Search Results (866)

Hand hygiene (HH) is essential for preventing disease transmission, particularly in schools where children are in close contact with other children. This study evaluated a school-based intervention on observed HH practices and hand cleanliness in six primary schools in Guatemala. Hand cleanliness was measured using the Quantitative Personal Hygiene Assessment Tool. The intervention included (1) HH behavior change promotion through Handwashing Festivals, and (2) increased access to HH materials at HH stations. Handwashing Festivals were day-long events featuring creative student presentations on HH topics. Schools were provided with soap and alcohol-based hand rub throughout the project to support HH practices. Appropriate HH practices declined from 51.2% pre-intervention to 33.1% post-intervention, despite an improvement in median Quantitative Personal Hygiene Assessment Tool scores from 6 to 8, indicating cleaner hands. Logistic regression showed higher odds of proper HH when an assistant was present. The decline in HH adherence was likely influenced by fewer assistants and changes in COVID-19 policies, while improvements in hand cleanliness may reflect observational bias. These findings emphasize the importance of sustained behavior change strategies, reliable HH material access, and targeted interventions to address gaps in HH practices, guiding school health policy and resource allocation. Full article

Sleep is crucial to overall health and plays a significant role in skin function. While the circadian rhythm has been extensively researched for its impact on the body’s optimal functioning, the skin also possesses an independent circadian system that serves many important functions. Sleep disruptions or deprivation can significantly affect skin conditions, by compromising the skin barrier and impairing processes such as collagen production, cellular repair, and wound healing. Given the commonality of sleep disturbances, it is crucial to understand the connection between sleep, circadian regulation, and skin health. This is particularly important in understudied populations, such as those with occupational sleep disruption and individuals with hormone-related conditions like PCOS and menopause. Bidirectional relationships have been established between sleep and several inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, and hidradenitis suppurativa. While acne is influenced by sleep, the reverse relationship, how acne affects sleep quality, has not been well established. Chronic sleep disruption can increase cortisol levels and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to skin aging and the progression of autoimmune skin conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus. As sleep is a modifiable risk factor, it is crucial to consider therapeutic options and interventions to prevent or alleviate skin conditions. This review discusses various therapeutic approaches, including melatonin, L-Theanine, Magnesium-L-threonate, Inositol, Cinnamomi cortex, nervous system regulation, and proper sleep hygiene. These therapeutic options have been studied for their impact on sleep, and importantly, several have been evaluated for their utility as adjuncts for treating skin conditions. Overall, the relationship between sleep and skin health is clear, and incorporating sleep-focused therapeutic interventions offers potential to improve both sleep quality and skin health in individuals with a variety of skin conditions. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly acknowledged as a critical global challenge, posing serious risks to human and animal health and potentially disrupting poultry production systems. Commensal bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Escherichia coli may serve as important reservoirs and vectors of resistance genes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the AMR profiles of bacterial strains isolated from industrial chicken farms in the Dél-Alföld region of Hungary, providing region-specific insights into resistance dynamics. Methods: A total of 145 isolates, including Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and E. coli isolates, were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against 15 antimicrobial agents, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Advanced multivariate statistics, machine learning algorithms, and network-based approaches were employed to analyze resistance patterns and co-resistance associations. Results Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 43.9% of Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 28.8% of Enterococcus spp. isolates, and 75.6% of E. coli isolates. High levels of resistance to florfenicol, enrofloxacin, and potentiated sulfonamides were observed, whereas susceptibility to critical antimicrobials such as imipenem and vancomycin remained largely preserved. Discussion: Our findings underscore the necessity of implementing region-specific AMR monitoring programs and strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration within the “One Health” framework with proper animal hygiene and biosecurity measures to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and protect both animal and human health. Full article

This study examines food safety and waste behaviours depicted in the televised cooking competition MasterChef, a globally franchised series that showcases diverse culinary traditions and influences viewers’ practices. The research focuses on the MasterChef editions aired in Turkey and the United Kingdom, two countries with distinctly different social and cultural contexts. Video content analysis, based on predefined criteria, was employed to assess observable behaviours related to food safety and waste. Additionally, content analysis of episode transcripts identified verbal references to these themes. Principal Component Analysis was employed to categorise patterns in the observed behaviours. The findings revealed frequent lapses in food safety, with personal hygiene breaches more commonly observed in MasterChef UK, while cross-contamination issues were more prevalent in MasterChef Turkey. In both versions, the use of disposable materials and the discarding of edible food parts emerged as the most common waste-related practices. These behaviours appeared to be shaped by the cultural and culinary norms specific to each country. The study highlights the importance of cooking shows in promoting improved food safety and waste management practices. It recommends involving relevant experts during production and clearly communicating food safety and sustainability messages to increase viewer awareness and encourage positive behaviour change. Full article

Periodontal disease is a common and serious oral disease among older adults. As the global older population increases, preventing periodontal disease is vital for healthy ageing. Poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, and smoking are key risk factors of periodontal disease. Improving oral hygiene, diabetes management, and quitting smoking are essential health behavioural change interventions to manage periodontal disease. The objective of this study is to review the prevention of periodontal disease among older adults through health behavioural change interventions. Effective strategies to improve oral hygiene include personalised education on proper brushing and interdental cleaning. Educating caregivers is equally important as they supervise care-dependent older adults to maintain oral health. For those with diabetes, physical activity improves glycated haemoglobin levels and clinical periodontal parameters by reducing reactive oxygen species and systemic inflammation. Smoking cessation could be achieved through a multi-faceted approach. Effective smoking cessation combines brief interventions with intensive behavioural/pharmacological support for long-term success, especially in highly dependent individuals. Tailored strategies for older adults, integrated care, and expanded research improve outcomes and health equity in ageing populations. In conclusion, health behavioural change interventions are non-invasive preventive measures that include oral hygiene reinforcement, diabetic management, and smoking cessation. Prioritising these interventions empowers older adults to maintain oral health, reducing disease burden and enhancing overall well-being for healthy ageing. Full article

Background: Although the prevalence of dental caries in children has been decreasing in recent years, many patients still visit tertiary dental institutions with dental caries as their chief complaint. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred around the world in 2020 may have affected the lifestyle and oral condition of children. Methods: We investigated the oral condition of new patients whose chief complaint was dental caries, and compared the results for 3 fiscal years: 2013, 2018, and 2023. The caries status was evaluated using the dmft/DMFT index. Results: The number of subjects was 129 in 2013, 163 in 2018, and 127 in 2023. The number of preschoolers in 2023 was lower than in the other years, whereas the number of elementary school students was higher, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). For the 3 years investigated, there was no change in the incidence of dental caries in primary teeth in elementary school children; however, the incidence in permanent teeth increased over time. Additionally, in the age group, the df and DMF scores were higher in 2023 than in the other years. Conclusions: At this tertiary dental institution, the number of elementary school patients, especially females, increased over the 10-year period, and the amount of dental caries in their permanent teeth also increased. It is important for dental professionals to understand this trend and focus on providing oral hygiene education to this age group. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus frequently causes intramammary infections in dairy cows (bovine mastitis), which impair animal welfare, milk yield, and food safety. This study determined the prevalence and genetic diversity of S. aureus in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from community-based Alpine dairy pastures in Tyrol, a major milk-producing region in Austria. Throughout the 2023 Alpine season (May–September), 60.3% (94/156) of BTM samples tested positive for S. aureus at least once over the course of up to four samplings. A total of 140 isolates collected from the 94 S. aureus-positive community-based Alpine dairy pastures revealed 33 distinct spa types, with t2953 (n = 33), t529 (n = 12), t267 (n = 11), and t024 (n = 10) being the most common. Selected isolates representing the different spa types were characterised by DNA microarray-based genotyping, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Isolates with spa types associated with bovine-adapted CC8 (CC8bov/GTB) were identified as the most common subtype, being detected in BTM samples from 35.3% (55/156) of the pastures. This emphasises the high prevalence of this subtype in dairy herds across European Alpine countries. Other common bovine-associated subtypes were also detected, including CC97, CC151, and CC479. While antimicrobial resistance was rare, enterotoxin-producing genes were detected in all CC8bov-associated spa types. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of rigorous hygiene practices in dairy farming, particularly in community-based Alpine dairy pastures, where the risk of transmission is particularly high. It also emphasises the need for continued surveillance and subtyping to improve animal health, ensure food safety, and promote sustainable milk production. Full article

Background: Prematurely born newborns with low birth weight constitute a group of patients who require special care from the first days of life. Prematurity and low birth weight affect about 13.4 million infants. Risk factors include placental disorders but also factors related to the mother, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, malnutrition, or certain diseases. It is imperative to educate women of reproductive age (15–49) about the basic factors influencing embryonic development, such as oral health, diet, medicine intake, and harmful habits. Even though most women are aware of the negative impact of harmful habits on the fetus, still too little attention is paid to oral health in pregnant women. Poor oral health may influence the well-being of the future mother, as well as of the child. Therefore, women of reproductive age and those who are pregnant must have adequate knowledge on this subject. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Polish women of reproductive age (15–49) regarding oral health during pregnancy, including the impact of dental treatment, oral hygiene, and maternal oral conditions on pregnancy outcomes and the health of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 508 women, in the reproductive age, whose age ranged from 18 to 49 years old. The surveys were conducted from April 2020 to November 2020. The questionnaire was originally developed based on the available literature and consisted of seven sections: basic information, general health and habits, pregnancy status and dental care, knowledge of treatment options during pregnancy, oral health status and its association with the risk of preterm birth, prematurity and the child’s oral health, and breastfeeding and oral development. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, a total of 499 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Women participating in the study had a fairly good understanding of the impact of oral health on the fetus and the role of breastfeeding in the development of the stomatognathic system (from 50% to 70% correct answers). However, even though most respondents had completed higher education (344/68.94%), their knowledge of oral health, preterm birth, and low birth weight was very limited (including the impact of inflammation on the intrauterine development of the child or bacteria and transfer across the placenta). In these sections, the percentage of correct answers ranged from less than 20% to 50%. When analyzing knowledge by age, education, number of births, and place of residence, the highest levels of knowledge were observed among respondents with higher education, particularly those aged 27–32. Conclusions: Respondents had a fairly good understanding of the general impact of oral health during pregnancy and recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for infants. However, their knowledge about the impact of bacteria and inflammation in the mother’s oral cavity on prematurity and low birth weight was limited. Therefore, educating women of reproductive age and pregnant women on this topic is essential, as it may help reduce the adverse consequences of prematurity. Full article

(1) Background: Understanding the distribution of Salmonella serovars in food, animals, and their environments is crucial for identifying infection sources and monitoring pathogen prevalence in the food chain. This study analysed Salmonella serovars in Poland from 2016 to 2020, focusing on their epidemiological significance. (2) Methods: Isolation of Salmonella was carried out following PN-EN ISO 6579 standards, and serotyping was performed using the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme. A total of 7104 isolates were collected from food-producing animals, their environments, food of animal origin, feedingstuffs, and fertilisers. (3) Results: A total of 175 serovars were identified, with S. Enteritidis (n = 2905; 40.9%), S. Infantis (n = 1167; 16.4%), and S. Typhimurium (n = 360; 5.1%) being the most prevalent. Species-specific patterns were observed: S. Enteritidis dominated in chickens, ducks, and cattle; S. Kentucky in turkeys; S. Typhimurium in geese; and monophasic S. Typhimurium in pigs. S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis were most frequent in food of animal origin, especially broiler meat. In feedingstuffs, S. Agona was predominant, while fertilisers mostly contained S. Derby and S. Infantis. (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the source-dependent variety of Salmonella serovars and the importance of serotyping in tracing infection routes and preventing the spread of pathogens. Identifying the most common serovars supports the development of targeted preventive measures, including improved biosecurity, hygiene, and management practices to enhance food safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study assessed Knowledge and Practices related to Food Safety (KPFS) among nutrition services employees in hospitals across the Al-Ahsa Governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The objective was to evaluate the staff’s understanding of key food safety principles, including foodborne illness prevention, food handling, personal hygiene, and food storage and preparation practices. Methods: A descriptive survey method was used, and data were collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was either self-administered by the participants or completed with the assistance of the researcher in cases involving employees who did not speak Arabic or English. This study included 302 staff members involved in the preparation, service, and supervision of food provided to hospital patients. Results: The results indicated a high level of knowledge among nutrition services employees regarding food safety principles, critical temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and proper hygiene practices. The employees also demonstrated a strong commitment to personal hygiene behaviors, such as handwashing, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding unsafe practices. Additionally, a high degree of knowledge and understanding was found regarding food storage procedures and contamination prevention. The study also highlighted a very high level of awareness concerning the cleaning and sterilization of equipment, tools, and food storage surfaces, as well as maintaining a clean and healthy environment. These findings emphasize the importance of continuous training in enhancing food safety knowledge among nutrition services employees. Conclusions: It is recommended that all employees, regardless of education level, experience, or role, participate regularly in food safety training programs to sustain and improve food safety practices within hospital environments. Full article

Health education programs are important interventions aimed at the acquisition of health knowledge and behaviors that are necessary throughout the lives of individuals of all ages. Considering the importance of health education in structuring the health of the society, it is very important that health education responds to the needs of society and meets its expectations. At this point, public health is protected by providing access to families and communities through health education. In this context, a needs analysis study was conducted with families (students and parents) to establish a health education framework. The study group consisted of 289 volunteer primary and secondary school students and 60 parents who agreed to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students and parents using a descriptive approach. The needs analysis form prepared by the researchers was used in the interviews and content analysis was applied to the obtained data. The qualitative data obtained from the analyses were interpreted. As a result of the study, it was found that families have expectations and needs in first aid and daily life behaviors (nutrition, hygiene, oral health and diseases) in school health education, and accordingly, school health education can be focused on these specified areas. The fact that families found health knowledge insufficient and considered health education important emphasizes the importance of the knowledge provided by health education and the results. The family health education views obtained in the study can be used in future studies to improve family health behaviors and community health. In addition, family-based school health education can be disseminated with contemporary interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health (OH) in early childhood is a key determinant of long-term well-being, shaped by parenting-related dietary and hygiene habits. While these influences are well-documented, they remain underexplored among Brazilian immigrant families in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this study was designed to examine how Brazilian immigrant parents’ perceptions and practices regarding diet and oral hygiene affect their preschool-aged children’s OH. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of in-depth interviews with Brazilian immigrant parents of preschool-aged children (ages 2–5) living in the U.S. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed in Brazilian Portuguese. Two native Brazilian researchers experienced in qualitative methods conducted a thematic analysis of the transcripts in Brazilian Portuguese using MAXQDA, a qualitative data analysis software. The analysis focused on identifying key perceptions, parenting practices, and barriers related to children’s diet and OH. Results: Parents strongly associated sugary foods with poor OH, identifying sugar as a major contributor to dental issues. Both mothers and fathers reported limiting sugar intake and encouraging good oral hygiene practices. While parents prioritized educating their children on healthy habits, barriers such as time constraints, reliance on external childcare, and economic limitations affected the consistent implementation of strategies. Conclusions: Brazilian immigrant parents understand the importance of diet and oral hygiene in in supporting their children’s early OH but face barriers in broader social contexts, such as daycare, preschools, and communities. Interventions should aim to support parents in their caregiving roles while simultaneously addressing systemic and environmental obstacles. Public health efforts should account for cultural, economic, and contextual factors to more effectively support Brazilian immigrant families in promoting their children’s OH. Full article

This study assessed the viable and culturable microbial diversity that remained on equipment surfaces after hygiene procedures in Brazilian poultry and fish slaughterhouses. Food-contact surface samples were collected using sterile swabs in poultry (n = 50) and fish (Oreochromis niloticus, n = 50) slaughterhouses. The swab samples were used to prepare culture plates to recover viable and culturable cells. The grown plates were washed, and the total DNA of the cell suspension was extracted with a commercial kit. Sequencing of the total DNA extracted from cultures was targeted at the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. DNA reads were analyzed by QIIME2 software, with results expressed in relative frequency (%RF). Alpha and beta diversity indexes were analyzed considering the spots of sample collection, type of industry, surfaces (smooth or modular), and materials (polypropylene, stainless steel, or polyurethane). The results showed that in the poultry slaughterhouse, the most abundant genera were Acinetobacter (27.4%), Staphylococcus (7.7%), and Pseudomonas (5.3%), while for the fish slaughterhouse, there was a higher abundance of Staphylococcus (27.7%), Acinetobacter (17.2%), and Bacillus (12.5%). Surface characteristics influenced the microbial diversity, with Acinetobacter spp. dominating modular surfaces and Staphylococcus spp. prevailing on smooth surfaces. The results obtained indicate there is an important resident microbiota that persists even after hygiene processes, and surface-specific cleaning strategies should be developed. Full article

Beta-thalassemia major is an inherited disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions, with the risk of complications including poor oral health and dental caries. The objective of this study was to compare the oral microbiome diversity and composition in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and relate it to oral hygiene and dental caries. A cross-sectional analysis of 35 patients of beta-thalassemia major aged 6–18 years was performed. The status of oral hygiene was examined through the Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Saliva was taken for DNA extraction, followed by the 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 hypervariable regions. The bioinformatics pipeline in QIIME2 was utilized for analyzing the comparison of microbial composition and diversity in groups of varying oral hygiene status and severity of caries. Metagenomic analysis revealed 3334 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), of which the most prevalent genera were Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Rothia, and Prevotella. High-oral-hygiene groups presented increased levels of cariogenic bacteria, while moderate-oral-hygiene groups presented an equilibrated microbiome. No statistically significant differences in microbial diversity were found between the study groups (p > 0.05). This study sheds light on the critical importance of oral hygiene in microbiome diversity in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Full article

This study investigated how factors associated with Sinner’s principle—namely temperature, time, and the chemical composition of detergents—affected the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic dishwashers, particularly during short cycles. These are of particular interest, because many consumers refrain from using long cycles while it is still unclear if short cycles can provide a sufficient level of hygiene. Thus, we chose a range of bacterial strains, including standard test strains such as Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecium, as well as important foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica. To account for the complexity of dishwasher cycles, we correlated hygiene efficacy with area under the curve (AUC) measurements derived from the respective cycle profiles. Our findings revealed that the reductions in M. luteus and E. faecium were minimally affected by the reference detergent. In contrast, a high-tier market detergent demonstrated a significant decrease in bacterial counts. Notably, both strains exhibited reduced efficacy at a main cycle temperature of 45 °C, suggesting that temperatures below 50 °C might represent a critical threshold at which the hygiene efficacy of domestic dishwashing processes declines. However, since food-related pathogens were more susceptible to the dishwashing process, even lower temperatures might deliver a sufficient level of hygiene. Plotting the logarithmic reduction/AUC ratio against the AUC indicated that the main cycle contributed approximately 10-fold more to microbial reduction than the rinse cycle. Furthermore, the antimicrobial impact of detergents was greatest at the lowest AUC values (i.e., during short cycles). Taken together, our results suggest that the applied chemistry may help to enhance antimicrobial performance especially in short dishwashing cycles. Full article