ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Owing to the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among the healthcare workers (HCWs) is mandatory. However, PPE associated adverse effects are also there. OBJECTIVE: To study the adverse effects associated with PPE and their preventive measures amongst the HCWs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted among 200 HCWs working in a Covid center of a tertiary care center. The participants were sent the questionnaires online. Some of them not having smart phones were interviewed telephonically. Their information profile, the various adverse effects associated with PPE, and the preventive measures being practiced by them were noted. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Total 97% HCWs reported adverse effects with hazmat suit; 96% with N 95 mask; 92% with goggle and 78% with gloves. The adverse effects associated with the prolonged use of the mask were erythema; erosions and scar at the nasal bridge; ear pain; difficulty in breathing; and headache. Sixty-seven percent of the participants had sweating with the use of gloves, which led to cutaneous exfoliation such as dry hands (55%) and skin itching (43%). Moisturizers and natural oils were used to prevent the dryness of hands. For the pressure related injury over the nasal bridge due to N95 mask, participants used to apply Band-Aid (adhesive bandage) and cotton dressing. CONCLUSION: Adverse skin reactions related to PPE are common among HCWs. Comprehensive assessment of the skin condition and awareness on adverse skin reactions should be advocated.
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to explore the attitude and perception of observers involved in monitoring of doffing through Real Time Remote Audio-Visual aided (RT-RAVA), the first well-sophisticated surveillance system. A 21-item online-survey proforma was used to collect the data amongst 150 nursing personnel. 3/4th of the participants strongly agreed that they helped in reducing the doffing errors through RT-RAVA doffing. 97.3% perceived that the system is highly effective in reducing the infection during doffing. There was significant correlation between attitude and perception of the observers. The system was perceived as highly effective and was recommended for doffing.
ABSTRACT
In monocots, the zygotic embryo is protected and nourished by an endosperm. In the present study starch deposition and amylase accumulation was noticed during somatic embryogenesis in stem callus of a bamboo, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. SEM studies revealed that starch grains were clearly visible in the scutellum during the maturation stage of the somatic embryo. As the somatic embryo developed further, the scutellum got reduced with corresponding increase in amylase. The amylase activity was tested periodically at different developmental stages of embryos. The role of scutellum in somatic embryos for starch deposition and amylase accumulation is discussed.
