scholarly journals The influence of microclimate conditions on ozone disinfection efficacy in working places

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Concetta Pironti ◽  
Giuseppina Moccia ◽  
Oriana Motta ◽  
Giovanni Boccia ◽  
Gianluigi Franci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Threshold Value ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Individual Protection ◽  
Microclimate Conditions ◽  
Ozone Disinfection

AbstractIn recent years, the sanitization of environments, devices, and objects has become mandatory to improve human and environmental safety, in addition to individual protection and prevention measures. International studies considered ozone one of the most useful and easy sanitization methods for indoor environments, especially hospital environments that require adequate levels of disinfection. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microclimate influence on sanitizing procedure for indoor settings with ozone, to prevent infections and ensure the safe use of the environments. The concentration of ozone was measured during sanitization treatment and estimation of microorganisms’ survival on the air and different contaminated plates after the sanitization operations were performed. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the microbial count that always fell below the threshold value in different conditions of distance, temperature, and relative humidity.

scholarly journals Development and Improvement of an Effective Method for Air and Surfaces Disinfection with Ozone Gas as a Decontaminating Agent

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 578
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Moccia ◽  
Francesco De Caro ◽  
Concetta Pironti ◽  
Giovanni Boccia ◽  
Mario Capunzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Hospital Infections ◽  
Air Treatment ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Selection Of

Background and objectives: Ozone has been one of the most investigated and discussed sanitization methods. This paper reports a procedure to sanitize air hospital environments, in particular chirurgical surgery rooms that require high levels of disinfection. The purpose of this work was the development and implementation of a cleansing and sanitizing procedure for critical clinical settings with ozone, to prevent hospital infections by the elimination of all toxic and harmful microorganisms in the air, and ensure safe use for operators and patients. Materials and Methods: The protocol for the study involved a structured selection of a representative environment of healthcare structures such as high, medium, and low-risk settings in air and examples of hospital furniture. Results: The concentration of ozone was measured during sanitization treatment and the estimation of the total microbial count in the air and on different surfaces before and after the sanitization operations was performed. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the microbial count that always fell below the threshold value. Conclusions: Currently, there are no air treatment strategies available for inactivating airborne organisms during hospital outbreaks, which is most probably due to the lack of approved protocols.

Fungal Contamination in Hospital Environments

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Perdelli ◽  
M. L. Cristina ◽  
M. Sartini ◽  
A. M. Spagnolo ◽  
M. Dallera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Airborne Fungi ◽  
Selective Medium ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Airborne Concentration ◽  
Detection And Counting ◽  
Air Conditioning Systems

Objectives.To assess the degree of fungal contamination in hospital environments and to evaluate the ability of air conditioning systems to reduce such contamination.Methods.We monitored airborne microbial concentrations in various environments in 10 hospitals equipped with air conditioning. Sampling was performed with a portable Surface Air System impactor with replicate organism detection and counting plates containing a fungus-selective medium. The total fungal concentration was determined 72-120 hours after sampling. The genera most involved in infection were identified by macroscopic and microscopic observation.Results.The mean concentration of airborne fungi in the set of environments examined was 19 ± 19 colony-forming units (cfu) per cubic meter. Analysis of the fungal concentration in the different types of environments revealed different levels of contamination: the lowest mean values (12 ± 14 cfu/m3) were recorded in operating theaters, and the highest (45 ± 37 cfu/m3) were recorded in kitchens. Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between median values for the various environments. The fungal genus most commonly encountered was Penicillium, which, in kitchens, displayed the highest mean airborne concentration (8 ± 2.4 cfu/m3). The percentage (35%) of Aspergillus documented in the wards was higher than that in any of the other environments monitored.Conclusions.The fungal concentrations recorded in the present study are comparable to those recorded in other studies conducted in hospital environments and are considerably lower than those seen in other indoor environments that are not air conditioned. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of air-handling systems in reducing fungal contamination.

scholarly journals Dropout at university level in Serbia: Analysis of measurement, research findings, services and prevention measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 479-519
Author(s):  
Ivana Stepanovic-Ilic ◽  
Oliver Toskovic ◽  
Ksenija Krstic ◽  
Marina Videnovic
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
University Level

Dropout in higher education attracts great attention due to serious effects on an individual and on society. This is an exploratory study aimed at: analysing drop?out measurement and tracking in the Serbian higher education, reviewing studies on dropout causes, and identifying available services and prevention measures. Various techniques are used to achieve these goals (statistics analysis, literature review, qualitative content analysis). Our results show that: 1. There are no accepted dropout definitions nor official statistics, but some rate estimate could be given; 2. Research is not systematic, but covers three major dropout factors (individual, socio-demographic, studying conditions); 3. Services are sporadic and not visible enough; 4. Legislation reveals state interest in promoting higher education, but implemented measures are not adequate enough. We see establishment of the Unified Education Information System as an important step in precise dropout measurement. There is a need for flexible studying routes and increased financial support orientated more towards vulnerable student groups. International studies highlight the importance of intensification of teacher-student and peer interaction built in modern student-centred teaching practice. At the end, we advocate creating a new educational policy by combining two major frameworks in this field and relying on inclusive research.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Fungi in the Potable Water of Hospitals: A Public Health Threat

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 783
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Caggiano ◽  
Giusy Diella ◽  
Francesco Triggiano ◽  
Nicola Bartolomeo ◽  
Francesca Apollonio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Different Types

Since the last decade, attention towards the occurrence of fungi in potable water has increased. Commensal and saprophytic microorganisms widely distributed in nature are also responsible for causing public health problems. Fungi can contaminate hospital environments, surviving and proliferating in moist and unsterile conditions. According to Italian regulations, the absence of fungi is not a mandatory parameter to define potable water, as a threshold value for the fungal occurrence has not been defined. This study evaluated the occurrence of fungi in potable water distribution systems in hospitals. The frequency of samples positive for the presence of fungi was 56.9%; among them, filamentous fungi and yeasts were isolated from 94.2% and 9.2% of the samples, respectively. The intensive care unit (87.1%) had the highest frequency of positive samples. Multivariable model (p < 0.0001), the variables of the period of the year (p < 0.0001) and type of department (p = 0.0002) were found to be statistically significant, suggesting a high distribution of filamentous fungi in the potable water of hospitals. Further studies are necessary to validate these results and identify the threshold values of fungi levels for different types of water used for various purposes to ensure the water is safe for consumption and protect public health.

scholarly journals COVID-19 is in the air: Why are we still ignoring the importance of ventilation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. e97492
Author(s):  
Nestor Y. Rojas ◽  
Laura A. Rodríguez-Villamizar
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Transmission Mechanism ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Air Filtration ◽  
Adequate Ventilation ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Transmission Prevention ◽  
Indoor Spaces

The main transmission mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is airborne, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments. Recognizing the importance of this mechanism has taken a long time, despite the evidence generated by aerosol scientists from an early stage of the pandemic. Hence, measures applied more widely by the population have focused on the disinfection of surfaces, often in an exaggerated way, while measures focused on reducing the concentration of aerosols in indoor environments, such as adequate ventilation and air filtration, have been timidly promoted. In addition to the progress of the National Vaccination Plan, it is necessary to intensify transmission prevention measures for a safer reopening of the economy. It is therefore urgent, to educate and generate clear guidelines for the evaluation and improvement of ventilation in indoor spaces.

ICU Patient Family Stress Recovery During Breaks in a Hospital Garden and Indoor Environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger S. Ulrich ◽  
Makayla Cordoza ◽  
Stuart K. Gardiner ◽  
Bette J. Manulik ◽  
Paul S. Fitzpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Waiting Room ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Hospital Environments ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
Before And After ◽  
State Stress

Objectives: Measure the immediate change in intensive care unit (ICU) family members’ state stress levels from the beginning to the end of a person’s visit to a hospital garden and compare the changes produced by the garden with those associated with spending time in indoor hospital environments intended for respite and relaxation. Background: No previous research has compared the efficacy of different physical environments as interventions to foster stress reduction in family members of ICU patients, a group of hospital visitors known to experience high levels of distress. Method: A convenience sample of 42 ICU patient family (from 42 different families) completed the Present Functioning Visual Analogue Scales (PFVAS) before and after each visit (128 total visits) to a garden, an atrium/café, or ICU waiting room. Results: Stress scores significantly declined (i.e., improved) from the start to the end of a break on all PFVAS subscales ( p < .0001) in both the garden and indoors locations. However, it is noteworthy that garden breaks resulted in significantly greater improvement in the “sadness” scale than breaks in indoor locations ( p = .03), and changes in all five other PFVAS scores showed somewhat more reduction of stress for breaks spent in the garden than indoors, although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Creating an unlocked garden with abundant nature located close to an ICU can be an effective intervention for significantly mitigating state stress in family members of ICU patients and can be somewhat more effective than indoor areas expressly designed for family respite and relaxation.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Among Migrants Recently Arrived in Europe From Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Containment Strategies and Special Features of Management in Reception Centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Fabris ◽  
Gabriella d'Ettorre ◽  
Ornella Spagnolello ◽  
Alessandro Russo ◽  
Maurizio Lopalco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Systematic Screening ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Epidemiological Analysis ◽  
Contagious Diseases ◽  
Individual Protection ◽  
Self Protection

Despite the “migrants and COVID-19” topic has been neglected since felt marginal concerning other aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it represents a relevant public health issue in the European countries. This report describes COVID-19 containment strategies adopted in a large Italian reception center hosting recently arrived asylum-seeker migrants. Risk assessment and prevention measures adopted were described. Geo-spatial epidemiological analysis of the outbreak was reported. Significant gaps in the knowledge of self-protection measures from contagious diseases and in the perception of the pandemic risk were observed in migrants; health promotion activities, targeted to remove cultural barriers and improve behaviors appropriate to individual protection, were able to fulfill this gap. In low-resource settings, especially in closed communities, the implementation of social distancing strategies, the systematic use of individual protection devices, and active syndromic surveillance are essential tools to limit the risk of outbreaks. In the event of an outbreak, it is relevant to rapidly activate containment procedures based on systematic screening, isolation, and quarantine, taking into consideration the limits of tracing contacts within a closed community. Not being able to trace certain contacts, the geo-spatial epidemiological analysis of cases distribution could be key in the management of the outbreak. Interestingly, positive cases identified in our facility were all clinically pauci-symptomatic or asymptomatic. Dedicated strategies are needed to minimize the chance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a limited space such as reception centers and a vulnerable population such as migrants.

scholarly journals Commercial Bio-Packaging to Preserve the Quality and Extend the Shelf-Life of Vegetables: The Case-Study of Pumpkin Samples Studied by a Multimethodological Approach

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2440
Author(s):  
Giacomo Di Matteo ◽  
Paola Di Matteo ◽  
Matteo Sambucci ◽  
Jacopo Tirillò ◽  
Anna Maria Giusti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corn Starch ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Polymeric Films ◽  
Regenerated Cellulose ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Cellulose Pulp ◽  
Yeasts And Molds ◽  
Microbiological Analyses

A multidisciplinary protocol is proposed to monitor the preservation of fresh pumpkin samples (FP) using three commercial polymeric films: A made of biodegradable cellophane from regenerated cellulose pulp; B from corn starch, cassava and eucalyptus, C made of polylactic acid from corn starch, and a polyethylene film used as reference (REF). Chemical, mechanical and microbiological analyses were applied on packaging and fresh and packaged samples at different times. After an 11-day period, NMR spectroscopy results showed a sucrose increase and a malic acid decrease in all the biofilms with respect to FP; fructose, glucose, galactose levels remained quite constant in biofilms B and C; the most abundant amino acids remained quite constant in biofilm A and decreased significantly in biofilm B. From microbiological analyses total microbial count was below the threshold value up to 7 days for samples in all the films, and 11 days for biofilm C. The lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts and molds counts were below the acceptability limit during the 11 days for all packages. In the case of biofilm C, the most promising packaging for microbiological point of view, aroma analysis was also carried out. In this paper, you can find all the analysis performed and all the values found.

scholarly journals Continuous Improvement of Quality Management in the Fall Prevention Process for Inpatients: a Historically Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua XU ◽  
Xiang Cao ◽  
Yanhong ZHANG ◽  
Zhaohong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Chi Square

Abstract Background: Falls are one of the most common adverse nursing events and sensitive indicators to measure nursing quality. The interventions for fall prevention are important; however, monitoring tools for the implementation are scarce.Methods: To explore the effects of monitoring the fall prevention process in reducing inpatients’ falls. Historically controlled trial and retrospective analysis. Explore and refer to the "structure-process-result" quality evaluation model. The design included assessment of fall risks, knowledge of prevention, participation of patients and their families, environment and management. The monitoring form for the implementation of fall prevention measures was used to monitor the effect and reduce the incidence rate of falls. Results: The incidence rate of falls among inpatients with different risk levels was compared and analyzed before monitoring (control group) and 12 months, 24 months, 36 months later after monitoring. The trend chi-square results showed that the incidence rate of falls decreased from 0.199‰ to 0.101‰, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The probability of falls 12 months and 36 months later after intervention was 0.84 times and 0.51 times that of control group. The proportion of patients at high risk of falls had a decreasing trend.Conclusions: After the use of the monitoring form, the incidence rate of falls reduces, nurses' professional quality and personal ability are improved, the awareness of patients and family members participating in patient’s safety is strengthened, the environmental safety management is strengthened and the hardware facility is improved.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV assay for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses in nasopharyngeal specimens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddie Chi-man Leung ◽  
Viola Chi-ying Chow ◽  
May Kin-ping Lee ◽  
Kevin Pui-san Tang ◽  
Daniel Kwok-cheung Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Kappa Value ◽  
High Concordance ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Value Association

Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A (flu A), influenza B (flu B), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have overlapping clinical presentations, but the approaches to treatment and management of infections caused by these viruses are different. Therefore, rapid diagnosis in conjunction with infection prevention measures is important to prevent transmission of the diseases. Recently, a new Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV (Xpert 4-in-1) assay enables the detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, flu A, flu B, and RSV in upper respiratory tract specimens. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Xpert 4-in-1 assay by comparing it with the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV assays for the detection of the four viruses in nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens. A total of 279 NP specimens, including 66, 56, 64 and 53 positive specimens for SARS-CoV-2, flu A, flu B and RSV respectively, were included. The Xpert 4-in-1 assay demonstrated high concordance with the comparator assays, with overall agreement for SARS-CoV-2, flu A, flu B, and RSV at 99.64%, 100%, 99.64%, and 100%, respectively, and a high kappa value ranging from 0.99 to 1.00, indicating an almost perfect correlation between assays. The cycle threshold value association between positive samples also showed a good correlation between assays. In conclusion, the overall performance of the Xpert 4-in-1 assay was highly comparable to that of the Xpert SARS-CoV-2 and Xpert Flu/RSV assays for the detection and differentiation of SARS CoV-2, flu A, flu B, and RSV in NP specimens.

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