Hygienic Point Research Articles

Analysis of Causes of Mold Growth on Residential Building Envelopes in Central City Zone of Košice

Water may easily penetrate into a walling in two stages, in a vapor phase and liquid phase. Externally it makes itself as a typical dark moist map, painting and plaster gradual destruction and subsequently even walling decomposition. Mentioned phenomena further affects indoor environment relative humidity, especially in a basement floor, in floors partially embedded into ground, but also in ground floors. Buildings are unusable from statically and hygienic points of view by a high humidity combined with high salinity, biologic offenders and often water free inflowing.

Determination of elemental impurities in polymer materials of electrical cables of safety systems of nuclear power plants by k 0-INAA

Instrumental neutron activation analysis with k0 standardization (k0-INAA) was employed for elemental characterization of individual components of electrical cables currently used in safety systems of nuclear power plants (NPP). The analysis yielded information about the content of 35 elements. It has been found that the presently used cables would not satisfy requirements of qualification set for the new generation of NPP by “The European Utility Requirements for LWR Nuclear Power Plants”, because content of several elements exceeded the maximal admissible levels. This demonstrates that cable polymer materials for safety systems of the new generation NPP must be synthesized and controlled regarding the content of additives, which are undesired from the hygienic and radiological points of view. k0-INAA proved to be a method of choice for elemental characterization of polymer materials of electrical cables as part of their qualification for use in NPP.

Cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations in selected red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) tissues from north-eastern Croatia

Concentrations of cadmium, lead and mercury were determined in muscle, liver and kidney tissue from three different age groups of red deer (young animals aged 6 or 7 months, middle-aged animals aged 3 to 5 years, old animals aged over 8 years) from the Baranja region of Croatia. Median cadmium concentrations were low in the muscles of all investigated age groups (0.0002; 0.0009 and 0.0020 μg/g), higher in the liver (0.0279; 0.0656 and 0.1463 μg/g) and highest in the kidneys (0.4792; 2.8531 and 6.1657 μg/g). A positive correlation was established between cadmium concentration and age. In all analyzed tissues the median lead concentration was higher in young (muscle 0.0024; liver 0.0364 and kidney 0.0618 μg/g), compared to middle-aged animals (muscle 0.0001; liver 0.0184 and kidney 0.0160 μg/g). In contrast to cadmium, mercury had a negative correlation to age but median concentrations were very low (in muscle: 0.0011; 0.0001 and 0.0006 μg/g; in liver: 0.0051; 0.0037 and 0.0022 μg/g and in kidney: 0.0145; 0.0183 and 0.0106 μg/g) especially compared to cadmium. From the hygienic point of view all the examined tissues are edible since concentrations of the analyzed metals do not exceed values proposed by the official regulations, with the exception of a few kidney samples, which contained cadmium above the recommended value. Furthermore, mercury concentrations are no longer (since 2008) a matter of legislation.

Cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations in tissues of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Lowland Croatia

Cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations were determined in roe deer and wild boar tissues (muscle, liver, kidney) of three different age groups from lowland Croatia. Cadmium concentrations in the examined tissues increased with age in both species, being the highest in the kidney, and higher in roe deer as compared to wild boar. Lead concentration was higher in younger animals in comparison with both older groups. Contrary to the expectations, roe deer tissues revealed mostly higher lead concentrations than those of wild boar. Mercury concentration in the tissues of the animals examined was relatively low and no correlation with age was found. However, mercury concentration was higher in kidney than in liver with both species. Wild boar had higher mercury concentrations in tissues than roe deer in all age groups. Cadmium and mercury concentrations in both species from lowland Croatia are comparable to those given in similar studies in other European countries, while lead concentration was lower in wild boar and higher in roe deer tissues than those in the same species from European countries. From the hygienic point of view, the muscle samples from roe deer and wild boar were edible as the concentrations of cadmium and lead did not exceed the values prescribed by the official regulations. However, cadmium concentration in liver exceeded the prescribed values in one fifth of all samples while lead concentrations were lower than the allowed concentrations. Most kidney samples from both animal species contained cadmium exceeding the recommended concentrations, while lead concentrations in all samples did not exceed the official value regulation. Mercury concentrations are no longer (since 2008) a matter of legislative.

Survival of Salmonella on cuts of beef carcasses subjected to dry aging

The aim of this study was to determine the survival of 15 different strains of Salmonella of selected serotypes during prolonged cold storage of beef. Fifteen strains of eight different serotypes of Salmonella were spiked onto fresh cuts beef portions, and the survival was followed during storage in a laboratory cooling system. Over a 14-day period, all strains were reduced significantly in numbers; however, strains of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 and Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 and PT8 survived significantly longer than strains of the serovars Dublin, Derby, Infantis and Newport. For five selected strains, the observations were verified in a pilot plant cooling facility mimicking industrial cooling. No significant differences in reduction were found between the two cooling methods. A significant reduction in Salmonella can be obtained by dry aging of beef during cold storage but the survival is strain dependent. From a hygienic point of view, cold storage of unpacked beef, which is still performed in small slaughterhouses, is a good alternative to vacuum packaging.

Hygienic acceptance of wood in food industry

Food is physically manipulated by other materials during production processes, and therefore, food quality and safety are vital in processes where foods are in contact with various materials. Wooden frames were used for centuries for dried egg pasta trays; however, with the development of different materials, wood was slowly abandoned and replaced by plastic. Nevertheless, there are some hygienic considerations concerning plastic frames in the dried egg pasta making industry. In this study, plastic and wooden trays were analysed by swabbing (n = 210) and evaluated in regard to total number of aerobic counts (TAC), Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, moulds, yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus using dry medium plates. The aims of the research were to (1) evaluate the total number of microorganisms on wood and plastic material used for pasta trays and (2) make a hygienic evaluation of analysed materials for application in the pasta industry. The research was aimed to answer the question, ‘Does the tray material and/or location of the swab sample influence the colony forming unit (CFU)/20 cm2?’ Results showed a statistical difference in CFU/20 cm2 for all bacterial determinations, except for E. coli which was not detected in swabs taken from wooden or plastic trays. This hygiene evaluation study supported the conclusion that the use of wood is appropriate in the food industry from a hygienic and technological point of view.

CHANGES OF MICROFLORA DURING STORAGE OF ‘NDUJA, A VERY TYPICAL SAUSAGE OF CALABRIA (ITALY)

The ‘nduja is one of the most typical and appreciated Calabrian raw seasoned sausages. As well as other Calabrian meat products, the ‘nduja contains a high quantity of hot red chilli pepper. The ‘nduja is a seasoned, very savoury but yet spreadable sausage; it is traditionally spread on bread or used as natural flavour enhancer of pasta, pizza and other similar kind of food. 27 samples of ‘nduja were sampled, 15 coming from artisanal production and the remaining 12 from industrial production, in order to establish if they were differences between the two kind of production from the hygienic point of view. The samples were stored up to 6 month and analyzed at 1 day of storage and then at 3 and 6 month of storage. Our results show that the ‘nduja is a meat product of good hygienic quality; the sausages made in artisanal manner showed a more variable microbial quality as the ones made in industrial factories. The microbial flora of ‘nduja is mainly composed by lactobacilli, yeasts and moulds; only in rare cases we have found quite high numbers of micrococci and/od pseudomonads. Total and faecal coliforms are in general very low, in the product ready to eat. No Salmonella enterica nor Listeria monocytogenes nor enterotoxigenic strains of S. aureus or B. cereus were found in the samples analysed.

Physicochemical analysis of drinking water of Gandhi Nagar area of Bhopal with special reference to pollution

Physico – chemical analysis of bore – wells drinking water of Gandhi Nagar area of Bhopal city has studied in different seasons for one year during 2008-09. Two readings in one season have observed to analyze different parameter i.e. temperature, pH, EC, free CO 2 , chloride, Total alkalinity, Hardness, Ca – H and Mg – H, The result are found in the range of 26 – 29.5° 6.8 – 7.8 220 – 988 u mhos /cm, 0 – 32.8, 18.2 – 128.28 22.8 – 364 ppm 104.8 – 384, 72 – 312 & 24 – 72.4 ppm. Respectively, While D.O, B.O.D., C.O.D., NO 3 -1 and SO 4 -2 are in the range of 1.14 – 2.68, 2.00 – 3.60, 20.8 – 78.8, 3.2 – 12.4 and 323.2 – 70.6ppm The present study has its utmost importance for hygienic point of view in the public interest.

Chitosan Based Scaffolds by Lyophilization and sc.CO2 Assisted Methods for Tissue Engineering Applications

Porous chitosan scaffolds with possible tissue engineering applications were synthesized by using lyophilization and supercritical carbon dioxide (sc.CO2) drying technique. 1% Chitosan (CS) solution in aq. acetic acid was treated with 37% formaldehyde solution; the resulting hydrogels were subjected to solvent-exchange prior to the final treatment procedures. Their morphology, pore structure, and physical properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the specific surface areas and porosities of scaffolds were determined by using N2 adsorption. The sc.CO2 treated scaffolds showed a much greater surface area in comparison to the lyophilized one. Hence, sc.CO2 treated scaffolds is better for cell proliferation. We further investigated the bioactivity of sc.CO2 treated scaffolds using simulated body fluid (SBF). The sc.CO2 assisted chitosan scaffold prepared by using green chemistry approach is highly pure and from a hygienic point of view, it is an ideal material for tissue engineering applications.

The effect of the surface-to-volume contact ratio on the biomass production potential of the pipe products in contact with drinking water

The biomass production potential (BPP) test is a semi-static test for assessment of microbial growth promoting properties of construction products in contact with drinking water (CPDW). In 2003 the test was selected for incorporation into a scheme for acceptance of CPDW in the framework of implementation of the European Construction Product Directive and Drinking Water Directive. The pass/fail criterion for the BPP test is based on the sum of microbial growth in water and in biofilm caused by substances released from CPDW. The test is performed at a surface-to-volume contact ratio (S/V) of 0.17 cm−1, that is quite different from the practice in buildings and domestic installations, where the usual ratios are 2.1 cm−1 for 3/4 inches pipe, 1.6 cm−1 for 1 inches pipe or 1.0 cm−1 for 1.5 inches pipe. The goal of the study was to evaluate the importance of S/V ratio for performance of the BPP test and for correct assessment of the growth promoting properties of CPDW. The BPP of 10 pipe products were compared under the S/V ratios of 0.17 cm−1 and 1.7 cm−1. The BPP of most polymer products were higher under the S/V ratio of 1.7 cm−1 in individual trials, but the differences were insignificant. However, the planktonic biomass concentrations were 4–14 fold higher at larger S/V ratio and this can be important from hygienic point of view. For acceptance of CPDW, besides a pass/fail criterion for the BPP, the planktonic biomass concentration could be taken as a second criterion for evaluation.

Toxicity Assessment of the Xanthid Crab Demania cultripes from Cebu Island, Philippines.

Several cases of poisoning resulting in human fatalities and stemming from the ingestion of coral reef crabs have been reported from the Indo-Pacific region. We assessed the toxicity of the unidentified xanthid crab collected from the Camotes Sea off the eastern coast of Cebu Island, central Visayas region of Philippines from the food hygienic point of view. All seven specimens, which were identified with Demania cultripes, collected in 2006 were toxic to mice irrespective of the season of collection and induced paralytic symptoms typical of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and paralytic shellfish poison (PSP). The activity was expressed in mouse unit (MU) being defined as the amount of TTX to kill a 20 g ddY male mice in 30 min after i.p. injection. Toxicity scores for viscera and appendages of specimens were 18.2 ± 16.0 (mean ± S.D.) and 4.4 ± 2.6 MU/g, respectively. The highest individual toxicity scores observed for viscera and appendages were 52.1 and 7.7 MU/g, respectively. The frequency of toxic samples was 100%. Toxin profiles as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescent detection analysis (HPLC-FLD) revealed that TTX was the main toxic principle accounting for about 90% of the total toxicity along with 4-epi TTX and 4,9-anhydroTTX. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed mass fragment ion peaks at m/z 376, 392 and 407, which were characteristic of the quinazoline skeleton (C9-base) specific to TTX. In addition, only a small amount of PSP containing gonyautoxins1–4 and hydroxysaxitoxin was detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting evidence of occurrence of TTX and PSP in the xanthid crab D. cultripes inhabiting waters surrounding Cebu Island. From food hygienic point of view, people in coastal areas should be warned of the potential hazard of this crab in order to prevent its intentional or accidental consumption.

Wound dressings from a hygienic point of view using the example of sorbion sachet S

Nosocomial infections present a growing challenge in wound care, especially in light of the rising distribution of multiresistant bacterial strains. Because wounds are an ideal breeding ground for pathogens, special care must be taken in choosing the right dressing. Following the traditional preventive approach, exposure of the nursing staff as well as the wounds to pathogens should be reduced. Dressings allowing a reduced frequency of dressing changes may help accomplish this. During dressing changes the dressing should allow for safe handling with a low risk of contamination. To protect the patient, the dressing should minimise exposure to pathogens during wear time as well as promote healing even if the dressing remains on the wound for a longer period of time. The dressing sorbion sachet S is used as an example to examine possible strategies.

MRSA-Hygiene in der stationären Rehabilitation am Beispiel der onkologischen Rehabilitation - Ein Positionspapier

Infections and colonizations with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are an increasing problem in German hospitals because they spread there more and more. In homes without predominant nursing care and without hospital-like medical care of the inhabitants, genotypically identical MRSA-strains are rarely found in room neighbours up to now. The recommendations on prevention and control of MRSA published by the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) therefore are partially discrepant for these two fields. The setting in rehabilitation medical centres, from hygienic points of view, is in many respects similar to a medical practice or a home with predominantly independent inhabitants rather than to a hospital for patients with acute diseases. For an effective and humane stationary rehabilitation of patients with MRSA colonisation it would be desirable to define conditions under which the strict isolation-hygiene prescribed for acute hospitals could be deviated from, following e. g., the RKI recommendations for homes instead. With the input of a summary of the clinical relevance of MRSA and a comparison of both partly identical, partially however very different RKI-recommendations on prevention and control of MRSA the present article seeks to characterize the hygienic setting in (particularly oncological) stationary rehabilitation under the above aspects. A series of recommendations on MRSA hygiene in stationary rehabilitation follows, which depending on the risk profile involved is based partially on the RKI guidelines for hospitals, partially however, on the guidelines for homes. The recommendations have a preliminary character without claiming completeness or the rank of a guideline. They are intended to focus on a problem which arises more and more frequently also in rehabilitation centers. They can, in the individual case, provide a useful help for the practice in stationary rehabilitation particularly as there are no publications on the subject of MRSA hygiene so far which meet the circumstances in stationary rehabilitation in a different manner.

Physico-chemical characteristics of Borewells water of Kolar road area of Bhopal city

Physico-chemical parameters affect directly or indirectly the water quality of bore-wells. Analysis of groundwater was done in monsoon season for one year 2004-05. Two readings of samples observed and analysed to assess the water quality with parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, Free CO 2 , chloride, total alkalinity, total hardness, Ca-H, Mg-H, D.O., B.O.D., C.O.D., nitrate, sulphate and MPN (Most probable number of bacteria) were analysed during 2004-05. Most of the parameters are found well within the permissible limits as prescribed by WHO (1978). The study is very important and significant for hygienic point of view.

Bedeutung von Escherichia coli O157 beim Schlachtschaf in der Schweiz

The importance of latent zoonoses has increased in recent years in view of foodborne diseases: (i) the "healthy" animal repesents a reservoir for specific pathogens; () no pathological-anatomical changes in the carcass and its organs show the presence of these pathogens; and (iii) these pathogens may enter the food chain via hygienic weak points in the slaughtering process. To estimate the risks involved and to take appropriate measures, analysis of the slaughtering process should be complemented by collecting data relating to the carriage of the animals of latent zoonotic pathogens. From October 2004 to June 2005, fecal samples from 630 slaughtered sheep were enriched and then examied by IMS technique and by PCR to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157 (OE). Seven samples (1.1%), distributed throughout the whole examination period, were found to be positive. To assess the potential pathogenicity for humans, E. coli O157 strains were isolated by colony hybridization and further characterized. The isolated strains fermented Sorbitol, showed four different H tys (H7, H12, H38, H48), and were all negative for stx. One O157:H7 strain harbored the gene for intimin (eae) in combination with ehxA, and paa. In consequence, the potential health hazard from sheep meat related to O157 STEC seems current not to be of particular importance in Switzerland. Results emphasize the fact that E. coli O157 are not always STEC but may belong to other pathotypes as nontraditional EPEC.

Biogenic Amine Index for Freshness Evaluation in Iced Mediterranean Hake (Merluccius merluccius)

Biogenic amine accumulation was studied during the ice storage of Mediterranean hake. Sensory analysis and counts of Shewanella, Pseudomonas, enterobacteria, psychrotrophic, and mesophilic bacteria provided complementary information on hake spoilage. Putrescine and cadaverine were the main amines accumulated, whereas histamine and tyramine were minor amines but had qualitative interest from the hygienic point of view. Although all biogenic amines were less abundant than in pelagic fish, they may also be used as indicators of freshness and/or spoilage in hake. Cadaverine was the amine best correlated with Shewanella, which was the specific spoilage organism. Therefore, cadaverine may be regarded as the specific spoilage biogenic amine for hake stored at chilling temperatures. However, the biogenic amine index, which considers cadaverine, putrescine, histamine, and tyramine, has several advantages as an indicator of hake quality. Taking into account sensory data, an acceptability limit of the biogenic amine index could be established in 15 to 20 μg/g.

The reason for the Hospitalization of Immigrants in Bari, Brindisi and their provinces between 1991–2000

Recently Italy has become one of the final objectives of the new migratory movements owing to its level of industrialization and the considerable increase in the standard of living which has led to the frequent unwillingness of Italian workers to accept heavy, unhealthy, humble or low paid work. This survey studies the prevalence of the different pathologies in the immigrant population, in order to evaluate the conditions of hardship and want (from separate hygienic, alimentary, environmental, working and broad social points of view) that create the context in which many pathologies appear and develop.

Home hygiene, habits and sustainability in a theoretical framework

The number of intestinal infections that are acquired in the domestic environment is substantial; for The Netherlands 2 million infections per year are estimated. Some of these infections are caused by the consumption of contaminated food. But others are caused by other sources like contaminated surfaces and objects in the living environment, pets and contaminated air. According to present insights this second group of infections might even be bigger then the nutritional part. So it is evident that soil and dirt in a living environment pose a health risk for the people involved.Domestic cleaning is a proper means to raise the level of hygiene in the home. Efficient cleaning processes do not only remove visible soil and stains but remove micro organisms also in an effective way. Therefore the hidden target of cleaning is the elimination of germs from the living environment.Traditional cleaning processes were highly efficient in removing both soil and germs. When objects and surfaces were perceivably clean this implied also that they were clean from a hygienic point of view. In the last decades this picture has changed substantially. Visually clean does not imply any longer that the level of hygiene is adequate. Several social changes and technological measures meant to achieve a sustainable society appear to be responsible for this phenomenon. The results of various researches including a recent study on European level into this relationship support this statement.In the paper the impact of past social and technological changes on home hygiene and the nature of the relation between cleanliness and hygiene in the domestic setting will be elaborated. In addition it will be discussed what implications this change can have for the members of the household, and how a household has to deal with it.

A Geographical Information System (CIS) as a tool for microbial risk assessment in catchment areas of drinking water reservoirs

The main tributaries of three drinking water reservoirs of Northrhine-Westfalia (Germany) were monitored within a 14-month period mainly for bacterial and parasitic contamination. In this context a detailed geo-ecological characterisation within the differing catchment areas was carried out to reveal a reliable informational basis for tracing back the origin of microbial loads present in the watercourses. To realise a microbial risk assessing geo-ecological information system (MRA-GIS), a Geographical Information System (GIS) has been implemented for the study areas. The results of the microbiological investigations of the watercourses showed an input of pathogens into all three of the tributaries. It could be demonstrated that the use of MRA-GIS database and some GIS-techniques substantially support the spatial analysis of the microbial contamination patterns. From the hygienic point of view, it is of the utmost importance to protect catchment areas of surface water reservoirs from microbial contamination stemming from human activities and animal sources. This constitutes essential part of the multi-barrier concept which stresses the importance of reducing diffuse and point pollution in catchment areas of water resources intended for human consumption. MRA-GIS proves to be helpful to manage multi-barrier water protection in catchment areas and ideally assists the application of the HACCP concept on drinking water production.

Significance of biogenic amines to food safety and human health

Biogenic amines are natural antinutrition factors and are important from a hygienic point of view as they have been implicated as the causative agents in a number of food poisoning episodes, and they are able to initiate various pharmacological reactions. Histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, tryptamine, β-phenylethylamine, spermine, and spermidine are considered to be the most important biogenic amines occurring in foods. These amines are designated as biogenic because they are formed by the action of living organisms. Histamine has been implicated as the causative agent in several outbreaks of food poisoning, while tyramine and β-phenylethylamine have been proposed as the initiators of hypertensive crisis. The toxicity of biogenic amines to chicks in terms of loss of weight and mortality was also reported. The toxicity of histamine appeared to be enhanced by the presence of other amines such as cadaverine, putrescine, and tyramine. Biogenic amines may also be considered as carcinogens because of their ability to react with nitrites to form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. The biogenic amine content of various foods and feed have been widely studied and found in cheese, fish and meat products, eggs and mushrooms. Food substances that have been prepared by a fermentative process, or have been exposed to microbial contamination during aging or storage, are likely to contain amines. Alcoholic beverages such as beers can contain biogenic amines, as do some other fermented foods such as sauerkraut and soy bean products. Amines were also considered as endogenous to plant substance that is commonly used for food, where some fruits and vegetables were found to contain high concentrations of various amines.