Viral Contamination Research Articles

Protection of biomanufacturing processes from virus contamination through upstream virus filtration of cell culture media.

Cell-based manufacturing processes have occasionally been exposed to adventitious viruses, leading to manufacturing interruptions and unstable supply situations. The rapid progress of advanced therapy medicinal products needs innovative approaches to avoid any unwelcome reminder of the universal presence of viruses. Here, we investigated upstream virus filtration as a clearance step for any product too complex for downstream interventions. Culture media virus filtration was investigated with respect to virus clearance capacities under extreme conditions such as high process feed loading (up to ~19,000 L/m²), long duration (up to 34 days), and multiple process interruptions (up to 21 h). The small nonenveloped Minute virus of mice was used as relevant target virus, and as worse-case challenge for the investigated virus filters with a stipulated pore-size of about 20 nm. Certain filters-especially of the newer second generation-were capable of effective virus clearance despite the harsh regimen they were subjected to. The biochemical parameters for un-spiked control runs showed the filters to have no measurable impact on the composition of the culture media. Based on these findings, this technology seems to be quite feasible for large volume premanufacturing process culture media preparations.

Antimicrobial plastic films against SARS‐COV‐2 and pathogenic bacteria

AbstractPolymeric films are used in numerous applications in the biomedical area. The incorporation of antimicrobial agents into these materials can prevent their surface from acting as a source of contamination of viruses and bacteria. In the present work, cinnamon and eucalyptus essential oils were incorporated into low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) by melt extrusion, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For the success of incorporation, talc was used as an oil carrier and fixer. Despite high processing temperatures used (up to 175°C), the oleophilic character of talc was able to minimize oil losses, as proven by thermogravimetry. Good thermal and mechanical properties evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests were confirmed. In addition, antimicrobial tests confirmed film activity against virus SARS‐CoV‐2 and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. LDPE films incorporated with both oils showed significant antiviral properties against SARS‐CoV‐2, with viral titers reduction between 95.89% and 100%. Cinnamon oil showed more efficient antibacterial properties than eucalyptus oil, with relative bacterial growths of films next to zero (0.37% for E. coli and 2.07% for S. aureus). To the best of our knowledge, no previous work has developed plastic films incorporated with essential oils with confirmed antiviral properties against SARS‐CoV‐2.

Can a UV-C box help the cinema industry by disinfecting video cameras?

UV-C has proven to be an effective virucide and microbicide, and its cost-effectiveness allowed it to spread as a disinfecting procedure in different environments. The study aims to determine the microbicide activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and SARS-CoV-2 of the UV-C Boxer by Cartoni S.p.A. Three separate experiments were performed to assess the effectiveness of the UV-C disinfection device on different materials, directly on surfaces of a video camera and on a specific carrier for SARS-CoV-2. In all three experiments, a significant abatement of bacterial and viral contamination was reached after 60 seconds on carriers and after 3 minutes on all examined surfaces of the video camera, with a higher reduction on glass carriers. UV-C devices may be a valuable tool to implement in the working routine to achieve a higher level of safety in work environments.

Managing Type 1 Diabetes from Gynecological Waste: Trash to Treasure.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), an autoimmune disease, involves the destruction of pancreatic β cells. β cells maintain glucose homeostasis by identifying blood glucose and accordingly releasing insulin to maintain normal physiologic glucose levels. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) cells pose a lesser risk of viral contamination due to low placental transmission during prenatal life. Additionally, they have advantages such as non-invasive harvest procedure gynecological waste, low immunogenicity, easy expansion in-vitro, and easy ethical access compared to deriving stem cells from other sources. According to the published preclinical data, the infusion of autologous cord blood cells is considered safe as they are non-antigenic. Depending on the degree of differentiation, the ability to regenerate themselves and the origin of many stem cell types can be differentiated. The application of stem cells (SCs) has great potential for managing T1DM due to their regenerative capabilities and promising immunological characteristics. Due to lesser ethical complications and easy procedures of isolation, hUCB has become a precious medical intervention.

Decontamination of bedding reduces the risk for contamination of personnel changing bedding: A simulation study

Background: The recent worldwide outbreak of Mpox virus infections has raised concern about the potential for nosocomial acquisition during handling of contaminated bedding or clothing. We conducted simulations to test the hypothesis that decontamination of bedding prior to handling could reduce the risk for contamination of personnel. Methods: We conducted a crossover trial to test the effectiveness of spraying contaminated bedding with a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant in reducing contamination of personnel during handling of the contaminated bedding. Bedding was contaminated on top and bottom surfaces with aerosolized bacteriophage MS2. Personnel (N = 10) wearing a cover gown and gloves removed the bedding from a patient bed and placed it into a hamper both with and without prior hydrogen peroxide spray decontamination. After handling the bedding, samples were collected to assess viral contamination of gloves, cover gown, neck or chest, and hands or wrists. Results: Contamination of the gloves and cover gown of personnel occurred frequently during handling of bedding and 20% of participants had contamination of their hands or wrists and neck after the simulation (Fig.). Decontamination of the bedding reduced contamination of the gloves and eliminated contamination of the cover gown, hands or wrists, or neck. Conclusion: Decontamination of bedding prior to handling could be an effective strategy to reduce the risk for nosocomial acquisition of Mpox by healthcare personnel.Disclosures: None

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposites for Nanotheranostics: Special Focus on Preventing Emerging Variants of SARS-COV-2.

The worldwide emerging cases of various respiratory viral diseases and the current escalation of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) make people considerably attentive to controlling these viruses through innovative methods. Most re-emerging respiratory diseases envelop RNA viruses that employ attachment between the virus and host cell to get an entry form using the host cell machinery. Emerging variants of COVD-19 also bring about a constant threat to public health as it has wide infectivity and can quickly spread to infect humans. This review focuses on insights into the current investigations to prevent the progression of incipient variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) along with similar enveloped RNA viruses that cause respiratory illness in humans and animals. Nanotheranostics is a trailblazing arena of nanomedicine that simultaneously helps prevent or treat diseases and diagnoses. Nanoparticle coating and nanofibers were extensively explored, preventing viral contaminations. Several studies have proven the virucidal activities of metal nanoparticles like copper, silver, and titanium against respiratory viral pathogens. Worldwide many researchers have shown surfaces coated with ionic nanoparticles like zinc or titanium act as potent antiviral agents against RNA viruses. Carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, silica nanoparticles (NPs), polymeric and metallic nanoparticles have also been explored in the field of nanotheranostics in viral detection. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed different types of metallic, ionic, organic nanoparticles and their hybrids showing substantial antiviral properties to stop the progression of the novel coronavirus disease focused on three key classes: prevention, diagnostics, and treatment.

Farm management practices associated with influenza A virus contamination of people working in Midwestern United States swine farms

Indirect transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) contributes to virus spread in pigs. To identify farm management activities with the ability to contaminate farmworkers’ hands and clothing that then could be a source of virus spread to other pigs, we conducted a within-farm, prospective IAV surveillance study. Hands and clothes from farmworkers performing the activities of piglet processing, vaccination, or weaning were sampled before and after the activities were performed. Samples were tested by IAV rRT-PCR and virus viability was assessed by cell culture. A multivariate generalized linear model was used to detect associations of the activities with IAV contamination. Of the samples collected for IAV rRT-PCR testing, there were 16% (12/76) collected immediately after processing, 96% (45/48) collected after vaccination, and 94% (29/31) collected after weaning that tested positive. Samples collected immediately after vaccination and weaning, i.e., activities that took place during the peri-weaning period when pigs were about 3 weeks of age, had almost 6 times higher risk of IAV detection and had more samples IAV positive (p-value < 0.0001) than samples collected after processing, i.e., an activity that took place in the first few days of life. Both, hands and clothes had similar contamination rates (46% and 55% respectively, p-value = 0.42) and viable virus was isolated from both. Our results indicate that activities that involve the handling of infected piglets close to weaning age represent a significant risk for IAV dissemination due to the high level of IAV contamination found in farmworkers’ hands and coveralls involved in the activities. Biosecurity protocols that include hand sanitation and changing clothing after performing activities with a high-risk of influenza contamination should be recommended to farmworkers to control and limit the mechanical spread of IAV between pigs.

Comparative aspects of the influence of exogenous risk factors on the occurrence of nosocomial pneumonia among patients infected with COVID-19 in intensive care units and surgical and therapy departments of a large multidisciplinary hospital

The problem of lung damage in viral infection caused by COVID-19 due to high frequency is relevant for anesthesiologists, resuscitators and epidemiologists. According to scientific research, when a patient is on a ventilator, the risk of an adverse outcome can reach 42 %. This is determined by the widespread use of invasive diagnostic manipulations in patients with COVID-19, which may be associated with bacterial and viral contamination of the environment. This article presents the results of a study of the influence of exogenous risk factors on the development of nosocomial pneumonia in 164 patients infected with COVID-19 in intensive care units and departments of surgical and therapeutic profile of a large multidisciplinary hospital. The number of exogenous risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia among patients infected with COVID-19 in intensive care units exceeded by 7.3 times their presence in surgical departments with a predominance of artificial lung ventilation (90.2 %), tracheostomy (87.8 %), oxygen therapy (68.3 %). The negative impact was determined by the untimely change of air filters during artificial lung ventilation — 16.2 % and tracheal sanitation –8.1 %, poor hand treatment of medical personnel,before tracheal sanitation — 39.2 %.

Scientific basis of natural and agricultural zoning of the territory of Ukraine in modern conditions

Theoretical and methodological approaches to the natural-agricultural zoning of the territory of Ukraine in modern conditions to ensure ecologically balanced, economically efficient and socially oriented use of agricultural land have been highlighted in the article. They are due to large-scale challenges: global warming, which requires changes and clarification of zonal boundaries at the state level (natural and agricultural zones, provinces and districts); aggressive Russian-Ukrainian war, which causes a number of mechanical, physical and chemical negative effects on the soil cover. In particular, where hostilities took place and are taking place (Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions); viral contamination of agricultural plants and soils as a result of violation of crop rotation as an important phytosanitary means of protecting plants and soil from viral infections. According to virologists, the man-made load on the natural environment today and in the near future will increase rather than decrease, and more and more new, including genetically modified, cultivated plants will enter the agrocenoses. The problems of ecological balance in agrocenosis will become more and more important, and the issue of the spread of phytovirus infections and their harmfulness in the future may be considered one of the most acute. The specified challenges determine the need to make significant changes, especially in the limits of the natural-agricultural zoning of the territory of the state, as well as the corresponding taxonomic units (natural-agricultural district — as an area of the territory, within which there is a leveled dependence of crop production, mainly agriculture, on climatic conditions and soil cover of agricultural land, in particular arable land. Microdistrict differences of these factors must be significant). These changes should be made on the basis of a continuous large-scale soil survey.

Quantifying the reduction of airborne infectious viral load using a ventilated patient hood

Healthcare workers treating SARS-CoV-2 patients are at risk of infection by respiratory exposure to patient-emitted, virus-laden aerosols. Source control devices such as ventilated patient isolation hoods have been shown to limit the dissemination of non-infectious airborne particles in laboratory tests, but data on their performance in mitigating the airborne transmission risk of infectious viruses are lacking. We used an infectious airborne virus to quantify the ability of a ventilated hood to reduce infectious virus exposure in indoor environments. We nebulized 109 plaque forming units (pfu) of bacteriophage PhiX174 virus into a ∼30-m3 room when the hood was active or inactive. The airborne concentration of infectious virus was measured by BioSpot-VIVAS and settle plates using plaque assay quantification on the bacterial host Escherichia coli C. The airborne particle number concentration (PNC) was also monitored continuously using an optical particle sizer. The median airborne viral concentration in the room reached 1.41× 105pfu/m3 with the hood inactive. When active, the hood reduced infectious virus concentration in air samples by 374-fold. The deposition of infectious virus on the surface of settle plates was reduced by 87-fold. This was associated with a 109-fold reduction in total airborne particle number escape rate. A personal ventilation hood significantly reduced airborne particle escape, considerably lowering infectious virus contamination in an indoor environment. Our findings support the further development of source control devices to mitigate nosocomial infection risk among healthcare workers exposed to airborne viruses in clinical settings.

Prevalence and risk factors for avian influenza virus (H5 and H9) contamination in peri-urban and rural live bird markets in Bangladesh.

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) have been frequently detected in live bird markets (LBMs) around the world, primarily in urban areas, and have the ability to spillover to other species, including humans. Despite frequent detection of AIV in urban LBMs, the contamination of AIV on environmental surfaces in rural and peri-urban LBMs in Bangladesh is poorly documented. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the prevalence of AIV subtypes within a subset of peri-urban and rural LBMs in Bangladesh and to further identify associated risk factors. Between 2017 and 2018, we collected faecal and offal samples from 200 stalls in 63 LBMs across four sub-districts. We tested the samples for the AIV matrix gene (M-gene) followed by H5, H7, and H9 subtypes using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). We performed a descriptive analysis of market cleanliness and sanitation practices in order to further elucidate the relationship between LBM biosecurity and AIV subtypes by species, sample types, and landscape. Subsequently, we conducted a univariate analysis and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to determine the risk factors associated with AIV contamination at individual stalls within LBMs. Our findings indicate that practices related to hygiene and the circulation of AIV significantly differed between rural and peri-urban live bird markets. 42.5% (95% CI: 35.56-49.67) of stalls were positive for AIV. A/H5, A/H9, and A HA/Untyped were detected in 10.5% (95% CI: 6.62-15.60), 9% (95% CI: 5.42-13.85), and 24.0% (95% CI: 18.26-30.53) of stalls respectively, with no detection of A/H7. Significantly higher levels of AIV were found in the Sonali chicken strain compared to the exotic broiler, and in offal samples compared to fecal samples. In the GLMM analysis, we identified several significant risk factors associated with AIV contamination in LBMs at the stall level. These include: landscape (AOR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.18-7.72), the number of chicken breeds present (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.01-5.67), source of birds (AOR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.0-5.53), separation of sick birds (AOR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.34-6.92), disposal of waste/dead birds (AOR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.41-7.05), cleaning agent (AOR: 5.99; 95% CI: 2.26-15.82), access of dogs (AOR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.12-5.7), wild birds observed on site (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.01-5.3). The study further revealed a substantial prevalence of AIV with H5 and H9 subtypes in peri-urban and rural LBMs. The inadequate biosecurity measures at poultry stalls in Bangladesh increase the risk of AIV transmission from poultry to humans. To prevent the spread of AIV to humans and wild birds, we suggest implementing regular surveillance at live bird markets and enhancing biosecurity practices in peri-urban and rural areas in Bangladesh.

Indoor Airflow Dynamics in Compartmentalized Pneumology Units Equipped with Variable-Thickness MERV-13 Filters

Infection containment in the post-pandemic scenario became a top priority for healthcare engineering control staffers, especially in pneumology sectors, where the treatment of airborne infectious diseases is frequent. In Brazil, where COVID-19 left a long record of casualties, there is a lack of information on the influence of filtration systems on the maintenance of regulated operational conditions for indoor comfort in hospital environments. This paper has the following objectives: to study arrangements of filtering systems in hospital acclimatization ducts; to verify how filtering characteristics could compromise safety regulations for airflow in hospital environments; and to identify airflow stagnation points that might favor suspended viral concentrations and increase contamination risks. We used the computational fluid dynamics STAR-CCM+© software to perform numerical simulations of different cases of indoor airflow in a model corresponding to a sector of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital (João Pessoa city, Brazil). We concluded that standards for maximum velocity are reachable despite thinner or thicker filters affecting the spread of the air. In this way, acclimatization systems are limited by a tradeoff between regulation and protection. Our findings are relevant to future technological development, interventions, safety strategies amidst contamination scenarios, and new filtration arrangements in hospital environments.

Eco-enzyme as the natural disinfectant: Increasing school community awareness on waste management

The increase of COVID-19 has influenced aspects of life in global including education. Recently, the Indonesian government has given allowance to schools for conducting offline teaching-learning processes. Preparation should be conducted to maintain the protection of the school environment, including teachers and students. Health protocols remain an important requirement. SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang was one of the schools that wanted to prepare for conducting the offline teaching-learning process. The preparation of this school was cleaning all the school areas and spraying disinfectant to prevent the contamination of bacteria and viruses. Yet, the principal of SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang is concerned about the students’ and teachers’ health considering the chemical substance in the disinfectant. Moreover, the cost of disinfectant is also the consideration of the principal for savings. The result of an interview with the principal and observation of the school environment, it needs an alternative disinfectant that contains a less chemical substance, is effective, and is inexpensive. The disinfectant should not cause respiratory infections and is not harmful to students who are children. Concerning the problems faced by SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang, the team of community service programs brings solutions by introducing eco-enzyme and its advantages for health and the environment. It can be used as a natural disinfectant made of fresh organic waste from the kitchen. It is not only the solution to environmental health and virus protection but also recycling and utilizing waste.

Identification and management of tomato brown rugose fruit virus in greenhouses in Mexico

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has become a cause of great concern in the global tomato agro-industry since its first report in Israel in 2014. Global tomato production is affected by ToBRFV, and management practices are being evaluated. We tested seed lots from international producers as well as greenhouse substrates and water wells as possible sources of virus contamination. We identified a second introduction of ToBRFV in Mexico by a strain closely resembling isolates from the Netherlands and the Middle East. ToBRFV was detected by RT-PCR in seed coats and epicotyls (from commercial seeds and seedlings obtained from infected tomato plants), indicating a transmission rate of 9%. Virus-like particles (VLPs) were found in wells used for irrigation in greenhouses, but these exhibited low infectivity. These findings suggest that water sources could serve as ToBRFV reservoirs. We evaluated four chemical and six thermal methods for sanitizing substrates, plasticware, and other greenhouse utensils, using detached leaf bioassays in Nicotiana rugosa. The most effective chemical sanitization method was treatment with glutaraldehyde plus quaternary ammonium salts and pentapotassium salts. The most effective heat treatment was at 92°C for 30 minutes, which inactivated the virus. Tomato producers could implement these sanitization methods to control ToBRFV.

Comparative Analysis of Methods of Environmental Surface Sampling for Assessment of Viral and Bacterial Contamination

Introduction: One of the key elements of the infectious disease surveillance system is microbiological monitoring of contamination of environmental objects and health care personnel hands. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, virology testing of swabs from hospital objects and personal protective equipment of workers of infectious disease hospitals for patients with COVID-19 has acquired special importance. According to the current regulatory documents, however, greater priority in microbiological monitoring is given to determination and identification of bacterial pathogens, thus necessitating the development and implementation of an advanced technique of a simultaneous assessment of viral and bacterial contamination. Objective: To compare different environmental surface sampling techniques used to assess viral and bacterial contamination. Materials and methods: Samples for environmental swab testing were collected in accordance with the “Scheme for sampling environmental swabs for simultaneous assessment of viral and bacterial contamination” patented by the authors (Industrial Design Patent No. 132971 of September 5, 2022). We applied bacteriological, molecular genetic, and statistical methods in the study. Results: Overall, 343 wipe samples were tested, of which 68 were atypical (two 38-swab portions, 11.1 % each, contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA and opportunistic microorganisms). Among the opportunistic microorganisms, 42 bacterial strains were identified, including 16 strains of Enterococcus faecalis (38.1 %), 9 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.4 %), 7 strains of Escherichia coli (16.7 %), 3 strains of Enterococcus faecium (7.1 %), 3 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (7.1 %), 2 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.9 %), and 2 strains of Pantoea agglomerans (4.9 %). Eleven variants of viral and bacterial associations were identified. The comparison of environmental swabbing performed by the technique under study with that performed by the standard method, based on test results, indicated a significant 11.1 and 12.3-fold difference in the proportion of non-standard findings for SARS-CoV-2 and opportunistic microorganisms, respectively. Conclusions: The study results prove that our technique of environmental swabbing meets all modern requirements and facilitates an objective assessment of the level of viral and bacterial contamination of the study objects. This approach can be used for laboratory testing within state and industrial control at institutions of various specialties (healthcare, food industry, childcare facilities, etc.).

Evaluation of a Proteinase K-Based Extraction Method to Detect Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis E Virus and Norovirus in Artificially Contaminated Dairy Products

Human norovirus and hepatitis viruses (hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E (HEV)) are leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide. Among the various food products, different types of dairy products can be implicated in viral foodborne outbreaks and contamination can occur at different stages, such as preparation, contact with contaminated equipment or via other foods. The aim of this study was to characterise a proteinase K method adapted from the ISO 15216 method for the detection of HAV, HEV and norovirus in artificially contaminated dairy products, based on the recent international standard of ISO 16140-4. Results showed that the recovery yields obtained from pure RNA in dairy products ranged from 5.76% to 76.40% for HAV, from 35.09% to 100.00% for HEV, from 25.09% to 100.00% for norovirus GI and from 47.83% to 100.00% for norovirus GII. The process control MNV-1 was detected in all RNA extracts, with recovery yields between 36.83% and 100.00%. The limit of detection (LOD) of the method was between 184 and 642 genome copies/mL (or/g) for the LOD50 and 802 and 2800 genome copies/mL or/g for the LOD95 according to the virus analysed. This method proved to be suitable for detecting viruses in dairy products for routine diagnostic needs.

The COVID-19 drive-through point — screening and testing — first in Poland complex centre experience

Introduction: Rapid widespread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in early 2020 caused global chaos. In the initial period, a lack of knowledge of epidemiology and viral contamination, as well as no availability of either causal treatment or preventive vaccination, resulted in mass testing of symptomatic individuals as the priority for protection. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the first COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) drive-through testing model in the Greater Poland Region. Material and methods: The authors demonstrate step-by-step the creation and development of the Centre of Medical Simulation Poznan University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) COVID-19 drive-through testing point for 3.5 million inhabitants in the Greater Poland Region during the 1st through 4th coronavirus pandemic waves. For staff education, low and high-fidelity simulation techniques were used. Additionally, the number of tests performed at the swab point and the efficiency of the developed testing model were evaluated and assessed in all pandemic waves. Results: PUMS POST (point of screening and testing) activity lasted 24 months. Improvement of staff skills developed through simulation training increased the median number of 91 patients tested each day (with a median of 25 tests per hour) during the 1st wave to a maximum of 260 patients tested each day (135 tests per hour) during the 4th wave when the new drive-through POST system was employed (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The present study supported the previous preliminary reports that drive-through systems developed during the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be efficient and safe for mass population testing. Moreover, the Medical Simulation Centre confirmed the effectiveness of staff skills improvement.

Determination of Particulate Matter in Dental Clinics: The Effectiveness of Different Air Purifiers and the Central Ventilation System

The purpose of this study was to measure the number and concentration of airborne particulates occurring in a dental clinic while performing dental procedures, with and without the simultaneous use of air purifier systems and a central ventilation system. The initial background concentrations of airborne particulates recorded during dental procedures, i.e., grinding of natural teeth and metals, without the use of air purifier systems, and with closed windows, reduced by 68% for ΡΜ10, 77% for ΡΜ2.5, and 81% for ΡΜ1 when the same procedures were carried out with the simultaneous use of air purifying systems. In addition, measurements taken during patient treatment showed that an operating central ventilation system contributes to the reduction of airborne particles by a significant 94% for ΡΜ10, 94% for ΡΜ2.5, and 88% for ΡΜ1 compared to dental procedures performed without the simultaneous use of air purifiers. Air purifying systems were also observed to contribute to the further reduction of airborne particulates when dental procedures were performed in combination with an operating central ventilation system. The majority of particles captured had diameters of 0.25-0.30 μm, 0.5 μm, and 1.0-4.0 μm, while particles with diameters of &gt;5.0 μm were the least commonly observed in all experiments. Finally, a statistically significant difference between concentrations of particulate matter was recorded during dental procedures carried out with and without the simultaneous operation of air purifiers and central ventilation system increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus contamination in dental clinics due to the aerosols emitted by the use of common dental instruments during standard treatments.

Optimization of dihydrosphingomyelin/cholesterol mol ratio in topotecan-loaded liposomes to enhance drug retention and plasma half-life by understanding physicochemical and thermodynamic properties of the lipid membrane

Robust retention of drugs in liposomes is one of the most critical factors for liposomal drug formulation. It improves loading efficiency of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), stability during long-term storage, and half-life of the drug in the body. This study deductively optimized the lipid composition of topotecan-loaded liposome using dihydrosphingomyelin (DHSM), cholesterol (Chol), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE PEG) for intravenous injection by thermodynamic and fluidity analyses of the liposome membrane. High efficiency in topotecan loading was achieved in the range of the liquid-ordered phase (egg-derived DHSM/Chol molar ratio 70/25% or a higher Chol ratio with PEG constant at 5 mol%) as predicted by thermodynamic analysis. The egg-derived DHSM/Chol/PEG mol ratio that minimizes topotecan leakage was estimated to be 57/38/5 via electron spin resonance (ESR) for fluidity analysis. The optimized liposome significantly prolonged the half-life of topotecan in blood compared to non-liposomal topotecan. To minimize the risk of virus contamination and ensure easier quality control for clinical application, synthetic DHSM was used in the optimized formulation of topotecan encapsulated liposome instead of egg-derived DHSM (named FF-10850). The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles of FF-10850 were equivalent to those of the liposome prepared using egg-derived DHSM and >99% drug retention was maintained for over 24 months under refrigeration, indicating stable encapsulation and prolonged blood circulation.

Evaluasi Penanganan Dokumen Rekam Medis Terkait Penyebaran Infeksi Covid-19

Medical recorders can be directly or indirectly infected with the coronavirus, and even the risk will be greater. Medical recorders who handle parts of patient files can be at risk of infection because they are in direct contact with patient files that may have been exposed to the coronavirus, so medical records need to be handled properly. This study aims to evaluate the handling of medical record documents related to the spread of covid-19 infection at the Tk.III Dr. R. Soeharsono Banjarmasin Hospital. This research uses a qualitative approach to descriptive methods, with 4 primary informants (2 nurses for COVID-19 patients and 2 medical record officers) and 2 triangulation informants (the head nurses for COVID-19 patients and the head of the medical record installation). The research instrument used was an observation and interview guide. The results showed that the procedures for maintaining medical records during the treatment period at Tk.III Dr. R. Soeharsono Banjarmasin Hospital have not made regulations in written form including Standard Operating Procedure. The nurse learned that the medical records of Covid-19 patients should be placed in the nurse station and should not be taken to the treatment room to avoid virus contamination. The filling of medical record documents for Covid-19 patients is no different from ordinary patients. Procedures for maintaining medical records of Covid-19 patients who go home or die at Tk.III.Dr.R. Soeharsono Banjarmasin hospital has made rules in the form of Standard Operating Procedure but some procedures cannot be carried out.