Protective Gloves Research Articles

Diffusion Behavior of Organic Solvents in Graphene Oxide/Nano Silica Hybrid Natural Rubber Latex Nanocomposite: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

AbstractThis study explores the impact of a graphene oxide (GO)/nano silica (NS) hybrid (GO/NS) filler on the diffusion characteristics of natural rubber (NR) composites when exposed to toluene, xylene, and hexane solvents. The lowest solvent uptake is observed for NR GO/NS 3 (3 phr), which is attributed to forming a robust filler network within the composite. The calculation of crosslink density using the Flory‐Rehner equation reveals significantly higher values for NR GO/NS 3, indicating good crosslinking density in the presence of the hybrid filler. Furthermore, molecular mass between crosslinks (Mc) is calculated, demonstrating a favorable fit with the Affine model. The investigation extends to theoretical modeling, where the Korsemeyer–Peppas and Peppas–Sahlin models are employed to predict solvent uptake behavior. Strikingly, the experimental values exhibit a strong alignment with the Peppas–Sahlin model. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the diffusion behavior of graphene oxide/nano silica (GO/NS) hybrid‐reinforced natural rubber latex in organic solvents, highlighting potential applications in areas such as solvent‐resistant coatings, barrier materials for chemical storage, and enhanced performance in protective gloves and seals used in harsh chemical environments.

An Assessment of Surface Contamination and Dermal Exposure to 5-Fluorouracil in Healthcare Settings by UPLC-MS/MS Using a New Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Source

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-known cytostatic drug, which is often used in cancer treatments. Yet, it is also a very dangerous compound for people who are occupationally exposed to it for a long time, such as pharmacy employees, nurses and cleaning staff. We aimed to improve and implement a LC-MS/MS method for 5-FU quantification on surface contamination samples collected with swabs in a pharmacy department and outpatient nursing station of a university hospital. To improve the existing methods to quantify 5-FU, we compared a LC-MS/MS method using the frequently applied electrospray ionization source (ESI) with a UniSpray ionization source (USI). To determine the contamination of 5-FU in a pharmacy department preparing 5-FU infusion bags, which are then given to patients in the outpatient nursing stations, we collected multiple surface swabs of the laminar flow cabinets and frequently touched objects, before the preparation and administration of 5-FU and afterwards. Furthermore, we sampled the protective gloves and the bare hands of employees of the pharmacy department, involved in the preparation of the infusion bags. Using the USI source, we were able to reach the lowest limit of quantification (LOQ). With this technique, we were able to detect 5-FU contamination on the laminar flow cabinets and frequently used objects in the pharmacy department and the outpatient nursing station in the very low ng/cm2 range. This contamination was mostly higher after preparation or administration than before. While we also found 5-FU on the protective gloves, we almost found no 5-FU on the skin of the pharmacy technicians preparing the 5-FU infusion bags. In conclusion, our method was able to detect very low concentrations of 5-FU contamination, but the contamination we found is very unlikely to result in any issues for the personnel working in these areas.

Equestrian-associated injuries of the hand: a retrospective analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns.

Hand injuries are frequently caused by sports and are associated with long periods of inability to work and high economic health costs. After ball sports and cycling, the most common cause of hand injuries is horseback riding. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent these risks and increase safety in sports, however data characterizing equestrian sports-associated injuries are limited. A retrospective monocentric cohort study was performed including 39 patients (mean age: 35 ± 2.6 (range 9-65) years, female 89.7% who sustained an injury to the hand while practicing equestrian sports during 2016-2021 and presented to our hand surgery center. Data analysis was performed to characterize the trauma mechanism and injury patterns by evaluating the clinical information system and conducting telephone interviews. Overall, 53.8% of the injuries occurred while leading the horse owing to traction by bridles or a lead rope on the fingers, whereas only 33.3% were caused by a fall and 12.8% by a bite injury. The majority (87.2%) of cases were injuries to the phalanges (metacarpus: 7.7%; carpus: 5.1%). Fractures were present in 51.3% of cases. The most serious injuries included avulsion amputations in 23.1% of patients (10.3% subtotal; 12.8% total amputation). Equestrian-associated injuries occur more frequently during horse handling than riding, resulting in severe avulsion amputations due to traction of the lunge or bridle, requiring complex microsurgical treatment. We recommend that appropriate protective gloves are worn for prevention of hand injuries. Additionally, the use of self-opening panic hooks with overload protection can prevent excessive traction. III.

Investigating stingray skin as a novel material for high-performance textile items

ish skin leather is a sustainable alternative to traditional leather production. The goal of this study is to create a recipe for turning raw stingray leather into protective gloves for hands. The process flow of Stingray Leather Processing and optimization of each single step has been done. The technique is based on tanning agents, formulating new processing methods, conducting an extensive market analysis, and examining the environmental impact. The processed stingray leather was evaluated for resistance to abrasion, cur, and puncture resistance, and it was found that the stingray skin gloves showed better cut and abrasion resistance than the conventional gloves available in the market.

Investigating stingray skin as a novel material for high-performance textile items

ish skin leather is a sustainable alternative to traditional leather production. The goal of this study is to create a recipe for turning raw stingray leather into protective gloves for hands. The process flow of Stingray Leather Processing and optimization of each single step has been done. The technique is based on tanning agents, formulating new processing methods, conducting an extensive market analysis, and examining the environmental impact. The processed stingray leather was evaluated for resistance to abrasion, cur, and puncture resistance, and it was found that the stingray skin gloves showed better cut and abrasion resistance than the conventional gloves available in the market.

Effect of training based on Orem's self-care deficit theory on breast cancer patients' management of chemotherapy-related side effects and self-care behaviors: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo examine the effects of training based on Orem's self-care deficit theory on breast cancer patient's physical, social, and psychological well-being and self-care behaviors during chemotherapy. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was based on a pretest–posttest experimental design. The study sample consisted of 62 breast cancer patients (n = 31 for each of the intervention and control groups) receiving cyclophosphamide–epirubicin or cyclophosphamide–adriamycin treatment in the medical oncology department of a university hospital in Tekirdağ, Turkey. The breast cancer patients in the intervention group received training based on Orem's self-care deficit theory regarding physical, social, and psychological well-being and self-care behaviors during chemotherapy. The researcher conducted two face-to-face follow-ups (during the second and third chemotherapy cycles, 3 weeks apart) and a posttest assessment. Pretest and posttest symptom scores and self-care survey results were compared for both groups. ResultsThe Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS) first follow-up, second follow-up, and posttest scores showed that the intervention group experienced fewer negative changes in quality of life than the control group based on the physical, social, and psychological subdimension and total scale scores (p < .05). The most positive changes in the intervention group's self-care behaviors were observed for items about caring for and protecting hair, using protective gloves when doing chores, monitoring weight, and limiting social meetings when blood values were low to protect against possible infection. ConclusionTraining based on Orem's self-care deficit theory positively influenced breast cancer patients' management of chemotherapy-related side effects and self-care behaviors. Chemotherapy-related side effects should be evaluated frequently. Moreover, patients' needs should be determined, and training should be tailored to their needs.

Dentist's perception and usage of Personal Protective Equipment –A Cross sectional survey

Introduction: Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to protective clothing, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, facemasks and/or respirators or other equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or the spread of infection or illness. The usage of PPE among health care professionals is increased after Covid 19. Dentists poses high risks to infection due to largernumber of droplets generated during dental procedures. The perception and the usage of Personal Protective Equipment among the dentists may not be same. Hence an online cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among the dentists on perception and usage of Personal Protective Equipment. Materials and methods: A cross sectional only survey using 20closed-ended questionnaire was conducted to assess the perception and usage of Personal Protective Equipment among dentists. A total of 388 dentists were included in the survey. The study subjects were classified into 3 groups. Group A-Practitioner alone (in Clinic/Hospital), Group B-Academician (Working in academic institution alone without practice) and Group C- Both (clinician and academician). Results: Most of the dental practitioners who are affiliated to dental colleges as well as having or working in clinician (Group C) had received formal training or demonstration regarding donning and doffing of PPE compared to individual practitioners or academician (Group A and B) and it is statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) and many private practitioner’s faced shortage of PPE compared to academician and both (Private practitioners and academician) which is statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) Conclusion: Compared to Group A and B academician and clinician individually dental professionals who are working as both academician and clinician (Group C) have better perception and know the proper usage of PPE which might be because of the exposure in both college and clinical setup.

Comparison of dynamic tests of the modified purex process flowsheet using 30 and 45% TBF in isoparafin

Results of centrifugal contactor rig trials of the flowsheet of the first solvent extraction cycle in protective glove boxes using simulated solutions of spent nuclear fuel and 30 and 45% TBP in isoparaffin as a solvent are compared. It was shown that an increase in the TBP concentration to 45% resulted in deterioration of the quality of the products obtained by the same flowsheets with 30% TBP in Isopar L as a solvent. Comparison of experimental and computer simulated profiles of component distribution across the stages of extraction units demonstrated satisfactory agreement in nitric acid and uranium concentrations. At the same time, it was found that simulation model of zirconium, technetium, and neptunium extraction requires improvement considering interaction of these elements with complexing agents.

Healthcare Workers' Perception and Compliance on Personal Protective Equipment Use in Critical Care Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bahrain.

Introduction Contact precautions or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically gowns and gloves, has become a common practice in intensive care units (ICUs) as part of robust infection prevention and control efforts. Hence, a positive attitude toward PPE used among healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Aim This study aimed to determine the perception and compliance of HCWs working at critical care units regarding PPE used at government hospitals (GHs) in Bahrain. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in critical units at GHs, Bahrain. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of three sections was sent to the targeted HCWs. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, job category, etc.), previous participation in PPE training, and a 15-item questionnaire to assess the perception and compliance of HCWs regarding PPE use. Results Among the 119 HCWs enrolled, 73.1% were females, and 48.7% were between 31 and 40 years old. The results of this study suggested that although 95.8% of participants received education about PPE use, only 48.7% had a good perception of PPE, and an even smaller percentage (12.6%) demonstrated good compliance. A positive, highly statistically significant correlation was found between perception and compliance scores (p<0.001). Increased perception and compliance scores were associated with increasing age, non-Bahrainis, and years of experience. Interestingly, doctors were more likely to demonstrate lower perception and compliance scores toward PPE use. Conclusion The perception of HCWs regarding PPE use was adequate, but their actual adherence was unsatisfactory. However, doctors' perceptions and compliance with PPE use were significantly lower than other HCWs. Further larger studies are required to establish the level of perception and compliance among HCWs in our region.

Effects of firefighters’ protective gloves on physiological responses, psychological responses, and manual performance in a cold environment

This study aimed to investigate the effects of firefighters' protective gloves on physiological responses, psychological responses, and manual performance in a cold environment through human trials. Twelve participants wearing firefighter protective equipment were exposed to a 16 °C environment, while their hands were exposed to a small chamber of 0 °C with (FPG) and without (CON) firefighting protective gloves. During the trials, physiological responses (core temperature (Tc), the mean skin temperature (Tsk), and heart rate (HR)), psychological responses (thermal sensation vote (TSV) and pain sensation vote (PSV)), and manual performance (handgrip strength, manual dexterity, maximum finger flexion, and tactile sensitivity)) were obtained. The results indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) between FPG and CON regarding Tsk. Furthermore, pain sensation occurred when the mean skin temperature of the hand was between 15 °C and 20 °C. Gloves significantly (p < 0.05) reduced handgrip strength, manual dexterity, and tactile sensitivity in the cold exposure. This study provides fundamental knowledge for cold strain assessment and high-performance protective glove development with the potential to improve firefighters’ safety and health.

Sustainability in occupational dermatology : Starting points, challenges, and potentials for sustainable care of work-related skin diseases

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in healthcare and has moved into focus at various levels. This article aims to provide an overview of guiding principles, concepts, and target systems of sustainability and to transfer these to occupational dermatology. Current and future starting points are outlined for various levels, e.g., politics, research, industry, and patient care, in order to link sustainability and occupational dermatology in astructured and systematic way and to transform the structures of patient care in occupational dermatology care towards sustainability. Using the specific example of protective gloves, which is apivotal personal protective measure to prevent work-related hand eczema, starting points, potentials, and challenges are analyzed and specific possibilities and perspectives for more ecologically sustainable action are presented.

In vitro characterisation of a novel rubber contact allergen in protective gloves.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from protective gloves is often caused by rubber additives, such as accelerators. However, while accelerator-free rubber gloves are available, they still cause ACD in some individuals. A new allergen, 2-cyаnоethyl dimethyldithiocarbamate, (CEDMC), has recently been identified in accelerator-free gloves, and we here provide a first in vitro characterisation of CEDMC in a dendritic cell (DC)-like cell model along with three reference sensitizer rubber chemicals, consisting of tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TETD) and two xanthogenates. Cellular responses after the exposure to the rubber chemicals were assessed using a transcriptomic approach, multiplex cytokine secretion profiling, and flow cytometry to determine DC model activation marker expression and apoptosis induction. CEDMC and all other sensitizers were classified as strong skin sensitizers with the transcriptomic approach. They all significantly increased IL-8 secretion and exposure to all except one increased CD86 DC activation marker expression. When tested, CEDMC induced apoptosis, however, delayed compared to TETD. The in vitro data corroborate CEDMC, TETD, and investigated xanthogenates as skin sensitizers. Transcriptomic analyses further reveal unique cellular responses induced by CEDMC, which together with future study can contribute to better understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying the sensitising capacity of rubber chemicals.

Revealing the unique characteristics and strength of polycarbodiimide as an accelerator‐free crosslinker for low‐temperature processing of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber gloves for hand protection

Revealing the unique characteristics and strength of polycarbodiimide as an accelerator‐free crosslinker for low‐temperature processing of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber gloves for hand protection

Skin-inspired multimodal tactile sensor aiming at smart space extravehicular multi-finger operations

Tactile sensing of skin shapes the interactions between hand and the surrounding world, owing to the remarkable natural sensory system. But for astronauts, tactile feedback cannot be obtained biologically due to the very thick protective gloves, which seriously hinders the flexibility of the extravehicular activity. In this work, inspired by human skin, we develop a biomimetic multi-layer tactile sensor (BMLTS) that can work like the fast adaptive and slow adaptive receptors of fingertip to achieve the multimodal tactile perception based on the fusion of thermosensitive, piezoelectric, triboelectric and piezoresistive materials. Based on the BMLTS, the tactile perception for temperature, surface roughness discrimination and smart object grasping is successfully achieved, which fully simulates the basic tactile perceptions in typical extravehicular operations. Furthermore, by the combination of BMLTS and deep learning, a biomimetic intelligent perception system (BIPS) that can make decisions to the tactile signal just like human brain is constructed, which can provide real-time tactile information for astronauts. Intelligent real-time object material identification, writing and recording are conducted using BIPS, reaching the recognition accuracy rate higher than 95%. This work lays the foundation for the systematization and integration of tactile sensors, and paves the way for the development of dexterous tactile perception for smart extravehicular activities of astronauts.

Airborne bacterial and fungal species in workstations of salmon processing plants

Significant quantities of salmon are processed daily in the industry's indoor facilities. Occupational exposure contributes to an individual's exposome. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about potential exposure to viable airborne species of bacteria and fungi as related to workstations in the salmon processing industry. The study was conducted in nine salmon plants along the Norwegian coast over one or two days with a one-year interval. The MAS100 was used for sampling and MALDI-TOF MS for species identification. The geometric mean concentrations of bacteria and fungi were 200 CFU/m3 and 50 CFU/m3, respectively, with the highest concentrations of bacteria found in slaughtering areas and fungi in trimming of fillets. In total 125 gram-negative and 90 gram-positive bacterial and 32 different fungal species were identified. Some genera were represented by several species e.g. Chryseobacterium (15 species), Flavobacterium (13 species), Microbacterium (12 species), Pseudomonas (37 species), and Psychrobacter (13 species). Risk class 2 (RC2, human pathogens) were found in all types of workstations and plants. Seventeen bacterial species belong to RC2, some were fish pathogens, food spoilage bacteria, or species causing foodborne disease. Among fungi, Aspergillus nidulans was frequently detected across different workstations and plants. In conclusion, bacterial and fungal concentrations were low. Fish and sea-related bacteria were found along the salmon processing line. Bacterial concentrations and species compositions differ between workstations. No particular bacterial or fungal species constituted a large fraction of all airborne species. Based on the presence of human pathogens, using protective gloves is important for the workers. The presence of human and fish pathogens and food spoilage bacteria reveals air as a transmission route for bacteria, potentially affecting workers, consumers, fish, and hygiene of processing equipment. To limit the spread of these bacteria an interdisciplinary cooperation with a One Health perspective may be relevant.

Key determinants of product value for business sustainability in glove industry: A moderating impact of technological competency

With the technological progress of market globalization and post COVID-19 pandemic, protective gloves made from latex have been required to have significant upgrades by using antimicrobial technology to coat the glove layer so that it can effectively prevent users’ hands from getting infected by cross-transmissions of microorganisms and viruses. As the glove industry aims to maintain its business sustainability, understanding users’ perceived glove value merits closer attention because perceived value has direct associations with user trust, loyalty, and retention allowing producers to estimate and produce sufficient supply responding to the current market needs. This research aims to investigate how product attributes (convenience and risk) influence glove quality and glove value. Furthermore, this research also examines how technological competency moderates an association between glove quality and glove value. Researchers collected data from 720 Thai glove users via survey questionnaires. Furthermore, a path analysis technique was used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that product convenience (β=0.32, p<0.001) and product risk (β=-0.51, p>0.001) significantly influenced glove quality. Next, product convenience (β=0.49, p<0.001) and glove quality (β=0.74, p<0.001), except product risk (β=-0.03, p>0.05), significantly influenced glove value. Meanwhile, glove quality mediated the relationship between product risk and glove value. Finally, technological competency moderated the association between glove quality and glove value.

Evaluation and implication of noise and vibration levels to the operators and proxy population around selected block molding industries in Ibadan, Nigeria

Introduction: Block-making industries owned by private individuals are cited in cities to utilize the existing market opportunity of supplying concrete blocks to developers. The study aimed to measure noise and vibration levels at selected block-molding industries and assess their health implications. Methods: The study design involves twenty-five block molding industries randomly selected in the Ibadan metropolis. These industries voluntarily agreed to participate in the research, and measurements were done between January and May 2022. The noise and vibration levels were measured using a digital multi-function environmental meter, Model DT-8820, and a vibration meter, Model VM-6360, respectively. Results: An overall mean noise level of 101.81 dB(A), 85.62 dB(A), 76.40 dB(A), 70.21 dB(A), 65.91 dB(A), and 63.61 dB(A) at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 m, respectively, away from the source to residential buildings were obtained. Results indicate that the noise level at 0 m and 10 m exceeded the occupational noise level standard. The results obtained for the vibration levels on the hand of the operators ranged from 42.2 ms-2 to 59.7 ms-2 and these exceeded the occupational vibration level standard. This may indicate that the operators of the block-moulding machine may be exposed to various adverse health detriments due to high noise and vibration levels at their workplace. Conclusion: The study recommends using safety gadgets such as hearing protection and anti-vibration gloves for workers in these industries. Moreover, environmental education and awareness should be carried out, and residential structures should be situated at least 20 meters from the block industries.

Assessing the incorporation of the 'Five Moments for Hand Hygiene' into nursing procedure textbooks

AimOur aim was to conduct a thorough comparison between the hand hygiene information included in international nursing textbooks and the Slovenian nursing textbook's equivalent content as it relates to nursing procedures. BackgroundHand hygiene practices are crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections, which affect millions of patients annually. The idea behind "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" is to encourage assessing success and boosting self-efficacy. DesignComparison of hand hygiene content in international nursing textbooks with the content in a Slovenian nursing textbook. MethodsA study was conducted between March 2023 and March 2024 to compare hand hygiene content in international nursing textbooks. The study included textbooks from the USA and UK, as well as Slovenian (SI) textbooks. The final phase involved comparing hand hygiene performance practices against the WHO Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. ResultsThe study reviewed 470 nursing procedures across three textbooks, identifying four common ones: female indwelling urinary catheterisation, small-bore feeding tube insertion, enema administration and subcutaneous injections. The USA textbook had the highest number of steps, while the UK textbook had the lowest. Clean protective gloves are not recommended for all nursing procedures, only for small-bore feeding tube insertion and enema administration. The US textbook omitted 12 steps for the female indwelling urinary catheter procedure, while the UK textbook included 10 steps. The SI textbook omitted 8 steps. ConclusionsHand hygiene is crucial for healthcare infections prevention and control. The study found differences in the frequency of hand hygiene in these nursing procedures. WHO's Five Moments for Hand Hygiene guidelines are not universally accepted, with inadequate hygiene often observed before patient contact. Future research should review foreign textbooks and update existing ones.

Evaluating gloved hand performance based on the mechanical properties of the applied material

The hands are the most complex organs of the body for performing various activities. Therefore, it is critical to protect them against dangers. Protective gloves can reduce or prevent injuries, but they can downgrade hand performance in various aspects, including tactile sensitivity, strength, grip force and hand dexterity. In this study, eight protective gloves with different designs and materials were made. The study investigated the influence of the number of layers and several characteristics, e.g., mass per square meter, thickness, bending stiffness and compressibility, on the gloved hand performance regarding protection ability, tactile sensitivity, strength capability and manual dexterity. The results indicated that despite the improving effects of increasing layer thickness, weight, bending energy and compressibility on protection ability, the gloves diminish tactile sensitivity, grip and pinch force, and manual dexterity. Therefore, it is necessary to select an optimum design to ensure a satisfactory trade-off between protection and performance.

Design and Development of Ecofriendly UV-Protective Gloves

UV rays and relevant skin diseases are a major problem among the wide population. UV rays affect our skin harshly, mainly while traveling exposed to the sun. Overexposure to the sun is the primary cause of most skin cancers. Acute exposure to UV rays causes immediate skin discoloration. To unfold these issues, the contemplated work aims at reducing skin diseases and skin exposure to the rays, with natural oils incorporated in developed natural fibered fabric hand gloves for UV protection. The knitted bamboo and woven banana fabrics are used for a better wearing experience. Natural oils such as almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis), Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum L.), Red raspberry oil (Rubus idaeus L.), and Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) for incorporated into the fabric. UPF testing, Anti-microbial tests, and Anti-bacterial tests are carried out. Keywords: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis, Sesamum indicum L, Rubus idaeus L, Cymbopogon citratus, UV-rays, Bamboo knit, Banana fabric, Skin cancer, Natural oil, Hand Gloves.