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Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various cleaning methods in reducing airborne endotoxin and microbial aerosols during oral cleaning procedures. Method: Forty patients undergoing oral cleaning procedures were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10 per group). Group A received strong suction alone; Group B received strong suction combined with an air disinfection machine; Group C received strong suction combined with a dental electric suction machine; Group D received strong suction in conjunction with both an air disinfection machine and a dental electric suction machine. Airborne aerosol concentrations were assessed at four-time points: before treatment, 30 min into treatment, immediately after treatment, and 60 min after treatment ended. Samples were collected at distances of 20 cm, 60 cm, and 1 m from the patient's oral cavity using the natural sedimentation method. T-test was used to evaluate the difference among tested groups. Results: Airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols levels increased significantly during treatment, with the highest levels observed at 20 cm from the patient's mouth. During treatment, groups with additional cleaning methods (Groups B, C, and D) exhibited higher levels of airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols compared to Group A (strong suction alone). However, post-treatment analysis revealed that Group D demonstrated the lowest level of airborne endotoxins and microbial aerosols, while Group A exhibited the highest. Conclusions: Implementing effective aerosol management strategies can significantly reduce aerosol dispersion in the oral clinical environment. Continuous monitoring aerosol concentrations and the application of appropriate control measures are essential for minimizing infection risks for both patients and healthcare providers during oral cleaning procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Sterilization in dental practice is crucial for infection prevention. The aim of this study was to identify the presence and causes of bacterial growth using biological indicators in dental sterilization equipment in San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico, with different consecutive measurements over a year. Methods: This longitudinal cohort, conducted from January 2022 to January 2024 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, aimed to identify the presence and causes of bacterial growth in dental sterilization equipment using biological indicators. A total of 207 dental offices were approached, and 175 participated, providing data through questionnaires and monitoring sterilization cycles with BIs. The checks were bimonthly for one year, with a total of six checks. Results: (a) An 11% (n = 1188) incidence of bacterial growth was observed, with a higher percentage in dry heat equipment (13%). (b) Upon analyzing the six consecutive verifications over a year, no statistically significant differences were observed in the failures of the sterilization cycles when comparing the two pieces of equipment. (c) Error in temperature and time of the equipment (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.6–3.9, p = 0.0001) was significantly associated with the presence of bacterial growth during the one-year period. Conclusions: Monitoring sterilization cycles and identifying the causes of bacterial growth with different consecutive verifications decreased the presence of bacterial growth (failures) during the one-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhancing the current breast pump sanitization method may improve maternal satisfaction and increase a mother's likelihood of providing human milk for their hospitalized infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Other than Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there is lack of studies on sanitization practices. Currently, the only option in the hospital setting for breast pump equipment cleaning is a steam sanitization plastic bag. Purpose: Using the Q. Basin will increase participant satisfaction compared to the steam sanitization bag. Methods: A multi-phased pilot study was conducted in our quaternary care NICU to test the Q. Basin, a novel design developed to wash, dry, and safely steam sanitize breast pump equipment compared to the standard steam bag. A bacterial study was conducted on breast pump equipment from 10 mothers by swabbing the equipment immediately at hour zero and 24 hours. Twenty NICU mothers concurrently evaluated their satisfaction via a 3-question survey comparing the Q. Basin and the steam sanitization plastic bag method. Results: The results showed a 20% increase in satisfaction with Q. Basin compared to the steam bag method. Implications for Practice and Research: Data analysis from the satisfaction survey concludes that mothers pumping preferred the Q. Basin as a quicker, faster, and more environmentally friendly method for breast pump part sanitization. Additional safety and materials studies are required before using the Q. Basin in the clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand hygiene plays a pivotal role in preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Nevertheless, the quality of hand disinfection techniques remains suboptimal, and the reliability of assessment methodologies is notably lacking. This study aimed to evaluate hand disinfection techniques using an automated system in an Italian research hospital. Hospital employees underwent automated hand-disinfection technique assessment, according to the World Health Organization's six-step protocol, at a basal time and two further times. Detection was carried out with a scanner that evaluated the effective hand disinfectant coverage through a fluorescent dye present in the hydro-alcoholic gel rub. The hand-hygiene technique of 222 employees was analyzed by HandInScan®. At the initial assessment of hand coverage with the hydro-alcoholic gel, the mean palm coverage was 82.2%, mean back coverage was 66.8%, and overall mean hand coverage was 74.5%. Then, two measurements were performed in June (t1) and December 2022 (t2). The third measurement showed an increase in hand coverage, with a mean palm coverage of 97.2%, a mean back coverage of 91.8%, and a mean hand coverage of 94.5% (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean coverage of the hand-back was lower than that of the hand-palm at all times (p < 0.001). The automated scanner provided evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing hand hygiene among hospital employees. These findings have motivated researchers to conduct long-term studies, given the potential effects on HAI prevention—including their impact on HAI trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Dental procedures involving drilling and grinding can produce a significant amount of suspended aerosol particles (PM) and bioaerosols. This study aims to analyze the size and concentration of aerosol particles generated during drilling and to investigate the effectiveness of two air exchange systems, namely forceful suction (FS) and air disinfection machines (DM), in removing PM. Methods: For this study, 100 extracted permanent teeth were collected and divided into three groups: without suction (n = 50), suction with forceful suction (n = 25), and suction with air disinfection machines (n = 25). The removal rate of suspended aerosol particles was analyzed using particle counters and air data multimeter. Results: When drilling and grinding were performed without vacuum, 0.75% of the aerosol particles generated were PM2.5-10, 78.25% of total suspended aerosol particles (TSP) were PM2.5, and 98.68% of TSP were PM1. The nanoanalyzer measurements revealed that the aerodynamic diameter of most aerosol particles was below 60 nm, with an average particle diameter of 52.61 nm and an average concentration of 2.6*1011 ultrafine aerosol particles. The air change per hour (ACH) was significantly lower in the air disinfection machines group compared to the forceful suction group. Additionally, the number of aerosol particles and mass concentration was significantly lower in the air disinfection machines group compared to the forceful suction group in terms of PM2.5 levels. However, the forceful suction group also reduced the mass concentration in PM10 level than the air disinfection machines group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the air exchange system can reduce the aerosol particles generated during drilling and grinding. Comparing the two air exchange systems, it was found that the air disinfection machines group reduces the number of aerosol particles and mass concentration in PM2.5 levels, while the forceful suction group reduces the mass concentration in PM10 level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, the reuse or reprocessing of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) may be required to mitigate exposure risk. Research gap: Only a few studies evaluated decontamination effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 that are practical for low-resource settings. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a relatively inexpensive ultraviolet germicidal irradiation chamber to decontaminate FFRs contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. A custom-designed UVGI chamber was constructed to determine the ability to decontaminate seven FFR models including N95s, KN95, and FFP2s inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. Vflex was excluded due to design folds/pleats and UVGI shadowing inside the chamber. Structural and functional integrity tolerated by each FFR model on repeated decontamination cycles was assessed. Twenty-seven participants were fit-tested over 30 cycles for each model and passed if the fit factor was ≥100. Of the FFR models included for testing, only the KN95 model failed filtration. The 3M™ 3M 1860 and Halyard™ duckbill 46727 (formerly Kimberly Clark) models performed better on fit testing than other models for both pre-and-post decontaminations. Fewer participants (0.3 and 0.7%, respectively) passed fit testing for Makrite 9500 N95 and Greenline 5200 FFP2 and only two for the KN95 model post decontamination. Fit testing appeared to be more affected by donning & doffing, as some passed with adjustment and repeat fit testing. A ≥ 3 log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 was achieved for worn-in FFRs namely Greenline 5200 FFP2. Conclusion: The study showed that not all FFRs tested could withstand 30 cycles of UVGI decontamination without diminishing filtration efficiency or facial fit. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 log reduction varied across the FFRs, implying that the decontamination efficacy largely depends on the decontamination protocol and selection of FFRs. We demonstrated the effectiveness of a low-cost and scalable decontamination method for SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on fit testing using people instead of manikins. It is recognized that extensive experimental evidence for the reuse of decontaminated FFRs is lacking, and thus this study would be relevant and of interest in crisis-capacity settings, particularly in low-resource facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Hepatitis-B and C is currently a major health problem all over the world including Pakistan. All beauty treatments including manicures are used by many people and can be a risk factor because of sharing of contaminated instruments. Proper sterilization needs to be achieved by an autoclave. Our study was conducted to know the awareness and safe practices of Hepatitis-B and C prevention and transmission by beauty salon workers in Karachi. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed from February 2021- July 2021 among workers of women’s beauty salons across Karachi. Validated questioners were distributed and were filled in the presence of research worker. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Workers who scored ≥ 70% were considered to have adequate knowledge. Results: Our results showed that out of 261 participants, 240 (92.3%) were females. 49(18.8%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-B, 63(24.1%) had adequate knowledge about hepatitis-C. 111(42.5%) had adequate practices. According to the independent T test, there was statistically significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-B and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.022), hepatitis-B vaccination and knowledge of Hepatitis-B (p=0.006). We also found significant relationship between family history of hepatitis-C and knowledge of hepatitis-C (p=0.019), also between previous blood test performed for hepatitis antibodies and knowledge about hepatitis-B and C. On Uni-Variate logistic regression we found that males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.152). We also found that participants who have Hepatitis-B family history, have more likely to have adequate Hepatitis-C knowledge (OR=1.874) and males participants are less likely to have adequate Hepatitis-B knowledge in comparison of female participants (OR=0.212). Only 45(17.2%) workers were fully vaccinated with Hepatitis-B and 126(48.3%) had knowledge of adequate sterilization technique of equipment’s. Conclusion: This study showed that overall awareness among workers of women beauty salon in Karachi about Hepatitis-B and C is inadequate with low vaccination rates. There is dire need to organize awareness programs with mass vaccination campaigns for safe practices and to curb viral transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Inactivation processes using heat are widely used for disinfection and sterilization. Dry heat sterilization of spacecraft equipment has been the preferred microbial inactivation method as part of interplanetary travel protection strategies. An antimicrobial model, based on temperature and exposure time based on experimental data, was developed to provide reliable sterilization processes to be used for interplanetary applications. Methods and Results: Bacillus atrophaeus spores, traditionally used to challenge dry heat sterilization processes, were tested over a range of temperatures in comparison with spores of Bacillus canaveralius that have been shown to have a higher heat resistance profile. D‐value and Z‐values were determined and used to develop a mathematical model for parametric sterilization applications. The impact of the presence of a contaminating soil, representative of Mars dust, was also tested to verify the practical application of the model to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in such environments. Conclusion: The sterilization model developed can be used as an intrinsic part of risk reduction strategies for interplanetary protection. Significance and Impact: Forward and backward planetary protection strategies to reduce the risks of microbial contamination during interplanetary exploration and research is an important consideration. The development of a modern sterilization model, with consideration of microorganisms identified with higher levels of heat resistance than traditionally deployed in terrestrial applications, allows for the consideration of optimal inactivation processes to define minimum criteria for engineering design. The ability to inactivate living microorganisms, as well as to degrade biomolecules, provides a reliable method to reduce the risk of known and potentially unknown contaminants in future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have purchased more ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection devices than in previous years. This article discusses the safety and efficacy of UVC disinfection in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there is no clear evidence to support the traditional assumption that dwell times of up to six hours negatively impact the cleaning of surgical instruments in the washerdisinfector (WD) when these are transported in a dry state from the operating room (OR) to the Reprocessing Unit for Medical Devices (RUMED). To investigate this, instruments soiled during actual use were therefore stored in a RUMED for defined periods of time prior to automated cleaning and, using the BCA method, were inspected for residual protein after cleaning. The results show that the amounts of protein residues detected after cleaning rose in line with increasing dwell times. Since in everyday RUMED practices the cleaning performance of the WD and other influencing factors differ or vary, it is not possible to formulate a generally valid rule for the length of the dwell times including dry transportation. However, the specific rules of each RUMED must be taken into account during validation and requalification and must always be backed up by routine checks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicky Varney discusses the importance of automated and validated infection control protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To monitor the number of bacterial colonies in the air of computed tomography (CT) room for COVID-19 using different disinfection methods and to identify the most effective method for disinfection and protection of equipment. Methods. Three methods for disinfection using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (group A), plasma circulation air sterilizer (group B), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation plus plasma circulation air sterilizer (group C) were utilized to sanitize the air in the CT room dedicated to COVID-19 cases. Single-factor ANOVA was used to evaluate and compare the disinfection effect of the three air disinfection methods; an air microbial sampler was used to sample and measure the number of bacteria in the air of the machine room. Results. The number of bacteria in the air immediately after disinfection was significantly lower than before disinfection (p < 0.01). All three disinfection methods met the disinfection requirement. No significant differences in the number of air bacteria in the machine room immediately after disinfection were observed among the three methods (p > 0.05). In addition, the effect of disinfection after 2 h was compared, and the number of bacteria in group C after 2 h was significantly lower than that in group A and group B. Conclusions. All three disinfection methods have significant disinfection effects. In addition, using ultraviolet disinfection lamps combined with a plasma air disinfection machine to sterilize the air in CT machine room has the best disinfection effect for the longest duration. Therefore, we recommend the combined disinfection method (ultraviolet disinfection lamps plus plasma air disinfection), as well as formulating relevant disinfection management norms, which should thus be the method to use during pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major problems of the surgical instruments in steam sterilization is having instruments in a locked position. This is where the tips are not separated from each other and steam cannot contact all surfaces of the instruments. Although the various types of surgical stringers are used to hold the surgical instruments in an open position, they differ in locking designs and are inconvenient to lock and release stringers in the sterile containers. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to design and develop an innovative Rotating Stringer, a new locking system, and evaluate its efficacy. The study design follows the steam sterilization guideline that the tips must be separated by using a rotating mechanism to design the new locking system. For the efficacy evaluation, purposive sampling was with 45 Thai perioperative nurses in Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand who examined the Rotating Stringer in sterile instrument containers for five surgeries. At the end of the fifth use, they were asked to complete the Rotating Stringer Problem Record and the Rotating Stringer Effectiveness Scale which were used to test the structural design and function of the Rotating Stringer. The data collected from February to May 2019. Descriptive statistics were then used to analyze the data. Results indicated that there were no problems reported in the use of the Rotating Stringer in 135 different surgeries. According to all participants' opinions, the overall effectiveness of the instrument was highly rated on function, usability, and safety. The Rotating Stringer regulates the instrument tips in separation following sterilization guidelines for patient safety. It is convenient to use in a sterile container and protects wrist injury. The Rotating Stringer has now been patented for use in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our previous study showed that ultraviolet C (UVC) from xenon (Xe) flash without any photoreactive compounds inactivated bacteria in platelet concentrates (PCs) with less damage to platelets (PLTs) as compared with Xe flash containing ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and visible light. Here, we report a UVC irradiation system for PCs under flow conditions consisting of a flow path-irradiation sheet, a peristaltic pump, and a collection bag.Study Design and Methods: Platelet concentrates containing Ringer's solution (R-PCs) inoculated with bacteria were injected into a flow path sheet using a peristaltic pump, being irradiated with UVC from Xe flash. The quality of the irradiated PCs containing platelet additive solution (PAS-PCs) was assessed based on PC variables, PLT surface markers, and aggregation ability.Results: Streptococcus dysgalactiae (12 tests) and Escherichia coli (11) were all negative on bacterial culture, while Staphylococcus aureus (12) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14) grew in one and two R-PCs, respectively. Bacillus cereus spores were inactivated in 7 of 12 R-PCs. PC variables became significantly different between irradiated and nonirradiated PAS-PCs. P-selectin, first procaspase-activating compound (PAC-1) binding, and phosphatidylserine increased by irradiation. Aggregability stimulated by adenosine diphosphate, collagen, or thromboxane A2 increased in the irradiated PAS-PCs, while that by thrombin became smaller compared with nonirradiated controls.Conclusion: This newly developed system inactivated bacteria including spores in R-PCs. PAS-PCs irradiated by this system retained acceptable in vitro quality and aggregability. Usage of a peristaltic pump instead of agitator during irradiation may enable this system to be directly combined with an apheresis blood cell separator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study is to elucidate the disinfection effect of ozone producing low-pressure Hg vapor lamps against human pathogens. Ozone producing low-pressure Hg vapor lamps emit mainly 254 nm ultraviolet light C (UVC) with about 10% power of Vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) light at 185 nm. The combination of UVC and VUV can inactivate airborne pathogens by disrupting the genetic materials or generation of reactive oxygen species, respectively. In this study, inactivation of common bacteria including Escherichia coli ATCC25922 (E. coli), Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and that of influenza A viruses H1N1 and H3N2 under the radiation from ozone producing low-pressure Hg vapor lamps was examined. Log reduction values at different treatment durations were determined.Methods: In vitro tests were carried out. Various bacterium and virus suspensions were added onto nitrocellulose filter papers and subjected to the illumination from ozone producing low-pressure Hg vapor lamps. The extents of pathogen inactivation at different illumination times were investigated by conducting a series of experiments with increasing duration of illumination. log10 reduction in CFU/ml and reduction at log10(TCID50) were respectively measured for bacteria and viruses. The disinfection effectiveness of this type of lamps against the pathogens under the environment with a moderate barrier to light was therefore evaluated.Results: Ozone producing low-pressure Hg vapor lamp successfully inactivated these human pathogens. Nevertheless, among these pathogens, disinfection of MTB required more intense treatment. In the best tested situation, 3-log10 inactivation of pathogens can be achieved with ≤10 min of VUV treatment except MTB which needed about 20 min. This demonstrated the high resistance against UV disinfection of MTB.Conclusions: Following the criteria that valid germicidal results can be reflected with 3-log10 inactivation for bacteria, 4-log10 inactivation for viruses and 5-log10 inactivation for MTB, most of the bacteria required ≤10 min of VUV treatment, 20 min for the influenza viruses while MTB needed about 30 min VUV treatment. This indicated that VUV light is an effective approach against different environmental microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No-touch environmental disinfection using ultraviolet devices has been highlighted in the past several years to control the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its effectiveness in non-US healthcare settings is yet to be examined. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection by portable pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) devices in controlling transmission of MDROs in a non-US healthcare setting.Methods: All patients admitted in the intensive care unit in a 629-bed tertiary referral hospital in Japan from August 2016 to February 2019 were enrolled. During the study period, PX-UV disinfection was added to manual terminal cleaning after every patient transfer/discharge. For microbiological evaluation, surfaces were selected for sampling by contact plates before/after manual cleaning and after PX-UV. After overnight incubation, colonies on the plates were counted.Results: The incidence of newly acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) declined significantly (13.8 to 9.9 per 10,000 patient days, incidence rate ratio 0.71, p = 0.002), as well as that of newly acquired drug-resistant Acinetobacter (48.5 to 18.1, 0.37, p < 0.001). The percent reduction of the microbiological burden by manual cleaning was 81%, but a further 59% reduction was achieved by PX-UV.Conclusions: PX-UV is effective in further reducing the microbial burden and controlling MDROs in a non-US healthcare setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Two test methods for surface disinfection (phase 2, step 2) – the Wiperator method (ASTM standard E2967-15) and the 4-field test (EN 16615) – were compared using a disinfectant solution based on qua- ternary ammonium compounds and a ready-to-use alcohol-based wipe. As test organisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeru- ginosa were used. Results: While the 4-field test is a manual method and better reflects the process in practice, with the Wiperator, the wiping process is better controlled because it is an automated procedure. A comparison of the effects of both methods on the target log10-reduction of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa indicates a statistically significant difference between the two test methods (Mann-Whitney U-Test. S. aureus: 0 (Umin)<4 (Ucrit); n1=8, n2=8, p=0.001; 2-sided. P. aeruginosa: 24 (Umin)<26 (Ucrit); n1=11, n 2=10, p=0.025, 2-sided). In addition, the results indicate that the wipe used has a major influence on the success of the disinfection process. Discussion: Both methods are suitable for efficacy studies of surface disinfectants, yet they differ in some aspects. Additionally our data indicate a statistically significant difference between the two test methods. Conclusion: Efficiency testing of surface disinfection is a complex process that depends on many different parameters. Since the 4-field test better reflects the practice, it makes sense to stick to this test procedure, taking into account that the EN 16615 was approved by CEN TC 216 in 2015 after method validation ring trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A consistent and correct use of water treatment options is fundamental for health gain from point-of-use water chlorination. In Ethiopia, empirical evidence about the consistent use and preference for by end users is scarce. The current study is intended to explore these issues using Waterguard and Bishan Gari in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected every 2 week for 4 months and analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression. Of 377 households, 31% consistently used Waterguard and Bishan Gari in all the study waves. Product use over time within a household varied based on the perception about the products and the type of products each household received. From the exit assessment, 56% of households stated a preference for Waterguard significantly different from 5.6% of households that stated a preference for Bishan Gari. An intervention for consistent use beyond their availability and accessibility to end users is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kat Gladwin examines the importance and gives some practical advice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) has become a popular myofascial intervention for sports medicine professionals. Despite the widespread use and emerging research, a consensus on clinical standards, such as a describing the intervention, indications, precautions, contraindications, tool hygiene, safe treatment, and assessment, does not exist. There is a need to develop best practice standards for IASTM through a universal consensus on these variables. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss proposed clinical standards and to encourage other sports medicine professionals and researchers to contribute their expertise to the development of such guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many potential safety hazards such as pollution, injury and fire in the process of disposal of laboratory animal corpse. By developing a scientific and rational safety management system, the infectiousness of experimental animals in the process of dead bodies and wastes can be under control. The system includes animal carcasses and waste disinfection and sterilization; equipment operation, maintenance and repair; work environment disinfection and sterilization; personal safety protection and education; fire prevention and other aspects of management.These measures avoid the occurrence of safety accidents, and provide a guarantee for the development of the disposal of laboratory animal corpse in universities and colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: To use ultraviolet (UV) radiations in an indigenous method for sterilization of respirators for reuse during COVID-19 outbreak. Background: COVID-19 outbreak has infected more than 200 countries. In India, till now, more than 100,000 cases have been reported. Healthcare workers are at high risk of developing infections being in the frontline of taking care of COVDI-19 cases. The demands of personal protective equipment (PPE) are increasing, but the same is not matched with supply due to various reasons. In such scenarios, reusing respirators and face shields is an alternative. UV radiations have quick action and are able to preserve the quality of respirators. We have developed a UV box for surface sterilization of respirators with an intention to reuse. Technique: A thermocol box was taken from the central drug store and was fitted with two UV tubes of 254 nm wavelength procured from local service center of water purifiers. The position of the two tubes was such that one was near the base while other was fixed at the top. An aluminum mesh frame was placed in the middle of the box to act as a platform. The roof of the box was converted into a lid. The effectiveness of assembly was tested using culture of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, a biological indicator tube containing test strip with spores of Bacillus atrophaeus was also exposed to UV light for a predefined duration, which did not show any color change after incubation for 48 hours. Conclusion: Our prototype assembly with supported efficacy from microbiological tests is an option for use of UV light within available resources for disinfection and reuse of scarce supplies of personal protective equipment. Clinical significance: UV box can help in meeting the demand supply deficit for respirators, face shields, and goggles that are paramount for the protection of HCW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The use of equine bone blocks is widely reported for bone augmentation techniques. The block must be shaped according to the form of the defect that should be regenerated. The shaping could be performed by hand before or during the surgery, in a sterile ambient, or using a CNC milling machine that could not be sterile. The aim of our study was to evaluate if a steam sterilization could provide a medical grade sterilization of the blocks and to evaluate if bone microstructure and collagen structures change after different steam sterilization protocols provided by mainstream autoclave. Materials and Method. Two blocks of equine bone were divided into 16 samples. 1 sample was used as control and not submitted to any treatment. 15 samples were infected with a Streptococcus faecalis bacterial culture. The samples were singularly packed, randomly divided into 3 groups, and submitted to autoclave sterilization on the same device. The groups were submitted to a sterilization cycle (Gr. A: 121°C, 1,16 bar for 20′; Gr. B:134°C, 2,16 bar for 4′; Gr. C: 134°C, 2,16 bar for 3.30 min.). 2 samples for each group were evaluated for the sterility. 3 samples for each group were observed at SEM to notice the macro- and microstructure modification and to confocal microscope to observe the collagen. Results. All samples were sterile. The SEM evaluation showed, in all groups, a preserved morphological structure. Confocal microscope evaluation shows that the collagen structure appears to be more uniform and preserved in group C. Conclusion. Data show that autoclave steam sterilization could be reliable to obtain sterilization of equine bone blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the costs and recommend rectification in functioning of CSSD for qualitative delivery of patient care. Objectives: Assess the effectiveness of sterilization procedures and calculate the cost of re-sterilization of the batch which failed quality indicators tests. Method: It was observational prospective study done by random sampling technique for selecting sterilization cycles. In the present study, 1451 cycles of steam sterilization, 780 cycles of plasma sterilization and 312 cycles of ethylene oxide sterilization was observed. Results: The study revealed that 66 cycles of steam sterilization and 21 cycles of plasma sterilization failed the parameters of quality indicators. The total cost incurred on the hospital for re-sterilization was found to be Rs. 4,18,800/. Conclusion: The study emphasized the need of training of the CSSD technician for implementing the appropriate use of quality indicators for efficient sterilization. The study also focussed on the need of in-house bank of frequently replenished spare parts and a planned maintenance program for sterilization equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental cleanliness is one of the contributing factors for surgical site infections in the operating rooms (ORs). To decrease environmental contamination, pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV), an easy and safe no-touch disinfection system, is employed in several hospital environments. The positive effect of this technology on environmental decontamination has been observed in patient rooms and ORs during the end-of-day cleaning but so far, no study explored its feasibility between surgical cases in the OR.Methods: In this study, 5 high-touch surfaces in 30 ORs were sampled after manual cleaning and after PX-UV intervention mimicking between-case cleaning to avoid the disruption of the ORs' normal flow. The efficacy of a 1-min, 2-min, and 8-min cycle were tested by measuring the surfaces' contaminants by quantitative cultures using Tryptic Soy Agar contact plates.Results: We showed that combining standard between-case manual cleaning of surfaces with a 2-min cycle of disinfection using a portable xenon pulsed ultraviolet light germicidal device eliminated at least 70% more bacterial load after manual cleaning.Conclusions: This study showed the proof of efficacy of a 2-min cycle of PX-UV in ORs in eliminating bacterial contaminants. This method will allow a short time for room turnover and a potential reduction of pathogen transmission to patients and possibly surgical site infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Eschmann being proud to be one of the leading names in autoclave innovation. Topics include offering a variety of treatment options such as dental implants, endodontics or cosmetic dentistry utilising various types of instruments; and providing everything for keeping the equipment compliant and working reliably.

Aura detail the importance of cleaning and disinfection of dental handpieces, and the confusion that still surrounds the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following an eight-month vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus outbreak on an inpatient medical unit, the Environmental Services Department re-examined their cleaning and disinfection protocols. Methods: Cleaning and disinfection policies and best practice recommendations were analyzed and staff and patient surveys were conducted to identify quality improvement projects. Results: Four projects were implemented, including standardizing procedures, updating cleaning products, and introducing auditing and seasonal cleaning programs in patient care areas. Conclusions: Engaging staff and patients and reviewing best practices resulted in the successful implementation of improvement projects to enhance cleaning and disinfection practices and improve patient safety in an acute care hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communities living in developing countries as well as populations affected by natural or man-made disasters can be left at great risk from water related diseases, especially those spread through the faecal-oral route. Conventional water treatments such as boiling and chlorination can be effective but may prove costly for impoverished communities. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) has been shown to be a cheap and effective way for communities to treat their water. The exposure to sunlight is typically carried out in small volume plastic beverage bottles (up to 2 l). Given the water requirements of consumption and basic personal hygiene, this may not always meet the needs of communities. Recent work has shown 19-L plastic water dispenser containers to be effective SODIS reactors, comparable in efficacy to PET bottles. In this paper we outline the need for studying SODIS in large volumes and discuss 4 main associated challenges.Discussion: Apart from clean water needed for consumption, access to adequate water is essential for sanitation and hygiene. Contamination of treated water through unwashed hands or vessels contributes heavily to the spread of water borne pathogens in communities. Traditional water treatments such as boiling and chlorination can be effective but may prove financially burdensome for low income communities. SODIS in large vessels could be used as a simple method to meet water requirements in low income and disaster affected populations. However, there have been some concerns associated with the conventional SODIS method; we identify the main ones to be: (1) cold or cloudy weather; (2) the fear of leaching in plastic bottles; (3) water turbidity, and; (4) community acceptance. The application of SODIS in large bottles like WDCs has the potential to be an efficient and cost effective method of disinfecting water, either for consumption until more rigorous water treatments can be put in place, or for sanitation and hygiene to curb the spread of fecal contamination. Further research is needed that can address some of the limitations and challenges associated with the use of large bottles for SODIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]