Surveillance of specific pathogens on mobile phones in aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental clinics during the COVID pandemic

Following COVID-19 protocols implemented globally, it is prudent to extend this to mobile phones, regarded as carriers of microbes, as these are used extensively in clinical settings for learning and patient care. Was to determine types of microbes harbored on mobile phones and related hygiene practices whilst using these in aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental settings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two parts: A laboratory study to determine the prevalence of microbes on mobile phones and a questionnaire survey to determine the related knowledge and behavior of phone users in both aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental clinics. All proper protocols (consent, ethics) were adhered to. A small percentage (27.2%) of swabs of mobile phones yielded a positive bacterial culture, of these 72% were from the AGP dental setting. Gram positive and negative microorganisms were distinguishable, indicating a diverse group of microbes. Students and staff indicated good mobile phone hygiene practices, but there is place for improvement. Their related knowledge of disinfectants and use were acceptable, but not having mobile phone coverings was problematic. Faculty protocols for disinfecting mobile phones and standardized guidelines for its use in aerosol or non-aerosoclinics is recommended

Early Antiretroviral Therapy reduces the incidence of otorrhea in a randomized study of early and deferred antiretroviral therapy: Evidence from the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral Therapy (CHER) Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although otorrhea occurs commonly in HIV-infected infants, there are few data. We compared the incidence of otorrhea in infants receiving early vs deferred ART in the Children with HIV Early Antiretroviral (CHER) trial. Infants aged 6 to 12 weeks of age with confirmed HIV infection and a CD4 percentage greater than or equal to 25% were randomized to early or deferred ART at two sites in South Africa. Medical records from one study site were reviewed for otorrhea.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Data were reviewed from the start of the trial in July 2005 until 20 June 2007, when the Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended that randomization to the deferred arm should stop and that all infants in this arm be reviewed for commencing antiretroviral therapy. Infants entered the study at a median of 7.4 weeks of age. Eleven of 38 (29%) on deferred therapy and 7 of 75 (9%) in the early-therapy group developed otorrhea (risk ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-7.36; p = 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy is associated with significantly less otorrhea than when a deferred strategy is followed.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p><a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00102960">NCT00102960</a>. ClinicalTrials.Gov</p

Enhancing cricket batting skill: implications for biomechanics and skill acquisition research and practice

This review synthesises the biomechanical and skill acquisition/sport expertise literature focused on the skill of cricket batting. The literature is briefly reviewed and the major limitations, challenges, and suggested future research directions are outlined. This is designed to stimulate researchers to enhance the understanding of cricket batting biomechanics and skill acquisition and in turn assist cricket coaches develop efficacious batting skill development programmes. An interdisciplinary approach between biomechanists and skill acquisition specialists is advocated to further knowledge of the underlying processes and mechanisms of cricket batting expertise. Issues such as skill measurement, practice design, ball machines, skill transfer, the impact of Twenty/20 cricket, video simulation, and skill decomposition are discussed. The ProBatter™ ball machine systems are introduced along with suggestions for best practice approaches for coaches when designing batting skill development programmes

Biomechanics and visual-motor control: how it has, is, and will be used to reveal the secrets of hitting a cricket ball

Cricket batting is an incredibly complex task which requires the coordination of full-body movements to successfully hit a fast moving ball. Biomechanical studies on batting have helped to shed light on how this intricate skill may be performed, yet the many different techniques exhibited by batters make the systematic examination of batting difficult. This review seeks to critically evaluate the existing literature examining cricket batting, but doing so by exploring the strong but often neglected relationship between biomechanics and visual-motor control. In three separate sections, the paper seeks to address (i) the different theories of motor control which may help to explain how skilled batters can hit a ball, (ii) strategies used by batters to overcome the (at times excessive) temporal constraints, and (iii) an interpretation from a visual-motor perspective of the prevailing biomechanical data on batting