scholarly journals Effects of Natural Ventilation and Saliva Standard Ejectors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Analysis of Aerosol Produced during Dental Procedures

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7472
Author(s):  
Imena Rexhepi ◽  
Rocco Mangifesta ◽  
Manlio Santilli ◽  
Silvia Guri ◽  
Piero Di Carlo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Natural Ventilation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Total Dust ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has renewed attention to aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Dental-care workers are at high risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard saliva ejectors and natural ventilation in reducing particulate matter (PM) concentration during different routine dental procedures in the pandemic period. The DustTrak monitor was used to measure PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and breathable (<4 microns) total dust during 14 procedures performed with and without the presence of natural ventilation in a dental unit. Moreover, measurements were performed near the practitioners or near the standard saliva ejectors during the different procedures. In the latter condition, reduced levels of PM10 were recorded (82.40 ± 9.65 μg/m3 vs. 50.52 ± 0.23 μg/m3). Moreover, higher levels of PM (53.95 ± 2.29 μg/m3 vs. 27.85 ± 0.14 μg/m3) were produced when the dental unit’s windows were open. At the same time, the total level of PM were higher during scaling than during other procedures (data suggest not to adopt natural ventilation—both window and door opened—during dental procedures). It was also demonstrated that the use of standard saliva ejectors can considerably reduce the total released amount of PM10.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Dental Settings: Novel Risk Assessment Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6093
Author(s):  
Ali Alsaegh ◽  
Elena Belova ◽  
Yuriy Vasil’ev ◽  
Nadezhda Zabroda ◽  
Lyudmila Severova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Infectious Risk ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Assessment Approach ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern, and this emergency led to postponing elective dental care procedures. The postponing aimed to protect the public from an unknown risk caused by COVID-19. At the beginning of the outbreak, for public health authorities, the aerosol-generating procedures and the close proximity between dental care workers and patients in dentistry represented sufficient justification for the delay of dental visits. Dental care is a priority, and for many years, studies have proven that the lack and delay of dental care can cause severe consequences for the oral health of the general population, which can cause a high global burden of oral diseases. Safety is necessary while resuming dental activities, and risk assessment is an efficient method for understanding and preventing the COVID-19 infectious threats facing the dental industry and affecting dental care workers and patients. In this study, for safe dental care delivery, we adapted risk assessment criteria and an approach and an occupational classification system. Based on those tools, we also recommend measures that can help to minimize infectious risk in dental settings.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Future Challenges and Recommendations for Dental Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. RV1-RV5
Author(s):  
Najmus Sahar ◽  
Pradeep Tangade ◽  
Vikas Singh ◽  
Surbhi Priyadarshini ◽  
Debashis Roy
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Review Article ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus outbreak is a contagious disease affecting the countries around the world. The quick advancing nature of pandemic has gripped the entire community making it a public health emergency. Infection control preventive measures are necessary to prevent it from further spreading. Medical practitioners, health care workers and Dentists are at high risk of acquiring and transmission of infection. The virus transmission occurs through respiratory tract, aerosols and droplets. Clinical manifestations of virus vary from mild to severe sickness. This review article mainly emphasizes on all the information collected to date on the virus, and future recommendations for dental settings to manage the further spread of this virus.

scholarly journals Novel Coronavirus: How Atmospheric Particulate Affects Our Environment and Health

Challenges ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Lorenzo Sanità di Toppi ◽  
Erika Bellini
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate Matter ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Atmospheric Particulate ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Prompt Action

It is well-known that atmospheric pollution, first and foremost the particulate matter (PM), causes serious diseases in humans. China’s metropolises and Italy’s Po Valley have in fact achieved a concerning degree of notoriety thanks to runaway air pollution problems. The spread of viral respiratory diseases is facilitated in polluted environments, an example of which is the respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. In this opinion paper, we consider the possible relationship between air pollution, primarily airborne PM10–2.5, and the spread of the novel coronavirus in Northern Italy. If it is true that the novel coronavirus remains active from some hours to several days on various surfaces, it is logical to postulate that the same can occur when it is adsorbed or absorbed by the atmospheric particulate matter, which may also help carry the virus into the human respiratory system. As the Earth presents us with a very high bill to pay, governments and other authorities need to take prompt action to counter excessive pollution levels, both in Italy and in other countries.

scholarly journals The impact of novel COVID-19 initial pandemic on orthopedic healthcare: an experience from a single institution of South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 778-787
Author(s):  
Gun Woo Lee ◽  
Gi Beom Kim ◽  
In Jun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Preventive Surgery ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Cancellation Rate ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: This study was to investigate the cancellation rate and trend of orthopedic surgeries during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, we assessed the psychologic status of orthopedic healthcare workers, and investigated the details of the preventive surgeries underwent in COVID-19-positive patients.Methods: For 3 months after January 20, 2020, cancellation rates of elective surgeries were investigated, and the number of elective surgeries conducted in the same period over the last two years was compared. Four different questionnaires were used to investigate psychologic status among the orthopedic health care workers. We compared the outcomes according to occupation (physician or nurse), and type of work (faculty staff or resident physician). Outcomes according to occupation and type of work were compared. Preventive surgeries underwent in patients who could not wait for the results of the COVID-19 diagnosis were investigated.Results: Spine and hip surgery had relatively lower cancellation rates, and elective surgeries were significantly reduced. During the initial pandemic, the cancellation rate of orthopedic elective surgeries was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year and was different for each subdivision depending on the degree of pain or disability. The psychological outcomes were within the normal range and there were no significant differences between groups. After preventive surgery, all medical staff involved in the operation tested negative.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation rate of orthopedic elective surgeries was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year. Orthopedic health care workers did not seem to have significant psychological distress. As a result of the preventive surgery in specialized facilities, all the medical staff who participated in the operation tested negative.

scholarly journals New Surgical Practice During COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 614-618
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Asghar ◽  
Hafiz Syed Zaigham Ali Shah ◽  
Hamna Khan ◽  
Aima Zahid ◽  
Hammad Zia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Transmission Of Disease

A sequence of pneumonia-causing diseases from the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019. The outbreak of COVID-19 spread quite rapidly. Just as we write this report, almost two and a half million verified cases were reported globally, and almost 180,000 people died.1 Experience from China reveals that COVID-19 outbreaks can be brought under control within 3 months, with highly efficient touch tracking and case isolation.2 Healthcare staff are at the forefront of treatment for COVID-19 cases and have a very large chance of exposure to the infection.3 Cuts in disposable gear and COVID-19 awareness are triggering infections in healthcare workers.4 As of February 11, 2020, China has contaminated more than 1,700 health-care workers. In Italy, 2026 (9 percent) of the COVID-19 incidents happened in healthcare professionals (as of March 15).5 But, 31 medical teams containing more than 42,000 nurses and doctors sent by the Hubei from other provinces did not have a reported infection. It indicates that sufficient information about the transmission of disease and the use of protective equipment and procedures to manage infections is necessary to avoid the spread of infection among health care staff.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Africa: The cost of perceived low incidence rates

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 050-054
Author(s):  
David Olufemi Adesanya ◽  
Precious Chidozie Azubuike
Keyword(s):  
Viral Disease ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The Novel ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by the novel coronavirus and has hit many countries of the world heavily. The impact of COVID-19 in Africa, is contrary to the experts and professional predictions. Most African have very poor healthcare systems, water supply, sanitary environment and other factors that are requisite to combating the spread of the virus. Reports on COVID-19 incidence from Africa may not be a true reflection of the actual situation. The poor health information management system predominant in most African countries and the inability to carry out effective testing for cases could be responsible for this reported low incidence rates. The implications of perceived low incidence constitute a burden to governments of nations, health care workers, educational and other institutions, communities, women and girls; as well as members of the population. As the virus spreads across Africa, there is a need to improve active case finding and report same to enable effective planning and resource mobilization towards containing the spread of the virus.

scholarly journals Coping by the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries - A review.

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alka Chandra ◽  
Hemant Vanjare
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Duty Hours ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

In December 2019, an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China. To date, this has spread across the globe, raising a number of significant challenges for healthcare workers (HCW). They are at the front line of the outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards including the high risk of contracting the infection. Long and irregular duty hours in very constrained environment can contribute to increased levels of stress and ultimately precipitate burnout.

scholarly journals Changing Clusters of Indian States with respect to number of Cases of COVID-19 using incrementalKMN Method

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabinder Kumar Prasad ◽  
Rosy Sarmah ◽  
Subrata Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Doubling Time ◽  
The Other ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Indian States ◽  
High Risk Category ◽  
First Case ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) incidence in India is currently experiencing exponential rise with apparent spatial variation in growth rate and doubling time. We classify the states into five clusters with low to high-risk category and identify how the different states moved from one cluster to the other since the onset of the first case on $30^{th}$ January 2020 till the end of $15^{th}$ September 2020. We cluster the Indian states into $5$ groups using incrementalKMN clustering \cite{b1}. We observed and comment on the changing scenario of the formation of the clusters starting from before lockdown, through lockdown and the various unlock phases.

Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease-2019 among Healthcare Workers in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran, Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Hadi Kalantar ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi ◽  
Nima Bagheri ◽  
Seyed Ali Dehghan Manshadi ◽  
Alireza Moharrami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Hospital Database ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant worldwide problem since January 2019. Hospitals have spent most of their time and logistics on patients with COVID-19. During this crisis, many healthcare providers have been infected with the disease, and occasionally, some wards and operating rooms were shut down as a result. Here, we explain our experience with the healthcare staff involvement with COVID-19 in our hospital. Methods: As a referral tertiary center, Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran, Iran) has 4,200 health-care workers (HCWs). From February 20, 2020 to August 21, 2020, we investigated the hospital database for COVID-19 involvement among the staff. Results: During the study period, 973 (23%) hospital HCWs were detected with COVID-19, 378 (9%) of whom were involved between June 21 and July 21, 2020. In the orthopedic department, 20 of 43 (46%) HCWs were infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: We believe that the increase in the incidence of the disease and higher risk of exposure is a highly noticeable factor which should be addressed by the administrative health officials.

scholarly journals Otology practice during COVID-19 era: a review of current practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moustafa M. Dawoud
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Steroid ◽  
Main Body ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Theater Time ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Effective Service

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus started as an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.The outbreak was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 12 March 2020. The virus is called SARS-CoV-2, and the virus-induced disease is called COVID-19. The infection spreads via droplets or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Airborne transmission occurs during aerosol-generating procedures on patients. Many otologic procedures are considered AGPs and therefore require precautions to protect staff and patients and minimize transmission of the disease. Main body Outpatient otology activity has seen changes, including virtual clinics and limitation of face-to-face consultations, to ensure safety. Powered instrumentation should be avoided during surgical procedures unless necessary or replaced with other tools, and if performed, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination is recommended for any patient with full PPE in place except for consultations done without examination. Systemic steroid administration for treating conditions such as Bell’s palsy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be discussed with both the patient and infectious diseases specialist to weigh risks against benefits. Triaging of patients and prioritization is unavoidable during the pandemic and even after due to the limitations of clinic and theater time. All emergency/urgent cases are considered potentially COVID-19 positive. For the semi-urgent and all elective cases, COVID-19 testing 48 h prior to surgery, strict quarantine awaiting test results, and repeat testing on day of surgery if rapid tests are available are the precautions suggested. Different measures should be in place to minimize staff potential exposure intraoperatively. Conclusions Otology practice has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Various measures are in place to ensure the delivery of safe and effective service for patients and health care workers.

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