scholarly journals Risk of Contamination of Gametes and Embryos during Cryopreservation and Measures to Prevent Cross-Contamination

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Joaquim ◽  
Eduardo D. Borges ◽  
Iara G. R. Viana ◽  
Paula A. Navarro ◽  
Alessandra A. Vireque
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Pertinent Data ◽  
Organ Donations ◽  
Guidance Documents ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
And Storage

The introduction and widespread application of vitrification are one of the most important achievements in human assisted reproduction techniques (ART) of the past decade despite controversy and unclarified issues, mostly related to concerns about disease transmission. Guidance documents published by US Food and Drug Administration, which focused on the safety of tissue/organ donations during Zika virus spread in 2016, as well as some reports of virus, bacteria, and fungi survival to cryogenic temperatures, highlighted the need for a review of the way how potentially infectious material is handled and stored in ART-related procedures. It was experimentally demonstrated that cross-contamination between liquid nitrogen (LN2) and embryos may occur when infectious agents are present in LN2 and oocytes/embryos are not protected by a hermetically sealed device. Thus, this review summarizes pertinent data and opinions regarding the potential hazard of infectious transmission through cryopreserved and banked reproductive cells and tissues in LN2. Special attention is given to the survival of pathogens in LN2, the risk of cross-contamination, vitrification methods, sterility of LN2, and the risks associated with the use of straws, cryovials, and storage dewars.

scholarly journals Quantitative Assessment of Microbial Contamination and Patterns of Public Behaviour with Used Toothbrushes: Implications of Storage and Replacement

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Amreen Bashir ◽  
Amreen Bashir ◽  
Peter Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Enteric Bacteria ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Microbial Culture ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
And Storage

Introduction: Toothbrushes can readily become contaminated with microbes during use and storage. They present a potential hazard of cross-contamination and subsequent infection. Aims: To investigate the nature and level of microbial contamination of used toothbrushes and influence of participant lifestyle. Methods and Results: 103 used toothbrushes were donated, and microbial contents were determined by microbial culture and identification. 97% of toothbrushes revealed contamination. The microbial loads ranged from 0-1010 cfu/brush with median values of around 107, with Candida isolated in the highest levels. 90% of toothbrushes were stored in bathrooms presumably exposed to environmental contamination and 72% revealed the presence of enteric bacteria including Klebsiella, Serratia and Enterobacter. 50% of participants kept toothbrushes for >3 months and 40% retained toothbrushes for 4-6 months; microbial loads were fully established during the first three months of use and did not increase further with prolonged use. Only 57% of participants brushed their teeth twice a day and 41% brushed once a day. Conclusion: Used toothbrushes are heavily contaminated and the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms constitutes a potential health risk. Significance and Impact of Study: There is an under-recognised risk of cross-contamination/infection, especially when multiple users store toothbrushes in close contact. Guidance on toothbrush age, brushing frequency and storage is not being followed. Further education is required to improve public awareness.

Standard Food Safety Practices From Receiving to Cleaning in the Restaurant

2022 ◽  
pp. 123-150
Author(s):  
Suzita Ramli ◽  
Jun Xian Wong
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Food Storage ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
And Storage

Transmission of hazardous materials could be aggravated by inappropriate handling and storage practices. This results in cross-contamination to foodstuff or cooking utensils. The introduced hazards in the food supply chain might lead to client and reputation loss. The implementation of food safety is necessary to secure safety concerns. All employees should take initiative to be aware and have good attitudes regarding proper hygiene and sanitary practices to assure their product integrity and safety for human consumption. Therefore, this chapter delivered the appropriate and standard food safety protocols to all individuals involved in food storage, preparation, and serving. The scope was structured into (1) identification of hazardous ingredients, (2) purchasing and receiving raw materials, (3) transporting and storage, (4) cooking and reheating, (5) food serving and displaying, (6) leftover storage, and (7) cleaning and sanitation.

scholarly journals Effect of Temperature and Nutrient Concentration on Survival of Foodborne Pathogens in Deciduous Fruit Processing Environments for Effective Hygiene Management

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 1959-1964 ◽  
Author(s):  
STACEY DUVENAGE ◽  
LISE KORSTEN
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Fruit Processing ◽  
Deciduous Fruit ◽  
Processing And Storage ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Storage Temperatures ◽  
Nutrient Conditions

ABSTRACT Temperature and good sanitation practices are important factors for controlling growth of microorganisms. Fresh produce is stored at various temperatures to ensure quality and to prolong shelf life. When foodborne pathogens survive and grow on fresh produce at storage temperatures, then additional control strategies are needed to inactivate these pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine how temperatures associated with deciduous fruit processing and storage facilities (0.5, 4, and 21°C) affect the growth and/or survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus under different nutrient conditions (nutrient rich and nutrient poor) and on simulated contact surfaces (vinyl coupons). Information on the growth and survival of foodborne pathogens at specific deciduous fruit processing and storage temperatures (0.5°C) is not available. All pathogens except E. coli O157:H7 were able to survive on vinyl coupons at all temperatures. L. monocytogenes proliferated under both nutrient conditions independent of temperature. S. aureus was the pathogen least affected by nutrient conditions. The survival of foodborne pathogens on the vinyl coupons, a model system for studying surfaces in fruit preparation and storage environments, indicates the potential for cross-contamination of deciduous fruit products under poor sanitation conditions. Foodborne pathogens that can proliferate and survive at various temperatures under different nutrient conditions could lead to fruit cross-contamination. Temperature mismanagement, which could allow pathogen proliferation in contaminated fruit packing houses and storage environments, is a concern. Therefore, proper hygiene and sanitation practices, removal of possible contaminants, and proper food safety management systems are needed to ensure food safety.

scholarly journals Microbiological Analysis and Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms on Currency Notes (Congolese Francs) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
pp. 16-30
Author(s):  
Jeff Bekomo Iteku ◽  
Donel Moswala Likabo ◽  
Aaron Lelo Pambu ◽  
Gédéon Ngiala Bongo ◽  
Ruth Katunda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Salmonella Enteritidis ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Gene ◽  
Contamination Rate ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Currency Note ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Aims: The incidence of infectious diseases is still a vital concern in developing countries. Recently, hygienists have focused on the risk of transmitted diseases through currency notes. This study aims at the determination of potential pathogenic microorganisms found on the Congolese Francs currency notes circulating in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out in Kinshasa city, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between September 3 and 29, 2019 at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the National Institute for Biomedical Research. Methods: During this study, 36 currency notes of different denominations have been used for microbiological analysis. Currency notes were collected from vendors of the Central market and currency note dealers at Kintambo Magasin market in Kinshasa. The identification of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) was performed using gram staining and biochemical analyses. Results: The findings reveal the presence of following microorganisms, namely Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp, Escherichia coli, Serratia spp, Citrobacter spp, Salmonella enteritidis as well as molds on the Congolese currency notes. It should be observed that circulated currency notes in Kinshasa are contaminated by bacteria and fungi. The contamination rate was based on the fact, that money is new, clean or dirty. Conclusion: Congolese currency notes constitute the potential sources of infectious disease transmission if hygienic conditions are not respected. Molecular studies are required in order to determine the antibiotic resistance gene of these microorganisms. As the population does not know how to store these notes properly, their contamination would eventually become a major public health hazard. Therefore, a need of an awareness of the population in order to apply hygienic rules while handling currency notes. This is for the first time that such a study is being carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Evaluation of the microbial contaminants and phytochemical properties of Sireh (Piper betle L.)

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽  
pp. 2745-2750
Author(s):  
Syafiqah Mhd Jamal ◽  
Hasnah Bahari ◽  
Daryl Jesus Arapoc ◽  
Muhammad Akif Adnan ◽  
Imran Jazary Mad Diah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Health ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Piper Betle ◽  
Storage Duration ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Phytochemical Constituents ◽  
Microbial Contaminants ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
And Storage

Piper betle L. or Sireh is popular among the Malaysian locals and has been extensively used in traditional medicines across Asian and Southeast Asian countries. P. betle  is used to enhance the dental health and treat diseases such as rheumatism and bronchitis, though the data on the quality and safety of this plant are still limited. This study evaluated the microbiological quality and the phytochemical properties of P. betle. Bacteria and fungi were only detected following 3 months of storage duration, however, the microbial loads are within the acceptable range and the identified bacterial species were non-pathogenic. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between microbial enumerations data and storage duration. Three phytochemical constituents, which were saponins, tannins, and steroids, were detected in P. betle. These findings highlighted that P. betle  has  low microbial contaminants at least up to 6-months of storage, and with its phytochemical constituents preserved throughout the storage duration, it is thus safe for consumption as it is.  

Dirty Money on Holy Ground: Isolation of Potentially Pathogen-ic Bacteria and Fungi on Money Collected from Church Offer-ings

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akebe Luther King ABIA ◽  
Eunice UBOMBA-JASWA
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Currency Note ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Holy Ground

Background: Fomites (including money) can transmit diseases to humans. How the nature of money influences contamination has not been adequately demonstrated. Moreover, such studies in church settings are non-existent. Thus, we studied how money collected from a church could serve as human disease transmission vehicles. Methods: Overall, 284 money samples (currency notes and coins) were collected during two Sundays in the months of Nov and Dec 2015 from a church congregation in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. The presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi were investigated using culture (Colilert® method) and molecular methods (Sanger sequencing). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize the possible positions of the bacteria on various parts of a currency note. Results: Of the 192 samples (first sampling round), 76 (39.6%) were positive for E. coli. Smaller notes (R10) recorded the highest E. coli counts per note. Of the 92 notes analyzed for potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi (second sampling round), 76 (82%) showed growth on at least one of the six culture media used. Sequencing revealed three bacterial (Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium) and two fungal (Clavispora and Rhodotorula) genera. SEM revealed that microorganisms could enter cracks of creased notes. Conclusion: Unlike previous studies conducted where recent contamination could occur, the current study shows that microorganisms can survive on money; samples were collected from a church, where little or no exchange takes place. Moreover, using SEM demonstrates that aged and creased notes favor attachment of bacteria to money and could be of public health concern by transmitting disease within a given population.

Hazard Analyses of Duck in Chinese Restaurants

1982 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
FRANK L. BRYAN ◽  
MITSUTO SUGI ◽  
LLOYD MIYASHIRO ◽  
STEVEN TSUTSUMI ◽  
CHARLES A. BARTLESON
Keyword(s):  
Water Activity ◽  
Temperature Rise ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Refrigerated Storage ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Critical Control Points ◽  
Cutting Boards ◽  
And Storage

Time-temperature exposures and water activity values were measured during the preparation and storage of Chinese-style duck products. Frozen ducks were usually thawed at room temperature and remained at room temperature for several hours thereafter. During cooking or during the post-oven temperature rise period, the temperatures at the geometric centers of the ducks exceeded 94 C (201 F). Cooked ducks were subjected to cross-contamination when they were chopped or cut up on cutting boards. Cooked ducks were held for several hours at bacteria-incubating temperatures while they were on display in cabinets or on counters. Leftover cooked ducks cooled rather rapidly during refrigerated storage. When they were reheated, their internal temperatures did not rise to levels lethal to vegetative pathogenic bacteria. Water activity values of cooked duck ranged from 0.87 to 0.99. Critical control points of the operations were the cutting and chopping of cooked ducks, storage of ducks during display for sale and reheating leftover ducks. Recommendations for control are: (1) to hold cooked ducks at 55 C (131 F) or above, (2) cool unsold cooked ducks rapidly, (3) reheat leftover ducks to internal temperatures of 71–74 C (160–165 F), and (4) minimize opportunities of contamination from equipment surfaces and workers' hands.

scholarly journals Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Jordan Universities Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tareq M. Osaili ◽  
Anas A. Al-Nabulsi ◽  
Asma' O. Taybeh
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
University Students ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Safety Knowledge ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) amongst university students in Jordan and changes in food-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlation between food safety KAP scores and general characteristics of university students was also evaluated.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted where an Internet-based questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms. The sample consisted of 1,739 respondents from 29 Jordanian universities. The participants completed a 58-item questionnaire covering demographical characteristics and different food safety aspects which were namely “COVID-19 food-related attributes,” “food cooking and storage,” “personal hygiene.” “cross-contamination prevention/disinfection procedures.” and “restaurant hygiene.” Descriptive statistics, Chi square tests and binary logistic analysis were used to assess the data.Results: The sample consisted of 67.2% females with a mean age of 21.3 ± 1.8 years. The average overall score of the tested aspects was 14.1/34.0 which corresponds to 41.3% of the questions being answered correctly. The percentage of correct answers of “COVID-19 food-related attributes,” “food cooking and storage,” “cross-contamination prevention/disinfection procedures,” “personal hygiene” and “restaurant hygiene” was 56.8, 36.6, 28.4, 44.6. and 36.9%, respectively. A significant (P <0.05) association between respondents' food safety KAP scores and gender, marital status, university degree, employment status, self-rating of food safety knowledge, and the source of food safety information.Conclusion: University students in Jordan had insufficient KAP scores which is a concerning trend during the pandemic. Teaching fundamentals of food safety in the form of short courses/ lectures is recommended.

scholarly journals First Experience with Ozone Used in Fruit Tree Storage

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-721
Author(s):  
Luděk Laňar ◽  
Bronislava Hortová ◽  
Pavlína Jaklová ◽  
Michal Skalský ◽  
Jana Ouředníčková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Material ◽  
Storage Temperature ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Ozone Exposure ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Main Operation

In the present study we investigated the possibility to use air ozone in fruit tree storage. The variables were: rate of ozonization, length of exposure to ozonized air and storage temperature. We assessed the impact of ozone on the vitality of the trees or bench grafted rootstocks, any changes appearing after storage and the feasibility of this technique under real conditions. Supplementary research was done to test the impact of ozonization on the potential occurrence of microorganisms and pests on trees. Results showed that trees can withstand relatively high rates of ozonization except for peach which is the most sensitive fruit; all the ozonization treatments impaired peach vitality. Other species withstand three months of storage in 1 °C and one hour of exposure to ozone in fortnight intervals without a significant impact on their vitality. A higher (5 °C) storage temperature with or without ozonization decreased the vitality of trees. Although it has been proved that ozonization can suppress damage‑causing microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) on trees, the fortnight frequency of ozonization did not prevent mould to develop. Results also indicated the potential effect of ozonization on the disinfestation of plant material from overwintering pests. The main operation restrictions of ozone exposure is the ability of ozone to decompose some materials and that it is harmful to human health.

scholarly journals The Effect of Time and Storage Environment on Dimensional Changes of Acrylic Resin Post Patterns

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-90
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Sabouhi ◽  
Saied Nosouhian ◽  
Mansour Dakhilalian ◽  
Amin Davoudi ◽  
Ramin Mehrad
Keyword(s):  
Setting Time ◽  
Acrylic Resin ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Root Canal Therapy ◽  
P Values ◽  
Dimensional Changes ◽  
Post And Core ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Paired T Test

Introduction : Post and core are needed to regain retentions and functions after endodontic therapies. Also, risk of cross contamination from dental prosthesis is so high. The aim of this study was to compare dimensional changes of acrylic resin patterns (ARP) in three different storing environments. Materials and methods : conventional root canal therapy was done on one first premolar tooth and the canal filled with Guttapercha. 2/3 of the filling was expelled and 30 direct APRs were prepared by Duralay. The samples were divided into 3 groups based on storing environments: water, NaOCl 5% and air. Finally dimensional changes in coronoapical length (CAL), coronal (CD) and apical diameter (AD) of APRs were measured in 7 consecutive times (immediately after polymerization, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 hours later). All the data were analyzed by Paired T-test and Duncon test using SPSS software ver.13 at significant level of 0.05. Results : After 24 hours, the ARPs, which were stored in air, contracted 0.07, 0.06 and 0.12 mm in AD, CD and CAL; the ARPs, which were stored in water, showed 0.03, 0.06 and 0.12 mm decrease in AD, CD and CAL; But the ARPs, which were stored in NaOCl 5%, showed significant expansion in AD, CD and CAL (0.03, 0.06 and 0.10 mm) (all P values < 0.01). Conclusion : It is better not to use NaOCl for disinfecting; also the best time for storing APRs is 8 hours for water and 2 hours for air environments after setting time.

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