For the Good of the Globe: Moral Reasons for States to Mitigate Global Catastrophic Biological Risks.

Actions to prepare for and prevent pandemics are a common topic for bioethical analysis. However, little attention has been paid to global catastrophic biological risks more broadly, including pandemics with artificial origins, the creation of agents for biological warfare, and harmful outcomes of human genome editing. What's more, international policy discussions often focus on economic arguments for state action, ignoring a key potential set of reasons for states to mitigate global catastrophic biological risks: moral reasons. In this paper, I frame the mitigation of such risks as a global public good, and I explore three possible categories of moral reasons that might motivate states to provide this global public good: nationalism, cosmopolitanism, and interstate obligations. Whilst there are strong objections to moral nationalism as a reason for states to act, moral cosmopolitanism may provide a broad reason which is further supplemented for individual states through the elaboration of interstate moral obligations. The obligations I consider are moral leadership, fairness, and reciprocity. Moral reasons for individual states action may more effectively or more appropriately motivate states to mitigate global catastrophic biological risks.

Investigação sobre os métodos de assepsia e equipamentos de proteção individual utilizados por manicures e pedicures / Research on asepsy methods and personal protective equipment used by manicurs and pedicurers / Investigación sobre métodos de asepsia y equipos de protección individual utilizados por manicuras y pedicuras

Introdução: As atividades laborais de manicures e pedicures geram riscos de exposições acidentais aos patógenos vinculados ao sangue como vírus, fungos e bactérias, devido à falta de adesão às medidas de biossegurança, e procedimentos de esterilização acarretando riscos à saúde dos profissionais e clientes. Objetivo:Verificar os conhecimentos das manicures e pedicures sobre os métodos de limpeza e esterilização de materiais, o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e doenças relacionadas à profissão. Metodologia:Estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa, realizado entre Outubro de 2017 a Janeiro de 2018, com 22 participantes finais. Incluídos os maiores de 18 anos, ambos os sexos, experiência mínima de um ano e residir em Nova Floresta. A técnica para seleção da amostra foi snowball. Resultados: A limitação de conhecimento sobre os riscos laborais na exposição de agentes infectantes, a baixa adesão no uso de equipamentos de proteção individuale a falta de padronização no processo de descontaminação, limpeza, desinfecção e esterilização dos instrumentais estão associados ao potencial risco de contaminação por agentes infecciosos, e ao acometimento de doenças infectocontagiosas por manicures, pedicures e clientela. Conclusões:Existem fragilidades no conhecimento destes profissionais,a maioria expõe métodos de antissepsia precários, devido a falta de sistematização e padronização dos procedimentos de limpeza, descontaminação dos instrumentais e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual, além do conhecimento da profissão ter sido adquirido informalmente (AU).

Introduction: The work activities of manicurists and pedicurists generate risks of accidental exposure to pathogens linked to the blood such as viruses, fungi and bacteria, due to the lack of adherence to biosafety measures, and sterilization procedures causing risks to the health of professionals and clients. Objective:To verify the knowledge of manicurists and pedicurists on methods of cleaning and sterilizing materials, the use of personal protective equipment and diseases related to the profession. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out between October 2017 and January 2018, with 22 final participants. Included are those over 18 years of age, both sexes, with at least one year's experience and residing in Nova Floresta. The technique for sample selection was snowball.Results:Limited knowledge about occupational risks in the exposure of infectious agents, low adherence to the use of personal protective equipmentand the lack of standardization in the process of decontamination, cleaning, disinfection and sterilizationof instruments are associated with the potential risk of contamination by infectious agents, and the spread of infectious diseases by manicurists, pedicurists and clientele. Conclusions:There are weaknesses in the knowledge of these professionals, most expose precarious antisepsis methods, due to the lack of systematization and standardization of cleaning procedures, decontamination of instruments and the use of personal protective equipment, in addition to the knowledge of the profession having been acquired informally (AU).

Introducción: Las actividades laborales de manicuras y pedicuras generan riesgos de exposiciónaccidental a patógenos ligados a la sangre como virus, hongos y bacterias, debido al incumplimiento de medidas de bioseguridad y procedimientos de esterilización generando riesgos a la salud de profesionales y clientes. Objetivo:Verificar los conocimientos de manicuras y pedicuras sobre métodos de limpieza y esterilización de materiales, el uso de equipos de protección personal y enfermedades relacionadas con la profesión. Metodología:Estudio transversal de abordaje cuantitativo, realizado entre octubre de 2017 y enero de 2018, con 22 participantes finales. Se incluyen los mayores de 18 años, de ambos sexos, con experiencia mínima de un año y vivir en Nova Floresta. La técnica para la selección de la muestra fue la de bola de nieve. Resultados:El conocimiento limitado sobre los riesgos laborales en la exposición de agentes infecciosos, la baja adherencia al uso de equipo de protección personal y la falta de estandarización en el proceso de descontaminación, limpieza, desinfección y esterilización de instrumentos se asocian con el riesgo potencial de contaminación por agentes infecciosos, y la propagación de enfermedades infecciosas entre manicuras, pedicuras y clientela. Conclusiones:Existen debilidades en el conocimiento de estos profesionales, la mayoría expone métodos de antisepsia precarios, debido a la falta de sistematización y estandarización de los procedimientos de limpieza, descontaminación de los instrumentos y el uso de equipo de protección Personal,además de haber adquirido los conocimientos de la profesión informalmente (AU).

Occupational Exposure during Pregnancy and Effects on Newborns: A Nested Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The protection of pregnant workers should be based on evidence regarding the risks to reproductive health from exposure to specific work environments and conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the effects on mothers and newborns resulting from environmental exposure to various occupational risks. METHODS: The study cohort was composed of 399 women admitted to the Obstetrics/Postpartum ward at Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to establish associations between workplace exposure during pregnancy and its effects on maternal and newborn health. Sex, anthropometric characteristics, and blood gas analysis in arterial and venous umbilical cord blood at delivery were collected. RESULTS: A total of 138 women were exposed to biological and/or chemical risks, 122 to physical risks, and 139 at no risk of exposure. In the group with chemical and/or biological risks, the frequency of women who resorted to in vitro fertilization to achieve the studied pregnancy is less than half of the group exposed to physical risks, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.047). The mean values for the arterial analysis in both exposure groups were within average values, with similar pH values between them, but the mean values of PCO2 and PO2 were lower in the group of neonates of mothers exposed to physical risks, with a significant difference for arterial PO2 (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our analysis contributes evidence for planning and prioritizing preventive actions to protect women's reproductive health. The results suggest the continuation of a future project that would consider more factors and potentially increase the sample size.

Riesgo biológico en el personal de enfermería de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Alberto Sabogal Sologuren / Biological risk in the nursing staff of the Intensive Care Unit of the Alberto Sabogal Sologuren Hospital

Según la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) se estima que 2,34 millones de personas mueren cada año a causa de accidentes y enfermedades relacionados con el trabajo. Entre las áreas hospitalarias, la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) es considerada como la más tensa, traumática y agresiva, que ha pesar de la pesada rutina de trabajo, los peligros a la que el personal de enfermería (enfermeros, técnicos y asistentes) está continuamente expuesto. No sólo el medio ambiente es insalubre, sino que dada la ocurrencia frecuente de situaciones de emergencia y la alta concentración de pacientes en estado crítico que se someten a cambios en su estado de salud. El personal de enfermería la UCI tienen un mayor riesgo relacionado con los peligros biológicos, ya que están expuestos a organismos infecciosos durante los procedimientos invasivos y no invasivos. En ese sentido, este trabajo busca indagar sobre percepción acerca de la exposición a los riesgos biológicos para las enfermeras que laboran en la UCI en el Hospital Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, Perú. Los resultados llevados con las trabajadoras de la salud de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en el Hospital Alberto Sabogal indicaron que en general, las enfermeras de ese centro asistencial hacen uso de buenas prácticas de riesgo, siendo el de mayor prevalecencia (71%) el relacionado con los principios de bioseguridad, y siendo el de menor cuidado (37%), el referente al lavado de las manos antes y después de tener contacto con los pacientes. Es preocupante, que un porcentaje bajo de enfermeras, entre un 5 y 22% respondieron algunas veces a las prácticas de riesgo, siendo un factor importante de contaminación o peligro con su salud(AU)

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), an estimated 2.34 million people die each year from work-related accidents and diseases. Among the hospital areas, the intensive care unit (ICU) is considered the most tense, traumatic and aggressive, which has despite the heavy work routine, the dangers to which the nursing staff (nurses, technicians and assistants) They are continually exposed. Not only is the environment unhealthy, but given the frequent occurrence of emergency situations and the high concentration of critically ill patients undergoing changes in their health status. ICU nursing staff are at increased risk related to biohazards, as they are exposed to infectious organisms during invasive and non-invasive procedures. In this sense, this work seeks to investigate the perception of exposure to biological risks for nurses who work in the ICU at the Alberto Sabogal Sologuren Hospital, Peru. The results carried out with the health workers of the Intensive Care Unit at the Alberto Sabogal Hospital indicated that in general, the nurses of this care center make use of good risk practices, with the highest prevalence (71%) being related to the principles of biosafety, and being the least careful (37%), the reference to washing hands before and after having contact with patients. It is worrisome that a low percentage of nurses, between 5 and 22% sometimes responded to risk practices, being an important factor of contamination or danger to their health(AU)

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists. Observational study / Repercusiones de la pandemia por COVID-19 en anestesiólogos latinoamericanos. Estudio observacional

Abstract Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, causing a global impact on economic, social and public health aspects. This public health situation alerted the international community of anesthesiologists because of the high occupational hazards due to the frequent exposure to patients with COVID-19. Objective: To identify the impact of this pandemic on Latin American anesthesiologists - in a setting with shortage of vaccines - identifying the professionals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and demises, and their geographical distribution. Methods: An observational study was conducted in Latin American anesthesiologists infected SARS-CoV-2 between March and December 2020. The data was collected from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies in March 2021. Results: 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2 were identified. Of these, 1,550 were from South America and 620 cases were from Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Among the 2,170 anesthesiologists infected with SARS-CoV-2, 165 deaths were reported in Latin America, with a mean age of 58 years; 79% were males and the mortality rate was 7.6%. Conclusions: COVID-19 is an emerging disease with significant impact on the population of anesthesiologists. The reports from the societies, associations and federations members of the Latin American Confederation of Anesthesia Societies show the impact in terms of infection and number of deaths associated with the pandemic.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por el SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, cambió el mundo generando un impacto global en aspectos económicos, sociales y sanitarios. Esta situación sanitaria generó alerta en la comunidad anestesiológica internacional por el alto riesgo ocupacional, debido a la exposición más frecuente a pacientes afectados por COVID-19. Objetivo: Conocer las repercusiones de esta pandemia en los anestesiólogos en Latinoamérica -en un escenario con escasez de vacunas- identificando los profesionales infectados por SARS-CoV-2 y fallecidos y su distribución geográfica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional en anestesiólogos latinoamericanos infectados por SARS-CoV-2 entre marzo y diciembre de 2020. Los datos se obtuvieron en las sociedades, asociaciones y federaciones vinculadas a la Confederación Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Anestesia en marzo de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 2.170 anestesiólogos infectados por SARS-CoV-2. De estos, 1.550 correspondieron a Suramérica y 620 casos a Centroamérica, México y el Caribe. Entre los 2.170 anestesiólogos infectados por SARS-CoV-2, se informaron 165 muertes en Latinoamérica, con una edad media de 58 años, 79 % de género masculino y con una tasa de letalidad de 7,6 %. Conclusiones: El COVID-19 es una patología emergente, que causa una gran afectación a la población de médicos anestesiólogos. Los reportes de las sociedades, asociaciones y federaciones vinculadas a la Confederación Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Anestesia demuestran el impacto en términos de infección y muertes relacionadas con la pandemia.

Effects of trace PFOA on microbial community and metabolisms: Microbial selectivity, regulations and risks.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a "forever chemical", is continuously discharged and mitigated in the environment despite its production and use being severely restricted globally. Due to the transformation, attachment, and adsorption of PFOA in aquatic environments, PFOA accumulates in the porous media of sediments, soils, and vadose regions. However, the impact of trace PFOA in the porous media on interstitial water and water safety is not clear. In this work, we simulated a porous media layer using a sand column and explored the effects of µg-level PFOA migration on microbial community alternation, microbial function regulation, and the generation and spread of microbial risks. After 60 days of PFOA stimulation, Proteobacteria became the dominant phylum with an abundance of 91.8%, since it carried 71% of the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Meanwhile, the halogen-related Dechloromonas abundance increased from 0.4% to 10.6%. In addition, PFOA significantly stimulated protein (more than 1288%) and polysaccharides (more than 4417%) production by up-regulating amino acid metabolism (p< 0.001) and membrane transport (p < 0.001) to accelerate the microbial aggregation. More importantly, the rapidly forming biofilm immobilized and blocked PFOA. The more active antioxidant system repaired the damaged cell membrane by significantly up-regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. It is worth noting that PFOA increased the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs) in porous media by 30% and 106%. PFOA increased the proportion of vertical transmission ARGs (vARGs), and co-occurrence network analysis (r ≥ 0.8, p ≤ 0.01) verified that vARGs were mainly mediated by HBPs. A comprehensive understanding of PFOA interactions with its microecological environment is provided.

Opposite Sides of Pantoea agglomerans and Its Associated Commercial Outlook.

Multifaceted microorganisms such as the bacterium Pantoea colonize a wide range of habitats and can exhibit both beneficial and harmful behaviors, which provide new insights into microbial ecology. In the agricultural context, several strains of Pantoea spp. can promote plant growth through direct or indirect mechanisms. Members of this genus contribute to plant growth mainly by increasing the supply of nitrogen, solubilizing ammonia and inorganic phosphate, and producing phytohormones (e.g., auxins). Several other studies have shown the potential of strains of Pantoea spp. to induce systemic resistance and protection against pests and pathogenic microorganisms in cultivated plants. Strains of the species Pantoea agglomerans deserve attention as a pest and phytopathogen control agent. Several of them also possess a biotechnological potential for therapeutic purposes (e.g., immunomodulators) and are implicated in human infections. Thus, the differentiation between the harmful and beneficial strains of P. agglomerans is mandatory to apply this bacterium safely as a biofertilizer or biocontroller. This review specifically evaluates the potential of the strain-associated features of P. agglomerans for bioprospecting and agricultural applications through its biological versatility as well as clarifying its potential animal and human health risks from a genomic point of view.

Uso de precauciones estándar durante la atención de pacientes en un programa de especialización / Application of standard precautions during patient care in a specialization program

Introducción: Con el aumento de las enfermedades infectocontagiosas durante la atención en salud, la aplicación de normas de bioseguridad es fundamental para evitar contaminación cruzada. Los estudiantes de programas de Especialización Profesional durante la atención de pacientes deben cumplir una serie de normas denominadas precauciones estándar. Objetivo: Determinar el grado de uso de las precauciones estándar por estudiantes de un programa de especialización durante la atención de pacientes. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 15 estudiantes del Programa de Especialización Profesional en Endodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile, divididos en dos grupos, diurno (8-17 h) y vespertino (18-22 h), que firmaron un consentimiento informado para participar. Fueron evaluados en 4 dimensiones: "lavado de manos", "barreras de protección" (guantes, mascarilla, gorro, lentes protectores, pechera), "control de riesgos de accidentes cortopunzantes y salpicaduras", y "manejo de materiales y superficies". Se estableció un 60 por ciento para determinar cumplimiento mínimo de la norma comparando ambos grupos. Resultados: En el lavado de manos ambos grupos no alcanzaron el cumplimiento mínimo de la norma, con un promedio de 12 por ciento. Para "barreras de protección" ambos grupos lograron el cumplimiento mínimo, con un promedio de 63 por ciento. En "control de riesgos de accidentes cortopunzantes y salpicaduras" y "manejo de superficies", ninguno de los grupos alcanzó el cumplimiento mínimo en estas dimensiones, con un porcentaje de cumplimiento de 50 % y 43 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los estudiantes del Programa de Especialización Profesional en Endodoncia no aplican correctamente todas las precauciones estándar durante la atención. Es necesario reforzar en los estudiantes los contenidos relacionados con la bioseguridad y aumentar la supervisión y exigencia en su cumplimiento por parte de los docentes(AU)

Introduction: With the increase in infectious diseases during health care, the application of biosecurity standards is essential to avoid cross-contamination. Students in Professional Specialization programs must adhere to a set of standards called standard precautions during patient care. Objective: Determine the degree of application of standard precautions by students of a specialization program during patient care. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted. The sample size was 15 students from the Professional Specialization Program in Endodontics of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile, divided into two groups, day (8-17 h) and evening (18-22 h), who signed an informed consent to participate. They were evaluated in 4 dimensions: "hand washing", "protective barriers" (gloves, mask, hat, protective lenses, breastplate), "risks control of sharp accidents and splashes", and "handling of materials and surfaces". A 60 percent was established to determine minimum compliance with the standard by comparing both groups. Results: In handwashing, both groups did not reach the minimum compliance with the standard, with an average of 12 percent. For "protective barriers" both groups achieved minimum compliance, with an average of 63 percent. In "risk control of sharp accidents and splashes" and "surface handling", none of the groups reached the minimum compliance in these dimensions, with a compliance percentage of 50 percent and 43 percent respectively. Conclusions: Most students in the Professional Specialization Program in Endodontics do not correctly apply all standard precautions during care. It is necessary to reinforce in the students the contents related to biosecurity and to increase the supervision and demand in its fulfillment by the teachers(AU)

Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Caregivers of Patients Attending a Tertiary Cardiovascular Hospital in Tanzania.

Background: Notwithstanding the ever-present burden of infectious diseases, the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has experienced a 67% rise in the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in less than three decades. Furthermore, regardless of the increased recognition of NCDs threat in the region, reliable local estimates and associated drivers are generally lacking. We therefore conducted this cross-sectional study to establish the pattern and correlates of the modifiable NCD risk factors among caregivers of patients attending a tertiary cardiovascular centre in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We used a structured questionnaire bearing a modified WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) tool to explore the modifiable behavioral and modifiable biological NCD risk factors. Results: A total of 1063 caregivers were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 40.5 years, and 55.7% were female. Nearly 80% of participants had a good knowledge regarding NCDs and 85.4% had a positive family history of NCDs. Overall, 1027 (96.6%) participants had at least one modifiable NCD risk factor while 510 (48.0%) had three or more (i.e., clustering). With respect to modifiable behavioral NCD risk factors, 34 (3.2%) were tobacco users, 56 (5.3%) had harmful alcohol consumption, 691 (65%) had unhealthy eating behavior, and 820 (77.1%) were physically inactive. Pertaining to modifiable biological NCD risk factors, 710 (66.8%) had excess body weight, 420 (39.5%) had hypertension and 62 (5.8%) were diabetic. Conclusion: A vast majority of caregivers of NCD patients in this tertiary setting were found to have modifiable NCD risk factors with a strong tendency of clustering. These findings call for intensification of both population strategies and targeted group interventions for better control of the NCD threat and its correlates.

Cleft Lip and/or Palate and Associated Risks in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and review published data on the risks associated with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). DESIGN: A systematic review of literature was performed on electronic databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Literature on risks associated with CL/P in LMICs, from 2010 to 2020, were included. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies adopted an observational study design. Biological and environmental risks were identified. Maternal and paternal age (n = 7) and low socioeconomic status (n = 5) were the most prominently associated environmental risk factors. A strong association was identified between family history of cleft (n = 7) and CL/P occurrence. CONCLUSION: Environmental risk factors are now being investigated more than biological risk factors in LMICs, aiding health care workers in the early identification of possible cumulative effects of risks in CL/P. Contextually relevant tools are recommended to promote early identification of at-risk infants.

Medidas de biossegurança na assistência de enfermagem a pacientes hemodialíticos: revisão integrativa / Medidas de bioseguridad en la atención de enfermería a pacientes en hemodiálisis: revisión integradora / Biosafety measures in nursing care to hemodialysis patients: integrative review

Objetivo: compreender o conhecimento dos profissionais de enfermagem acerca das medidas de biossegurança na prevenção de agravos à saúde durante a assistência em hemodiálise. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados da LILACS e BDENF e no diretório de revistas da SciELO. Foram identificadas 691 obras. Após aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a amostra final foi composta por 12 artigos. Resultados: os profissionais de enfermagem aderem parcialmente às medidas de biossegurança e compreendem sua necessidade, assim como detêm conhecimento sobre a temática, muito embora esse mesmo conhecimento não tenha sido aplicado em sua totalidade na assistência. Conclusão: os profissionais detêm conhecimento acerca das medidas de biossegurança e reconhecem a necessidade da sua aplicação como instrumento efetivo no desempenho das suas atividades laborais, adotando e recomendando a sua utilização. No entanto, existem lacunas do conhecimento entre o discurso e a prática assistencial. Considerações finais: condições precárias da Atenção Primária à Saúde implicam em desestruturação de resposta adequada em momentos de emergências sanitárias.

Objective: to understand the knowledge of nursing professionals about biosafety measures in the prevention of health problems during hemodialysis care. Method: integrative review of the literature performed in LILACS and BDENF databases and in the directory of SciELO journals. 691 works were identified. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the final sample consisted of 12 articles. Results: nursing professionals partially adhere to biosafety measures and understand their need, as well as have knowledge about the theme, even though this same knowledge has not been applied in its entirety in care. Conclusion: professionals have knowledge about biosafety measures and recognize the need for their application as an effective instrument in the performance of their work activities, adopting and recommending their use. However, there are gaps in knowledge between discourse and care practice.

Objetivo: comprender el conocimiento de los profesionales de enfermería sobre las medidas de bioseguridad en la prevención de problemas de salud durante el cuidado de la hemodiálisis. Método: revisión integradora de la literatura realizada en bases de datos LILACS y BDENF y en el directorio de revistas SciELO. Se identificaron 691 obras. Después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra final consistió en 12 artículos. Resultados: los profesionales de enfermería se adhieren parcialmente a las medidas de bioseguridad y comprenden su necesidad, así como tienen conocimiento sobre el tema, a pesar de que este mismo conocimiento no se ha aplicado en su totalidad en el cuidado. Conclusión: los profesionales tienen conocimientos sobre las medidas de bioseguridad y reconocen la necesidad de su aplicación como un instrumento eficaz en el desempeño de sus actividades laborales, adoptando y recomendando su uso. Sin embargo, existen brechas en el conocimiento entre el discurso y la práctica del cuidado.

Grado de riesgo biológico al manipular toxina botulínica como medicamento / Degree of Biohazard When Handling Botulinum Toxin as A Medication

Introducción: El uso de la toxina como medicamento constituye un riesgo biológico, debido a la presencia de la toxina, así como al uso indebido que se le puede dar. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de riesgo biológico al manipular toxina botulínica como medicamento. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en el Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica, La Habana, Cuba, en 2017. Se aplicó una lista de chequeo de riesgo biológico a 6 profesionales del área de tratamiento de toxina botulínica. El resultado integrado de la lista de chequeo se analizó a través del método semicuantitativo "ERBIO". Resultados: La probabilidad se catalogó de "media", el cumplimiento de medidas de contención como "aceptable" y la exposición se consideró como "muy frecuente". Conclusiones: Se constató un grado de riesgo biológico "tolerable" al manipular la toxina botulínica como medicamento en el Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica. Esto implica que se deben considerar mejoras que no supongan una carga económica importante, que requerirán de comprobaciones periódicas para asegurar el mantenimiento de la eficacia de las medidas de control establecidas(AU)

Introduction: The use of the toxin as a medication constitutes a biological risk, due to the presence of the toxin, as well as the potential improper use. Objective: To evaluate the degree of biological risk when Handling botulinum toxin as a medication. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at the International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba, in 2017. A biological risk checklist was applied to six professionals from the botulinum toxin treatment area. The integrated result of the checklist was analyzed through ERBIO semi-quantitative method. Results: The probability was classified as medium. Compliance with containment measures was assessed as acceptable and the exposure was considered as very frequent. Conclusions: A tolerable degree of biological risk was found when manipulating botulinum toxin as a medication at the International Center for Neurological Restoration. This implies that improvements should be considered not to imply a significant economic burden, which will require periodic checks to ensure the maintenance of the effectiveness of the established control measures(AU)

La bioseguridad en el desarrollo tecnológico de las investigaciones biomédicas / Biosecurity in the technological development of biomedical research

RESUMEN La bioseguridad juega un papel importante en las investigaciones biomédicas. Es preciso conocer las medidas recomendadas para el control de enfermedades en los entornos laborales donde los trabajadores corren el riesgo de contraer enfermedades y convertirse en fuente de infección para los pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir con la divulgación de las medidas de bioseguridad en los laboratorios biomédicos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de los principales artículos publicados en inglés y español en PubMed, SciELO y MEDLINE. Resulta de gran importancia la divulgación de las medidas de bioseguridad, a fin de garantizar su conocimiento por parte de los profesionales de los diferentes tipos de laboratorios. Ellos están obligados a desarrollar o adoptar un manual de operaciones o de bioseguridad que identifique los riesgos que se encontrarán o puedan producirse, y especifique las prácticas y procedimientos destinados a minimizar o eliminar las exposiciones a estos (AU).

ABSTRACT Biosecurity plays an important role in biomedical research. It is necessary to know the recommended measures for disease control in work environments where workers are at risk of contracting diseases and becoming a source of infection for patients. The aim of this work is to contribute to the dissemination of biosafety measures in biomedical laboratories. A systematic review of the main articles published in English and Spanish in PubMed, SciELO and MEDLINE was carried out. The dissemination of biosafety measures is of great importance in order to ensure their knowledge by professionals in the different types of laboratories. They have to develop or adopt a manual of operations or biosecurity that identifies the risks that will be found or may occur, and specifies the practices and procedures to minimize or eliminate exposures to them (AU).

Possible food safety hazards of ready-to-eat raw fish containing product (sushi, sashimi).

It is undeniable that with the popularity of sushi and sashimi over the last decade the consumption of raw fish has extremely increased. Raw fish is very appreciated worldwide and has become a major component of human diet because of its fine taste and nutritional properties. Possible hazards concerning fish safety and quality are classified as biological and chemical hazards. They are contaminants that often accumulate in edible tissue of fish and transmit to humans via the food chain affecting the consumer's health. Although their concentration in fish and fishery products are found at non-alarming level of a daily basis period, they induce hazardous outcome on human health due to long and continuous consumption of raw fish. Regular sushi and sashimi eaters have to be aware of the contaminants found in the other components of their dish that often add up to acceptable residue limits found in fish. Hence, there is the urge for effective analytical methods to be developed as well as stricter regulations to be put in force between countries to monitor the safety and quality of fish for the interest of public health.

Construction and validation of an educational video for improving adherence of nursing professionals to standard precautions / Construcción y validación de video educativo para adhesión a precauciones estándar de profesionales de enfermería / Construção e validação de vídeo educativo para adesão às precauções-padrão por profissionais de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: build and validate an educational video as a strategy to encourage adherence of nursing professionals to Standard Precautions. Methods: in the first phase, a descriptive study was conducted with 197 nursing professionals from two hospitals in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, to identify knowledge and factors affecting adherence to Standard Precautions; data were collected using the Questionnaire for Knowledge and Compliance with Standard Precaution (Portuguese version). In the second phase, a methodological study and an educational video were developed with the results obtained in the first phase, structured according to Nola Pender's Revised Health Promotion Model. The Delphi technique was used in video validation, a process involving 13 specialists. Results: knowledge of nursing professionals about Standard Precautions ranged from 6.1% to 99%. The major deficits were related to the objectives and purposes of Standard Precautions. Adherence ranged from 36.0% to 95.4% and was low regarding the proper use of some personal protective equipment, recapping of used needles, hand washing after removing gloves, and procedures after exposure to biological materials. The script was validated in two rounds, reaching 82.3% and 92.8% of consensus, respectively, and the video was validated in the third round, with a 92.3% consensus. Conclusion: lack of knowledge about the objectives and purposes of Standard Precautions was observed among nursing professionals, and many of them do not fully adopt them. The video was considered valid by the specialists and can be used to expand knowledge and, consequently, encourage adherence of nursing professionals to Standard Precautions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: construir y validar un video educativo como estrategia para fomentar la adhesión a las Precauciones Estándar de trabajadores de enfermería. Métodos: en la primera fase investigativa se realizó estudio descriptivo con 197 trabajadores de enfermería de dos hospitales de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil, para identificar conocimiento y factores que interfieren en la adhesión a las Precauciones Estándar, con datos recolectados por el Questionnaire for Knowledge and Compliance with Standard Precautions (versión portugués). En la segunda fase se elaboraron un estudio metodológico y un video educativo con base en los resultados de la primera fase, estructurados según Modelo Revisado de Promoción de Salud de Nola Pender. Video validado por técnica Delphi, realizado por 13 especialistas. Resultados: el conocimiento de los profesionales sobre las Precauciones Estándar varió de 6,1% a 99%. Los mayores déficits se refirieron a los objetivos y finalidades de las Precauciones Estándar. La adhesión varió del 36,0% al 95,4% y fue baja respecto del uso adecuado de algunos equipos de protección individual, tratamiento de agujas usadas, higiene de manos luego del retiro de guantes y también en conductas posexposición a material biológico. Rutina validada en dos rondas, alcanzándose 82,3% y 92,8% de consenso. Conclusión: se constató desconocimiento de los trabajadores respecto de los objetivos y finalidades de las Precauciones Estándar, así como que varios no las adoptan integralmente. El video fue considerado válido por los especialistas y puede utilizarse para ampliar el conocimiento y, consecuentemente, estimular la adhesión a las PE de los profesionales de enfermería.

RESUMO Objetivo: construir e validar um vídeo educativo como uma estratégia para estimular a adesão às Precauções-Padrão por trabalhadores de enfermagem. Métodos: na primeira fase da pesquisa, realizou-se um estudo descritivo com 197 trabalhadores de enfermagem de dois hospitais de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil, para identificação do conhecimento e fatores que interferem na adesão às Precauções-Padrão com dados coletados pelo Questionnaire for Knowledge and Compliance with Standard Precaution (versão Português). Na segunda fase, construíram-se um estudo metodológico e um vídeo educativo, com base nos resultados obtidos na primeira fase da pesquisa e estruturados no Modelo Revisado de Promoção da Saúde de Nola Pender. A validação do vídeo foi guiada pela técnica Delphi e feita por 13 especialistas. Resultados: o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre as Precauções-Padrão variou de 6,1% a 99%. Os maiores déficit relacionaram-se aos objetivos e finalidades das Precauções-Padrão. A adesão variou de 36,0% a 95,4% e foi baixa quanto ao adequado uso de alguns equipamentos de proteção individual, não encape de agulhas usadas e higienização das mãos após a retirada de luvas e também às condutas pós-exposição a material biológico. A validação do roteiro ocorreu em duas rodadas, alcançando 82,3% e 92,8%, respectivamente, e do vídeo, na terceira rodada, com 92,3% de consenso. Conclusão: constatou-se desconhecimento de trabalhadores sobre os objetivos e finalidades das Precauções-Padrão e que vários não as adotam integralmente. O vídeo foi considerado válido pelos especialistas e pode ser utilizado para ampliar conhecimento e, consequentemente, estimular a adesão às Precauções-Padrão por profissionais de enfermagem.

Accelerating Action in Global Health Security: Global Biosecurity Dialogue as a Model for Advancing the Global Health Security Agenda.

Biosecurity and biosafety measures are designed to mitigate intentional and accidental biological risks that pose potentially catastrophic consequences to a country's health system, security, and political and economic stability. Unfortunately, biosecurity and biosafety are often under-prioritized nationally, regionally, and globally. Security leaders often deemphasize accidental and deliberate biological threats relative to other challenges to peace and security. Given emerging biological risks, including those associated with rapid technological advances and terrorist and state interest in weapons of mass destruction, biosecurity deserves stronger emphasis in health and security fora. The Global Biosecurity Dialogue (GBD) was initiated to align national and regional donor initiatives toward a common set of measurable targets. The GBD was launched by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), with support from Global Affairs Canada's Weapons Threat Reduction Program and the Open Philanthropy Project, and in coordination with the government of The Netherlands as the 2018-19 Chair of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Action Package Prevent-3 (APP3) on Biosafety and Biosecurity. The GBD provides a multisectoral forum for sharing models, enabling new actions to achieve biosecurity-related targets, and promoting biosecurity as an integral component of health security. The GBD has contributed to new national and continent-wide actions, including the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's new regional Initiative to Strengthen Biosafety and Biosecurity in Africa. Here we present the GBD as a model for catalyzing action within APP3. We describe how the benefits of this approach could expand to other GHSA Action Packages and international health security initiatives.

Agencia de autocuidado, conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de riesgo biológico en estudiantes de enfermería / Self-care agency, nursing knowledge, attitudes and practices involving biological hazard in nursing students / Agência de autocuidado, conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de risco biológico em estudantes de enfermagem

Resumen Introducción El abordaje de esta investigación está relacionado con la agencia de autocuidado que demuestran los estudiantes de enfermería al momento de realizar la práctica formativa en el área asistencial. Objetivo Analizar la relación que existe entre la agencia de autocuidado y los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de riesgo biológico en estudiantes de enfermería de la institución de educación superior en la ciudad de Bucaramanga. Materiales y Métodos Estudio cuantitativo de tipo analítico correlacional, de corte transversal; con una muestra de 187 estudiantes de IV a VIII nivel del programa de enfermería de una institución de educación superior en la ciudad de Bucaramanga, a los cuales se les aplicó la escala de agencia de autocuidado, escala para medir los conocimientos, actitud y prácticas frente al riesgo biológico. Resultados Existe una relación significativa entre la agencia de autocuidado y las actitudes p (<0,05). Por otro lado, se presenta una regular agencia de autocuidado en el 79,1% de los estudiantes. No hay relación estadísticamente significativa entre las variables sociodemográficas y la agencia de autocuidado, a través de la prueba de Chi cuadrado. Discusión Los resultados encontrados en el presente estudio coinciden con lo hallado por otros investigadores, los cuales afirman que; la agencia de autocuidado en la mayoría de la población se mantiene en un nivel regular. Conclusiones Se evidencia relación entre la agencia de autocuidado y las actitudes frente al riesgo biológico en los estudiantes, hecho que ratifica la importancia del trabajo de enfermería en el fortalecimiento de comportamientos favorables hacia su propio autocuidado.

Abstract Introduction The approach of this research is related to self-care agency showed by nursing students when having their training practice in the health-related area. Purpose To analyze the relation between self-care agency and nursing knowledge, attitudes and practices involving biological hazard in nursing students from a higher education institution in Bucaramanga. Materials and Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study of correlational-analytical type was conducted with a sample of 187 students from IV to VIII level of a nursing degree in a higher education institution in Bucaramanga, to whom the self-care agency scale was applied. This scale is used to measure nursing knowledge, attitude and practice involving biological hazards. Results There is a significant relationship between self-care agency and attitudes (p<0.05). On the other hand, regular self-care agency is shown in 79.1% of the students. There is no statistically significant relationship between sociodemographic variables and the self-care agency through the chi-squared test. Discussion The results found in this study coincide with those found by other researchers who state that self-care agency is kept at a regular level in most of the population. Conclusions A relationship was demonstrated between self-care agency and attitudes regarding biological hazards in students, which confirms the importance of nursing work to strengthen favorable behavior towards their self-care.

Resumo Introdução A abordagem desta pesquisa está relacionada com a agência de autocuidado que demonstram os estudantes de enfermagem na hora da prática formativa na área assistencial. Objetivo Analisar a relação que existe entre a agência de autocuidado e os conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de risco biológico em estudantes de enfermagem da instituição de educação superior na cidade de Bucaramanga. Materiais e Métodos Estudo quantitativo de tipo analítico correlacional, de corte transversal; com uma amostra de 187 estudantes de IV a VIII nível do programa de enfermagem de uma instituição de educação superior na cidade de Bucaramanga, que foram submetidos à escala de agência de autocuidado para medir os conhecimentos, atitude e práticas frente ao risco biológico. Resultados Existe uma relação significativa entre a agência de autocuidado e as atitudes p (<0,05). Por outro lado, verifica-se uma regular agência de autocuidado em 79,1% dos estudantes. Não existe relação estatisticamente significativa entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e a agência de autocuidado, através da prova de Chi quadrado. Discussão Os resultados encontrados no presente estudo conferem com os achados de outros investigadores que afirmam que a agência de autocuidado na maioria da população se mantém em um nível regular. Conclusões Verifica-se a relação entre a agência de autocuidado e as atitudes frente ao risco biológico nos estudantes, um fato que ratifica a importância do trabalho de enfermagem no fortalecimento de comportamentos favoráveis para seu próprio autocuidado.

An insight into toxicity and human-health-related adverse consequences of cosmeceuticals - A review.

In recent years, the use of cosmeceutical-based personal care and beauty products has ever increased, around the world. Currently, an increasing number of compounds are being assimilated in the formulation of cosmetic products as preservatives, fragrances, surfactants, etc. to intensify the performance, quality, value, and lifespan of cosmetics. Nevertheless, many of these chemical additives pose toxic effects to the human body, exhibiting health risks from a mild hypersensitivity to life-threatening anaphylaxis or lethal intoxication. Therefore, the indiscriminate application of cosmeceuticals has recently become a mounting issue confronting public health. The present review focuses on exposure to a large variety of toxic substances used in cosmetic formulations such as 1,4-dioxane formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, benzalkonium chloride, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, trace heavy metals, parabens derivatives, phthalates, isothiazolinone derivatives (methylchloroiso-thiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone), methyldibromo glutaronitrile, and phenoxy-ethanol. The biological risks related to these substances that they can pose to human health in terms of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, neurotoxicity oestrogenicity or others are also discussed. Researchers from academia, consultancy firms, governmental organizations, and cosmetic companies should carry out further progress to keep updating the consumers regarding the dark-sides, and health-related harmful apprehensions of cosmetics. In addition, the industry-motivated initiatives to abate environmental impact through green, sustainable and eco-friendly product development grasp significant perspective.