Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 72 in total

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  1. An investigation of the effect of prolonged glove wearing on the hand skin health of dental healthcare workers
    Boyle DK, Forsyth A, Bagg J, Stroubou K, Griffiths CE, Burke FJ
    J Dent, 2002 Jul-Aug;30(5-6):233-41.
    PMID: 12450714
    Glove wearing during patient treatment has been central to dental surgery infection control for over 15 years. However, little is known about the cutaneous effects of glove wearing on the hands of dental healthcare workers (DHCWs). The objective of this project was to assess the hand skin health of DHCWs before and after wearing gloves of two types and to compare this with a control group of non-DHCWs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  2. Fulltext The antibacterial activity of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis: A review on agar diffusion and direct contact methods
    Luddin N, Ahmed HM
    J Conserv Dent, 2013 Jan;16(1):9-16.
    PMID: 23349569 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.105291
    Complete debridement and disinfection of the root canal system are fundamental requirements for successful endodontic treatment. Despite the morphological challenges of the internal root anatomy, root canal irrigants play an important role in the optimization of the root canal preparation, which is essentially a chemo-mechanical procedure. Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most resistant microorganisms that dominants the microbial ecosystem of persistent periradicular lesions in retreatment cases. For that reason, many in vitro and in vivo studies evaluated and compared the antibacterial activity of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine at varying concentrations using different experimental models against this microorganism. However, many controversies with regard to the ideal irrigant and concentration do in fact exist. Hence, this review aims to discuss the antibacterial activity of these two main root canal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis using the agar diffusion and direct contact methods and the possible modulating factors responsible for inconsistent findings among different studies. In addition, the disinfection potential of both chemical agents on gutta percha and Resilon cones are also discussed. The source of this review was conducted through an electronic literature search using PubMed database from December 1997 until December 2011, which analyze the related laboratory investigations of both irrigants, published in major endodontic journals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  3. Fulltext Pathological evaluation for sterilization of routinely used prosthodontic and endodontic instruments
    Kumar KV, Kiran Kumar KS, Supreetha S, Raghu KN, Veerabhadrappa AC, Deepthi S
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2015 May-Jun;5(3):232-6.
    PMID: 26236684 DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.159962
    In daily practice of dentistry, we use same instruments on many patients. Before use, all instruments must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized to prevent any contamination. Pre-cleaning and sterilization of some devices can be difficult because of their small size and complex architecture. Dental burs and endodontic files are such instruments. Dental burs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all with highly complex and detailed surface features.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  4. Fulltext Biofilm in endodontics: A review
    Jhajharia K, Parolia A, Shetty KV, Mehta LK
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2015 Jan-Feb;5(1):1-12.
    PMID: 25767760 DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.151956
    Endodontic disease is a biofilm-mediated infection, and primary aim in the management of endodontic disease is the elimination of bacterial biofilm from the root canal system. The most common endodontic infection is caused by the surface-associated growth of microorganisms. It is important to apply the biofilm concept to endodontic microbiology to understand the pathogenic potential of the root canal microbiota as well as to form the basis for new approaches for disinfection. It is foremost to understand how the biofilm formed by root canal bacteria resists endodontic treatment measures. Bacterial etiology has been confirmed for common oral diseases such as caries and periodontal and endodontic infections. Bacteria causing these diseases are organized in biofilm structures, which are complex microbial communities composed of a great variety of bacteria with different ecological requirements and pathogenic potential. The biofilm community not only gives bacteria effective protection against the host's defense system but also makes them more resistant to a variety of disinfecting agents used as oral hygiene products or in the treatment of infections. Successful treatment of these diseases depends on biofilm removal as well as effective killing of biofilm bacteria. So, the fundamental to maintain oral health and prevent dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis is to control the oral biofilms. From these aspects, the formation of biofilms carries particular clinical significance because not only host defense mechanisms but also therapeutic efforts including chemical and mechanical antimicrobial treatment measures have the most difficult task of dealing with organisms that are gathered in a biofilm. The aim of this article was to review the mechanisms of biofilms' formation, their roles in pulpal and periapical pathosis, the different types of biofilms, the factors influencing biofilm formation, the mechanisms of their antimicrobial resistance, techniques to identify biofilms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  5. Fulltext A case of urgent colonoscopic hemostasis of a cecal hemorrhagic ulceration in a patient receiving heparin for COVID-19 coagulopathy
    Yoshida N, Hirose R, Watanabe M, Yamazaki M, Hashimoto S, Matsubara S, et al.
    JGH Open, 2021 Jan;5(1):160-162.
    PMID: 33490630 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12435
    COVID-19 rarely causes lower gastrointestinal bleeding even though its RNA has been detected in patient's stool. Urgent colonoscopy in a COVID-19 patient with massive bloody stool requires various procedural and equipment considerations. Here, we present a case of colonoscopic hemostasis of a cecal hemorrhagic ulceration in a patient on heparin for COVID-19 coagulopathy. We also share various management methods for the prevention of COVID-19 contamination. A 71-year-old man was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequently underwent hemodiafiltration. Heparin was initiated for COVID-19 coagulopathy. At day 42, the patient experienced 2000 mL of bloody stool. An operator performed urgent colonoscopy with three assistants in a negative-pressure room with full personal protective equipment. A hemorrhagic ulceration was detected at the cecum, and endoscopic hemostasis was performed. Immunohistochemistry was positive for cytomegalovirus. Postprocedure, the endoscopic systems were thoroughly cleaned, and specific measures for endoscope reprocessing and disinfection were performed to prevent contamination with COVID-19.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  6. Fulltext Potential of Superhydrophobic Surface for Blood-Contacting Medical Devices
    Wu XH, Liew YK, Mai CW, Then YY
    Int J Mol Sci, 2021 Mar 24;22(7).
    PMID: 33805207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073341
    Medical devices are indispensable in the healthcare setting, ranging from diagnostic tools to therapeutic instruments, and even supporting equipment. However, these medical devices may be associated with life-threatening complications when exposed to blood. To date, medical device-related infections have been a major drawback causing high mortality. Device-induced hemolysis, albeit often neglected, results in negative impacts, including thrombotic events. Various strategies have been approached to overcome these issues, but the outcomes are yet to be considered as successful. Recently, superhydrophobic materials or coatings have been brought to attention in various fields. Superhydrophobic surfaces are proposed to be ideal blood-compatible biomaterials attributed to their beneficial characteristics. Reports have substantiated the blood repellence of a superhydrophobic surface, which helps to prevent damage on blood cells upon cell-surface interaction, thereby alleviating subsequent complications. The anti-biofouling effect of superhydrophobic surfaces is also desired in medical devices as it resists the adhesion of organic substances, such as blood cells and microorganisms. In this review, we will focus on the discussion about the potential contribution of superhydrophobic surfaces on enhancing the hemocompatibility of blood-contacting medical devices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection/methods*
  7. Antibacterial activity of quaternized chitosan modified nanofiber membrane
    Cheah WY, Show PL, Ng IS, Lin GY, Chiu CY, Chang YK
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 Apr 01;126:569-577.
    PMID: 30584947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.193
    The electrospinning PAN nanofiber membrane (P-CN) was hydrolysed to convert carboxylic groups as reaction sites and covalently graft chitosan molecule. The chitosan derivatives with quaternary ammonium groups exerted greater efficiency against bacteria as compared to pure chitosan. Hence, the chitosan modified membrane (P-CS), can be functionalized with quaternary amine (i.e., glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, GTMAC) to form quaternized chitosan nanofiber membrane (designated as P-HTCC) under various conditions (acidic, neutral, and alkaline). N-quaternized derivatives of chitosan modified membrane (N-HTCC) showed 72% and 60% degree of quaternization (DQ) under acidic and neutral conditions, respectively. Under alkaline condition, additional quaternization of N, O-HTCC via its amino and hydroxyl groups, has improved up to 90% DQ of the chitosan. The antibacterial activity of the quaternized chitosan modified membrane prepared from acetic acid medium is stronger than that prepared from water and alkaline media. Also, antibacterial activity of quaternized chitosan is stronger than chitosan modified membrane against E. coli. The microbiological assessments showed that the water-stable P-HTCC nanofiber membrane under modification in acidic medium exerted antibacterial activity up to 99.95% against E. coli. Therefore, the P-HTCC membrane exhibited high potential to be integrated into microfiltration membrane to effectively disinfect E. coli.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  8. Antibacterial efficacy of chitosan- and poly(hexamethylene biguanide)-immobilized nanofiber membrane
    Ng IS, Ooi CW, Liu BL, Peng CT, Chiu CY, Chang YK
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Jul 01;154:844-854.
    PMID: 32194127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.127
    In this study, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membrane was prepared by an electrospinning technique. After alkaline hydrolysis, the ion-exchange nanofiber membrane (P-COOH) was grafted with chitosan molecules to form a chitosan-modified nanofiber membrane (P-COOH-CS). Poly(hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMB) was then covalently immobilized on P-COOH and P-COOH-CS to form P-COOH-PHMB and P-COOH-CS-PHMB, respectively. The nanofiber membranes were subjected to various surface analyses as well as to the evaluations of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The optimal modification conditions for P-COOH-CS-PHMB were attained by water-soluble chitosan at 50 kDa of molecular weight, coupling pH at 7, and 0.05% (w/w) of PHMB. Within 10 min of treatment, the antibacterial rate was close to 100%. Under the similar conditions of antibacterial treatment, the P-COOH-CS-PHMB exhibited a better antibacterial efficacy than the P-COOH-PHMB. When the number of bacterial cells was increased by 2000 folds, both types of nanofiber membranes still maintained the antibacterial rate close to 100%. After five cycles of repeated antibacterial treatment, the antibacterial efficacy of P-COOH-PHMB was 96%, which was higher than that of P-COOH-CS-PHMB (83%). The experimental results revealed that the PHMB-modified nanofiber membranes can be suitably applied in water treatment such as water disinfection and biofouling control.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  9. Fulltext The lack of effective hand washing practice despite high level of knowledge and awareness in medical students of clinical years
    S. Sulaiha S.A., Wee, Yun Ling, Lie, Joo Chin, Eow, Wei-Liang, Muhamad Faiz, S., Chien, Noris Fook Tan
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2010;4(2):-.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Nosocomial infection is among the leading problem in many major hospitals resulting in soaring cost expenditure in managing its affect.Hand washing practice is a crucial preventive way to contain such mischief but many ignored its importance. This is perhaps due to lack of appropriate role modeling from senior practitioners.
    Subjects and methods: Our study examined the prevalence of hand washing practice among medical students from year 3 to 5 and compared it to their knowledge and level of awareness on its importance in clinical practice. 142 students were randomly observed during their clinical work in the wards on this practice and questionnaires were later distributed to 268 students from all semesters on their knowledge on the technique and awareness on its importance.
    Results: Out of 142, almost 80% washed their hands but only 41.6% performed effective hand washing. In contrary, 80 to 90% showed good level of knowledge and awareness as well as perception about its importance in clinical practice.
    Conclusions: The contradictory findings between the actual practice of hand washing and knowledge as well as awareness suggest that enforcement on the practice is necessary. This requires motivation and cooperation from all health alliances and higher authority in the health system. Remedial measures are much needed in order to contain high incidence of nosocomial infection in our local practice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  10. The chemical, heavy metal and microbial quality of well water in an urbanised village in the Klang Valle
    Stephen Ambu, Stacey Foong Yee Yong, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim, Mak Joon Wah, Donald Koh Fook Chen, Soo Shen Ooi, et al.
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2014;8(3):28-44.
    MyJurnal
    Background: The public health issue of consuming groundwater is a major concern because people often extract groundwater directly from the aquifers either through wells or boreholes without treating it with any form of filtration system or chlorine disinfection. Based on the Malaysian National Drinking Water guidelines the current study was designed to provide a better understanding on the variable factors that are influencing the quality of well-water in an urbanised village in Malaysia. Well water quality assessment of heavy metals, chemicals, microbial and physical parameters were carried out for Sungai Buloh Village in the Klang Valley to ensure it was safe for human consumption.

    Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected from wells at four sites (Sites A,B,C,D), a river and a tap inside a house in Sungai Buloh village. Soil was sampled from the riverbed and area surrounding the wells. Samples were collected every two months over a one year duration from all sites. The water samples were processed and examined for viruses, coliforms and protozoa as well as for heavy metal contaminants.

    Results: The turbidity and colour ranged in the average of 0.57-0.13 Nephelometric Turbidity (NTU) and 4.16-5.00 Total Conjunctive Use (TCU) respectively for all sites except Site C. At Site C the turbidity level was 2.56 ± 1.38 NTU. The well-water was polluted with coliforms (1.2 to 2.4 x 103 CFU/100 ml) in all sites, E. coli (0.12 - 4 x 102 CFU/100 ml CFU/ 100 ml) and Cryptosporidium oocysts (0.4 cysts/100 ml). All the heavy metals and chemical parameters were within the Malaysian Guidelines’ limits except manganese. The average pH ranged from 5.44 - 6.62 and the temperature was 28 ºC.

    Conclusion: In summary, the well water at Sungai Buloh is considered unsafe for consumption due to pollution. Therefore the major thrust will be to provide better quality of drinking water to the residents of the village.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
  11. Fulltext Knowledge and practice of medical students of the usage of personal protective equipment: a comparison of two cohorts of students at the International Medical University
    Thiruselvi Subramaniam, Rosalind Chi Neo Loo
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2015;9(2):25-31.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Standard precautions in health care is the essence of medical practice encompassing the safety of patients and health care workers including medical students. Barriers to the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) exist across the world but identification of areas of weaknesses and appropriate remedies will reduce them. This study assesses knowledge and use of PPE among fourth year students after a period of educational interventions.
    Objective: To evaluate appropriate use, awareness and knowledge about PPE among fourth year students after interventions.
    Method: A cross- sectional study where forty year 4 students (Group B) were randomly observed and later asked to answer a questionnaire. Students had undergone interventions to improve PPE use, which included lectures and video sessions during each posting. Results were compared with a previous group (Group A). Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to analyse the data.
    Results: There was statistically significant improvement in the use of PPE like wearing and removing mask during invasive procedures (p < 0.001) and hand-washing before and after a non- invasive task (p < 0.001) . Comparison of Groups A and B on the results of the questionnaire for ‘Questions in which more than 10% students answered incorrectly’, showed that there was improvement in Group B in all the questions, some being statistically significant with p value=0.01.
    Conclusion: An overall improvement in the use of the PPE and knowledge was noted. Sometimes, students’ attitude and personality may be a challenge and these students may defy changes, but this can be overcome if the strategies are embedded in the curriculum and taught from as early as the first semester.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  12. An evaluation of the significance of mouth and hand contamination for lead absorption in lead-acid battery workers
    Far HS, Pin NT, Kong CY, Fong KS, Kian CW, Yan CK
    Int Arch Occup Environ Health, 1993;64(6):439-43.
    PMID: 8458660
    The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of ingestion through hand and mouth contamination in the absorption of lead in 25 lead-acid battery workers. Levels of personal exposure to airborne lead ranged from 0.004 to 2.58 mg/m3 [geometric mean 0.098, with 25% of samples exceeding threshold limit values (ACGIH) of 0.15 mg/m3]; the mean (SD) blood lead level was 48.9 (10.8) micrograms/dl. Mean hand lead contents increased 33-fold from preshift levels on Monday mornings (33.5 micrograms/500 ml) to midshift levels on Thursday afternoons (1121 micrograms/500 ml). Mouth lead contents increased 16-fold from 0.021 micrograms/50 ml on Mondays to 0.345 micrograms/50 ml on Thursdays. The typical Malay racial habit of feeding with bare hands and fingers without utensils (closely associated with mouth and hand lead levels on Mondays) explained the bulk of the variance in blood lead levels (40%), with mouth lead on Thursdays (closely associated with poor personal hygiene) explaining a further 10%. Air lead was not a significant explanatory variable. The implementation of a programme of reinforcing hand-washing and mouth-rinsing practices resulted in a reduction of the blood lead level by 11.5% 6 months later. These results indicate that parenteral intake from hand and mouth contamination is an important cause of lead absorption in lead-exposed workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection*
  13. Fulltext Perceptions and barriers of hands hygiene practice among medical science students in a medical school in Malaysia
    R.A. Al-Naggar, Al-Jashamy, K.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2013;12(2):11-14.
    MyJurnal
    Hand hygiene is the single, most critical measure for reducing the risk of transmitting organisms to patients and health care providers. To our knowledge, none of such study on Malaysian university student exists in the literature. Therefore, the objective was to explore the perceptions and barriers of hand's hygiene practice among university students. Methods: Focus group discussion conducted in January-2010 among 40 medical science students from Management and Science University (MSU). Simple random sampling was used, and the ethics were obtained from participants. The students were divided into five focus groups; the number of each group ranged between 8-10 members. The data obtained were classified into various categories, and the data was analyzed manually. Results: The majority of the participants mentioned that they frequently washed their hands using soap. Some of the participants washed the hands only with plain water. However, the majority of the participants mentioned that the laziness was their main barrier of frequent hand washing, followed by lack of nearby water supply and then the feeling that their hands are not dirty enough to be infected. The majority of the participants agreed that hand washing is clinically significant in reducing the spread of infectious diseases; some of them disagreed. The Majority of the participants knew the hand washing technique in the university. Conclusion: Medical science students still have some misconception and negative attitude towards hand hygiene practice. Multidisciplinary strategies needed to improve hand hygiene among students.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  14. Fulltext A qualitative study on personal hygiene knowledge and practices among food handlers at selected primary schools in Klang valley area, Selangor, Malaysia
    Tan, S.L., Cheng, P.L., Soon, H.K., Ghazali, H., Mahyudin, N.A.
    International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(1):71-76.
    MyJurnal
    A study was conducted to determine personal hygiene knowledge among 25 food handlers at 12 selected primary schools in Klang Valley area, Selangor, Malaysia. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews was employed and respondents were selected by a convenience sampling. The results showed that the respondents had basic knowledge on personal hygiene practices, mainly on hand washing (30.7%) and glove use (18.7%). The food handlers (90%) practiced various good hand washing practices, with only 36% did not practice washing hands after eating or drinking. Most respondents (>70%) practiced glove use, however more than 50% did not wash hands with every glove change, change gloves when change type of products and after preparing raw material. The study showed that the food handlers have basic knowledge one good personal hygiene practices. However, some discrepancies were revealed in the proper hand washing procedure. This study recommended good hand washing procedure to be reiterated among the food handlers. There is also an immediate need for continuous training among food handlers regarding good personal hygiene practices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  15. Fulltext Development of a Novel Design and Subsequent Fabrication of an Automated Touchless Hand Sanitizer Dispenser to Reduce the Spread of Contagious Diseases
    Das A, Barua A, Mohimin MA, Abedin J, Khandaker MU, Al-Mugren KS
    Healthcare (Basel), 2021 Apr 10;9(4).
    PMID: 33920290 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9040445
    BACKGROUND: The use of a touchless automated hand sanitizer dispenser may play a key role to reduce contagious diseases. The key problem of the conventional ultrasonic and infra-red-based dispensers is their malfunctioning due to the interference of sunlight, vehicle sound, etc. when deployed in busy public places. To overcome such limitations, this study introduced a laser-based sensing device to dispense sanitizer in an automated touchless process.

    METHOD: The dispensing system is based on an Arduino circuit breadboard where an ATmega328p microcontroller was pre-installed. To sense the proximity, a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is used where the laser light is to be blocked after the placement of human hands, hence produced a sharp decrease in the LDR sensor value. Once the LDR sensor value exceeds the lower threshold, the pump is actuated by the microcontroller, and the sanitizer dispenses through the nozzle.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A novel design and subsequent fabrication of a low-cost, touchless, automated sanitizer dispenser to be used in public places, was demonstrated. The overall performance of the manufactured device was analyzed based on the cost and power consumption, and environmental factors by deploying it in busy public places as well as in indoor environment in major cities in Bangladesh, and found to be more efficient and cost-effective compared to other dispensers available in the market. A comprehensive discussion on this unique design compared to the conventional ultrasonic and infra-red based dispensers, is presented to show its suitability over the commercial ones. The guidelines of the World Health Organization are followed for the preparation of sanitizer liquid. A clear demonstration of the circuitry connections is presented herein, which facilitates the interested individual to manufacture a cost-effective dispenser device in a relatively short time and use it accordingly. Conclusion: This study reveals that the LDR-based automated hand sanitizer dispenser system is a novel concept, and it is cost-effective compared to the conventional ones. The presented device is expected to play a key role in contactless hand disinfection in public places, and reduce the spread of infectious diseases in society.

    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  16. Assessment on Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Pre-school Children in Klang Valley
    Tengku Jamaluddin TZM, Mohamed NA, Mohd Rani MD, Ismail Z, Ramli S, Faroque H, et al.
    Glob Pediatr Health, 2020;7:2333794X20976369.
    PMID: 33335950 DOI: 10.1177/2333794X20976369
    Background. Pre-school children are at a higher risk to acquire infectious diseases such as hand, foot and mouth disease due to their immature immune system. Good hand hygiene prevents transmission of infectious diseases. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practices of hand hygiene among pre-schoolers. Methods. In this prospective, multi-center study, the pre-schools were selected according to the selection criteria. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographics, knowledge and practices of hand hygiene were administered via face-to-face interview during the pre- and post-intervention period. A total of 435 pre-schoolers aged 5 and 6 years old from 2 pre-schools within Klang Valley, School P (test group) and School C (control group) were involved in this study. The test group was provided with comprehensive hand hygiene education including video on proper handwashing technique during the 2 months intervention period, whereas the control group did not receive any form of intervention. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis and independent t-test. Results. Majority of pre-schoolers gained knowledge of handwashing from their parents. However, only 63% demonstrated good handwashing technique. Test group were significantly better (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  17. Plasma cholinesterase screening
    Goh CS
    Family Practitioner, 1986;9:40-42.
    The plasma cholinesterase baseline levels in Malaysian workers are within the guidelines used. There is a need to carry out close monitoring of workers handling organophosphate s even in a well-run, modern factory where there are no hazards in the plant operation. Abnormal results are mainly because many of our workers are unaware of the health hazards and do not follow orders properly, ie personal hygiene, such as washing of hands before eating, etc. The use of temporary workers should be discouraged because of poor compliance with rules and difficulty in follow up. Product stewardship and education of farmers, sprayers and end users are of paramount importance. Finally there is a great need for educaiton of everyone from factory workers, farmers, sprayers to the general public.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection
  18. Fulltext Social media use as a predictor of handwashing during a pandemic: evidence from COVID-19 in Malaysia
    Zhang SX, Graf-Vlachy L, Looi KH, Su R, Li J
    Epidemiol Infect, 2020 10 23;148:e261.
    PMID: 33092675 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268820002575
    Although handwashing is an effective way to prevent infections, there is scarce evidence on predictors of handwashing during a pandemic. This paper aims to identify behavioural and demographic predictors of handwashing. The study surveyed 674 adults in Malaysia in May 2020 regarding whether the time spent on social media predicted handwashing contingent on gender and number of children. More time spent on social media was positively associated with handwashing for males with three or more children. However, for males without children, social media use was negatively associated with handwashing. The association was not significant for males with one or two children. For females, more time spent on social media was significantly linked to more handwashing only for females with one child. Gender, a traditional predictor of handwashing, was a useful predictor only for those who spent more than three hours per day on social media and had at most one child. Number of children was a novel negative predictor for males who did not use social media and who averaged one hour per day on social media, a positive predictor for males who spent lots of time on social media, but not a predictor for females. In sum, social media use predicts handwashing, and is thus a helpful variable for use in targeted health communication during a pandemic - particularly through social media. Further, more conventional predictors like gender and number of children exhibit contingency effects with social media use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Hand Disinfection*
  19. The fate of sotalol in aqueous chlorination: Kinetics, mechanisms and ecotoxicity assessment
    Khalit WNAW, Tay KS
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2017 Nov;145:214-220.
    PMID: 28738204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.07.020
    Unmetabolized pharmaceuticals often enter the water treatment plants and exposed to various treatment processes. Among these water treatment processes, disinfection is a process which involves the application of chemical oxidation to remove pathogen. Untreated pharmaceuticals from primary and secondary treatment have the potential to be exposed to the chemical oxidation process during disinfection. This study investigated the kinetics and mechanism of the degradation of sotalol during chlorination process. Chlorination with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as main reactive oxidant has been known as one of the most commonly used disinfection methods. The second order rate constant for the reaction between sotalol and free available chlorine (FAC) was found to decrease from 60.1 to 39.1M-1min-1 when the pH was increased from 6 to 8. This result was mainly attributed by the decreased of HOCl concentration with increasing pH. In the real water samples, the presence of the higher amount of organic content was found to reduce the efficiency of chlorination in the removal of sotalol. This result showed that sotalol competes with natural organic matter to react with HOCl during chlorination. After 24h of FAC exposure, sotalol was found to produce three stable transformation by-products. These by-products are mainly chlorinated compounds. According to the acute and chronic toxicity calculated using ECOSAR computer program, the transformation by-products are more harmful than sotalol.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection*
  20. Advances in postharvest technologies to extend the storage life of minimally processed fruits and vegetables
    Ali A, Yeoh WK, Forney C, Siddiqui MW
    Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2018;58(15):2632-2649.
    PMID: 29072844 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1339180
    Minimally processed fresh produce is one of the fastest growing segments of the food industry due to consumer demand for fresh, healthy, and convenient foods. However, mechanical operations of cutting and peeling induce the liberation of cellular contents at the site of wounding that can promote the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. In addition, rates of tissue senescence can be enhanced resulting in reduced storage life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Chlorine has been widely adopted in the disinfection and washing procedures of fresh-cut produce due to its low cost and efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Continuous replenishment of chlorine in high organic wash water can promote the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as trihalomethanes, which threaten human and environmental health. Alternative green and innovative chemical and physical postharvest treatments such as ozone, electrolyzed water, hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, high pressure processing, and ultrasound can achieve similar reduction of microorganisms as chlorine without the production of harmful compounds or compromising the quality of fresh-cut produce.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disinfection
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