Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Development and Application of an Area Recorded Generalized Optical Scattering Technique

A novel approach to a light scattering experiment that employs a lounge image capture assay has been developed for both static and dynamic measurement on a wide variety of samples. In this work, the 'Development and Application of an Area Recorded Generalized Optical Scattering Technique', abbreviate as ARGOS, an approach is based on the placement of a translucent screen where the scattered light, now converted to a diffuse light, is imaged as a function of time. The placement and size of the screen determines the range of scattering wave-vectors, while the time between images determines the fastest dynamic resolvable . The overall experimental stability determines the slowest dynamic resolvable and so can be made arbitrarily long. The scattering intensity is measured by a camera whose dynamic range (number of bits per pixel), resolution, and speed determines the sensitivity and accuracy of intensity of the scattered light. The system allows for an extremely well-defined scattering experiment geometry, where images may be manipulated to extract structure (i.e. average I(q)over t) and dynamics (average I(q,t) over q) for a wide range of samples(liquids and solids). A number of innovation were developed. Instead of a beam stop to block the high intensity thru-beam, a thru-beam attenuator was developed such that the exact center of the scattering geometry is determined for each image acquired. A variety of image processing algorithms were also developed to correct for dead pixels, camera response, and intensity normalization. Of particular use was the development of the root-mean-square difference(RSD) image to probe dynamic. Here, the first image is taken as the time-zero reference image and subtracted from all succeeding images where averaged over a speci ed q and plotted as a function of time revealing the build up image changes due to dynamics. The technique was validated for both static and dynamic measurements with a set ofdilute suspended latex spheres in water (sizes ranging from 0.01 to 2micro m). The static light scattering result in terms of particle radius and dimension closely matched the expected values. The dynamic light scattering results could only several the end of the dynamics of these suspended latex spheres due to Brownian motion because of the speed limitation of the camera. However, sedimentation dynamics that are much slower, were early observed. The ARGOS technique was then applied to two biological systems, the evolution of a dilute suspension of E. Coli bacteria through the life-cycle and the evolution of the same suspended bacteria but infected with the MS2 bacteria-phage virus. High temporal resolution data were obtained of the bacteria life-cycle which werecorrelated with size, structure, and dynamics that revealed potentially new insights on behavior not well understood in the literature . The MS2 infected bacteria revealed the effect of the bacteria-phage on every character of the E. Coli life-cycle. The successful development and implementation of ARGOS here has also revealed avenues to greatly improve the performance

Preparation of α-MoO3 from H3PMo12O40 precursor: synthesis of 1,2-cyclohexanediol from cyclohexene over α-MoO3-TiO2 catalyst

A series of α -MoO _3 -TiO _2 mixed oxides were prepared by calcining a mixture of the heteropolyacid H _3 PMo _12 O _40 and TiO _2 at temperatures ranging from 350 °C to 600 °C. The mixed oxides thus prepared were characterized and tested for the oxidation of cyclohexene by the oxidizing mixture H _2 O _2 /CO _2 . FTIR and XRD characterizations showed that the Keggin structure of H _3 PMo _12 O _40 was preserved for calcination temperatures below 400 °C. Above 450 °C, Keggin’s structure collapses. XRD analysis revealed that as the calcination temperature increased, more orthorhombic α -MoO _3 was formed. Analysis of the reaction mixture by GC-MS showed that oxidation by the H _2 O _2 /CO _2 mixture leads to 1,2-cyclohexanediol as the main product and to 2-cyclohexene-1-one and 2-cyclohexene-1-ol as minor products. Oxidation by H _2 O _2 /CO _2 mixture proved to be more effective than H _2 O _2 alone and CO _2 alone. The conversion (69.4%) and the 1,2-cyclohexanediol selectivity (93.2%) obtained over α -MoO _3 -TiO _2 mixed oxides, higher than that obtained with TiO _2 monoxide and α -MoO _3 monoxide, suggest a synergistic effect between TiO _2 and α -MoO _3 . This efficient and stable catalyst after reuse can be developed for the synthesis of diols

Utilization of Eugenia Caryophyllata Thumb, Piper Nigrum Linn, and Thymus Vulgaris L Extracts on the Fungal-Invaded Limestone of some Monumental Buildings in Cairo, Egypt

The present work reports on the use of some medicinal plants as candidates against fungal contamination in historical buildings. Isolation of different fungal species was made from three different buildings in old Cairo (mosque of Tameem Al-Rassafy, madrasa of Azbak Al-Yusufi, and mosque of Yusuf Agha Al-Heen), which had undergone deterioration on their limestone surfaces. The plants were collected from the Egyptian herbalism and duly confirmed and identified as that belonging to Eugenia caryophyllata (Clove), Piper nigrum, and Thymus vulgaris. Extraction of the crude oil was carried out using steam distillation method and the antifungal activities of the crude oil extracts were examined on the isolated fungi. The potential sterilization of the crude oil extracts was further investigated on the limestone samples and the effectiveness of the treatment evaluated with laboratory tests. The results indicated that the formulated treatment was suitable for monumental stone conservation

Level of disability and associated factors with musculoskeletal disorders among supermarket cashiers

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the severity of symptoms and the level of disability or difficulty associated with MSDs in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs, lower back, and lower limbs as well as the factors associated with MSDs.Material and MethodsThis investigation collected demographic, health (36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]), and occupational related-factors for supermarket cashiers through the administration of several questionnaires, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain.ResultsOne hundred ninety-three supermarket cashiers participated in this study. The mean scores for disability levels included NDI (M±SD 18.62±14.57), ODI (M±SD 20.74±13.89), DASH (M±SD 15.08±13.90), and LEFS (M±SD 63.06±14.24). Regression analyses demonstrated the existence of significant relationships between the experience of MSDs and several other factors, including the number of working days per week, the preferred working position, marital status and the need for awkward positions.ConclusionsThe results indicate MSDs that signified a mild disability level among young participants. The number of working days per week, the preferred working position, the need to assume awkward positions, and marital status were significantly associated with MSDs. The findings indicated the need for preventive to avoid or minimize the prevalence of MSDs among supermarket cashiers

What are the barriers and facilitators of volunteering among healthcare students during the COVID-19 pandemic? A Saudi-based cross-sectional study

Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the volunteering of undergraduate health students and interns in the Ministry of Health (MOH) services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, its motivational factors and barriers, as well as their risk perception of COVID-19.Design A cross-sectional study.Participants From 12 to 21 May 2020, an online survey was sent to all undergraduate health students and interns in the KSA. This included questions on demographics, volunteering status, risk perception of COVID-19, as well as motivations and barriers towards volunteering.Results In a convenience sample of 6016 students and interns across KSA, 1824 (30.31%) have volunteered with the MOH services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteering was more likely among older participants, from the College of Medicine, those with self-perceived at risk of COVID-19 infection and those with self-perceived healthy participants. Females, those who did not think that students had moral duties to volunteer, those who were at risk of seasonal influenza and those with self-perceived at risk of hospitalisation from COVID-19 were less likely to volunteer. Patriotism, gaining experience, assisting when able and religious rewards all were reported as major motivators to volunteer. Non-volunteering participants reported that lack of interest, protocol and knowledge, as well as issues related to their personal health and transportation were the main barriers to volunteering.Conclusions About one-third of undergraduate health students and interns volunteered during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in KSA. Moral values were the most important motivations among volunteers. Efforts to encourage heath students and interns to volunteer and providing those with appropriate educational programmes are recommended

The Severity of Pain and Comorbidities Significantly Impact the Dependency on Activities of Daily Living among Musculoskeletal Patients in Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Limited research has been carried out on the effects of pain, comorbidity, and impaired function in musculoskeletal patients in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 115 patients (aged ≥ 55 years) with physician-diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions in Jizan to investigate the association between pain severity, comorbidities, and dependence on activities of daily living (ADLs). Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data on pain, comorbidities, and physical function measured by ADLs. In ADLs, participants were categorized as dependent (n = 36) or independent (n = 79). Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the predictors of dependence. The results showed that higher pain severity (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–2.38, p = 0.002) and a greater number of comorbidities (adjusted OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06–2.17, p = 0.021) were independently associated with dependence in ADLs. These associations remained significant even after controlling for covariates. This study concluded that patients with musculoskeletal conditions in Jizan who experience high levels of pain and comorbidities are at risk of dependence on basic daily activities. Therefore, addressing pain and comorbidities is crucial for maintaining independence and improving quality of life. Personalized rehabilitation programs are needed to manage these conditions in this region

sj-docx-1-jpx-10.1177_23743735221130820 - Supplemental material for Tele-Rehabilitation Service from the Patient's Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-jpx-10.1177_23743735221130820 for Tele-Rehabilitation Service from the Patient's Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study by Fahad Saad Algarni, Majed O Alshammari, Umkalthoum Sidimohammad, Sarah A Khayat, Abdullah Aljabbary and Abdulrahman Mohammed Altowaijri in Journal of Patient Experience</p

Epilepsy first aid awareness among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting more than 50 million human lives of all ages, its social, physical and psychological implications is of huge concern. The current study and as a continuation of epilepsy knowledge assessment projects conducted by our research team is aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers regarding epilepsy first aid in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out from 2020 to 2021. Results: During the study period, 272 healthcare workers were recruited; participants were males and females from different nationalities in various Saudi Arabian cities, possess diverse qualifications, and belong to several healthcare-related professions. The question, “Did you witness an epileptic seizure”? was answered as “Yes” by 42% of participants, and in response to the question “If you know that this patient struggles during seizure attacks,” 58% of respondents stated that they would not call an ambulance. Moreover, the question “Put something in his/her mouth to prevent tongue biting” was incorrectly answered as “Yes” by 42% of respondents, and the question “Try to catch him/her and stop his/her movement” in order to control the attack was answered “Yes” by 21% of respondents. Furthermore, almost 90% of healthcare participants do not know how to use the Vagus Nerve Stimulation device. The mean knowledge score among participants was 23.7; sex, as well as type of higher qualification obtained, was found to be significantly associated with the score of knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge toward epilepsy and epilepsy first aid among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia was found fragile. Further research is appreciated to support the current findings