Hygiene, Volume 3, Issue 3 (September 2023) – 8 articles

Bacillus cereus (hereafter, B. cereus) poisoning often arises from the consumption of Ready-To-Reheat vegetable soups in which an intensive growth of the vegetative cells of B. cereus take place. The market for these soups is increasing significantly worldwide. For the producer it is important to determine if soups can promote the growth of B. cereus, by calculating its growth potential. We can achieve this goal by carrying out an efficient challenge test. In our study we have designed and performed a challenge test in three batches of an emmer (Triticum monococcum) and vegetable soup that undergo a second pasteurization treatment after packaging. We found out that under refrigeration conditions B. cereus is unable to multiply in the soup, instead, under conditions of thermal abuse, B. cereus can grow during 90 days of shelf life with a growth potential of 0.82 logarithms. It is essential to keep the entire production phase under control using effective GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GHP (Good Hygiene Practices) measures, to ensure that the freshly produced soups contain low loads of the spores of B. cereus. In this way, the vegetative cells born from the germination of the spores cannot reach the infectious dose necessary to induce the food poisoning. Full article

Biofilms remain one of the most pervasive complications of the medical field, representing 50–70% of all nosocomial infections and up to 80% of total microbial infections. Since biofilms contain intricately small matrices, different microenvironments, and accumulations of biodiverse microorganisms of different resistances, these structures end up being difficult to target. As we review in this paper, 3D printing and nanotechnology help overcome these unique challenges of targeting biofilms, especially within the medical field. These technologies bring versatility and more precise control to personalized reusable medical device development and implants, with enhanced antimicrobial characteristics. They allow for decreased surface roughness of the implants, smaller pores, more targeted topography, and even added antibiotic or drug-releasing abilities for the medical devices. Furthermore, combining 3D with nanoparticles allows for the creation of anodized nanosurfaces of medical implants with increased osseointegration and reduced polymerization while promoting cost efficiency, durability, and biocompatibility. In this review, we explore the potentially valuable antimicrobial consequences of applying 3D technology and nanoengineering to dental and orthodontic implants, oral prostheses, hearing aids, joint replacements, catheters, stents, endotracheal tubes, prosthetics, and bone scaffolds. Full article

The present observational study aims to investigate the prevalence of tooth wear (TW) in a cluster of Northern Greek adults aged 35–44 years and, additionally, to assess any probable associations and interrelationships between TW and periodontal condition and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional design was embraced identically to our previous study on senior citizens. A sample of 531 individuals was considered, and they were examined according to WHO guidelines for national pathfinder surveys by three calibrated dentists-examiners in different urban and rural areas of Northern Greece. Simplified Tooth Wear Index (TWI), Community Periodontal Index (CPI), Attachment Loss (AL) and simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) were screened and calculated in a patient-level approach. TW is quite prevalent among middle-aged adults in Northern Greece, although it remains lower compared to older age groups. All the aforementioned periodontal indices were correlated significantly with TW; moreover, a tendency was detected for there to be more tooth wear in older age participants within the specific age group, in men as compared with women, in persons with lower educational levels and in those residing in rural areas. Full article

The broad variety of measures that governments worldwide took against the COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions in our everyday life, including the practice of sports such as rowing. This study aimed to examine changes in the daily life of rowers and their rowing engagement. We distributed an online questionnaire in German among rowers in 2021. In total, 234 (48.7% females, mean age 45.01 years, SD 16.94) participants met the inclusion criteria. We found that the amount of time spent rowing was significantly lower during the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, we detected a notable shift in the rowing landscape, with a marked increase in home-based training and a complete cessation of rowing activities. Moreover, the life satisfaction of both female and male rowers witnessed a significant decline during the pandemic when compared to before. The present findings showed that the pandemic led to far-reaching changes in sports activities among rowers. Most rowers had to deal with negative effects not only on their rowing engagement, but also on life satisfaction. In view of future pandemics, it becomes crucial to prioritize and ensure the continuity of active sports engagement, including that of rowers, in a safe and secure manner. Full article

The mandatory COVID-19 vaccination has been suggested as a strategy to increase vaccination uptake; however, there are doubts about its legitimacy as a measure. This study aimed to explore in depth the opinions of the Cypriot population regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. Qualitative analysis of responses to an open-ended question was included as part of an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of the general population of Cyprus. A thematic analysis was performed by reading the responses and developing a coding frame. Descriptive analysis was performed on the sociodemographic and COVID-19-vaccine-related information. A total of 311 participants responded to the open-ended question, and the thematic analysis yielded two main themes: “Vaccination Perceptions and Challenges” and “Mandatory Vaccination Policies and Societal Impact.” Within these themes, participants expressed diverse opinions on universal and targeted mandatory vaccination, highlighting concerns about insufficient research, gaps in communication, and potential side effects. Views also varied on topics such as protective measures, interdisciplinary collaboration, vaccine side effects, human rights, and societal divisions. Criticisms encompassed political motives, skepticism towards the pandemic, and considerations of individual freedoms. In summary, the findings highlighted the intricate and varied perspectives surrounding the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, which can be valuable for policymakers and public health officials in designing targeted vaccination strategies. To optimize vaccination programs, policymakers and public health officials should prioritize trust, communication, and individual autonomy. Full article

Microbial colonization on various surfaces is a serious problem. Biofilms from these microbes pose serious health and economic threats. In addition, the recent global pandemic has also attracted great interest in the latest techniques and technology for antimicrobial surface coatings. Incorporating antimicrobial nanocompounds into materials to prevent microbial adhesion or kill microorganisms has become an increasingly challenging strategy. Recently, many studies have been conducted on the preparation of nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties against diseases caused by pathogens. Despite tremendous efforts to produce antibacterial materials, there is little systematic research on antimicrobial coatings. In this article, we set out to provide a comprehensive overview of nanomaterials-based antimicrobial coatings that can be used to stop the spread of contamination to surfaces. Typically, surfaces can be simple deposits of nanomaterials, embedded nanomaterials, as well as nanotubes, nanowires, nanocolumns, nanofibers, nanoneedles, and bio-inspired structures. Full article

Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant global public health problem. It is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite its decline in incidence since the past five decades. The incidence of GC varies between regions, and this heterogeneity is attributed to multi-factors, including infectious, environmental, and genetic traits. Most of the GC cases are linked to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Understanding the etiology, epidemiology, and risk factors of GC is necessary for the prevention and targeted treatment of the disease. In this study, we synthesized published studies, including data from the “International Agency for Research on Cancer GLOBOCAN” to narratively provide an updated overview of the recent global trends, etiology, known risk factors, pathogenesis, hallmarks, treatment, and prevention of GC. One area that significantly advanced GC research was understanding the mechanisms by which H. pylori colonizes humans and mediates physiological, microbiological, immune, and histologic features of the gut. However, there are still gaps present in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of GC. Full article

To evaluate the decontamination effect of Inspexx 210, a cold-water disinfectant containing peracetic acid and peroctanoic acid (0.16%), knives contaminated with E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 as well as naturally contaminated knives collected from different slaughtering steps of an abattoir were examined. Treatment with Inspexx 210 for 15 s reduced mean E. coli counts by 5.95 log CFU/cm² and mean S. aureus counts by 6.24 log CFU/cm². Contamination of the knives first with fat and thereafter with the bacteria led to lower mean reductions of 5.52 log CFU/cm² for E. coli and 3.58 log CFU/cm² for S. aureus. Contamination first with blood and thereafter with the bacteria had the greatest negative impact on the inactivation effect, with mean reductions of 3.70 log CFU/cm² for E. coli and 1.55 log CFU/cm² for S. aureus. Rinsing the blood with tap water before contamination with S. aureus led to the reduction of 5.50 log CFU/cm². Treatment with Inspexx 210 was also assessed for naturally contaminated knives from an abattoir. After treatment under routine conditions, colony counts were 0.09 log CFU/cm² (pigs) and 0.35 log CFU/cm² (sheep) in the wet area and below detection limit (pigs) and 0.91 (sheep) in the clean area. This study shows that Inspexx 210 can be an adequate alternative to knife decontamination with 82 °C hot water, but pre-rinsing is recommended especially in dirty process steps with a high contamination of blood and fat. Full article