Effects of endoscopic reprocessing on disinfection and its influential factors during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Objective To explore the effects of endoscopic reprocessing on disinfection and its influential factors under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A total of 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to Technical Specifications for Cleaning and Disinfection of Endoscopes from November 2019 to January 2020, and 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to The recommended procedure for cleaning and disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes during COVID-19 epidemic by Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopology from February to April 2020 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in the control group and observation group respectively by random number method. Both the control group and the observation group contained 200 gastroscopes, 200 enteroscopes and 50 ultrasound endoscopes. ATP fluorescence detection method and pour plate technique were used to evaluate the disinfection effect of endoscopes. Single factor analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Results The disinfection pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were not significantly different compared with those of the control group (P>0. 05). The sterilization pass rates and ATP test pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0. 05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-strict implementation of endoscopic reprocessing (OR = 7. 96, 95%CI: 4. 55-22. 84, P<0. 001), non-standard operation (OR = 2. 26, 95%CI: 1. 24-5. 63, P<0. 001), insufficient concentration of disinfectant (OR = 5. 43, 95% CI: 2. 52-9. 02, P < 0. 001), insufficient concentration ratio of multi-enzyme solution (OR = 4. 38, 95% CI: 1. 95-8. 61, P < 0. 001), non-timely cleaning (OR= 2. 86, 95%CI: 1. 33-6. 42, P<0. 001), incomplete cleaning (OR = 3. 75, 95%CI: 1. 61-7. 49, P<0. 001) and improper endoscopic preservation (OR= 2. 12, 95%CI: 1. 36-4. 12, P<0. 001) were independent risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Conclusion In COVID-19 pandemic, endoscope reprocessing can significantly improve the disinfection effect of endoscopes, worthy of further clinical promotion. The failure to strictly implement the reprocessing procedure is an important factor that may lead to unqualified sterilization.Copyright © 2021 The authors.

Impacts of COVID-19 on proton therapy - Shaping the future of patient selection

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic influenced any modifications to patient selection methods or prioritisation and services provided by proton therapy centres. Method(s): This review was conducted based on the PRISMA methodology and Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidelines.1,2 A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Web Of Science and Scopus as well as grey literature. Keywords including "COVID-19" and "Proton Therapy" were used. Articles published from 1 January 2020 in English were included. In total, 138 studies were identified of which 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. A scoping review design was chosen to capture the full extent of information published relating to the aim. Result(s): Six of 14 articles included statements regarding treatment of COVID-19 patients. Three publications recommended deferred or alternative treatment, two indicated to treat urgent/emergency patients and one reported continuous treatment for infectious patients. Recurring impacts on PT provision included more frequent use of alternative therapies, reduced referrals, delayed treatment starts and CT simulation, change in treatment volume and staffing limitations due to pandemic restrictions. Consequently, telehealth consults, remote work, reduction in patient visitors, screening procedures and rigorous cleaning protocols were recommended. Discussion/Conclusion: Few publications detailed patient selection or workflow methods used during the pandemic. Further research is needed to obtain more detailed information regarding current global patient selection methods in proton therapy, collecting this data could aid in future planning for proton therapy in Australia.

Soft Ionization: Improving Indoor Air Quality

In this paper we report two applications of a subcategory of air cleaning devices based on soft ionization that do not cause molecular fragmentation. A system that includes two unipolar ionizing modules has been used to simultaneously produce positive and negative ions in the air. In one set of experiments a large chamber (28 m3) was used to study the effect of ions on reducing PM1.0 particles produced by a research grade calibrated cigarette. The data presented in this paper were obtained using a carbon-brush-based bipolar ionizer and a MERV 10 filter with electret media in a recirculating HVAC system. Significant improvement in removal rate of fine and ultrafine particles was achieved when using the bipolar ionizer in conjunction with the MERV 10 filter. The second set of experiments were conducted using a 36 m3 chamber, following BSL-3 standards, to study the effect of ions on aerosolized SARS-CoV-2. Results of these investigations reveal the inactivation rate of SARS-CoV-2 are enhanced when ions are introduced in the air;inactivation rates were increased by more than 60%and 90%for ion densities of 10,000/cc and 18,000/cc. IEEE

Exploring Health Outcomes By Occupation: Using the National Health and Wellness Survey to Describe Differences in Self-Reported Occupation Profiles

Objectives: Health is distributed unequally by occupation (Ravesteijn,2013). This research aims to explore patient-reported outcomes by occupation profiles using the National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS). Method(s): Data from the 2022 US NHWS included employed respondents at least 18 years of age with information on occupation profile, defined as 22 categories from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze respondent characteristics and outcomes such as COVID-19 diagnoses, healthcare resource use over the past six months, and work impairment as measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Result(s): A total of 35,789 respondents were employed and had occupation information. Respondents were predominantly white (62.0%) and male (53.9%). Sales and Related occupations had the greatest proportion of respondents reporting a COVID-19 diagnosis (16.1%) while Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance had the lowest proportion (3.8%). Educational Instruction and Library had the most respondents reporting that they had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (79.2%) while Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the least respondents (52.9%). Life, Physical, and Social Science had the greatest COVID-19 vaccination rate over the past year (66.5%) while Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the lowest (45.0%). Office and Administrative Support had the greatest proportion of respondents with a traditional healthcare provider visit (79.8%), but the lowest proportion with an emergency room (ER) visit (12.7%) or a hospitalization (8.1%). Farming, Fishing, and Forestry had the greatest proportion of respondents with an ER visit (41.6%) or hospitalization (41.6%). The greatest proportion of respondents with any overall work impairment or activity impairment was in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (work: 91.1%, activity: 87.4%) while the lowest proportion was in Office and Administrative Support (work: 50.0%, activity: 53.3%). Conclusion(s): Certain occupation profiles consistently show higher impairment while others consistently show lower impairment.Copyright © 2023

Maxillary osteomyelitis secondary to mucormycosis, a sequel of COVID-19: a clinical case report

Introduction: One of the consequences of COVID-19 is the incidence of mucormycosis in the jaws and subsequent osteomyelitis in patients with undiagnosed or uncontrolled comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and associated immunosuppression. Case Report: A 52-year-old male patient with a history of COVID-19 two months ago presented a painful ulcerative lesion of insidious onset in the palatal raphe measuring approximately 2 mm. He referred to numbness of the palatal region of one month of evolution. During the physical examination, purulent content, multiple pustules in the anterior maxillary buccal mucosa, and mobility of upper anterior teeth were observed. The CT revealed isodense bilateral images in maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses, bone sequestrations, and partial loss of anterior vestibular cortical bone. Laboratory tests revealed no abnormality, except for HbH1c: 10.2gr/dl. The patient was hospitalized for control of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Maxillary incisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic analysis showed a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, fibrin deposits with eosinophilic and birefringent ribbon-like hyphae, branched at right angles, compatible with maxillary osteomyelitis secondary to mucormycosis. The treatment started with antifungal and intravenous antibiotics, followed by surgical cleaning under general anesthesia. The patient progressed favorably. Conclusion(s): Immunosuppression resulting from COVID-19 and/or uncontrolled systemic diseases can condition the appearance of rare opportunistic microorganisms causing infections such as mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and treatment make a difference in the morbidity and mortality of patients.

The Study of 'Preparation Guidelines' Towards Phetchabun Government Officers and Health Massage Establishments

The purpose of research was to study practices, barriers, and solutions of Phetchabun health massage establishments under COVID-19 situation. Non-participant observation, informal interview, in-depth interview, and participation observation were carried out respectively. Purposive sampling was used with 15 health consumer protection officers in charge;11 district level, 2 provincial level, 2 regional level as well as each representative of 11 districts. Results after implementation of "Preparation Guidelines for Health Spa, Health Massage, and Beauty Massage to Promote Health Tourism During COVID-19 Pandemic" were categorized into two sections. Firstly, the practices, barriers, and solutions of government officer performances included preparation for reopening, monitoring of the provider practices, and performance report. Secondly, the provider operations consisted of doing "Self-Assessment of Health Establishment", logging-in webpage before reopening, and practices for clients included screening and report of patients under investigation, establishment monitor, service, and establishment cleaning. In summary, the preparation guidelines were purposed to reopen their business with numerous contents and messages written by official language, it caused establishment providers and practitioners difficultly understood when applying. LINE Application and making calls were easy and accessible methods for their communication to reach current data and to ensure exact information. Various encouragements and having compliments were also considerable to form trust and confidence among them, they also raised their proud.Copyright © 2023, World Informations Syndicate. All rights reserved.

SARS-CoV-2 infections in "less visible" hospital staff: The roles and safety of environmental services and allied health professionals.

BACKGROUND: During the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, all healthcare workers had specific and essential functions. However, environmental services (e.g., cleaning staff) and allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists) are often less recognised inpatient care. The aim of our study was to evaluate SARS-CoV-2-infection rates and describe risk factors relevant to workplace transmission and occupational safety amongst healthcare workers in COVID-19 hospitals before the introduction of SARS-CoV-2-specific vaccines. METHODS: This cross-sectional study (from May 2020 to March 2021, standardised WHO early-investigation protocol) is evaluating workplace or health-related data, COVID-19-patient proximity, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, anti-SARS-CoV-2-antibody status, and transmission pathways. RESULTS: Out of n = 221 HCW (n = 189 cleaning/service staff; n = 32 allied health professionals), n = 17 (7.7 %) were seropositive. While even SARS-CoV-2-naïve HCW reported SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms, airway symptoms, loss of smell or taste, and appetite were the most specific for a SARS-CoV-2-infection. Adherence to IPC (98.6 %) and recommended PPE use (98.2 %) were high and not associated with seropositivity. In 70.6 %, transmission occurred in private settings; in 23.5 %, at the workplace (by interaction with SARS-CoV-2-positive colleagues [17.6 %] or patient contact [5.9 %]), or remained unclear (one case). CONCLUSIONS: Infection rates were higher in all assessed 'less visible' healthcare-worker groups compared to the general population. Our data indicates that, while IPC measures and PPE may have contributed to the prevention of patient-to-healthcare-worker transmissions, infections were commonly acquired outside of work and transmitted between healthcare workers within the hospital. This finding emphasises the importance of ongoing education on transmission prevention and regular infection screenings at work.

Regret, Delete, (Do Not) Repeat: An Analysis of Self-Cleaning Practices on Twitter After the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people shared their symptoms across Online Social Networks (OSNs) like Twitter, hoping for others' advice or moral support. Prior studies have shown that those who disclose health-related information across OSNs often tend to regret it and delete their publications afterwards. Hence, deleted posts containing sensitive data can be seen as manifestations of online regrets. In this work, we present an analysis of deleted content on Twitter during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For this, we collected more than 3.67 million tweets describing COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, and fatigue) posted between January and April 2020. We observed that around 24% of the tweets containing personal pronouns were deleted either by their authors or by the platform after one year. As a practical application of the resulting dataset, we explored its suitability for the automatic classification of regrettable content on Twitter. © 2023 Owner/Author.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in HEPA Filters of Portable Air Cleaners

A method for determining the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in HEPA filters from portable air cleaners (PACs) have been developed and validated. Herein, a monitoring survey was conducted for 13 weeks in three indoor environments, school, nursery and a household of a socio-sanitary center in Ciudad Real, Spain. In this study, we employed environmental monitoring by RT-PCR of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in HEPA filters and other surfaces of these indoor spaces for a selective screening in asymptomatic population groups. The aim was to limit outbreaks in an early stage. Only one HEPA filter tested positive in the socio-sanitary center. After analysis by RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in residents and healthcare workers, one worker tested positive. Therefore, this study provides direct evidence of virus-containing aerosols trapped in HEPA filters and the possibility of using these PACs for environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 while they remove airborne aerosols and trap the virus. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.

Indoor Chemical Exposures in Secondary Schools post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cohort Study of New Work-Based Learning Teachers

We obtained cross-sectional repeated measures self-report survey data on workplace safety and health and wellness from newer, early-to-mid-career New Jersey (NJ) secondary or high school (HS) teachers supervising work-based learning on- and off-campus in specific career clusters within career-technical-vocational education. This cohort study in the 2021-2024 school years (SYs) is a unique opportunity. It immediately proceeded the 2019-2021 SYs. Due to COVID-19, most 2020 2nd semester (3/18-6/30/2020) and 2020-2021 SY in-person classes went online;extracurricular activities were cancelled or substantially altered for online/virtual substitutes;and, no-to-little in-person HS teaching and off- or on-campus activities. Upon return 8-9/2021, classrooms, labs, shops, etc. were cleaned. Data suggested risks of human exposure to chemical agents from cleaning, disinfecting and sanitation consumer products use, given concerns about viral (and bacterial) loads collecting and potentially remaining on frequently contacted surfaces. We present study design, recruitment data, and selected survey content responses from ongoing research 2021-2024. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.

Performance of in-duct bipolar ionization devices on pollutant removal and potential byproduct formation in indoor environments

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) since SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted through virus-laden aerosols in poorly ventilated spaces. Multiple air cleaning technologies have been developed to mitigate airborne transmission risk and improve IAQ. In-duct bipolar ionization technology is an air cleaning technology that can generate ions for inactivating airborne pathogens and increasing particle deposition and removal while without significant byproducts generated. Many commercial in-duct ionization systems have been developed but their practical performance on pollutant removal and potential formation of byproducts have not been investigated comprehensively. The results in this study showed that the in-duct bipolar ionization technology can significantly improve the particle removal efficiency of the regular filter, while no significant ozone and ion were released to the indoor air. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.

Infection Control and Prevention in Operation Theatre

Operation theatres are one of the busiest parts of the hospital with high flow of patients and staff. It is the place where patient is most vulnerable due to the invasiveness of procedures performed and they come in close contact with various surgical and anaesthetic equipment. It is of utmost importance to create safe and clean environment for each patient and staff. In this chapter we discuss the means of cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and other parts of infections prevention on operation theatre. Additionally, we will cover the management of new emerging infectious threats, COVID-19, and rare diseases such as prions. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Possible Transmission Routes and Alleviation Strategies

Coronavirus disease is a contagious respiratory ailment that has spread significantly around the world. Most cases of COVID-19 are spread from person to person by coming into contact with respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In this manuscript, we have highlighted the possible transmission of COVID-19 through food, water, air and paper. In the case of food, we have extensively covered the transmission of COVID-19 through meat, frozen foods, food packaging and food market along with the incidences worldwide. In the nextsection, we have highlighted the different components of air which are responsible for the transmission and also covered its relation with PM 2.5 incidence. The SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from sewage water/wastewater of various countries namely the United States, India, Australia, Netherlands and France signifying that wastewater can be a mode of virus transmission. The paper circulation by the infected COVID-19 patients can also be a virus conveyance route. It can be concluded that SARS-CoV-2 can therefore be transmitted indirectly through food via the workers involved in food packing or food marts.By following general safety precautions (wearing masks, using hand sanitisers, cleaning and disinfecting contact surfaces, and avoiding close contact), heating and using chemicals like ethanol (67-71%), sodium hypochlorite (0.1%) and hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) on environmental surfaces, along with vaccination, it is possible to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Copyright © 2023 The International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Allied Sciences (IJPRAS).

Strategies to reduce risk of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory function laboratories

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a highly infectious disease transmitted by aerosol and droplet particles. Respiratory function tests are aerosol generating procedures. Consequently, this increases the risk of exposure to SARS-Cov-2 to healthcare workers and patients visiting respiratory function laboratories. Proposed recommendations on pulmonary function testing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were published by the ERS and the ANZSRS/TSANZ. Aim(s): To identify strategies implemented in respiratory function laboratories to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Method(s): An electronic questionnaire of respiratory laboratories on infection control measures implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was sent to active ANZSRS members in an explanatory email. All data obtained was de-identified with only one response per laboratory included in the analysis. Result(s): Responses were received from 32 laboratories. 81% were from a hospital setting, 61% were TSANZ accredited. 94% and 78% of laboratories identified that they had read the ANZSRS/TSANZ statement and the ERS statements, respectively. 25% and 22% of laboratories implemented modifications based on these statements while 13% and 9% indicated barriers prevented changes being made. Infrastructure was the main barrier identified following both statements. The main strategies implemented are summarised in the below table. Strategy implemented Laboratories (%) Triage patients on clinical urgency 91 Screening prior to appointment or on arrival 100 Scientist wearing fit-tested masks during tests 78 Scientist wearing eyewear during tests 75 Wait time post close contacts (routine-14 days) 50 Wait time post positive infection (routine-14 days) 43 Wait time post close contacts (urgent-10 days) 31 Wait time post positive infection (urgent-10 days) 22 Investigated air room changes/hour 66 Allow at least a 15-min washout period between patients 34 Investigated best cleaning methods for their equipment 65 Utilise telehealth 21 Conclusion(s): Laboratories in Australia and New Zealand have put in place a variety of changes in accordance with recommendations made in position statements to reduce risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. While some laboratories had already implemented strategies, the ERS and ANZSRS/TSANZ publications have given clear guidelines to reduce aerosolised transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Environmental Wellness Coping Strategies During Covid-19 Among Australian Families

The worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected every part of human lives, including the environment. Though not a welcoming era, it is certain that the 2019 pandemic was not the first of its kind nor is it going to be the last to affect human wellness. The various protocols implemented to mitigate the spread of the pandemic had significant effects on the wellness dimension relating to the environment. This study intended to explore the environmental wellness challenges experienced by some families in Melbourne, Australia, during COVID-19 and the strategies they used as they transitioned through the pandemic. The study outcome indicated that, the pandemic had both positive and negative effects on the environmental wellness of the families in this study. The strategies of the families are worthy of notice, for future approaches to deal with any pandemic. The study framed five possible inductive themes along the environmental wellness situation before COVID-19, overall effect of COVID-19 on environmental wellness, impact of COVID-19 on specific aspects of environmental wellness, pathways to the management of environmental wellness during COVID-19 and critically analyzing recommended changes to environmental wellness by the families in the study. It is expected that the proper implementation of the proposed strategies will significantly contribute toward environmental wellness for individuals and families facing environmental wellness challenges.Copyright © 2023, Codon Publications. All rights reserved.

7th Turkey in vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Symposium

The proceedings contain 75 papers. The topics discussed include: development of different product groups in the cleaning industry with synthesized nanosilver;investigation of the antimetastatic potential of thymbra spicata in human breast adenocarcinoma cells combined with standard chemotherapy;the effect of toll-interancing protein on inflammatory status of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line;surgery and inflammation: surgical inflammation;biochemistry of inflammation;its mediators and activities;pathophysiology of inflammation;classic and new biomarkers of inflammation;thymol reduces the lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney inflammation by modulating lysosomal stress;metabolic shift of the kynurenine pathway in inflammatory conditions;and evaluation of HBA1C level in patients with COVID-19.

Experimental study of the purification performance of a MopFan-based photocatalytic air cleaning system.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets which linger in enclosed spaces, often exacerbated by HVAC systems. Although research to improve HVAC handling of SARS-CoV-2 is progressing, currently installed HVAC systems cause problems because they recirculate air and use ineffective filters against virus. This paper details the process of developing a novel method of eliminating air pollutants and suspended pathogens in enclosed spaces using Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology. It has been previously employed to remove organic contaminants and compounds from air streams using the irradiation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces with ultraviolet (UV) lights causing the disintegration of organic compounds by reactions with oxygen (O) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). The outcome was two functional prototypes that demonstrate the operation of PCO-based air purification principle. These prototypes comprise a novel TiO2 coated fibre mop system, which provide very large surface area for UV irradiation. Four commercially accessible materials were used for the construction of the mop: Tampico, Brass, Coco, and Natural synthetic. Two types of UV lights were used: 365 nm (UVA) and 270 nm (UVC). A series of tests were conducted that proved the prototype's functionality and its efficiency in lowering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde (HCHO). The results shown that a MopFan with rotary mop constructed with Coco fibres and utilising UVC light achieves the best VOC and HCHO purification performance. Within 2 h, this combination lowered HCHO by 50% and VOCs by 23% approximately.

Update on Risk Criteria for Crude Oil Tanker Fleet

In recent years, the maritime trade of crude oil has suffered notable perturbations caused by the unbalanced relationship between supply and demand. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drop in oil consumption in 2019, followed by a reduction in production in 2020. The seaborne transport of oil accounts for approximately 50–60% of all crude oil in world production. The crude oil market is a crucial regulator of the global economy and instabilities in this market have noticeable effects on collective risks. The immediate risks that the society see are the changes in the cost of living, which are followed by political uncertainties. Less visible are the risks that these uncertainties have on shipping companies and the level of management stability they have to maintain in order to keep seagoing safe. This paper presents an update on the overall state of risk management for the crude oil tanker fleet, evidenced by EMSA and other international marine organisations. The previous paper, entitled Safety Assessment of Crude Oil Tankers, which applied the methodology of the Formal Safety Assessment (FSA), was published in 2018 and covered the historical data related to the fleet size, accident reports, amount of oil spilled on sea and the economic value of the crude oil transport business. The particular focus of this paper is on the evolution of the risk acceptance criteria over the years and the difference in the predictions from 2018 to the present day. The effects of the pandemic on crude oil shipping are discussed through the changes in the risks. Three of them are analysed: PLL (potential loss of lives), PLC (potential loss of containment) and PLP (potential loss of property). The representation of the risk applies the F-N curves among the risk acceptance criteria lines observed for different tanker sizes. Among the three risks, the paper exposes the vulnerability of the loss of containment risk, where the strong economic impact of the oil trade outweighs the environmental concerns. In relation to the PLC, the paper proposes the approach of relating the oil spill acceptability with the spill quantity and ship revenue instead of to the cost of cleaning or the cost of environment recovery.

Survey of Home Cleaning Practices With Noninvasive Ventilation Equipment

Purpose:Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) equipment is often observed to be dirty, potentially increasing patients' risk of respiratory infection. This study aimed to describe the cleaning practices of home NIV patients. Method(s):This single-site, cross-sectional, observational study surveyed 100 patients from the respiratory failure clinic regarding cleaning instructions, cleaning habits, barriers, and motivators to cleaning. Open-ended responses were analyzed with basic content analysis and closed categorical responses with frequencies and percentages. Result(s):Of 100 participants, 77% responded. Cleaning instructions most commonly recalled included cleaning with soapy water for masks (26/47, 55%), head straps (19/47, 40%), and tubing (21/47, 45%);vinegar solution for humidifiers (9/39, 23%);and replacing filters (14/39, 36%). Fourteen respondents reported barriers to cleaning, including forgetfulness (7/14, 50%) and physical difficulties (6/14, 43%). Commonly reported cleaning practices included soapy water to soak masks (28/77, 36%) and tubing (35/77, 46%), weekly masks (34/77, 44%) and tubing cleaning (29/77, 38%), vinegar solution to clean humidifiers for the 36 humidifier users (15/36, 44%), monthly humidifier cleaning (13/36, 36%), and monthly filter cleaning/replacement (36/77, 47%). Conclusion(s):Few respondents could recall specific instructions about when and how to clean their equipment. Many reported routine cleaning, with varied methods and frequencies. Our results will inform future NIV equipment cleaning educational package design.Copyright © Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section, APTA.

Assessment of Mobile Air Cleaners to Reduce the Concentration of Infectious Aerosol Particles Indoors

Airborne transmission via aerosol particles without close human contact is a possible source of infection with airborne viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza. Reducing this indirect infection risk, which is mostly present indoors, requires wearing adequate respiratory masks, the inactivation of the viruses with radiation or electric charges, filtering of the room air, or supplying ambient air by means of ventilation systems or open windows. For rooms without heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, mobile air cleaners are a possibility for filtering out aerosol particles and therefore lowering the probability of indirect infections. The main questions are as follows: (1) How effectively do mobile air cleaners filter the air in a room? (2) What are the parameters that influence this efficiency? (3) Are there room situations that completely prevent the air cleaner from filtering the air? (4) Does the air cleaner flow make the stay in the room uncomfortable? To answer these questions, particle imaging methods were employed. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to determine the flow field in the proximity of the air cleaner inlet and outlet to assess regions of unpleasant air movements. The filtering efficiency was quantified by means of particle image counting as a measure for the particle concentration at multiple locations in the room simultaneously. Moreover, different room occupancies and room geometries were investigated. Our results confirm that mobile air cleaners are suitable devices for reducing the viral load indoors. Elongated room geometries, e.g., hallways, lead to a reduced filtering efficiency, which needs to be compensated by increasing the volume flow rate of the device or by deploying multiple smaller devices. As compared to an empty room, a room occupied with desks, desk separation walls, and people does not change the filtering efficiency significantly, i.e., the change was less than 10%. Finally, the flow induced by the investigated mobile air cleaner does not reach uncomfortable levels, as by defined room comfort standards under these conditions, while at the same time reaching air exchange rates above 6, a value which is recommended for potentially infectious environments.