scholarly journals Mycological Investigation of Bottled Water Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 871
Author(s):  
Zsófia Tischner ◽  
Rózsa Sebők ◽  
László Kredics ◽  
Henrietta Allaga ◽  
Márta Vargha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Oral Lesions ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Chemical Water

The usage of bottled water dispensers (BWDs) has spread worldwide. Despite their popularity, few studies have dealt with their microbial contaminants, and little attention is given to their fungal contamination. To our knowledge this is the first mycological study of BWDs in Europe. 36 devices have been examined in Budapest, Hungary. Despite of the strictly regulated water hygiene system in Hungary, molds and yeasts were detected in 86.8% of the samples, 56.76% were highly contaminated. Elevated heterotrophic plate counts were also observed in all samples compared to that of Hungarian drinking water. As all physical and chemical water quality characteristics have met the relevant national and European parametric values and neither totally explained the results of microbial counts, the effect of usage and maintenance habits of the devices were examined. Fungal concentrations were affected by the time elapsed since disinfection, days remaining until expiration of bottles, month of sampling and exposure to sunlight during storage. Microbes are able to proliferate in the bottled water and disperse inside the BWDs. Many of the detected fungal species (Sarocladium kiliense, Acremonium sclerotigenum/egyptiacum, Exophiala jeanselmei var. lecanii-corni, Exophiala equina, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Cystobasidium slooffiae, Aspergillus jensenii, Bisifusarium biseptatum) are opportunistic pathogens for subpopulations of sensitive age groups and patients with immunodeficient conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Thus BWDs may pose a health risk to visitors of healthcare institutions, especially to patients with oral lesions in dental surgeries. The study draws attention to the need to investigate microbial contamination of these devices in other countries as well.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Chemical and Microbiological Quality in 21 Brands of Iranian Bottled Drinking Waters in 2012: A Comparison Study on Label and Real Contents

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Moazeni ◽  
M. Atefi ◽  
A. Ebrahimi ◽  
P. Razmjoo ◽  
M. Vahid Dastjerdi
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
The Public ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Drinking Waters ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare chemical and microbiological quality of the 21 Iranian bottled drinking waters reported on manufacturer's labeling and standards in 2012. Samples were analyzed for chemical properties K+, F−,SO4 2−, Cl−, Mg2+, Ca2+, and pH. Total and fecal coliform and heterotrophic plate counts of selected samples were analyzed by MPN and HPC tests, respectively, for three months. Finally, the labeled and real contents of the samples were compared. Potassium and sulfate ions about 43 and 52 percent of studied sample contents had values higher than label amounts, respectively. Ca2+, Cl−ions, and pH were about 71, 48, and 67 percent, respectively, less than label values. Total and fecal coliforms had negative results. The mean concentrations and standard deviations for K+, Cl−, pH, Ca2+, Mg2+,SO4 2−, and HPC were 1.13 ± 1.06, 16.39 ± 31.97, 6.6 ± 0.7, 28.35 ± 10.34, 86.58 ± 33.21, 24.17 ± 17.30 mg/L, and 16855 ± 25603 cfu/mL, respectively. Thus, there is possibility of microorganisms’ growth in favorite conditions in bottled water. It was imperative to assess the public health risks in bottled water in Iran.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Commercially Available Bottled Water in the City of Dhaka, Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder ◽  
KM Nazmul Islam ◽  
Rezwanun Naher Nite ◽  
Rashed Noor
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Human Illness ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Bottled water has become one of the most popular drinks in Bangladesh. Now a days it is easily available in the market. Due to lack of confidence on municipal supply water, people now prefer to drink bottled water instead of tap water, mostly when they are outside the home, and in many occasions. In the present study, the presence of total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC) from nine commercially available lacal Bangladeshi bottled water samples were examined. The obtained results indicated that most of the studied bottled water were out of their safety guidelines and hence some chronic diseases (renal failure, liver cirrhosis and anemia) are expected in the area understudy, because 68.89% and 31.11% of the bottled water sampled in the current study showed heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) within a range of 1-500 (cfu/ml) and greater than 500 (cfu/ml), respectively and 0% samples showed less than 1 (cfu/ml) in heterotrophic plate counts. The results also revealed the ill performance and poor drinking water quality of the purification systems of the investigated water samples. 28% of the respondents considered that the quality of bottled water was satisfactory, in contrast to the 26% of the respondent, who judged that the quality of bottled water was not that satisfactory. However, the highest (34%) number of the respondents did not know whether the quality of the bottled water is good or not satisfactory. Recommendation was suggested for new treatment systems of the investigated suspicious water to prevent human illness.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v1i1.9099Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.1(1), July 2011, p.24-30

Bacterial Contamination Associated With Electronic Faucets: A New Risk for Healthcare Facilities

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Hargreaves ◽  
Larry Shireley ◽  
Shannon Hansen ◽  
Virginia Bren ◽  
Gordon Fillipi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Surgical Critical Care ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
City Water ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts ◽  
The City

AbstractObjective:To investigate the safety of the hospital water supply following a major flood.Design:Surveillance was conducted of the hospital water supply as it entered the hospital and at randomly selected water faucets throughout the facility.Setting:A newly constructed surgical critical-care unit in a 265-bed community hospital that had to be evacuated and was out of operation for 6 weeks following a major flood of the city.Methods:Random water samples throughout the facility were analyzed for heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs), chlorine, and coliforms utilizing standard methods.Results:Water samples entering the hospital met appropriate standards, indicating the city water distribution system was not contaminated. Of 169 faucets tested, 13 (22%) of 59 electronic faucets exceeded the HPC threshold, and 12 (11%) of 110 manual faucets exceeded the HPC threshold (P<.14). A comparison of two brands of electronic faucets with manual faucets and with each other revealed that the HPC threshold was exceeded by 11 (32%) of 34 brand A faucets as compared to 12 (11%) of 110 manual faucets (P<.006). The HPC threshold was exceeded by 2 (8%) of 25 brand B faucets compared to 12 (11%) of 110 manual faucets (P<.94). Contamination rates of brand A and brand B faucets differed significantly (P<.003). Similar testing 2 months after hyperchlorination of the water supply indicated that the HPC threshold was exceeded by 16 (52%) of 31 brand A faucets compared to 10 (9.%) of 110 manual faucets (P<.0000003) and by 2 (18%) of 25 brand B faucets compared to 10 (9%) of 110 manual faucets (P=1.0).Conclusions:A certain brand of electronic water faucet used in the hospital was associated with unacceptable levels of microbial growth in water and was a continuing source of bacteria potentially hazardous to patients.

scholarly journals Multilevel modelling and multiple group analysis of disparities in continuity of care and viral suppression among adolescents and youths living with HIV in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. e003269
Author(s):  
Okikiolu Badejo ◽  
Christiana Noestlinger ◽  
Toyin Jolayemi ◽  
Juliette Adeola ◽  
Prosper Okonkwo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Multiple Group ◽  
Facility Level

IntroductionSubstantial disparities in care outcomes exist between different subgroups of adolescents and youths living with HIV (AYLHIV). Understanding variation in individual and health facility characteristics could be key to identifying targets for interventions to reduce these disparities. We modelled variation in AYLHIV retention in care and viral suppression, and quantified the extent to which individual and facility characteristics account for observed variations.MethodsWe included 1170 young adolescents (10–14 years), 3206 older adolescents (15–19 years) and 9151 young adults (20–24 years) who were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2015 and December 2017 across 124 healthcare facilities in Nigeria. For each age group, we used multilevel modelling to partition observed variation of main outcomes (retention in care and viral suppression at 12 months after ART initiation) by individual (level one) and health facility (level two) characteristics. We used multiple group analysis to compare the effects of individual and facility characteristics across age groups.ResultsFacility characteristics explained most of the observed variance in retention in care in all the age groups, with smaller contributions from individual-level characteristics (14%–22.22% vs 0%–3.84%). For viral suppression, facility characteristics accounted for a higher proportion of variance in young adolescents (15.79%), but not in older adolescents (0%) and young adults (3.45%). Males were more likely to not be retained in care (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.28; p<0.001 young adults) and less likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR=0.69; p<0.05 older adolescent). Increasing facility-level viral load testing reduced the likelihood of non-retention in care, while baseline regimen TDF/3TC/EFV or NVP increased the likelihood of viral suppression.ConclusionsDifferences in characteristics of healthcare facilities accounted for observed disparities in retention in care and, to a lesser extent, disparities in viral suppression. An optimal combination of individual and health services approaches is, therefore, necessary to reduce disparities in the health and well-being of AYLHIV.

scholarly journals Endotoxin contamination in the dental surgery

2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1230-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Huntington ◽  
J. F. Williams ◽  
C. D. Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Dental Surgery ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Endotoxin Exposure ◽  
Endotoxin Contamination ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Dental waterlines contain large numbers of Gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin, a component of such organisms, has significant health implications. Paired samples of dental unit water and the aerosols generated during dental procedures were collected, and assayed for bacteria and endotoxin levels, using heterotrophic plate counts and the Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. Consistent with published studies, the extent of bacterial contamination in the dental waters sampled for this investigation surpassed the levels associated with potable water, with counts in excess of 2.0×106 c.f.u. ml−1 in some samples. Correspondingly high concentrations of endotoxin [up to 15 000 endotoxin units (EU) ml−1] were present in the water. A statistically significant Spearman correlation coefficient of ρ=0.94 between endotoxin (EU ml−1) and bacterial load (c.f.u. ml−1) was demonstrated. All of the aerosol samples contained detectable endotoxin. Further studies of the consequences of dental endotoxin exposure, and evaluation of means to prevent exposure, are warranted.

scholarly journals Microhabitat selection and distribution of functional feeding groups of mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera) in lotic karst habitats

2018 ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Vilenica ◽  
Andreja Brigić ◽  
Michel Sartori ◽  
Zlatko Mihaljević
Keyword(s):  
Water Current ◽  
Functional Feeding Groups ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Microhabitat Selection ◽  
Dinaric Karst ◽  
Feeding Groups ◽  
Microhabitat Preferences ◽  
One Year ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Chemical Water

Research examining mayfly ecology in karst streams and rivers has increased in recent years, though microhabitat preferences remain poorly characterized. We examined mayfly assemblage taxonomy, functional feeding groups and microhabitat preferences in two contrasting lotic Dinaric karst catchments, one pristine and one anthropogenically impacted. At monthly intervals over a one-year period, all major microhabitats (i.e. dominated by boulders, cobbles, sand, silt, mosses, or angiosperms) were sampled at sites spanning springs, upper, middle and lower river reaches, and tufa barriers. In both catchments, mayfly species richness was comparable among microhabitats, while mayfly abundance was highest on mosses and lowest on silt. NMDS ordination did not group assemblages according to microhabitat type, which may reflect the greater influence of physical and chemical water properties. In both catchments and all microhabitats, mayfly assemblages were dominated by grazers/scrapers at upstream sites and by detritivores at downstream sites. Active filter feeders were more abundant in microhabitats with silt substrates and lower current velocities. This study demonstrated that certain mayfly species strongly preferred a specific microhabitat type, reflecting their water current preferences and feeding strategies, while other species shifted between microhabitats, likely in search of food resources and shelter. The results emphasize the importance of habitat heterogeneity in supporting diverse communities in karst rivers.

Wandering Eyes: Using Gaze-Tracking Method to Capture Eye Fixations in Unfamiliar Healthcare Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672110423
Author(s):  
Hessam Ghamari ◽  
Nasrin Golshany
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Gaze Tracking ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Eye Fixations ◽  
Environmental Attributes ◽  
Architectural Features ◽  
Healthcare Environments

Objective: This study aims to investigate the elements of wayfinding in indoor complex healthcare environments. Background: The study replicates Ghamari and Pati’s 2018 study to identify the environmental attributes that attract eye fixation during wayfinding by objectively tracking eye movements and fixation as healthy subjects navigate through a complex, unfamiliar indoor healthcare setting. The study addressed what do people look at while navigating in unfamiliar healthcare environments? What are the relative time periods of eye fixations on different visual environmental elements of the healthcare-designed environments? And what role do visual environmental attributes in healthcare facilities, such as configuration, color, art, directories, maps, furniture, and so on, play during the wayfinding process. Method: Twenty-four adults in different genders and various age groups participated in this study and navigated five routes with different degrees of difficulty. The sequence of the destinations in this study was randomized. The data were collected by tracking gaze fixations while human subjects navigated an indoor complex healthcare environment. Results: The findings show that identifying signs (29.1%), informative signs (20.8%), and architectural features (11.3%) constituted the most frequent elements attracting gaze, substantially more than the other classes of information. Four types of signage (identifying signs, informative signs, directional, and safety/regulatory signs) were accounted for 62.3% of the total gaze fixation time. Conclusions: The comparison of the ordered list based on frequencies and time of eye fixations on various elements developed in Ghamari and Pati’s study shows a vast degree of similarities.

ACTIVITY CONCENTRATIONS OF NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDES IN SOME COMMERCIAL BOTTLED WATERS FROM PARTS OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
O O ALATISE ◽  
Y S AKINSANYA
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Germanium Detector ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
World Health ◽  
Radiological Protection ◽  
Southwestern Nigeria ◽  
Activity Concentrations ◽  
Effective Doses ◽  
Recommended Level

In this work, the presence of natural radioactivity in bottled waters from parts of south-west Nigeria was investigated. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the water samples were ob-tained using a high-purity germanium detector. The ranges of activity concentrations obtained for 232Th, 226Ra and 40K were 0.15 to 1.25Bq l-1, 0.02 to 2.94Bq l-1 and 6.96 to 46.47 Bq l-1, respectively. 40K has the highest activity concentration in the bottled water samples while 232Th has the least value. The activity concentrations obtained together with ingested dose conversion factors, were used to calculate the annual effective doses for six age groups ranging from < 1 to >17 years. The calculated total annual effective doses (mSvy-1) ranged from 0.01 to 4.16 and the values are age dependent (highest for < 1year and lowest for 7-12years age groups). The results showed that the average annu-al effective dose for 35% of the bottled water brands were below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level of 0.1 mSvy-1 for drinking water. Furthermore, out of the remaining 65% that were higher than the WHO recommended level, 9% were higher than 1 mSvy-1, which is the radia-tion exposure limit for the general public according to the recommendation of the International Com-mission on Radiological Protection. Consequently, consumption of some of the bottled water brands investigated in this study could constitute radiological hazard especially for the < 1 and 12-17years age groups.

scholarly journals Laju Pertumbuhan Rumput Laut Gracilaria sp Melalui Budidaya IMTA (Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture) di Pantai Geger, Nusa Dua, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Kadek Yudiastuti ◽  
I Gusti Bagus Sila Dharma ◽  
Ni Luh Putu Ria Puspitha
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
General Characteristic ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Seaweed Cultivation ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Chemical Water

Gracilaria sp is red alga which belong to class rhodophyceae. It can grow in shallow salt water with a general characteristic is having a cylindrical and branched thallus form. Seaweed cultivation can be performed through IMTA (Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture) method. The basic principle of cultivation through the IMTA method is utilizing service of the low thropic level species in marine ecosystems, such as shells and seaweed.  This method is believed to be able to overcome the environmental problems caused by cultivation activities, such as feces and uneaten feed. This research was perfomed 45 days, from February 25 to April 11, 2017. It was held at Geger Beach, Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, Bali, using a complete randomized design method that consist of three treatments and three repetition for each treatment. Treatment control (T1) consisted of 10 bunches of seaweed 100 grams without the abalone, treatement 2 (T2) consisted of 10 bunches of seaweed 100 grams and 20 abalones and treatement 3 (T3) consisted of 10 bunches of seaweed 100 grams and 40 abalones. The result showed that specific growth rate in Gracilaria sp.  was highest in treatment T1, compared to treatment T2 and T3. This was caused by the cage construction of abalone amd the present of small mesh size net to cover the seaweed  planting, which made the growth was not optimal.  However, the use of a nets system in seaweed cultivation could minimize the loss of thallus. It was proved by the survival rate of seaweed in first, second and third, that is averagely high, ranging from 90% to 100%. Physical and chemical water quality parameters are also measured, and It showed that the water quality was suitable for the cultivation of both, seaweed and abalone.

scholarly journals Analisa Kualitas Air Fisika dan Kimia di Danau Pampait (Physical and Chemical Water Quality Analysis in Lake Pampait)

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-87
Author(s):  
Ummi Suraya ◽  
Lilia Lilia
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Middle Section ◽  
Water Quality Analysis ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Chemical Water ◽  
Quality Measurements

This study aims to determine the water condition of Lake Pampait, KamelohBaru Village, Sebangau District, Palangka Raya City, measured from physical and chemical water quality as a measure of the condition of the water quality in Lake Pampait. The study was conducted for approximately 2 (two) months, namely from June to July 2018. Sampling was carried out in 3 (three) stations, namely inlet (station I), middle section (station II) and outlets (station III). The physical and chemical water quality measurements are carried out directly, namely temperature, brightness, depth, pH (Degrees of Acidity) and DO (Dissolved Oxygen) while indirectly or analyzed in the laboratory are PO4 (Phosphate), NO3 (Nitrate) and NH3 (Nitrate) Ammonia). The results of research on physical and chemical water quality is an average temperature of 23.7 oC. Brightness 28.75 cm, Depth 4.25 m, Degree of Acidity (pH) with an average of 6.03, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 2.93 mg/L, Phosphate (PO4), Nitrate (NO3), and Ammonia (NH3) ) 0.932 mg/L, it can be concluded that Lake Pampait can be said to be still not polluted and is still considered good for the life of fish and other aquatic organisms.

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