Good Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Evaluation of the Physicochemical, Microbiological Quality and Acceptability of Nectars and Jams from Vitex doniana Fruit

This study consisted in the formulation and evaluation of the organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological qualities of nectars and jam prepared from Vitex doniana fruit. Nectars (five types) consisted of two acidulated with lemon, two acidulated with tamarind with pH values of 3.45 and 3.55, and a control. Jams (three types) were made as one acidulated with lemon, one acidulated with tamarind with a pH value of 3.88, and a control with a pH value of 4.44. The Brix values were 10.75 and 60.00 for all nectars and jam, respectively. The total sugar content of the nectars ranged from 9.52 ± 0.04 (NC1) to 9.11 ± 0.03% (T) and that of the jams from 58.27 ± 0.02% to 49.97 ± 0.01%. It appeared that prepared nectar and jam samples were of good microbiological quality, confirming compliance with good hygiene and manufacturing practices throughout the process and compliance with Algerian and Luxembourg standards.

Exploring Prevalence and Contributing Risk Factors of Repeat Breeding Syndrome of Crossbred Dairy Cows in Bangladesh

The dairy sector suffers significant financial losses due to repeat breeding syndrome (RBS), a significant reproductive disease in dairy cattle. For a very long time, repeat breeding has been regarded as one of the most critical reproductive issues in cattle. The objective of this study is to investigate the frequency and identify the risk factors related to repeat breeding in dairy cows in the Bogura district of Bangladesh. Additionally, the study aims to assess the influence of repeat breeding on reproductive performance in this population. This study collected indigenous and crossbred 179 cow's data using a pre-structured questionnaire. The cows that needed more than three consecutive inseminations to conceive were considered repeat breeders, and those that needed ≤3 inseminations were regular cyclic cows. The incidence rate of RBS in this study was 33.50%. In BCS 2.5 to 3.0, the incidence rate was significantly higher (58.30%) in repeat breeders than in others. Cows with < 5-litre average daily milk production and reared in intensive farming systems with moderate to poor levels of hygienic management have a significant (p<0.005) effect of repeat breeding syndrome. Different reproductive diseases have a significant (p<0.001) effect on the conception rate of cows. Stillbirth (77.87%) followed by fetal death (76.47%) were recorded as major reproductive obstacles in repeat breeding, whereas pyometra (71.43%), followed by abortion (66.67%), dystocia (70.00%) and endometritis (57.14%) were the major recorded complications in repeat breeders. The rate of conception would go up if cows had optimal BCS, good hygiene and management practices were used, and farmers were trained on how to manage cattle reproduction. This would lower the repeat breeding syndrome.

The Pathogenicity of Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus Niger Isolated from Accumulated Poultry and Goat Droppings in Immuno-Competent Albino Mice

The pathogenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger isolated from poultry and goat droppings in immuno competent albino mice was investigated. A total of 12 soil samples of both poultry and goat droppings were collected and screened for the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger using microbiological standard method. The pathogenicity of the isolates on immuno-competent albino mice were investigated by challenging the mice subcutaneously using 0.5 ml of the inoculum. All mice were kept under complete observation for four (4) weeks for pathological signs and symptoms, mortalities and gross morphological lesions of the internal organs were observed and recorded. The study revealed that the total mean plate count of Aspergillus fumigatus was higher than that of Aspergillus niger and also, there were significant pathological lesions among some organs of the infected mice after a pathological cross examination. Thus, the result of the examination shows that congestion, haemorrhage, air sacculitis, pericarditis, perihepatitis and hypertrophy were observed from the immuno-competent mice under study. The obvious pathological features of these fungi on immuno-competent albino mice shows invariably that they can pose a high level life-threatening infections in immuno-compromised individuals particularly farmers handling the animals. Thus, there is need for good healthy hygiene practices, maintenance of environmental sanitation and managing the environmental factors that supports the multiplication of these fungal infections.

Bacteriological Assessment of Indoor Air Quality in Keystone (Male) Hostel, University of Benin, Benin City

This study examined and identified the level of bacteria present in the hostel to evaluate the potential health hazards for the residents and establish guidelines for controlling indoor air quality. Six (6) rooms were sampled out of 25 rooms at the keystone hostel, each with a height of 10 feet, and an average dimension of 9 feet by 10 feet. The study was done in July and November, 2023. Passive air sampling of settle plate method was employed. The isolates were identified using standard cultural and biochemical identification method. The outcome revealed that the concentration of bacteria isolates rose as media exposure time increased. In July, the maximum bacteria concentration was observed in room 37 at 20min (21.5 x 102CFU/m3) and the minimum in room 49 at 20 min (0.02 x 102 CFU/m3. The concentration of bacteria in room 48 at 20 min was (0.1 x 102 CFU/m3), room 47 at 20 min (11.0 x 102 CFU/m3), room 38 at 20 min (16.5 x 102 CFU/m3), room 39 at 20 min (10.5 x 102 CFU/m3), While for the month of November, the highest bacteria concentration was seen in room 37 at 20min (26.5 x 102 CFU/m3) and the least at room 49 at 20 min (0.09 x 102 CFU/m3). The concentration of bacteria at other room 48 at 20 min (0.3 x 102 CFU/m3), room 47 at 20 min (13.5 x 102 CFU/m3), room 38 at 20 min (19.2 x 102 CFU/m3), room 39 at 20 min (15.1 x 102 CFU/m3). A total of seven (7) distinct bacteria species: Escherichia coli (60%), Staphylococcus aureus (100%), Streptococcus pyogenes (50%), Bacillus cerus (30%), Seratia marcescens (30%), Klebsiella spp (50%) and Proteus spp (50%) were isolated and identified in four rooms ( 37, 38, 39, and 47), with six occupants each, while room 48 and 49 had two occupants respectively; hence bacterial load were relatively non-significant. However, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus cerus were identified as the most pathogenic isolates seen in the rooms under study. The study highlights the potential impact of occupancy levels on microbial presence within indoor spaces. The results shows that students in rooms 37, 38, 39 and 47 have a high risk of health and disease implications due to poor ventilation and overcrowding, unlike the students in rooms 48 and 49 with low risk of infectious diseases. Therefore, the study recommends a periodic indoor air quality assessment in the students’ hostel, implementation of good health hygiene practices, maintaining environmental sanitation and managing the environmental factors that supports the multiplication of the bacteria especially in the dry season are crucial to preventing the spread of diseases in the hostel.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Root Caries Amongst the Elderly Population in Udupi District, Karnataka State, India.

To compare the prevalence of root surface carious lesions among the nondiabetic and diabetic elderly population and its association with various risk factors. An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 elderly participants, 431 males and 369 females, aged 50 years and above, with a minimum of ten teeth present, with 400 being diabetic and 400 nondiabetic from the various hospitals of the Udupi district. Demographics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, oral abusive habits, and history of type 2 diabetes were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire followed by an intraoral examination to assess root caries. The primary outcome measure was the presence of any carious or filled root surface. Binary logistic regression univariate analysis was done for all the predictor variables, and those with significant associations were further analyzed by multivariate analysis with the enter method in a single-step model. An appropriate nomogram was designed for risk prediction. Overall, the root caries prevalence was 37.3%, and the mean root caries index was 14.28%. The prevalence of root caries was 46% in people with diabetes and 28.5% in nondiabetics. Participants with type 2 diabetes, less education, low socioeconomic status, and using finger cleaning had a significantly higher risk of developing root caries. Additionally, those who used removable partial dentures (RPDs) were found to be 4.65 times more likely to have root caries than those who did not use RPDs. Elderly diabetics are at a higher risk for developing root caries and are strongly advised to maintain good oral hygiene practices and to undergo periodic dental evaluations. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of root caries in this population.

Impact and interventions of waterborne and foodborne illnesses caused by bacterial pathogens in Nigeria: A review

Waterborne and foodborne illnesses caused by bacterial pathogens are major public health concerns, especially in developing countries like Nigeria—waterborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella spp. Contribute to the spread of health challenges, primarily due to poor sanitation, contaminated drinking water, and inadequate hygiene. Similarly, foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., are major causes of human illness, with animal-based foods often acting as transmission vectors. This review examines the current state of diagnosis, highlighting that most household water sources in Nigeria are vulnerable to contamination, with significant microbial loads exceeding WHO standards. It raises the need for effective interventions such as improved hygiene practices, water supply, sanitation and food safety management systems. Furthermore, this review discusses the impact of these pathogens on public health, noting that waterborne and foodborne diseases result in substantial mortality and economic burdens. Also, implementing good hygienic practices, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems, and public health education are essential strategies for reducing the incidence of these diseases. This review concludes by calling for a collaborative effort among governments, policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers to develop and implement multifaceted interventions to combat these pervasive health threats.

Unraveling diarrheal disease knowledge, understanding, and management practices among climate change vulnerable coastal communities in Ghana.

Diarrheal disease is a global public health concern, particularly in low-income countries. In Ghana, widespread issues like inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, malnutrition, and poor hygiene practices contribute to the high incidence of diarrhea. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by increasing the frequency and severity of conditions that spread diarrheal diseases. This study explores households' knowledge, understanding, and management practices for diarrhea in climate change-vulnerable coastal communities. The study is set in Ghana's central (Mumford, Opetekwei) and eastern (Anyako, Anyanui-Atiteti) coastlines. Using a cross-sectional study design, a structured questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled households (n = 419) to collect quantitative data. The study collected qualitative data from focus group discussions (n = 8), with groups separated into men and women, key informant interviews, and observations of food, water, and sanitation conditions across the studied communities. The study found significant variations between the studied communities and socio-demographic variables except for the respondents' gender. Multivariate regression analyses identified significant associations between socio-demographic variables (especially gender and educational status) and perceptions of diarrhea causes. The most used first management action against diarrhea is 'over-the-counter drugs', followed by home-made traditional remedies. Significant differences were observed in the usage of management practices across the studied communities. Trust, affordability, and availability were identified as the main factors influencing households' use of approved pharmaceutical drugs and traditional herbal remedies for managing behavior, with significant differences being observed across communities. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach, including improved access to regularly flowing, safe water and sanitation facilities, education on preventing diarrhea, and adequate healthcare services. Community-based interventions such as promoting good hygiene practices at homes and community settings such as schools, lorry parks, funeral grounds, and recreational areas can also effectively reduce the burden of diarrhea.

Evaluation of the Hygienic and Microbiological Quality of Raw Milk from Cows Intended For Consumption or Processing in the Town of Abéche in Chad.

The objective of this study was to identify the sources of microbial contamination of was milk and to evaluate the degree of microbiological contamination of was milk, to isolate the suspected pathogenic germs in the milk consumed. A total of 30 farmers were surveyed simultaneously at the time of collecting 30 samples. The samples were immediately transferred to the laboratory for microbiological analysis. Pathogens were investigated according to standard microbiological methods. The analysis of was milk made in the laboratory of INSTA chowed that the load of FAMT was variable between 4, 00.104 cfu /ml to 7, 15.107 ufc /ml, those of CT and CF were included between 103 cfu / ml to 5,73.104 cfu /ml and staphylococcus aureus was between 1,36.102 cfu /ml to 4.5.103 cfu /ml. the microbiological quality of the raw milk samples according to FAMT, CT and CF were mostly unsatisfactory. The microbiological quality of the raw milk sample according to staphycocus aureus was mostly uncontaminated. In the light of these results, the improvement of the microbiological quality of milk based on the establishment of a quality policy, aimed at popularizing the application of good hygiene practices throughout the chain of milk production and veterinary monitoring could contribute to improving product quality.

Edukasi Tentang Personal Hygine Sekolah Dasar Di Wilayah Kerja Kecamatan Tabunganen

In the nursing field, personal hygiene is considered one of the basic human needs. Personal hygiene refers to individual cleanliness and health practices aimed at preventing the spread of diseases to oneself and others. Hygiene is important because maintaining good personal hygiene minimizes the entry points (portals of entry) for microorganisms that are present everywhere, ultimately preventing individuals from falling. Poor personal hygiene, on the other hand, increases the likelihood of contracting various diseases, such as scabies, infectious diseases, oral and dental diseases, and gastrointestinal illnesses. It can even impact the function of specific body parts, such as the skin. The method used was a demonstration of the six steps of proper handwashing to elementary school students in the Tabunganen sub-district. The results showed that the majority of students were able to wash their hands correctly after the demonstration. It can be concluded that all students were enthusiastic about learning the proper handwashing technique and were able to apply it correctly and effectively. In conclusion, personal hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, and maintaining good personal hygiene practices is essential. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of a handwashing demonstration in teaching elementary school students in the Tabunganen sub-district the proper and correct handwashing technique. The findings highlight the students' enthusiasm to learn and their ability to apply the knowledge effectively.

Assessing Oral Health Knowledge and Practices: A Study of Mothers and Children in Northwestern Nigeria

Purpose – To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding oral and dental health for mothers of children aged 6 months to 8 years and older children aged above 8 years to 15 years seeking healthcare in a tertiary health facility in the Sokoto metropolis. Design/methods/approach – A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2022. Subjects included mothers of 6 months to < 8 years and children aged 8 to 15 years presenting with minor illnesses to the General outpatient clinic. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used to collect the information. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Findings – Out of 238 participants, 128 children were 6 months to <8 years, while 110 were above 8 to 15 years old. Less than half of mothers, 46.9%, had inadequate knowledge, while 20.3% had adequate practices. Among the older children in this study, the proportion of those with good knowledge, attitude, and practice level of oral health was 60%, 61.8%, and 32.7%. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores but not practice for the 2 groups. Mothers’ education and fathers’ occupation were significantly related to good scores (p=<0.05). Mothers of children with primary teeth and older children with permanent teeth in this study all had poor oral and dental health practices. More awareness programs should be conducted in the community to target those with poor practices. Increasing female education and empowerment is also essential in this regard. Research implications/limitations – This research implies that from an early age, it is necessary to check oral and dental health to prevent infectious diseases. Originality/value – Oral and dental health is an essential aspect of primary health care and is a situation in which the mouth, teeth, and gums are healthy and free from any diseases. Parents, especially mothers, are responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene practices and inculcating good oral hygiene habits in children. Paper Type Research paper

The Effectiveness of Tamarind Turmeric Water on the Dysmenorrhea Pain Scale in Teenage Girl

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is one of the most common gynaecological complaints among teenage girls. Menstrual pain is a symptom and not a disease. One herbal remedy that can be consumed by teenage girls to alleviate dysmenorrhea is tamarind turmeric drink. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of tamarind turmeric water in reducing menstrual pain in teenage girls. This research is quantitative in nature, utilizing a pre-experimental research design with the One Group Pre-Test Post Test approach. Sample calculation results indicate a total of 29 respondents using accidental sampling. Results: Based on statistical tests, a p-value of 0.000 was obtained, which is less than 0.05, indicating the effectiveness of tamarind and turmeric water in reducing dysmenorrhea pain in teenage girls at Integrated Vocational School Waway Karya, East Lampung, in 2023. It is expected that respondents will establish a more regular routine of consuming tamarind turmeric water to reduce pain and maintain healthy eating habits, such as avoiding spicy, oily foods, alcoholic beverages, and maintaining good hygiene practices.

Hand hygiene among oral health care providers in public institutions in Edo state even in the wake of Lassa fever.

Hand hygiene is recognized as the leading measure to prevent the cross-transmission of microorganisms and to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. To assess the knowledge and practice of hygiene among dental health workers even in the wake of Lassa fever. This questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in four public hospitals in Edo state. All data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire after obtaining ethical clearance. 108 of the 120 questionnaires distributed were filled and returned giving a response rate of 90.0%. Overall assessment of respondents' knowledge of hand hygiene revealed that 41.7% of the respondents possessed a good knowledge of hand hygiene, 37.0% had excellent knowledge, 17.6% had moderate and 3.7% had a weak knowledge of hand hygiene. Overall assessment of the practice of hand hygiene showed that the hand hygiene practice of 58.3% of respondents was fair while 37.0% practiced hand hygiene poorly. Only a few (5.6%) respondents had good hand hygiene practices. The outbreak of Lassa fever does not seem to positively influence the practice of hand hygiene among the respondents. While knowledge of hand hygiene is satisfactory in this study, the practice still leaves much to be desired.

Android-Based Personal Hygiene Educational Game Application for Children

Presently, there remains a deficiency in educational games aimed at instilling in children an awareness of personal hygiene, and numerous health issues stem from a lack of adherence to good hygiene practices. This study seeks to develop an Android-based educational game catering to the hygiene needs of young children, with a focus on assessing the application's feasibility. The research collected system-building data through observations and interviews, employing the Black Box testing method to evaluate the application's usability. Field and library research contributed to the acquisition of comprehensive data. The study's outcome is the creation of an Android-based educational game dedicated to teaching personal hygiene to children. Utilizing the UML design method, the author constructed and integrated the game into the Unity 3D application, enabling children to grasp the significance of cleanliness and environmental hygiene through engaging gameplay. Evaluation results indicate the suitability of the personal hygiene education game, with a learning menu percentage of 78% and a play menu percentage of 77%, as determined by questionnaire-based tests, affirming the system's appropriateness for use.

Knowledge, Attitude, Hygiene Practices, and Enumeration of Salmonella from Raw Meat at Retailer Shops in Chelenko Town, Eastern Ethiopia

Aim Salmonella has been identified as the primary contributor to foodborne illnesses, posing a significant public health issue due to its high contamination rates. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to December 2022 to isolate and determine the burden of Salmonella in goat meat at retail shops and to identify knowledge, attitudes, and hygienic practices in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 224 samples were collected from goat meat, and environmental samples (cutting board, knife, worker’s hand, and hook) were examined for the prevalence of Salmonella using conventional microbiological procedures. All samples underwent serial dilution to determine Salmonella loads in goat meat from the retailer’s houses. Additionally, 33 retail shop workers with different demographics were interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Salmonellosis. Results The results revealed that out of 224 goat meat and environmental swab samples examined, the prevalence of Salmonella was 26.78%, 31.6%, 19.6%, 22.2% and 15.8% for goat meat swabs, cutting boards, hand swab samples, knife, and hook swab samples, respectively. The total average loads of Salmonella on different samples were found to be 6.88×105 cfu/mL, 6.09×105 cfu/mL, 6.51×105 cfu/mL, 4.59×105 cfu/mL and 3.28×105 cfu/mL for meat swab samples from retailers, hand swab samples, cutting boards, knife swabs, and hook swab samples, respectively. Conclusion The study showed that the hygienic status of retail shops in the study area is poor, and the prevalence and load of Salmonella are high. Based on these results, it is recommended to raise awareness to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in goat meat and decrease bacterial loads. Additionally, the responsible authorities should coordinate with retailers and shops to enforce good hygienic handling practices.

A Review on Monkey Pox: From Pandemic to Endemic

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that has been identified as a potentially emerging infectious disease with the potential to cause outbreaks and epidemics. The virus is closely related to the small pox virus and belongs to the family Poxviridae. Monkey pox is primarily found in Central and West Africa, where it is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or humans. The virus can cause a range of clinical manifestations, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness with high mortality rates. The clinical presentation of monkey pox typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by the development of a rash that spreads across the body. The rash progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs over several weeks. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, and encephalitis can occur. There is currently no specific treatment for monkeypox. Supportive care measures such as hydration and pain management are used to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide some protection against monkeypox; however, it's effectiveness against the virus remains unclear. The prevention of monkeypox relies on measures such as avoiding contact with infected animals or humans and practicing good hygiene practices such as hand washing. Early detection of cases through surveillance systems is also crucial for preventing outbreaks. In conclusion, monkeypox is an emerging infectious disease that poses a significant public health threat in endemic regions. Continued research efforts are needed to better understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the virus and develop effective prevention strategies such as vaccines or antiviral therapies

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in South-east Nigeria towards Prevention of Childhood Anaemia

Studies carried out in the past have shown that the incidence and prevalence of childhood anaemia in Enugu, south-east Nigeria, is high despite various intervention programs carried out in the past by the Federal government to reduce the prevalence. A cross-sectional study investigating knowledge, attitude and practices was carried out among the mothers of reproductive age 15-49 attending Abakpa health centre located in Abakpa district, Enugu, South East Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty-nine mothers attending Abakpa health centre consented and participated in the study. The sample was selected using the purposive sample method. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data was done using a statistical package for social science software (SPSS) version 23.0. Analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their children was done, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of the participants towards childhood anaemia was done. They revealed that the majority of the participant had heard about childhood anaemia in the past. However, they still indulged in wrong practices and negligence that can lead to childhood anaemia. The majority of the participants do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, malaria chemoprophylaxis and good hygiene, which is one the major preventive measures for childhood anaemia. The study also revealed there is a positive moderate correlation between knowledge and practice using Pearson (r) correlation at 0.649 and there is no significant level between knowledge and practice at 0.236. Reduction in childhood anaemia can be achieved if proper training and enlightenment programs are organized for mothers, which help to close the knowledge gap that will result in better practices and reduction in the incidence of childhood anaemia in Enugu.

Zero separation policy in small but stable neonates weighing 1500-2000 grams at birth: a single center study in New Delhi, India

Background Small but stable low birth weight (LBW) neonates have needs similar to babies of normal weight with the need for extra support with feeding and temperature maintenance. Most health facilities admit such infants in the neonatal unit leading to the separation of the mother and baby. This separation exposes the infant to a potentially contaminated environment of the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) which is hazardous for stable infants (Invasive interventions, Intravenous alimentation, Infections) and also hampers the establishment of breastfeeding. This study evaluated short-term outcomes of stable neonates weighing 1500-2000 grams at birth cared for in the mother-baby unit in the same room. as their mothers as per the ‘Zero-separation Policy’. Methods Neonates born vaginally with a birth weight of 1500-2000 grams with stable vitals were moved with their mothers to a 12-bed ’’mother-baby unit (MBU)“. Mothers were counseled regarding breastfeeding (BF), Kangaroo mother care (KMC), maintenance of general hygiene, and identification of danger signs. Infants developing moderate to severe hypothermia, hypoglycemia, feed intolerance (FI), jaundice nearing exchange transfusion range, respiratory difficulty, sepsis, seizures, or apnea, were moved to a neonatal unit for further management. Results Over 3 years, 489 neonates with a mean (± SD) birth weight of 1738 ± 102 grams and median gestation of 34 weeks (range: 32-41 weeks) were cared for with their mothers at the MBU. Seventy percent of infants exclusively received their mother’s own milk on day 1, which increased to more than 95% from day 4 onwards. Similarly, two-thirds of the mothers provided KMC for at least 5-8 hours on day 1, increasing to 85% by day 5. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment was the most common morbidity (28.8%), most of which was managed at the bedside, followed by hypoglycemia (4.7%). Only 8% of neonates (n= 39/489) required transfer to the neonatal unit, mostly for hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia. No baby developed hypothermia, apnea, FI, seizures, or hemodynamic instability. Successful discharge to home was accomplished in all neonates with no mortality. Conclusions Zero-separation policy is feasible in clinically stable low-weight or small neonates (of 1500-2000 grams) who can be nurtured with their mothers right from birth, ensuring timely feeding, KMC, and good hygienic practices.

Assessment of the Microbiological Safety and Hygiene of Raw and Thermally Treated Milk Cheeses Marketed in Central Italy between 2013 and 2020.

A profile of the microbial safety and hygiene of cheese in central Italy was defined based on an analysis of 1373 cheeses sampled under the Italian National Control Plan for Food Safety spanning the years 2013 to 2020 and tested according to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 (as amended). A total of 97.4% of cheese samples were assessed as being satisfactory for food safety criteria and 80.5% for process hygiene criteria. Staphylococcal enterotoxin was found in 2/414 samples, while Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were detected in 15 samples out of 373 and 437, respectively. Escherichia coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci counts were found unsatisfactory in 12/61 and 17/88 cheese samples, respectively. The impact of milking species, milk thermal treatment, and cheese hardness category was considered. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between milk thermal treatment and the prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci and Listeria monocytogenes and between hardness and unsatisfactory levels of Escherichia coli. The data depict a contained public health risk associated with these products and confirm, at the same time, the importance of strict compliance with good hygiene practices during milk and cheese production. These results can assist in bolstering risk analysis and providing insights for food safety decision making.

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study.

Professional firefighters face various health hazards and are required to maintain both physical and mental fitness to effectively mitigate crises and respond to emergencies. Moreover, the long working hours and shift work of this profession impact sleep quality. This study investigated the quality of sleep and its associated factors among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand. This was a cross-sectional study of firefighters affiliated with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand between January 2023 and March 2023. A cluster random sampling technique was utilized to distribute 600 questionnaires to firefighters in 15 fire stations. The questionnaire addressed demographic, work-related, and environmental factors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed. The response rate was 78.7% (n=472), and 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score &gt;5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.9), additional part-time jobs (daytime, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; or nighttime, OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 16.7), noisy sleeping areas (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8), and the availability of adequate bedding (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.9). Poor sleep quality among firefighters was associated with various personal, work-related, and environmental factors. Organizations should promote policies that improve sleep quality through good sleep hygiene practices and facilities.

Copro-prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Cryptosporidium &lt;/i&gt;in pigs of selected districtsin West coast of India: A preliminary study

In India, Cryptosporidium spp. have been detected and characterised from humans and domestic animals, mostly ruminants. Although pigs can act as an important reservoir of Cryptosporidium infection to humans, comprehensive studies have not been conducted in pig population in India. Hence, present study attempt to elucidate the prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in the selected districts of three states situated in the West coast of India. The pig faecal samples (n=221) were subjected to coprological examination using modified Ziehl Neelsen (mZN) staining method, followed by polymerase chain reaction to detect Cryptosporidium spp. Using mZN staining method, 1.35% (95% CI, 0.46%–3.91%) of the samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium oocyst. However, the DNA from Cryptosporidium positive faecal samples could not be amplified using polymerase chain reaction probably because of the low sensitivity of the PCR and or low oocyst number in the faecal sample. Cryptosporidium spp. of pig origin have zoonotic potential and a certain proportion of pigs infected with Cryptosporidium may be apparently healthy. Therefore, the pig farmers need to be made aware of hygienic practices while handling pigs and pig manure and and general public must be made sensitised about the good agricultural practices and standard food hygiene practices to prevent foodborne Cryptosporidium infection.