Hygiene Techniques Research Articles

INSIGHT FROM RECRUITING DYADS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA AND CARE PARTNERS FOR A MULTI-SITE ORAL CARE INTERVENTION

Abstract Maintaining oral health is essential for individuals with dementia, yet they often need support. We sought to identify lessons learned during the recruitment process for an intervention designed to teach care partners skills to guide individuals with mild dementia in proper oral hygiene techniques and provide reminders to practice oral hygiene care. Throughout the study, research team members from two research sites met regularly to discuss their experiences in recruiting participants. Notes from these meetings served as the basis for identifying key challenges and effective strategies. Recruitment involved direct patient engagement, collaboration with dementia research centers and community organizations, and the use of electronic health record systems, including MyChart. Recruitment coordinators connected study personnel with organizations and support groups, thereby broadening the recruitment base. The most effective strategies were leveraging established relationships or building new ones with clinical dementia experts to access a clinically well-characterized patient pool and presenting at support groups within dementia-focused community organizations to build connections and disseminate information about the study. Barriers to recruitment included the reduced frequency of patient visits to clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited in-person recruitment opportunities, as well as the time required to establish new relationships with non-affiliated hospitals and community organizations. Facilitating factors included building trust-based relationships with medical and community facilities, diversifying recruitment channels, maintaining flexible and clear communication, and customizing strategies for different contexts. In conclusion, successful recruitment for this intervention required a multifaceted approach that combined strong partnerships with flexibility and tailored communication strategies.

Self-Reported Oral Hygiene Performance of Patients in Albania: A Questionnaire-Based Survey

Background/Objectives: Oral hygiene is a key factor for dental and periodontal diseases and the prognosis of any treatment to restore their consequences. The present survey aimed to evaluate how well informed patients in Albania are on oral hygiene, given the scarce evidence on this topic. Methods: This survey was performed using a Google Forms questionnaire on oral hygiene habits, type and technique of instruments used, and frequency of dental recall visits. Results: A total of 1006 questionnaires were filled in a one-month time period (January 2020) from a population of 75.2% females and 24.8% males, 32.7 ± 11.3 years of age, from whom 94.6% reported a lack of systemic diseases and 80% were non-smokers. All of the population brushed their teeth at least once daily. The most used type of toothbrush was a manual one (91.1%) with medium-bristle hardness in 71% of cases. The most prevalent way of using the toothbrush was through circular movements (36.7%) with a duration of 2–3 min in 72% of the population. Only 77.1% of the population used interdental instruments, mainly interdental floss. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it could be concluded that the present population seemed to be mostly appropriately informed, but the information needs further revision and promotion by dentists.

Fabrication of a novel "all in one glove"- a functional tool for oral hygiene maintenance and the assessment of its effectiveness on plaque control in spastic cerebral palsy patients.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder from non-progressive brain injury or malformation during development, severely impairing movement, coordination, reflexes, posture, balance, and motor skills. Individuals with spastic CP experience limb spasticity, complicating tasks like precise gripping, particularly with toothbrushes. This study proposed a novel "all-in-one glove" for oral hygiene, assessing its efficacy and comparing it to conventional toothbrushes for spastic CP patients. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 clinically diagnosed spastic CP patients with Group 1 consisting of 15 Subjects with clinically diagnosed spastic CP with generalized gingival diseases using conventional oral hygiene techniques with weekly oral hygiene reinforcement and Group 2 consisting of 15 Subjects with clinically diagnosed spastic cerebral palsy with generalized gingival diseases using the novel "all in one glove" method for oral hygiene maintenance with weekly oral hygiene reinforcement. The Clinical Parameters assessed includes Full mouth plaque scores, Full mouth bleeding scores and OHI scores recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. A statistically significant reduction was observed in Full-mouth Plaque, Bleeding, and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scores in both the groups (48.87% & 43.285%, 31.57% & 26.66%, 57.29% & 47.37% respectively). The Group 2 exhibited a marginally higher percentage reduction in all clinical parameters compared to the Group 1 at the measured time points. The utilization of the "All in one glove" has improved the effectiveness of oral hygiene maintenance and gingival health in spastic CP individuals. [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier, [REF/2022/06/055641].

Tele-counseling services for COVID-19 patients: Experiences from a state mental health institute in South India

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound implications for individuals’ physical and mental health (MH), as well as well-being of populations worldwide. Several underlying issues which have a significant impact on MH, such as stress, worry, frustration, and uncertainty, were widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the common measures resorted to was to provide MH services to the population using information technology. This study shares the experience of tele-counseling services for patients with COVID-19 living in the hospital and in-home isolation during the pandemic phase of COVID-19 in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, a southern state in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed approach was used, which included 300 participants affected by COVID-19 and 3 case studies. The information was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and case study methods. RESULT: The mean age of the COVID patients was 40.72 ± 14.61 years. More than half of the COVID patients (51%) received treatment at hospital. Seventy-nine percent of callers received only single counseling session. The main tele-counseling services provided included supportive counseling (44%), sleep hygienic techniques (9%), general information on COVID (15%), problem-solving techniques (1.3%), relaxation techniques (5.7%), mindful mediation (2%), grief counseling (3.3%), family counseling (1.7%), and stress management (2.7%). CONCLUSION: Tele-counseling services during an emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic can help in promoting MH and well-being of people affected by the pandemic. It is possible to provide such psychological first aid using information technology.

Knowledge and Experiences of Oral Health Care and Periodontitis of Caregivers of Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment.

There is limited evidence on knowledge of related health among healthcare personnel who care for older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and experience of oral health care among family members and medical staff responsible for older adults with varying degrees of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. This qualitative study explored the experiences and knowledge of 30 family members and medical staff through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded using both audio and video formats: digital platforms were used for immediate family members, while formal caregivers were interviewed in person. Researchers transcribed and analysed the recordings, categorising the answers to identify emerging topics until reaching saturation. The core emerging themes among the direct family members were: (1) Lack of knowledge about oral health; (2) Oral hygiene role for the patients; (3) Consequences of a poor oral care; and (4) Recommendations for a better oral health care. For the formal caregivers the emerging themes were: (1) Lack of knowledge and experiences about oral health; (2) Deficient oral hygiene of residents; (3) Impact on quality of life; and (4) Suggestions for improving oral health. Despite recognising the significance of oral health, direct family members and formal caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia still need additional tools to effectively carry out necessary hygiene techniques and care.

AVALIAÇÃO PARASITOLÓGICA DE ALFACE EM FEIRAS E MERCADOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE RIO BRANCO, ACRE.

Introduction: The search for a healthy diet has grown over the last few decades, making the population opt for natural products, resulting in the intake of raw vegetables, with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) being one of the most consumed in the world; hygiene is necessary to reduce risks. The main contamination is due to poor sanitary conditions in the irrigation of vegetables, planting and inadequate handling of these leafy vegetables. The topic is relevant because they represent a serious public health problem. Objectives: to carry out a parasitological evaluation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) sold in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre. Methods: Lettuce samples of the species (Lactuca sativa L.) sold in 3 open-air markets were collected: Mercado Municipal Elias Mansour, Central de Abastecimento de Rio Branco (Ceasa) and Feira Livre and in different supermarkets X and Y in the municipality of Rio Branco , Ac. Methods: Lettuce samples of the species (Lactuca sativa L.) sold in 3 open-air markets were collected: Mercado Municipal Elias Mansour, Central de Abastecimento de Rio Branco (Ceasa) and Feira Livre and in different supermarkets X and Y in the municipality of Rio Branco , Ac. 5 samples were collected from each of the 5 units, totaling 25 samples per month and 250 between the months of July/2022 to November/2022 and February/2023 to June/2023. Subsequently, transported to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Uninorte University Center (UNINORTE). Leaves were established as the sampling unit for vegetables. 200g of leaf was weighed, sliced and separated for parasitological analysis and hygiene technique. To search for enteroparasites, the leaves were washed with 500 ml of distilled water containing 0.5 ml of neutral detergent. The liquid was used for the Spontaneous Sedimentation and Faust techniques. For the hygiene technique, 200g of leaves were submerged in a solution containing 1000 ml of distilled water and 10 ml of sodium hypochlorite (2%), homogenized for 10 min. Subsequently, the liquid was used to perform the spontaneous sedimentation technique. Results: To analyze diversity, the Shannon Wiener indices were used. In parasitological techniques, 51 parasitic agents were identified, with Balantidium coli (7.2%), Entamoeba coli (6.8%), Endolimax nana (4.4%), Larva of Strongyloides stercoralis (0.8%), followed by of Entamoeba histolyrica (0.4%), Arcella vulgaris (0.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis larvae (0.4%). Among the lettuce sales units, those with the highest prevalence were: Supermercado Y (27.5%), Mercado X (23.6%), Feira Livre (25.4%), CEASA (15.7%) and Elias Mansour (7.8%). Protozoa represented (94.1%) and Helminths (5.9%). Faust represented (56.8%) of the parasites found, compared to (43.2%) from the spontaneous sedimentation technique. No parasitic forms were found after the sodium hypochlorite cleaning technique. Conclusions: Lettuces sold in Rio Branco/AC contained different types of protozoa and helminths, with the most common enteroparasites being Balantidium coli and Entamoeba coli. The hygiene technique proved to be effective in eliminating these agents. Ingesting raw lettuce may present a potential risk to consumers, and it is recommended to clean it before consumption.

INTEGRATING ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING THE ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT PHASE FOR GLIOBLASTOMA PATIENTS: A CASE STUDY AT A UK CANCER CENTRE

Abstract AIMS Primary brain tumour patients should be offered neurological rehabilitation assessment at diagnosis and every stage of follow With only 5% of glioblastoma patients surviving more than 5 years, specialist management that spans across all phases of the Dietz rehabilitation model is required to optimise function, treatment tolerance and Quality-of-life. At Guy’s cancer centre an Allied health multi-disciplinary team (Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech and language therapy) work alongside the oncologist-led clinic to support this patient group. METHOD Case history A 54-year-old, male, was diagnosed with right parietal Glioblastoma, WHO grade 4, IDH wildtype, MGMT 5.47% methylated (August 2023) on biopsy only. He underwent chemo/radiotherapy - 60gy/90 fractions with Temozolmide (TMZ) on 3/11/2023 Currently C4 of adjuvant TMZ. Dexamethazone 2mg was discontinued on 29/11/2023, he continues with Keppra 500mg twice daily. RESULTS Dietz Intervention approach in phases: PREVENTATIVE Fatigue management was introduced prior to radiotherapy including a physical activity review, advice on pacing, sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques. Given the patient’s history of shift work and altered sleep patterns, managing risks of treatment-related fatigue was of particular importance. Restorative & Supportive: A targeted and periodised exercise programme was initiated, comprising 1:1 gym based physiotherapy sessions. The aims included enhancing exercise confidence, improve balance, endurance, maintain strength, pain management and weight maintenance during chemo/radiotherapy and adjuvant TMZ. Education was deployed on adjusting activity levels based on chemotherapy cycle and day to day side effects, alongside ongoing fatigue management advice around pacing and sleep hygiene. CONCLUSION Learning and Recommendations Implementing tailored rehabilitation interventions early in the patient’s treatment pathway, enables proactive management to mitigate the impact of treatment-related side effects on their QOL. Based on our experience, early engagement with a dedicated therapy team is recommended to foster strong rapport with both the patient and their caregivers. This facilitates timely rehabilitation planning for optimal outcomes.

IMPROVEMENT OF TRADITIONAL BALINESE "ONG" TEA-MAKING PROCESS TO EXTEND SHELF LIFE TO SUPPORT ECOTOURISM IN BANJAR LANTANGIDUNG, GIANYAR, BALI

“Ong” tea contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and vitamin C, in addition to several essential amino acids, organic acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and active polyphenol compounds, and various important enzymes that have many benefits for the body. “Ong” tea is a type of probiotic drink produced from the tea fermentation process. The bacteria contained in SCOBY (Symbiotic Consortium of Bacteria and Yeast) are Acetobacter xylinum bacteria. The purpose of implementing the activities proposed in the training to improve the process of making “Ong” tea through PKM activities is to ensure that the people of Br. Lantangidung, Batuan, Sukawati have the skills and insight to manage local natural resources and have an entrepreneurial spirit so that they can open up business opportunities related to the conditions of the Batuan Village area. Improving product quality, expanding marketing reach, and using more hygienic and modern packaging techniques are also important. Thus, it is hoped that Balinese “ong” tea can become a superior product that can improve the community's economy and support the development of ecotourism in Banjar Lantangidung

Association between Periodontal Disease and Oral Benign, Potentially Malignant, Malignant, and Chronic Immune-Mediated Disorders: A Clinical Study.

Background: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory, chronic, and multifactorial disease. The objective of this study is to analyze the association between periodontal disease and some disorders such as papillomas (benign lesions), lichen planus (a chronic immune-mediated disorder), leukoplakia (potentially malignant lesions), and oral cancer (malignant lesions). Methods: For this study, 42 patients were recruited whose supragingival and subgingival plaque was qualitatively analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope, which allowed for the detection of compatible bacterial flora (immobile and composed mainly of cocci) indicative of periodontal health and incompatible bacterial flora (mobile and composed mainly of spirochetes) indicative of periodontal pathology. Patients with incompatible bacterial flora were then subjected to a laser-assisted periodontal treatment with irrigation with hydrogen peroxide within the periodontal pockets (a non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol which is referred to as dye-free photodynamic therapy). Results: Based on the 42 patients recruited, there was no association between oral cavity lesions and periodontal pathogenic bacteria. Four of them were found to have incompatible bacterial flora. Indeed, it was found that almost all the patients had been previously instructed in the proper techniques of home oral hygiene, and more than half of them reported that they carried out periodic check-ups by a dental hygienist. Of the four patients with signs and symptoms of periodontitis, two stated a willingness to undergo the non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol and showed improvements in periodontal indices such as CAL, PPD, and BoP. Conclusions: hygienists and dentists are determining factors in the prevention of periodontal disease and for the maintenance of good oral health.

Health risks and environmental impacts of domestic wastewater at Adétikopé (Togo, West Africa)

The demographic growth rate of the locality of Adétikopé causes a problem of management of waste water, sanitation, health and especially habitat. The densification of populations in these types of municipalities causes health problems linked to environmental degradation. The objective of this study is to identify the consequences (socio-sanitary and environmental impacts) caused by the poor management of wastewater in the peri-urban municipality of Adétikopé and to propose solutions. From August 2022 to July 2023, we undertook a socio-sanitary survey within the households of the commune using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews with health and communal officials. To this was added participant observation in the neighborhoods of the municipality. Thus, the frequencies of malaria and anemia are linked to poor management of water and household waste. Respiratory infections are due to unsanitary housing and air pollution. The populations of these generally deprived neighborhoods have little information on the relationship and the implication of the state of the environment on their health problems so that they are not very interested in the man-agement of their living environment. The recommended solutions in-clude, among other things, the use of impregnated mosquito nets and the use of hygiene and sanitary techniques.

Interactive hygiene training using free open source software.

Regular hygiene trainings are an important way to refresh and improve knowledge about hygiene measures and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. We aimed to develop an e-learning course to allow healthcare workers (HCWs) to learn these contents through a self-paced online format. We developed an interactive hygiene training for HCWs of a tertiary care hospital using different content types of the HTML-5 package (H5P) plugin embedded into a Moodle-based learning management system. We evaluated the course using a short online questionnaire. We present various suitable topics for online hygiene trainings as well as their implementation in an e-learning course. Examples include content on hand hygiene indications and techniques, information on multidrug-resistant organisms and other current topics in infection control. HCWs reported high overall satisfaction, perceived increase in knowledge, practical relevance as well as good usability and comprehensibility. Currently available commercial and non-commercial hygiene trainings present a number of specific advantages but also drawbacks. The presented approach combines the advantages of both approaches. The majority of the presented content can be readily adapted to suit various hospitals and care facilities or serve as inspiration for creating similar courses while remaining cost-effective. H5P course presentations are a low-threshold, cost-effective way to implement digital hygiene trainings in a wide variety of clinical settings.

Sleep hygiene efficacy on quality of sleep and mental ability among insomniac patients

ABSTRACT Background: Insomnia affects both quality of life and productivity at work, and it raises the risk of other diseases, such as depression, that coexist with insomnia. Nowadays, it is highly advised to treat insomnia with behavioral and psychological therapeutic methods to ensure the quality of your sleep. Aim: This study aimed to find the efficacy of sleep hygiene techniques in improving sleep quality and mental ability among insomnia clients. Methods: Self-structured questionnaires used to evaluate sleep quality and the McQuaig Mental Ability Test to test mental ability were used to collect data during the study’s six-week duration, which involved the recruitment of 50 participants using a purposive sample technique. A paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Data analysis shows that sleep quality (t = 33.35) (P = 0.0000) and mental ability (t = 35.33) (P = 0.0001) are both highly significant at P =0.0001. Correlation regression data of sleep hygiene elements such as schedule, avoiding caffeine and beverages, relaxation routine, and sleep-stimulating environment shows that there is a positive correlation with the quality of sleep at r = 0.9, 0.89, 0.75, and 0.68, whereas P = 0.000, 0.01, and 0.023, respectively. Similar to this, there is a positive association between mental ability and good sleep habits such as a relaxing routine, a sleep-promoting environment, and a schedule with r = 0.91, 0.88, and 0.92, respectively, with P values of 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.001. Conclusion: The results of the study provide compelling evidence that good sleep hygiene can help enhance insomniacs’ mental ability and sleep quality. Furthermore, those with moderate levels of sleep quality, those between the ages of 18 and 38, and those with higher education benefited more than others.

Patients and Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Stethoscope Barriers

Stethoscope hygiene is rarely performed despite evidence that they are a potential source of nosocomial infections. Aseptic touch-free disposable stethoscope diaphragm barriers (touch-free barriers) provide a bacteriologically impervious surface; however, little is known about perceptions of touch-free barriers. The purpose of this study was to determine patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of stethoscope hygiene habits, cleanliness, and patient safety, after respondents viewed videos of stethoscope hygiene with alcohol versus a touch-free barrier, or no hygiene/no barrier. We conducted a cross-sectional study using survey methodology and convenience sampling. Participants viewed three short videos that showed a provider using each of three stethoscope hygiene techniques (barrier, alcohol, or none), followed by completion of a brief survey. Pearson’s chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Wilcoxon rank sum or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Bonferroni correction was used to control error rate at 0.05 for each question. The sample size of 240 participants included 119 patients and 121 healthcare professionals. Patients rarely witnessed healthcare professionals cleaning stethoscopes, rated clean stethoscopes as important, and were more likely to choose touch-free barrier as easiest for providers. Healthcare professionals rated stethoscope hygiene as important, reported frequent stethoscope hygiene, and felt that touch-free barrier would improve workflow. Touch-free barriers were viewed positively by respondents. Hospitals should consider touch-free barriers as an important strategy to reduce nosocomial infections.

Clinical Effectiveness of a 3-Step Versus a 6-Step Hand Hygiene Technique: A Randomized Controlled Cross-over Study

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to assess the clinical effectiveness of the 3-step hand hygiene (HH) technique (3-HT) compared with the 6-step HH technique (6-HT; World Health Organization 6-step technique) using an alcohol-based hand rub. Methods A randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted from November to December 2023 in 10 wards of a tertiary A-level hospital according to CONSORT guidelines. The 240 healthcare workers (HCWs) were randomly divided into the 3-HT intervention group or the 6-HT control group. The trial was conducted in 2 stages, and the effectiveness of each indicator in the 2 groups was compared after a washout period of 2 weeks. Results Compared with the 6-HT, the 3-HT has demonstrated significant superiority in all indicators of HH compliance as well as the accuracy rate of HH practices. The total HH median times for the 3-HT and 6-HT were 16.00 (interquartile range, 15.00–20.00) and 32.50 (30.00–40.00) seconds, respectively (P < .05). The reduction factors for bacterial colony-forming unit counts did not differ and the colony-forming unit counts were not significantly different. Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus were detected before and after the use of hand rubs. HCWs preferred the 3-HT over the 6-HT. There were no significant difference in healthcare-associated infections rate between the 2 techniques. Conclusions The 3-HT was significantly superior to the 6-HT in terms of the HH eligibility rate, compliance, and HH time. The safety and feasibility of the 3-HT were verified by assessing microorganism count.

Evaluation of a Video-Based Concept for Hand Hygiene Education of Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Current clinical guidelines support family-centered care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). This implies parents should also be involved in the most critical patient safety measures. Hand hygiene is the single most important tool to prevent healthcare-associated infections and related long-term effects. Although often studied in healthcare workers, the hand hygiene compliance of parents is rarely assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video, available in ten different languages, in teaching parents hand hygiene techniques in a NICU, lowering the burden on the staff. Parents in the intervention group were educated through a video; the control group received personal instruction from healthcare workers. The primary outcome parameter was the predicted probability of passing a subsequent hand scan. The quality of hand hygiene among parents educated through the video was at least as good as that of those who received instruction from a healthcare worker, demonstrated by a higher predicted probability of passing the hand scan (43.8% vs. 57.1% in male and 67.9% vs. 75.9% in female participants). The feedback from the intervention group was predominantly positive, with most parents (62%) expressing a preference for video-based education. Implementing a video-based approach seems to be effective for educating parents about hand hygiene in a NICU and was well accepted by the parents. This method offers a consistent standard of hand hygiene education, helps to overcome language barriers, and can also be used as regular reminder of the importance and proper technique of hand hygiene.

INOVASI EKONOMI KREATIF MELALUI PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN SABUN CUCI PIRING DI PKK RT 06 KELURAHAN JAYA MUKTI KOTA DUMAI

The dish soap-making training conducted for the women of PKK RT 06 in Kelurahan Jaya Mukti, Kecamatan Dumai Timur, aimed to enhance their skills and knowledge in the creative economy sector. The activity involved 40 participants and included both theoretical and practical sessions, where participants were taught about ingredients, the soap-making process, and safety and hygiene techniques. The training results showed significant improvements in participants' knowledge and skills. Before the training, most participants lacked basic knowledge of dish soap-making. After the training, they were able to independently produce high-quality soap. This training also strengthened the camaraderie and cooperation among PKK members. However, participants faced challenges in sourcing raw materials. To address this, future training should focus on practical solutions such as providing information on affordable raw material sources and marketing strategies. The sustainability of this training is crucial, with government and stakeholder support needed to help participants develop their dish soap businesses sustainably. This training demonstrates that with the right methods and high motivation, the community can develop new skills beneficial for improving family economies.

Insights on the microbiology of Ethiopian fermented milk products: A review.

Fermented milk products play a vital role in the diets of Ethiopians. They are produced from either spontaneous fermentation or back-slopping methods at the household level, in which lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts predominate. As a result, the processing steps are not standardized and overall safety is still of public health relevance. Therefore, quality and safety improvement, standardization of traditional manufacturing practices, and commercialization of products to a wider market are important. Hence, this systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbiology of traditional Ethiopian fermented milk products, including ergo (spontaneously fermented whole milk), dhanaan (fermented camel milk), ititu (concentrated sour milk or spontaneously fermented milk curd), ayib (traditional cottage cheese), qibe (traditional butter), arrera (defatted buttermilk), and hazo (spiced fermented buttermilk). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and searched relevant databases and search engines, including the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. Furthermore, the pertinent literature was checked individually and identified. Dairy fermentation provides shelf-life extension and improves the organoleptic quality of products. Nonetheless, the aforementioned Ethiopian fermented foods may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., or Staphylococcus aureus due to inadequate processing and handling practices. This systematic review also revealed that these traditional milk products lack consistent quality and safety due to poor hygienic preparation techniques, non-controlled fermentation, and limited knowledge or awareness of small-holder dairy farmers. Therefore, the use of suitable procedures including good hygienic practices and controlled fermentation is recommended.

Development of a laboratory-based model to study the interaction between nutrients and Vibrio cholerae and predicting the spread of cholera outbreaks in the Indian subcontinent.

Cholera is an infectious disease that is transmitted through contaminated water. The disease includes a long back history of epidemics. Despite the numerous hygiene and prevention techniques that have been developed for Cholera, outbreaks of cholera are still reported worldwide. The resolution to this issue lies in promptly identifying the area susceptible to cholera outbreaks, a matter that continues to perplex scientists and medical professionals. It has been reported that Vibrio is effective in nitrogen digestion because it contains the nasA gene. In this study, initially theimpact of nutrients (nitrate and nitrite) on growth of Vibrio cholerae was determined, subsequently a relationship was developed between nutrient substrates and V. cholerae growth rate, using Monod model. Subsequently, the model was applied to large national river quality data set (2012-2014) developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and a possible cholerae outbreak zone was predicted. This work will definitely help the policy makers to develop management strategy for keeping rivers safe from future cholera outbreak.

Biogenic Amines in Seafood

Biogenic amines (BAs) are organic compounds naturally formed in foods through the microbial decarboxylation of amino acids. These compounds are particularly significant in seafood due to the high susceptibility of these products to microbial contamination and improper storage conditions. Biogenic amines, including histamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine, are often indicators of food freshness and spoilage. Their presence at high levels can pose serious health risks to consumers, making the study of their formation, types, and control methods crucial for food safety. This comprehensive review examines the mechanisms underlying the formation of biogenic amines in seafood. The primary sources of these compounds are bacteria from the families Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae. Factors such as temperature, pH, and oxygen availability significantly influence bacterial activity and, consequently, biogenic amine production. Histamine is highlighted as one of the most toxic biogenic amines, capable of causing histamine poisoning, which presents symptoms such as flushing, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Control and prevention strategies for biogenic amine formation are critically discussed, including the maintenance of the cold chain, hygienic processing techniques, salting, fermentation, and the use of starter cultures. Additionally, innovative microbial inactivation methods such as high hydrostatic pressure and UV radiation are explored for their efficacy in reducing biogenic amine levels. The review also addresses current regulations and standards set by international health authorities, particularly focusing on histamine levels in fish and fish products. These regulations ensure regular monitoring and compliance to protect consumer health. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the need for developing new detection methods for rapid and sensitive identification of biogenic amines, improving bacterial inactivation techniques, and advancing genetic and molecular biology studies to better understand the production mechanisms of these compounds. Furthermore, raising consumer awareness about the health impacts of biogenic amines through educational programs is highlighted as a critical area for public health promotion. In conclusion, the review underscores the importance of biogenic amines in seafood quality and safety. Effective control and prevention measures, combined with ongoing research and regulatory compliance, are essential to minimize health risks associated with these compounds. Ensuring proper handling, storage, and processing conditions, along with increasing consumer awareness, will contribute significantly to managing and mitigating the risks posed by biogenic amines in seafood.

The effectiveness of scaling therapy on periodontal indexes in adolescents with fixed orthodontic appliances: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background Although fixed orthodontic therapy offers numerous advantages, inadequate adherence to specific guidelines can lead to negative consequences, primarily affecting the gums. To enhance periodontal health, several surgical and non-surgical approaches, including scaling, have been employed.The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the adjunctive role of scaling therapy on (the improvement of gum health parameters among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment(FOT) during the period of 6 months. Methods In this interventional study,78 patients were randomly assigned to either case or control groups. Oral hygiene techniques were taught to both groups. Periodic scaling was done were performed at three times (1,3 and 6 months) after the starting of orthodontic treatment in the intervention group. Periodontal indices were measured and compared at baseline and all follow-up times between groups. The data were analysed with the repeated measure test at the significant level of 0.05 in the SPSS software (ver.22). Findings This study was conducted on 78 patients with a mean age of 21 ± 9 years old, including 37 women and 41 men that assigned to two equal groups of 39. The results of repeated measured analysis showed that the mean of GI and BOP indices increased significantly during the follow-up period of the study in the control group, but a non-significant decrease was obtained in the intervention group. But, the average of Pl.I index decreased significantly during the follow-up period in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Conclusions Scaling as an adjunct therapy helps to improve clinical periodontal parameters in patients undergoing FOT.