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.

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.

Restorative dental treatment in times of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robson de Lima GOMES ◽  
Marlus da Silva PEDROSA ◽  
Claudio Heliomar Vicente da SILVA
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Clinical Protocols ◽  
Know How ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Staff ◽  
Dental Professional ◽  
Restrictive Measures

ABSTRACT Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), numerous restrictive measures have been adopted by governments of different countries. The return to elective dental care in Brazil is a reality even during the COVID-19 pandemic. During restorative dental procedures, the dental professional requires close contact with the patient, being exposed to contaminated saliva and fluids. In addition, transmission of COVID-19 by the generation of aerosol produced by dental handipieces may be possible. Thus, the dental staff must know how to act during restorative dental procedures, putting into practice the correct clinical protocols to avoid cross-contamination and COVID-19 spread. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the biosafety practices especially in the context of restorative dental procedures in times of COVID-19.

scholarly journals High-Fiber Diet during Pregnancy Characterized by More Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Rachelle A. Pretorius ◽  
Debra J. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fiber Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Total Dietary Fiber ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
High Fiber

Higher dietary fiber intakes during pregnancy may have the potential health benefits of increasing gut microbiome diversity, lowering the risk of glucose intolerance and pre-eclampsia, achieving appropriate gestational weight gain, and preventing constipation. In this observational cohort study, we have assessed the dietary fiber intakes of 804 women in late pregnancy, using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Overall, the median (interquartile range) dietary fiber intake was 24.1 (19.0–29.7) grams per day (g/day). Only 237/804 (29.5%) women met the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) of dietary fiber during pregnancy of 28 g/day. Women consuming the highest quartile of fiber intakes (34.8 (IQR 32.1–39.5) g/day) consumed more fruit, especially apples and bananas, than women consuming the lowest quartile of fiber intakes (15.9 (IQR 14.4–17.5) g/day). These women in the highest fiber-intake quartile were older (p < 0.01), more had completed further education after secondary school (p = 0.04), and they also consumed more vegetables (67 g/day) compared to the women in the lowest fiber consumption quartile (17 g vegetables/day). Bread intakes of 39–42 g/day were consistent in quantities consumed across all four fiber-intake quartiles. Our findings suggest that antenatal education advice targeting increased fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy may be a simple strategy to achieve increased total dietary fiber intakes to reach recommended quantities.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Microbial Culture Techniques for the Isolation of Pythium Insidiosum from Equine Tissues

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 288-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M. Grooters ◽  
Amy Whittington ◽  
Mae K. Lopez ◽  
Michelle N. Boroughs ◽  
Alma F. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Room Temperature ◽  
Microbial Culture ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Pythium Insidiosum ◽  
Selective Media ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Media Type ◽  
Antibiotic Solution ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Storage Technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sample handling, storage, and culture techniques on the isolation of Pythium insidiosum from infected equine tissues. Tissue and kunker samples obtained immediately posteuthanasia from a horse with subcutaneous pythiosis were used to assess the effects of sample type (kunkers vs. tissues), media type (selective vs. nonselective), storage technique, and storage time on P. insidiosum isolation rate. Overall, isolation rates were higher from fresh kunkers (94.6%) and stored kunkers (76.4%) than from fresh tissues (8.3%) or stored tissues (4.6%). Isolation of P. insidiosum also occurred more often on antibiotic-containing media than on nonselective media for both fresh and stored samples. For samples that were stored for 1–3 days prior to culture, P. insidiosum isolation rates were highest for the following techniques: kunkers stored at room temperature and plated on selective media (100%), kunkers stored at 4 C and then plated on either nonselective (91.7%) or selective (95.8%) media, kunkers stored on cold packs and then plated on either nonselective (93.8%) or selective (100%) media, kunkers stored in ampicillin solution and plated on selective media (100%), and kunkers stored in ampicillin/gentocin solution and plated on selective media (87.5%). For samples stored for 4–5 days, P. insidiosum isolation rates were highest for kunkers stored at 4 C and then plated on either nonselective (81.3%) or selective (87.5%) media, kunkers stored in ampicillin solution and then plated on selective media (87.5%), and kunkers stored in ampicillin/gentocin solution and plated on selective media (87.5%). Results of this study suggest that optimal isolation rates of P. insidiosum from infected equine tissues are achieved by culturing fresh kunkers on selective media. For samples that cannot be processed immediately, acceptable handling techniques include storage at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigeration for up to 5 days, shipping on cold packs, and storage in antibiotic solution, each combined with subsequent inoculation on selective media.

Household greywater use practices in Melbourne, Australia

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sinclair ◽  
J. O'Toole ◽  
M. Malawaraarachchi ◽  
K. Leder
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Urban Water ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
End Use ◽  
Volume Estimates ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Greywater Reuse

Research on the potential of greywater reuse to reduce urban tap water demand has focused mainly on permanently installed greywater treatment or irrigation systems. These may be readily implemented in new housing developments, but experience in Australia shows their uptake by established households in urban areas is low. The majority of households employ simple and temporary methods for greywater collection and use, but their behaviour has not been well documented. We characterised the greywater use practices of over 1,000 Melbourne households during a 5-year period (2007 to 2011) which included 3 years of severe drought with stringent restrictions on outdoor tap water use. Greywater was most frequently collected from the laundry and bathroom, and generally used within 24 hours. Garden watering was the most common end use, and treatment of greywater to reduce microbial contamination was very rare. Volume estimates by householders suggest that on average around 10% of tap water used in the home was being collected for reuse. When drought conditions and water restrictions eased, over 40% of user households discontinued greywater use. Widespread adoption of permanent greywater collection, treatment and storage systems by households would be required to achieve a lasting effect on urban water consumption.

Geological occurrence, mineralogical character and preliminary risk assessment of carcinogenic erionite in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janki Patel ◽  
Martin Brook ◽  
Dario Di Giuseppe ◽  
Valentina Scognamiglio ◽  
Alessandro F. Gualitieri
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Malignant Mesothelioma ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
International Agency ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Potential Health

&lt;p&gt;Erionite is a naturally-occurring zeolite mineral that has emerged as a well-known health hazard over the last few decades. Human exposure to erionite fibers has been unequivocally linked to malignant mesothelioma, a disease also associated with inhalation of airborne asbestos. Indeed, erionite is now classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen (i.e., carcinogenic to humans), but it appears to be more toxic than asbestos. Since volcaniclastic rocks containing erionite are widely present in New Zealand, there is a concern over potential health issues following inhalation of dust particles in particular areas.&amp;#160; Indeed, New Zealand is one of a number of high-income countries with elevated incidence of malignant mesothelioma (2.6 per 100,000), and this has traditionally been thought to be a result of occupational exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. However, recent cases of malignant mesothelioma have emerged without a known link to asbestos exposure, and in 2015, the New Zealand Government acknowledged that erionite was a more potent carcinogen than asbestos. Despite this, there are no established occupational exposure limits for erionite in New Zealand or globally. We are currently using a multi-methodological approach, based upon field investigation, morphological characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) to analyse erionite from sites around New Zealand. Preliminary results are reported here, including erionite from Miocene tuff in Auckland. The erionite appears to be erionite-K. From the dimensional analysis, 45.6% of minerals satisfied the requirements for a respirable airborne fibre (length, L &amp;#8805; 5 &amp;#956;m, a diameter, w &amp;#8804; 3 &amp;#956;m, and L/w value &amp;#8805; 3:1). The presence of this mineral is of concern for risk to human health, especially considering the land development in the Auckland region and the quarries and mining-related activities that are operating in the zeolite host rocks elsewhere in New Zealand. Thus, there is a need for a detailed risk assessment in parts of the country indicative of potential hazard. Further assessments of erionite species, quantification of the potentially respirable airborne fibers, and targeted epidemiological surveillance are planned.&lt;/p&gt;

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 Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Patients Toward Use and Health Safety of Dental Amalgam in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 233-238
Author(s):  
Hend N. Al-Nahedh ◽  
Ahmed A El-hejazi ◽  
Syed Rashid Habib
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Dental Amalgam ◽  
Mercury Content ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
Obligation To Inform

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess: (1) the perceptions of dentists in Saudi Arabia concerning the amalgam controversy, (2) their attitude toward the ethical responsibility of patient information, and (3) patients’ knowledge and attitude toward the use of dental amalgam. Materials and Methods A total of 1,139 dentists were sampled on convenience by electronic survey. The questionnaire contained questions about the safety of dental amalgam, use of amalgam, case selection, alternate materials, and informing their patients about risks of amalgam. Also, 425 patients were sampled on convenience and information collected on their knowledge about amalgam and its acceptance in their oral cavities. Results A total of 201 dentists and 425 patients participated in the study. A total of 60% of dentists and specialists declared it safe. A total of 32.4% (31) of general dental practitioners and 41% (43) specialists considered it a moral obligation to inform patients about the potential health risks associated with amalgam. Mercury toxicity was identified as the most common health hazard. About 57.3% dentists and 36.2% specialists opted for superior longevity as the principle advantage. Majority of patients (52.2%) in Saudi Arabia had no knowledge about dental amalgam. While 23.1% (98) had concern about poor color, 8.7% (30) knew it contained silver while only 7.8% (27) patients were aware of its mercury content. Conclusion Majority of dentists in Saudi Arabia found it safe to use amalgam while the patients had little knowledge about the possible issues with amalgam. It is recommended to improve public awareness about impact of mercury containing products on the environment.

scholarly journals Telehealth for global emergencies: Implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 309-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony C Smith ◽  
Emma Thomas ◽  
Centaine L Snoswell ◽  
Helen Haydon ◽  
Ateev Mehrotra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Management Effort ◽  
Flexible Funding

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is again reminding us of the importance of using telehealth to deliver care, especially as means of reducing the risk of cross-contamination caused by close contact. For telehealth to be effective as part of an emergency response it first needs to become a routinely used part of our health system. Hence, it is time to step back and ask why telehealth is not mainstreamed. In this article, we highlight key requirements for this to occur. Strategies to ensure that telehealth is used regularly in acute, post-acute and emergency situations, alongside conventional service delivery methods, include flexible funding arrangements, training and accrediting our health workforce. Telehealth uptake also requires a significant change in management effort and the redesign of existing models of care. Implementing telehealth proactively rather than reactively is more likely to generate greater benefits in the long-term, and help with the everyday (and emergency) challenges in healthcare.

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