Hygienic Quality Research Articles

Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene as Predictors of Mental Health among University Students

Sleep is an integral human need. A significant public health issue is getting little sleep, which harms health. University students are one of the groups most at risk for poor sleep quality and chronic sleep loss, which could influence both physical and mental health. Students frequently report having persistent sleep issues and may exhibit poor sleep hygiene habits. However, little research has investigated the role of good sleep habits concerning sleep quality and mental health. The present study explores the relationship between sleep hygiene, sleep quality, and mental health among university students. The research design was cross-sectional, and the sample was chosen using a non-probability convenience sampling strategy. Sample comprised of university students (N= 210). The scale of positive mental health, sleep hygiene index, and general sleep scale were used for data collection. Results revealed a significant correlation between sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and mental health among university students. Both sleep hygiene and quality were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health. A significant gender difference was found between sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and positive mental health among male and female university students. These findings can provide information about the link between the study variables and interventions for developing good sleep hygiene habits and quality of sleep amongst university students. It could help improve mental health among this at-risk population.

Analyzing interrelationships among factors affecting hygiene and sanitization in India: key insights and policy recommendations

PurposeDespite the fact that hygiene and sanitation are becoming more critical for improving the present situation in developing nations, the factors that affect them are not well covered in the present research. This paper investigates the quality of the hygiene and sanitization factors and identifies the interrelations between the identified factors.Design/methodology/approachA graph theory-based approach is proposed to assess the factors influencing the practice, and a critical service index (CSI) is used to quantify the same.FindingsTwo Indian villages are used to illustrate the implementation of the suggested approach. This represents the validation of the suggested method, as well as assisting in the development of essential suggestions for increasing the quality of hygiene and sanitization in the Indian context. In spite of the increasing importance of hygiene and sanitation for improving the current situation in developing countries, the factors that influence them are not well-researched.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes in two ways. First, it provides an organized methodology for quantifying hygiene and sanitation factors and a critical service index that incorporates the findings. The suggested approach may also be used to evaluate and classify other sectors. Second, it shows how the methodology was used to create key recommendations for two Indian villages, which may be considered the first effort in India’s hygiene and sanitation initiatives.Originality/valueThis research discussed improvements in sanitation and hygiene habits among Indian households, which have not been achieved as expected under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

State of the Art in Hygienic Quality of Food Ice Worldwide: A Ten-Year Review.

Ice consumption has widely increased over the last decade. Cases of ice contamination by various microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) have been documented in the literature. In this review, we summarize the findings of selected articles on the hygienic and sanitary quality of food ice from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2023. A total of 14 articles found via the PubMed search engine during the study period were reviewed. From the comparison between the ice produced on an industrial scale and the ice produced on a local scale in food businesses, the latter was found to be more contaminated by microorganisms. The most detected bacteria included Escherichia coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus; three studies evaluated the presence of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus; two studies highlighted the presence of viruses (Rotavirus and Norovirus). Finally, two studies detected the presence of fungi (molds and yeasts). Almost all authors of the studies argued that ice contamination also depends on the hygienic-sanitary quality of the ice-making machines. The results show that the information currently available in the literature on the hygienic-sanitary quality of ice is incomplete and that future national and international scientific studies need to be carried out.

Impact of Raw Milk Quality on Dairy Products & Payment Systems

The trend of microbial quality of raw milk is affected by the seasonal variation in in milk production practices and ambient temperature with the season. A payment system, which includes testing for selected parameters, with subsequent rejection and/or penalties or bonuses, is considered functional to improving raw milk quality. In addition to the minimal legal requirements, milk may be graded (and paid) according to its “quality,” usually measured according to composition (fat, protein, lactose, other solids, free fatty acids), hygienic quality. Psychrotrophic microbes, particularly Pseudomonas spp., are found in the microbiota of chilled milk because they can grow at temperatures below their optimal growth temperature. Psychrotrophic counts ranging from 105 to 108 CFU/ml in refrigerated raw milk affect cheese quality, since the synthesized thermoresistant enzymes affect the nutritional value, sensory properties and texture. Therefore, stringent measures must be implemented throughout the dairy supply chain to ensure the microbial quality of raw milk is maintained at safe levels, thus safeguarding the integrity and safety of dairy products for consumers.

Ensilage using Leuconostoc lactis and Weissella confusa reduces microbial risk and enhances hygienic quality of whole-crop corn

This study combined applied PICRUSt2 and BugBase tools to evaluate the effects of these two strains on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, potential microbial risk and hygienic quality of whole-crop corn (WCC) silage. Fresh WCC harvested at the dough stage was ensiled with distilled water (CON), Leuconostoc lactis (LS) and Weissella confusa (WA) for 2, 4, 8, 15 and 30 days. After ensiling, all WCC silages presented desirable fermentation with high lactic acid and Lactobacillus proportions, low pH and ammonia nitrogen levels and absent butyric acid. Ensiling decreased the complexity of bacterial co-occurrence networks, and the Lc. lactis and W. confusa inoculation further decreased the complexity. The inoculation of W. confusa suppressed the most pathogenic pathways and related modules associated with zoonosis. In bacterial phenotype predicted analysis, although CON had lower proportions of ‘Potentially pathogenic’ than fresh material, this undesirable phenotype declined to negligible levels via LS and WA inoculation. Even for well-fermented WCC silages, the risk of pathogens remained after 30 days of ensiling. Therefore, WA could be developed as a promising fast start-up inoculant for reducing pathogenic contamination and improving hygienic quality of silage.Graphical

Microbiological profile of artisanal coalho cheese produced in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The production of artisanal cheeses is generally done empirically, without strict controls on the hygiene and final quality of these products. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological profile of artisanal coalho cheese produced in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte. Forty-five samples were collected from eleven municipalities. The results for Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella sp. were in line with current legislation. When analyzing coliforms at 35 and 45°C, more than 40% of the samples were contaminated to above legal limits. The fat content of the cheeses was below the regulated level, but the moisture content was in line with the category standards. In conclusion, the microbiological profile of artisanal coalho cheese produced in the Seridó region of Rio Grande do Norte does not yet meet the standards set by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock decree 146, since the standards stipulated for total and thermotolerant coliforms still need to be better monitored, as contamination by these microorganisms is indicative of hygiene failures in the manufacturing processes. Standardizing artisanal products remains a challenge, highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring of product quality and health standards.

Hubungan Prilaku Sleep Hygiene Dengan Kualitas Tidur Remaja Usia 10-19 Tahun Di RW06 Desa Cirimekar Kecamatan Cibinong Tahun 2023

Sleep hygiene is placing the most comfortable position to sleep soundly every night by optimizing your sleep schedule. Sleep quality is defined as an individual's satisfaction with the sleep experience. Sleep quality has four attributes, namely sleep efficiency, sleep latency, sleep duration and awakening after sleep onset. According to WHO, the age limit for teenagers is 10 to 19 years. From this research, to determine the relationship between sleep hygiene behavior and the sleep quality of adolescents aged 10-19 years in RW 06 Cirimekar Village, Cibinong District. The population and sample in this study consisted of 87 teenage respondents. This research design uses a cross sectional approach. Data collection used the Index Sleep Hygiene (ISH) questionnaire to measure sleep hygiene, then the Pitsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire to measure sleep quality. In this study, entitled The Relationship between Sleep Hygiene Behavior and Sleep Quality in Adolescents Aged 10-19 Years in RW 06 Cirimekar Village, Cibinong District, the results of measuring sleep hygiene and sleep quality were obtained using the chi square statistical test results, with a p-value of 0.04 (p -value < 0.05) so it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between sleep hygiene behavior and adolescent sleep quality.

A Stochastic Frontier Approach to Study the Relationship between the Hygienic Quality of Bulk Tank Sheep Milk and Technical Efficiency of the Coagulation Process.

Sheep milk from local breeds is important for the production of high-quality cheeses throughout the Mediterranean region, such as Manchego cheese in Spain. To maintain sustainable and efficient production, it is necessary to reach a better understanding of how the composition and hygiene of the milk affect the coagulation process, with the aim of optimizing production yield. This study implemented a stochastic production frontier function to estimate the potential production of curd and efficiency using data from the four seasons of a study of 77 Manchega sheep farms. The Cobb-Douglas production frontier model was estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method. The results showed that the content of protein, lactose, and fat exhibited increasing returns to scale, with protein content being the most significant factor for curd production. Approximately half of the inefficiency was due to factors related to the technological properties and the hygiene of the milk. The pH, curd firmness, and concentration of lactic acid bacteria improved the efficiency of coagulation, while the concentration of spores of lactate-fermenting Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas spp., staphylococci, and catalase-negative gram-positive cocci favored the inefficiency of the coagulation process. To date, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of different factors, such as microbial groups, milk composition, and technological properties, on the efficiency of the coagulation process in dairy sheep.

Comparison of Methods Between the Multitube Fermentation Method and The Filter Membrane Method for Escherichia Coli in Drinking Water

Escherichia coli is a normal parasitic bacterium in the intestinal tract and is an important indicator of the degree of contamination and hygienic quality of water bodies. In this study, 78 samples of domestic drinking water were tested for Escherichia coli by filter membrane method and multi-tube fermentation method. The results showed that the passing rate of water samples tested by the multi-tube fermentation method was higher than that of the filter membrane method, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the untreated water samples test, the detection rate of Escherichia coli was 92.31% in the multi-tube fermentation method compared to 71.79% in the filter membrane method, and the difference was statistically significant. The results of the study showed that the detection rate and sensitivity of the multi-tube fermentation method in the microbiological testing of domestic drinking water were higher and better than that of the filter membrane method. The selection of testing methods should consider its applicability and the accuracy of the test results. Meanwhile, factors affecting the quality of microbiological testing include the quality of laboratory personnel, specimen handling, and the quality of instruments and reagents, which need to be carefully managed and trained. This study can provide a practical reference for microbiological testing of domestic drinking water.

Increasing Interest in Dental and Oral Health Through Pop Up Castle Media as an Effort to Prevent The Spread of Caries Among School Children

Early childhood is the most appropriate time to instill values to instill positive behavior in children. Prevention of caries in children needs to be instilled early on seeing the impact of caries which can interfere with chewing function which leads to a lack of nutritional intake received by children. Prevention of caries can be done by maintaining dental health, one of which is done by brushing teeth. By brushing your teeth, you can maintain the cleanliness and strength of your teeth, but the wrong way of brushing cannot maximize oral hygiene. Therefore, knowledge of how to brush teeth properly and correctly is needed, in order to improve the quality of oral hygiene to the maximum. Making innovative media is very useful for increasing knowledge and attracting school-age children to pay attention to oral health. The author makes media in the form of a popup castle as an effort to prevent rampant caries in school-age children so that this media can make it easier for school-age children to understand efforts to maintain oral health. Objective: To describe the increase in school-age children's interest in maintaining oral health and hygiene by using castle popup media. Methods: The method we use in this counseling is game-based learning. The game method that we use is also based on the media that we offer in the form of a pop-up castle where in this media there are several materials including foods that are good for dental health and how to brush teeth properly and correctly and the right time to brush teeth. The game that we apply aims to review the material that has been explained during counseling. Results: 1) There is an increase in the knowledge of fourth grade students of SD Islam Maryam about oral health. 2) There is an increase in the interest of school-age children in maintaining oral health and hygiene by using castle popup media. 3) There is an improvement in the oral health status and behavior (knowledge, attitudes and actions) of elementary school students so that it can support general health. 4) This counseling activity is effective because it uses castle pop up media with a predetermined design and dental phantom so that the message conveyed can be understood by the target. 5) The final report and article will be included as a scientific publication in an accredited journal after the service. 6) The weakness of this activity is that it does not use other conventional counseling as a comparison.

RELATIONSHIP OPERATOR KNOWLEDGE AND HYGIENE WITH BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF REFILL DRINKING WATER IN BANYUWANGI, INDONESIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Refill Drinking Water (AMIU) is one of the alternatives used by the Indonesian people in meeting their drinking water needs. However, there are still AMIUs that do not meet the total coliform standard. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between DAMIU operators' knowledge and hygiene measures on the bacteriological quality of AMIU in Banyuwangi Sub-district, Banyuwangi, East Java Province, Indonesia. Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Water samples from 33 DAMIUs in Banyuwangi sub-district were tested for total coliforms. DAMIU operators were interviewed using a structured questionnaire regarding knowledge and hygiene. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Twelve out of 33 (36.4%) AMIUs did not meet the total coliform standard. Thirty-one (93.9%) DAMIU operators had excellent knowledge, and 23 (69.7%) had good personal hygiene. There was a significant association between operator hygiene and total coliform quality of AMIU (p=0.016; OR=8.4). Conclusion: Operator hygiene is an important factor in meeting the bacteriological quality standards of AMIU. It is recommended to make efforts to raise awareness of DAMIU operators to always apply hygiene while working.

Assessment of total aflatoxin and ochratoxin A in poultry feed ingredients by thin-layer chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of total aflatoxin (AF) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in poultry feed ingredients under different environmental conditions during the summer and winter seasons, while the hygiene quality of the feed ingredient was assessed through viable fungal count (VFC). A total of 288 poultry feed ingredients (n = 96 each) samples were collected from different poultry shops, which were initially analyzed for the presence of AF and OTA through thin layer chromatography (TLC) and then confirmed the contamination concentration through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results of the current study confirmed the incidence of contamination with AF and OTA by TLC and ELISA methods. The contamination level of AF ranged from 26.09 to 50.56 (mean = 41.22 ± 9.45) μg/kg, whereas the contamination level of OTA ranged from 50.13 to 6.21 (mean 42.60 ± 6.21) μg/kg. The contamination level of AF was found to be above the permissible level set by the Food and Drug Administration (20 μg/kg), whereas the contamination level of OTA was below the permissible limits. Moreover, the VFC values were also below the recommended level. The results showed that the association between AF, OTA, and moisture content was significant (p < 0.05). Mycotoxin contamination was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in the winter season. These findings suggested that continuous monitoring regimes might prevent mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed ingredients.

Sleep-stage-dependent alterations in cerebral oxygen metabolism quantified by magnetic resonance.

A key function of sleep is to provide a regular period of reduced brain metabolism, which is critical for maintenance of healthy brain function. The purpose of this work was to quantify the sleep-stage-dependent changes in brain energetics in terms of cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ) as a function of sleep stage using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) during sleep in the scanner. Twenty-two young and older subjects with regular sleep hygiene and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in the normal range were recruited for the study. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) and venous oxygen saturation (SvO2 ) were obtained simultaneously at 3 Tesla field strength and 2.7-s temporal resolution during an 80-min time series using OxFlow, an in-house developed imaging sequence. The method yields whole-brain CMRO2 in absolute physiologic units via Fick's Principle. Nineteen subjects yielded evaluable data free of subject motion artifacts. Among these subjects, 10 achieved slow-wave (N3) sleep, 16 achieved N2 sleep, and 19 achieved N1 sleep while undergoing the MRI protocol during scanning. Mean CMRO2 was 98 ± 7(μmol min-1 )/100 g awake, declining progressively toward deepest sleep stage: 94 ± 10.8 (N1), 91 ± 11.4 (N2), and 76 ± 9.0 μmol min-1 /100 g (N3), with each level differing significantly from the wake state. The technology described is able to quantify cerebral oxygen metabolism in absolute physiologic units along with non-REM sleep stage, indicating brain oxygen consumption to be closely associated with depth of sleep, with deeper sleep stages exhibiting progressively lower CMRO2 levels.

Forecasting health risks for the residents of Southern Russia through satellite and climate-based aridity indicators

BACKGROUND: The aridification of the Southern region of Russia will lead to a significant rise in the concentration of hazardous substances in groundwater over the long term. This phenomenon poses a serious threat to the environment and public health.&#x0D; AIM: To assess the potential of the multi-regression climate model in predicting the long-term health risks associated with the ingestion of toxic substances released from groundwater sources.&#x0D; METHODS: An assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks (HI) was conducted for the period 2017–2022, focusing on three groundwater basins in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. The study involved the analysis of toxicant concentrations in 1149 water samples at the 95th percentile. NDMI and De Martonne Index (DMI) values were calculated based on modified data obtained through Land Surface Temperature (LST) satellite analysis. These indices were then employed as predictors in our models, with the HI serving as the dependent variable.&#x0D; RESULTS: A significant contribution of chloroform to the overall risk pattern for groundwater in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region was observed. The maximum values were recorded in the Nizhnevolzhskiy groundwater basin (HQchildren/chloroform=3.20, HQadults/chloroform=1.37) in 2017. The satellite aridity index NDMI makes the greatest contribution to the reliability of the predictive model of long-term health risk dynamics that shape the oral intake of pollutants from groundwater in the Volgograd Trans-Volga region. The lowest multiple regression value was noted for the health risk for adults (ry,x1,x2=–0.909, p=0.012) in the Severo-Prikaspiyskiy basin, the maximum was recorded in Ryn-Peskovsky basin for children (ry,x1,x2=–0.992, p=0.002). The DMI provides insignificant reliability in predicting long-term dynamics of non-carcinogenic health risks associated with toxicants circulating in arid ecosystems of the South of Russia. The greatest contribution of this predictor was observed for the health risk of children in the Ryn-Peskovsky basin (rx2/x1=–0.554, p=0.105).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a significant potential for integrating NDMI in monitoring the social and hygienic quality of underground water in arid zones of Southern Russia. The NDMI indicator has demonstrated high resolution and sensitivity to water quantity in steppe vegetation, reflecting its accuracy for arid topography. This integration holds promise for enhancing the monitoring and management of underground water resources in Southern Russia.

Water quality assessment and evaluation of human health risk of drinking water in Ranchi District of Jharkhand

The primary cause of water-borne disease epidemics, particularly in underdeveloped nations, is the consumption of drinking water tainted with dangerous bacteria that originated in excrement. Water bodies have been essential to the development of civilizations throughout history, and they are still important for the modern economic expansion of all modern cultures. Microbes can get into water sources through agricultural inputs and rainfall runoff, which can combine with sewage effluents. The coliform group of bacteria, which signals the possible presence of harmful organisms, is the organism that is typically searched for during the standard water analysis technique. Microbes that cause disease in humans multiply and spread through the medium of water. For this reason, one of the most crucial criteria for public health is the drinking of safe water. Water samples were collected from various sources (surface water and groundwater sources) throughout March to May 2023. Ten water samples were taken from the surface and groundwater in and around Ranchi Municipality Nagra Toli and Karamtoli areas The MPN index, fungal tests, colony count, and other biochemical test parameters were all analyzed. Comparing surface water to groundwater, it was discovered that the MPN index of the former was higher. Up to 140 MPN/100 mL of total coliform count were found. Samples of surface and groundwater revealed the presence of two distinct bacterial species. It becomes clear that Escherichia coli and Bacillus Enterococcus faecalis bacterial isolates were common. The current study's objectives were to identify the various microbial groups and perform several microbiological studies. To maintain the hygienic quality of the water supply, it is strongly advised to do bacteriological examinations on both the water entering the distribution system and the water already in the system on a frequent and regular basis. Regular inspections are necessary for both sanitary management and testing portable water.

Microbiological and Toxicological Investigations on Bivalve Molluscs Farmed in Sicily.

Bivalves can concentrate biological and chemical pollutants, causing foodborne outbreaks whose occurrence is increasing, due to climatic and anthropic factors that are difficult to reverse, hence the need for improved surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic qualities of bivalves sampled along the production and distribution chain in Sicily and collect useful data for consumer safety. Bacteriological and molecular analyses were performed on 254 samples of bivalves for the detection of enteropathogenic Vibrio, Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas spp., Salmonella spp., and beta-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli. A total of 96 out of 254 samples, collected in the production areas, were processed for algal biotoxins and heavy metals detection. Bacterial and algal contaminations were also assessed for 21 samples of water from aquaculture implants. Vibrio spp., Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli were detected in 106/254, 79/254, 12/254, 16/254, and 95/254 molluscs, respectively. A total of 10/96 bivalves tested positive for algal biotoxins, and metals were under the legal limit. V. alginolyticus, A. butzleri, and E. coli were detected in 5, 3, and 3 water samples, respectively. Alexandrium minutum, Dinophysis acuminata, Lingulodinium polyedra, and Pseudonitzschia spp. were detected in water samples collected with the biotoxin-containing molluscs. Traces of yessotoxins were detected in molluscs from water samples containing the corresponding producing algae. Despite the strict regulation by the European Commission over shellfish supply chain monitoring, our analyses highlighted the need for efficiency improvement.

Physical and chemical properties, hygienic quality and fatty acid profile in milk of lactating Lacaune dairy sheep

Abstract. In recent years, there has been globally increasing interest in dairy sheep breeding, including Lacaune sheep, which is supported by a high demand for sheep's milk on the market. This paper elaborates on the influence of a sheep's lactation stage on the physical and chemical properties, hygienic quality and content of fatty acids in milk produced by Lacaune sheep kept in intensive breeding. The research was conducted on 30 Lacaune sheep, which were tested in the early (60th day), middle (120th day) and late (180th day) stages of lactation. Density, freezing point and titration acidity were determined by applying the infrared spectrometry method, and indicators of the hygienic quality of milk, such as somatic cell count (SCC), were determined by the fluoro-opto-electronic method, and the total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (CFU) was determined by the flow cytometry method. The fatty acid profile of feed and milk was obtained by gas–liquid chromatography. Depending on the stage of lactation, results referring to the chemical composition of Lacaune sheep's milk showed a significant increase in the content of fat, protein, total dry matter and casein together with a significant decrease in the content of lactose in the late stage of lactation. There was also a significant increase confirmed for the concentration of urea and the freezing point in milk along with the lactation progress. Depending on the stage of lactation, milk yield in Lacaune sheep significantly decreased as lactation progressed. Analysis of the fatty acid composition in milk of Lacaune sheep proved a significant decrease in the concentrations of C4 : 0, C6 : 0, C11 : 0, C12 : 0, C13 : 0, C15 : 0, C17 : 1, C18 : 2n6 and C18 : 3n6 as well as the n6 concentrations and the n6 / n3 ratio. The opposite trend was observed for concentrations of C10 : 0, C14 : 1, C16 : 0, C16 : 1, C18 : 0, C20 : 2, C18 : 3n3, C20 : 3n6, C20 : 5n3 and C22 : 6n3 as well as for the n3 concentrations. When compared to the early lactation stage, the C18 : 3n6 and n6 concentrations were significantly lower in the late lactation stage, while the C20 : 2 and C20 : 5n3 concentrations were significantly lower in the middle lactation stage when compared to the late lactation stage. There were many significant positive and negative correlations determined between the researched properties of milk. The research results obtained with Lacaune sheep's milk can be compared to the results of other studies, except for the lower content of milk fat. This confirms the good adaptability of Lacaune sheep to different breeding conditions and the necessity to provide sheep with quality pastures for grazing.

Visible hygienic quality of broiler chicken carcasses and the impact on quality of a change to post-mortem inspection

Visible hygienic quality of broiler chicken carcasses and the impact on quality of a change to post-mortem inspection

Environmental Management of Equine Asthma

Environmental practices related to the inhalation of airborne dust have been identified as the main cause of equine asthma (EA) and reasonably, they are truly relevant in its treatment and control, especially for horses with its severe form. Vast research regarding environmental recommendations has been conducted in recent years. However, no recent exhaustive reviews exist that gather all this new evidence. The aim of this review is to report and compare the most pertinent information concerning the environmental management of EA. The main findings highlight the importance of the type of forage used for feeding but also its method of production and possible contamination during manufacture and/or storage. Procedures to reduce this, such as soaking and steaming hay, improve its hygienic quality, although they also decrease forage’s nutritional value, making dietetic supplementation necessary. Regarding stabling, despite some conflicting results, avoiding straw as bedding and improving barn ventilation continue to be the common recommendations if turning to pasture is not feasible. Finally, owners’ compliance has been identified as the most critical point in correct environmental control. Educating owners about the genuine benefits of these measures should be a cornerstone of EA management.

The impact of quality of life and oral hygiene in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

The impact of quality of life and oral hygiene in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients