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Aim: The aim of this study is to reduce the biosafety risks of laboratory exhaust air due to SARS-CoV-2 at a biosafety level-3 laboratory used for vaccine development against COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this study, the infrastructure and the organisation of the containment laboratory, which aimed to be used to struggle with pandemic, was used for risk assessment. Assessment of the laboratory exhaust air procedure as a component of the heating-ventilation-air conditioning system, which is significant for high-level biosafety laboratories, was conducted through a risk assessment matrix.

Societal Impact Statement The widespread use of patents on plants and plant parts in low‐ and middle‐income countries demonstrates the increasing privatisation of crop genetic resources and potentially limits the use of these resources in farmer breeding, increasing the dependence of smallholder farmers on the private seed sector. Use of genetically modified traits in farmer breeding poses biosafety issues. Adaptation of patent legislation to the benefit of smallholder breeding and development of alternative seed sources from the public breeding sector could contain these negative impacts on farmer‐breeder efforts and ultimately on food and nutrition security. Summary This paper explores the potential impact of increased use of digital sequence information (DSI) through new breeding technologies (NBTs) and its associated patent and biosafety strategies and policies on smallholder agriculture and breeding in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We performed a case study in the southern Philippines, involving multiple field visits and interviews, where smallholder farmers deliberately and successfully incorporated a genetically modified, patent‐protected trait into popular open‐pollinated varieties (OPVs) of both yellow and white maize, resulting in the wide‐spread dissemination of glyphosate‐tolerant open‐pollinated varieties (OPVs) called sige‐sige. The particular case poses a suite of questions regarding farmer producer health, biosafety and access to plant genetic resources protected by patent rights. Considering current trends, it is predicted that the rise of NBTs such as gene editing will lead to more patents on breeding processes and on gene‐edited crop plants, including in low‐ and middle‐income countries and emerging economies. Since in many jurisdictions NBTs may be regulated as genetic engineering processes and products, biosafety regulations and related management requirements need to be considered as well. By recognising and supporting the breeding efforts of farmers, governments can tap into the potential for creating a wider portfolio of varieties that are better adjusted to the needs of smallholder farmers. If the spread of GMOs in smallholder agriculture should be contained, alternative seed sources for farmer‐breeding from the public breeding sector will be highly needed.

In March 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused an overwhelming pandemic. To relieve overloaded intensive care units in the most affected regions, the French Ministry of Defence triggered collective air medical evacuations (medevacs) on board an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport of the French Air Force. Such a collective air medevac is a big challenge regarding biosafety;until now, only evacuations of a single symptomatic patient with an emergent communicable disease, such as Ebola virus disease, have been conducted. However, the COVID-19 pandemic required collective medevacs for critically ill patients and involved a virus that little is known about still. Thus, we performed a complete risk analysis using a process map and FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis) to assess the risk and implement mitigation measures for health workers, flight crew, and the environment. We report the biosafety management experienced during 6 flights with a total of 36 critically ill COVID-19–positive patients transferred with no casualties while preserving both staffs and aircraft. © 2021 Air Medical Journal Associates

With the increasing worldwide rate of chronic diseases, such as cancer, the development of novel techniques to improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents is highly demanded. Nanoparticles are especially well suited to encapsulate drugs and other therapeutic agents, bringing additional advantages, such as less frequent dosage requirements, reduced side effects due to specific targeting, and therefore increased patient compliance. However, with the increasing use of nanoparticles and their recent launch on the pharmaceutical market, it is important to achieve high-quality control of these advanced systems. In this review, we discuss the properties of different nanoparticles, the pharmacokinetics, the biosafety issues of concern, and conclude with novel nanotherapeutics and nanotheragnostics for cancer drug delivery.

In Russia, the aim to attain biosafety is declared in the strategic political documents without being adequately addressed in law relating to interaction between human communities and natural systems. To involve the ecological approaches into environmental legislation it seems reasonable to include into the general concept of beneficial quality of the environment the biological health of nature, when the impact of pathogenic, disease generating factors emanated by nature shall be minimized. The legal regulation should be based on the ecosystem and nature-based approach assuming that social development should follow and be in harmony with laws of nature. This approach will allow to upkeep the biological balance and biological health of nature and ensure biological safety of nature for human communities.

Introduction: The emergence of biological threats that can potentially affect millions emphasizes the need to develop a policy framework in the Philippines that can mount an adequate and well-coord...

Breast cancer (BC) has high incidence and mortality rates, making it a major global health issue. BC treatment has been challenging due to the presence of drug resistance and the limited availability of therapeutic options for triple-negative and metastatic BC, thereby urging the exploration of more effective anti-cancer agents. Hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin, two flavonoids from citrus species, have been extensively evaluated for their anti-cancer potentials. In this review, available literatures on the chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities of hesperidin and hesperetin in preclinical BC models are reported. The safety and bioavailability of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as the strategies to enhance their bioavailability are also discussed. Overall, hesperidin and hesperetin can inhibit cell proliferation, migration and BC stem cells as well as induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro. They can also inhibit tumour growth, metastasis and neoplastic changes in tissue architecture in vivo. Moreover, the co-administration of hesperidin or hesperetin with doxorubicin, letrozole or tamoxifen can enhance the efficacies of these clinically available agents. These chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities of hesperidin and hesperetin have been linked to several mechanisms, including the modulation of signalling pathways, glucose uptake, enzymes, miRNA expression, oxidative status, cell cycle regulatory proteins, tumour suppressor p53, plasma and liver lipid profiles as well as DNA repair mechanisms. However, poor water solubility, extensive phase II metabolism and apical efflux have posed limitations to the bioavailability of hesperidin and hesperetin. Various strategies for bioavailability enhancement have been studied, including the utilisation of nano-based drug delivery systems and the co-administration of hesperetin with other flavonoids. In particular, nanoformulated hesperidin and hesperetin possess greater chemotherapeutic and chemosensitising activities than free compounds. Despite promising preclinical results, further safety and efficacy evaluation of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as their nanoformulations in clinical trials is required to ascertain their potentials to be developed as clinically useful agents for BC treatment.

Introduction The cyclical process of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and review is a key step in developing a biorisk management (BRM) system. This paper describes how this process was initiated in two laboratories in Pakistan using a unique model of blended learning. Methods A training needs analysis showed that the staff had very little knowledge of BRM systems. A workshop using a unique blended model was conducted in which virtual and in-presence learning occurred simultaneously. This workshop aimed to train the participants by applying two key concepts from the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual 4th edition: 1) the cyclical process of risk assessment and 2) mapping the core biorisk and establishing heightened control measures in the laboratories of the participants based on the risk assessment. All scenarios and examples used in the training were from the participants’ laboratory work processes. Results Prior to this project, no risk assessment was conducted in these laboratories. After the workshop, a risk assessment was performed for six work processes. In addition, seven core requirements and three heightened control measures were mapped, a biorisk officer was appointed, and a biosafety committee was convened. Furthermore, a biorisk manual, a biological waste management plan, an occupational health center, and a system for audits and inspections are being developed. Discussion and conclusion BRM training is not a one-time effort; it has to be strengthened to ensure the development and implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable BRM system. Training must be applicable to local settings and incremental, in a way that participants are not overloaded with information.

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has crippled several countries across the globe posing a serious global public health challenge. Despite the massive rollout of vaccines, molecular diagnosis remains the most important method for timely isolation, diagnosis, and control of COVID-19. Several molecular diagnostic tools have been developed since the beginning of the pandemic with some even gaining emergency use authorization (EUA) from the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for in vitro diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we discuss the working principles of some commonly used molecular diagnostic tools for SARS-CoV-2 including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), isothermal amplification tests (IATs), and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). To ensure successful detection while minimizing the risk of cross-infection and misdiagnosis when using these diagnostic tools, laboratories should adhere to proper biosafety practices. Hence, we also present the common biosafety practices that may ensure the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 from specimens while protecting laboratory workers and non-suspecting individuals from being infected. From this review article, it is clear that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to an increase in molecular diagnostic tools and the formation of new biosafety protocols that may be important for future and ongoing outbreaks.

Introduction: Industry-specific safety climate scales that measure safety status have been published, however, nothing specific to biological laboratories has ever been established. Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a biosafety climate (BSCL) scale unique for research professionals (RPs) and biosafety professionals (BPs) at teaching and research biological laboratories affiliated to public universities in the United States. Methods: BSCL scale was developed from literature review. In study 1, 15-item biosafety climate (BSCL-15) scale with 15 items and 5 factors was pretested with n = 9 RPs and n = 7 BPs to perform reliability, content, and face validity analyses. In study 2, revised 17-item biosafety climate (BSCL-17) scale with 17 items and 5 factors was pilot tested with n = 91 RPs and n = 88 BPs. Correlation tests, Kaiser–Mayer–Olkin, Bartlett's test of sphericity, Cronbach's alpha, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted to validate the BSCL-17 scale. Results: EFA resulted in a 3-factor 17-item BSCL scale for both RPs and BPs. Internal consistency of the scale was > 0.8 for the BSCL scale and the underlying three factors, indicating high reliability. The factors identified for RPs are 1) management priority, communication and participation, 2) group norms, and 3) supervisor commitment. The factors identified for BPs are 1) management priority and communication, 2) group norms and participation, and 3) supervisor commitment. Discussion: A valid and reliable BSCL scale to measure safety climate and quantify safety culture in biological laboratories has been presented. It can be used as a key performance indicator and aid in targeted interventions as part of process improvement of biological safety programs.

Public engagement in the development, promotion, and utilization of innovation is an important part of any biosafety decision-making process. Under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the public is expected to be involved in the development and handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the implementation of a national biosafety framework (NBF), which governs and regulates the operations of modern biotechnology and GMOs. In this study, we explore the state of public knowledge and awareness regarding GMOs and attitudes toward the NBF in Ghana using a survey conducted in three elite communities in Accra, the capital of Ghana. We interviewed 130 people and found that while most of the respondents obtained information on GMOs through the media, academic papers, and agriculture awareness workshops, access to information on the technology and the NBF was often limited. Our results showed that despite the existence of GMOs and an NBF in Ghana for many years, awareness, understanding, and knowledge of GMOs and the NBF remain inadequate. We found that young, better-educated males are more likely to accept GMOs and be aware of the NBF. This suggests the need for more widespread public education, engagement, and awareness development regarding GMOs, the NBF, and governing institutions as a way of resolving the problems created by misinformation, distrust, and fear, and increasing public confidence in GMOs.

Thailand has continuously established biosafety and security laws since 1932. The present law, the Pathogens and Animal Toxins Act 2015, was established for the controlled production, possession, sales, import, export, and transit of pathogens and animal toxins. The law is in accordance with the current world situation—that is, outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging diseases and the development of modern biotechnology, such as genetic modification of pathogens with the potential for beneficial or harmful use. The principles of the pathogen control measures of Thai law are similar to those of foreign laws in countries such as Canada, the United States, Singapore, and the People’s Republic of China. Control measures are based on the risk levels of pathogens to humans, animals, and the environment. This review briefly presents details of the law’s development in Thailand. Details are given in comparison with those of other countries; the export and import of pathogens and animal toxins according to EU export controls are also discussed. The practice and experience of applying the law in Thailand are also presented. Dissemination of enforcement details will ensure effective legal biosafety and biosecurity control measures in Thailand. This may be useful for establishing a law involving regulatory controls for biosafety and biosecurity.

Just over 20 years since the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism was unraveled in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the first RNAi-based pest control applications are close to commercialization. One of the most alluring aspects of this technology is its predicted minimal impact on the environment, due to high target selectivity and the short persistence of the active molecules in the environment. However, gaps of knowledge on the RNAi mechanism in many species and their implications for biosafety still exist. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the research conducted in this field. We discuss potential in planta and topical application methods in the field and their consequences regarding potential exposure in different non-target organisms (NTOs). While RNAi is assumed to be highly species selective, due to its sequence-guided mode of action, dsRNA design will determine how selective a product is. We also discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms affecting RNAi efficacy and how these could become a basis for the emergence of resistance against RNAi-based control products and highlight the need for resistance management. Finally, we briefly discuss recommendations for environmental risk assessment (ERA), such as the value of bioinformatics and the development of properly designed bioassays to predict effects in NTOs or to select NTOs for informing ERA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is listed as one of the most common causes of cancer-related death. Oncolytic therapy has become a promising treatment because of novel immunotherapies and gene editing technology, but biosafety concerns remain the biggest limitation for clinical application. We studied the the antitumor activity and biosafety of the wild-type Newcastle disease virus HK84 strain (NDV/HK84) and 10 other NDV strains.Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by cell counting Kit-8 and fluorescein isothiocyanate Annexin V apoptosis assays. Colony formation, wound healing, and a xenograft mouse model were used to evaluateThe cell counting Kit-8 assays of viability found that the oncolytic activity of the NDV strains differed with the multiplicity of infection (MOI). At an MOI of 20, the oncolytic activity of all NDV strains except the DK/JX/21358/08 strain was80%. The oncolytic activities of the NDV/HK84 and DK/JX/8224/04 strains were80% at both MOI=20 and MOI=2. Only NDV/HK84 had80% oncolytic activities at both MOI=20 and MOI=2. We chose NDV/HK84 as the candidate virus to test the oncolytic effect of NDV in HCC in theIntratumor infection with NDV/HK84 strains compared with vehicle controls or positive controls indicated that NDV/HK84 strain specifically inhibited HCC without affecting healthy mice. High-throughput RNA sequencing showed that the oncolytic activity of NDV/HK84 was dependent on the activation of type I interferon signaling.

This report shows the experience of report of the elaboration and development of the first stage (classes 1 to 5) of the “Biosafety Course for Oral Health Teams in times of Covid-19”, by professors from the School of Public Health of the State of Bahia Professor Jorge Novis (ESPBA), an institution belonging to Superintendence of Human Resources of the Health Department of the State of Bahia. The experience stems from coping with the Covid-19 pandemic in the State of Bahia, Brazil, considering the forms of transmission of the disease through direct contact with people, through speech, coughing, sneezing and aerosols. Salivary glands are reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the disease, and the dental environment has a high risk of spreading this microorganism. It was a self-instructional course using ESPBA's Moodle EAD-SUS platform, consisting of five video classes, covering the operational part and clinical practice on Biosafety in Covid-19 times. The course was offered by health regions, prioritizing the initial classes according to the epidemiological indicators of the number of cases. The number of enrolled students by health regions, the number of accesses and the number of content and course evaluations were estimated. The interest of professionals in the area in the theme of Biosafety was noted; however, structural and work overload issues may have compromised the performance of all stages of the course. The course obtained excellent evaluation by the students, showing the success of the educational action.

O cenário pandêmico causado pelo coronavírus SARS-COV-2, levou instituições do mundo todo a fecharem as portas e encerrarem as atividades presenciais, com o intuito de diminuir a disseminação do novo coronavírus e assim conter os avanços da pandemia. O Brasil, sendo um dos países mais afetados por essa nova emergência global, seguiu a linha adotada por outros países e suspendeu as atividades presenciais das instituições de ensino por tempo indeterminado. Para tentar minimizar o prejuízo da suspensão dos calendários e dar continuidade às atividades de ensino, foi implantada uma modalidade alternativa de educação, com foco na educação remota a partir do uso de plataformas e ferramentas digitais. No entanto, quando falamos em atividades práticas, intrínsecas à formação médica, o seguimento das atividades educacionais via ensino remoto emergencial é insuficiente para suprir as demandas do futuro profissional de saúde, impactando adversamente na formação desses. Sendo assim, esse artigo aborda a problemática colocada no âmbito da graduação médica na Universidade Federal de Jataí e propõe protocolos de biossegurança – no que tange as medidas de proteção individual, a utilização dos espaços das universidades e a organização para a realização das atividades práticas em laboratórios – que podem ser implementados nos planejamentos de retorno as atividades presenciais nas Instituições de Ensino Superior, a fim de garantir a segurança da comunidade acadêmica e a excelência educacional.

COVID-19 is a recent disease, this virus has shown in various studies to have an approximate incubation time of five days. The health areas, including the area of dentistry, have been seen in a panorama of high vulnerability and exposure, this has allowed modifying the role of the dental surgeon during this pandemic, adopting new biosafety guidelines to keep the health of healthcare personnel and patients. Thus, the protocols for the use of PPE, oral cavity antisepsis and disinfection have become pillars of emergency and emergency treatment care. The objective of this literature review is to highlight the information collected during the health crisis and the updating of protocols adopted by dental surgeons and healthcare personnel to provide adequate care during the pandemic. El COVID-19 es una nueva enfermedad, este virus ha demostrado en diversos estudios tener un tiempo de incubación aproximado de cinco días. Las áreas sanitarias, incluyendo el área odontológica, se han visto en un panorama de alta vulnerabilidad y exposición, ello ha permitido modificar el rol del cirujano dentista durante esta pandemia, adoptando nuevos lineamientos de bioseguridad para preservar la salud del personal asistencial y pacientes. Es así que los protocolos en el uso de EPP, antisepsia de la cavidad bucal y desinfección se han convertido en pilares de la atención de tratamientos de urgencia y emergencia. El objetivo de la presente revisión de literatura es evidenciar la información recolectada durante la crisis sanitaria y la actualización de protocolos adoptados por los cirujanos dentistas y personal asistencial para dar una atención adecuada durante la pandemia.

Introduction: Protection of personnel in microbiological testing laboratories should be conducted. One of the efforts that can be used for preventive action is the determination of the biosafety level. This study was conducted with the aim of knowing how important the biosafety level is seen from the readiness level of laboratory personnel regarding knowledge, training, and competency assessment of laboratory personnel. Moreover, this study was also based on the application of biological risk assessment and the planned biosafety implementation program. Method: The sampling method used was secondary data with document review and data recording from the implementation of activities in the microbiology laboratory. Meanwhile, the primary data collection was done through in-depth interviews with respondents using questionnaires and direct interviews. Result: The results of data collection and data processing showed that 74% of laboratory personnel had the appropriate competence in carrying out the assessment by determining the biosafety level. This was supported by the biosafety program which might be planned and implemented with laboratory readiness. This had a percentage of 73% in terms of biological risk assessment and laboratory facilities. Conclusion: Determination of biosafety level is important for personnel who is working in dangerous facilities which is exposed to microbiological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbiological products. This is because, determining the biosafety level not only protects laboratory personnel, but also the environment from biological hazards.

Background COVID-19 disease has had a profound impact worldwide since it was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Laboratory testing is crucial to prompt identification of positive cases, initiation of treatment and management strategies. However, medical scientists are vulnerable to infection due to the risk of exposure in the laboratory and the community. This study sought to determine the awareness of laboratory safety measures, assess the personal efforts of medical scientists in creating a safe laboratory environment for testing and examine the laboratory safety enabling factors. Methods The data used for the study were generated among medical scientists in Nigeria through an internet-broadcasted questionnaire and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25). Results The majority of the respondents had a high awareness of laboratory safety measures (60.3%) and demonstrated good personal efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (63%). The level of awareness of laboratory safety measures was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2 = 6.143; p = 0.046) and influences respondents’ efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (p = 0.007). However, just a few respondents could convincingly attest to the availability of adequate and appropriate PPE with proper utilization training (45.1%), adequate rest and other welfare packages (45.8%) as well as access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and other essential equipment in their laboratories (48.8%). Furthermore, a significant association existed between the availability of laboratory safety enabling factors and respondents’ efforts in creating a safe environment for testing with the p-value ranging between Conclusion This study revealed that despite the high awareness of safety measures and good personal efforts of the study participants in creating a safe laboratory-testing environment, there was poor availability of safety facilities, equipment, support and welfare packages required to enhance their safety. It is, therefore, crucial to provide necessary laboratory biosafety equipment and PPE in order not to compromise medical scientists’ safety as they perform their duties in COVID-19 pandemic response.

Qin Wang,* Chenggui Liu,* Jian Xu, Peipei Song, Shuzhe Yang, Qin Zhang Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qin WangDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 1617, Riyue Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 28 61866000-6267Email 314306221@qq.comObjective: In order to fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) better and to share our experience as a reference for clinical laboratory departments.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the clinical laboratory department of Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital in Chengdu, China, from April 2020 to January 2021. The number of nucleic acid and antibody testing specimens of suspected COVID-19 cases was analyzed. The key points of suspected-case sample processing and detection in the clinical laboratory department were summarized. The laboratory was directly involved in the sample processing and testing of suspected cases, the release of reports, and the transfer of specimens to the fever clinic.Results: The number of COVID-19 nucleic acid test specimens in our laboratory ranged from 102 to 2170 per day, and the number of antibody test specimens ranged from 24 to 391 per day. There were four main considerations in the treatment and detection of suspected-case specimens in the clinical laboratory: biosafety management in clinical laboratory departments, measures to ensure the health of the staff, the eight time points for processing suspected-case samples (turn-around time), and key points for the detection of suspected case specimens.Conclusion: The laboratory developed a protective process for COVID-19 antibody and nucleic acid detection during the pandemic. At present, the detection of COVID-19 antibodies and nucleic acids in the clinical laboratory department is orderly, and there have been no cases of laboratory infection.Keywords: COVID-19, clinical laboratory, laboratory tests

Background While sustainability has become a universal precept in the development of global health security systems, supporting policies often lack mechanisms to drive policies into regular practice. ‘On-paper’ norms and regulations are to a great extent upheld by frontline workers who often lack the opportunity to communicate their first-hand experiences to decisionmakers; their role is an often overlooked, yet crucial, aspect of a sustainable global health security landscape. Initiatives and programs developing transdisciplinary professional skills support the increased bidirectional dialogue between these frontline workers and key policy- and decisionmakers which may sustainably narrow the gap between global health security policy design and implementation. Methods The International Federation of Biosafety Associations’ (IFBA) Global Mentorship Program recruits biosafety and biosecurity champions across Africa to provide local peer mentorship to developing professionals in their geographic region. Mentors and mentees complete structured one year program cycles, where they are provided with written overviews of monthly discussion topics, and attend optional virtual interactive activities. Feedback from African participants of the 2019–2020 program cycle was collected using a virtual Exit Survey, where aspects of program impact and structure were assessed. Results Following its initial call for applications, the IFBA Global Mentorship Program received considerable interest from professionals across the African continent, particularly in East and North Africa. The pilot program cycle matched a total of 62 individuals from an array of professional disciplines across several regions, 40 of which were located on the African continent. The resulting mentorship pairs shared knowledge, skills, and experiences towards translating policy objectives to action on the front lines. Mentorship pairs embraced multidisciplinary approaches to harmonize health security strategies across the human and animal health sectors. South-to-South mentorship therefore provided mentees with locally relevant support critical to translation of best technical practices to local capacity and work. Conclusion The IFBA’s South-to-South Global Mentorship Program has demonstrated its ability to form crucial links between frontline biosafety professionals, laboratory workers, and policy- and decision-makers across several implicated sectors. By supporting regionally relevant peer mentorship programs, the gap between health security policy development and implementation may be narrowed.

A complexidade na qual o trabalho odontológico está inserido pode resultar em falhas com relação às medidas de biossegurança e expor todos os envolvidos aos riscos biológicos inerentes à profissão, resultando no comprometimento da eficiência e segurança do trabalho. A integração ensino-serviço demonstra ser uma valiosa estratégia de aprimoramento, atualização e incorporação de conhecimentos, resultando em melhorias no serviço em saúde, sendo esta integração sempre necessária principalmente quando do surgimento de novos riscos biológicos, como observado na atual pandemia da COVID-19. Desta forma, foi proposto analisar o conhecimento e a execução das medidas de biossegurança das auxiliares e técnicas em saúde bucal vinculadas ao setor público de saúde do Município de Três Lagoas, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). Para tanto, foi realizada a aplicação de questionário antes e após curso de capacitação e atividade prática sobre biossegurança, elaborado e ministrados por dentistas vinculadas à equipe de saúde bucal do mesmo setor. Este estudo transversal utilizou-se de um questionário semiestruturado, autoaplicável, dividido em processo de trabalho, preparo do operador e preparo do ambiente. Foi observado que, de modo geral, houve a compreensão da importância da biossegurança pelas auxiliares e técnicas em saúde bucal. Entretanto, observou-se uma melhor percepção das falhas cometidas nos procedimentos de biossegurança e dos riscos de acidentes no ambiente de trabalho após a capacitação. Os métodos de prevenção dos riscos biológicos apontados pelas profissionais foram relacionados somente ao uso de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs), sendo compreendidos após a capacitação que EPIs, vacinação e higiene das mãos são os métodos eficazes de prevenção no trabalho em saúde. Também foi observado um melhor entendimento quanto à necessidade de limpeza das superfícies com água e sabão previamente ao uso de desinfetantes, assim como a realização da sequência correta de paramentação e desparamentação para a efetiva proteção fornecida pelos EPIs, com ênfase no uso adequado das máscaras N95 e protetor facial. Deste modo, verificou-se que as auxiliares e técnicas em saúde bucal aplicam medidas de biossegurança durante o seu trabalho, entretanto, a execução dos procedimentos visando eliminar, prevenir e reduzir riscos foram reavaliados e reconsiderados, principalmente no atual cenário da pandemia ocasionada pelo coronavírus.

Introduction: Before 2016, there were no specific regulations or guidelines for the management of biological select agents and toxins (BSATs) in Taiwan. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control responded to the global health security agenda in 2016 and made use of the Joint External Evaluation tool: International Health Regulations to evaluate Taiwan's epidemic prevention system capacities, including BSAT management. For technical areas that did not meet the highest requirements, the regulations and guidelines are now in place to strengthen the management of BSATs. Methods: In 2017, a survey on the BSAT entities management status in Taiwan was conducted to understand the gap between BSAT practice and international policies, and to improve BSAT management based on the findings. Results and Discussion: After 3 years of promotion, relevant management regulations and supervision mechanisms have been established. In 2021, the evaluation will be conducted again and it is expected that Taiwan's BSAT management capacity will reach the level of international biosafety and biosecurity.