Hygiene Applications Research Articles

Sustainable UV-resistant and anti-bacterial wood coating reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and properties.

This study primarily focuses on an efficient and long-lasting wood coating deemed essential for improving the durability and functionality of items made from wood. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is used as the base material in the synthesis of a coating films; Ficus auriculata leaf-derived cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are added to the coating to improve its strength and properties. Incorporating PVA and CNF results in a robust structure, while adding extract enhances the coating's functionality by introducing biologically active compounds. In addition, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is added to the film to provide UV resistance and improve its structural stability. Incorporating CNF and bioactive compounds in the extract of Ficus auriculata results in a synergistic impact on the wood coating, effectively regulating bacterial proliferation. The film's structural integrity, chemical content, and shape are comprehensively analyzed by the use of advanced techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The film demonstrated exceptional UV-blocking capabilities when the TiO2 concentration exceeded 3 wt%, making it a highly appealing choice for applications that require protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, the material exhibits exceptional antibacterial properties when containing 5 and 7 wt% of TiO2, indicating its potential for many medical and hygienic applications. Nevertheless, as the concentration of TiO2 reaches 3 wt%, the film's transparency diminishes significantly (from 95 to 100 % to <75 %), suggesting that this concentration serves as a critical threshold for achieving both favorable interactions between the components and the effective formation of a durable and adaptable film. This investigation attempts to add to the progress of eco-friendly and multipurpose wood coatings by creating a coating that works more efficiently and is environmentally benign.

Implementation of Environmental Hygiene and Sanitation in Deli Tua Market, Deli Serdang District

The market is a public facility that involves many people and physical interactions that can be a means of spreading disease. Further research is needed because the initial observation results show non- compliance with PERMENKES RI No. 17 of 2022 in terms of the application of personal hygiene, spatial arrangement, drainage, and market buildings. The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent of the application of environmental hygiene and sanitation in the Old Deli Market. This research uses qualitative methods with descriptive type research, and data collection using direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The selection of key informants in this study used purposive sampling method. The results showed that Deli Tua Market has not met the requirements of a healthy market according to PERMENKES RI No. 17 of 2020. Waste management facilities are still smelly and scattered. Clean water facilities are not available by the market manager. Vector control facilities have never been sprayed every month. Hand washing facilities are not available and are not equipped with soap and running water. The application of personal hygiene of traders is not in accordance with the requirements such as incomplete PPE, smoking, spitting, littering in the market environment and not washing hands while the hygiene of traders meets the requirements and drainage channels also meet the requirements because the drainage channels are cemented and covered with gratings and metal and drainage channels are smooth.

Aqueous-phase synthesis of cationic hydrogel nanoparticles with antibacterial properties

Antibacterial hydrogel nanoparticles are expected to be used in many biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and the development of antibacterial materials. In this study, we developed a synthesis for hydrogel nanoparticles that are dispersible in liquid media and have antibacterial properties. The particles were synthesized by copolymerizing a hydrophilic monomer (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a cationic monomer containing a quaternary ammonium cation (trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate chloride), and a crosslinker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) in an aqueous solution with a cationic polymerization initiator (2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride) to form a hydrogel. A hydrophobic monomer (methyl methacrylate) was then added and the polymerization was continued. The number average particle diameter by scanning electron microscopy was 122 nm, and the hydrodynamic diameter by dynamic light scattering measurement in water was about 380 nm, suggesting swelling of the particles by water. Furthermore, water was able to penetrate the solidified dry powder, confirming the hydrophilic properties of the particles. The zeta potential of the particles was about +40 mV, and bovine serum albumin, which generally has a high adsorption to positively charged substances, was adsorbed in large amounts to the particle surface, indicating that the particles had sufficient cationicity. The particles maintained stable dispersions even in liquid media with high ionic strength and containing impurities, which is important for nanoparticles used in medical and hygiene applications. The antibacterial activity of the particles was evaluated by incubation with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Gram-negative bacterium. Almost no K. pneumoniae remained present in the supernatant after incubation, demonstrating the antibacterial properties of the particles.

Parental Satisfaction of Newly Developed Mobile Oral Hygiene Application

Parental Satisfaction of Newly Developed Mobile Oral Hygiene Application

Valorization of chitosan for sustainable soap production: Development, performance evaluation, and hygiene applications

This study investigates a new method for making soap by using chitosan (CH) obtained from discarded cephalopod waste. This strategy aims to tackle the environmental issues related to trash disposal. Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWCH) was developed by extracting chitin, converting into chitosan and subjecting it to gamma irradiation for reducing the molecular weight. The chitosan has a molecular weight of 982 Da, making it well-suited for being included in soap compositions and providing strong anti-microbial activity. The soap that was produced demonstrated desirable attributes, such as a moisture content of 17.13%, a pH level of 9, and a stable fatty acid content, indicating its potential for successful commercial use. The soap had significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans ( C.albicans). After 36 h, it produced zones of inhibition measuring 7.7 ± 1.05 mm and 8.4 ± 0.5 mm respectively. The research’s reliability is based on its meticulous experimental technique, which included comprehensive characterization of both the chitosan derivative and the final soap product. Moreover, conducting antimicrobial testing on widely recognized pathogens enhances the credibility of the soap’s possible practical uses in hygiene goods. Overall, this study underscores the feasibility of utilizing waste materials for sustainable soap production while offering potential antimicrobial benefits, thus contributing to both environmental conservation and public health.

Effective Decontamination Methods for Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli on Beef Surfaces for Application in Beef Carcass Hygiene

Effective methods for decontamination of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) on beef were evaluated by 48 mL spraying, 100 mL, and 500 mL flushing with ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acidified sodium chlorite, and sodium hypochlorite in this study. The flushing with 500 mL of 1,000 ppm peracetic acid was most effective, reducing pathogens by 2.8 log CFU/cm2, followed by 1,200 ppm acidified sodium chlorite. The spraying with 1,000 ppm peracetic acid reduced pathogens by 1.6 log CFU/cm2. The flushing with 500 mL of 200 and 500 ppm acidified sodium chlorite, and 50, 100, 200, and 500 ppm peracetic acid significantly reduced the STEC population compared with those treated with distilled water (p < 0.05), reducing pathogens by 2.1, 2.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.1 and 2.4 log CFU/cm2, respectively. Additionally, the flushing with 500 mL of 200 and 500 ppm acidified sodium chlorite significantly changed the color of beef samples (p < 0.05), whereas 100–500 ppm peracetic acid did not significantly change the color (p > 0.05). The flushing with 500 mL of 200 and 500 ppm acidified sodium chlorite and 200 and 500 ppm peracetic acid significantly changed the odor of beef samples compared with those treated with distilled water (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the reduction of STEC population between peracetic acid treatment at 25 °C and 55 °C, with or without washing with sterilized distilled water after decontamination. Washing with distilled water after flushing with peracetic acid tended to reduce the odor of the samples. These results suggest that treatment with 100, 200, and 500 ppm peracetic acid, followed by washing with distilled water, might reduce the STEC population without retaining the odor of the sanitizer.

Global Health Alert: Racing to Control Antimicrobial-Resistant Candida auris and Healthcare Waste Disinfection Using UVC LED Technology

Emerging antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Candida auris presents a formidable global health challenge, causing severe healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) with high mortality rates. Its ability to colonize surfaces and resist standard disinfectants undermines traditional hygiene practices, prompting an urgent need for new strategies. Ultraviolet C (UVC) light offers a promising approach with rapid and broad-spectrum germicidal efficacy. This review examines current literature on UVC LED technology in combating C. auris, highlighting its effectiveness, limitations, and applications in healthcare hygiene. UVC light has potent activity against C. auris, with up to 99.9999% inactivation depending on certain conditions such as microbial load, type of organism, surface, environmental, equipment, and UVC radiation factors. UVC LEDs can effectively combat C. auris, driving down healthcare costs and reducing attributable global mortality. Here, we explore implementation strategies for the targeted disinfection of high-risk areas and equipment, air handling units (AHUs), and water treatment systems. Challenges associated with UVC LED disinfection devices in healthcare settings, current performance limitations, and radiation safety are discussed. This will help in optimizing application protocols for effective disinfection and radiation safety. To further strengthen healthcare facility hygiene practices and curb the global spread of C. auris, recommendations for integrating UVC LED disinfection into infection control programs are shared.

Surface engineered novel cationic surfactants with enhanced surface adsorption for environmental applications

Gemini Cationic Surfactants (GCS) have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive molecular structure, featuring two hydrophilic head groups associated with a hydrophobic spacer. This distinctive configuration enables diverse applications across various fields. Hence, the current study introduces a novel series of GCSs, ethanediyl-1,2-bis[di(2-hydroxypropyl) alkylammonium] dibromide (Cn-C2-Cn[IsoPr(OH)2; n = 9, 12 and 14) and comprehensively explore their properties, highlighting their promising antimicrobial activity. The synthesis of GCSs was validated using 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Dynamic Light Scattering was employed to determine the dimensions of Gemini surfactant aggregates in aqueous solutions. Surface tension analysis determined critical concentrations of micelle (CMC), minimum surface area (Amin) and concentration of surface excess (Γmax). Physicochemical properties were assessed through conductivity and surface tension analyses in aqueous solutions. The CMC, Amin and Γmax values decrease as alkyl chain length extends. Surface tension data revealed strong adsorption of GCSs at interfaces. π values (mN/m) ranged from 36.7 (C14C2C14[Iso-Pr(OH)]2) to 45.3 (C9C2C9[Iso-Pr(OH)]2). Conductivity and surface tension measurements further characterized Gemini surfactants in aqueous environments at 298 K. The size of the micelle aggregates varied between C9C2C9[Iso-Pr(OH)]2 (1.2885 nm) and C14C2C14[Iso-Pr(OH)]2 (1.9210 nm), highlighting the impact of chain length on micelle size. Hence, the study highlights significant effect of the chain lengths on Gemini cationic surfactants’ self-assembly in dilute aqueous environments. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated significant activity of Cn-C2-Cn[IsoPr(OH)]2 GCSs at varying concentrations. Antimicrobial tests showed the significant antimicrobial potential of these GCS compounds, suggesting their potential and promising applications in medical, hygiene, environmental sanitation and advanced materials sectors.

Detection of Escherichia coli based on CdS QDs nanomarkers and its application in food hygiene and safety

With the continuous exposure of major food safety issues in recent years, food safety has become the focus of people’s attention. As a widely distributed bacterium, excessive levels of Escherichia coli in food may cause gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms, as well as adverse consequences such as food poisoning, acute gastroenteritis, food allergies, and gastric ulcers. Therefore, to ensure food safety and achieve rapid detection of E. coli, this study uses CdS quantum dots (QDs) nanomarkers to detect E. coli in water. Moreover, electrochemical square wave voltammetry is used to determine the relationship between Cadmium (Cd) ion concentration and E. coli concentration in the complex after enzyme-linked immunosorbent reaction. The experiment showed that the average particle size of CdS QDs nanoparticles was 5 nm and they had good biocompatibility. The current magnitude of electrochemical square wave voltammetry was positively correlated with the concentration of Cd ions and E. coli. When the concentration of E. coli was 50-1.0 [Formula: see text] cfu/mL, its concentration was linearly positively correlated with the magnitude of the current, with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9873. Compared to the flat plate counting method, its relative error did not exceed 10%, and in addition, the detection time was only 2 h. The above results indicate that CdS QDs nanomarkers can achieve rapid detection of E. coli, effectively improve the detection sensitivity of E. coli, and weaken non-specific adsorption.

Determination of the effects of hand hygiene education given to nursing students in intensive care unit on hand microbiota

Purpose: This study is conducted with the purpose of comparing fourth-year nursing students' hand hygiene practices and beliefs with their hand flora. Additionally, we aim to assess the effectiveness of hand hygiene education in this context. Material and Methods: This research has been conducted using a pre-test, post-test, and control group quasi-experimental design. The Hand Hygiene Application Inventory and the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale administered as pre-tests. Students underwent tape stripping and swab methods to collect samples for their hand flora before any interventions. A post-test was conducted for the experimental group. Results: The hand hygiene beliefs and practices of both groups were similar before training. When the Hand Hygiene Application Inventory and Hand Hygiene Belief Scale scores before and after the training were examined, an increase was observed in the scale scores after the training. In this study, the microorganisms present in the general hand flora were identified simplistically, and the changes were observed after hand hygiene education. Furthermore, the study shed light on the structure of hand flora after education in terms of microbial load. Conclusion: It has been experimentally determined that there is a significant decrease in hand microbiota load and pathogenic groups with hand hygiene education.

Fabrication of ramie/hemp fibers-reinforced hybrid polymer composite—A comprehensive study on biological and structural application

This study primarily investigates the antibacterial properties, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, and microstructural characteristics of a composite, utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for detailed analysis. The composite, crafted through a hand layup technique, optimally blends ramie and hemp fibers within an epoxy matrix. Its antibacterial efficacy was rigorously tested against common bacterial strains, demonstrating significant potential for medical and hygienic applications. The evaluation of tensile strength revealed the composite’s enhanced capability to withstand longitudinal stresses, with a peak strength of 37.81 MPa, achieved by increasing ramie fiber content. In addition, a flexural strength of 39.72 MPa underscored the material’s robust resistance to bending forces, crucial for structural uses. The composite’s impact strength, accessed via the Izod impact test, registered at 0.021 J/m2, indicating its ability to absorb and dissipate energy upon sudden impacts, making it ideal for automotive and protective gear applications. The Rockwell hardness test further quantified the composite’s resistance to surface indentation, vital for wear-resistant surfaces. SEM analysis offered a comprehensive view of the microstructural dynamics between the fibers and the matrix, especially under tensile stress, highlighting the intricacies of fiber–matrix adhesion, crack propagation, and overall composite integrity. Notably, the antibacterial properties were confirmed by an 18 mm inhibition zone, which showcases the composite’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth effectively.

Durable, Photostable Omniphobic Synthetic Leather Surfaces with Anti-Biofouling Properties for Hygienic Applications.

Globally, the public health domain is increasingly emphasizing the need for surfaces that can resist bacterial contamination, as the consumption of bacteria-infected substance may cause illnesses. Thus, this study aimed to modify polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather surfaces by coating their upper layer with fluorine-functionalized nano-silica particles (FNPs). This simple modification imparted omniphobic characteristics, realizing anti-biofouling and self-cleaning properties. The effectiveness in preventing bacterial adhesion was confirmed by the dip-inoculation method using Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated based on bacterial counts using the pour plate method and by directly enumerating from scanning electron microscopy images. The attachment of bacteria to the modified omniphobic FNPs-coated PU leather surface decreased by over 98.2% compared to that on the bare surface. We expect that the method developed in this study will significantly reduce or even eliminate the potential risks associated with various biological cross-contamination scenarios, thereby enhancing hygiene standards.

Identifikasi Bakteri Salmonella sp pada Bakso Ayam yang Dijual di Pasar Tradisional Kecamatan Denpasar Selatan

Indonesia is a country that is rich in various kinds of food products, one of which is meatballs. Meatballs are food products made from crushed meat, mixed with flour and some complementary spices, formed into rounds, and boiled. Meatballs can be found in almost all cities in Indonesia because this product is much- loved by the community, one of which can be found in traditional markets in the South Denpasar district. The market is very vulnerable and has quite a high risk of pathogenic microbial contamination. Improper processing of meatballs and low sanitation of the environment where they sell and personal hygiene of traders can increase bacterial contamination. This study aims to determine the contamination of Salmonella sp bacteria in chicken meatballs and the application of sanitation and hygiene to chicken meatballs sold in traditional markets in the South Denpasar district. This study used survey methods and sampling techniques with saturated sampling methods. The total samples used in this study were 10 samples which were tested with SSA media, gram staining, and TSIA test. The data obtained were presented in the form of tables and pictures and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that 7 samples of chicken meatballs sold in traditional markets in the South Denpasar District contained Salmonella sp. These results indicate that chicken meatballs sold at traditional markets in South Denpasar District have not met the requirements of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Regulation No. 13 of 2019 concerning the maximum limit of microbial contamination in processed food, Salmonella sp. in meatballs is negative/25g and some traders have not implemented good hygiene and sanitation practices.

Higiene, Sanitasi, dan Cemaran Escherichia Coli pada Serombotan di Pasar Senggol Kecamatan Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung

Food safety issues are the most common in traditional foods. The application of sanitation and hygiene is very important in creating healthy and safe food for humans. The culinary sector must pay attention to hygiene and sanitation to maintain public health. Food contamination can cause food to become a source of dangerous diseases and diseases caused by food are called foodborne-disease. Serombotan is one of the traditional Balinese culinary delights that is popular with the community. As a traditional culinary, there is no SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in terms of raw materials and the process of making Serombotan. This makes hygiene and sanitation in Serombotan important. This study aims to determine the relationship between hygiene, sanitation and E.coli contamination with Serombotan which is sold in the senggol market, Klungkung sub- district, Klungkung regency. The research method used was an analytic research design with a cross sectional approach. In this study, laboratory tests were carried out on E.coli contamination on Serombotan and traders' handswabs. Laboratory tests showed that all Serombotan and Handswab samples contained E.coli bacteria. The Chi-Square test on the hygiene of traders with E.coli contamination in Serombotan showed no relationship. Observations made on the hygiene of traders showed that 91.67% of traders had clean and short nails and did not use nail polish. Sanitation of trade locations with E.coli contamination in Serombotan shows no relationship. The sanitation of Serombotan trading locations shows that all trade routes that allow traders to access safe water as well as latrines/toilets that can be used by traders as well as trading locations are flood free. Storage and packaging equipment sanitation with E.coli contamination in Serombotan also showed no relationship. Observations on the sanitation of storage and packaging equipment showed that 100% of the conveyances/carts and storage containers were in good condition, clean and able to protect food. There is a significant relationship between E.coli contamination in group traders and E.coli contamination in Handswabs. Hand hygiene is very influential against various contaminants. In this study, 91.67% of Serombotan traders did not use gloves or tools such as spoons or tongs to pick up cooked food.

207c - Advancement of exposure science and its application in occupational hygiene

207c - Advancement of exposure science and its application in occupational hygiene

65 What to wear? Occupational hygiene applications for wearables

65 What to wear? Occupational hygiene applications for wearables

Automatic Cattle Feeder

The cattle need to be fed. It is a simple statement, but one that resonates with every cattle producer. To make this necessary task easier for farmers, the concept of automatic cattle feeding system came into existence. Automatic Cattle Feeding System is a robotic feeding system which consists of battery operated robotic system that is capable of feeding an equal amount of feed. The feed is manually loaded in the feeder After the feed is mixed in the mixer, it falls onto the conveyer belt and follows a predetermined path until it reaches the last cattle in the fence. To ensure the precise, timely and adequate feeding of each cattle, this project is applicable in an agricultural country where the lack of manpower is there in cattle farming. Due to less man power there is an adverse effect on dairy production. The main objective is to design an automatic cattle feeding system that it moves around the fence to distribute the feed uniformly. With the application of following robotic system , remarkable changes can be brought to this field. . The use of PIC microcontroller helped to control and switch off the whole system whenever there is any issue in the hardware. With the application of Automatic Cattle Feeding system uniformity and hygiene in feed distribution can be maintained

Consumer meat safety knowledge and hygiene practices in a veterinary disease-controlled area of South Africa

Consumers’ practices and knowledge play a significant role in ensuring meat safety and hygiene application. This is important in an environment where the slaughter and release of such meat is restricted and not always controlled and monitored. This could have been contributed by the lack of slaughter facilities; the controlled movement of live animal restrictions applicable in a typical veterinary diseases-controlled area. The aim of this investigation was to identify meat hygiene practices and general meat safety knowledge applied by consumers of central Bushbuckridge, South Africa. Structured interviews (n=81) were conducted with consumers observed purchasing meat from local meat supply centres. Data analysis was achieved by SAS Statistical software (Version 26) SAS and graphs were drawn using MS Excel 2020. The majority (84.2%, σ=29.4) of the consumers indicated that meat supplied in the region were from registered facilities. The general belief amongst the consumers was that routine hygiene inspection was conducted by authorities at all meat distributing or butchery facilities (74.1%, σ=39.7). None of the facilities or/and butcheries in the study area was registered and therefore, no formal regulated practices could have been conducted. Slaughter and distribution of meat within the area were seen as a good business by 78.6%, σ=18.9 of the consumers, and as a result, the consumers did not have a problem with widespread slaughter and release of this meat to the public outside of those facilities. The extent of hygiene application practices at household level varied. These included the assurance that perishable products were properly handled after purchase (84.1%, σ=8.3), and the handling or transportation of sourced meat did not comply with cold chain management prescripts (39.9%, σ=44.9). The likelihood of consumers feeling the same about meat hygiene concerns and practices is undoubtedly low as represented by a high standard deviation (σ) of the responses. These results show that consumers were relying on authorities for meat safety assurances. This ought to caution authorities on consumer practices and needed interventions such as animal movement policies enforcement. The adoption of such policies by consumers lies with the development and rollout of consumer awareness and meat safety assurances training programs. Key words: abattoir, consumer practices, illegal slaughter, meat safety, meat hygiene

Gamification and Oral Health in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review.

Oral health is a determinant of overall well-being and quality of life. Individual behaviors, such as oral hygiene and dietary habits, play a central role in oral health. Motivation is a crucial factor in promoting behavior change, and gamification offers a means to boost health-related knowledge and encourage positive health behaviors. This study aims to evaluate the impact of gamification and its mechanisms on oral health care of children and adolescents. A systematic search covered multiple databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and LILACS. Gray literature, conference proceedings, and WHOQOL internet resources were considered. Studies from January 2013 to December 2022 were included, except for PubMed/MEDLINE, which was searched until January 2023. A total of 15 studies were selected following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The eligibility criteria were peer-reviewed, full-text, and empirical research related to gamification in oral health care, reports of impact, and oral health care outcomes. The exclusion criteria encompassed duplicate articles; unavailable full texts; nonoriginal articles; and non-digital game-related, non-oral health-related, and protocol studies. Selected studies were scrutinized for gamification mechanisms and outcomes. Two main questions were raised: "Does gamification in oral health care impact oral health?" and "Does oral health care gamification enhance health promotion and literacy?" The PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework guided the scoping review. Initially, 617 records were obtained from 5 databases and gray literature sources. After applying exclusion criteria, 15 records were selected. Sample size in the selected studies ranged from 34 to 190 children and adolescents. A substantial portion (11/15, 73%) of the studies discussed oral self-care apps supported by evidence-based oral health. The most clearly defined data in the apps were "brushing time" (11/11, 100%) and "daily amount brushing" (10/11, 91%). Most studies (11/15, 73%) mentioned oral health care behavior change techniques and included "prompt intention formation" (11/26, 42%), "providing instructions" (11/26, 42%), "providing information on the behavior-health link" (10/26, 38%), "providing information on consequences" (9/26, 35%), "modeling or demonstrating behavior" (9/26, 35%), "providing feedback on performance" (8/26, 31%), and "providing contingent rewards" (8/26, 31%). Furthermore, 80% (12/15) of the studies identified game design elements incorporating gamification features in oral hygiene applications. The most prevalent gamification features were "ideological incentives" (10/12, 83%) and "goals" (9/16, 56%), which were found in user-specific and challenge categories, respectively. Gamification in oral health care shows potential as an innovative approach to promote positive health behaviors. Most studies reported evidence-based oral health and incorporated oral health care behavior change techniques.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Salvadora persica Root Extracts Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are difficult to eradicate from the environment and are virtually immune to all antibiotics. Consequently, CRABmay culminate in severe outbreaks and fatal infections among people attending hospitals and nursing homes. Salvadora persicahas been used as an herbal remedy and chewing sticks for dental cleansing.Evaluating S.persica's efficacy against CRABmay provide an alternative approach to treating CRAB infections in healthcare environments, considering its traditional application in dental hygiene. Employing S. persica as an herbal remedy could be a part of a more sustainableapproach to control CRAB infections. Aim To investigate the phytochemical composition of S. persica and evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Materials and methods The roots were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol. Each extract was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and characterized using WN908.Land National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) libraries.The antimicrobial activity of each extract against CRAB was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results The GCMS analysis of different solvent extracts of S. persica roots showed the presence of various phytochemical compounds such as steroids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, alcohols, terpenoids, and vitamin E. Both chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most effective antimicrobial activity with a MIC valueof 3.13 mg/mL and an MBC value of 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Benzoic acid was the major phytochemical compound identified from S. persica extract. N-hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity due to the presence of active compounds in them. Conclusion Chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most potent antibacterial activities against CRAB.