Search Results (3,637)

Chemical disinfectants used in livestock production commonly combine citric acid (CA) and benzalkonium chloride (BZK), yet the respective contributions of these active ingredients to virucidal efficacy remain poorly understood. This study quantified the relative contributions of CA and BZK against the non-enveloped foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and the enveloped avian influenza virus (AIV). Virucidal efficacy was evaluated using a full-factorial design comprising six CA concentrations and six BZK concentrations at contact times of 3 and 30 min. Log reduction values (LRVs) were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression, and the relative importance of each predictor was estimated using the Lindeman–Merenda–Gold (LMG) method. FMDV inactivation was primarily determined by CA, which accounted for 99.99% and 99.87% of the explained variance at 3 and 30 min, respectively, whereas BZK and the interaction term contributed minimally. In contrast, BZK was the dominant determinant of AIV inactivation, explaining 69.79% and 78.02% of the variance at 3 and 30 min, respectively, while CA made a smaller contribution. These findings demonstrate that the dominant active ingredient in CA–BZK combination disinfectants differed markedly between the FMDV and AIV models examined. Quantifying the relative contribution of individual components provides a basis for the rational formulation and optimization of veterinary disinfectants for different target viruses. Full article

Conventional ultrasound phantoms typically lack anatomical surface geometry and procedural access constraints, limiting the transferability of acquired skills to clinical practice. The objective of the present work was to develop and describe such a platform for ultrasound-guided thyroid nodule puncture training, including its construction and initial ultrasound appearance. We present a modular, body-mimicking ultrasound phantom platform comprising three components: an anatomically shaped epoxy composite chassis cast from a healthy volunteer and covering the cervical and upper thoracic region, interchangeable gelatin-based inserts representing thyroid (including puncture target lesions) and surrounding tissue structures, and an integrated dual-camera optical feedback system for real-time and post-procedural needle trajectory visualization. Two chassis configurations reflecting different chin and shoulder positions allow deliberate modulation of procedural difficulty. Insert composition can be varied to simulate tissues of differing echogenicity and density, including liquid-filled targets. Under appropriate storage and disinfection conditions, inserts remained usable for up to four weeks in qualitative observation. The optical feedback system supports self-directed learning and structured debriefing. In combination with magnet-based ultrasound needle guidance technology, the platform is intended to support a longitudinal, competency-based training concept with quantifiable performance metrics, enabling systematic documentation of individual learning curves. The presented system is designed to more closely replicate the anatomical and procedural complexity of clinical ultrasound-guided interventions than conventional phantoms and represents a flexible simulation platform for interventional ultrasound education. Full article

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by adverse reactions to low-level environmental chemicals, often resulting in multisystem symptoms triggered by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from fragranced personal care and household products. The condition raises public health and accessibility concerns, as people with MCS may face barriers to accessing workplaces, healthcare settings, educational institutions, and other public environments. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the chemical exposures participants attributed to the onset of MCS and to subsequent symptom provocation, and to describe the associated symptom patterns. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Canadian residents aged 18 years or older, living with MCS for at least 1 year, with 18 questions assessing exposure history and onset of MCS and symptom provocation. A total of 119 participants completed the survey. Participants most frequently attributed the onset of MCS to the workplace (55%) or home (35%), with (61%) reporting ongoing exposures over time as the most frequently reported circumstance associated with onset. Fragranced products, including perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, disinfectants, construction materials, and laundry products, were the exposures most frequently reported in relation to both onset and subsequent symptom triggering. Symptoms involved multiple organ systems, with nearly one-third of participants reporting 11 or more symptoms; cognitive and respiratory symptoms were most prevalent. Nearly three-quarters of participants (74%) reported symptoms associated with third-hand exposure, and 51% reported discarding contaminated items, suggesting that third-hand exposure may represent an underrecognized pathway for symptom provocation. Full article

Proteases are widely studied hydrolases as “green technologies” for degrading structures within complex matrices, although combining different classes poses challenges for catalytic stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically evaluate the biochemical control of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using plant- and microbial-derived proteases. This study evaluated the compatibility and sanitizing potential of the microbial serine protease subtilisin Carlsberg (HPF-1SCA) and the plant cysteine protease papain (1PPP), both individually and in a 15% (w/v) combination, hypothesizing a synergistic effect due to their distinct catalytic specificities, as a potential biochemical approach to reduce contamination by these zoonotic protozoa of global importance, which are highly resilient to conventional disinfectants. The experimental design comprised five distinct treatment groups: a negative control (distilled water), a positive chemical control (0.04% v/v NaClO), treatment with isolated papain (15% w/v), treatment with isolated microbial HPF formulation (15% w/v), and a combined treatment using both enzymes simultaneously (15% w/v each). Concurrently, an in silico molecular docking investigation was conducted to elucidate the predicted binding scores, structural compatibility, and preferential binding mechanisms of these enzymes toward the Cryptosporidium Oocyst Wall Protein (COWP). In vitro compatibility assays revealed an immediate antagonistic effect due to mutual proteolysis, reducing overall proteolytic activity by 45% after 72 h. Despite this antagonism, the enzyme mixture (G5) and the isolated microbial protease (G4) achieved a 93% reduction in oocysts, equivalent to the conventional 0.04% NaClO treatment (G2), while papain (G3) achieved 65%. All these results represented statistically significant efficacy (p < 0.01) compared to the negative control (G1). In silico molecular docking studies provided a structural predictive basis for the experimental data, suggesting that subtilisin Carlsberg (HPF-1SCA) exhibits more favorable predicted binding scores and structurally compatible interfaces, compared to papain, particularly toward the major oocyst structural proteins COWP8 (estimated ΔG = −15.2 kcal·mol⁻¹) and COWP6 (estimated ΔG = −13.3 kcal·mol⁻¹). This provides robust evidence for initial target recognition and molecular anchoring, although these static models do not definitively confirm catalytically productive cleavage conformations. In summary, this in vitro proof-of-concept demonstrates that microbial proteases show promise for the biochemical destabilization of oocysts without generating toxic chlorinated byproducts. While these baseline findings align with the One Health concept, future field-scale validations assessing enzyme stability under variable environmental conditions and in vivo infectivity assays are required before practical application in sanitation protocols. Full article

Background: Biofilm formation on polyethylene surfaces contributes significantly to treatment failure in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). In certain clinical situations, such as discontinued implant systems, replacement polyethylene liners may be unavailable, necessitating more complex revision procedures. This study evaluated the efficacy of a low-cost ultrasonic bath sonicator for biofilm removal and bacterial reduction on polyethylene surfaces, with and without povidone–iodine. Methods: An exploratory in vitro experimental study was performed using twenty ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) coupons (1 × 1 cm, 3 mm thickness) allocated into five groups (n = 4/group): negative control, positive control, povidone–iodine only (PVP-I), sonication only (SON), and sonication with povidone–iodine (SON+PVP-I). Biofilm formation using Staphylococcus epidermidis was established through an optimized protocol developed from sequential pilot experiments. Residual biofilm was quantified using optical density at 600 nm (OD600), while viable bacterial burden was determined by colony-forming unit counts per milliliter (CFU/mL). Results: SON demonstrated the lowest residual biofilm burden (OD600 = 0.194), whereas no culturable bacteria were detected above the assay detection limit (<10 CFU/mL) in the SON+PVP-I group. SON alone resulted in the greatest reduction in residual biofilm biomass, while the addition of PVP-I was associated with reduced recovery of culturable bacteria. Conclusions: A low-cost ultrasonic bath sonicator effectively reduced residual biofilm biomass on polyethylene surfaces, while no culturable bacteria were detected following combined sonication and povidone–iodine treatment. These findings suggest that sonication and chemical disinfection may provide complementary roles in polyethylene decontamination strategies. However, because of the exploratory study design and non-equivalent bacterial recovery procedures across treatment groups, the bacterial recovery findings should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies are required before clinical application. Full article

The biosynthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu/CuO-NPs) has attracted considerable interest due to its non-toxic, eco-friendly nature and wide-ranging applications, especially in nanomedicine and biomedical fields. Traditional nanoparticle production methods often involve toxic chemicals and generate harmful byproducts. In contrast, biological synthesis provides a cleaner, safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable alternative. Various biological sources, including plants, bacteria, fungi, and yeast, have been employed for the efficient and non-toxic production of Cu/CuO-NPs. These organisms contain diverse biomolecules such as enzymes, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that function as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation. The biologically synthesized Cu/CuO-NPs are characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, TGA, XPS, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential analyzer, etc. Cu/CuO-NPs hold promise for applications in nanomedicine, primarily because of their strong antimicrobial and anticancer activities and potential use as disinfectants against infectious diseases. Various reports have suggested that the biologically synthesized Cu/CuO-NPs have exhibited significant antimicrobial and anticancer efficacies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses and various cancer cells. Due to their nanoscale dimensions and extensive surface area, Cu/CuO nanoparticles can readily infiltrate cell walls, disrupt membrane integrity, generate reactive oxygen species, and hinder both DNA replication and protein production, leading to cell death. The present review comprehensively describes the biological synthesis of Cu/CuO-NPs, their characterization techniques, and potential antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer applications. The modes of action for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties have also been explored critically. Full article

Essential oils derived from plants have gained increasing interest in recent years for their potential antimicrobial, antiviral, and disinfectant properties. However, data specifically examining the virucidal efficacy of essential oils against human papillomavirus (HPV), a major human pathogen, remains very limited. In this study, we compared the chemical composition of sandalwood essential oils derived from five different species (Santalum album, S. austrocaledonicum, S. insulare, S. paniculatum, and S. spicatum). We further investigated the ability of S. album sandalwood oil, the species highest in α- and β-santalol content, to inactivate infectious HPV type 16 virions dried onto glass carriers at contact times of 5 and 30 min. HPV-16 is a high-risk HPV type frequently associated with cervical and other cancers. A RT-qPCR assay based on E1^E4 spliced transcript detection was used to measure viral infectivity levels post-treatment. S. album oil exhibited moderate but incomplete virucidal activity, achieving a mean 2.59 log reduction (99.7% inactivation) of HPV-16 after a 30 min contact time. In contrast, the shorter 5 min contact time resulted in negligible reductions in viral infectivity compared to untreated controls. These data suggest that while S. album oil has the ability to inactivate HPV, it requires relatively long contact times to achieve significant reduction. Full article

Access to clean drinking water is one of the main factors influencing public health during humanitarian crises. In the northern districts of the Gaza Strip, long-term warfare and mass migration caused serious damage to the water supply system, cutting off access to drinking water, limiting the availability of fuel and chemicals used for water chlorination, and increasing reliance on intermittent networks and water transportation services. The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study of water quality and health risks in 11 emergency camps. Water samples were collected from supply points, communal tanks, and household storage containers and analyzed for key physicochemical indicators (pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity/total dissolved solids, residual free chlorine) and microbiological contamination (E. coli and fecal coliforms). Household surveys documented transport and storage practices, perceived service adequacy, and recent gastrointestinal illness. Overall, 35% of samples exceeded WHO microbiological limits; E. coli was detected in 28% of household containers and 24% of distribution tanks. Residual chlorine was <0.5 mg/L in 40% of samples and turbidity exceeded guidance in 18%. Forty-five percent of households reported transferring water using open/uncovered containers, and 42% reported gastrointestinal illness in the previous month, with higher reporting in sites showing microbial contamination. The results suggest that there are significant weaknesses in the source-to-point-of-use system during emergencies. The priority actions we recommend are, restoring residual disinfection; strengthening monitoring at important control points; improving hygienic transport and covered storage; and providing backup fuel and treatment supplies to minimize the risk of waterborne diseases in shelters in North Gaza. Full article

Background: Motor and intellectual disabilities (MIDs) belong to a restricted and vulnerable social group with health restrictions for maintaining and preserving adequate oral health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have appeared as an encouraging therapy due to their excellent antimicrobial effects; however, scientific information on the antimicrobial effectiveness of AgNPs against bacteria in patients with MIDs remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial substantivity of AgNPs in oral bacteria from patients with and without MIDs. Methods: Fifty-four oral biofilm samples were obtained from 26 participants with MIDs and 28 participants without MIDs. The microbial inhibition activity and the antimicrobial substantivity of AgNPs were determined. The antibiofilm activity of the AgNPs was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The AgNPs displayed uniform size distributions (9.8 ± 1.7 nm) and electrical charges in surface particles that limit particle clustering (−39.8 ± 3.3 mV). The AgNPs were more effective than chlorhexidine (CHX) in eliminating bacteria from oral biofilms derived from both MID and non-MID patients (p < 0.05); therefore, the antimicrobial substantivity of the AgNPs was statistically better than deionized water but lower than CHX at specific exposure times (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial effectiveness of AgNPs at even low concentrations was associated with the type of oral biofilm, the type of antimicrobial solution, and, in some cases, gender. SEM images indicate a clear alteration in oral biofilm structure when AgNPs were applied. Conclusions: AgNPs exhibited significant potential to limit oral bacterial proliferation from microbial biofilms while contributing to the maintenance of oral condition in individuals with MIDs. Full article

Indoor air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a major environmental and public health concern. Ethanol is a common indoor VOC released from cleaning products, disinfectants, and industrial activities. This study evaluated the capacity of Ficus elastica Roxb. to remove airborne ethanol under controlled chamber conditions. Response Surface Methodology was applied to optimise the effects of initial ethanol concentration, relative humidity, and exposure time on removal efficiency. The model predicted a maximum removal efficiency of 97.16%, which was experimentally validated with an average efficiency of 96.2%, confirming the model’s reliability. Analysis of variance identified exposure time as the most influential factor affecting ethanol removal. Desorption experiments showed only limited and transient ethanol re-emission, indicating that ethanol was not merely adsorbed but also partially metabolised by the plant. Scanning electron microscopy revealed structural changes in stomatal morphology after prolonged exposure. Biochemical analyses demonstrated increased total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity, whereas a moderate decline in total chlorophyll reflected physiological stress accompanied by enhanced defence responses, indicating adaptive tolerance to prolonged ethanol exposure. These findings demonstrate the potential of F. elastica as an effective and sustainable botanical biofiltration system for improving indoor air quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulp necrosis in immature permanent teeth arrests root development, leaving an open apex, thin, divergent dentinal walls, and an unfavorable crown-to-root ratio that predisposes the tooth to fracture and complicates endodontic management. An apical barrier using hydraulic calcium silicate cements has become the first-line orthograde approach for these teeth when regenerative procedures are not indicated or feasible. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the complete clinical pathway for apical barrier placement in immature permanent teeth, with particular emphasis on the procedural determinants of barrier formation. It also critically appraises where the evidence is robust and where it remains uncertain. Methods: The relevant English-language literature on root development, the etiology of pulp necrosis in immature teeth, diagnosis, isolation, apical barrier methods, calcium silicate materials, and treatment outcomes was reviewed through targeted searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar through June 2026. The literature search was completed in June 2026; therefore, studies published after this date were not included. Evidence was narratively synthesized according to the clinical sequence of diagnosis, treatment selection, isolation, disinfection, barrier formation, restoration, follow-up, and evidence gaps. Throughout, an explicit distinction was maintained between clinical and laboratory evidence. Results: Sensibility testing is widely considered unreliable in immature teeth, complicating diagnosis. Isolation is often challenging because of traumatic crown loss. Successful treatment depends on adequate chemical disinfection, judicious minimal instrumentation, a well-condensed apical barrier of at least 4–5 mm, and a definitive coronal seal that also addresses the weak cervical dentin. Calcium silicate cements—principally MTA, Biodentine, and pre-mixed bioceramic putties—achieve high clinical success. Observational evidence further suggests, as a hypothesis requiring prospective confirmation, that material choice may be less decisive than operator experience and the quality of the coronal restoration. Conclusions: Apical barrier placement with hydraulic calcium silicate cements is a predictable orthograde preservation approach for non-vital immature permanent teeth, particularly when regenerative endodontic procedures are not indicated, not feasible, or unlikely to yield predictable clinical outcomes. Well-designed randomized clinical trials with standardized reporting are needed. Full article

Hatcheries potentially can disseminate Salmonella through poultry production chains. This study describes the investigation and control of persistent Salmonella enterica serovar 13,23:i:- in a UK broiler hatchery. Over four years from 2015 to 2019, a broiler hatchery was sampled intensively seven times, yielding Salmonella from 361 of 2645 samples. The findings assisted biosecurity advice and the targeting both of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) and subsequent sampling rounds. Additional sampling was conducted to assess C&D and monitor antimicrobial resistance, and also among all the supplying breeder flocks. The large majority of the isolates were Salmonella 13,23:i:- and the degree of contamination increased along the process pathway. The egg areas and the setter incubators were the least contaminated, whilst the hatcher cabinets, the chick handling areas, and the waste and external areas yielded Salmonella most frequently. The likely resident serovar 13,23:i:- was not eradicated during this study, but diligent management and C&D enhancements and targeting, plus effective biosecurity, were eventually followed by a substantial reduction in Salmonella contamination. The percentage of positive samples per visit reduced to 2.3% from a mid-study peak of 23%. The antimicrobial resistance was varied, infrequent (detected in 4% of tested isolates), and did not show longitudinal trends. This study shows that long-term Salmonella hatchery contamination may be susceptible to targeted interventions, as informed by repeated sampling, provided that biosecurity is of a high standard and C&D (including biofilm disruption) has been optimised. Importantly, it also illustrates the long timescale over which interventions may be required to reduce resident Salmonella contamination. Full article

SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and animals is an important One Health concern, particularly in settings where close human–animal interactions are difficult to avoid. We developed and applied a qualitative likelihood ranking framework for SARS-CoV-2 transmission between people and captive lions (Panthera leo) in an urban zoological setting. Following a structured review, scenario trees were constructed to rank direct and indirect transmission pathways using five domains: activity duration, proximity and frequency, SARS-CoV-2 survival on fomites, and environmental conditions. The framework was applied to a case study of a lion exhibit at an urban zoo in Australia. Pathway ranking depended on the combined effects of baseline exposure attributes and subsequent modifiers reflecting exposure frequency and level of natural disinfection. Although direct pathways, such as veterinary procedures, had the highest likelihood of transmission, they were differentiated by interaction duration and proximity, with frequency modification distinguishing rare, high-intensity interactions from repeated lower-intensity activities. Therefore, routine husbandry or visitor-associated exposures could increase in relative importance. Environmental modification further differentiated pathway likelihood, in particular due to solar exposure and temperature. The framework provides a transparent, practical approach for ranking transmission likelihood when data are scarce, supports consistent prioritisation of biosecurity resources, and is applicable to other emerging infectious disease threats in zoological settings. Full article

Population growth, increasing water demands for data centers, and the need for more sustainable water practices are prompting advancement of next-generation water resource management strategies including water reuse. In the Midwestern United States (U.S.), where non-traditional approaches to augmenting water supply, including water reuse, are relatively new, full advanced water treatment (AWT), which includes microfiltration/ultrafiltration (MF/UF) and reverse osmosis (RO), produces a concentrate stream that is expensive to address (i.e., brine disposal). Carbon-based advanced treatment (CBAT), which combines ozonation, biofiltration, and granular activated carbon, has been shown to be a viable alternative with select advantages over the traditional RO approach, including the lack of brine generation. Two novel pilots were conducted in the Midwestern U.S., one at a large (>100 MGD) and one at a small (~10 MGD) wastewater reclamation facility (WRF), to provide proof of concept that CBAT could meet distinct regional needs. While additional demonstration data are ultimately needed for future regulatory approvals, results from the pilots showed that water quality objectives were met with treated water quality of <0.5 mg/L total Kjeldal nitrogen (TKN), <2 mg/L total organic carbon (TOC), and substantial reduction in constituents of emerging concern (CECs). If nitrate removal is required to meet drinking water standards (10 mg/L), additional treatment optimization at the source WRFs would be required. Areas for further research identified by this effort include mitigating the potential for ozonation to contribute to the formation of disinfection byproducts such as bromate and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Along with the treatment performance demonstrated at these pilots, the study provided an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders to build trust in the AWT approach, which is critically important for regulatory and public acceptance. Based on two field-scale pilot studies in the U.S. Midwest, this paper analyzes CBAT application advantages and challenges in municipal water reuse and identifies research directions for the industry. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ hand hygiene knowledge at Balqa Applied University. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the World Health Organization Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire for Health-Care Workers. Knowledge scores were calculated based on correct responses, and independent-samples t-tests were used to examine differences in knowledge scores between groups. A total of 292 medical students participated. The mean knowledge score was 14.5 ± 2.7 out of 25. Most students demonstrated moderate knowledge (70.9%), while 24.0% had poor knowledge and 5.5% had good knowledge. Knowledge scores did not differ significantly by sex, medical year, or routine use of alcohol-based handrub (p > 0.05). However, students who had received formal hand hygiene training or education achieved significantly higher scores (p = 0.023). Overall, medical students demonstrated a moderate level of hand hygiene knowledge, and formal training or education was associated with better knowledge, emphasizing the value of incorporating hand hygiene education and training into medical curricula. Full article