Risk Of Possible Contamination Research Articles

Incidence, Characterization and Pathogenicity of Seed-Borne Fungi of Lentil (<em>Lens culinaris</em> L.) in Pakistan

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important protein-rich Rabi pulse crop after chickpea in Pakistan. Its area and production in the country is decreasing drastically due to its susceptibility to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic-stresses, seed-borne fungi are the most imperative issue and the accurate identification and characterization of target pathogen isolates/races is crucial for the management of plant diseases in lentils. Therefore, the current study was performed to identify the fungi associated with lentil seeds, to confirm their pathogenicity and to assess their incidence. For this purpose, isolation of fungal pathogens was made on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA) from 56 Lens culinaris L. genotypes. These pathogens were characterized using morphological and molecular techniques and their pathogenicity was performed following blotter paper and agar plate method. Seven fungi belonging to five genera were isolated from lentil seeds (Fusarium avenaceum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Penicillium citrinum and Bipolaris sorokiniana) of different genotypes. Of these seven fungal species, F. avenaceum, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana are new records for lentil seeds from Pakistan. Aspergillus flavus was found to occur in high frequency followed by A. niger, F. avenaceum, P. citrinum, A. alternata, A. tubingensis and B. sorokiniana. Under pathogenicity test on blotter paper and on PDA F. avenaceum, A. flavus, A. niger, A. tubingensis were highly pathogenic, while A. alternata, P. citrinum and B. sorokiniana were found to be less pathogenic. The presence of well-known toxigenic fungal pathogens in lentil seeds suggests the possible risk of contamination of the seeds and enhances the possibility of pre- and post-infections of crop. Therefore, the present study will help to devise effective management strategies to reduce contamination in seeds and also to control the further spread of these pathogens to reduce crop losses.

Teeth and alveolar bones as tracers of metals and radionuclides in inhabitants of a uranium region

Biodosimetry can define risks in inhabitants of areas with potential contaminants, ensuring environmental protection and living conditions due to toxic and radioactive effects. This study aimed to evaluate metals and radionuclides in dental structures and alveolar bones in residents of a uranium area in Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil. Eighty-nine specimens were pulverized, fractionated, and chemically prepared for analysis by EDXRF, FAAS, and ICP-MS. Levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, Si, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, K, Mn, Th, and U were investigated. Higher concentrations were measured for Ca, with an average of 272,986.4 mg kg−1. Ni presented in lower concentrations, with an average of 30.4 mg kg−1. For U, concentrations ranged from 1.5 to 145.0 mg kg−1, with more than 27% of the samples above the reference value of 8.1 μg kg−1. For Th, almost 38% of the results were above the limit of 3.5 μg kg−1. In the bone spicules, the contents of U and Th ranged from 45.1 to 1451.2 μg kg−1 and from 7.5 to 78.4 μg kg−1, in this order. The levels of radionuclides were more expressive for the teeth collected in São José do Sabugi, suggesting contamination through food and water consumption. In the bone spicules, the levels of U were up to 179 times higher than the safety limit. The results indicate a possible risk of contamination with probable induced radiobiological effects.

Beneficial effects of anti-apolipoprotein A-2 on an animal model for coronary arteritis in Kawasaki disease

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is usually treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) as severe infectious and other diseases. Due to issues that are associated with immunoglobulin preparation, such as the risk of possible contamination by infectious agents and limited blood banking resources, recombinant immunoglobulins are required.We developed a novel recombinant antibody drug candidate, “VasSF,” based on the therapeutic effects it exerted on a mouse spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis model (SCG/Kj). Apolipoprotein A-2 (ApoA2) has been identified as one of VasSF’s target molecules.MethodsHere, we tested the potential of anti-apolipoprotein A-2 antibodies (anti-ApoA2) as a new therapeutic drug against KD by examining its effect on a mouse model, in which KD was induced via Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS). CAWS (2 mg/mouse) was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6NCrSlc mice for five consecutive days. The incidence and histological severity of vasculitis in CAWS-induced coronary arteritis in mice administered anti-ApoA2 was examined. The following experimental groups were tested: solvent (only PBS (−) injection); anti-ApoA2 antibodies at dosages of 0.05 mg, 0.1 mg, and 0.5 mg/kg/day; human IgG at 0.1 mg/kg/day.ResultsThe group treated with anti-ApoA2 0.5 mg/kg/day showed a lower incidence of panvasculitis induced by CAWS, less inflammation of the coronary arteries and aortic roots, and lower levels of serum IL-6, M-CSF, and MIP-1α and 32 cytokines/chemokines compared with those in the solvent group.ConclusionsThe anti-ApoA2 treatment suppressed the development of coronary arteritis in an animal KD model and anti-ApoA2 shows potential as an effective therapeutic candidate for the treatment of KD vasculitis. The use of specific antibodies that display higher vasculitis-suppressing effects, such as anti-ApoA2, may attenuate KD as well as other infectious diseases, with less severe adverse side effects than treatment with IVIg.

Isolation, identification and antibiotic resistance profile of thermophilic Campylobacter species from Bovine, Knives and personnel at Jimma Town Abattoir, Ethiopia.

Thermophilic Campylobacter species are common cause of animal and human bacterial diseases with growing resistance to antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Campylobacter species from bovine, knives and personnel in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. Faecal samples and carcasses swabs were collected from cattle systematically selected from the annual plan of Jimma Municipal Abattoir. Personnel hand and knife swabs were collected after slaughtering each selected cattle. A cross-sectional study with systematic sampling method was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020 for the isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter species. Isolation and identification of Campylobacter species were performed according to the techniques recommended by the International Organization for Standardization, and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing was screened using the standard agar disc diffusion method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutions. A total of 684 samples (171 samples from faeces, carcasses, knives and personnel hands, were collected independently). The overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacterspecies was 5.6% (38/684). Majority of the isolates were from faecal samples (12.9%, n = 22) followed by carcass swabs(4.1% n = 7), knife swabs(3.5% n = 6) and personnel hand swabs(1.8% n = 3). Isolated and identified species of C.jejuni, C. coli and C. lari accounted for 63.2%, 23.7% and 13.2%, respectively. The isolated Campylobacter species were found to be resistant to Cephalothin (100%), Ampicillin (60.5%), Cefotaxime (60.5%), Chloramphenicol (47.4%) and Tetracycline (42.1%). On the other hand, the isolates were susceptible to Nalidixic acid (86.8%), Ciprofloxacin (86.8%), Sulphamethazole (84.2%), Ceftriaxone (78.9%), Clindamycin (68.4%) and Cefixime (65.8%). 84.2% of the isolates showed multi-drug resistance for three-to-six drug classes. All the C. lari isolates were multidrug resistant. All the three isolated species of Campylobacter were resistant to Cephalothin, and most were multidrug resistant. Isolation of Campylobacter species from faecal, carcass, knife and hand swabs revealed possible risk of contamination and exposure to Campylobacter infection of those who consume raw meat. Therefore, enactment of hygienic practices during the slaughtering process, proper handling and cooking of meat and awareness creation on jurisdictional antibiotic usage are required to avoid Campylobacter infection.

Water Quality and Microbiological Contamination across the Fish Marketing Chain: A Case Study in the Peruvian Amazon (Lagoon Yarinacocha)

The contamination of the surface water of lagoons is a common problem in developing countries, and can affect fishing activities. A case study was conducted on water quality and microbiological contamination of the fishing marketing chain in the Peruvian Amazon (Laguna de Yarinacocha). The microbiological, physical–chemical and parasitological parameters of the surface water were evaluated in three points of the lagoon near the landing stage; and microbiological parameters of facilities, handlers and three species of fish (Prochilodus nigricans, Mylossoma duriventre and Siluriforme spp.). In the water, there were coliform counts ≥ 23 (Most probable number—MPN)/100 mL, Escherichia coli ≥ 3.6 MPN/100 mL, and Pseudomona spp. up to 2.2 MPN/100 mL; high turbidity and variable amounts of parasites. In facilities and handlers, high levels of coliforms, mainly Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, were found in M. duriventre meat. A poor quality of the surface water of the lagoon is concluded that compromises part of the fishing marketing chain, mainly facilities and manipulators. Furthermore, the levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in fish meat show poor handling practices and possible risk of contamination by water sources.

Use of Foods Based on Bee Drone Brood: Their Sensory and Microbiological Evaluation and Mineral Composition

The aim of the work was to evaluate the safety of bee drone brood in terms of the risk of possible contamination with heavy metals, microbial contamination, and sensory acceptability. Bee drone brood dried at a temperature of 80 °C in a hot air oven (DBO) and lyophilized drone brood (DBL) were used. Sensory evaluation was performed on an oatmeal ball (O-B) and drone brood ball (DBO-B). For the determination of the minerals and other elements in DBO, spectrometric analysis was used. The content was as follows: Fe 60.87 µg/g, Cu 54.83 µg/g, Zn 257 µg/g, Ag 82.7 µg/g, Pb 2.1 µg/g, Au 1.2 µg/g, Ca 1336 µg/g, Sr 3.13 µg/g, Zr 1.67 µg/g, Bi 3.87 µg/g, Br 1.95 µg/g. The detected content of lead in dry matter (2.1 µg/g) was high above the limit set for crustaceans (0.4 µg/g). By comparing microbial assay values, no statistically significant difference between freshly dried DBO and dried DBO after a month of storage was detected. Bee drone brood contains microbes far below the legal limits and it is a good source of calcium, iron, and zinc. Except for the juiciness, consumers rated O-B better than DBO-B. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found only in taste.

A Review on Internet of Things Based Humidifier for Mushroom Cultivation

In this study, grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) was cultivated in indoor controlled environment to seeking out the possible Risks of contamination and ways of treatment to avoid the contamination. For this, mushroom was cultivated in providing artificial humidifying and Ventilation system to ensure optimum humidity (80-90%) and fresh air Recirculation in different ways of treatment. The ways of treatment were Included as in position of humidifier, frequency of humidifying, plastic Cork of bags opening part and cleaning of humidifier water container. Maximum percentages of bag contamination (2.5-25.30%), cap Contamination (5.6-30.75%), stalk contamination (4.75-23.25%) and root Contamination (2.6-18.45%) were found in front to front humidifier Position, long humidifying with long interval frequency, without plastic Cork, without cleaning and bi- monthly cleaning of humidifier water Container treatment but no diseases and pest infection was found. Whereas, Very low percentages of contamination (0.1-0.5%) were found in Surrounding humidifying position, short humidifying duration with short Interval frequency, with plastic cork and weekly cleaning of humidifier Water container treatment.

Simultaneous determination of multiple pesticide residues in Iranian saffron: A probabilistic health risk assessment

Saffron is a strategic agricultural product having extensive flavoring applications in Asia. Although utilization of pesticides for its cultivation is limited, there is a possible risk of contamination in this prominent spice. Herein, 88 pesticides were analyzed in 34 fsamples collected from the most crucial saffron-rich region of the country using a miniaturized QuEChERS approach and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results indicated that LOQs and LDR were within the ranges of 5–50 and 5−1000 μg L−1 (5.49–54.9 and 5.49−1099 μg Kg−1), respectively. Considering LOQ values, 3.4 % out of 34 samples were contaminated by at least one pesticide. The highest mean values related to carbendazim and iprodione were obtained to be 10.6 and 8.79 μg Kg−1, respectively. However, only eight samples exhibited pesticide residues higher than the limits specified by European Union. Furthermore, probabilistic human health risk assessment of pesticides was investigated using a Hazard Quotient (HQ) method in Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm. Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) values according to the consumption of saffron in adults and children were calculated as 2.5E-5 and 1.2E-4, respectively. Consequently, the applied health risk assessment on Iranian saffron samples revealed that HQ for adults and children populations might not pose health hazards. Most Iranian saffron samples are safe; their pesticide residue levels are below the EU MRLs, and the observed mean values were much lower than MRLs.

Aleitamento materno em tempos de covid-19: uma revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento bibliográfico em busca da associação entre a prática do aleitamento materno e a possibilidade de transmissão vertical do SARS-CoV-2. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão de literatura, do tipo integrativa e, como questão norteadora do estudo, definiu-se: “O leite humano é capaz de transmitir o SARS-CoV-2?”. Nesse sentido, no período de junho do ano de 2020, publicações científicas indexadas foram pesquisadas. Finalmente, 8 artigos foram incluídos por responderem satisfatoriamente à questão norteadora, e, portanto, compuseram o conjunto final de análise desta revisão. Resultados: 37,5% dos estudos relataram a ausência de evidências quanto a presença do SARS-COV-2 em amostras de leite materno; 12,5% reportaram sobre a não transmissibilidade do vírus de mães infectadas para seus recém-nascidos sob aleitamento materno; 12,5% demonstraram indiferença entre as taxas de infecção por COVID-19 em crianças amamentadas ou não; e por fim, 37,5% relataram, ao total, a presença do SARS-COV-2 em três amostras de leite materno colhidas em duas pacientes. Conclusões: Com base nos achados, pôde-se observar que ainda não há na literatura atual evidências consistentes que sustentem a transmissão vertical do vírus SARS-CoV-2 no período neonatal através da amamentação. No que tange as principais recomendações vigentes, nota-se que os benefícios do leite humano superam possíveis riscos de contaminação, portanto a lactação deve ser encorajada em mães infectadas com a COVID-19, desde que sejam adotadas medidas adequadas de higiene respiratória e pessoal.

The vaginal microbiome as a tool to predict IVF success.

Herein, we present an overview of the recent microbiome research and findings within the field of reproductive medicine and its relation with the outcome of Assisted reproductive technology (ART). Analyses of the microbiome composition all throughout the female reproductive trace during the process of assisted reproductive techniques are discussed. Only the vaginal microbiome can be sampled without possible risks of contamination. Although this also seems to apply to the cervical microbiome, collection has to be performed with extreme caution. Because of the high risk of cross contamination, results of microbial composition of all other sites of the female reproductive tract have to be interpreted with caution. The vaginal composition prior to the start of hormonal treatment for ART seems to be predictive of in vitro fertilization/in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/IVF-ICSI) outcome, with mainly a highly negative predictive value. The local microbiota, especially the absence or presence of specific microbes, within parts of the female reproductive tract seem to be associated with the outcome of ART.

Management and Visual Outcomes of Acute Bacterial Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injection of Contaminated Bevacizumab in a Single Day

Bevacizumab requires compounding for off-label intravitreal injection, thus creating a risk of possible contamination during preparation. This retrospective, consecutive case series from a single site included patients who developed culture-proven acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection with contaminated bevacizumab. All patients suspected of endophthalmitis had vitreous biopsy and microbial cultures prior to initiation of treatment and were managed with immediate tap and injection of antibiotics followed early by pars plana vitrectomy. Main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3-month follow-up after treatment. Twenty-four patients developed acute bacterial endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection of contaminated bevacizumab single-dose syringes in a single day. Twenty-three cases (95.8%) grew Streptococcus species and one (4.2%) grew Enterococcus species. Six cases (25.0%) had optic nerve atrophy, three (12.5%) developed retinal detachment, one (4.2%) had vitreous hemorrhage, and one (4.2%) had band keratopathy. At 3-month follow-up, compared to BCVA at the time of initial presentation, 11 patients (45.8%) had improved vision, eight (33.3%) had unchanged BCVA, and five (20.8%) had worse BCVA. However, when compared to BCVA prior to endophthalmitis (baseline), 22 cases (91.7%) had significantly worse BCVA at 3-month follow-up. Contamination of off-label bevacizumab poses devastating risk of endophthalmitis following intravitreal injection. Vigilance is needed to ensure all possible safeguards are in place to prevent contamination. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:346-352.].

Assessment of Hydrochemistry, Facies Type and Processes Contributing the Major Ions to the Groundwater of Ajakanga Area, Ibadan, South Western Nigeria

Resulting from insufficient supply of potable water and risk of possible contamination from anthropogenic sources, 14 samples were collected from wells at Ajakanga and environs in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria, in order to determine the shallow groundwater quality and desirability for drinking purposes. Physical parameters such as pH, EC, and TDS were measured at site using a combined EC, TDS and pH meter. Major ions analyzed included Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NO3-, Cl-, HCO3- and SO42-. The anions were measured using titrimetric method, and analyzed by Genesys 2.0 Spectrophotometer, while the cations were analyzed using the flame photometry method. The hydrochemical data were subjected to a series of statistical analysis and conventional graphical plots. Results showed that all the chemical parameters analyzed, excepting Cl- fall within the World Health Organization permissible limit for drinking water. The shallow groundwater is therefore fit for drinking purposes. Cations concentration in the water is in the order of Ca>Mg>Na>K, while for the major anion HCO3>Cl>SO4>NO3. Scatter plots and Gibbs diagram showed that the cations were released into the water as a result of weathering of the underlying basement rocks. Trilinear Piper diagram indicated two water facies in the area, with CaHCO3 water being dominant, while CaMgHCO3 is subordinate. Application of Chloro Alkaline Indices and the Ca/HCO3 ratio indicated that reverse ion exchange reaction is responsible for the dominance of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the waters.

Assessment of risk associated with drinking water with respect to indicators of olfactory and reflex effect

The quality of drinking water is currently a pressing issue, which plays a special role in the initiative of environmental protection, ecology and hygienics. When any sector of modern industry is developing, its activities are associated with a possible risk of contamination of water used by the population as drinking water, and with generation of industrial wastewater polluted with chemically aggressive agents, which are dangerous to human health. The authors of this paper conduct risk assessment with respect to the indicators of the olfactory-reflex effect of drinking water samples obtained in Kazan. The research results allow for the assessment of the health risk level, which the city residents would face because of drinking water ingestion, and for a specification of polluting substances through sensory evaluation.

Variation in Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) progeny adult emergence in different animal feed stored under ventilated and non-ventilated conditions

In contrast to the traditional practices of using naturally-available food materials for livestock production, multiplicity types of animal feed are currently available at the market. Prolonged storage of animal feed concurrently with human food items is practiced, and niche users experience the deterioration and possible risk of contamination of animal feed by insects. This study was conducted to determine the infestation of eleven types of animal feed commonly used in Sri Lanka by Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), a major granivorous insect species. Twenty adults of one-month-old R. dominica were introduced to 20 g of different animal feed: fish feed, rabbit feed, dog feed, cat feed, chick mash, grower mash, layer mash, broiler starter, broiler finisher, bird feed (Bajiri) and rice polish. Each animal feed was maintained either ventilated or non-ventilated. From each animal feed, four replicates were tested. The parent adults were maintained in animal feed for 21 days under ambient environmental conditions (30 °C, 60% relative humidity, continuous darkness), and then sifted out. The progeny adults emerged in each animal feed were determined at monthly intervals for 5 months. In general, fish feed, rabbit feed, layer mash and bird feed (‘bajiri’) were more infested by R. dominica than other animal feed tested. Furthermore, progeny adults emerged in animal feeds differed with the status of ventilation and the duration of storage. The study reveals that the status of ventilation has mixed effects on the infestation of different animal feeds by R. dominica.

English

This study assessed the levels of heavy metals in drinking water sources in Enyigba community in Abakaliki Local Government Area, Nigeria. Four sites were visited for sampling: two surface water (streams) and two underground water (boreholes). Three water samples were collected from each source making it a total of twelve water samples. The levels of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The result showed significantly (PË‚0 .05) high level of As, Cd and Pb which also exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended maximum limits specification for drinking water. The metal index revealed significant (PË‚0.05) elevated level of As, Cd and Pb. There was no significant (P˃0.05) difference between the stream water and borehole waters in terms of their elemental load. The findings suggest that drinking water from these sources are heavily contaminated by As, Cd and Pb and there is possible risk of contamination of the diverse ecosystem located in the neighbourhood. Therefore, the mining communities and the miners should be properly enlightened on the dangers associated with exposure to heavy metals to prevent them from polluting water bodies.   Key words: Enyigba, borehole, drinking water, stream, heavy metals, pollution.

IDENTIFICAÇÃO E INTERVENÇÃO EM ATITUDES DE RISCO DE USUÁRIOS DE UMA UNIDADE DE ALIMENTAÇÃO E NUTRIÇÃO

The study aimed to identify risk attitudes of users of the Food and Nutrition Unit (UAN)located in Botucatu, SP; correlate them to food safety and to observe if there were behavioral changes after indirect educational intervention. This is an exploratory qualitative analysis study, using a non-participant observation technique. Initially, we sought to identify the most common risk attitudes among users, to develop educational materials relating the conduct during self-service to the possible risks of contamination, and thus to verify if there were behavioral changes. Poor hand hygiene was seen as one of the most important points to work on, as none of the diner participants performed such an attitude. It was possible to observe small changes in the behavior of some users, showing that educational measures should be applied continuously for better awareness and greater effects.

Natural radioactivity levels in sediments in Algiers Bay using instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract The main objective of this study is to evaluate natural radioactivity levels in sediments collected from different points of Algiers bay. Particular attention was paid to understand correlations between the distribution of uranium and thorium and the geomorphological characteristics of the Bay. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been employed in order to measure the isotopic composition and concentration of uranium and thorium, with emphasis on isotopes, 232Th and 238U. The concentrations reported in Bq kg−1 (dry weight) vary between 19.73 and 34.53 for 238U and between 22.26 and 36.02 for 232Th. The obtained results are within the world typical ranges and did not show any anomalous values. Results revealed clear inverse relationship between activity concentration and grain size. The radioactivity content in sediments had a positive correlation with clay and silt percentage, and a negative correlation with sand percentage. The concentration ratios of 232Th/238U are found to be slightly below the world average value unite (3.94) in sediments. Values below unite indicate that the medium is reductor or the existence of an external source of U-contaminated particles in the bay; Values greater than the unit show either depletion of uranium or enrichment of thorium due to alteration or natural processes in these areas. The strong correlation of uranium and Thorium in samples reflects the source of same origin. The results of the study can be used as basic radiometric data for future sedimentological studies. The situation in the Bay of Algiers is reassuring but the risk of possible contamination cannot be excluded and requires constant vigilance for the preservation of the coast and the Mediterranean from all contamination. The results can also be used as reference data for the monitoring of possible radioactive pollution in the future.

The conditions and the character of the work of the mortuary personnel in the Great Britain: the problems of health protection, anti-infectious prophylaxis, and reduction of the risk of contamination

The objective of the present work was to study the specific approaches to the organization of the work of the foreign specialists performing post-mortem autopsies of the subjects who died from infectious pathology and consider the proposals of the representatives of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) concerning accreditation of mortuaries in the Great Britain. It is shown that the algorithm for the evaluation of the possible risks of contamination of the medical personnel suggests the solution of five problems that envisages obtaining the answers to the following questions: (1) what biological agents can be present in a particular case? (2) what is their virulence factor? (3) what are the transmission routes (mechanisms)? (4) what are the manner of their realization? (5) what is the amount of the pathogen(s) needed to cause a given infectious disease? The anti-infectious prophylactic measures and the prevention of the contamination risks for the medical personnel of the British mortuaries are designed to safeguard the people against the infection with the causative agents of tuberculosis, viral hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Kreutsfield- Jacob's disease. All the employees engaged in the pathological studies must wear specialized clothing in a mandatory manner and make use of the equipment for the personal and collective protection. An indispensable condition for the safe work in a mortuary is the efficient ventilation system, the special viewing equipment, and separate premises. The NCEPOD experts maintain that the general approach to the investigations of the cases of infectious diseases presently adopted in the country needs to be radically re-considered and standardized. Diagnostics of contamination and morbidity of the medical personnel from the corpses has not yet become a routine practice. The principal recommendation to be implemented at the national level consists of the strict observance of the safety precautions as opposed to the total pre-mortem testing of the suspicious cases.

Identification of Oligella ureolytica from Formalin-Embalmed Cadavers

Formalin is a widely used fixative for embalming of cadavers with a well recognized antimicrobial activity. However, with improper preservation techniques some human pathogens such as Oligella ureolytica can overcome this feature of formalin. The current study was performed to detect this microorganism and consequently prevent its risks to medical students and embalmers. Swab and tissue samples were collected from lesions, intact area, and surrounding surfaces of three formalin embalmed cadavers from tutorial anatomy lab in the college of medicine - HMU. Samples were subsequently transferred to nutrient, MacConkey, and blood agar then, purified colonies were subjected to biochemical tests and microscopic observation. Accordingly, advanced automated instrument was applied to confirm identification. The isolated microorganism was then inoculated under increasing formalin concentrations. The genus Oligella ureolytica was identified which appeared as Gram negative, rod shape with singular arrangement under microscopic observation. The biochemical tests revealed positive for urease, oxidase, catalase, and motility with no evidence for hemolysis. The growth of Oligella ureolytica was significant at 1% and 2% and low at 5% and 10% formalin concentration but no growth at higher concentrations.There are many reasons to choose formalin as fixative for embalming. However; it is not totally able to protect cadavers from decomposition by microorganisms like Oligella ureolytica. Thus, possible risk of contamination for medical students and embalmers exists when a fixative of low concentration was used.

Closed arterial lab sampling devices: a study of compliance and best practice

As the quality of patient care continues to improve, nursing professionals are continuously tasked with researching, implementing, and evaluating best practices. The practice of obtaining blood samples from paediatric patients, using a conventional three-way stopcock method, has been associated with peripheral arterial catheter intraluminal contamination and catheter-related bloodstream infections. A paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), in a large medical centre in the USA, set an objective to mitigate the risk of possible contamination by implementing the use of closed arterial lab sampling devices. The project extensively reviewed comparative literature of studies between conventional three-way stopcock methods and closed arterial lab sampling devices. Furthermore, it successfully implemented the recommended best practice with sustained compliance. This article discusses appraising current literature, translating into practice, and evaluating compliance throughout the PCICU over a 2-year period.