Review
Orthopedics
Jeremy T. Smith, Lorraine A. T. Boakye, Marco L. Ferrone, Gregg L. Furie
Summary: Hotter global temperatures and climate change have negative impacts on human health. This article focuses on the environmental effect of orthopaedic operating rooms and efforts to improve sustainability in these facilities, with a particular emphasis on patient safety and cost savings. Orthopaedic surgeons have the opportunity to lead initiatives in improving environmental sustainability and combating climate change.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhijian Liu, Juntao Ma, Jiabin Lv, Yongxin Wang, Junzhou He, Guangpeng Yao, Guoqing Cao
Summary: In this study, experiments were conducted in a full-size negative-pressure operating room using Phi-X174 phage as a bioaerosol release source to investigate the migration and deposition of bioaerosols. The results showed that the high concentration of bioaerosols in the operating room was mainly concentrated in the vortex region below the medical lamp, and the surgical staff had high bioaerosol concentrations at their facial sampling points. This research can be used as a scientific reference for controlling bioaerosols and determining key disinfection parts in a negative-pressure operating room.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Surgery
Elizabeth F. Yates, Alexis N. Bowder, Lina Roa, Lotta Velin, Andrea S. Goodman, Louis L. Nguyen, Craig D. McClain, John G. Meara, Zara Cooper
Summary: Climate change negatively impacts patient health, with operating rooms being one of the most energy-intensive and wasteful areas of hospitals. The healthcare industry in the US emits 9.8% of the country's greenhouse gases, indicating a significant energy consumption issue.
Review
Immunology
Juan J. Quereda, Alvaro Moron-Garcia, Carla Palacios-Gorba, Charlotte Dessaux, Francisco Garcia-del Portillo, M. Graciela Pucciarelli, Alvaro D. Ortega
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous bacterium capable of causing listeriosis in humans and animals, due to its exceptional ability to adapt to various stress conditions. It colonizes and disseminates in the host, leading to various diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and pregnant women. The pathogen uses unique strategies to invade host cells and spread, presenting challenges to food safety and public health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Pedro Rueda Furlan, Rafael da Silva Rosa, Micaela Santana Ramos, Lucas David Rodrigues dos Santos, Ralf Lopes, Eduardo Angelino Savazzi, Eliana Guedes Stehling
Summary: International high-risk clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae are spreading to the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased frequency of carbapenemase-producing strains, which can contaminate the environment. KPC-producing strains were found in aquatic ecosystems in commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas, and were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Plasmids carrying the bla(KPC-2) gene were detected, along with uncommon plasmids displaying inter-species, intra-species, and clonal transmission. These findings highlight the spread of high-risk clones and the potential for rapid dispersion in a post-pandemic world.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mert Sudagidan, Gulsah Yildiz, Selin Onen, Rabia Al, S. Sevval Nur Temiz, Mediha Nur Zafer Yurt, Behiye Busra Tasbasi, Elif Esma Acar, Aysen Coban, Ali Aydin, Ali D. Dursun, Veli C. Ozalp
Summary: Encapsulation of benzalkonium chloride in mesoporous silica nanoparticles provides an efficient strategy to inhibit microbial activity, specifically targeting Listeria cells while reducing overall concentrations of the disinfectant. This approach allows for significant reduction in disinfectant doses and avoids cytotoxicity to human cells.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Skylar Trott, Rory Young, Christopher Hayden, Olivia Yessin, Matthew Bush, Nikita Gupta
Summary: A no-show to the operating room negatively impacts hospitals and various factors, such as age, outpatient cases, distance from the facility, clinic no-shows, and insurance status, contribute to patients not attending scheduled surgeries. African-American patients are more likely to show up for surgery as scheduled. Interventions targeting these factors could increase clinical efficiency, reduce hospital costs, and improve patient access to care.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicola Massarotti, Alessandro Mauro, Salahudeen Mohamed, Mario R. Romano
Summary: An integrated experimental-numerical study was conducted to investigate air contamination by UltraFine Particles (UFPs) in a hospital OR equipped with laminar air flow system. The study found good agreement between experimental and numerical results in terms of key parameters, indicating successful simulation for UFPs evacuation from the OR within 19 minutes.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Till Markowiak, Michael Ried, Christopher Larisch, Dennis Nowak, Hans-Stefan Hofmann, Stefan Rakete
Summary: The study found higher levels of cisplatin contamination on the gloves of surgeons and perfusionists during hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC) procedures, while lower levels were detected on floor surfaces and in endobronchial tubes. With the correct use of personal protective equipment and careful handling, intraoperative HITOC appears to be safe to perform with a low risk of occupational exposure to cisplatin.
INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fujen Wang, Indra Permana, Dibakar Rakshit, Bowo Yuli Prasetyo
Summary: Proper airflow distribution is crucial for controlling contamination in the operating room and ensuring the reliability of the surgery process. Results show that obstructing airflow with obstacles can lead to a decrease in ventilation efficiency.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Hillary Lia, Melanie Hammond Mobilio, Frank Rudzicz, Carol-anne Moulton
Summary: The study proposes the construct of tone as a useful lens to understand intraoperative teamwork in the operating room. It reviews the literature on culture, shared mental models, and psychological safety, and links each to the construct of tone. By identifying tone as a theoretical orientation, the study aims to provide new insights into understanding intraoperative team dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mehdi Sedighi, Mohammad Mahdi Behvand Usefi, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mostafa Ghasemi
Summary: Electrodialysis is a membrane separation method that utilizes an electrical potential difference to separate ions in aqueous solutions. It is used in various industries for water desalination, regeneration, and other applications. The process involves ion exchange membranes, electrodes, and spacers to achieve selective mass transport and create a potential difference. This study discusses different aspects of electrodialysis, including its application, structure, membrane types, electrode materials, spacers, and application in wastewater treatment.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Leonardo Micheli, Eduardo F. Fernandez, Florencia Almonacid
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of predicting soiling loss profiles and optimal cleaning schedules using historical environmental data. The research finds that setting a fixed threshold for detecting cleaning events may lead to occasional over- or underdetection. A method based on precipitation and particulate matter data can accurately generate soiling profiles and recommend optimal cleaning dates.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jennifer L. Cannon, Geun Woo Park, Benjamin Anderson, Cortney Leone, Morgan Chao, Jan Vinje, Angela M. Fraser
Summary: This study found that there is a significant hygiene problem in long-term care facilities, with 90% of surfaces showing contamination by crAssphage or failing ATP scores. These contaminations have the potential to contribute to the transmission of diarrheal diseases. The study suggests quantifying the contamination levels and monitoring them before and after cleaning to enhance infection prevention and control measures.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Hayley J. Petit, Gwyneth A. Sullivan, Ian M. Hughes, Katie L. Pittman, Jonathan A. Myers, Sarah M. Cocoma, Brian C. Gulack, Ami N. Shah
Summary: The study explored the perspectives of surgical, anesthesia, and OR staff on barriers and facilitators to reducing OR waste through interviews. The stakeholders identified lack of resources and the need for maintaining sterility as barriers, while emphasizing surgeon leadership and raising awareness of the environmental and economic impact of surgical waste as facilitators. These important perspectives will guide future surgical waste reduction initiatives at the institution.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Andrew Bowdle, Srdjan Jelacic, Sonia Shishido, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2020)
Editorial Material
Anesthesiology
Andrew Bowdle, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
Letter
Anesthesiology
Andrew Bowdle, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cameron G. Gmehlin, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
Summary: This review summarizes the current epidemiology, clinical presentations and outcomes, containment interventions, and the role of healthcare workers in SARS-CoV-2 transmission in long-term care facilities.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Anesthesiology
Andrew Bowdle, Srdjan Jelacic, Sonia Shishido, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adriana Jimenez, Kristopher Fennie, L. Silvia Munoz-Price, Boubakari Ibrahimou, Lilian M. Abbo, Octavio Martinez, Kathleen Sposato, Yohei Doi, Mary Jo Trepka
Summary: Not all patients carrying carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) will develop infections, with many remaining in a colonized state. Among 54 CPE-colonized patients, 30% eventually developed CPE infections, with variables such as indwelling urinary catheter exposure, exposure to intravenous colistin, and overseas transfer being associated with infection development among colonized patients.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frida Rivera, Allison Reeme, Mary Beth Graham, Blake W. Buchan, Nathan A. Ledeboer, Ann M. Valley, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
Summary: This study assessed the epidemiology of CRAB infection in postacute care facilities and found that residents in these facilities were more susceptible to CRAB colonization. Stool samples were most effective in identifying CRAB.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frida Rivera, Susan Huerta, Kwang Woo Ahn, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
Frida Rivera, L. Silvia Munoz-Price, Ann B. Nattinger
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Khaled Abdul Jawad, Eva Urrechaga, Alessia Cioci, Hang Zhang, Saskya Byerly, Rishi Rattan, Gerd Daniel Pust, Nicholas Namias, D. Dante Yeh
Summary: The study revealed that surgeons are most accurate at diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients treated with appendectomy, while radiologists have lower accuracy overall. Clinical outcomes showed that when surgeons make a wrong diagnosis, patient outcomes do not significantly worsen, but when radiologists are wrong about acute appendicitis, patients have worse clinical outcomes.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
T. Andrew Bowdle, Srdjan Jelacic, L. Silvia Munoz-Price, Marty Cohen, Sai M. Krishna, Lisa Brosseau
Summary: Respiratory viruses are mainly transmitted through respiratory particles, and disposable filtering facepiece respirators have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, but reusable elastomeric respirators also have potential. However, existing elastomeric respirators need further development to improve their suitability.
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Frida Rivera, Kwang Woo Ahn, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thomas R. Talbot, Mary K. Hayden, Deborah S. Yokoe, Anurag N. Malani, Hala A. Amer, Ibukunoluwa C. Kalu, Latania K. Logan, Rebekah W. Moehring, Silvia Munoz-Price, Tara N. Palmore, David J. Weber, Sharon B. Wright
Summary: Testing asymptomatic patients for SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare facilities is resource-intensive and of unclear benefit. The logistic challenges and costs, lack of aerosol generation in controlled procedures, and adverse consequences of asymptomatic screening question its utility. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) recommends against routine universal use of asymptomatic screening, emphasizing the need to strengthen other infection prevention controls.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lauren K. Johnson, Silvia Munoz-Price, Poonam Beniwal Patel, Amir Patel, Daniel J. Stein, Andres J. Yarur
Summary: The clinical significance of NAAT(+)/EIA(-) in the IBD population is uncertain. Further studies are needed to identify the role of antibiotic therapy in this subgroup.
ANNALS OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Sara Revolinski, L. Silvia Munoz-Price
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)