Proper Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Therapeutic Role of Animals: A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Prevalent Forms and Species in Animal-Assisted Interventions

Animals have been valued and used to improve human physical and mental health since ancient times. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a complementary approach to traditional medicine, involving trained animals. AAT can enhance cognition, commitment, character growth, and the learning process. Commonly used species in animal-assisted therapy include cats, dogs, horses, dolphins, and others. Feline-assisted therapy alleviates loneliness and stress, whereas canine-assisted therapy positively impacts emotions and overall well-being. Equine-assisted interventions benefit individuals with cognitive and motor disabilities. Dolphin-assisted therapy shows promise for conditions like autism and cerebral palsy. However, ethical concerns have arisen, particularly in children with behavioral disorders. Safety measures, adult supervision, and proper screening and hygiene practices are crucial in AAT programs. In conclusion, AAIs have a significant potential to enhance well-being and mental health across various contexts, but more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety in different settings and age groups. The existing literature consists of subjective accounts and inadequate methodologies.

Hand Scrubbing and Donning of Sterile Surgical Gloves: An Observational Clinical Audit of Novice Dental Surgeons.

Background The most critical factors in the satisfactory recovery of a patient post-surgery are obedience to sterilization and aseptic protocol.Using aseptic principles, the standard hand scrubbing and gloving procedure prevents contamination of the surgical site and aids in infection control. Methods Eighty dental interns were observed during minor oral surgical procedures for hand scrubbing and donning sterile surgical gloves, following the steps and guidelines providedby World Health Organization (WHO). The dental interns were evaluated, and in order to enhance their understanding of hand scrubbing and donning surgical gloves, desensitization programs were conducted through lectures using PowerPoint presentations. After one week, the participants were observed and evaluated again. This program made the participants aware of asepsis and infection control in clinical practice. Results Prior to intervention, only 37.14% of young dental surgeonsperformed proper conventional hand hygiene practices. After the intervention, this percentage increased to 62.142%, indicating a significant improvement. Regarding the donning of sterile surgical gloves, 43.75% of participants followed the standard steps before the intervention. After the intervention, the percentage raised to 86.25% indicating substantial growth. Conclusion Observations before and after the evaluation demonstrated significant changes in the acceptance rates for the fundamental criteria of hand hygieneand donning sterile surgical gloves. Adhering to both procedures according to WHO guidelines will help to reduce the risk of infections and raise awareness about asepsis in the practice among youngdental surgeons.

Relationship between body mass index (BMI) and oral health status among government bus drivers of Belagavi, India: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundTransport workers have a haphazard and incongruent schedule which makes it difficult for them to follow proper oral hygiene practices. Bus drivers whose lifestyle is primarily sedentary and characterized by poor eating habits are at increased risk. This study aimed to investigate the association between BMI and oral health status among NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation) bus drivers in Belagavi, India. MethodsA self-designed validated questionnaire was employed to assess oral hygiene status and record soft tissue variations among the bus drivers. A sample size of 300 was recruited for the study using the convenience sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Kruskal Wallis test, Spearman's correlation, and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 42.47 ± 8.44 years. The mean BMI score was found to be 25.43 ± 3.51. The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was found to be 82.7% and 67.6%, respectively. Hypertension (15.67%), diabetes mellitus (14.33%), leukoplakia (8.33%), and OSMF (3.33%) were prevalent and statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). A positive linear correlation and a significant relationship was found between Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth (DMFT) score (r = +0.44) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score (r = +0.17) with BMI. Participants with dental caries (aOR:1.20; 95%CI: 0.55–2.61) and periodontal disease BMI (aOR:1.91; 95%CI:1.19–3.06) exhibited increased odds of having higher BMI. ConclusionThe study revealed a significant association between BMI and both oral health status and systemic conditions among government bus drivers in Belagavi.

Clinico-microbiological and Risk Factor Analysis of Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in South India

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted nematode infection. It is implicated in causing hyper infection syndrome in immunosuppressed patients. This infection can also present without symptoms. The study aims to analyze the demographic data and risk factors associated with acquiring this infection and detectStrongyloides stercoralis in the stool sample by microscopy and modified agar plate culture. Combining microscopy and culture can facilitate detecting the infection in cases of low worm burden. Evaluation of socio-demographic information and risk factors will help in implementing control measures. A total of 986 stool samples were received. All the samples were examined by saline and Iodine mount examination. All the stool samples were cultured by the modified agar plate method. The risk factors, patient demographic details and clinical features were analyzed for significant association using the Chi-square test and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant) by quick calls graph pad software. The overall prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection was 22(1.23%), and all these cases were diagnosed on stool examination by the demonstration of rhabditiform larva ofStrongyloides stercoralis and adult females by modified agar plate culture. The positivity for Strongyloides larva was high among males, patients from rural areas and individuals working in agricultural settings. There was a significant association between walking barefoot and the demonstration of the larva. Patients presenting from endemic regions, even with vague, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, especially with risk factors like Diabetes mellitus, should be screened for this infection and treated. Awareness, proper hygiene practices, and appropriate treatment are necessary to prevent this soil-transmitted helminthic infection.

Absence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in organic leafy greens from the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important pathogen with public health implications, including its potential association with vegetables. In this study, we investigated the presence of STEC in vegetables obtained from organic producers located in São Paulo city, Brazil. As part of a routine surveillance study conducted over (years of isolation), a total of 200 samples of organic vegetables were screened using biochemical and PCR methods. Among the vegetable samples tested, 30 (15%) were positive for non-Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. While no STEC was detected in the organic vegetables in this study, the presence of non-STEC in vegetables raises concerns about the lack of proper hygiene practices during vegetable handling. This contamination represents a public health risk, particularly considering that these isolates can still be pathogenic, and vegetables are often consumed raw. To address this important issue, continuous monitoring of these farms is recommended to ensure the quality and safety of organic vegetables produced for both domestic consumption and exportation.

Factors Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis in Women of Reproductive Age

The BV is the most prevalent alteration of the vaginal microbiota and constitutes an important public health problem, the prevalence varies by age, ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and geographic region and the risk factors associated with this condition, are included the number of sexual partners, the use of the intrauterine device, use of vaginal douche, hygiene habits and sexual practices/behaviors. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women of reproductive age. Cross-sectional study was developed in Botucatu, Brazil, including 315 women. Data were obtained by applying a questionnaire and gynecological examination, with sample collection for analysis of the vaginal microbiota pattern, according to the Nugent scoring system. The association between independent variables and outcome was performed using a regression model. The variables that most influenced the outcome (p<0.20) were taken to the multiple logistic regression model and those independently associated with the outcome (p<0.05) were identified. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 32% (101/315) and the associated variables were: not living with a partner [1.13(1.02-1.25), p=0.021], use of vaginal douche [1.42(1.22-1.64), p=0.000] and genital hair removal [1.19(1.01-1.42), p=0.042]. Results point to the importance of screening for this vaginal dysbiosis in routine gynecological care and suggest the importance of health professionals conducting guidance on proper intimate hygiene practices for women.

The Truman Show for Human Helminthic Parasites: A Review of Recent Advances in In Vitro Cultivation Platforms.

Throughout history, parasites and parasitic diseases have been humankind's constant companions, as evidenced by the findings of tapeworm eggs in ancient, mummified remains. Helminths are responsible for causing severe, long-term, and debilitating infectious diseases worldwide, especially affecting economically challenged nations due to prevailing deficits in access to sanitation, proper hygiene practices, and healthcare infrastructure. Socio-ecological drivers, such as poverty, migration, and climate change, continue to contribute to parasites and their disease vectors being spread beyond known endemic zones. The study of parasitic diseases has had a fair amount of success leading to the development of new chemotherapeutic agents and the implementation of parasite eradication programs. However, further progress in this direction has been hampered by the challenges of culturing some of these parasites in in vitro systems for efficient availability, basic life cycle, infection studies, and effectiveness of novel treatment strategies. The complexity of the existing models varies widely, depending on the parasite and its life cycle, ranging from basic culture methods to advanced 3D systems. This review aims to highlight the research conducted so far in culturing and maintaining parasites in an in vitro setting, thereby contributing to a better understanding of pathogenicity and generating new insights into their lifecycles in the hopes of leading to effective treatments and prevention strategies. This work is the first comprehensive outline of existing in vitro models for highly transmissible helminth diseases causing severe morbidity and mortality in humans globally.

Risk of Peri Implantitis in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Dental implants have a 97% long-term survival rate; there is no reliable model for predicting implant longevity. Even though it has become more apparent over time and through numerous studies that a variety of patient and professional factors may contribute to peri-implantitis, with compelling theories such as improper three-dimensional (3D) implant placement, poor prosthesis design that interferes with proper oral hygiene practices, and an excess of luting cement, there is no universally accepted diagnostic standard, so prevalence rates are still up for debate. Objectives: This study aims to recognize diabetes for implant loss & peri-implant diseases. It is also intended to measure the prevalence of peri-implant disease 5 years following implant implantation. The study aims to ascertain if implant issues may alter patients' perceptions of their implants by integrating a patient questionnaire. Methodology: After obtaining the approval of the study from the institution, diabetic patients who had oral implants at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between 2015 and 2020 were added to a list of patients. Following were the criteria for inclusion: Diabetic patients who were older than 18 at the time of consent and comparable radiographs are taken following the first remodeling. There were no prerequisites for the exclusion Results: A total of 165 records were checked to make sure the original radiographs were verified, the implant insertion date, and patient’s contact information. 41 patients met the requirements for inclusion. 36 of the 41 patients who had been contacted and scheduled for a follow-up check showed up (20 male and 16 female, age 34 to 63 yrs; mean – SD age: 47.6 – 10.6 yrs). At baseline, 105 implants were placed in the 36 patients. Conclusion: Because the two disease entities share similar host characteristics or microbiota, diabetes and periodontitis may serve as risk factors for peri-implantitis. Keywords: Dental Implant, Peri-implantitis, Diabetes Mellitus

Adherence to dietary guidelines and dental caries among children: a longitudinal cohort study.

Even though dietary sugars are the most important nutrient for caries development, the disease process is dependent on other dietary practices. The intake of individual nutrient components cannot be evaluated separately from the overall diet which includes other nutrients, foods and habits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence to dietary guidelines and dental caries. This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In total, 2911 children were included in the present analyses. Dietary intake at the age of 8 years was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires. Diet quality scores were estimated, reflecting adherence to Dutch dietary guidelines. Dental caries was assessed at the age of 13 years using intra-oral photographs. Associations were estimated using multinomial logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices. The prevalence of dental caries at the age of 13 years was 33% (n = 969). Better diet quality was associated with a lower occurrence of severe dental caries after adjustments for sociodemographic factors [e.g. highest vs. lowest quartile of diet quality: odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.98]. After additional adjustments for oral hygiene practices, this association was not statistically significant (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41-1.03). Adherence to dietary guidelines has the potential to reduce dental caries in children; however, with proper oral hygiene practices, this relationship might be attenuated. To understand the role of dietary patterns and dental caries, the contributing role of daily eating occasions needs to be studied further.

Prevalence and Characterization of Legionella pneumophila and Related Species from Water-Based Recreational Sites

Abstract Background and Objectives Legionella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria common in soil and aquatic systems and is associated with protists. They have emerged as a pathogenic group due to the increased use and poor maintenance of artificial water environments. This study aims at phenotypic and molecular identification of Legionella in water and swab samples collected from water-based recreational sites. The biofilm-forming ability of Legionella on exposure to various temperatures and iron concentrations was also studied. Methods A total of 60 samples including 30 swab samples and 30 water samples (decorative fountain ponds, swimming pools, garden sprinklers, drip irrigation system) were collected from in and around Mangalore, Karnataka, India. From each source, swab and water samples were collected as per the Indian standard IS: 1622. The collected samples were processed within 4 hours of collection. The samples were subjected to microbiological and chemical estimation followed by filtration through a 0.2 µm membrane filter. Isolation of Legionella from collected samples was performed as per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines 2005. The positive isolates were then checked for biofilm-forming ability at various temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 45°C) and iron concentration (3 mg/L, 30 mg/L, and 300 mg/L) using crystal violet assay. Results Out of 30, water and swab samples tested, one water sample from a garden sprinkler, swimming pool, and one from both water and swab samples from a decorative fountain showed the presence of Legionella. A biofilm study of Legionella at various temperatures and iron concentrations categorized the bacteria as a moderate biofilm former. Conclusion This study revealed that most of the water and swab samples were found to be negative for Legionella that is quite encouraging and the contamination of water systems in recreational facilities can be reduced by decontamination techniques and proper hygienic practices.

An assessment of awareness and practicing status regarding personal and animal hygiene among livestock farmers in semiurban areas of Barisal district, Bangladesh

The knowledge gap of livestock farmers on proper farm hygiene practices is one of the major concerns in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study was performed to assess the awareness and practicing status regarding personal and animal hygiene among livestock farmers in selected semi-urban areas of Barisal district, Bangladesh. A total of 202 farmers were interviewed to collect data randomly from four distinct suburban villages of Barishal district. SPSS software (version 25) was used to code and analyze the raw data. The research revealed that 68.3% of the farmers used tube well for supplying water to the animals. On the other hand, all the farmers were found to use tube-well for family use. 58.4% of farmers never used disinfectants regularly on their farms. Additionally, 40.1% of participants never practiced a routine deworming schedule. Attending seminars was found to have effects on washing and feeding troughs (p<0.05) and the application of disinfectants on a regular basis (p<0.01) Since a large percentage of livestock keepers are not still aware of animal and personal hygiene, the government and other non-government organizations should adopt necessary steps to disseminate knowledge among livestock owners for their animal and personal hygiene in order to prevent various zoonotic and anthroponotic diseases.

Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Northern Ghana: An Analysis of Household Health Risks

This study assessed household health risks in relation to sanitation and hygiene practices. A convergent parallel mixed method design, involving a survey of 200 household heads and two semi-structured interviews, was employed. The forward linear regression method was used to determine how sanitation and hygiene practices influence household health risks. From the results, age was the most considered criterion for using a homestead toilet facility. Income made the most significant contribution to change in the choice of toilet facility with a Beta Weight of 0.313 at a statistically significant level of p<0.00. Income was again identified to be the most statistically significant determining factor for access to sanitation and hygiene materials with 0.389 at a significant alpha level of p<0.00. The identified factors that define sanitation and hygiene practices cut across gender division of labour, age, occupation, housing type and residential location. Owing to the range of demographic, social and economic factors influencing the adoption of proper sanitation and hygiene practices, it is recommended that sanitation and hygiene improvement interventions should inculcate socio-demographic and economic concepts to reduce household health risks.

Adherence to infection prevention and control measures and risk of exposure among health‐care workers: A cross‐sectional study from the early period of COVID‐19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

AbstractBackground and AimHealthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high‐risk group for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) exposure, ascribed to the amount of time they spend in health‐care facilities (HCFs). This study aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures and the risk of exposure during the early period of the pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional survey was conducted from June to September 2020. With a response rate of 79.2%, a standardized questionnaire was administered among 247 HCWs, working in eight HCFs. Descriptive and multivariate regression analysis was carried out in STATA version 16.ResultsAbout 22.5% (55) of the HCWs had proper adherence to IPC procedures. Of the total participants, 28.2% (69) had proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 40% (98) had proper hand hygiene practices, and 33.1% (81) had frequently cleaned their working environment. HCWs who received training on IPC protocols were four times more likely to follow IPC standards than those with no training (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46, 10.58). Besides, HCWs working in treatment centers were four times more likely to follow IPC standards than those working in conventional hospitals (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI:1.63, 8.02). Nurses were four times more likely to have adherence to IPC measures than cleaners and runners (AOR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.38–13.88).ConclusionThe nature and magnitude of the pandemic did not introduce the required degree of adherence to IPC procedures, per se does not match the level of diligence needed to halt SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. Our finding suggested that providing periodic training of HCWs with particular emphasis on nonclinical staff is commendable. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain resilent IPC in HCF through continous follow up and safety drills, to assess the readiness of HFCs' adherance to IPC measures under normal circumstances, which could improve prepardeness for an effective response during epidemics.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Study of Retailed Cow Milk collected from Different Locations in Birnin Kebbi

Abstract
 Milk is an excellent source of both major and minor components needed to meet the nutritional requirements of the human body. The current study was conducted to evaluate the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of cow milk collected from various locations in Birnin Kebbi. A total of twenty-four (24) milk samples (six from each location) were purchased. All samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis using total plate count, and physicochemical composition analysis, which included PH, moisture content, fat content, protein content, and mineral determination (calcium, sodium, and potassium). The mean range for Total Plate Count is 1.83x106-3.42x106 CFU/ML. Furthermore, bacteria isolated and identified from milk samples include Streptococcus spp, Shigella spp, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus spp. The physicochemical analysis results indicated that the mean range is PH (4.87±0.04-5.52±0.05) Moisture content (82.22±0.60-87.50±2.16), Fat content (0.56±0.02-1.84±0.01), Protein content (11.27±4.4-12.55±4.99), Calcium (173.83±4.43-475.67±22.24), Sodium (11.83±4.26- 111±12.44) and Potassium (131±9.12-596±6.16) respectively. The study's findings highlight the poor bacteriological quality of milk, as evidenced by a higher Total Plate Count. Moreover, the presence of pathogenic microbes in milk, such as Bacillus spp, Shigella spp, and Escherichia coli, is likely to pose a serious public health risk. As a result, it is recommended that proper hygiene practices be implemented, as well as the incorporation of effective monitoring throughout the production to delivery chain.

Oral Microbiome Traits of Type 1 Diabetes and Phenylketonuria Patients in Latvia.

Some metabolic disorder treatments require patients to follow a specific diet or to consume supplements that, over time, can lead to oral microbiome alterations. Well-known disorders requiring such treatment are phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn error of amino acid metabolism, and type 1 diabetes (T1D), a metabolic disorder that requires a specific diet regimen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the oral health and microbiome characteristics that might contribute to caries activity and periodontal disease risk in PKU and T1D patients. In this cross-sectional study, 45 PKU patients, 24 T1D patients, and 61 healthy individuals between the ages of 12 and 53 years were examined. Their anamnestic data and dental status were assessed by one dentist. Microbial communities were detected from saliva-isolated DNA using 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 sequencing on Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. Results revealed that the PKU patient group displayed the highest number of extracted teeth (on average 1.34), carious teeth (on average 4.95), and carious activity (44.44% of individuals) compared to the T1D and CTRL groups. The lowest numbers of filled teeth (on average 5.33) and extracted teeth (on average 0.63) per individual were observed in T1D patients. Gingivitis appeared more often in the T1D group; however, possible risk of periodontal disease was seen in both the T1D and PKU patient groups. The highest number of differentially abundant genera was detected in the PKU group (n = 20), with enrichment of Actinomyces (padj = 4.17 × 10-22), Capnocytophaga (padj = 8.53 × 10-8), and Porphyromonas (padj = 1.18 × 10-5) compared to the CTRL group. In conclusion, the dental and periodontal health of PKU patients was found to be significantly inferior compared to T1D patients and healthy controls. T1D patients showed early signs of periodontal disease. Several genera that correlate with periodontal disease development were found in both groups, thus suggesting that T1D and PKU patients should seek early and regular dental advice and be educated about proper oral hygiene practices.

Bacteriological quality and safety of bottle food and associated factors among bottle-fed babies attending pediatric outpatient clinics of Government Health Institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundMicrobial contamination of baby bottle food has been identified as a significant public health concern, especially in developing countries, but it remains overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to determine microbiological hazards, compliance with hygiene practices, and critical control points of contamination in baby bottle food in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo evaluate the bacteriological quality and prevalence of foodborne pathogens in baby bottle food and to identify associated factors among bottle-fed babies attending three government health institutions in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between February 24 and March 30, 2022. A total of 220 food samples, comprising four types prepared with different sources of materials, were collected from systematically selected bottle-fed babies attending health facilities. The data on sociodemographic characteristics, food hygiene, and handling practices were solicited by face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. Food samples (10 mL) were quantitatively analyzed for total viable counts (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) and qualitatively for the presence of common foodborne bacterial pathogens. Data were analyzed using SPSS; ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses were done to identify factors influencing microbial counts.ResultsResults revealed that the means and standard deviations of TVC and TCC were 5.3 ± 2.3 log10 colony forming units (CFU)/mL and 4.1 ± 2.6 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. Of the various food samples analyzed, 57.3 and 60.5% had a TVC and TCC above the maximum acceptable limits, respectively. The result of the ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the mean score of TCV and TCC among the four types of food samples (p < 0.001). Enterobacteriaceae were found in the majority of positive food samples (79.13%), followed by Gram-positive cocci (20.8%). Salmonella spp., diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were the common foodborne pathogens detected in 8.6% of tested foods. The regression result revealed that the type of baby food, hand washing practices of mothers or caregivers, and sterilizing and disinfecting procedures of feeding bottles are independent determinants of bacterial contamination (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe high microbial load and the presence of potential foodborne bacterial pathogens in the bottle food samples analyzed indicate unsanitary practices and the potential risk of exposure to foodborne pathogens in bottle-fed babies. Thus, interventions such as educating parents about proper hygiene practices, sterilizing feeding bottles and limiting bottle feeding practices are critical to reducing the risk of foodborne to bottle-fed infants.

Hygiene and sanitation practices in school children: an evaluation of WASH conditions in Visakhapatnam

Abstract The three autonomous factors of public health concern are WASH, constituting water, sanitation, and hygiene. The availability of WASH facilities at schools is a little-researched aspect that might be a crucial enabler of academic success. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hygiene and sanitation practices like right-hand washing with soap (RHWWS), right tooth brushing twice a day (RTBTD), and open defecation (OD) free among the school children of Visakhapatnam of 6–11 years of age. About 110 schools were identified, which includes 56 urban, 21 semi-urban, and 33 rural schools in the Visakhapatnam district, from which 500 students were selected randomly. Only 31 (28%) schools were exposed to WASH-related involvements. In the studied schools, only 58% of them have adopted the WASH policy. The results relating to the hygiene practices among the selected schools were found to be significant but, overall, a bit low on criteria defined by the UN joint monitoring program in 2018. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a cross-sectional trail to test the impact of school WASH facilities and practices among primary school children in Visakhapatnam. The results concluded that the proper sanitation and hygiene practices are required for school children.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum occurrence in silages and cattle feed: Use of molecular and simulation data to optimize predictive models.

Poor quality silage can derive from the presence of deleterious microorganisms such as clostridia. Their dissemination along the food chain, especially in milk, causes issues such as the cheese late-blowing defect, particularly triggered by Clostridium tyrobutyricum. The scope of our study was to determine the C. tyrobutyricum occurrence in three different farms across four time periods in relation to the animal diets, specifically the Total Mixed Ration (TMR), by using real-time PCR. For this purpose, molecular-derived data were exploited to optimize a predictive model that simulated the farm conditions favoring the growth of butyric acid bacteria such as C. tyrobutyricum. Our results showed that the originally utilized predictive model strongly underestimated the growth of C. tyrobutyricum in comparison to the molecular data. At the same time, our findings uncovered an additional source of contamination in the TMR related to silage and dietary residues that represent a reservoir of microbial contamination during successive TMR preparation. Based on these findings, the optimization of the model parameters such as growth rate range and the inclusion of the residues in the model, allowed a more accurate prediction of the contamination levels. Therefore, this study revealed that proper hygiene practices such as the removal of silage and TMR residues within the farm environment is essential to control the contamination by C. tyrobutyricum and avoid food waste and economic losses.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among School Going Children in Modinagar: A Survey to Access the Treatment Needs

Background : Dental caries is on rising trend in India, and is considered as a public health problem. Caries is a multifactorial disease that results in loss of tooth structure but it is largely preventable. It is a result of man’s progress towards civilization.It is a chronic disease especially in adolescents. The present study was conducted to assess the burden of caries in 12 to 15 year old school going children. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional study was was carried out in high schools in various villages of district Modinagar. Students aged 12 to 15 year were checked for presence of caries and asked about the oral hygiene habits and socio-demographic characteristics with the help of pre designed questionnaire. Results: total of 700 students were examined and overall prevalance of dental caries were found to be 68%. It was found that prevelance of dental caries was higher in students who had lower per capita monthly income. Caries was signficantly lower among students who brushed their teeth twice a day compared to those who brushed only once. Male students had higher caries prevelance than females. Conclusion: Dental caries is highly prevalent among children in Modinagar. This calls for awareness about proper oral hygiene practices, dietary counselling, regular screening of children and appropriate treatment of caries lesion at incipient stage so as to reduce pain and the premature loss of tooth.

Human death due to H5N1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak: A call for action.

Human death due to H5N1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak: A call for action.