scholarly journals Investigation of the effectiveness of antimicrobial photocatalyst-coated hand-contact surfaces in passenger transport vehicles under everyday conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudolf Eicker ◽  
Wilhelm Salomon
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Active Surface ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Additional Measure ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Contact Surfaces ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection ◽  
Hand Contact

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic affects all aspects of public life. Measures for infection prevention are implemented in various sectors, in businesses, as well as in private life. Public transport is important and indispensable in daily life for both children and adults. Public transport companies have to take necessary actions to protect passengers and drivers from infections. Skin contact is one of the ways of transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This research study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a photocatalytic, antimicrobial active surface coating under everyday – not hospital – conditions. To date, such coatings have been used in hospitals as an additional measure to regular cleaning and disinfection in order to reduce the risk of infection. We collected samples for bacterial cultures in three classes of public transport vehicles: bus, underground, and tram. Seven different hand-contact surfaces in one vehicle of each class were coated, while the other vehicles remained uncoated. All vehicles were in regular use. The number of colony-forming bacterial units per cm2 (CFUs/cm2) was measured. A representative number of isolates were differentiated at the pathogen level. Data collected were entered into GraphPad Prism (GraphPad Software, San Diego, USA) and analyzed. Overall, no statistically significant reduction in the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was observed for coated versus uncoated surfaces. Samples with a very high colony count (>250 CFU/25 cm2) were equally distributed in both groups, coated and uncoated vehicles. Within one vehicle type, there was no significant difference between the coated and the uncoated vehicle. No relevant infection-preventive effect could be proven.

scholarly journals Genetic Listeria monocytogenes Types in the Pork Processing Plant Environment: From Occasional Introduction to Plausible Persistence in Harborage Sites

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 717
Author(s):  
Niels Demaître ◽  
Geertrui Rasschaert ◽  
Lieven De Zutter ◽  
Annemie Geeraerd ◽  
Koen De Reu
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Genetic Characterization ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Pfge Analysis ◽  
Food Contact ◽  
Plant Environment ◽  
Food Contact Surfaces ◽  
Contact Surfaces ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

The purpose of this study was to investigate the L. monocytogenes occurrence and genetic diversity in three Belgian pork cutting plants. We specifically aim to identify harborage sites and niche locations where this pathogen might occur. A total of 868 samples were taken from a large diversity of food and non-food contact surfaces after cleaning and disinfection (C&D) and during processing. A total of 13% (110/868) of environmental samples tested positive for L. monocytogenes. When looking in more detail, zone 3 non-food contact surfaces were contaminated more often (26%; 72/278) at typical harborage sites, such as floors, drains, and cleaning materials. Food contact surfaces (zone 1) were less frequently contaminated (6%; 25/436), also after C&D. PFGE analysis exhibited low genetic heterogeneity, revealing 11 assigned clonal complexes (CC), four of which (CC8, CC9, CC31, and CC121) were predominant and widespread. Our data suggest (i) the occasional introduction and repeated contamination and/or (ii) the establishment of some persistent meat-adapted clones in all cutting plants. Further, we highlight the importance of well-designed extensive sampling programs combined with genetic characterization to help these facilities take corrective actions to prevent transfer of this pathogen from the environment to the meat.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF THREE SURFACE FRICTION TECHNIQUES FOR THE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC MATTER

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1061-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Alessandro Rigotti ◽  
Adriano Menis Ferreira ◽  
Mara Corrêa Lelles Nogueira ◽  
Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida ◽  
Odanir Garcia Guerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Adenosine Triphosphate ◽  
Organic Material ◽  
Surface Friction ◽  
Disinfection Process ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
The One ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three surface friction techniques for the removal of organic material. A quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study was developed to evaluate the presence or not of organic material before and after the cleaning and disinfection process of surfaces of bedside tables of patients hospitalized at an Intensive Care Unit. Three friction techniques were executed in the one-way, two-way and centrifugal sense, individually, three times on each table, during alternate weeks. For each patient unit and friction technique, a single table and three sides of cloth were used, moistened with 70% (w/v) alcohol. The organic matter was detected through the presence of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence, using 3M(tm) Clean-Trace(tm) ATP Systems. For each technique, 13 samples were collected before and 13 after the cleaning/disinfection process, totaling 78 samples of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence. No statistically significant difference was found among the removal techniques of organic matter. This study demonstrated that none of the three surface friction methods was better than the other to remove organic matter. Nevertheless, further research is needed in which other cleaning/disinfection indicators and surfaces are considered.

A comparative Study Between Needling and Homologous Autoimplantation Techniques in Treatment of Multiple Plantar Warts

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nermeen Samy Abdel Fattah ◽  
Rania Mahmoud Elhusseiny ◽  
Aml Magdy Darahem
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Response ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Clinical Appearance ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Common Warts ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Assess Treatment Response ◽  
Skin To Skin ◽  
Plantar Warts

Abstract Background Warts are a common dermatologic complaint resulting from infection with HPV which spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or by autoinoculation. The clinical appearance of warts is variable depends on the type of HPV involved and the site of infection. There are various types of viral warts including common warts, plantar warts, plane warts and genital warts, usually diagnosis of warts is made through clinical examination of the lesions and no laboratory investigations are required. Objective To compare between the therapeutic efficacy and safety of needling versus homologous autoimplantation techniques in treatment of multiple plantar warts and assess their recurrence rate. Patients and Methods Our study included 40 patients with multiple de novo planter warts(3 -10 warts) of (>1 and <3 years duration) divided into 2 groups, 20 patients per group, one group subjected to autoimplantation of wart tissue and the other subjected to needling procedure. Follow up of studied patients was assessed by physician after 2,8 and 12 weeks of procedure through clinical and dermoscopic examination to assess treatment response and after 16 weeks to assess recurrence Results Results of our study reported that there was high statistically significant difference between the 2 studied groups as regard response to treatment after 12 weeks being higher among autoimplantation group (p = 0.001). Moreover, there were no significant relations between treatment response of both patient groups and each of gender, age of patients, number of warts and duration of lesions. Conclusion Autoimplantation technique is more effective and less painful than needling procedure in treatment of multiple plantar warts (both manipulated and remote warts). No significant relations were found between treatment response of either techniques and demographic or clinical characteristics of studied patients.

scholarly journals Removal and Transfer of Viruses on Food Contact Surfaces by Cleaning Cloths

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (9) ◽  
pp. 3037-3044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen E. Gibson ◽  
Philip G. Crandall ◽  
Steven C. Ricke
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Solid Surface ◽  
Stainless Steel Surface ◽  
Murine Norovirus ◽  
Indirect Transmission ◽  
Food Contact ◽  
Food Contact Surfaces ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nonwoven Cloth ◽  
Contact Surfaces

ABSTRACTContamination of food contact surfaces with pathogens is considered an important vehicle for the indirect transmission of food-borne diseases. Five different cleaning cloths were assessed for the ability to remove viruses from food contact surfaces (stainless steel surface and nonporous solid surface) and to transfer viruses back to these surfaces. Cleaning cloths evaluated include two different cellulose/cotton cloths, one microfiber cloth, one nonwoven cloth, and one cotton terry bar towel. Four viral surrogates (murine norovirus [MNV], feline calicivirus [FCV], bacteriophages PRD1 and MS2) were included. Removal of FCV from stainless steel was significantly greater (P≤ 0.05) than that from nonporous solid surface, and overall removal of MNV from both surfaces was significantly less (P≤ 0.05) than that of FCV and PRD1. Additionally, the terry towel removed significantly fewer total viruses (P≤ 0.05) than the microfiber and one of the cotton/cellulose cloths. The cleaning cloth experiments were repeated with human norovirus. For transfer of viruses from cloth to surface, both cellulose/cotton cloths and microfiber transferred an average of 3.4 and 8.5 total PFU, respectively, to both surfaces, and the amounts transferred were significantly different (P≤ 0.05) from those for the nonwoven cloth and terry towel (309 and 331 total PFU, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference (P> 0.05) in the amount of virus transfer between surfaces. These data indicate that while the cleaning cloths assessed here can remove viruses from surfaces, some cloths may also transfer a significant amount of viruses back to food contact surfaces.

Europeans’ work and life – out of balance? An empirical test of assumptions from the “acceleration debate”

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine M Schöneck
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Test ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Level Data

Advanced modernity is regarded as an era of time obsession and people in modernized societies seem to live harried lives. Leading time sociologists like Hartmut Rosa adopt a modernization–critical stance and ascribe an accelerated pace of life and frequent time scarcity to socioeconomic and technological advancement. According to these protagonists of the “acceleration debate,” time becomes increasingly precious due to severely changed conditions of work and private life. Against this background it can be assumed that many people may suffer from an unsatisfactory work–life balance. This study uses individual-level data from the fifth round of the European Social Survey (fielded in 2010/11) as well as suitable country-level data capturing key features of advanced modernity to empirically test assumptions arising from the “acceleration debate.” Results from multilevel analyses of 23 European countries provide some confirmation of these assumptions. While most macro indicators for 2010 reflecting a certain stage of development are uninfluential, a country's degree of globalization matters, and moreover growth rates of crucial macro indicators signaling paces of development exert an impact on people's work–life balance in the assumed direction: In countries with accelerations in terms of economic development, coverage of households with internet access and numbers of new cars working people show a significantly greater inclination toward an unsatisfactory work–life balance. Aside from results at the country-level individual-level determinants and group-specific differences of work–life balance under different conditions of advanced modernity are presented. This study's two main findings—(1) paces of development matter more than stages of development and (2) assumptions arising from the “acceleration debate” receive some empirical support—are thoroughly reflected on and discussed.

scholarly journals Residual Viral and Bacterial Contamination of Surfaces after Cleaning and Disinfection

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (21) ◽  
pp. 7769-7775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Era Tuladhar ◽  
Wilma C. Hazeleger ◽  
Marion Koopmans ◽  
Marcel H. Zwietering ◽  
Rijkelt R. Beumer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Free Chlorine ◽  
Target Level ◽  
Liquid Soap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indirect Transmission ◽  
Environmental Surfaces ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

ABSTRACTEnvironmental surfaces contaminated with pathogens can be sources of indirect transmission, and cleaning and disinfection are common interventions focused on reducing contamination levels. We determined the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection procedures for reducing contamination by noroviruses, rotavirus, poliovirus, parechovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus,Staphylococcus aureus, andSalmonella entericafrom artificially contaminated stainless steel surfaces. After a single wipe with water, liquid soap, or 250-ppm free chlorine solution, the numbers of infective viruses and bacteria were reduced by 1 log10for poliovirus and close to 4 log10for influenza virus. There was no significant difference in residual contamination levels after wiping with water, liquid soap, or 250-ppm chlorine solution. When a single wipe with liquid soap was followed by a second wipe using 250- or 1,000-ppm chlorine, an extra 1- to 3-log10reduction was achieved, and except for rotavirus and norovirus genogroup I, no significant additional effect of 1,000 ppm compared to 250 ppm was found. A reduced correlation between reduction in PCR units (PCRU) and reduction in infectious particles suggests that at least part of the reduction achieved in the second step is due to inactivation instead of removal alone. We used data on infectious doses and transfer efficiencies to estimate a target level to which the residual contamination should be reduced and found that a single wipe with liquid soap followed by a wipe with 250-ppm free chlorine solution was sufficient to reduce the residual contamination to below the target level for most of the pathogens tested.

scholarly journals BACTERIA LOADS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-386
Author(s):  
M. Abdulai ◽  
Z. I. Abubabakari ◽  
S. J. Cobinna ◽  
D. Oduro
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tamale Metropolis ◽  
Shigella Spp ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection

Investigations for pathogenic microbes on surfaces of objects have been attaining significant consideration from public health researchers for some time now. This is especially because of the risk of the spread of diseases of public health concern. Consequently, this study was conducted to provide information on bacterial contamination levels in taxis and motorised tricycles operating from the Tamale Main Taxi Rank. Forty samples from taxis and tricycle seats were collected and analysed. All samples contained Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Shigella spp. Taxis contained significantly (p < 0.006) more bacteria than tricycles (mean bacterial loads of 20.35×106 CFU/ml and 2.80×10 6 CFU/ml respectively). Also, considering the materials with which the vehicle seats were made vinyl contained more bacteria (14.06×106 CFU/ml) than cloth (10.98×106 CFU/ml) and polythene (1.12×106 CFU/ml). Using the Kruskal-Wallis test for analysing bacteria loads across material types, it was found that there was a significant difference (p < 0.026) between bacteria numbers and material types. The bacteria isolates showed resistance to the antibiotics, ampicillin (10 μg), Ceftazidime (30 μg), Cefotaxime (30 μg), and Ciprofloxacin (5 μg). Taxis and tricycles in some parts of the Metropolis operate under poor hygienic conditions. It is recommended that routine cleaning and disinfection of vehicles as well as the practice of personal hygiene be highly encouraged to keep a safer and healthier urban population and environment. Keywords: Escherichia coli, Pathogenic, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp

scholarly journals Are coveralls required as personal protective equipment during the management of COVID-19 patients?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jongtak Jung ◽  
Kyoung-Ho Song ◽  
Hyeonju Jeong ◽  
Sin Young Ham ◽  
Eu Suk Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Anterior Neck ◽  
Frontal Surface ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Anterior Side ◽  
Contact Surfaces

Abstract Objectives Few studies have investigated the contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the management of patients with severe-to-critical coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to determine the necessity of coveralls and foot covers for body protection during the management of COVID-19 patients. Methods PPE samples were collected from the coveralls of physicians exiting a room after the management of a patient with severe-to-critical COVID-19 within 14 days after the patient’s symptom onset. The surface of coveralls was categorized into coverall-only parts (frontal surface of the head, anterior neck, dorsal surface of the foot cover, and back and hip) and gown-covered parts (the anterior side of the forearm and the abdomen). Sampling of the high-contact surfaces in the patient’s environment was performed. We attempted to identify significant differences in contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) between the coverall-only and gown-covered parts. Results A total of 105 swabs from PPEs and 28 swabs from patient rooms were collected. Of the PPE swabs, only three (2.8%) swabs from the gown-covered parts were contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. However, 23 of the 28 sites (82.1%) from patient rooms were contaminated. There was a significant difference in the contamination of PPE between the coverall-only and gown-covered parts (0.0 vs 10.0%, p = 0.022). Conclusions Coverall contamination rarely occurred while managing severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients housed in negative pressure rooms in the early stages of the illness. Long-sleeved gowns may be used in the management of COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Reciproc Blue® For Canal Cleanliness Following the Retreatment of Maxillary First Molar: In Vitro Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Mohd Nazrin Isa ◽  
Aws Hashim Ali Al-Kadhim ◽  
Azlan Jaafar
Keyword(s):  
Filling Material ◽  
Volume Percentage ◽  
Gutta Percha ◽  
Maxillary Molars ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Vitro Analysis ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection ◽  
In Vitro Analysis

Nonsurgical retreatment involves removing mechanical barriers such as gutta-percha to achieve proper cleaning and disinfection. The complexity of the anatomy of molar tooth gives challenge in retreatment procedure. Thus, this study evaluates the amount of residual gutta-percha after retreatment with rotary files (Reciproc Blue®) from each maxillary first molar canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the time required to accomplish it. Nine freshly extracted maxillary molars were instrumented and obturated. Preoperative CBCT was taken, and retreatment was done using Reciproc Blue®. CBCT was taken post retreatment, and the residual volume percentage of gutta-percha from each canal was calculated. The total retreatment time was recorded, and the data were statistically analyzed. The result shows no statistically significant difference in the amount of residual filling material in mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal canal for maxillary first molar and total time used for retreatment with Reciproc Blue® system.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Budaya dan Lokasi Terhadap Persepsi dan Penggunaan Telefon Bimbit di Tempat-Tempat Awam: Satu Analisis Perbandingan Antara Beberapa Negara

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Harnani Amir Hushin ◽  
Hasrina Mustafa ◽  
Bahiyah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Interaction Theory ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Geographical Factors ◽  
Significant Difference

This study aims to compare the level of perception of using mobile phones at public places among users of four different countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Iran from the perspective of Social Interaction Theory. A survey was conducted on 100 university students from each country that makes up a sample of 400 respondents.  The findings of the study show 1) a significant difference in the perception of mobile phone and SMS usage in public places among respondents from different countries. Unlike Malaysian, Indonesian and Chinese respondents, the results of the study show that Iranian respondents are not too disturbed by the usage of mobile phones at public places. 2) The study also finds that Malaysian and Indonesian respondents seldom use mobile phone in public places, and that Chinese respondents often use mobile phone in public transport (i.e: bus). Meanwhile, Iranian respondents use mobile phone the most in four identified places – the supermarket, bus, pedestrian walkway and restaurant. 3) Most of the respondents in each category, however, prefer to use mobile phone – for making calls and SMS – in multi focused gathering compared to fully focused ones. The study concludes that cultural and geographical factors exert significant influence on the usage and perception of using mobile phone at public places. 

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