Protective Apron Research Articles

Sexual Activity of Local Sahel Goat Breed in Niger

Aims: In Niger, the Sahel goat breed counts for around 80% of the national goat herd. However, it is scientifically little or not known. Thus, one of the aims of its zootechnical characterization is the control of its sexual activity, a fundamental physiological basis of reproductive function.
 Study Design: For this purpose, a sample of 47 Sahel goats in two phenotypically different sub-samples: from the Tahoua region (22) and Tillabéry region (25) was installed and monitored for heat control in order to characterize female sexual activities.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for a period of 9 months (January to September) at the experimental station of University of Niamey Faculty of Agronomy.
 Methodology: Heat controls by using harnessed males with a non-marking protective apron were carried out twice daily (8 am and 5 pm).
 Results: A total of 146 heats and 100 cycles were observed. It appeared that heat starts and ends mostly in the morning (76% and 70% respectively). Annual sexual activity has gone through two phases. A phase of an almost total rupture of heat from February to April and a phase of regular sexual activity from May to September and by extension the rest of the year. The mean duration of estrus and sexual cycle are respectively 35.75 ± 15.72 hours and 20.9 ± 9.7 days with strong individual variations (12 to 132 hours and 4 to 55 days for respective estrus and sexual cycle). The “T” test showed that there are no significant differences in these parameters between the two sub-samples (Tahoua and Tillabéry).
 Conclusion: Ultimately, the estrus and sexual cycle of Niger Sahel goat are common to those of the goat species in general.

COVID-19 pandemic and emerging plastic-based personal protective equipment waste pollution and management in Africa

The threat of plastic waste pollution in African countries is increasing exponentially since the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus infection as a pandemic. Fundamental to this growing threat are multiple factors, including the increased public consumption for single-use plastics, limited or non-existence of adequate plastic waste management infrastructures, and urbanisation. Plastics-based personal protective equipment including millions of surgical masks, medical gowns, face shields, safety glasses, protective aprons, sanitiser containers, plastics shoes, and gloves have been widely used for the reduction of exposure risk to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This paper estimates and elucidates the growing plethora of plastic wastes in African countries in the context of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral fingerprint indicates that face masks were characterised by natural and artificial fibres including polyester fibres, polypropylene, natural latex resin. Our estimate suggests that over 12 billion medical and fabric face masks are discarded monthly, giving the likelihood that an equivalent of about 105,000 tonnes of face masks per month could be disposed into the environment by Africans. In general, 15 out of 57 African countries are significant plastic waste contributors with Nigeria (15%), Ethiopia (8.6%), Egypt (7.6%), DR Congo (6.7%), Tanzania (4.5%), and South Africa (4.4%) topping the list. Therefore, this expert insight is an attempt to draw the attention of governments, healthcare agencies, and the public to the potential risks of SARS-CoV-2-generated plastics (COVID plastic wastes), and the environmental impacts that could exacerbate the existing plastic pollution epidemic after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Double-layered fiber for lightweight flexible clothing providing shielding from low-dose natural radiation

Natural and medical radiation are the most frequent sources of daily low-dose radiation exposure for the general public, but these radiation levels are generally acceptable. Among various occupations, aviation crew members and medical workers are exposed to high levels of radiation from scattered rays. This study focused on developing clothing for shielding aviation crew members from natural radiation during air travel. Materials were selected considering their radiation-shielding properties. A tungsten double-layered composite yarn and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber fabric containing BaSO4 were manufactured. The characteristics and shielding performances of the products were analyzed. Prototypes of a protective scarf (for shielding the thyroid gland) and apron (for shielding the torso) for flight attendants were produced. A lightweight fabric was produced that neither restricts the movement of the wearer nor causes them skin discomfort. The shielding performances of the tungsten composite and PET fiber fabrics containing BaSO4 were 0.018 mmPb and 0.03 mmPb, respectively, demonstrating low-dose shielding that may be useful for protecting aviation crew members from scattered rays. The characteristics of the developed fibers are comparable to those of materials used in clothing production; therefore, low-dose radiation-shielding clothing could be manufactured for use in aviation, medical, and other industries.

Shielding effectiveness of X-ray protective garment.

Certification of the X-ray shielding garment is based on attenuation testing on flat material samples. We investigated the difference of shielding effectiveness compared to realistic use when the garment is worn on the body of a staff person. Attenuation factors of X-ray protective aprons have been evaluated for several clinical scenarios with Monte Carlo (MC) calculations based on the ICRP female reference model and an experimental setup. The MC calculated attenuation factors refer to the effective dose E, whereas the measured attenuation factors refer to the personal dose equivalent Hp(10). The calculated/measured factors were compared to the attenuation factors of the identical materials measured under the conditions of the standard IEC 61331-1 that is currently in use for the type testing of X-ray protective aprons. As a result, for example, at a common tube voltage of 80kV, the real attenuation factors of a 0.35mm Pb apron worn by a 3-dimensional body were 38% to 76% higher than when measured under IEC conditions on flat samples. The MC-calculated organ doses show the maximum contribution to E being within the operatoŕs abdomen/pelvis region. With our findings, personal X-ray protective garments could be improved in effectiveness.

SARS-CoV-2: Outline, Prevention, and Decontamination.

The new coronavirus began to spread around the world in late 2019. Initially, it was found only in China, but in the following days there were reported cases of infections in other countries. Subsequently, based on taxonomy, phylogeny, and accepted practice, the virus was officially designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As a result of the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different countries around the world, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a status change in the disease caused by this coronavirus—from an epidemic to a pandemic disease. Although the world is taking unprecedented efforts to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the number of confirmed cases is rising. Therefore, effective preventive measures are needed in order to limit the spread of illness. The prevention measures are mainly based on information on the virus transmission routes, its environmental stability, and persistence on commonly touched surfaces. Social distancing, mask usage, and good hygiene practice are the most important recommendations for general public. Healthcare professionals who are directly involved in SARS-CoV-2 patients care are more exposed to virus infection and additional protection measures are necessary, including protective suits, aprons, face shields, goggles, and gloves. Due to the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on different surfaces, such as glass, paper, or wood, proper disinfection is crucial. Several studies have shown that despite the virus’s stability, it is sensitive to various disinfectants, such as ethanol, isopropanol, sodium hypochlorite, or hydrogen peroxide. These findings underline the importance of having comprehensive knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and multidirectional strategies in order to limit the spread of the virus. This review is a summary of the most important information about SARS-CoV-2, such as its stability on different surfaces, protection strategies, and decontamination options.

Awareness and implementation of lonizing radiation safety measures among urology community in Egypt: nationwide survey

BackgroundTo assess awareness of ionizing radiation safety measures among Egyptian Urology Trainees and Urologists and see the effect of radiation safety courses on the adoption of these measures.MethodsThis Internet-based survey was conducted via https://www.surveymonkey.com/ after approval by the Egyptian Urological Association (EUA). It was sent to all EUA members via email during December 2019. Participation was voluntary and questions included participants’ demographics such as age, gender, years of experience, level of training and type of practice. Other questions assessed some domains such as whether the participant had radiation safety courses, and the extent to which she/he is adopting these measures during daily practice.ResultsA total of 142 Egyptian urology trainees and urologists responded to this electronic survey. The mean hours of fluoroscopy-guided endourologic procedures per week were 4.3 ± 2.1 h, and only 23% reported that they always wear protective lead aprons. In terms of the thyroid shield, X-ray protective gloves, eye googles, a total of 70% and 89% and 89% reported that they never wore it, respectively. The ALARA principle was known by only 24% of respondents. About 94% denied receiving any radiation safety courses. Participants who received radiation safety course reported significantly shorter FT during URS (p = 0.04), PCNL (p = 0.03) and JJ insertion (p = 0.04) and were significantly more compliant (p = 0.02). In addition, the number of years of experience (< 5y,5-10y,10-15y, > 15y) and the current job level (resident, specialist, consultant, professor) was significantly associated with higher compliance with lead aprons (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). On regression analysis, previous radiation safety awareness courses were the only predictor of good compliance with radiation safety measures (OR = 2 ± 0.73, p = 0.009).ConclusionThere was a lack of awareness and implementation of radiation safety measures among all participants. Receiving radiation safety courses was the only predictor of good compliance with radiation safety measures.

A preliminary study on the radiation dose reduction during catheterization procedures using simple partial patient shielding.

Reduction in X-ray exposure during cardiac catheterization is important to reduce radiation risks to operators and personnel. Reducing scattered radiation from the patient can achieve this goal. The goal of this study was to evaluate the reduction in radiation using simple partial shielding of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. By putting a lead-based apron on the lower extremities of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, we analyzed the reduction in total radiation dose with and without this shielding. One hundred and twelve patients were divided into two groups. In one group, the protective lead-based apron was put on the lower extremities of patients. Another group did not have any shielding. Total duration of angiography was 332 minutes and 45 seconds in the first group and 269 minutes and 10 seconds in the second group. The total radiation exposure was 33 μGy in the first group vs 606 μGy in the second group. Despite higher exposure time, total radiation dose was 22 times lower in the simple shielded group. Our simple method without any additional cost can significantly reduce radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

The Effect of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Disinfectants on Skin Health During Covid 19 Pandemia.

Background:Based on the available evidence, the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through close contact and droplets, not in the form of airborne transmission (airborne) among humans. People at risk of infection are those who are in close contact with or looking after COVID-19 patients. Preventive and mitigation measures are key in both the healthcare sector and the community. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory to protect healthcare workers from the new coronavirus, but healthcare workers may have skin damage especially associated with long-term use of PPE.Objective:The main purpose in this study is to forward the effects of PPE and disinfectants on health care workers skin health.Methods:From March to May 2020, self-administered face to face questionnaires were distributed to 200 individuals, consisting of healthcare workes who served in the designated departments of tertiary hospitals Famagusta /Cyprus. The questionnaire included questions about the condition of skin damage and the frequency or duration of several infection-prevention measures.Results:The most common protection equipment were surgery mask (91.5%), gloves (87.5%) and hand sanitizer (52.0%). In addition, 141 (70.5%) individuals stated take a bath/shower frequently as a protection method from COVID and135 (67.5%) individuals stated air conditioning. Most individuals use latex gloves with powder (65.0%) or powder free (62.0%). Mean daily duration of wearing mask was 7.32 ± 4.54 (range 0–24) hours, wearing visor or glasses was 3.16 ± 3.97 (range 0–24) hours, wearing protective apron was 4.20 ± 4.57 (range 0–24) hours and wearing gloves was 5.33 ± 4.03 (range 0–24) hours. Eighty (40.0%) individuals bought personal protective equipment for COVID. Most individuals (73.0%) did not see a COVID patient while 18 (9.0%) individuals sampled from a COVID patient. None of the individuals was COVID positive. Mean stress level was 70.24 ± 23.58 (range 0–100). Most individuals (92.0%) stay at home except working times. Fifty-two (26.0%) individuals had hand dryness (xerosis cutis), 38 (19.0%) individuals had body itching or exanthema, 41 (20.5%) individuals had facial wounds because of mask, visor etc. and 68 (34.0%) individuals had rhinitis. Twenty-nine (14.5%) individuals had treatment because of dermal problems.Conclusion:Atopy, winter season, low humidity frequency of hand washing with detergents / disinfectants can disrupt the hydro-lipid cover of the skin surface and also cause irritation and even the development of contact dermatitis. Two-thirds of healthcare workers wash their hands 10 times a day, but only 22% applied skin protective cream. Also, according to a study, prophylactic dressings have been shown to alleviate pressure injuries associated with the device. Also, longer exposure time is an important risk factor. Latex-free gloves are now a mandatory standard in many hospitals and clinics and have the potential to reduce occupational skin diseases.

Quality of radiation protection aprons and quality control routines at different diagnostic imaging modalities

Keywords: Radiation protection apron, Quality control, Routines, Radiation protection, Radiation doses Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this project was to assess the quality of lead aprons at different departments at two hospitals and to investigate whether there was a connection between routines for controlling lead aprons and the actual condition of the lead aprons. Methods: Lead aprons were tested in several diagnostic modalities in two hospitals. The lead aprons were inspected visually and by palpation. Furthermore, the lead aprons were scanned with a fluoroscopy unit and the size of the defect was recorded. The radiation dose was measured behind defects exceeding 0,4 cm in length. Radiation protection officers at the two hospitals were contacted for a review of the procedures. Results: Defects were detected in 19% of the tested aprons. Most findings were discovered in emergency room 1, where 62,5% of the lead aprons had one or more defects. The measured radiation doses behind the defects ranged from 3.996 nGy to 83.370 nGy. No defects were detected on nuclear medicine 1, emergency room 2, CT 2 and intervention 2. Both hospitals' routines were based on the Norwegian Radiation Protection Regulations. Hospital 2 controlled most of the lead aprons one month prior to this project. Conclusion: A possible connection between the hospitals’ routines and the quality of the lead aprons is indicated by the fact that the hospital with the most defective lead aprons also had the least follow-up of the routines.

Microorganism identification and environmental cleaning effectiveness in radiology settings: cross-sectional and experimental studies

Introduction: Despite the large number of patients passing through and some invasive procedures, radiology may still be considered unlikely to transmit pathogens. However, radiation protection aprons touched by radiology professionals and shared between patients could be prone to contamination. Our goals were to (1) assess qualitatively and quantitatively the microorganisms present on the radiation protection aprons with a cross-sectional study, and (2) determine the effectiveness of routine cleaning with an experimental design.&#x0D; Methods: For objective 1, 108 samples were collected on radiation protection aprons of two radiology settings: the diagnostic radiology (DR) setting, with a cleaning procedure in place, and the emergency setting without. Total cultivable bacteria, staphylococci, enterobacteria and fungi were quantified. For purpose 2, the number of total bacteria and staphylococci were compared between before and after cleaning the aprons.&#x0D; Results: The median number of total bacteria were respectively 0.97 and 1.56 cfu/cm2 in the DR and emergency settings, whereas the median number of Staphylococcus were 0.04 and 0.15 cfu/cm2 in these settings (Objective 1). Thus the number of microorganisms were lower in the setting with the cleaning procedure, although significantly only for staphylococci (p = 0.025). Enterobacteria, fungi and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected in any sample. In the second part of the study, the median number of total bacteria dropped from 0.80 to 0.17 cfu/cm2 between before and after cleaning (p = 0.0017) and for Staphylococcus it decreased from 0.84 to 0.15 cfu/cm2 (p = 0.13).&#x0D; Conclusion: A number of microorganisms have been found, although the absence of enterobacteria, fungi and S. aureus is reassuring as they can cause serious healthcare-associated infections. Our study showed that the cleaning of radiation protection aprons can significantly reduce the microbial load and should be encouraged.

A Novel Approach to Tying Personal Protective Isolator Aprons in Fighting Coronavirus Pandemic: The One-handed Single Throw Tie Strap Knot

The humble disposable plastic apron has been essential in the worldwide fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Tying the apron can take time, be a cumbersome process especially when wearing disposable gloves, rushing to attend ill patients or when healthcare provider shoulders are too stiff to reach behind backs for a lengthy amount of time. A novel technique is described by using a one-handed single throw tie strap knot technique to secure the disposable plastic apron. The new technique is a simple, easy, effective, and secure method of tying disposable plastic aprons.

Percutaneous structural cardiology: are anaesthesiologists properly protected from ionising radiation?

During transcatheter aortic valve implantations (TAVI) and other percutaneous structural procedures, some patients may need close anesthesiological care, thus exposing the anaesthesiologist to x-rays. This work aims to investigate the radiation dose received by anaesthesiologists during these specific procedures in order to improve their radiological protection. Occupational radiation doses were measured prospectively during percutaneous structural procedures in several health professionals using electronic dosimeters worn over the apron at chest level. A sample of 49 procedures were recorded, where the anaesthesiologists’ average dose per procedure resulted 13 times higher than that of interventional cardiologists. The average dose per procedure received over the protection apron during TAVIs by the anaesthesiologist was 0.13 mSv, with a maximum value of 0.69 mSv. Taking these figures as a conservative estimation of the eye lens dose, an anaesthesiologist could participate in around 150 procedures before reaching the regulatory annual dose limit for the lens of the eye in Europe (20 mSv). In those clinical procedures where patients need close anesthesiological care, the anaesthesiologists might receive high radiation doses increasing the risk for cataracts and the risk of stochastic radiation effects. The proper use of occupational dosimeters will help identify these situations. It is recommended to use a mobile shielding barrier to reduce radiation exposure to acceptable levels in these situations.

A Combined Tie-Fastening Method for the Reusable Surgical Gown with Two Neck Tie Belts to Improve Wearing Comfort.

The reusable surgical gowns made of slippery materials have the tendency to slip down as they are being worn. The rear neck tie(s) can sometimes loosen, and this causes the surgical gown to slip down somewhat, making the surgical staff members feel uncomfortable. If the gowns have two rear neck ties with a tendency of loosening and allowing the gowns to slip down, the surgical staff members feel more uncomfortable when there is only one tie loosening but the other tie is tethering. To fasten the neck ties of the surgical gown with two neck tie belts, we propose a simplified method of fastening the two sets of tie belts together as one tie, instead of fastening them separately. The object of this study is to evaluate this combined tying method for its ability to secure the gown and its wearing comfort. We enrolled five volunteers to evaluate the tie loosening condition of the reusable surgical gowns with two sets of rear neck tie belts after a series of upper limb motion exercises while wearing and not wearing the X-ray protective apron beneath the gown. The amount of uppermost rear neck cloth edge separation was recorded before and after the exercise. We also evaluated the wearing comfort of five enrolled operating surgeons for comparing the original and this modified tying method while wearing and not wearing the X-ray protective apron. In the results, we found that combined tying tends to have significantly more rear gown separation (0.94 cm) than separate tying (0.27 cm) after vigorous upper extremities exercise. However, during the actual performance of the surgeries, the rear neck tie(s) loosening and wearing discomfort of the combined tying method was significantly less than using the separate tying method (loosening: 0% vs. 30%) (discomfort: 0% vs. 35%) while the X-ray protective apron was not worn. For reusable surgical gowns that have two rear neck ties, we suggest the two sets of rear neck ties could be fastened together as one combined tie in routine surgical practice. With this, tying could be performed easier and faster, and wearing comfort could be improved.

Radiation protection practice of medical doctors of surgical and interventional specialties in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to evaluate the radiation protection practices of medical doctors of surgical and interventional specialties in different healthcare sectors of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study of medical doctors in Saudi Arabia who utilize radiation to perform interventional procedures and surgical operations was conducted. Data were gathered about the basic demographic background of the respondents, their daily application of radiation protection, and variations among different specialties and institutions regarding radiation protection practices. A total of 182 responses were received from different specialties, including interventional radiology (22%), interventional cardiology (16.5%), orthopedic surgery (14.8%), urology (14.3%), and diagnostic radiology (12.1%). Responses were received from different healthcare sectors, including the Ministry of Health (47%), private sector (26%), and university hospitals (18%). Only 59% of the respondents reported applying the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle of radiation protection. The specialties with the highest reported lack of the ALARA principle application were orthopedic surgery (89%), urology (69%) and endoscopy (57%). The highest reported non-adherence to the ALARA principle was in the Ministry of Defense hospitals (50%), private hospitals (44%) and Ministry of Health hospitals (43%). The use of a personal dosimeter was reported by 58% of the respondents and only 42% reported having training in radiation protection. The respondents reported a lack of regular checking of x-ray machines (28%) and protection aprons (40%), non-availability of radiation protection guidelines (48%), and a lack of policies for radiation dose monitoring (27%) in their institutions. It was concluded that the compliance with radiation protection practices was variable and generally poor among different specialties and healthcare sectors in Saudi Arabia. Similar poor practices were reported in the international literature of different countries. The concerned authorities worldwide are advised to take further actions in this regard.

Exposure of the breast, corresponding radiation risks and radiation protection for women, undergoing conventional X-ray examinations

The purpose of this work is to investigative radiation protection of the female breast in different X-ray examinations, including radiography. It is actual, because Publication ICRP №103 takes female breast to maximum irradiating organs. Analysed: risk of ionizing radiation, FB cancer, volume and dynamics X-ray examinations, female breast organ dose and effective dose. In conformity with data of Publication ICRP №103, effective dose of patients at mammography increased in 2,4 time and reach 0,48 mSv for examination as compared with 0,20 mSv with data of Publication ICRP №60. It is shown, that among different cancer, female breast cancer takes first place and constancy increased. Quantity of mammograms for 10 years increased in 2 time and collective dose increased in 2 times at last 7 years. Female breast average organ dose in mammography is 0,96 mGy and effective dose 0,05 mSv. It is only a part of summary irradiation from all X-ray examinations. The average mean value female breast organ dose of all radiography is 1,84 mGy (anterio-posterior projection – 1,57 mGy, lateral – 2,91 mGy) and effective dose – 0,25 mSv (anterioposterior – 0,26 mSv, lateral – 0,17 mSv). Considerable female breast irradiation is caused by X-ray spine examinations (thorax and lumbar). It is necessary to ensure radiation protection of female breast in diagnostic radiology, including quality control and optimization. Also need to shut female breast by X-ray protection apron, particularly in the lateral projection.

ATTITUDE OF DENTAL SURGEONS REGARDING RADIATION PROTECTION IN TEACHING DENTAL HOSPITALS OF PESHAWAR.

Objective:&#x0D; To determine attitude of dental surgeons regarding radiation protection in teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar.&#x0D; Materials and Methods:&#x0D; It was a cross sectional study, carried out in all the teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed amongst all the house officers who were present and willing to participate in the study. The questionnaire included both open and close ended questions regarding radiation protection. Descriptive data was analyzed using frequency tables and categorical variables was analyzed using chi-square test.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; Majority of house officers reported that they remain in the room with the patients while taking the radiographs, most of them belonging to a public dental college i.e. (74%). Only 7% from the public sector dental hospital reported that they wear protective lead apron as compared to private dental teaching hospitals i.e. Private teaching hospital A, (35%) and B (37%). Regarding ALARA guidelines for radiation safety, none of the participant form the public dental college was aware, while less than 10 % of participants from the private dental hospitals were aware. Majority of the participants were unsatisfied with the radiation protection measures provided at their institutes.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; This study concluded that attitude regarding radiation protection standards amongst house officers in teaching dental hospitals of Peshawar requires marked improvement to prevent radiation related hazards.

Radiation Exposure of Surgical Team During Endourological Procedures: International Atomic Energy Agency-South-Eastern European Group for Urolithiasis Research Study.

Introduction: Fluoroscopy-guided endourology procedures require proper radiation protection to minimize radiation risk. This multicenter study aimed at investigating radiation protection practice and related radiation exposure of operating team members. Materials and Methods: Six endourology centers from the South-Eastern European Group for Urolithiasis Research answered questionnaires and collected data of 315 procedures performed within a 3-months period, with simultaneous measurement of dose to staff and dose area product (DAP) to patient. A pair of calibrated personal dosimeters, one for body and one for eye-lens dose, was worn by all key staff members. Dosimeters were centrally calibrated, measured, and analyzed. Results: The annual workload ranged from 173 to 865 procedures per center. Practice of personal dose monitoring and use of radiation protection shielding was found to be inconsistent. Lead aprons and thyroid collars were used by all, whereas protective eyewear was used in only half of centers. Due to the regular use of protective aprons, the whole-body dose of all 44 monitored staff members was safely below the regulatory dose limits. Eye-lens dose of 17 (14 urologists and 3 assisting staff) was above the dosimeter detection level, and dose per procedure varied from <10 to 63 μSv. The highest annual eye-lens dose of 13.5 mSv was found for the surgeon in the busiest department by using an over-the-couch X-ray tube without a ceiling suspended screen. Working closer to patient body with no protection resulted in a six-time higher eye-lens dose per DAP for a surgeon compared with others in the same center. Lower eye-dose per procedure was associated with lower DAP to patient and with the use of an under-the-couch tube, lower fluoroscopy pulse rate, collimation, fluoroscopy time, and acquired images. Conclusions: The study results call for the need to establish standard protocols about use of fluoroscopy during endourology procedures and to increase radiation protection knowledge and awareness of surgical staff.

Present status and practical issues on dosimetry for the lens of the eye at JAEA MOX fuel facilities

ABSTRACT At Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) MOX fuel facilities, a worker usually wears a protective lead apron; therefore, the dose to the lens of the eye (lens dose) outside the apron is higher than that to the torso. To estimate the potential impact on the current facility operation of the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP)-proposed lens dose limit reduction from 150 mSv/y to average 20 mSv/y, the authors carried out an analysis on the past dose records for the workers over the last 18 years. Of a total of 4,312 workers’ records analyzed, two workers’ annual lens doses exceeded the lowered limit of 20 mSv (23.3 mSv and 20.7 mSv), although the maximum effective dose was below 10 mSv in each case. These compiled dose data reveal that in the glovebox and related operations the lens dose will be a limiting factor in radiological control under the newly lowered dose limit. To ensure that the number of workers with an annual lens dose greater than 15 mSv (approximately 0.6% of the workers) is kept to a minimum, the implementation of an administrative control level for the lens dose is considered.

Anti-X Apron Wearing and Musculoskeletal Problems Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Interventional radiology activities and other medical practices using ionising radiation have become increasingly prevalent. In this context, the use of anti-X aprons, in association with awkward postures and non-ergonomic working conditions, might cause the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate the evidence about the correlation between wearing anti-X aprons and work-related MSDs. A systematic scoping review of articles published between 1990 and 2020 was conducted by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Twelve cross-sectional studies, conducted among interventional physicians, nurses, and technicians, were finally included. Five studies primarily investigated the association between use of anti-X aprons and MSDs, showing that a higher prevalence of disorders was not always associated with the use of protective aprons. No studies investigated the impact of anti-X aprons on fitness for work assessment, particularly in subjects with MSDs. There is no complete agreement about the correlation between anti-X apron-wearing and the occurrence of MSDs, although the possible discomfort of workers using anti-X aprons appears more evident. Further studies are needed to objectify the role of these protective devices in the genesis of MSDs and to offer specific ergonomic solutions for healthcare workers.

Personal protective practices and pharmacy services delivery by community pharmacists during COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national survey.

IntroductionCoronavirus disease (COVID19) has adversely affected the delivery of various health services. Little is known about the impact of COVID19 on pharmacy services across the United Kingdom (UK). We surveyed community pharmacists across the UK to understand their protective practices, professional and general well-being, and the delivery of pharmacy services during the COVID19 pandemic.MethodsCommunity pharmacists were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey via the nationwide weekly newsletter of Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and the local pharmaceutical committees during the second week of May 2020. The survey remained open for 4 weeks.ResultsA total of 206 pharmacists responded to the survey with representations from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The majority of pharmacists (>75% or above) reported an increase in customer traffic to their pharmacy and were asking relevant questions from patients with flu-like symptoms before signposting them to the appropriate care. Most pharmacists (>85%) were maintaining a safe distance of 2 m from customers and 72% were wearing an N95 protective mask and 28% were using protective gloves and apron in addition to safe distancing and protective masks. Ninety-nine percent of pharmacists reported drug shortages with 38% and 26% reported significant drug shortages and critical drug shortages causing disruptions beyond over the counter medicines. Eighty-nine percent pharmacists reported inappropriate behaviour from patients or carers with 31% and 16% reported it to be a regular or frequent problem, respectively. Fifty-three% of pharmacists were willing to offer their assistance for mass testing of COVID19 antibodies if adequate training and reimbursement are provided.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in the UK are facing considerable challenges in terms of personal protection and the delivery of pharmacy services. Inappropriate behaviour from patients and carers towards community pharmacists require urgent attention to ensure a safe working place for all community pharmacists.