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Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BICARMed® is a pre-treatment method using a pressurized sodium bicarbonate jet. We evaluate here the benefit of BICARMed® to facilitate and improve the quality of the final cleaning and compare it to the pre-treatment by immersion. After use in the operating room, the instruments are randomly divided into 2 arms. Arm A: pre-treatment with detergent-disinfectant (n=539 instruments); Arm B: pre-treatment with BICARMed® (n=555 instruments). At the end of the pre-treatment, the instruments were cleaned in a washer-disinfector (WD) and the residual contamination after cleaning was visually assessed and evaluated by a semi-quantitative colorimetric method. The percentage of soiled instruments after cleaning in the WD was on average higher in arm A (44.7%; n=241) than in arm B (19.8%; n=110) (p-value < 0.001). Contaminated areas and color intensity were also higher in arm A. The effectiveness of the bicarbonate pre-treatment improves the quality of the final cleaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic assisted surgery has witnessed an enormous acceleration in the last few years thanks to the many advantages for the patient, the surgeon, and the health system. Robotic reusable instruments are sophisticated devices that enable the surgeon to have enhanced control over manipulation of tissues and allow access to more inaccessible anatomies. However, in order to ensure safety for the patient, their complex structure results in the need for special care with cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation. This article reviews the current state of the art related to robotic instrument decontamination. It emphasises the importance of taking into account the design, technology, international standards and local practices for the Instructions for Use (IFU) development and validation in this highly regulated environment. We will highlight the key factors to be considered by the Sterile Services personnel in the decontamination life cycle of these advanced devices. Finally, we emphasise the importance of having clear validated IFUs, and constructive early engagement of the manufacturer with Sterile Services personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spraying technique used for surgical instruments placed in mesh trays and cleaned in multi-level load carriers of the washer-disinfector cleaning chamber has not changed for decades and is carried out via rotating spray arms with nozzles generating primarily upward directed cleaning water jets. Since the diameter of the nozzle openings along the length of the spray arm is of the same size, the spray pulses delivered to the items being cleaned in the load level are not uniformly standardized. Likewise, the non-regulated rotational speed of the spray arms leads to non-standardized cleaning of the instruments. Since the overlapping surfaces of instruments with box lock are oriented at a vertical angle to the impinging water jets, it is difficult for the cleaning jets to access these surfaces, with access mainly dependent on the reflection jets generated by further loading. Hence, the reliability of the cleaning results is significantly reduced the greater the overlapping surfaces of jointed instruments, but also the smaller the load and therefore the fewer the reflection jets generated. These considerations regarding the spraying technique and the cleaning results highlight the urgent need for action to further develop the spraying technique used in washer-disinfectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaning is an essential part in the processing of reusable medical devices. Therefore, robust cleaning validation studies are required to ensure that instructions for cleaning are adequate to meet both chemical and microbiological requirements. An important factor in these validation studies is the choice and application of test soils. Test soils should be representative of the soiling situations during clinical use of the devices. This includes the presence of test analytes (e.g., protein), viscosity and access to various device surfaces, adhesion to these surfaces, and solubility. This study compared four test soils recognized by ISO and ASTM standards as suitable for general and/or orthopaedic surgery for these attributes and concluded that the DBLSO is representative of clinical soils in orthopaedic surgery while coagulated blood is appropriate for general surgery. The study also showed that Edinburgh soil may provide to high of a challenge if used for general surgery or othopedic devices when used for simulative cleaning validations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous cleaning of works of art on paper is one of the most important and delicate steps in a conservation process. It allows the removal of inorganic (metals) and organic substances, such as degradation products and other contaminants. These substances are responsible for yellowing, weakening, and loss of mechanical properties of paper. In this article, the cleaning effect of gellan gum was assessed on xuan paper, a traditional Chinese paper different in composition and papermaking technology compared to many Western papers. To assess the effect of gellan gum on xuan paper, its characteristics were studied before and after cleaning utilizing non-invasive and micro-invasive techniques. Results were compared to those obtained when treating Western papers and indicated that gellan gum can be applied effectively for aqueous cleaning of xuan paper. Zusammenfassung: Die wässrige Reinigung von Kunstwerken auf Papier ist einer der wichtigsten und heikelsten Schritte in einem Restaurierungssprozess. Sie ermöglicht die Entfernung anorganischer (Metalle) und organischer Substanzen wie Abbauprodukte und anderer Verunreinigungen aus dem Papier. Diese Substanzen können Vergilbung und den Verlust mechanischer Festigkeit von Papier verursachen. In diesem Beitrag wurde die Reinigungswirkung von Gellan Gum auf Xuan-Papier untersucht. Xuan-Papier ist ein traditionelles chinesisches Papier, das sich von historischen westlichen Papieren sowohl in der Faserzusammensetzung als auch in der Herstellung unterscheidet. Um die Wirkung von Gellan Gum auf Xuan-Papier zu bewerten, wurden die Eigenschaften des Papiers vor und nach der Reinigung unter Verwendung nicht-invasiver und mikro-invasiver Techniken untersucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden mit jenen einer Gellan Gum Behandlung von westlichen Papieren verglichen, und es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Gellan Gum effektiv zur wässrigen Reinigung von Xuan-Papier angewendet werden kann. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intuitive Surgical recommends a complex process for cleaning da Vinci robotic instruments. The aim of this study is to validate the cleaning process used in our establishment by demonstrating the absence of residual protein. In-process tests and destructive tests were conducted with two residual protein tests: Clean-Trace® and One Life Detect® tests. During in-process testing none of the Clean-Trace tests (n = 25) revealed the presence of residual protein. In the destructive tests (n = 15), six CleanTrace tests demonstrated the presence of residual protein. With the One Life Detect kit all the instruments (n=15) presented blue spots corresponding to traces of protein residues. In-process testing is conducive to validating our cleaning process. However, destructive tests show protein residues in inaccessible areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a previous comparison of wire-mesh trays (baskets) and perforated sheet metal trays (Central Service 4/2018) [1], the present study now investigated in addition the performance of a new perforated sheet metal tray with a corrugated design and also explored any changes resulting from the use of two different silicone mats or from reprocessing with a fitted tray lid. To that effect, the drying properties of loads with 50 standard instruments and different drying times, with and without rinse aid, were compared on the basis of weight difference. The cleaning performance was investigated in two different processes using a system consisting of process challenge devices (PCDs) and a camera (Helimatic Performance Qualification), based on detachable box locks. It was shown that there were no significant differences in the drying and cleaning performance between the tray designs. Silicone mesh mats did not adversely affect the cleaning or drying results, whereas the burled silicone mat and a fitted tray lid greatly increased the residual moisture. Cleaning was hampered only when using the tray with fitted lid. The drying performance was primarily influenced by the drying time and position in the chamber. Under the test conditions, the use of a rinse aid shortened the drying time by 5–10 min. The conclusion drawn is that a compromise must always be reached between the process outcome and instrument protection. Our study provides additional insights into this. Perforated sheet metal trays (bars or corrugated design) can be used without any adverse effect on drying or cleaning. Overall, drying and cleaning are highly dependent on the system and process control. These should always be checked and optimized as a first troubleshooting step. Silicone mesh mats, of the design investigated here, did not result in any difference in the cleaning and drying performance and may be routinely used (if desired). The burled silicone mat tested adversely impact only the drying performance. The mats should therefore be used specifically for delicate, fine instruments. The same applies to trays with fitted lid which have a negative impact on drying and cleaning. Rinse aids shorten the drying time by around 5 min in all setups. Another common observation in everyday practice was instrument stains mirroring the tray structure, as seen after cleaning or sterilization. These differ in accordance with the tray design but should be addressed by optimizing the media quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers proposed recommendations for cleaning surgical instruments for the Da Vinci robot, associated to specific detergents. The tests carried out have defined an acceptable maximum of 155μg residual proteins for these instruments. The cleaning process with the detergent used in our sterilisation unit and a specific wash base was evaluated. The mass of protein residues was measured on several instruments after being soiled and cleaned. Factors varying were the concentration of the pre-treatment solution, the concentration of the detergent used in the washer- disinfector (WD), the soil drying time, the type of soil and the volume of fluid used for irrigation. Increasing the WD detergent concentration and the volume of the fluid used for irrigation did not reduce protein residues. However, a soil drying time < 1 h and a high concentration of pre-treatment solution led to a median protein mass of 135μg. Manual pre-treatment associated with automated irrigation were essential to reduce protein residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die auf Grund von Recherchen des Bundesamtes für Risikobewertung aufgezeigten Verunreinigungen von Kräutertees mit Pyrrolizidinalkaloiden (PA) und Tropanalkaloiden (TA) führten in den letzten drei Jahren zu vielen wissenschaftlichen und praktischen Arbeiten, um dieses Thema realistisch abbilden und eingrenzen zu können. Im gleichen Zeitraum wurden mehrere rechtliche Regelungen (Code of Practice), sowie auch Public Statements (EMEA) verfasst. Parallel hierzu wurden unter anderem in der Dr. Junghanns GmbH Korrekturmaßnahmen erarbeitet, um den Gehalt an PA und TA in Körnerfrüchten deutlich zu reduzieren. Im Rahmen diese Arbeiten wurde gezeigt, wie effektiv diese Maßnahmen bei der Nachreinigung von Praxischargen waren. Innerhalb der letzten zwei Jahre wurden mehr als 100 Chargen mit einer Gesamtmenge von 600 Tonnen (330 Tonnen vom kontrollierten biologischen Anbau und 270 Tonnen vom konventionellen Anbau) gereinigt. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen verschiedener Trennverfahren werden hier anhand der Bei­spiele von Bitterfenchel, Süßfenchel, Kümmel und Anis erläutert. Eine besondere Herausforderung stellte es dar, von dem bisherigen Reinheitsstandard von 99% zu einer Reinheit von 10 ppm und darunter zu gelangen. Dieses Ziel konnte bei über 90% aller aufgereinigten Chargen nach ein oder mehrmaligen Reinigungen erreicht werden. Hiermit wird nachgewissen, dass es möglich ist, mit entsprechender Expertise und erhöhten Kosten fast alle wegen PA und TA-Besatz gesperrten Chargen wieder verkehrsfähig zu machen.

The contamination of herbal teas with pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA-s) and tropane alkaloids (TA-s), identified three years ago by the Federal Office for Risk Assessment, was a start point for many research studies on assessment and characterization of the risk as well as the development of methods for monitoring and minimization of the presence of PA-s in food and feed. During the same period, several Guidelines and regulation (Code of Practice) as well as Public Statements (EMEA) were drafted. From the analysis of the available occurrence data and identification of potential risks along the entire process chain, Dr. Junghanns GmbH developed individual measures to significantly minimize the presence of PA-s and TA-s in aromatic seed drugs. Application of different mechanical separation processes on more than 100 batches (originated from the conventional and organic agriculture) of fennel, caraway, anise and other aromatic seed drugs shows how effective these measures were for the cleaning of highly contaminated batches. Possibilities and limits of different separation processes are explained using the examples of bitter fennel, sweet fennel, caraway and anise. It was a particular challenge to move from the previous purity standard of 99% to a purity of 10 ppm and below. This goal was achieved in more than 90% of all cleaned batches after one or more passes. This proves that it is possible to minimize the content of PA-s and TA-s, making so many rejected batches marketable again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Pfälzische Landesbibliothek, Teil des Landesbibliothekszentrums Rheinland-Pfalz, wurde 1921 vor dem Hintergrund der französischen Besetzung der Pfalz gegründet. Dieser teils fast hundert Jahre alte Gründungsbestand wurde seither weder gereinigt noch systematisch saniert. Das vom BKM-Sonderprogramm für die Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts geförderte Projekt zielt modellhaft auf die Bestandserhaltung eines großen Magazinbestandes ab. The Palatine State Library, a division of the Library Centre of Rhineland-Palatinate, was established in 1921 amid the French occupation of the Palatinate region. The historical founding collection, almost one-hundred years old, has hitherto never been cleaned or systematically restored. This special BKM-programme aimed at preserving the written cultural heritage is a model project to promote the conservation of large stacks and storage items in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sophorolipid (glycolipid biosurfactant from Starmerella bombicola) has valuable properties in addition to surface active attributes. This sophorolipid was produced as a secondary metabolite by submerged fermentation using hydrophobic (sunflower oil) and hydrophilic (glucose) substrate. The present work investigates the effect of inoculum age, oil feed and incubation period to increase sophorolipid yield. The highest yield of sophorolipid by sunflower oil was accomplished with an inoculum age of 60 h. Maximum substrate consumption and sophorolipid yield were found near about 200 h. At optimized fermentation conditions, 19.2 g/L yield of sophorolipid was achieved. The lactonic sophorolipid which is the major component of crude sophorolipid was separated and purified by adsorption chromatography. Normal phase and reverse phase resin were compared for adsorptive purification among which reverse phase resin provides better purification with 69 % recovery. Further surfactant and antimicrobial properties of crude sophorolipid were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The COMPREX®‐process is an in place cleaning process for pipelines and heat exchangers. It is based on a laminar flow of water and superimposed pulses of compressed air. The process does neither need chemical cleaning agents nor the dismantling of the plant. It is a material friendly process, even towards ageing equipment. Mobile cleaning units enables the application of this process at the applier's site. Furthermore, this process reduces the required time of shutdown. That makes frequent cleaning more economical so that ageing of deposits in the plant can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to high costs for cleaning of machinery and equipment, there are efforts to optimize the cleaning fluid consumption and cleaning time. One approach is the usage of discontinuous liquid jet cleaning. In this paper, two different types to pulsate are investigated regarding cleaning efficiency. Therefore, two food ingredients, xanthan gum and starch, are studied. As a result, especially cleaning fluid consumption could be significantly reduced. The cleaning time decreased with the xanthan gum soil, too. Whereas it was equal or higher for the starch soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Quintessenz der Zahntechnik is the property of Quintessenz Verlags GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Visual abnormalities on architectural concrete surfaces cannot be fully avoided, even with careful execution and planning. The architectural concrete surface can be brought to the desired surface appearance, on which the repair areas are not identifiable. High quality surface treatments, with artisan like workmanship, must be used for such restoration work. This article provides a summary overview of the technical aspects of high quality surface restoration techniques along with their limitations. In addition, this article contains recommendations for quality control relating to the aforementioned techniques geared towards owners, planers and contractors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In times of increasing numbers of infections caused by multiresistant bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistenter Staphylococcus aureus) or ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamasen) producing bacteria, sufficient, but feasible cleaning and disinfection of veterinary endoscopes is of great importance. In the here described study, two cleaning- and disinfection methods (manual vs. automatized) as well as two different drying techniques (air-drying vs. pressurized air) were compared. Therefore, in 4 groups of 40 endoscopic examinations were investigated by sampling of working channel, endoscope tip and shaft at 3 time-points. Microbiologic swab results were evaluated for total bacteria numbers, successful cleaning and disinfection was defined as total bacteria of 0 or at least 4 log reduction. Overall, the percentage of successful cleaning, disinfection and drying over the different groups varied from 74 to 82%. A significant influence of the method of drying and the examined organ system was found for the working channel, while no significant factors were found for tip and shaft. Disinfection was most successful after examinations of the lower airways (P=0.003), while odds ratios for the gastrointestinal tract and upper airways were 0.073 and 0.115, respectively. There was also a trend towards a positive effect of pressurized air drying, but this remained insignificant (P=0.095). Overall, modern methods of disinfection and drying were found to be superior for the localizations working channel and endoscope tip (P>0.05), but not for the shaft. In conclusion, careful cleaning and disinfection is essential in particular after endoscopic examinations of the upper airways and the gastrointestinal tract. Pressurized air drying seems preferable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of resources needed for cleaning in food processing plants is economically and ecologically sensible. In this paper, the potential of the pulsating jet cleaning to increase the time-based cleaning efficiency is demonstrated through the identification of relevant process parameters. The influence of the frequency as well as of the duty cycle was studied at varied flow rate on a model soil, and a significant effect of the duty cycle has been demonstrated. With suitable pulsation parameters substantial savings of cleaning fluid are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]