Alstonmiller6744

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of influenza infection with associated nosocomial transmission. Sustained adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination uptake each year is important in epidemic control.

To assess the adherence of nurses to seasonal influenza vaccination over 5 years and its associated factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses after the winter influenza season in Hong Kong in March 2019. Based on influenza vaccine uptake rates in the 2014/15-2018/19 seasons, respondents were stratified into three groups 'full adherence' (vaccine uptake in five seasons), 'partial adherence' (vaccine uptake in one to four seasons) and 'non-adherence' (no vaccine uptake). Stepwise multi-variable logistic regression was performed to determine the associations between adherence to annual influenza vaccination, respondents' characteristics and considerations for vaccination.

Of 1306 nurses recruited, the majority were female (88%) with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range 30-46 years). The influenza vaccination uptake rate increased from 36% in the 2014/15 season to 47% in the 2018/19 season. After stratification, 39%, 40% and 21% of respondents were non-adherers, partial adherers and full adherers, respectively. Full adherence was significantly associated with female gender [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.60], age ≥40 years (aOR 2.92), long-term care facility nurse (aOR 0.56), uptake during studentship (aOR 3.83), local prevalence of seasonal influenza (aOR 0.51) and expert opinion (aOR 4.04).

A limited proportion of nurses were fully adherent to seasonal influenza vaccination. Monitoring adherence, improving access to vaccines, and interventions targeting less-adherent HCWs are crucial.

A limited proportion of nurses were fully adherent to seasonal influenza vaccination. Monitoring adherence, improving access to vaccines, and interventions targeting less-adherent HCWs are crucial.

Hydrogen peroxide and ozone have been used as chemical decontamination agents for N95 masks during supply shortages. If left behind on the masks, the residues of both chemicals represent a potential health hazard by skin contact and respiratory exposure.

Characterization of hydrogen peroxide and ozone residues on mask surfaces after chemical decontamination.

Various N95 masks were decontaminated using two commercial systems employing either aerosol spray or vaporization of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ozone. Following the decontamination, the masks were aired out to eliminate moisture and potential chemical residues. The residual hydrogen peroxide and ozone were monitored in the gas phase above the mask surface, and hydrogen peroxide residue directly on mask surfaces using a colorimetric assay.

After decontamination, hydrogen peroxide and ozone were detectable in the gas phase in the vicinity of masks even after 5 h of aeration. Hydrogen peroxide was also detected on all studied masks, and levels up to 56 mg per mask were observed after 0.5 h of aeration. All residues gradually decreased with aeration, likely due to decomposition and vaporization.

Hydrogen peroxide and ozone were present on N95 masks after decontamination. With appropriate aeration, the gaseous residue levels in the vicinity of the masks decreased to permissible levels as defined by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reliable assays to monitor these residues are necessary to ensure the safety of the mask users.

Hydrogen peroxide and ozone were present on N95 masks after decontamination. With appropriate aeration, the gaseous residue levels in the vicinity of the masks decreased to permissible levels as defined by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reliable assays to monitor these residues are necessary to ensure the safety of the mask users.

To describe an Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak among preterm neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Serbia.

A case-control study was conducted in the NICU at the Institute of Neonatology, Belgrade, Serbia. The case definition of A.baumannii bloodstream infection (BSI) was blood culture confirmation of systemic infection. Isolation, identification and susceptibility testing were performed using conventional methods. Molecular characterization of isolates included resistance gene detection, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing. Outcomes and clinical and demographic data were obtained from patients' medical records. An infection prevention team was formed and infection control interventions were implemented.

During the outbreak period (May-July 2018), there were 13 cases of A.baumannii BSI among 82 hospitalized neonates. Anacardic Acid nmr All A.baumannii strains were carbapenem resistant and susceptible to colistin. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed that they harboured bla

and bla

beta-lactamases and belonged to sequence type 636, while the PFGE pattern indicated clonal spread. Lower gestational age, lower Apgar score, vaginal delivery and mechanical ventilation were risk factors for A.baumannii infection. Four patients died, eight patients were treated successfully with colistin, and one patient with sepsis and meningitis on dual ampicillin-sulbactam and colistin therapy recovered with sequelae. The outbreak was eventually controlled by reinforcement of the infection control measures based on a multi-tiered interventional approach.

This is the first description of an outbreak of BSI among preterm neonates caused by A.baumannii bla

/bla

/ST636 in Serbia.

This is the first description of an outbreak of BSI among preterm neonates caused by A. baumannii blaOXA66/blaOXA72/ST636 in Serbia.The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects females in the home and workplace. This study aimed to acquire information regarding the gender-specific effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on aspects of professional and personal lives of a subset of pediatric cardiologists. We sent an online multiple-choice survey to a listserv of Pediatric Cardiologists. Data collected included demographics, dependent care details, work hours, leave from work, salary cut, childcare hours before and after the COVID-19 peak lockdown/stay at home mandate and partner involvement. Two hundred forty-two pediatric cardiologists with dependent care responsibilities responded (response rate of 20.2%). A significantly higher proportion of females reported a salary cut (29.1% of females vs 17.6% of males, p = 0.04) and scaled back or discontinued work (14% vs 5.3%; p = 0.03). Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown phase, females provided more hours of dependent care. Females also reported a significantly greater increase in childcare hours overall per week (45 hours post/30 hours pre vs 30 hours post/20 hours pre for men; p less then 0.