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P2/N95 filtering face piece respirators (FFRs) protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from airborne infections. This study assessed the impact of facial hair on quantitative respirator fit in 105 male HCWs, of whom 38 were clean shaven, and assessed the prevalence of male facial hair at the study facility. Only 34 (32%) male HCWs overall achieved an adequate FFR fit, including 47% of clean-shaven men. No full-bearded HCWs achieved a fit. Adequate respirator fit decreased significantly with increasing facial hair (P<0.01 for trend). Facial hair was present on 49% of male employees. This study supports quantitative fit testing prior to P2/N95 respirator use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Postoperative myocardial ischaemia is the leading cause of life expectancy impairment after high cardiac risk surgical procedures. Preoperative identification of patients at high risk for such complication helps reducing its postoperative incidence through therapeutic adjustments. The former relies upon preoperative selection of patients who are candidates for cardiac testing using dobutamine stress echocardiography, according to ACC/AHA guidelines. This exam evaluates echographic myocardial response to a pharmacological stress induced by dobutamine infusion. Its aim is to reproduce part of the stress the myocardium will undergo during surgical procedure. A stress induced myocardial ischaemia suggests such a complication could occur postoperatively. A positive dobutamine stress echocardiography justifies to prescribe preoperative anti-ischaemic treatment in order to reduce the cardiac risk of the further surgical procedure. Moreover, it justifies clear definition of perioperative haemodynamic objectives. Whatever the result of the dobutamine stress echocardiography, cardiac ischaemia should be monitored up to the third postoperative day on the basis of a daily 12-lead electrocardiogram recording and daily plasmatic troponin Ic measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: In the present study, we describe the characteristics and examine the anticoagulation levels and safety of subcutaneous enoxaparin in unstable angina (UA)/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients who would not have been eligible in the Efficacy Safety Subcutaneous Enoxaparin in Non-Q-wave Coronary Events (ESSENCE) and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-11B trials.Background: It is not known whether the benefit shown with enoxaparin in the selected population of pivotal trials can be extended to the real world.Methods: In our center, all patients with UA/NSTEMI are anticoagulated with subcutaneous enoxaparin adjusted to creatinine clearance. Among 515 consecutive patients, we identified 174 who would not have been eligible for ESSENCE or TIMI-11B ("EP" group for excluded patients). We evaluated cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), as well as major and minor bleeding events, at 30 days in the EP group and in patients without any of the exclusion criteria ("NEP" group for non-excluded patients).Results: This EP group was older, had a higher female/male ratio, and more frequently had a history of MI or a diagnosis of non-Q MI on admission than the NEP group. The distribution of the anti-Xa activity was similar in both groups. The bleeding rates (major and minor) at 30 days were similar in the EP and NEP groups (2.3% vs. 2.9%, respectively, P = NS). On multivariate analysis, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and the presence of hypertension were the only independent predictors of bleeding found in the whole population. Compared with the NEP group, the EP group had a fourfold increased rate of death or MI at 30 days (15.5% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of death or MI at 30 days were NSTEMI on admission, creatinine clearance, and heart failure.Conclusions: Patients who do not fit the enrollment criteria of ESSENCE/TIMI-11B have higher risk baseline characteristics for both bleeding and ischemic events. In these patients, enoxaparin with dose adjustment to creatinine clearance provides adequate anti-Xa levels and no excess of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]