scholarly journals Methods of Disinfecting Stethoscopes: Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margherita Napolitani ◽  
Daiana Bezzini ◽  
Fulvio Moirano ◽  
Corrado Bedogni ◽  
Gabriele Messina
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Silver Ions ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Disinfection Methods ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Cost

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of various disinfection methods available for stethoscopes. In March 2019, we performed a search in PubMed and Scopus using the search terms: “reducing stethoscopes contamination” and “disinfection stethoscopes”; the Mesh terms used in PubMed were “Decontamination/methods” or “Disinfection/methods” and “Stethoscopes/microbiology”. Selection criteria were: English language; at least one disinfection method tested. A total of 253 publications were screened. After title, abstract, and full-text analysis, 17 papers were included in the systematic review. Ethanol at 90%, Ethanol-Based Hands Sanitizer (EBHS), triclosan, chlorhexidine, isopropyl alcohol, 66% ethyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride have been proven to lower the presence of bacteria on stethoscopes’ surfaces. In addition, alcohol wipes show effective results. A wearable device emitting ultraviolet C by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) resulted efficacious against common microorganisms involved in Healthcare Associated Infections. The cover impregnated with silver ions seemed to be associated with significantly higher colony counts. Instead, copper stethoscopes surface reduced bacterial load. The disinfection of stethoscopes appears to be essential. There are many valid methods available; the choice depends on various factors, such as the cost, availability, and practicality.

scholarly journals Curcumin-mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT): a systematic review / Quimioterapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (PACT) mediada por curcumina: uma revisão sistemática

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 26142-26152
Author(s):  
Eduardo Cândido da Silva ◽  
Ulrich Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Antibiofilm Activity ◽  
Short Wavelength Range ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Aims And Scope

Light energy is known to be used to combat microbial growth. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) has the potential to use different naturally-occurring compounds, such as photosensitizers. Curcumin is an example of a molecule of interest in different areas under different optics. This systematic review surveys the aims and scope of research on curcumin-mediated PACT published between January 2011 and December 2020. The search was carried out in MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Periódicos CAPES databases employing the keywords “Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy”, “photosensitizer”, “curcumin” and the descriptor “Light-Emitting Diode”. It was observed that in the last decade little material meeting these criteria was published. Brazilian institutions concentrated most of their studies on cytotoxic activity. The most recent work, however, focused on antibiofilm activity. Gram-positive bacteria are more sensitive to curcumin-mediated PACT over a short wavelength range. Different concentrations and exposure time of the photosensitizer were evaluated, but the amount of information is still insufficient to establish the best treatment condition as the number of tested pathogens is still poor.

1.331μm Narrow-Bandwidth Light Source Based on Polymer Micro-Blazed Grating

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hairong Wang ◽  
Xianni Gao ◽  
Guoliang Sun ◽  
Yulong Zhao ◽  
Zhuangde Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Light Source ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Diffraction Order ◽  
Blazed Grating ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Led Light ◽  
Narrow Bandwidth ◽  
Narrow Width ◽  
The Cost

In order to detect methane (CH4) accurately and reliably, this paper presents a sensor which consists of infrared diode, fixtures, blazed grating, to realize the extremely narrow-bandwidth light at wavelength of 1.331μm. Based on factors such as compatibility with the transmission characteristics of silica fiber and the cost, a LED (light-emitting diode) with center wavelength of 1.3μm is selected. The LED light is modulated as the parallel light beam. As the light is incident in a micro-blazed grating with certain angle, by diffraction and interference, the light will output the maximum light intensity of its diffraction order at 1.331 μm, which just is an absorption peak of CH4. Micro-blazed grating applied here is low cost and easy replication by various ways, which makes extreme narrow width wavelength possible. Simulation and analysis indicate the designed prototype can output 1.331μm with bandwidth from 1.32907μm to 1.332495μm. With the light source basing on light dividing system, more reliable and higher sensitive measurement of the dangerous gases such as methane and carbon monoxide (CO) can be realized.

Thermal Performance of Domestic Replacement A19 LED Lighting Products

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Storey ◽  
Robin Rackerby ◽  
Heather Dillon ◽  
Lydia Gingerich
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Led Lighting ◽  
Proper Design ◽  
The Cost

In an effort to create a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting system that is as efficient as possible, the heat dissipation system must be accurately measured for proper design and operation. Because LED lighting technology is new, little optimization has been performed on typical cooling system required for most A19 replacement products. This paper describes the research process for evaluating the thermal performance of over 15 LED lighting products and compares their performance to traditional lighting sources, namely incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL). This process uses radiation and convection to model typical cooling mechanisms for domestic A19 type replacement LED products. The A19 products selected for this investigation had input wattages ranging between 7 to 60 Watts, with outputs ranging from 450 to 1100 lumens. The average LED tested dissipated 43% (± 5%) of the total heat generated in the lighting product through the heat exchanger. The best thermal performance was observed in an LED product that dissipated approximately 58% of the total product heat through the heat exchanger. Results indicate that significant improvements to the current LED heat exchanger designs are possible, which will help lower the cost of future LED products, improve performance, and reduce the environmental footprint of the products.

Applications of Ultraviolet Light–Emitting Diode Technology in Horticultural Produce: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadeeya Khan ◽  
Aamir Hussain Dar ◽  
Rafeeya Shams ◽  
Mohsin Bashir Aga ◽  
Mohammad Wasim Siddiqui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ultraviolet Light ◽  
Light Emitting Diode ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Light Emitting

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines’ Recommendations on Levothyroxine Therapy Alone versus Combination Therapy (LT4 plus LT3) for Hypothyroidism

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eyal Kraut ◽  
Pendar Farahani
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Clinical Practice Guidelines ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
English Language ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Pediatric Populations

Purpose: Patients with hypothyroidism are increasingly enquiring about the benefit of using combination therapy of levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3) as a potential treatment for hypothyroidism. Combination therapy, however, remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available hypothyroidism treatment recommendations from clinical practice guidelines from around the world to identify the consensus regarding combination therapy. Source: Clinical practice guidelines were obtained from searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE, using several combinations of MeSH terms. The search was limited to clinical guidelines in English-language publications, published between January 1, 1990 and May 1, 2015. A quantitative approach was utilized for data synthesis. Principal Findings: Thirteen guidelines were identified, including three regarding pregnancy, two regarding pediatric populations and eight regarding adult populations. There were six guidelines from North America, four guidelines from Europe and three guidelines from South America. Twelve of the guidelines were published after 2010. Nine guidelines addressed combination therapy of LT4 plus LT3, and all nine concluded that LT4 therapy alone is the standard of care, with insufficient evidence to recommend widespread combination therapy. Only the 2012 ETA Guidelines and the 2015 BTA Guidelines concluded that combination therapy could be used, although only in certain circumstances and as an experimental treatment. Conclusion: This systematic review illustrates that clinical practice guidelines worldwide do not recommend and do not support routine use of combination LT4 and LT3 therapy to treat hypothyroidism.

scholarly journals Effectiveness, Uses and Safety of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor biosimilars: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-kadibia Theophilus Ukoma ◽  
Emmanuel Okechukwu Nna ◽  
Helen Chioma Okoye ◽  
Augustine Nwakuche Duru ◽  
Samuel Osobuchi Ngene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Reference Product ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Neutropenia ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity ◽  
Registration Number

Abstract Background Granulocyte Colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) biosimilars are recombinant biologics that are similar to a reference product, neupogen, a 175 amino acid recombinant human G-CSF. Characteristically, biosimilars are produced from living cells as high molecular weight, heterogenous compounds that are highly immunogenic. They are primarily used to treat febrile and severe neutropenia in oncology patients as well as mobilize peripheral stem cells in transplant donors. However, as biosimilars are produced by biological processes rather than chemical synthesis, their comparable effectiveness and safety are very paramount to clinical uses. We aimed to produce a protocol for consistent and accurate systematic review and meta-analysis of G-CSF biosimilars.Methods We developed a search strategy using MeSH terms, key words and entry terms to search 9 databases: PubMed, AJOL, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and ResearchGate. Only randomized controlled trials retreivable in the English language will be included in this study. The primary measurable outcomes in this study are uses, effectiveness and safety of G-CSF biosimilars. Identified primary studies will be screened, deduplicated and selected based on study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria and outcome measures using DistillerSR software. Studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Extractable data items for effectiveness measure are: i) proportion of patients with 50% increase in absolute neutrophil count within 3–7 days; ii) resolution of fever within 3–7 days, iii) resolution of intra-oral mucosa ulcers within 7–10 days and iv) resoluton of difficulty in swallowing within 7–10 days. Measures of safety are i) proportion of patients with immunologic reactions, ii) any other documented adverse events. Quality scores and risk of bias for individual studies will be reported. Funnel Plots will be used for assessing publication bias in selected studies. Effect size, variance, SE and % CI and heterogeneity tests will be reported on forest plots using the CMA software version 3. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression will also be included using secondary outcomes as moderators and explanatory variables. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be reported according to PRISMA 2015 Statement.Discussion Ethical approval will not be required since this study will be based on published data. G-CSF biosimilars will be compared with the reference product, neupogen (filgrastin). The uses, effectiveness and safety of the biosimilars will be discussed. The study will also examine short and long acting biosimilars and compare their overall effectiveness. The strength of evidence from this study will be assessed using the NIH Quality assessment for systematic review and meta-analysis.Trial Registration Number The study is registered with PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42021232375

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