Awareness of aerosol-related transmission of COVID-19 among the dentists of Nepal

Abstract Objective To access the awareness of dental practitioners of Nepal towards COVID-19 transmission through aerosols. Materials and methods The study involved 384 dentists from all over Nepal and was conducted for a period of 3 months. A self-reported online questionnaire was developed using Google forms and the link was shared. It emphasized the awareness related to the aerosol and ventilation system in their daily practices was prepared. The data were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. Results The majority of participants were female 52.9% (n = 203) and within the age groups of <30 years 57% (n = 219). Participants from Bagmati Province were 60.4% (n = 232), with least from Sudurpaschim Province 0.5% (n = 2). 60% of participants provided only emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and few (7%) provided consultations via telephone. The current ventilation system used was a well-ventilated room with open windows 65.4% (n = 251). However, 52.8% (n = 203) preferred specialized operatory incorporating high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the particle size of the aerosol. Conclusions The obtained results signify the need for the proper ventilation system with appropriate air filtration systems in dental clinical setups.

Download Full-text

Awareness of Aerosol related transmission of COVID-19 among the Dentists of Nepal

10.21203/rs.3.rs-499197/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nashib Pandey ◽

Buddha Basnet ◽

Sushmit Koju ◽

Anju Khapung ◽

Alka Gupta

Keyword(s):

Social Sciences ◽

Particle Size ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Emergency Services ◽

Uv Light ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Age Groups ◽

Air Filtration ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Dental Practitioners

Abstract Objective: To access the awareness of dental practitioners of Nepal towards COVID-19 transmission through aerosols.Materials and Methods: The study involved 384 dentists from all over Nepal and was conducted for a period of three months. A self-reported online questionnaire was developed using Google forms and the link was shared. It emphasized the awareness related to the aerosol and ventilation system in their daily practices was prepared. The data were analysed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. Results: Majority of participants were female 52.9% (n = 203) and within the age groups of <30 years 57% (n = 219). Participants from Bagmati Province were 60.4% (n = 232), with least from Sudurpaschim Province 0.5% (n = 2). 60% of participants provided only emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and few (7%) provided consultations via telephone. The current ventilation system used was a well-ventilated room with open windows 65.4% (n = 251). However, 52.8% (n = 203) preferred specialized operatory incorporating high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the particle size of the aerosol.Conclusions: The obtained results signify the need for the proper ventilation system with appropriate air filtration systems in dental clinical setups.

Download Full-text

Analyzing Predictors of Control Measures and Psychosocial Problems Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Eight Countries

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11080106 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 106

Author(s):

Sheikh Saifur Rahman Jony ◽

Ubydul Haque ◽

Nathaniel J. Webb ◽

Emily Spence ◽

Md. Siddikur Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Health ◽

Age Groups ◽

Psychosocial Problems ◽

Relevant Information ◽

The United States ◽

Control Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Primary Determinant

COVID-19 has harshly impacted communities globally. This study provides relevant information for creating equitable policy interventions to combat the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to predict the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the COVID-19 pandemic at a global level to determine control measures and psychosocial problems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2020 using an online questionnaire. Questionnaires were initially distributed to academicians worldwide. These participants distributed the survey among their social, professional, and personal groups. Responses were collected and analyzed from 67 countries, with a sample size of 3031. Finally, based on the number of respondents, eight countries, including Bangladesh, China, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United States, and Zambia were rigorously analyzed. Specifically, questionnaire responses related to COVID-19 accessibility, behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility were collected and analyzed. As per our analysis, age groups were found to be a primary determinant of behavior, knowledge, opinion, psychological health, and susceptibility scores. Gender was the second most influential determinant for all metrics except information about COVID-19 accessibility, for which education was the second most important determinant. Respondent profession was the third most important metric for all scores. Our findings suggest that greater encouragement from government health authorities and the promotion of health education and policies are essential in the dissemination of COVID-19-awareness and increased control of the spread of COVID-19.

Download Full-text

Blood Donation-Related Adverse Reactions: Results of an Online Survey among Donors in Germany (2018)

Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy ◽

10.1159/000516049 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Stefano Orru’ ◽

Kay Poetzsch ◽

Marcus Hoffelner ◽

Margarethe Heiden ◽

Markus B. Funk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adverse Reactions ◽

Blood Donation ◽

Age Groups ◽

Female Gender ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

German Legislation

Introduction: According to German legislation, reports of suspected serious adverse reactions (AR) associated with the donation of blood and its components are continuously being evaluated by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. This survey aimed at providing a more complete picture of the AR associated with the donation of blood and blood components. Materials and Methods: Eligible donors had the opportunity to anonymously report all AR occurring during or after their last donation by completing an online questionnaire. Reported AR were classified according to the Standard for Surveillance of Complications Related to Blood Donation. Donors’ self-assessment of AR seriousness was compared with the official severity classification as laid down by German legislation. Besides a descriptive statistical analysis, a multiple logistic analysis was performed to identify risk factors for AR. Results: A total of 8,138 data records were evaluated. Slightly more males (57.9%) participated in the survey and, except for donors aged ≥60 years, all age groups were equally represented. The majority of participants were whole blood donors (85.4%), repeat donors (97.2%), and stayed under observation in the blood establishment (BE) for more than 5 min (63.1%) after donation. Most participants did not report any reaction (72.5%), whereas 2,237 reported at least one AR (27.5%), 475 of whom underwent apheresis and 1,762 donated whole blood. Most AR occurred after leaving the BE (64.4%). Only a minority of participants required medical treatment (5.1%) or assessed the experienced AR as serious (3.9%). The most frequently reported donor AR were haematoma and other local reactions (57.6%). Vasovagal reactions without and with loss of consciousness were developed in 17 and 2% of the participants, respectively, whilst 7.6% experienced citrate reactions. New AR (i.e., allergic reactions and symptoms associated with iron deficiency) were reported as well. The occurrence of AR was linked to risk factors (i.e., female gender, young age, first-time donation, and thrombocytapheresis). Discussion: This survey yielded a more comprehensive AR spectrum, revealed a prolonged time to symptom onset, and identified risk factors for AR. This novel information could be implemented in an amended informed consent addressing common and rare AR.

Download Full-text

Survival of Mycobacteria on Hepa Filter Material

Journal of the American Biological Safety Association ◽

10.1177/109135059800300205 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 65-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gwangpyo Ko ◽

Harriet A. Burge ◽

Michael Muilenberg ◽

Stephen Rudnick ◽

Melvin First

Keyword(s):

High Efficiency ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Filter Material ◽

Survival Curves ◽

Mycobacterium Chelonae ◽

Air Filters ◽

Liquid Suspension ◽

Static Conditions ◽

Strain H37rv ◽

Over Time

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is transmitted through the air, and can be captured on ventilation air filters. People handling these filters may be exposed to infectious material. We studied the survival of strains of Mycobacterium on high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter material. We used a model ventilation system to evaluate survival over time of Mycobacterium chelonae and H37Ra (an avirulent stain of MTB) aerosolized and then captured on HEPA filter material. Survival curves for M. chelonae incubated at 55% and 75% RH under static conditions were not different with less than 4% survival at 24 hours. H37Ra was subjected to continuous airflow at the design airflow for the filter material following deposition on the HEPA filter material, and less than 0.1% of cells survived to 48 hours (RH not controlled). H37Ra was resistant to immobilized biocide (trimethoxysilylpropyl dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride) on HEPA filter material as well as the same biocide in solution. Finally, survival of H37Ra and virulent MTB strain (H37Rv) were not different following deposition onto HEPA filter material from liquid suspension and incubation under static conditions.

Download Full-text

Investigation of the ventilation situation in a lecture room of building 033 at the Universität der Bundeswehr München

10.1101/2021.03.17.21253800 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Christian J. Kähler ◽

Thomas Fuchs ◽

Rainer Hain

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Uv Light ◽

Aerosol Particles ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Free Air ◽

Lecture Room ◽

Private And Public ◽

Public Lives

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is limiting both the private and public lives of many people around the world. It is now considered certain that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via droplets, smear infection, and aerosol particles. While simple masks, spacing, and hand hygiene significantly reduce the risk of infection via the first two routes mentioned, the risk from aerosol particles remains. These small particles move with the air in the room and spread unhindered throughout it. To reduce the risk of infection from viruses present in aerosol particles, the following options exist. First, good respiratory masks can be worn to reduce the viral load in the inhaled air. Another option is to make the viruses harmless (e.g., by UV light). A third option is to reduce the viral load in the room by bringing in virus-free air and moving contaminated air out or cleaning the air in the room. To investigate how well virus load reduction via ventilation works in a real lecture room, measurements were carried out at the Universität der Bundeswehr München (University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich). The lecture room holds a maximum of approx. 90 people and has a ventilation system as well as 2 windows that can be opened. In the absence of a ventilation system in a comparable room, the effectiveness of a room air cleaner was also investigated.

Download Full-text

The “business” of dentistry: Consumers’ (patients’) criteria in the selection and evaluation of dental services

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253517 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0253517

Author(s):

Laura Gray ◽

Lisa McNeill ◽

Weiming Yi ◽

Anastasia Zvonereva ◽

Paul Brunton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Treatment ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Geographic Region ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Chi Square ◽

Dental Services ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Chi Square Analysis

The dimensions of patient-centred care include not only clinical effectiveness and patient safety, but, importantly, the preferences of patients as consumers of healthcare services. A total of 249 participants were included in the study, with a balanced population proportional representation by age, gender, ethnicity and geographic region of New Zealand. An online questionnaire was used to identify participants’ decision-making process, and what factors and barriers for participants to seek dental treatment. Cross-tabulations, Spearman correlation analysis and Pearson Chi-Square analysis were used for the statistical analyses. Three most common reasons for visit were check-up (77%), clean (57%) and relief of pain 36%). A desire to treat a perceived problem was the most common encouraging factor to seek dental care. Cost was the most common barrier to seeking dental services. The majority of participants attended a private practice (84%), with convenience of location and referral from professionals the most likely to influence their choice. Participants felt the most important trait a dental practitioner could demonstrate was to discuss treatment options with them before any treatment. Dental check-up, teeth cleaning and relief of pain were the most common reasons for patients to choose dental services. Cost and ethnicity of the consumers had a significant impact on how dental services were perceived and sought. Dental practitioners may need to reorientate how they express value of oral health practice, not just in regard to communication with patients, but also with government funding agencies.

Download Full-text

FEATURES OF MANUFACTURE OF ADVANCED PROVISIONAL BRIDGE-BASED PROSTHESES

Art of Medicine ◽

10.21802/artm.2021.1.17.33. ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 33-37

Author(s):

А. В. Kostyshyn

Keyword(s):

High Efficiency ◽

Age Groups ◽

Masticatory Muscles ◽

Pathological Process ◽

Muscle Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Masticatory Muscle ◽

Orthopedic Treatment ◽

Group 2 ◽

Reinforcement Model

Abstract. The relevance of the topic is related to the need to improve methods of preparation of dentitions for orthopedic treatment, taking into account the defects of dentitions in patients with reduced occlusion height, taking into account the condition of the masticatory muscles and temporary use of plastic dentures, which provide gradual lifting of occlusion to normalize the masticatory group muscles and reorganization of myostatic reflexes. The aim of the research. Improving the effectiveness of preparation for orthopedic treatment of patients with partial tooth loss, with reduced occlusion height, by improving the design of a temporary bridge-based prosthesis. Materials and methods of research. We examined, treated and conducted clinical observation of 93 patients, who were divided into three groups according to the height of the reduction in occlusion, to achieve this goal and solve problems during the dissertation. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients with included dentition defects with reduced occlusion height up to 2 mm (n=32), group 2 - patients with included dentition defects with reduced occlusion height up to 2-4 mm (n=31), group 3 - these are patients with included dentition defects with reduced occlusion height up to 4-6 mm (n=30). All patients of the main groups belonged to the second and third age groups according to the WHO, aged 35-55 years. The control group (n=30) are young people who belonged to the 1st age group according to the WHO with intact dentition, without concomitant somatic and dental pathology, were admitted in one visit. Also, 123 fiberglass-reinforced plastic prostheses were made. Research results. When drawing up a plan for orthopedic treatment of patients with reduced occlusion height, we took into account possible complications, which are characterized by chipping of the facing material, pathological changes in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle group. We have improved the method of manufacturing non-removable temporary plastic orthopedic constructions by reinforcing with fiberglass tapes and beams, to prevent them and gradually raise the bite. Expanded data on the dynamics of changes in myostatic reflexes and the effectiveness of the use of fixed orthopedic constructions, depending on the pathological process, the timing of adaptation of the masticatory muscle group to orthopedic constructions, according to the degree of reduction in occlusion height. The absence of complaints of breakage and other technical defects of the proposed temporary orthopedic constructions in 100% of cases, successfully allows to use it in the clinic of orthopedic dentistry. A new method of preparing patients for permanent orthopedic treatment by combined reinforcement of temporary non-removable bridge constructions with fiberglass tapes and beams is proposed, which differ in that after preliminary modeling of the frame of the bridge constructions, the technology of double reinforcement, model two support platforms with a step-like transition between them, in which fiberglass tapes and beams are fitted with dental tweezers, after which they are polymerized by the generally accepted method with a photopolymer lamp. Complete the modeling of the constructions and polymerize the prosthesis in the pneumopolymerizer with subsequent grinding and polymerize the prosthesis. Conclusion. The results of the research revealed the high efficiency of the improved method of manufacturing non-removable makeshift plastic of orthopedic constructions.

Download Full-text

Aluminate Green Phosphor with Small Particle Size Used for PDP via Co-Precipitation Method

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.295-297.890 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 295-297 ◽

pp. 890-895

Author(s):

Yan Dong ◽

Yang Zhou ◽

Xue Lin Han ◽

Wei Jie Gu

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Phase Transformation ◽

Small Particle ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Particle Growth ◽

Solid State Reaction Method ◽

Precipitation Method ◽

Small Particle Size ◽

Green Phosphor ◽

Co Precipitation

Mg doped BaAl12O19:Mn2+ phosphor is one of the most efficient green phosphors for PDP. It is difficult to prepare the phosphor both have small particle size (< 3μm) and high luminescence. In the present work, a BaAl12O19:Mn2+ phosphor with small particle size was synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. Phase transformation and particle growth process during calcining process were investigated. The nucleation process was also discussed. The results show that, the phase transformation is complicated, the transition phases include BaCO3, γ-Al2O3, BaF2, BaAl2O4 and two phases contain Mn; The BaAl12O19 phase is formed from the reaction between BaAl2O4 phase and γ-Al2O3 phase, no a-Al2O3 phase appears during the entire process; The formation temperature of pure BaAl12O19 phase is 1200°C, which is lower than that in the high-temperature solid state reaction method. High efficiency BaAl12O19:Mn2+ phosphor with small particle size (< 2μm) and hexagonal flaky shape can be prepared by this method.

Download Full-text

Role of ZnO Nanoparticles for improvement of Antibacterial Activity in Food Packaging

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.52711/2231-5691.2021.00024 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 128-131

Author(s):

Saira Sehar ◽

Amiza Amiza ◽

I. H Khan

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Particle Size ◽

Surface Area ◽

Zno Nanoparticles ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Uv Light ◽

Zno Nps ◽

Long Time

Nanotechnology advancement leads to development of antimicrobial agents like ZnO nanoparticles. These nanoparticle have their main applications in food packaging. when these nanoparticles incorporate into the food surface, it will kill all bacterias residing on the surface and food become free of bacteria. In this way, food can be stored for a long time because its shelf life is improved. Antimicrobial activity of ZnO nanoparticles can be improved by increasing surface area, reducing particle size and large concentration of ZnO –NPS. Antimicrobial activity increases by increasing intensity of UV light. As UV light fall on ZnO nanoparticles, it increases ZnO surface area and hence anrtimicrobial activity will be increased. Exact mechanism of Antimicrobial activity is still unknown but some processes have been presented.

Download Full-text