device of cupping therapy for cross-infection prevention / 中国针灸

An auxiliary isolation device of cupping therapy for cross-infection prevention is designed to reduce the disinfection steps and be against cross transmission. This device is composed of a disposable isolation unit made of fire proof plastic material and a disposable cup-mouth fixator made of elastic material. The disposable isolation unit includes two parts, the cup neck isolation unit and the inner isolation unit of fire cup. These two parts connect with the disposable cup-mouth fixator. All of those three sections of the device are center-connected ring-like structure. This device can well prevent the direct contact of fire cup with the patient's skin surface, characterized as safety protection, simple operation and saving time and manpower.

Emergent Thrombectomy for a Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 76-year-old man presented with right leg numbness and general fatigue. The patient had no respiratory symptoms and negative PCR of COVID-19, but the lungs on CT scan revealed highly suspected COVID-19. The CT scan also showed occlusion from the right external iliac artery through below-knee arteries. Our surgical staff had personal protective equipment with powered air-purifying respirators and performed emergent surgical thrombectomy with the Fogarty balloon catheter. A few days after the operation, we found that the patient's antibody for COVID-19 was positive. The patient received anticoagulation and the postoperative course was uneventful. It is desirable to have more novel and precise knowledge of thrombosis in patients with COVID-19.

Infection control measures and practice in gastrointestinal endoscopy departments during the novel coronavirus infection period / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore and evaluate infection control measures of preventing cross-contamination of novel coronavirus during gastrointestinal endoscopy treatment. 【Methods】 According to the hospital’s infection control requirements and related documents, infection control measures were formulated and implemented by combining with our actual clinical situation, including the management of the endoscope room, management and protection of patients and endoscopists. Then, we evaluated the effect of these measures. 【Results】 From January 25 to March 10, 2020, a total of 71 patients (53 males and 18 females) completed gastrointestinal endoscopy treatment, with an average age of 54 years (28-81 years). There were 36 (50.7%) cases of emergency treatment. All patients had been kept in quarantine for about 14 days (24±13), and no cross-contamination of novel coronavirus occurred. 【Conclusion】 During the novel coronavirus infection epidemic period, reasonable and effective measures should be taken to minimize the risk of infection in doctors and patients. The endoscope center should strengthen preoperative screening and management of patients, master indications of endoscopic procedures, complete endoscopists’ management and protection work, strictly follow the specifications of sterilizing gastrointestinal endoscopes, and construct the layout of "three zones and two passages".

Cognitive status and factors influencing hospital infection prevention and control among medical staff in Shaanxi Province during the epidemic of COVID-19 / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To understand the current status of medical staff’s awareness of hospital infection prevention and control during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Shaanxi Province and analyze its influencing factors. 【Methods】 The questionnaire was designed on the "Questionnaire Star" website. Based on the WeChat platform, a voluntary sampling method was used to invite online questionnaires. From March 13 to 29, we collected a total of 8037 questionnaires, 30 of which did not meet the requirements and had logical problems, and finally 8 007 valid questionnaires were obtained. 【Results】 A total of 8 007 medical staff were surveyed. Among them, Medical staff of Grade 3A, Grade 3B, Grade 2A, and Grade 2B hospital accounted for 39.6%, 2.3%, 55.3%, and 2.6%, respectively. The average age of the respondents was (32.1±7.2) years old, including 7 199 nurses and 501 doctors. The training effect was statistically significant in different regions, different hospital levels, whether it was a designated hospital and whether there were sensor control supervisors, as well as medical staff of different specialty, professional title, and work area (all P<0.01). The basic cognitive situation of the surveyed subjects showed that most medical staff in Shaanxi Province had a correct rate of less than 30% in whether they needed to disinfect before de-protection and how to disinfect the hospital environment. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the cognition level of medical staff in Grade A hospitals was significantly lower than that in Grade A hospitals (P<0.01). The cognition level of medical staff in designated hospitals was significantly higher than that of others (P<0.01). The cognition level of medical staff in hospitals with sensory control supervisors was significantly higher than that of others (P<0.01). The cognition level of people aged 25-34 and 35-44 was significantly lower than those aged 45 and above (all P<0.01). The cognition level of medical technicians and service personnel was significantly lower than that of doctors (P=0.02 and <0.01, respectively). The cognition level of medical staff with intermediate, associate senior, and senior professional titles was significantly higher than the cognition level of those with junior and below professional titles (all P<0.01). The cognition level of medical staff in fever clinics, emergency departments, isolation wards, ICU and other surgeries was significantly higher than that of those working in ordinary outpatient department (P=0.01, 0.03, <0.01, 0.02, and <0.01 respectively). 【Conclusion】 Most medical staff in Shaanxi Province have misunderstandings about whether they need to disinfect before de-protection and how to disinfect the hospital environment. Moreover, we found that the awareness of medical staff in Shaanxi Province of hospital infection prevention and control during the epidemic of COVID-19 was affected by the hospital’s level, whether it was a designated hospital, whether there were sensor control supervisors, as well as the age, specialty, professional title and work area of the medical staff.