A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey.

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

Service delivery during COVID-19 pandemic in orthopedic surgery mayo hospital, lahore

Aim: To explain our experience of service delivery at Orthopedic surgery during pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS VoV-19). Methods: We studied a retrospective cohort-based on a manual medical record of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit-I, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from March to July 2020. The medical record of admission operated cases in accident & emergency, indoor, and all patients attended in the out-patient department were stated. We continued the delivery of our service in an emergency, indoor, elective operation theater, and an out-patient department (OPD). The experience of running the services in the emergency, indoor, and OPD was gathered to present for best practices in future perspective. Results: Out of the total of 4660 patients treated, there were 2831(60.75%) males, and 1885(40.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 32.8±10.14-year. Amongst the total 4660, 1906(40.9%) patients were operated, and 2754(59.1%) were attended in the OPD. Out of these operated patients, 1839 (96.5%) were trauma patients, 58(3.04%) follow up surgery, 05(0.26%) tumor surgeries, 3(0.16%) arthroplasties, and 01 arthroscopies. Amongst the total of 1839 operated patients in an emergency, 1177(64%) were minor procedures, and 662(36%) were major procedures. Total Admissions in the COVID-19 pandemic were 769 (16.5%), out of which 715(92.98%) were admitted through accident and emergency. Conclusion: There was limitation to elective surgery, with risk to manage the emergency in orthopedic trauma patient. Emergency and tumor surgeries poses real challenge for safety during COVID-19 pandemic.

Clot characteristics in mechanical thrombectomy: Interim analysis of the excellent registry

Introduction: Red blood cell (RBC) rich vs fibrin rich clots have different mechanical properties and greater knowledge about clot composition in the context of clinical, imaging, and procedural factors in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) may help with procedural optimization. The EXCELLENT Registry (NCT03685578) is a prospective, global, multi-center, observational registry of EmboTrap as the first line MT device for large vessel occlusion (LVO). We present an interim analysis of clot collected per pass in the registry. Methods: Five hundred thirty-three clot specimens from 376 subjects were collected by 20 sites and sent for analysis by independent Central Labs under standardized protocol. Analysis was interrupted by COVID-19, but the labs were fully operational as of June 2020 and on track to deliver results for 300 subjects in Q4. At the time of abstract submission, composition data for 234 clots from 163 subjects was available. All available data will be presented at the time of the conference. Results: Cardioembolic etiology (n=100) was associated with lower RBC (40.2 vs 47.2%) and higher fibrin content (31.7 vs 26.7%) compared to large artery disease (n=12). Hyperdense/vessel susceptibility sign (78+, 24-, per independent imaging core lab) corresponded to higher mean RBC content (44.4 vs 34.9%). Treatment with IV tPA (60+, 91-) had no clear impact on clot composition (42.3 vs 40.6% RBC;30.4 vs 30.0% fibrin). Notably, clots retrieved with the first 2 passes of were more RBC rich (42.1 vs 28.0%) and clots retrieved in higher passes had a higher average fibrin content (35.5 vs 29.6%) suggesting that higher fibrin content leads to greater refractoriness. Conclusions: Clot density/susceptibility on baseline imaging, stroke etiology and number ofthrombectomy passes were associated with differential clot composition. These findings may havepotential implications for the development of better MT strategies.

Antibacterial agents applied as antivirals in textile-based PPE: a narrative review

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has badly hit human life on the globe. Although the COVID-19 infection transmits on physical closeness, yet the staff of several public and private sectors are bound to move away from their shelters and perform their mandatory duties and other social responsibilities, thus, are probable prone to face the infection, mostly through mucosal routes. Accordingly, they need obligatory respiratory protection and physical coverage especially while dealing with suspectable COVID-19 infectees. This has resulted in worldwide demand for personal protection equipment (PPE), especially with effective antiviral activity and reusability. The common PPE like face masks, gowns, aprons and gloves, etc. come under the textile range of products. To make them effective, the PPE material should be treated with a suitable antiviral agent at appropriate stage of processing. In the current scenario, the development and characterization of new antiviral agents, particularly against COVID-19, would be a time-limited job largely when the universities are closed worldwide, and the research activities have been discontinued. Henceforth, the focus of the present review is to look at some already available antibacterial and antimicrobial agents that might exhibit potential antiviral activity. Such agents could be in hand antiviral finishes for textile-based PPE against the COVID-infection. Highlights The COVID-19 infection transmits on physical closeness. Health care staff are more venerable to face infection than anybody else. Conventional textile-based PPE fail to prevent infection due to the retention of the virus. To make them effective, the PPE should be antivirally treated. We indicate in hand antimicrobial agents that may potentially exhibit antiviral activity. © 2021 The Textile Institute.

Job Performance During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study on Indonesian Startup Companies*

This study intends to improve job performance during the Covid-19 pandemic at startup companies in Indonesia. In this study, the variables tested were job satisfaction, job innovation, Indonesian culture control, and job performance. Increasing job performance is deemed necessary in facing the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Job innovation, job satisfaction, and culture control are deemed necessary in improving job performance. The population of this study are managers of start-up companies in Jakarta, Banten, and West Java. This research data obtained by distributing questionnaires to startup managers. This is a quantitative study with primary data. The sample technique used was purposive sampling. Structural Equation Model using Partial Least Square statistical software was used to analyze data. The results of this study indicate a change in the pattern of work performed by startup companies in running their business. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, employees worked in offices for seven hours, but after this pandemic, they change work patterns, moving them to work from home. Working from home requires companies to exercise better control and leadership patterns so that employees can work comfortably. © Copyright: The Author(s) This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.