Routine Cleaning Research Articles

Antimicrobial surface coating in the emergency department as protective technology for infection control (ASEPTIC): a pilot randomized controlled trial

Study objectiveWe examined the effectiveness of an antimicrobial surface coating for continual disinfection of high touch-frequency surfaces in the emergency department (ED).MethodsFollowing a preliminary observation identifying stretcher rails as the surface with highest touch-frequency in the ED, we conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 96 stretcher rails. The stretchers were randomized to receive an antimicrobial surface coating or placebo coating. Routine cleaning of stretchers subsequently continued as per hospital protocol in both arms. Sampling for total aerobic, gram-positive halophilic, gram-negative and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was performed pre- and post-treatment at 24 h, 7 days and 180 days. Individuals who applied the coating and outcome assessors were blinded to the allocated arms. The primary outcome is contamination of antimicrobial versus placebo rails measured as colony forming units per cm2(CFU/cm2).ResultsBaseline total aerobic bacteria was comparable between placebo and intervention arms (0.84 versus 1.32 CFU/cm2, P = 0.235). Total aerobic bacteria contamination was significantly lower on antimicrobial versus placebo rails at 24 h (0.61 versus 1.01 CFU/cm2, median difference 0.40 CFU/cm2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01 to 1.01 CFU/cm2). There was a non-statistically significant tendency for contamination to be lower on antimicrobial versus placebo rails at 7 days (1.15 versus 1.50 CFU/cm2, median difference 0.35 CFU/cm2, 95% CI -0.64 to 1.28 CFU/cm2), but higher at 180 days (2.06 versus 1.84 CFU/cm2, median difference − 0.22 CFU/cm2, 95% CI -1.19 to 0.78 CFU/cm2).ConclusionThis is the first double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to evaluate an antimicrobial surface coating on high touch-frequency surfaces in the emergency department. Total aerobic bacteria found on antimicrobial-coated patient transport stretcher rails was significantly lower than placebo rails at 24 h.

Assessing effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environmental surfaces in cystic fibrosis clinics using an ATP assay.

Infection control guidelines for cystic fibrosis (CF) stress cleaning of environmental surfaces and patientcare equipment in CF clinics. This multicenter study measured cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces in CF clinics using an ATP bioluminescence assay to assess the effectiveness of cleaning/disinfection and the impact of feedback. Eight surfaces were tested across 19 clinics (10 pediatric, 9 adult) over 5 rounds of testing. Rounds 1 and 2 served as uncleaned baseline, and Round 3 occurring after routine cleaning. Rounds 4 and 5 were performed after feedback provided to staff and measured after cleaning. Pass rates defined as <250 relative light units were the primary outcome. Of the 750 tests performed, 72% of surfaces passed at baseline, and 79%, 83%, and 85% of surfaces passed in Rounds 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The overall pass-rate was significantly higher in adult compared to pediatric clinics (86% vs 71%; P < 0.001). In pediatric clinics, blood pressure equipment and computer keyboards in the pulmonary function lab consistently passed, but the exam room patient/visitor chairs consistently failed in all rounds. In adult clinics blood pressure equipment, keyboards in exam rooms and exam tables passed in all rounds and no surface consistently failed. We demonstrate the feasibility of an ATP bioluminescence assay to measure cleanliness of patient care equipment and surfaces in CF clinics. Pass rates improved after cleaning and feedback for certain surfaces. We found that surfaces are more challenging to keep clean in clinics taking care of younger patients.

Decontamination of patient bathroom surfaces with 405 nm violet-blue light irradiation in a real-life setting

Irradiation with violet-blue light (VBL), in the spectrum of 405-450 nm, has been reported to be effective against pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate if VBL irradiation could reduce the level of surface contamination at seven shared patient's bathrooms in two wards at a hospital in Sweden. Repeated sampling of five separate surfaces (door handle, tap water handle, floor, toilet seat and toilet armrest) was performed in the bathrooms where 405 nm light-emitting diode spotlights had been installed. A prospective study with a cross-over design was carried out, which included two study periods, first with the spotlights either switched on or off and a second study period with the opposite spotlight status. In total, 665 surface samples were collected during the study (133 samples per surface). Bacterial growth were found in 84 % of all samples. The most common findings were CoNS and Bacillus spp. The median cfu/cm2 was 15 (IQR 5-40) for all surfaces. In our main outcome, mean cfu/cm2 of all surfaces in a bathroom, no difference was observed with or without VBL. Clean surfaces (<5 cfu/cm2) were more commonly observed in bathrooms with VBL, also when controlling for confounding factors. No difference was observed in number of heavily contaminated surfaces. We could not safely demonstrate an additive effect on bacterial surface levels when adding VBL to routine cleaning in shared patient bathrooms.

Investigating the effect of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on health-care-associated infections in Australia (CLEEN): a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised, controlled trial

There is a paucity of high-quality evidence based on clinical endpoints for routine cleaning of shared medical equipment. We assessed the effect of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on health-care-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitalised patients. We conducted a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised, controlled trial in ten wards of a single hospital located on the central coast of New South Wales, Australia. Hospitals were eligible for inclusion if they were classified as public acute group A according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, were located in New South Wales, had an intensive care unit, had a minimum of ten wards, and provided care for patients aged 18 years or older. Each cluster consisted of two randomly allocated wards (by use of simple randomisation), with a new cluster beginning the intervention every 6 weeks. Wards were informed of their allocation 2 weeks before commencement of intervention exposure, and the researcher collecting primary outcome data and audit data was masked to treatment sequence allocation. In the control phase, there was no change to environmental cleaning practices. In the intervention phase, a multimodal cleaning bundle included an additional 3 h per weekday for the dedicated cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment by 21 dedicated cleaning staff, with ongoing education, audit, and feedback. The primary outcome was the number of confirmed cases of HAI, as assessed by a fortnightly point prevalence survey and measured in all patients admitted to the wards during the study period. The completed trial is registered with Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001143718). The hospital was recruited on July 31, 2022, and the study was conducted between March 20 and Nov 24, 2023. We assessed 220 hospitals for eligibility, of which five were invited to participate, and the first hospital to formally respond was enrolled. 5002 patients were included in the study (2524 [50·5%] women and 2478 [49·5%] men). In unadjusted results, 433 confirmed HAI cases occurred in 2497 patients (17·3%, 95% CI 15·9 to 18·8) in the control phase and 301 confirmed HAI cases occurred in 2508 patients (12·0%, 10·7 to 13·3) in the intervention phase. In adjusted results, there was a relative reduction of -34·5% (-50·3 to -17·5) in HAIs following the intervention (odds ratio 0·62, 95% CI 0·45 to 0·80; p=0·0006), corresponding to an absolute reduction equal to -5·2% (-8·2 to -2·3). No adverse effects were reported. Improving the cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment significantly reduced HAIs, underscoring the crucial role of cleaning in improving patient outcomes. Findings emphasise the need for dedicated approaches for cleaning shared equipment. National Health and Medical Research Council.

تقيم التلوث الميكروبي في بعض المدارس الابتدائية في وادي جارف- سرت, ليبيا

Pathogenic bacteria pose a serious risk in schools, where students come into contact with a variety of microbes on a daily basis. Classrooms are thought to be ideal environments for young children to harbor germs. The current study sought to determine the extent of the spread of bacteria in different places in primary schools, as well as to determine whether the schools are sterile and clean for children or whether they are the real cause of their illness. Samples were taken from the primary schools. The schools are located in Wadi Jaref ,Sirte. 30 samples were collected from different classrooms and from places the student comes into contact with, such as door handles, desk, and children’s hands. The organisms isolated in this study, based on colonial morphological, and biochemical characteristics the results showed the presence of bacteria Staphylococci epidermidis(35%), Staphylococcus aureus (22%), Esherichia coli (13%), klebsiella pp, micrococcus and Streptococcus (9%), bacillus(4%). The study showed that the largest number of bacterial colonies (Colony Forming Units) (CFU) found on the hands (75 CFU), Desks(26 CFU) and Door handles (22 CFU). This study emphasized the wide range of possible diseases and demonstrated the presence of harmful bacteria in primary schools. This is related to the increasing number of students in primary schools which lack proper hygiene conditions and due to the failure to carry out routine cleaning and sterilization of schools and the lack of facilities. Keywords: Primary schools, Bacteria, Contamination, Microorganisms, Children, Colony, Wadi Jaref, Sirte.

Assessing sustainable waste management practices in Rajshahi City Corporation: an analysis for local government enhancement using IoT, AI, and Android technology.

This study addresses the pressing challenge of inefficient waste management practices within the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh. Despite rapid urbanization and escalating waste generation rates, RCC struggles with diverse waste disposal practices, limited supervision, irregular waste collection schedules, and inadequate disposal infrastructure. In this context, this study examines the possible improvements that could be made by combining the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and Android application to improve waste management methods in the RCC. The study's foundation is a vast amount of information gathered from residents, with particular attention paid to waste disposal methods, the role of the local government, the frequency of waste collection, and public attitudes toward waste management. The results point to a complicated waste management environment with a range of waste disposal practices, little supervision, irregular waste collection, and insufficient disposal methods. The importance of RCC in waste management is emphasized, highlighting the need for proactive measures including effective monitoring, constant waste collection, and routine drain cleaning. Additionally, it is suggested that combining IoT, AI, and Android technology is a possible way to improve waste management procedures. These technologies have the potential to increase productivity, lessen their negative effects on the environment, and produce cleaner, more sustainable urban environments.

Daily Use Water Bottles as a Hub for Microbial Population: A Comparative Study of PET vs. Stainless Steel Water Bottles and Outcome of Washing Strategy Intervention

ABSTRACT Water bottles for everyday usage are a typical addition to people’s life and offer a practical way to stay hydrated. Even though safe and clean water is preferred for consumption, the water bottle or container used to drink water was never considered to be cleaned. Here, we examined the adhering microbial populations in water bottles composed of stainless steel (SS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A total of 30 water bottles—15 PET and 15 SS—were gathered from different users. To identify and quantify the adhering microbial populations, microbial swabs from the inside surface of the bottles were collected and later cultivated on certain growth media. Overall the microbial load of PET is significantly higher than the SS water bottles of 68.8 + 19.1 cfu/ml and 35.4 + 8 cfu/ml respectively at initial sampling (P = 0.0027). We also evaluated the efficiency of various cleaning procedures in eliminating adherent bacteria populations. The cleaning strategy significantly reduced the microbial load (P&lt;0.0001). The mean load observed was 11.2 + 2.3 cfu/ml post-wash. This comparison study offers important new information about the adherent microbial populations found in SS and PET water bottles used every day, in the end. This finding emphasizes the necessity of routine cleaning and upkeep of these bottles to reduce the possibility of microbial contamination and the accompanying health risks.

Oxyuris spp. Infection in Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Under Different Cage Types

The caging system becomes one of the most crucial points in the green iguana (Iguana iguana) husbandry practice since some pathogens are transmitted through ingesting contaminated feed or water in the cage. One of the most common health problems in the green iguana is caused by infection of the gastrointestinal nematode (GIN), Oxyuris spp. Here, we conducted a study to identify Oxyuris spp. infection in the green iguana under different cage types in Malang Raya, East Java. A total of 40 fecal samples were collected and examined through flotation and modified McMaster techniques from three cage types, namely loose cage / extensive (n= 7), terrarium (n= 13), and iron-based cage (n= 20). The results showed that all green iguanas are infected with Oxyuris spp. (40/40 or 100 % prevalence). The highest mean egg per gram (EPG) was found in the green iguana which kept in a loose cage / extensive (mean EPG [CI 95 %] = 14 799.21 [14 442.05 – 15 156.37]), followed by terrarium (mean EPG [CI 95 %] = 8 763.80 [8 436.30 – 9 091.30]), and iron-based cage (mean EPG [CI 95 %] = 1 433.42 [1 303.79 – 1 563.05], respectively. At the same time, there is a significant relationship (P&lt;0,05) between the type of cage and the infection rate of Oxyuris spp. According to this result, we recommend an iron-based cage with routine daily cleaning as prevention for Oxyuris spp. infection among the green iguana.

Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli in a Dairy Herd: Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles.

This study investigated the presence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in a dairy herd located in Northern Italy. The feces of clinically healthy calves, their mothers, and the cows treated for mastitis, as well as water, environmental samples, and waste milk were collected and subjected to bacteriological culture on CHROMagarTM ESBL plates. A questionnaire was administered to identify risk factors. The isolates were identified as E. coli by MALDI-TOF MS and subjected to the double-disk synergy test (DDST) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. As a result, ESBL E. coli was isolated from the feces of 28 of 37 (75.67%) calves, the feces of 2 of 3 (66.67%) treated cows, 8 of 14 (57.15%) environmental samples, and waste milk. All ESBL isolates showed multiple resistances and were categorized as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Several risk factors for ESBL E. coli selection and diffusion were identified, including lack of routine cleaning of calf feeding and housing equipment, administration of waste milk to male calves, and blanket dry cow therapy. In conclusion, this study highlighted the presence of MDR, ESBL E. coli in the feces of most dairy calves, and their association with different sample sources. Accordingly, adding to the prudent use of antibiotics, the adoption of adequate farm hygiene and biosecurity measures might also help prevent the spread and transmission of ESBL E. coli within the herd.

Design and Development of Automated Control of Restaurant Robot

This paper presents a novel voice-controlled restaurant robot system designed to revolutionize the dining experience by seamlessly integrating advanced robotics and natural language processing technologies. The proposed system aims to enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and overall dining satisfaction by providing a user-friendly and interactive platform. .The restaurant robot is equipped with a comprehensive set of capabilities, including, voice recognition and manipulation. By leveraging voice control, users can interact with the robot using natural language commands, enabling seamless communication and intuitive control. This allows customers to effortlessly place orders The system's is comprises a mobile robotic platform, bluetooth modules, a cloud-based natural language processing, The voice control functionality is implemented through a sophisticated speech recognition system, enabling the robot to accurately understand and interpret user commands. .In addition to customer-facing interactions, the restaurant robot also assists restaurant staff in various tasks. Deliver food and beverages to tables, handle payment transactions, and perform routine cleaning tasks. By automating these processes, the system improves operational efficiency, reduces labor costs, and allows human staff to focus on highervalue activities such as customer engagement and culinary expertise. .To evaluate the performance and usability of the voice-controlled restaurant robot, a series of experiments were conducted in a real-world restaurant environment. The results demonstrated the system's high recognition accuracy, robustness in noisy environments, and its ability to effectively handle a wide range of user requests. .The proposed voice-controlled restaurant robot presents a promising solution for transforming the dining experience. It combines the convenience of voice control with advanced robotics, enabling seamless and interactive interactions between customers, staff, and the robotic platform. The system's ability to enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and overall dining satisfaction positions it as a significant advancement in the hospitality industry.

A threshold of 100 or more colony-forming units on the anesthesia machine predicts bacterial pathogen detection: a retrospective laboratory-based analysis.

Preventing the spread of pathogens in the anesthesia work area reduces surgical site infections. Improved cleaning reduces the percentage of anesthesia machine samples with ≥ 100 colony-forming units (CFU) per surface area sampled. Targeting a threshold of < 100CFU when cleaning anesthesia machines may be associated with a lower prevalence of bacterial pathogens. We hypothesized that anesthesia work area reservoir samples returning < 100CFU would have a low (< 5%) prevalence ofpathogens. In this retrospective cohort study of bacterial count data from nine hospitals, obtained between 2017 and 2022, anesthesia attending and assistants' hands, patient skin sites (nares, axilla, and groin), and anesthesia machine (adjustable pressure-limiting valve and agent dials) reservoirs were sampled at case start and at case end. The patient intravenous stopcock set was sampled at case end. The isolation of ≥ 1CFU of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus, Enterococcus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, gram-negative (i.e., Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter spp.) or coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was compared for reservoir samples returning ≥ 100CFU vs those returning < 100CFU. Bacterial pathogens were isolated from 24% (7,601/31,783) of reservoir samples, 93% (98/105) of operating rooms, and 83% (2,170/2,616) of cases. The ratio of total pathogen isolates to total CFU was < 0.0003%. Anesthesia machine reservoirs returned ≥ 100CFU for 44% (2,262/5,150) of cases. Twenty-three percent of samples returning ≥ 100CFU were positive for ≥ 1 bacterial pathogen (521/2,262; 99% lower confidence limit, 22%) vs 3% of samples returning < 100CFU (96/2,888; 99% upper limit, 4%). Anesthesia machine reservoir samples returning < 100CFU were associated with negligible pathogen detection. This threshold can be used for assessment of terminal, routine, and between-case cleaning of the anesthesia machine and equipment. Such feedback may be useful because the 44% prevalence of ≥ 100CFU was comparable to the 46% (25/54) reported earlier from an unrelated hospital.

The impact of using an IoT-based automatic solar panel cleaner on building energy performance

Abstract Solar energy is a great provider of renewable environmentally friendly energy. Thanks to solar technologies, it converts sunlight into electrical energy using multiple devices such as photovoltaic cells. The generated electrical energy can be used for multiple purposes such as commercial, industrial, and domestic uses. Generating electrical energy without releasing toxic gases is considered one of the biggest advantages of using solar energy. While solar panels are a reliable source of clean electrical energy, their power output can be decreased due to the lack of maintenance and especially cleaning. The efficiency of solar panels decreases by more than 40% due to the lack of cleaning. That is why routine cleaning is crucial to ensure the optimum performance of them. Providing an automatic solar panel cleaning system will ensure that routine maintenance is done and the electricity output is optimum. Integrating the use of photovoltaic cells in buildings helps improve the energy performance and energy efficiency of buildings. This research paper aims to determine the impact of integrating an internet of things (IoT)-based automatic solar panel cleaner and measure the energy efficiency of using it. The IoT-based automatic solar panel cleaner contributed to raising the solar panel power wattage by 89.33% in a hot desert climatic region.

The age and primary reason for the first dental visit in children with special health care needs.

To evaluate the average age and primary reason for the first dental visit among patients with special health care needs (SHCN) as well as to examine barriers related to accessing care for children with special health care needs. This is a cross-sectional survey that was distributed to caregivers of children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Study data was collected through REDCap, a secure web-based survey application. A total of 75 caregivers participated in the survey. Only 13% of caregivers reported that their child was less than 1 by the time of their first dental visit. Nearly all reported seeing a pediatric dentist for their first visit (89%) and that it was for a routine exam and cleaning (83%). About one-third of guardians reported an experience where a dentist was unable to care for their child due to their SHCN (36%). It appears that caregivers of CSHCN that participated in this survey have established routine care with a pediatric dentist at an early age. It is important to continue to educate caregivers on the importance of routine care as well as support general dentists in their role of caring for patients with SHCN.

Preventive preservation efforts in museum libraries

Background of the study: The Asian-African Conference Museum Library collection in this library is a historical witness for present and future generations regarding the Asian-African Conference, which required preventive and curative preservation measures so that the collection could continue to be accessed. Purpose: This research aims to explain how the preventive preservation activities of library collections in the Asia-Africa conference museum library and can be used as a reference for other libraries in their collection preservation activities. Method: This qualitative research uses a descriptive method. The sample were conducted by purposive sampling method. Data collection techniques used in this study were observation, interviews, and literature review. In this research, source triangulation was used in testing the validity of the research data. Findings: The Asian-African Conference Museum Library has implemented several measures to preserve library collections. There are preventive preservation efforts such as routine room cleaning, dust cleaning using a vacuum cleaner, fumigation measures, appeals for users to take off their footwear before entering the library, to assisting users who will access the collection room. Conclusion: The Asian-African Conference Museum Library has made various efforts to preserve library collections so that they remain durable and can always be accessed by users

Prevalence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs) with antibiotic resistance pattern of Gram negative pathogenic bacteria isolated from door handles in hospitals of Pokhara, Western Nepal

BackgroundThe presence of drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs) in hospital associated fomites like door handles can serve as vehicles in transmission and may be the key factor in epidemiology of ESBL producing bacterial infection not only in a hospital setting but also in the community. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBLs and antibiotic resistance of Gram-Negative pathogenic Bacteria isolated from door-handles in two selected hospitals in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. The study was conducted in selected hospitals in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Western Nepal. A cross-sectional study design was used. The hospitals were selected randomly. A total of 100 swab samples were taken from door-handles. Isolation and identification of bacteria were done using standard microbiological procedures. An antibiotic susceptibility test, screening and confirmation of ESBLs were performed using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute’s guidelines. ResultsOut of the 100 swab samples cultured, 96 (96%) showed bacterial growth. A total of one hundred and forty isolates were isolated in this study which were further identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The study also found that door handles/knobs had higher level of contamination in Outpatient Departments (OPDs), Emergency, Laboratory, General wards and Toilets, in that order as compared to Radiology Room, Staff rooms, Intensive Care Unit and Operation Theatre which were lower. The level of contamination varies depending on the traffic exposure and the environment. The most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria identified was Escherichia coli 28.85%, followed by Klebsiella spp 21.15%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15.38%, Proteus spp 11.54%, Enterobacter spp 9.62%, Acenetobacter spp 7.69%, Citrobacter spp 5.77%. The most effective drug of choice was Amikacin, Nitrofurantoin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline and Imipenem for many Gram-negative isolates. The overall prevalence of ESBLs in this study was 27.14%. Out of total 15 Escherichia coli isolated, 11(73.3%), Klebsiella spp 9/11 (81.8%); Pseudomonas spp 7/8 (87.5%), Proteus spp 4/6 (66.6%); Enterobacter spp 3/5 (60%), Acenetobacter spp 3/4 (75%) and Citrobacter spp 1/3 (33.3%) were found to be Extended β-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs). ConclusionThe isolation of of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and ESBLs in hospital environments and subsequent detection of high drug resistance patterns indicates a potentially serious public health challenge that strengthens the need for the effective and routine cleaning of door-handles in hospitals.

Applicability of the ATP assay in monitoring the cleanliness of hospital environments

BackgroundThe adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay is widely used for simple and rapid evaluation of the cleanliness of environmental surfaces. However, there remain concerns regarding the reliability of the ATP assay in hospital settings. This study aimed to assess whether the ATP assay could detect inadequate cleaning within hospital environments as well as monitor the effectiveness of routine cleaning. MethodsThe cleanliness of seven types of high-touch surfaces in operating rooms that were routinely cleaned was evaluated by testing the ATP assay and aerobic colony counts (ACC). For pressure redistribution mattresses (Soft-nurse®) that were found to be particularly at risk of infection, cleaning methods were improved, and the effectiveness of these improvements was monitored using the same two methods. ResultsThe ATP assay quantitatively detected contamination on seven high-touch surfaces but showed no correlation with ACC. However, a significant positive correlation between luminescence and ACC was found on one specific surface, allowing for determining a theoretical cutoff value. Additionally, the ATP assay effectively identified the risk of future infection, which the ACC test could not assess. ConclusionsThe ATP assay can monitor the effectiveness of routine cleaning by setting a theoretical cutoff value for each subject. The method provides quantitative and meaningful values when used with an understanding of its limitations.

An assessment of bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in clinical practice: A multi-center study.

To investigate bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses used in three UK veterinary referral centers, and the impact of an implemented cleaning protocol. Bacteriology samples from 10 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 10 condensing lenses were taken at each center (n = 30 T0), before initiating one of three cleaning frequencies (every 2 weeks/once weekly/daily) for 28 days. The most contaminated indirect ophthalmoscope and condensing lens from each center were re-sampled 30 min prior to (T1; n = 9) and 30 min after (T2; n = 9) the final clean. Sensitivity testing was completed using MIC. Seventy-three isolates representing 15 different bacterial populations (genus/species) were cultured from 36 of 48 (75%) swabs tested. The most frequently cultured isolates were Staphylococcus spp. 30%, Micrococcus 22%, and Bacillus 14%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pantoea, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius demonstrated resistance to >50% of antibiotics against which they were tested. Eighty-three percent of T0 samples (54 isolates across 11 species, median 2 isolates/swab), all T1 samples (15 isolates across 8 species, median 2 isolates/swab), and 22% of T2 samples (4 isolates across 4 species, median 0 isolates/swab) were contaminated. Head contact points were most contaminated irrespective of time point. A T1 sample was 57 times more likely (95% CI: 2.4-1376) to have a positive culture than a T2 sample (p = .01). Baseline contamination was high, representing a potential source of nosocomial infection in ophthalmic patients and handlers of diagnostic equipment. No center implemented a cleaning protocol prior to this study. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination.

Detaching adhesive oil staining from a surface by water

AbstractUsing household detergents to clean oil stains has always caused global concerns, as these detergents negatively impact the ecosystem and are toxic. Therefore, it is essential to effectively attenuate the adhesion force between oil stains and substrates to create an easy and detergent‐saving cleaning pathway. To address this challenge, we herein develop a strategy to reduce the strength of oil adhesion on common substrates by ∼20 times through a lamination layer, which contains phase‐transitioned lysozyme nanofilm (PTL) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The resultant CNC/PTL coating significantly enhances the capability of cleaning oil stains in an underwater detergent‐free manner; this strategy is applicable to edible oil packaging material and tableware, without impairing the usability and aesthetics of these materials. This coating exhibits excellent mechanical stability and regeneration characteristics through simple soaking, ensuring its robustness in real applications in an infinite life cycle. By eliminating 100% detergent in routine cleaning, the CNC/PTL coating demonstrated remarkable cost‐effectiveness, saving 57.7% of water and 83.3% of energy when washing tableware only with water. This work presents an ingenious design to create oil‐repellent packaging materials and tableware toward detergent‐free water‐cleaning pathways, thereby greatly reducing the negative environmental impact of surfactant emissions.

Routine Dental Polishing for Oral Health

What Is the Issue?&#x0D; &#x0D; Professional dental care is important to help maintain oral health. Routine dental cleaning usually includes both scaling and polishing. Scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar from the crown and root surfaces of teeth. Polishing is the removal of residual plaque and external stains from the teeth.&#x0D; To support decisions about the optimal components for professional dental cleaning, it is important to understand the potential benefits and harms of routine dental polishing when compared to no routine dental polishing.&#x0D; &#x0D; What Did We Do?&#x0D; &#x0D; We searched for clinical and cost-effectiveness literature comparing routine dental polishing with no routine dental polishing. We also looked for evidence-based guidelines that provide recommendations about the use of routine dental polishing for the maintenance of oral health in adults and children.&#x0D; An information specialist conducted a search of peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published between January 1, 2018, and September 28, 2023.&#x0D; Documents were excluded if we could not isolate the effects of dental polishing from other dental procedures or if polishing techniques were used for a purpose other than the routine polishing of teeth.&#x0D; &#x0D; What Did We Find?&#x0D; &#x0D; We did not find any studies directly evaluating the clinical or cost-effectiveness of routine dental polishing versus no routine dental polishing, or guidelines about the use of routine dental polishing, that met the inclusion criteria for this review.&#x0D; We identified limited literature that examines the combined effects of routine scaling and polishing. Research is needed that distinguishes the effects of routine dental polishing from the effects of other dental procedures.&#x0D; &#x0D; What Does This Mean?&#x0D; &#x0D; Without comparative clinical or cost-effectiveness evidence about routine dental polishing versus no routine dental polishing, decision-makers may also wish to consider that patients value routine scaling and polishing, and that the cost of dental care may be a barrier to visiting the dentist for some people.&#x0D; New polishing methods, such as air powder polishing, may also be useful to consider when making decisions about routine polishing to support dental health. These methods include some of the benefits of scaling and may present opportunities to reduce periodontal inflammation or the length of a dental appointment.&#x0D;

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry.

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.